Tuesday, September 30, 2008

The Old Ship

The old ship was docked
In the port for a time...
Ignored and forgotten
And not in it's prime...

Barnacles grew on it's
Once-shiny bow.
It didn't feel useful
And was tired somehow.

While once it was vital
And served a good cause,
Now it could not hear
"Hurrahs" and applause.

This dear old ship
Had once served quite well.
It was not yet ready
To encounter death's quell.

It needed attention
And good T.L.C.,
To once again sail
And master the sea.

The ship was transformed
By the nurture and care
Of those who could see
It's potential in prayer.

This ship had much verve
As it sailed once again.
The latter was more glorious
Than the former...Amen!

"Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it?"
Isaiah 43:18-19 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, September 29, 2008

Filled With Truth

Lord, cause truth to echo through
The chambers of my mind
So my thoughts will always be
Well-balanced and defined.

Let Your wisdom fill my heart
And cause me to be pure,
Changing all that rests within
And weaknesses to cure.

Let my words be tempered
By humility and love,
Flowing forth with gentleness
And wisdom from above.

Let my daily focus be
To walk in holiness with You.
Help me to reflect Your light
In my life and all I do.

"Behold, you desire truth in the inward parts, and in the hidden part You will make me to know wisdom."
Psalm 51:6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, September 28, 2008

A Good Inheritance

In the course of a lifetime
We have plans and goals.
We have much activity
And various roles.

When all's said and done
What will be the sum?
Of all of our efforts
Will there be a crumb...

Of something worthwhile
Which may have brought change?
Or blessings and heritage
For others long-range?

May we see beyond
Our own tiny sphere,
And, having a vision,
Then persevere...

To create an "imprint"
With substance and worth
And in those around us
To vision give birth.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, September 27, 2008

A Dusty Road

We sometimes walk a "dusty" road
To get to where we're going.
And on this road we "stretch" and learn,
For here we do our growing.

Our walk is shaped with each new step,
Perhaps by pebbles, sticks and stones.
And sometimes if we stub a toe
Our feet cry out with moans and groans.

Weariness may take it's toll
And cause our feet to start to ache.
Yet we discover loveliness,
Of which our spirit may partake,

For Jesus walks right by our side,
There in fellowship divine.
He wipes our brow and spurs us on
And fills us daily with "new wine".

He points out joys we wouldn't "see"
And lifts our weary sights above.
In humdrum, daily things we face
He gently teaches us of love.

And so our dusty road becomes
A very worthwhile, happy walk...
Experience that we would not trade
And one we would not think to balk.

"Thou compassest my path and my lying down, and art acquainted with all my ways."
Psalm 139:3 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, September 26, 2008

The Greatness Of God

How does one fathom the greatness of God?
There is no ruler or standard or rod
Which ever could measure His size or His might,
Nor grasp of His wisdom or capture His light.

Yet He bows down to care for our needs,
Seeing our labors and noting our deeds,
Tenderly caring for every detail
Of all that concerns us when we have travail.

How does one measure the size of His love,
Poured out upon us from Heaven above?
What song can we sing or offering upraise
Which ever will bring a high-enough praise?

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable."
Psalm 145:3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Be On Alert

Facade and deception are "slippery" as oil
And God's ordained plans will subtlely foil.
Facade is not truth and covers intent
To have it's own way, whatever it's "bent".
Deception is crafty and fools many folk
And blinds them to truth with it's charm and false cloak.

May scales fall from eyes and discernment increase,
Lest lies and deception our well-being fleece.
For God will ordain His very best plan
And by heart-felt prayer these evils will ban.
He hears our cries that truth will be spoken
And honors our prayers, lest we should be broken.

People who pray can break through this cloud
Which unthinking people have wrongly allowed.
Let all facts be known and righteousness sown.
Let us see through sham and our minds sharply hone
To rightly divide the "message" we hear.
God gives us answers... in Him truth is clear!

"His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, September 24, 2008

True Rest

When you're anxious or just tired
And feel you're up against a test,
You seem to labor and to toil...
Jesus says, "Just rest."

You may stumble or may fall
Or circumstances may detest.
Life's negatives can overwhelm,
But Jesus says, "I'll give you rest."

Jesus Christ will heal your wounds
And soothe you when you're sorely pressed.
He is able to bring peace.
In Him you'll find enduring rest.

"Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him..."
Psalm 37:7 KJV

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

The Little Things

It often is "the little things"
That speak of who we are
And not the "great and obvious"
Which stand out from afar.

When love is tucked within our hearts
It speaks in "tiny" ways
And reaches out with bright finesse
To brighten others' days.

So when we add "that extra touch"
To everything we do,
We can bless another soul,
And we will be blessed too.

"Love is kind..."
I Corinthians 13:4 NKJ

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, September 22, 2008

The Holy Place

The Holy Place.....

That place of sanctuary where every whisper of my heart can be shared with my Lord, and where every whisper is heard.

That place where God's presence and love surround me, and where He awaits my coming.

That place where the communication and the sharings of our hearts together... His heart and mine... bring light and insight and encouragement.

A place set apart from the din and noise and distractions of the day... my hiding place.

A place of wonder.

A place which is so rich and wonderful that time is of no consequence... only the desire to stay and absorb it's beauty.

The Holy Place... a place of unspeakable joy.


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, September 21, 2008

Repentance

Repentance is a turning back...
Away from that which is not right.
For sin and error take their toll
And turn one's life into a fright.

Error often makes one stumble,
Blurring truth with it's sad song.
And having sin and courting it
Brings poor reward... because it's wrong.

Sin is oft deceptive
And will offer up much pleasure,
But it simply isn't worth it.
It brings sorrow in huge measure.

Repentance is the answer
As the path to higher ground...
A way to joy and freedom
From the chains which keep one bound.

"The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance."
II Peter 3:9 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, September 20, 2008

Prayer For Healing

Lord, let Your precious healing flow.
Wash and make us white as snow.
Take our aching and our pain.
Restore us and strong health ordain.

Keep us "fixed" as days go by.
Increase our faith as we draw nigh.
Lend to us Your mighty power
To overcome in trial's hour.

For we are able by Your might
To travel through the dark of night
And rise triumphant with the morn
As we on angels' wings are borne.

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust..."
Psalm 91:4 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, September 19, 2008

Pure Gold

God's Word is as gold...
It never grows old
And speaks down through time
In rich paradigm.

Unchanging and true,
In lives it will hew
A pathway of glory
And tell a bright story.

To people and nations
It offers foundations
Upon which to build,
Whether skilled or unskilled.

His Word speaks today
And is a strong "stay",
A very blessed Guide...
A place to abide.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, September 18, 2008

A Beacon Of Light

In someone's life you may be a beacon,
The sole ray of light which they can see,
The only thread of life and hope
To which they cling precariously.

You may be the pillar of strength
Which lends them courage to go on.
Your strength and light will buoy them up
When they are feeling lost and wan.

If some days you ponder
Whether what you do has worth,
That might be the very day
On which your life gave birth...

To help a crushed and hurting soul
Find strength in which to stand
And in a very desperate time
To not let go God's hand.

Never question anything
That God would have you do.
You may be the chosen one
Whom He is working through.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

In His Hand

Why do we worry about where and how God places us? If we are in His hand, we are well cared for!

God does not just set us down and then forget about us for a time, but He keeps an eye on our position and our welfare at all times. His attention is focused on us and on the way He can most bless us. He goes before us to prepare our path. He brings substance out of nothingness, and He makes us to be ever so much more than we thought we could be.

The design He has for each life is much greater than what we can see or grasp. In Him we are enabled to fulfill commissions larger in scope than our own thinking could comprehend.

He may place us in a variety of situations over time... for learning, for "exposures" to certain circumstances, to gain insights... all the time using every aspect of our experience to lovingly shape us into that vessel He had in mind. We now only see a portion of His overall plan, but as we rest in His hand, in faith, His sovereign plan will unfold before our very eyes.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Autumn's Flare

Autumn paints with brilliant flare
To dress the land in colors bold.
She will pull out "all the stops"
And splash about her red and gold.

She'll celebrate the passing year
In festive manner with her art
And show to us her myriad hues
Before the winter has it's start.

Autumn leaves a special warmth
To cheer us on in days to come
And then she quietly withdraws
As winter starts to play it's drum.

"O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!"
Psalm 8:9 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, September 15, 2008

Forgiving Hearts

The sting of words ill-spoken
Sometimes cannot be erased.
They speak the heart's intention
When with bitterness they're laced.

Forgiving hearts speak gentle words
Of kindness, love and peace,
And seek to live in such a way
That hate and strife will cease.

Forgiveness daily is the key
To health and smiles and cheerfulness.
It heals and soothes the aching heart
And drives away all fearfulness.

Ill-spoken words forgotten
Can no longer issue pain.
As forgiveness has it's way
It comes as soothing rain.

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Being A Friend

Many people need a friend,
An angel unawares,
Just to help them through the day
Or know that someone cares.

A little lady came to me.
Her eyes were filled with tears.
She was weary from abuse
And had so many fears.

In her body she was aching,
Her emotions were worn down.
As she talked I understood
Why she sometimes wore a frown.

She is one of many folks
Who carry burdens every day.
These are those who need a friend
To bring encouragement and pray.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Changing Times

A Prophecy

The seasons are changing. We cannot turn back, for the old season is gone.

The new season will bring challenges and opportunities, and those who try to linger in the old season will not be able to keep up. Move forward. Keep pace with this timing.

Be expectant. Expect to see the goodness of God... accomplished in the mist of confusion. Watch to see His hand moving in miraculous ways to hold back the tide of darkness. Listen for His voice in the quiet times. Be "quickened" by the power of the Spirit, and when things do not appear to be well, you shall be well in Him.

Be expectant. Rejoice in Him!

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, September 12, 2008

Remember Jesus

Remember Jesus... take Him with you.
He will change and make you new.
You will see with brand new eyes
And more and more will realize...

That He has answers for each day,
Every hour... in every way.
Meditate upon His Word.
Let your mind and heart be stirred.

His perspective will not fail.
It's always right... and never "stale".
Remember Jesus every day.
In His shadow always stay.

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, September 11, 2008

Gladness In Him

The joy of the Lord
Brings smiles and gladness
To offset life's trials
And shield us from sadness.

His joy is our strength
Through thick and through thin,
For He gives us courage
And peace deep within.

We can rise up
From pain and despair
And conquer our challenges
By faith and prayer.

He is our sunshine
For times which are "grey".
He is our source
Of joy for each day.

"...For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, September 10, 2008

How To Win

If we want to win a prize
We should study to be wise.
For diligence to small detail
Will soon add up to good avail.

Every 'contest" will have rules,
And we may need to gain some tools
With which to reach our treasured goal
And then be worthy to enroll.

When we're willing to prepare
And wrap our goals with constant prayer,
Then we're ready deep within
And God will prosper us to win.

"I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 3:14 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, September 09, 2008

Be Still

When your day is "off and running"
With many quotas to fulfill,
Your stack of work is waiting
And some "battles" are uphill...
Be still.

Keep your spirit quiet,
Don't let "schedule" make you ill.
Ask the Lord to give you peace
And strengthen you until...
You're still.

Draw upon His steadiness.
Your spirit He'll refill.
He will take you through your day
And add to you His skill...
Be still.

"Be still, and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, September 08, 2008

The Favor Of God

The ways of God are greater
Than we can comprehend.
His far-surpassing wisdom
Our own thinking will transcend.

But as we trust His guiding hand
And follow in His ways,
He will give us vision
In the coming months and days.

To walk in His great wisdom
Will cleanse us deep within
And set our feet upon a path
Which causes us to win.

Prosperity and safety
Will be found beneath His hand.
The favor of Almighty God
Is that which helps us stand!

"Pray without ceasing..."
I Thessalonians 5:17 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, September 07, 2008

A True Friend

It's wise to be careful
When choosing a friend,
Asking the Lord
Someone "true-blue" to send.

For friends that WE make
And the friends we would keep
Might not bring us joy
And may cause us to weep.

For God looks at hearts
And will make us aware
Of those who aren't right.
He guards us from error.

So we should be careful
To not make mistake,
For friends will influence
Life-choices we make.

"Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful."
Psalm 1:1 KJV

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart: and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, September 06, 2008

An Exciting Journey

Lord, as I seek to follow You
Then I won't miss all I should do.
Your potential which is in me
Then will blossom and be free.

For my life You have design,
And every day You will define
All the steps that I should take
And preparations I should make.

As I follow carefully
And daily seek You prayerfully
My life will be exciting.
Each new day will be inviting.

So I am on a daily quest
To find Your plan and do my best.
Then I'll be all I can be
And will fulfill Your plan for me.

"Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments."
Psalm 119:73 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, September 05, 2008

A Ready Heart

Lord, every day is fresh and new,
With chance to do some thing for You,
A brand-new opportunity
To shine in our "community".

"Community" might mean "our street",
A stranger or a friend to greet,
Or maybe be the corner store
Or the one who lives next door.

"Community" might be at home
Where little children play and roam.
It might be in our own back yard,
Or places where we've not tried hard.

Every day we can make choice
Encouragement and cheer to voice.
We only need a ready heart
The love of Jesus to impart.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, September 04, 2008

A Happy Book

If I could write a book to read
I think I'd "plant some happy seed".
I'd fill it's pages with good cheer
And make all sorrow disappear.

Laughter is a healing balm
Which soothes the soul and makes us calm.
Happiness is pleasant treasure,
Bringing warmth in plenteous measure.

I would pen words of delight
To make the heart feel glad and bright.
Joy and laughter offset sorrow
And lift our hearts to face the morrow.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, September 03, 2008

Many Voices

There are many voices in the land
But only one that matters.
When we heed the voice of God
All "darkness" flees and scatters.

Who can stand before our God
And think that he is right?
Oh, how sad the state of man,
How pitiful his plight.

He with insight will entreat
The favor of Almighty God
And ever seek His wisdom
For each step his foot must trod.

Society has changed it's "views"
But truth and justice still will stand.
God is great in power and might...
We need the blessing of His hand.

"The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding."
Proverbs 9:10 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, September 02, 2008

God's Riches

Man struggles and labors and works to be rich
And thinks by so doing he'll find his own "niche".
But money and riches may all flee away,
And that which he clings to his soul will betray.

True riches are found as we honor the Lord.
It is He Who will prosper and bring us reward.
We, of ourselves, cannot build a "tower".
We simply don't have the might or the power.

As we seek His "riches" He'll meet every need.
He'll pour out His blessings to help us succeed.
The blessings He gives can't be robbed away.
These are rich treasures which will not decay.

"Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:20-21 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, September 01, 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