Monday, March 31, 2008

Life's "Brambles"

Confusion scrambles, causing "brambles",
Everywhere it touches down.
It will thrive when people strive
And soon cause everyone to frown.

Douse it's flame... don't play that game.
Choose to turn away from it.
Be slow to speak, but quick to seek
The Lord for answers which befit.

When wisdom rules, confusion "cools",
And turmoil then will dissipate.
For wisdom's peace makes chaos cease
And order will facilitate.

"For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and with hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
James 3:16-18 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, March 30, 2008

Growth

Growth happens when we aren't aware,
Through God's faithfulness and care,
When we struggle or make error
And when we seek Him with our prayer.

Growth may happen as we "wait"
And as we trust Him for our "fate".
Growth will happen when we fail
Or do not know what makes us ail.

Stumbling blocks and hurdles steep
May cause us to bow down and weep.
We may not know or understand
Events which come or make demand.

In each day we have the chance
To thank our God for circumstance.
As we praise Him He will do
A work within us which is new.

He'll give wisdom over time.
Each "hill" we face He'll help us climb.
He will help us understand
If we trust and take His hand.

If we WANT to, we will grow.
And though the progress may seem slow,
God is faithful to abide.
He'll always be there by our side.

"Being confident of this very trhing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, March 29, 2008

Springtime's Fun

Springtime blossoms on my tree
Fill my day with smiles and glee,
Dressing up each bare brown limb
With flowers as pretty as a hymn.

After winter's brown and grey,
Springtime seems to smile and say,
"It's time to decorate anew
And paint a sweet bouquet for you!"

She splashes color everywhere
With sweet abandon to declare,
"A bright new season has begun!"
I'm blessed to watch her have such fun!

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 28, 2008

Yesteryear's Treasures

I long to "ope" the "cupboards"
Of the folks of yesteryear,
To peek into their daily lives
And conversations hear.

Life then was more simple,
Their priorities more clear.
They worked hard and persevered
With faith which was sincere.

The "cupboards" of these homes
Were filled with wealth and treasure.
Though they were not rich
They had wisdom in great measure.

We can learn a lot today
By looking at "the past"...
To learn of their great treasure
Which they knew would last and last.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The Daily News

When we turn on the news
We're bombarded with trouble
And shaken by scenes
Of destruction and rubble.

We see people suffering
With no place to go.
Those who lost loved ones
With grief are bent low.

And then we hear those
Who point fingers and bicker,
When working together would
Get things done quicker!

This we can do....
With much prayer intercede
For those people who lead
And for people in need.

For our God will help them
This time to get through.
He will strengthen and lead them
To know what to do.

"Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer;
And attend to the voice of my supplications.
In the day of my trouble I will call upon You,
For You will answer me."
Psalm 86:6 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, March 26, 2008

Beautiful Words

This is one of the cries of my heart...
Let beautiful language not be a lost art.
Contemporized lingo is harsh to the ear
And often is not very pleasant to hear.

Beautiful words inspire me within
And draw me away from life's tumult and din.
Let lovely words come and dwell in my soul,
Bringing refreshing and making me whole.

Words are as light and truly a way
Of escape into luxury all through my day.
They are to my spirit a breath of fresh air...
As heavenly music... exquisite and rare.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, March 25, 2008

A New Hunger

A Prophecy
March 20, 2008


There is a groundswell happening across the land... of people gathering in prayer, of hearts crying out in hunger for righteousness and truth.

Evil has trampled on goodness and light, and boldly lifted it's head in public arenas. There are many voices in the land which have not spoken truth. God has seen the greed and injustice, the violence and hate. And He has heard the weepings and seen the sufferings of many throughout the land. He has heard the outcry of the hearts of the people. His anger has been stirred, and He will honor the prayers of the saints whose heads are bowed in prayer.

He is truth. He is light. He is able to save, to restore order and bring justice where there has been injustice.

Our God is able!

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
I John 4:4 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, March 24, 2008

God Cares For You

Our God is able to fix what is broken.
His love is great - it's not just a token
But full of solutions and answers which heal,
Which mend and restore and are very real.

For He, more than anyone, cares about you.
He can untangle what may be askew.
When all seems to fail, He will bring hope,
Give you new courage and help you to cope.

Whisper a prayer, lean on His arm.
Ask Him to take your fear and alarm.
Know that He hears every prayer of your heart.
Our God is able to give you fresh start.

"I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings."
Psalm 40:1-2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, March 22, 2008

Complete In Him

The Lord has given gladness
To overshadow sadness,
Poured out love and joy
To be our constant buoy.

He has given cheer
In place of blues and fear,
And filled us with His peace
Causing restlessness to cease.

He has birthed salvation
To save us from damnation,
Redeemed our sin-sick soul,
Then healed and made us whole.

He covers us with light,
Fills our lives with power and might.
We have courage to stand tall
Whatever may befall.

In His grace we find retreat.
In Him we are complete.
He is Master, Lord and King.
We to Him all glory bring!

"For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day."
II Timothy 1:12 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 21, 2008

The Spotless Lamb

Jesus was the spotless Lamb,
Pure and holy, white as snow,
The sacrifice of greatest worth,
The greatest love we'll ever know.

This One Who reached out to all men
And walked in great humility
Became the Lamb Who bore our sin...
The hope for all humanity.

We cannot fathom such a love
Nor comprehend His glorious ways,
But worship Him with all our heart
And serve Him all our days.

Jesus was the spotless Lamb,
Pure and holy, white as snow,
The sacrifice of greatest worth,
The greatest love we'll ever know.


"We were not redeemed with corruptible things.....
but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a
lamb without blemish and without spot."
I Peter 1:18a, 19 NKJ

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, March 20, 2008

Eternal Treasure

Earthly goods have no real worth...
To heav'nly life cannot give birth.
Heaven's treasure is priceless gain...
The highest prize we can attain.

All we have will pale and dim
As we see Christ and worship Him.
What joy will come within the soul
As we shall reach our heavenly goal.

No more tears and no more strife,
Which often touch our present life,
But fellowship before the throne
With Christ and those who are His own.


"If we suffer, we shall also reign with him....."
II Timothy 2:12 KJV


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, March 19, 2008

The Foot Of The Cross

Any and all may come....

A place where all are equal....
A place where one can be transparent....
A safe place....

A place of rest for a weary soul....
A place of release for a broken heart....
A place of comfort for the lonely and the hurting....
A place of redemption from sin and shame....

A new beginning....


THE CROSS

Is our friend....
Is an anchor point in a shaky world....


"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising the shame, and has set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJ



© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, March 18, 2008

Garden Of Prayer

A Vision

The place of prayer is as a lovely garden, pleasing in every way to the eye, to the senses and to the spirit... a place of enveloping peace.

As I enter in and begin to walk there I am deeply aware of it's loveliness. Everywhere there is loveliness. The pathways are soft under my feet, and my footsteps feel cushioned by the softness. The air is pure and fresh, and the prettiness of flowers and trees is very soothing. The beauty of the setting penetrates my very being.

Though I have entered there alone, I do not feel alone. As I gaze at the extraordinary creativity of our loving God I am filled with wonder. I am so drawn to Him, and my soul is flooded with thanksgiving. For I realize, as I see all this beauty, that I am looking at the very nature of God. I am looking at His heart. The garden has great depth of expression, endless color and variety... more than the eye can take in and more than the senses can absorb. And I sense that around every bend in the path there will be more wonder and awe.

The path will not end, for in prayer there will always be more of God to discover. I know that no matter how much time I spend in the garden, there will always be more. Only a loving God would provide that much beauty just to bless me. I realize that He resides in loveliness... it is His nature. And He invites me to freely enter in... the gate is always open.

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, March 17, 2008

Heaven's Touch

A Blessing

May you find an open door,
More than e'er you had before,
To enter Heaven's "store"
And God's riches to explore.

May your heart be upward-trained
And your joy be uncontained.
May new giftings there be gained
And your footsteps be ordained!

May your dreams be realized
And your blessings be "up"-sized,
Your spirit energized
And of Heaven's wealth comprised.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
James 1:17 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, March 16, 2008

Palm Sunday

IN REMEMBRANCE OF THE CROSS

It's good to have remembrance
Of the cross and He Who died,
Who gave His life that we with Him
Forever might abide.

The cross for Him was heavy,
And the road He trod was long
As He became redemption
For our sin and for our wrong.

It's good to bow in reverence
And contemplate the cross,
To realize how great His love
So we would not have loss.

Blessed Savior of Mankind,
We offer sweet oblation
Of glory, laud and honor
To express our adoration.

"Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever."
Psalm 145:2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, March 15, 2008

Responding In Love

When "feathers get ruffled" and "fur starts to fly",
When things have gone wrong and tension is high,
Don't let emotion have rule in your day,
For "reaction" will build and add fuel to the fray.

Be slow to anger and be slow to speak.
It's best to be quiet, lest havoc you wreak.
A well-thought-out answer will soothe and correct,
Will bring understanding and anger deflect.

Diplomacy, measured with love and good will,
Will overcome strife with kindness and skill.
Responding in love will console and bring healing...
A wonderful way to establish good feeling.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: for the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God."
James 1:19-20 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 14, 2008

Peace And Calm

How blessed is God's peace and calm,
Flowing as refreshing balm.
It rests in place throughout my day
And shields me from the usual "fray".

As I lean upon His Word
He is there to undergird.
He keeps me steady by His hand
My daily struggles to withstand.

His Word is manna for my soul,
Healing, soothing, making whole
The broken pieces of each day...
My reinforcement and my "stay".

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, March 13, 2008

A Little Boy's Dilemma

I don't like chores... I want to play!
I wish the work would go away!
It should wait until I'm through
With all the things I WANT to do.

But when I've played with car and truck
And then still have my chores... Oh, yuck!
They're worse to do whan I am tired.
Then I'm REALLY not inspired!

Work is simply not much fun.
I'd rather draw or play or run.
I should learn to not make messes.
Then I won't have these distresses.

Being neat is quite a job,
And "cleaning up" my time will rob.
(I should give away some stuff.
It seems I have more than enough.)

I will put my things away,
For I'm learning every day...
If I hurry and get done,
I'll have more time to just have fun!

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, March 12, 2008

Prayer Warriors

There is an army in the land...
Precious saints who pray and "stand",
Warriors of power and might
Who use the Word to war and fight,

Pushing back the evil tide
Of death and darkness which reside,
Rising up to take command,
Joined in heart and hand-in-hand.

God is calling young and old
To join His army and be bold,
Breaking strongholds, gaining ground,
Forging victory, upward bound.

"Through God we shall do valiantly; for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
Psalm 108:13 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, March 11, 2008

God Is My Strength

God is my strength in times when I'm weak.
He is my voice when I cannot speak.
For words sometimes fail, but He is right there
To give me good wisdom and save me from "snare".

His peace is a bulwark when I tend to fear.
There I find rest and my qualms disappear.
He is well able to carry me through
When I simply don't know just what I should do.

His Spirit guides me. In Him I can stand
And find my direction when life makes demand.
In Him I'm fulfilled. He answers my plea
To rise up in strength to the best I can be.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..."
Psalm 138:8 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, March 10, 2008

Making Change

When I get ready to make change
There are some things I want to keep.
And so I sort through all I have,
And still I seem to have "a heap".

I think I've pared down what I need
To move into new "territory",
But when I get there I discover
This was just "preparatory".

When Jesus leads me in His path,
More and more I start to "see".
He will give me new perspective
And help me truly to be free.

Some of that which I have kept
Does not have value (as I thought).
As He changes who I am
Some things have value, some have nought.

My thoughts and actions every day
Are very much a part of this.
Excess "baggage" from the past
Could cause my life to go amiss.

Jesus simplifies my path
And shows me what I need to do.
He brings refreshing to my life
And helps me keep a balanced view.

"But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord."
II Corinthians 3:18 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, March 09, 2008

Distractions

We sometimes get "caught up" in thoughts or routine
Which deter us from being spiritually keen.
Multiplied things will vie for attention,
So we must think clearly and practice "prevention".

Our focus gets scrambled... or purpose delayed.
E'en good things we do may be masquerade
To cloud our discernment and get us off-track.
Then we must think how to find our way back...

To that which we set out to do at the start,
Before mere distraction made "plans" fall apart.
When we keep our thoughts on goals of import,
Then we will not find ourselves "coming up short".

The Spirit will guide us and keep us on course.
If we heed His voice we won't have remorse
Or miss what He's doing... a very high cost!
It's best to stay tuned... lest perception be lost!

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, March 08, 2008

Heart Imprints

The heart bears the imprint we carry in life...
The joy or the pain, the rest or the strife.
Salvation and praise will cause it to flourish.
The wealth of God's Word it's heartbeat will nourish.

It's not meant to carry sin, guilt and shame,
But living for Jesus it's health will reclaim.
It surely will ail if we do not forgive,
But loving and sharing will cause it to live.

Kindness and goodness bring radiant good health.
Patience and gentleness will add great wealth.
Peace and longsuffering cause anguish to cease.
The fruits of the Spirit bring precious increase.

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, March 07, 2008

Soft-Fallen Rain

When standing alone in a difficult place,
Needing support and a measure of grace,
An expression of love from a gentle, kind hand
Is as soft-fallen rain on a dry, weary land...

For experience of living can take a harsh toll,
Can wear down and weary the most faithful soul.
But the burden is softened and made to feel light
When friends gather round and in prayer will unite.

How welcome a smile or a telephone call,
A hug or a flower... however small.
Showing concern for that one who's alone
Is a much greater gift than will ever be known.


"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, March 06, 2008

His Glorious Colors

God created color
And splashed it everywhere.
Man could never match His skill
Nor paint with that much flair.

Color "speaks" and brings us joy,
Delighting us at every turn,
Blessing us with fresh surprise.
This bounteous gift we could not earn.

God's color palette speaks of love
In many different shades and hues.
Mixed and matched with joy and grace
Our hearts and lives He gently woos.

His glorious vivid colors are
A brilliant potpourri of praise...
To paint a message of His love
And set our hearts ablaze.

"Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness."
Psalm 150:2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, March 05, 2008

Echoes

That which we live and that which we speak
Will be echoed in time in a way that's unique.
The sound of one voice will be heard in another,
And our words will "return" through a sister or brother.

For we leave a trail as we live day-to-day
Which others will walk on as they find their way.
The "sounds" of our lives echo back o'er and o'er,
For they are not lost, but in others find "store".

If we watch and listen we'll hear a reply
In far-reaching echoes we cannot deny.
Echoes reverberate more than we know,
Extending our lives as they move to and fro...


"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
Proverbs 15:23 KJV

"A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children....."
Proverbs 13:22 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, March 04, 2008

Godly Counsel

Sometimes we feel our opinions are right.
If some don't agree then we get all uptight.
Then over time we see we were wrong.
Hindsight will show us we erred all along.

"Life" and experience are very good teachers
But may bring hard knocks for "rebellious creatures"!
Until we are "seasoned" and full of God's grace
We won't have the wisdom His path to embrace.

Our hard work is lost, our time may be spent,
And we may have thought that we were content.
Through God we can find our very best plan.
He'll help us complete what He first began.

"Without counsel purposes are disappointed: but in the multitude of counsellors they are established."
Proverbs 15:22 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, March 03, 2008

An Open Heaven

A Prophetic Poem
February 28, 2008


What has been lost will soon be returned.
What has been hidden will be discerned.
What has been "stuck" will find itself loosed
As God pours out blessings to give us a "boost".

That which is "fogged" shall be crystal clear.
Rough edges will fade and softness appear.
"Storms" and fatigue shall be in the past
As God pours out goodness and blessings which last.

The heavens shall open and we shall have light
To fill us with fervor and power and might.
We shall rise up with strength for the morrow
As God shall relieve all tears and all sorrow.

Look to the heavens, look to the skies!
Let worship and praise to our God arise!
Let all our expression be celebratory!
We stand at the door of a season of glory!

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, March 02, 2008

Quiet Wisdom

Wisdom may be silent
Or hesitant to speak.
It weaves it's way through circumstance
And always it will seek...

Answers which may be unseen.
It will not be misled.
Until perspective has found place
It will not move ahead.

Wisdom gathers in the heart,
And when it's verbalized
It's beauty translates outwardly
In treasure to be prized.

I listen for the treasure
And cling to each sweet word
As I contemplate and savor
Gentle wisdom I have heard.

"Wisdom rests silently in the mind and heart of him who has understanding..."
Proverbs 14:33 Amplified Bible

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, March 01, 2008

Spring's Flair

The hint of spring is in the air...
Waiting now to bloom,
Anxious to put on her show
Of blossom and perfume.

Twigs and stalks and bulbs alike
Are swelling with fresh vigor,
Ready to burst forth in cheer
As spring pulls her sweet trigger.

She will wrap the trees in "fluff"
In her usual happy style,
And suddenly the ground will swell
As bulbs push up with sunny smile.

Folks perk up and come awake,
Anticipating spring's fresh flair.
Winter's "nap" is soon forgotten
As spring's music fills the air!


© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf