Taste And See

God "seasons" our lives with laughter and tears
And "sprinkles" His wisdom throughout all our years,
That we might be filled with heavenly "flavor"
And offer "good news" for others to savor.

He sets a table and bids us to come.
His "fare" is gourmet - even each crumb.
We have rare privilege to dine in His presence
And taste of His goodness in prayer and in reverence.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Sees The Heart

Outward appearance can sure be a sham
And cause folks to not know just who I am,
But God sees through this and looks on the heart.
I cannot fool Him with clothing or art.

And what's in the heart will speak through the tongue
And cause my "facade" to be all unstrung.
I can't pretend... it wouldn't make sense.
Before our great God, there is no "defense".

So I will check my actions each day,
Using God's wisdom, lest I go astray.
I want to please Him in action and deed
But sure need His help if I'm to succeed!

"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

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."
James 3:8 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Thanksgiving Chorus

All honor to our God and King!
Let harp and horn and chorus ring!
Let worship rise in joyful sound!
Let voices blend and hymns abound!

Our God is great and to be praised.
His name is worthy to be raised.
Joyous adoration bring!
In heaven and earth let praises ring!

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
Psalm 100:1-2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

HIS NAME IS HIGH

We are surrounded by good and by plenty.
God meets our needs in miraculous ways!
Let us be mindful of His glorious bounty
And lift up a song of thanksgiving and praise..

His name is high... above any other...
Worthy of honor and reverence and praise.
Let us lift up our hearts and hands
And to our great God celebration raise!

"I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear therof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."
Psalm 34:1-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving brings reminder of God's abundant blessing,
And pilgrims coming from afar, their love of God expressing.
They did not quit or "give up ship" because of hardship's "press",
But stood for freedom valiantly, enduring constant stress.

The first few years were bleak and hard... they paid a very high cost,
And as they suffered in the cold, precious lives were lost.
They labored and stood firm in faith, believing in their cause,
Planting seeds for this great nation... We give them applause!

Thank You, God, for those dear folk who came upon our shore.
The memory of who they were we never should ignore.
They gave up all they had and knew to worship and be free.
Help us be as strong as they... Help us, Lord, to see!


Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms."
Psalm 95:2 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Thanksgiving Memory

At Thanksgiving I always think of Margie...

Margie was a senior citizen in my neighborhood who lived with her daughter and children. But they didn't get along, so Margie moved out into a low-income apartment around the corner.

I knew she didn't have much, but always when I saw her she was cheerful. She fixed her hair, had her make-up on, dressed in bright, pretty colors, and she was very pleasant to talk with. One day she mentioned to me that every night for dinner she had two tacos. It was all she could afford, but she felt that tacos had protein, vegetables and starch, so that was her best choice.

When time drew near to Thanksgiving I inquired of her, "Are you going to have dinner with your children?"

She replied, "No, they didn't invite me. But if I could, I would cook a turkey breast and invite my girl friend to come have dinner. We have such a good time together!"

As I went home and thought this over, I knew I wanted to surprise her. I went to the store and bought a turkey breast, potatoes, stuffing mix, yams and everything she would need for her meal with her firend. I took my full grocery sacks to her door and knocked. When I told her the bags were for her she peaked in, and then her face filled with joy. She was very excited... and showed it.

She didn't need to speak a word. "Thank you" was written all over her.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Brightening Someone's Holiday

There are folks I know,
And I wonder where they go
At the holidays and such....
Or if they will have much.

It causes me to think,
"Will they have a warming drink
Or a meal to satisfy
When poverty draws nigh?"

If we will just ask,
God will show us some small task
In which we could take part
To cheer another's heart.

For one who is alone,
Some act of love we've shown
Might bring some needed light
And serve to make things bright.

"Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so even to them..."
Matthew 7:12 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

New Clothes

The rich lady wanted to buy some new clothes.
As she sat and pondered just what she should buy
A little old man came and sat by her side.
When she shared her problem, he simply said "Why?"

"I know someone who will clothe you with beauty.
If you will trade Him for what you now wear,
He will provide for you much better garments
Which will be lovely and beyond compare.

"You cannot buy these, for they will be free.
If you come to know my very best friend,
He will adorn you with garments of praise
And a dress white as snow of fine linen blend.

"Your feet will be shod with the Gospel of Peace.
Wisdom and righteousness will be your crown.
Your clothes will be radiant and worthy of honor.
Through Him you'll have place in Heav'nly renown."

She gave some thought to the words she had heard...
"Who was this person who offered new clothes?"
The little man shared about Jesus, his friend,
And how she'd would wear "gold" if His way she chose.

Earthly belongings had not brought her joy,
So she asked his friend to come live in her heart.
She had met Jesus... She had the BEST friend,
And knew that His riches would give her new start.

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels."
Isaiah 61:10 KJV

"And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white..."
Revelation 19:8 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Many Stars

Myriad stars are sprinkled
In the quietness of night
And decorate the heavens
By their gentle, twinkling light.

The stars seem e'er so far away,
Suspended in the sky.
We see them with pure wonder
And their beauty can't deny.

The mystery of the universe,
Hand-formed by our Creator
Is splashed with rich expression
Of a loving decorator!

As many as the stars of night...
The works which He has done...
To bless us each and every day
Since time was first begun.

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


© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

EGO

"Ego" is a little word,
But oft it's size is quite absurd.
It pats itself upon the back
And of graciousness has lack.

It boasts and grins and thinks it's wise.
It's much too big for it's own size.
Ego can get one in trouble
When someone comes and "pops it's bubble".

Ego's house is built on sand
And in a wind storm will not stand.
Ego needs to seek firm ground.
Humility is much more sound!

"Love is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride)."
I Corinthians 13:5 Amplified Buible

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friendship's Warmth

Fellowship and conversation
Bring us smiles and warm the heart.
What a blessing to have friends
Of whose lives we can be part.

As we share our special thoughts
In sweet exchange we stretch and grow.
The joy we find in one another
Will rest in memory with warm glow.

Thank You, Lord, for all my friends,
Young and old, far and near.
Each one is a treasured gift
And each one is so very dear.

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

"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."
Proverbs 27:9 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

More Time To Play

A Children's Poem

The more I have and store and keep,
The more I have to clean and sweep.
Some days my toys are in a heap.
This problem makes me want to weep!

If I give some things away
I might have more time to play.
Clean-up time I spend each day
Would then be shorter. Yay! Hooray!

Because my room won't look so bad
I could then please Mom and Dad.
Extra play time this would add...
And THAT would really make me glad!

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In Him We Are Able

God is the measure of what we can do
When we trust in Him and His tenets pursue.
He gives us guidance and far-reaching vision,
Then helps us to prosper with strength and precision.

He is the "oil" in the gears of our lives.
It is through Him that "well-being" thrives.
He is the Rock on Whom we may build
And then know our plans will all be fulfilled.

He keeps us ready and balanced and stable.
When we face challenges our God is able
To guard and protect us from going astray.
He is our power and might for each day.

"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust."
Psalm 91:1-2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Vine And The Tree

Said the tree unto the vine,
"Why do you lean on me?
You should grow your own strong trunk,
Not wrap around a tree!"

Said the vine unto the tree,
"I can't grow tall alone,
So if I cling to you
I'll get up where I am known!"

Tree
But you smother and take over
And my branches cannot breathe!
I need to grow up tall and
I don't like the way you wreathe!

"Therefore, Vine, I counsel you,
Since you were meant to 'creep'.
I will not let you cling to me.
My mission I must keep.

"It's good to stick to who you are...
A pretty flowering vine.
You have a different purpose,
And it's not the same as mine.

"So as you stay near to the ground
And cover things down low,
You will be seen by many
As you make your flowery show."

"Every purpose is established by counsel..."
Proverbs 20:18 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Remember The Children

Remember the children...
How tender they are.
For how will they prosper?
How will they "star"?

They will need nurture
And guidance to stand,
To really have confidence
For life's demand.

Remember the children...
To pray for each one,
To praise and encourage
And tell them "well-done".

Each little child
Will need lots of love.
Each is a gift
From the Father above.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord."
Psalm 127:3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Brighter Days

We do not know what tomorrow may bring,
But what are we doing to make today great?
It doesn't matter just how we may "feel".
We can't let our fears or emotions dictate.

It's good to think through just how we use time
And start to make effort to change what we do.
Most folks willl find that they can do more
To change life from "dull" to something brand-new.

Then over the years we won't have regrets
And wish that we really had done a lot more.
When we are "doing" we'll be much more happy,
And as time goes by we will have a good score!

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Winds Of Change

When winds of change are blowing
And direction is not clear,
Ask God to be your compass.
To Him stay very near.

He will help you chart your course
And make your footsteps steady.
As you lean upon His arm
He'll make you to be "ready".

While change is never easy
And you sometimes feel afraid,
Leaning on God's arm will be
The best choice you have made.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber. Behold, he that keepeth Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep."
Psalms 121:1-4 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Well Done

Every seamstress knows that her seams will all unravel
If she doesn't tie off threads to make her seams secure.
She must practice diligence in finishing her work
If she wants to make a garment which will wear well and endure.

She has learned a lesson - that details really matter,
And work which is haphazard doesn't meet a final test.
But she can rest in knowing when her work is finely done
That her goal was well-accomplished, for she has done her best.

Always we should strive to work toward excellence and beauty.
In all our daily tasks let us finish with finesse.
Let us bring an offering of quality and worthiness
In honor to our Lord and King, for He would not do less.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Colossians 3:23 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Paintbrush

When God is the artist, the canvas He paints
Has brush strokes of beauty, color and flair.
All that He touches is rich and unique,
Exquisite and fine, worthy and rare.

His paints are full of compassion and love
And laden with joyousness, courage and hope.
He adds His beauty where "landscapes" are bare
With brightness and colors unending in scope.

He gives attention to minute detail
And studies His work... to give it His best.
Our lives are canvas before our great God.
As He does the artwork we truly are blessed.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

"Thank You"

Recently I had a "lunch date" with my son and grandson at Taco Bell Restaurant. While we were there a number of military men came in to have lunch. Now my grandson, Nick, as an eight-year-old boy, has interest in everything military... the camouflage uniforms, the men and especially the Hummers and military vehicles they drive.

While we were there my son took the opportunity to share with Nick how we should always thank the military for serving our country. He wasn't really telling Nick to do it right then, but Nick got up out of his seat, walked across the restaurant to a booth with four servicemen and proceeded to thank them. The men thanked him, and one of the men shook his hand. Nick was not at all shy when he did this. He just took it to heart to do it. I'm sure it touched the men's hearts.

But I was touched also. It is so easy to lead children in the way they should go, and it is so beautiful when they follow in it.

"Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it."
Proverbs 22:6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friendship's Warmth

Fellowship and conversation
Bring us smiles and warm the heart.
What a blessing to have friends
Of whose lives we can be part.

As we share our special thoughts
In sweet exchange we stretch and grow.
The joy we find in one another
Will rest in memory with warm glow.

Thank You, Lord, for all my friends,
Young and old, far and near.
Each one is a treasured gift
And each one is so very dear.

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

"Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart: so doth the sweetness of a man's friend by hearty counsel."
Proverbs 27:9 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Good Old Days

Everyone has fond memories of what they did as children, and children's pastimes have so changed from what they used to be. Here are some of the things I did as a child. This shows how much things have changed over time.

When I was little I played with "pick-up sticks" (made of wood, not plastic); or dolls (that looked like babies); or paper dolls (are these even sold anymore?), or jacks. I remember hanging blankets on our outdoor clotheslines to make a "house" to play in. Boys usually were found playing marbles (do they even do that anymore?)

I had roller skates that clamped on the soles of my shoes, and I had to be careful not to lose the "key" for the skates. Kids played hopscotch or croquet or hide 'n seek, or horseshoes, or jump rope or tetherball. Tire swings were fun too (we don't see those anymore).

Most children were at home with their families at dinnertime. As a family we listened to Dagwood and Blondie or Amos and Andy on the radio and ate lots of popcorn. Families spent more time together.

We didn't have television, fast food, felt pens, portable radios, electronic games, computers, cell phones, or skateboards. And young people often picked berries in summer or delivered newspapers to earn a little money.

I remember soda fountains in drug stores (these were a real treat), and 5-cent ice cream cones at the corner grocery. I used to buy comic books with Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck or Felix the Cat. Also popular were "Big Little Books" of Popeye, Little Orphan Annie or Dick Tracy. These were so fun to collect.

Children spent more time outdoors, read more and were more creative with their time. In memory, those were good years.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Compassion

Compassion for the "hurting"
Is a light within the heart...
A generous gift of mercy,
Love and kindness to impart.

Reaching out to one who's lost
Or lifting one who's just worn out,
Encouraging a fearful soul
Is what this "gift" is all about.

Compassion has a message
Which speaks "There is hope for me"
To one who may be failing
And wants to be set free.

Compassion speaks of Jesus' love
And pierces through the dark of "night",
As a lighthouse on the shore,
Sending out it's healing light.

"Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
I Peter 3:8-9 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Season Of Thankfulness

October is over, November is here...
Season's reminder Thanksgiving is near,
...A time to remember what Thanksgiving means,
Other than "holidays" and "cuisines".

This day was birthed in the hearts of a few
Who came "oh so far" from all that they knew,
Seeking to worship their God and their King,
Searching for freedom His praises to sing.

Suff'ring severely, they did not give up,
Believing each day God would fill their cup.
Thanksgiving then was a time to rejoice.
In glory to God they praised and gave voice.

Let us remember these brave, humble folk.
Their faith and example in us should evoke
Prayers and thanksgiving that freedom still rings
And for all of the bounty which God daily brings.

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
Psalm 95:2-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Praying For Our Country

Joining hands where'er we are,
With those close by and those afar,
Working toward a common goal
With unity of heart and soul...

Looking to a greater cause,
Gazing up and giving pause,
To reflect on where we've been
And pray together for all men...

Marching as a single force,
Staying on a God-giv'n course,
Leaving imprints strong and bold
As have patriot men of old.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

We Need You, LORD

We need You, Lord, so very much.
We need Your gentle, healing touch.
Wash and cleanse us from sin's stain,
Lest our lives be spent in vain.

Guide our footsteps day-by-day.
In our lives we give You sway.
Teach us, Lord. Our lives renew,
For all our hope is found in You.

"Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 139:23-24 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Prayer For Our Nation

A tired people, worn and weary,
Praying, standing.... in travail.
Hear our prayer and heal our nation.
Let truth be known and light prevail.

Protect our country, we beseech Thee,
Help us stand and not make error.
As darkness threatens to destroy us,
Strengthen us and hear our prayer.

Guide our leaders, keep them strong.
Let them seek to know Your way,
May they always use Your wisdom
Every hour throughout the day.

Quench the fires of hate and turmoil
Stirred within by evil men.
Help us, Lord, to work together,
In Jesus' Name we pray, Amen.

"Therefore, I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men,
for kings and all who are in authority, that we may lead a
quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and reverence."
I Timothy 2:1-2 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Too Many Voices

When words and din disturb my peace
I seek the Father's face.
I know I will hear clearly
Whene'er I give Him "place".

His presence stills my flitting thoughts
And soothes my racing mind.
He brings me to a place of rest
And helps me to unwind.

He refreshes and renews
So I can see and hear
The truths that He would show to me
And whisper in my ear.

Many voices may confuse,
So I will seek God's voice.
He will give me balance.
In His words I will rejoice!

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."
Psalm 119:165 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Generals

The "generals" in God's army
Are oft not seen or heard,
But they move with power and might
And they stand upon His Word.

These prayer warriors have strong faith
To shatter darkness and bring light.
Immovable in their beliefs
They make God's enemies take flight.

These generals march in unity
Of spirit, mind, and hand-in-hand.
Formidable in strength
They are many in the land.

This army will not waver
In it's stance or in it's cry,
But is waging every battle
With great power from on high.

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

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

When God Shall Speak

Men make plans and have agendas,
Laying out their goals until...
God Almighty lifts His voice.
In that day men will be still.

Knees shall bow and hearts give laud
As things of earth shall fade away.
Best-laid plans which meant so much
Just will not matter in that day.

Who can stand before His might
Or utter wisdom in that hour?
Only worship shall be found
Before His majesty and power.

God will rule and God will reign
In righteousness throughout the earth.
Only that which He would speak
Then will matter and have worth.

"Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen. I will be exalted in the earth."
Psalm 46:10 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf