Two Thieves

We choose very carefully where we will go
And guard against problems, lest we should have woe.
We filter our reading to make sure it's pure
And only choose friends of whom we are sure.

But still we have open both window and door.
Our computers and TV's much evil can store.
Approach with discretion the use of THESE two.
Into our lives much info they spew.

If we're not careful, our homes they will fill
With exposures which harm or can even make ill.
They may "color" or taint with darkness and fear
All of our thoughts and those things we hold dear.

"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..."
Psalm 101:3 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Humility And Goodness

Humility won't criticize
Or judge another's action.
It will not point it's finger
Or in pride find satisfaction.

Humility has good perspective
And won't practice guile.
It's strength is found in thankfulness
Through good days and through trial.

Humility has quiet strength
And doesn't need to strive.
It's grateful, loving heart is that
Which causes it to thrive.

"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Sweet Gift

To hear sweet counsel from a friend
Is a gift which will transcend
The fears and questions which you have,
As a fragrant, soothing salve.

A friend who stays right by your side,
One in whom you can confide,
Will bring dimension, love and light
And cause your days to be more bright.

True friendship is as gold and myrrh
And oftentimes your heart will stir...
A bonding filled with warmth and joy,
A treasured gift, a heavenly buoy.

"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

New Balance

A Prophecy
April 23, 2008


There will be rumblings and tremors and shaking... at the highest levels and deep within. There will be shifting of power as yet unseen.

There will be "eruptions" internally, happening as a sort of "fireworks"... a flash here, a flare there... attacks which surprise and expose... a shaking out into the open of that which has been hidden or covered up.

And while this will be upsetting and will shake many, there will begin to be a balance of understanding and new insight which will come to the forefront. There will be explanation and answers for questions unspoken. Inner struggle and turmoil in many places shall finally be released.

A new balance will be seen.

(Note: I believe this has to do with government, organizations, leadership, present-day systems and situations...)


© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Harmony

We do not know or understand
The beauty of a heav'nly choir...
How harmonies from God Himself
Our weary spirits can inspire.

Harmony is God's own gift,
And melody is from His hand,
But man has added his own "touch"
And changed all that which God had planned.

God has spoken to "be still",
But man is given to want noise.
A simple song is better far
Than all the sounds which man employs.

There is no sweeter sound on earth
Than voices singing pretty songs.
Surely this must bless our God,
For harmony to Him belongs.

"I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee."
Psalm 144:9 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Time To Pause

Lord, I don't want to go so fast that I am never still.
If I'm always "on the run", my cup You cannot fill.
I must pare my thinking down... to enter into "calm".
For I desire to know You more and feel Your healing balm.

An empty cup is just not good. To "run" is such a waste!
For I could "miss" Your Spirit, or Your glory might not taste.
Thoughts propel me forward, but I will stop to pause,
For any day I leave You out will certainly have flaws.


"Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the Mighty God of Jacob."
Psalm 132:3-5 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Truth's Bright Light

Let truth's bright torchlight ne'er go out.
Let it's flame cast evil out.
Let it's banner always fly
And it's standard be held high.

Let us stand against all wrong,
Be unwavering and strong,
As evil looks for compromise
And parades in slippery guise.

Let our firm foundation stand.
Let God be honored in our land.
Marching forward in His light
Our future will, through Him, be bright.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."
Psalm 33:12 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Lovely Crown

Maybe today you can't see the sun
And don't see results from all you have done.
On days you "can't win", and it gets you down,
Don't let this depress you and cause you to frown.

There always will be a brighter day coming,
When you will feel good and your heart will be humming.
Tomorrow has promise to be a great day,
So chase all your burdens and worries away!

Let laughter and merriment brighten your day.
Wear them as flowers in a colorful lei.
Find today's promise... a lovely jeweled crown...
And wear it with joy... then you won't feel down.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Healing Balm

Dear little child, do not be discouraged,
For I know the measure of your every need.
When you're sorely tested and face daily trials
I dispatch my angels with haste and with speed.

My spirit hovers through day or dark night,
Constantly guarding and bringing defense
Against powers of evil which rob and destroy.
For these I will bring you My sweet recompense.

For you are My child... I take note of your days.
You've been in My keeping through storm and through calm.
I'll never forsake you nor once look away.
You can rest in this promise as sweet healing balm.

"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91:11 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessings

May God give you blessings
Which rain as a fountain,
And raise you up strong
To scale every mountain.

May beauty and wonder
In your path abound,
And melody ring in your voice
With sweet sound.

May joy be as sunshine
To fill all your days.
May God's myriad blessings
Your spirit upraise.

"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Angels' Song

Oh, that I might sometime feel
The gentle brush of angel wings
And hear them sing or play upon
Their heavenly instruments of strings...

With harp and lute and mandolin,
Their voices wafting to and fro,
With heaven's harmonies and song,
Drifting down on those below...

Myriad voices praising God
Resounding throughout heaven's sphere,
Echoing their glorious chorus
And blessing many far and near.

In the stillness of the night
I long to hear the angels sing,
Just to know a touch of heaven
And hear them praise our glorious King.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Always Look Up

When there's nowhere to turn, I will always look up.
For though I be poor, God will give a full cup.
My soul and my spirit He surely will feed.
He is sufficient to meet all my need.

Though life whirls about me, I shall not thirst.
By His lovingkindness my life is immersed.
He gives inspiration and strength deep within
And pours out the confidence I need to win.

I will look up and in His promise dwell.
In Him I will prosper and surely excel!
I have no challenge which He cannot meet.
All my provision in Him is complete.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:1-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heartfelt Prayer

Let my worship holy be,
As sweet incense unto Thee.
Let my voice speak words of praise
And my hands to Thee upraise.

Let my heart be pure and true,
And Thy Holy Spirit woo.
Let my life have vibrant savor.
Help me, Lord, to never waver.

Let me be a constant blessing,
Gratitude to Thee expressing.
Let my life Thy love declare.
To bless Thee is my heartfelt prayer.

"O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory. I will praise thee, O Lord, among the people: and I will sing praises unto thee among the nations."
Psalm 108:1 & 3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Computer Fun

My computer needs help... sometimes it gets stuck.
I need help to fix it... or maybe need luck!
It thinks for itself and does some strange things.
When it won't work, frustration it brings!

I did not think I needed to get one,
But then when I did I found it was fun...
Until it "goofed up"... (it just can't be me).
And the answer I need I can't seem to see.

How did I live without one of these...
This funny machine which I can't seem to please?
And what did I DO before I had this.
It sure keeps me busy... sheer bliss.


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sowing Good Seed

It's fun to plant seed, to sow a good crop,
To speak into lives and happy seeds drop.
Seeds can be "scattered" wherever we go,
And when they take sprout we will soon see them grow.

Positive "seed" is golden in worth,
For sometimes a seed to action gives birth.
A thought or idea when "seeded" away
Will be as a gift... a fragrant bouquet.

Inspiration might grow in a heart that was bare,
Or new hope and purpose might offset despair.
A kernel of wisdom can give new direction
To one who may need a seed of correction.

Good seed is found in the core of God's Word
And brings bright return in hearts which are stirred.
For the hand of the sower, by spreading good seed,
Can change many lives and bless those in need.

"...To him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward."
Proverbs 11:18 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Serenity

Serenity in times of stress
Is more than "mettle" or finesse.
It's reservoir is deep within
And shields one from life's daily "din".

Serenity is birthed in prayer,
A precious resource, rich and rare.
It's cooling waters soothe and calm,
Refreshing as a healing balm.

The presence of the Living God
With quietness our feet will shod.
He becomes our inner peace,
Causing stress and strain to cease.

"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

A Cross-Sheltered Life

A cross-sheltered life with joy will resound,
For deep in it's shadow are blessings profound.
At the foot of the cross we find Heaven's door
And seal our destiny forevermore.

There we are sheltered and truly secure,
And in Christ's identity grow and mature.
The cross brings us depth and balance and vision,
And helps us to have a quiet precision...

Gentle and loving, forgiving and kind,
Full of compassion and service-inclined.
Rooted in faith and strong in position,
Here we are brought to glorious fruition.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience 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 is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Healing Touch

Peace and healing be to you,
Gently falling as the dew,
Coming as the light of morn
Your life and body to adorn,

Sweetly soothing all your pain.
(May it's presence quickly wane).
May strength and vigor be your pleasure
And each new day be as treasure.

May your healing be complete.
May you feel God's presence sweet,
Lingering with you day by day
As a fragrant, prized bouquet.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:2-3 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Happy Outlook

In early morn it's good to pray...
A blessed way to greet the day.
Then praise or hum a tune or two
To brighten up the morning's view.

You'll accomplish quite "a bunch"
Before it's even time for lunch.
Bright outlook is the key to this,
(And tension you won't even miss!)

Laugh and sing another tune
To help you with your afternoon...
Another chance to add some cheer,
And soon your work will disappear!

When happy, time goes quickly by.
When praising, things won't go awry.
When we pray the Lord draws nigh
And makes our time just seem to fly.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Special Bond

Thank you, Lord, for those who pray,
Encouragement and love convey,
Whose words uplift and brightness bring,
Who cause us to rejoice and sing!

Bless them, Lord, as they reach out,
For this is what love is about.
With these we have a special bond
In friendship, spirit and beyond.

To be lifted up in prayer
Brings us blessing rich and rare.
For God will listen and give ear
As joined together two draw near.

God has precious blessings stored.
For heart-felt prayer He gives reward.
He is faithful, He is true.
Mighty works for us He'll do.

"Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 18:19 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Old Vase

A Prayer

Lord, I sometimes need new "varnish"
So I won't start to tarnish!
"Buff me up" and polish me
So I may truly shine for Thee.

Dust and grime accumulate
And tend to cause a blemished state.
I just need to be "refinished",
Lest my beauty be diminished.

May my silver and my gold
Have new beauty to behold,
For all my worth is found in You.
By Your Spirit make me new.

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me..."
Psalm 119:73 KJV

"Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O Lord, according to thy lovingkindness."
Psalm 119:159 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Spring Flowers

My garden needs help as the flowers start to show,
But what are these weeds which vigorously grow?
I did not plant them, but somehow they're there,
Looking for space in my flower bed to share.

So I dig and I weed to pull them all out
'Cause my flowers need room to grow and to sprout.
When I've finished my work and my flower bed is done,
I just don't want weeds..... not even one!

Then the slugs and the bugs and the grubworms and ants
Try to come "lunch" on my flowers and plants!
Whenever I see hungry pests such as they,
I chase them away with my dust and my spray!

I feed and I water to make my plants grow.
If I am faithful, they'll make quite a "show".
Each little plant I carefully groom,
'Cause I love my plants..... I see God in each bloom.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Caring Hands

How warm the hand that reaches out.
This is what love is about.
This hand might touch or heal a heart,
Or maybe joy or strength impart.

Caring hands are such good news
To help another "chase the blues".
When some poor soul just needs a "lift",
A caring hand is as a gift.

A caring hand which dials a phone
To call someone who's all alone
May bring a smile or be a light
To make that person's day be bright.

Hands that care are truly blessed
As they bring others peace or rest.
Loving hands that truly care
Are sometimes hands which answer prayer.

"She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 31:20 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

You Are Our Strength

Let our foundations be rebuilt in You.
Let us recover the good and the true.
Help us discern in which way we've made error
And humbly return to a framework of prayer.

Lord, help us reset our sights and our goals,
Lest our present direction take sorrowful tolls.
Forgive us for trying to "do it OUR way"
And not letting You have adequate "say".

We need Your help in this time of great stress
As we undertake the need to address
The challenges caused by our error and pride.
Save us, O God, from evil's ill tide.

Heal our hearts from selfish ambition,
That we might take on a Godly position.
You are our strength and power and might
To help us stand strong for that which is right!

"God is our strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Laughter

It's good to laugh and good to smile.
It helps you get through every trial.
Life is short, so have some fun.
Throw out worries... every one!


Change your outlook, don't look down.
Avoid the blues, refuse to frown!
What you practice every day
Those negatives will soon outweigh!


Your laughter will be advantageous
And be happily contagious!
Others soon will laugh with you,
And they will be more happy too!

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

"Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones."
Proverbs 16:24 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Threads Of Rare Worth

Let the "threads" of my life be pleasant to weave,
Of texture and strength through which You achieve
Design of great beauty without snag or flaw,
A rare work of art which brings You much awe.

What use is my thread if it's tangled or frayed?
What work can be done, or what can be made?
I want to be linen or silk which is fine,
So You then can weave a lovely design.

In Your hands my thread with have value and worth,
As Your rare artistry to beauty gives birth.
You'll carefully make me a "one of a kind".
In Your hands my threads will be beautifully twined.

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me..."
Psalm 119:73 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Instant In Season

How blessed the man who is "instant in season",
Who is strong in his faith and can give you good reason
Why he is a follower of Jesus as Lord
And tell you about heaven's future reward.

How blessed the man who will pray when you call,
Who "hears" your heart cry and will not let you fall,
Who has the compassion to stand by your side,
Who is gentle in spirit, and in prayer will abide.

How blessed the man who will bring joy to others,
Who goes about doing good deeds for his brothers,
Whose motto is "serving all" those he will meet,
Whose life is like Jesus... in all ways complete.

"But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear....."
I Peter 3:15 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sparkling Waters

If life were as a cup to be filled,
Then we must be careful and learn to be skilled,
To seek out those waters which foster new life
And run from those waters which only cause strife.

The waters of Jesus are sparkling and clear,
Holy and pure and good to revere.
Only His waters will filter out "stain",
Wash away sin and heal us of pain.

Our cups can be full, without tint or hue,
Of crystal-clear waters which change and renew,
A lifestream of power for spirit and soul
To wash us and cleanse us and make our lives whole.

"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life."
John 4:14 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Quiet Spirit

A quiet spirit does not race
Or try to keep a certain pace.
It will pause and then reflect
On wisdom learned in retrospect.

It will have much clarity
And see with great transparency.
Birthed in prayer and much-desired,
By God's Word it is inspired.

It's wisdom can't be quickly gained
But through Jesus is sustained.
Quiet wisdom will begin
When His beauty rests within.

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-5 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Grain Of Sand

I am as a grain of sand
In the Master's mighty hand,
But tiny as that grain might be
He never loses sight of me.

In the wind the sand may blow
Or waters wash it to and fro.
But even as a tiny lamb
The Master knows right where I am

He is great... I am so small,
And yet He hears me whan I call.
The Master cares for "grains of sand",
And they are covered by His hand.

"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! How great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand..."
Psalm 139:17-18 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf