A New Gift

When God gives birth to something
We must guard it carefully.
We should feed and nurture
That new birth prayerfully.

New birth is so tender
And sometimes very small.
As we grow to understand it
It may become a "call".

God gives gifts so liberally
And plants His seeds in hearts.
As we cling to what He gives
His grace He then imparts.

And suddenly we're able
To accomplish something new
Because God gave us graciously
A gift we could pursue.

"Every good 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

Polly And Molly

A Children's Rhyme

Polly was jolly
And had a nice collie.
She liked to play games
With a cute friend named Molly.

They played with Jerry
Who always was merry.
He had a fish
And a yellow canary.

Then there was Gary,
Whose sister was Carrie.
These two had cousins
Named Harry and Mary.

Polly and Molly
Became quite amused.
And with all of these names
They were getting confused.

So they would pretend
To re-name each new friend.
This maybe would help
The confusion to end.

And just when they thought
That things might get better,
Then they met Holly
And her Irish setter.

Polly and Molly
Had fun all the time.
They and their friends
All lived in a rhyme!

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Framework Of Peace

When a home is filled with the peace of God, the very walls of that home "rest".

But when evil is allowed to enter, in the Spirit it is as though a second invisible structure forms within the framework of the original house. And it begins to cause stress on the original structure, breaking down walls, weakening floors (underpinnings), causing pressure, and warping what was once stable. Evil is wayward and will cause disturbance and ruin to whatever it touches.

Even as this is true of our homes, it is true of us. To live so we have the peace of God is the greatest point of strength and rest and health we can achieve. His peace will "keep" us.

"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

God Is With You

The valley may be far across
And you may suffer pain and loss,
But when you reach the other side,
With peace and joy you will abide.

Clear perspective comes through trial,
And "tempering" with self-denial.
These are gifts which will emerge
If you don't quit with every urge.

When you seek to do God's will
Your cup He surely will refill.
There will always be reward
For those who love and serve the Lord.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:2-4 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Words Of Skill

Some folks are really gifted
With diplomacy and tact.
They seem to find right words to say
And do not just "react".

Their words are measured carefully
And tempered with kind thought,
Promoting peace and unity
When others are distraught.

Diplomacy brings harmony
When practiced with great skill,
While bluntness and outspokenness
May only cause ill will.

Much can be accomplished
When diplomacy is used,
For it will clear confusion
And much tension will diffuse.

This lovely art is beautiful
And much to be desired.
Whene'er I see it's lovely touch
I truly am inspired.

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

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

New Flames

A Prophecy
April 24, 2008

The wind of the Spirit sweeps to and fro, changing directions to accomplish the purposes of God, resting in strategic locations, lighting "fires" in hearts, fanning flames of revival for a new day.

For where the saints are on their knees we will start to see "smoke" ascending into the heavenlies as a sweet savor unto God. And where there is "smoldering" the Spirit will sweep through to fan the flames across the land: perhaps in communities; or, as fires bursting forth in small pockets of communities. Flames will start to burn brightly. Many will be healed. The light will draw many.

The Spirit will move quietly, but swiftly, to accomplish God's purposes.

There is both an urgency and an excitement in this.


© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Banquet Table

The grace and goodness of the Lord
Are as a daily smorgasbord
Where we may come to feast and dine
And be a part of His design,

Partaking of His wondrous grace,
Being held in His embrace,
Tasting of His love and joy,
Being used in His employ,

Drinking from His wells of peace,
Letting cares and worries cease.
As we gather 'round His table
Lives are changed, for He is able.

If you would dine with Him today
And near His table choose to stay,
Gratitude and praise expressing,
You will find continual blessing.

"O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him."
Psalm 34:8 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Those Grand Old Hymns

How precious were the hymns we sang!
Our hearts were full, our voices rang.
We loved those songs of yesteryear
Which gave us hope and brought us cheer.

Many hymns were birthed in pain
But are this generation's gain.
The saints who wrote them were strong folk,
And words they penned to our hearts spoke.

Hymns were based upon the Word
And brought forth joy whenever heard.
In hymns we have a very great treasure...
More than we can ever measure.

...A heritage we must not lose...
These glorious songs of God's "Good News".

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Mighty Rushing River

A Prophecy
May 11, 2008

There will be a fresh move of the Holy Spirit which will be as a mighty, rushing river throughout the land. This will be as a flood, but not one which is destructive. The waters of the Spirit will wash and cleanse and bring healing to a tired and weary people, refreshing and making new.

Do not deny the full sweep of it's intent, for the Spirit will move in power and bring change, which in some cases will be unexpected but which will be very beneficial. The waters will be very soothing to those who do not resist. There will be new life and vitality, and the "arid places" shall again be moist and inviting. Many who are "wilted" or have nearly given up will find new hope and renewed faith once again.

This move of the Spirit will not be found only in the "large" places, but it's impact will be powerful and felt also in the small, "unseen" places, touching many. As we make our hearts ready, surely this outpouring will be far-reaching and life-changing.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Always There

When traveling life's road, if you feel quite weary,
Your days seem too long and your path looks dreary,
Jesus would say to you, "Never give up.
I'll carry your load and 'refill your cup'."

If your life's broken and out of control,
Our Lord is able to heal and make whole.
Jesus would say to you, "Do not despair.
In your time of trouble, I will be there."

He will not fail you nor leave you alone.
He'll stay by your side through trials unknown.
Jesus would say to you, "Do not have fear.
Each word that you whisper in prayer I will hear."

"He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation."
Psalm 91:15-16 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Stuck In Place

I have always been grateful for the unique way the Holy Spirit leads in any given situation.....

In years past I played the piano in a large church. In this setting there was a worship leader, a pianist and an organist. The worship leader would "move" as she was led by the Spirit, and we followed along on the instruments.

On one Sunday morning we had a very well-known guest speaker. He preached a powerful sermon and, at the end, he broke into singing the old hymn, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand....."

As was the norm at this point, whenever a leader would start singing, the organist and I would move back to the instruments and start to play along. I started to move, but my feet were "stuck" in place. I tried again to step forward, but my feet were literally "planted". A moment later I heard the Holy Spirit say, "He's (the speaker) in the key of F sharp, and you won't be able to play it strongly enough." The crowd had been uplifted by the morning's message, and they were singing this old hymn with much enthusiasm.

As the service closed I stepped over to the piano to "check out" what key we had been singing in. And we were indeed in the key of F sharp. When we got home from church I sat down at the piano and tried to play the hymn in that key... and couldn't. I stumbled badly.

I was so-o-o grateful the Holy Spirit stopped me that day. My feet felt as though my shoes had been glued to the floor!

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In Times Of Need

In times of need, God is your source.
He'll help you stand and stay your course.
Sometimes all you see is loss,
But He will help you bridge across
Until you rest on solid ground.
In Him your footing will be sound.

God is gracious. How He cares!
He hears your cries and all your prayers.
He provides and watches o'er
The down and out, the weak and poor.
In times of flood, in times of drought,
His compassion reaches out.

When you think you just can't stand,
He will gently take your hand.
He will lift you to your feet
And help you overcome defeat.
He is waiting...just look up.
He alone can fill your cup.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof."
Psalm 46:1-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heart Of Worship

Worship is a language
Of expressions of the heart.
It cannot be measured
In terms of "skill" or "art".

For it transcends a simple form,
Reaching far beyond "the norm".
Worship is deep love outpoured
In gratitude to our dear Lord.

Holy worship knows God's grace
And responds to His embrace.
It's beauty will be heard and felt
By those His Spirit has indwelt.

The heart can reach no higher plane
Nor deeper joy will it contain
Than when it's worship is expressed.
The heart, in worship, is much blessed.

"My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God."
Psalm 84:2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lives That Count

The things that we do seem important to us...
But some may be trivial and use our time thus.
We have busy schedules which we try to keep,
And sometimes don't even allow for good sleep.

But often the sum of the things which we do
May not have much worth as we look in review.
It isn't hard to stay busy each day,
And matters "press in" which will rob time away.

To find what is best we can seek God and pray,
For He will then guide us and help us to weigh
Whether our choices have worthy import.
Some may be good, while some "come up short".

To find His great purpose and be in His will
Will further His kingdom and our lives fulfill.
In Him there is treasure in endless amount.
When we find His plan, then our lives will "count".

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Quilts And Prayers

A patchwork quilt is made up of many small pieces, stitched together carefully by loving hands. As each small piece is added, a coverlet begins to be formed. And because they are stitched together, none is lost. Each piece becomes part of the whole quilt. Little bits and pieces combined will make a quilt - a coverlet.

And so it is with prayer. The small prayers, over time, combine to make a bigger picture. Diligence to pray is as the stitching which binds the quilt together. Remembering to say the tiny prayers will create a strong covering.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God."
Philippians 4:6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

People Who Inspire - John

A Man of God extraordinaire,
A seasoned patriarch of prayer,
One who lives to serve the Lord
And surely will have great reward.

Humble servant, faithful friend,
One who would for souls contend,
He's "Papa John", a well-loved name,
As many children will proclaim.

A ready vessel, a mighty tower...
A channel for God's might and power,
Patient, kind and full of light,
A treasured "candle", shining bright.

"Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper."
Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Little Bit

As a child I often saw my mother sit and crochet. She liked to create lace, so she worked with really fine threads. When she first started a new project her first stitches were so small and fine that it almost appeared there was nothing there in her hands. But she had a mental picture of "the finished design" and would creatively and patiently work to achieve her design. One tiny stitch at a time her lace would begin to take form, until she had a tablecloth or a scarf or doily or other lovely item. These "small beginnings" became lovely works of art.

As I look back I see a real lesson in this. Sometimes big or important or worthwhile things come about one little piece at a time. They just don't happen all at once. They may not even have much form at first. But if we are diligent and keep our eye trained on the goal we can accomplish great and mighty things.

Little bits of time, or money, or effort can accumulate to accomplish something big if we are patient. In this "hurry up" generation everyone wants everything instantly. But what we get quickly will never have the sense of value and accomplishment of that which we have achieved over time..... one small stitch at a time.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lovely Fabric

In the fabric of relationship
When threads are sometimes bare,
The fabric needs refreshing
And some extra-special care.

The threads can be restored
To have new hues of brightness.
Stain and spot can be erased
Till threads have snowy whiteness.

The fabric will take on new life
When threads of prayer are added.
It's "texture" will have new appeal,
Becoming rich and "padded".

Weaving prayer amongst the threads
Creates an added measure
Of love and warmth and beauty...
God's intended treasure.

"For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us."
Ephesians 2:14 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Little Mama Robin

A Children's Poem

Little Mama Robin,
When your nest fell from the tree,
I wondered if you were okay
And where you now could be.

But then I saw your babies
Hip-hopping all around,
Waiting for a "snack"
As you picked worms from the ground.

"Chirp" and "Peep" and "Cheep"
Are some names which sure would fit
Your little speckled babies
As they flutter and they flit.

Their feathers still are short
And their wings are not yet strong.
But soon they will be flying
'Cause you feed them all day long!


© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

My Constant Prayer

Help me, Lord, not to limit Your creative plan for my life.....
Because I have found a niche where I am comfortable and don't want to move from it.
Because people and locale are more important to me than moving down an unknown path of Your leading.
Because Your plan would include training... or schooling... or hard work.

Help me, Lord, to be fully in tune with Your plans.....
So that I don't miss opportunities You provide.
So that I don't shortchange Your overall plan for my life.
So that I fully use all the giftings which You have given me.
So that my life will bless You and bring glory to Your name.

Forgive me, Lord.....
For opportunities I have missed.
For time which has been wasted or lost because I've not heard Your voice.

Thank You, Lord.....
For the gift of each day and for all Your provision for my life.
In Jesus' Name, Amen.


"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

"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

Too Many Thoughts

The mind races off in many directions
And sometimes won't turn at the right intersections!
It hurries and runs to just get "ahead"
But loses momentum and tires instead.

Energy, purpose and vision are lost
In the shuffle of thoughts... a very high cost.
Wisdom suggests we should ponder and pray
And not take a step till God has His "say".

"Stress" is not listed in His dictionary.
Confusion is such that we should be wary.
Impulsiveness causes big blunders and error.
When the mind starts to race, be careful. Beware!

Don't jump to conclusions or let fear take o'er,
For God will give calm to still the mind's "roar".
Take a deep breath and whisper a prayer.
God's peace and direction will form and rest there.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our God Is Faithful

Believe in God's goodness, His mercy and grace.
In Him you'll be able to run a long race.
He is sufficient to meet every need.
In Him is much wisdom with which to proceed.

If you have lack, He will give "plenty".
In Him your vision will be twenty-twenty.
His lovingkindness is poured out for you
To encourage your heart, to heal and renew.

Be brave and be strong and trust in His might.
In Him there is power... your faith to ignite.
Our God is faithful. He will draw nigh
Whenever you're weary, and set you on high.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Just One Of Those Days

There just are those days
When you cannot keep up.
And try as you will
You're like a "whipped pup".

The day seems to be
Always two steps ahead
Of where you should be,
And you just scratch your head...

Saying, "How did this happen?
I'm so far behind!
What can I do
To get out of this bind?"

Take a deep breath
And say a small prayer.
God is your help
And He really does care.

Some things are urgent,
Some things are not.
He'll even take care of
The things you forgot!

So if you are having
Just "one of those days",
Cheer up and be happy
And give God the praise!

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Written In The Heart

The heart is as a library
Of memories untold.
When Jesus comes to live there
It's stories will unfold.

Each volume which was written,
In quietness concealed,
Will start to make a picture
As it's treasure is revealed.

The memoirs of the heart
Cannot e'en be spoken
Until the Lord resides there
And heals that which is broken.

He will read each book,
Adding fragrance and "bouquet".
Then the volumes of the library
His glory will portray!

"...For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
I Samuel 16:7 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Picnic Time (Almost)

Summer's near - it's picnic time,
But spring has been "a strain".
The weather man has let us down.
We just keep having RAIN!

A ray of sunshine sure would help
To brighten up the day
So we might barbecue a steak
Or maybe play croquet.

I want to roast a marshmallow.
I'm ready for some chips,
Potato salad and baked beans
And vegetables with dips!

Watermelon would be good
And lemonade for all.
But I guess we'll have to wait
Until we're past spring's "squall"!

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Little Lost Lamb

A little lamb went out to play,
And soon he couldn't find the way
Back to where the other sheep stay.
He found himself quite far astray.

So he decided to explore
What he had not seen heretofore.
As he searched and looked around,
Pain and sorrow are what he found.

Other sheep were cruel and mean,
And he had no shepherd on which to lean.
They mocked and laughed at his small bleat
And gave him things he should not eat.

They only thought of selfish gain,
And now the lamb had fear and pain.
He longed to find his very own flock,
For being lost was quite a shock.

The Shepherd knew how little lambs stray
And how they sometimes lose their way.
He went to find His little sheep
Because His love for him was deep.

He brought him back into the fold
And held him close 'cause he was cold.
It isn't good to wander away,
But with the Shepherd to always stay.

"If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying? And if he should find it, assuredly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray."
Matthew 18:12-13 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Touch My Life

Holy Spirit, hover near.
Bring refreshing for this day.
Whisper in my spirit
And direct my steps, I pray.

Energize my inner man
And give me eyes to see
All that You would show me
To set my spirit free.

Touch my life and make it new.
Change me as You will.
Bend and shape my path each day
Your purpose to fulfill.

"Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty."
II Corinthians 3:17 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Simple Prevention

Even that which was built strong
Sometimes weakens or goes wrong.
Poor maintenance may cause collapse,
Or failure to perform perhaps.

Watchcare is a good idea
And a proper panacea,
For that which is in tiptop shape
From simple problems can escape.

Attention to those small details
Can save us from some big travails.
So take some time to check things out.
Prevention saves a lot of doubt!

"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
Proverbs 27:23 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Message For America

You cannot erase from sight
All that's true and good and right
And then expect "to get somewhere".
Progress cannot start with error.

It only causes wrong direction
And soon your path will need correction.
If you get too far astray
You may have loss you can't repay.

Bow and bend upon your knee.
Pray and seek God for the key
To set your course on "solid ground"
So freedom always will abound.

America, you must turn back
To prayer... that we might stay on track.
You cannot eliminate
The very thing that made you great!

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
James 5:16 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reconciliation

Reconciliation is a bridge
To joy and peace,
A healing bond of love
Which brings blessing and release.

To walk this bridge we must lay down
All bitterness and ire,
Forgiving hurts and all offense
Which may have happened prior.

Heart-wrenching as this task may be,
In retrospect we'll find
That this will wash away our pain
And leave it far behind.

Forgiveness breaks the barriers
And opens up the gate.
As we cross this wondrous bridge
It's healing will be great!

"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also forgave you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf