A Happy Child

The giggles and fun of a child's delight
Seem to wash away "gray" and make the day bright!
How much we can learn from a sweet little child,
Whose view about life is so gentle and mild.

His spirit is fresh and his mind is not clouded.
His life with worry and stress are not crowded.
When he runs and he plays he is "free as a breeze".
He inspires me to hear and see as he sees...

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Time To Consider

...A time to consider the needs all around us,
To share and to give to those who have less.
For something good happens way deep down inside us
Whenever we reach out and "caring" express.

Giving births hope and shows someone cares
To those who are hurting and may be hard-pressed.
We do not know how others may suffer,
But be reassured that they will be blessed.

God multiplies the resource we have
Each time we remember that some have it rough.
Helping another is good for the soul,
And always we'll find we have more than enough.

"(Charge them) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous of heart, ready to share (with others)."
I Timothy 6:18 Amplified Bible

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Prudence

"Prudence" is an old-fashioned word,
One which young people may not have heard.
Oh, how we need more prudence today
And good common sense lest we go astray.

Prudence would say, "Use caution and care."
"Of hasty decisions we should beware."
Discretion and forethought are really good tools
To keep us from error and acting as fools.

Prudence says "watch", and sometimes says, "wait",
To make sure we're on a path which is straight.
Prudence has practical wisdom to give,
And when we listen will change how we live.

"The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going."
Propverbs 14:15 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Each New Day

I cannot greet the gift of dawn
Unless I've greeted Jesus first.
For when I wake in early morn
My heart and soul are quite athirst...

To read His Word and hear His voice,
To have the joy that He would give,
To know what He would speak to me
That I triumphantly might live.

He would not have us walk in pain,
Dragging through each weary hour,
But to overcome through Him,
By His might and strength and power.

The more I seek Him, He is there
To guide my day and make me whole.
His voice is like a waterfall,
Cascading through my heart and soul.

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall contiinually be in my mouth."
Psalm 34:1 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Orderliness

When we have order and discipline in our lives there is more room for God to work...

Even as it is easier to start a project on a table which has been cleaned off, it is easier for the Lord to present new "projects" or ideas to us when we are prepared and ready and don't have a backlog or pile-up cluttering up our time and space and thinking.

He will show us how to simplify the complex and to sort out the unnecessary from the necessary. He will show us how to pare down our belongings and ideas and time concepts to a workable size so that we are not encumbered by too heavy a load.

What a blessing, when the Lord has something for us, to be able to move right into what He gives us and not have to deal with thought patterns that hinder, unreadiness, or "too much stuff". There is no organization like that which the Lord will give us. For though we may give up much (seemingly), our "gain" and freedom will be ever so much more than we could have anticipated.

"For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace..."
I Corinthians 14:33 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heart Full Of Joy

A heart full of joy wants to "laugh, smile and sing"
And to negativity never will cling.
For laughter is healing and will not "look down".
It just won't complain or grimace or frown.

If circumstance crumbles, it counters with hope.
It rests in God's grace and will not just mope.
In joy there is strength... enough for each day.
Encouragement follows and fears will allay.

It really is better to laugh through our woes,
For what good can come from resting in "lows"?
God gives us peace and helps us to say,
"I will look up and choose joy this day!"

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

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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace In The Storm

When destruction would tend to lie at the door
And you're asking yourself, "O God, how much more?
I'm hurting so much and I'm just very weary.
Is there one thing about which to be cheery?"

May God be your strength in the midst of the storm.
May He carry you through and His wonders perform.
No sea which is troubled is too large for Him,
E'en though the outlook would seem to be dim.

He is able to lift you from seas which o'erwhelm,
To rescue and guide you and be at the helm,
To help you find balance and stand strong again,
To prosper and bless you. Amen and amen!

"Peace, be still..."
Mark 4:39 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Artistry

God has a palette of colors and hues,
Beautiful shades from whcih He will choose,
To color our lives with beauty and flair,
To bless us with riches, unusual and rare.

His are the colors, we are His art.
He "paints" us with beauty and sets us apart
For His special purpose and holy design.
It is HIS artwork that makes us to shine.

"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
Psalm 100:3 KJV

"But know that the Lord hath set apart him that is godly for himself..."
Psalm 4:3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Living For Jesus

Lord, You are welcome in my heart,
In every "room", in every part.
Dwell within me... this I pray.
Direct my footsteps day-to-day.

Heal my "failings, save my soul.
Fill my spirit, make me whole.
Shape me by Your gentle hand
To be the person You had planned.

As I walk the path You give
Daily show me how to live,
That I might share Your precious light
And be for You a message bright.

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Acts 16:31 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Treasure Store

The faithful man of God
In righteousness will walk.
The conduct of his heart
Is reflected in his talk.

Wisdom and discernment
Form an excellence which shows.
He is richly filled
With a joy that overflows.

His strength is found in God
As he reads the Word and prays.
He takes to heart God's leading
And in close communion stays.

How beautiful the life
Of a man who serves the Lord,
For he has boundless riches.
God's treasures there are stored.


"But his 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 1:2-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Going Too Fast

When I'm "stuck" in racing mode
And need to have my thinking slowed,
Then I feel the Father's prod,
"Be still and know that I am God."

What sweet soothing from the Word,
Deep within my spirit heard,
Bringing me a sense of calm
As a wondrous, healing balm.

I am helped and am at peace
Because I've found His sweet release.
Whene'er I need Him, He is there
To slow me down and give me care.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Prayer For Our Nation

Let righteousness and truth prevail.
Let sin and greed and evil pale.
For those burdens which we bear,
We beseech You, Lord, In prayer.

Give us wisdom day and night.
Let our beacon e'er shine bright.
Lord, we need Your mighty power
To guard us in this crucial hour.

Guide our leaders, one and all.
Let them always hear Your "call".
Our great strength lies in Your hand.
By Your mercies we will stand!

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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Instant "Fix"

We have instant everything...
From food to photo pix,
So when we get in trouble
Then we want an instant fix!

It may not be that easy
Just to find a quick repair.
We may need to spend some time
In quiet thought and prayer.

The problem may be rooted
In an attitude or "view",
A blind spot or a need to learn
Why things have gone "askew".

A hurried "fix" may not be best
Or bring a good solution.
Fixes may take time to heal
For peaceful resolution.

"Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
Psalm 27:14 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Fresh New Page

The new year is a fresh new page
Upon which we may write.
As we pray to find direction
God will fill it with His light.

We don't need to wonder
What it's monthly plans will hold.
He will guide our every step
And bless us manyfold.

As we fill it's pages
With His heavenly design,
The book we write will have much worth,
Reflecting Jesus in each line.

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Workmanship

When we serve God in our everyday lives
We often may wonder just what He is doing.
We sometimes can't see the scope of His plan
Or don't understand what "gold" is accruing.

For "service" may even seem "dull" day-by-day
And may have appearance with not much import.
But nothing is lost in God's overall plan.
If we wait on Him, we'll not come up short.

He always will further His best plans for us
And lead us up mountains which we might not climb.
In the everyday workings of God in our lives
We can excel to great heights over time.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tiny Trees

Children are as "seedlings"...
As tiny growing trees,
With tender, spreading boughs
Swaying in the breeze.

With nurture they will grow strong roots,
With trunk and limb of swelling size.
And they will grow in inner strength
As of wisdom they apprise.

As they grow in stature
And mature into strong trees,
They'll give shade or bear good fruit.
Their lives will surely please.

In every season of their growth
Each tree will be a blessing.
And by the nature of their lives
God's praise will be expressing.

"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

Angel Prayers

Prayers sent on angel wing
Peace and love will softly bring.
Gentle as the morning dew,
These sweet prayers make all things new.

Friendship prayers from the heart
Cause earthly problems to depart.
These are blessings flowing out
Like a healing waterspout...

To bring refreshing from above
And touch us with the Father's love.
I'm sure glad for friendship prayers.
It makes me know an "angel" cares.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sparkling Clean

Dust collects quietly.... and without fanfare. And at first it isn't apparent. But then when things begin to feel grimy we realize, "Oops! I need to start cleaning!" So we dust or wash away all it's traces to make everything sparkle and shine again.

This is what happens to us daily as we are dealing with people and situations. In our spirits there is a "coating" or "clogging up" which happens, and it rests there as a layer, or sometimes even as a barrier. It makes us dull and prevents us from being on the cutting edge spiritually.

As we spend time in the presence of the Lord and in the Word and in prayer, the Lord will "polish" us up and make us sparkling clean. He cleanses away the dust of daily living, and we are free in the Spirit to be and do our very best!

"Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow..."
Psalm 51:7 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Scrapbook Of Memories

A scrapbook of memories is fun to review.
It brings back reminders of good times we knew.
It's pages have captured events in our lives.
Our life is stored in it's paper archives.

But the scrapbook has pages which are not yet filled
Which offer excitement and new ways to "build".
The best pages wait for ideas and thought
Which have not yet come but need to be sought.

May your scrapbook be filled with beauty and worth
And burst at the seams with unending mirth.
May goodness and service fill all of your days
And your pages record events which amaze.

You'll be surprised at what Jesus can do...
So much more than you thought could come true.
In Him you will have excitement and fun,
And your scrapbook will say, "Just look what He's done!":

"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

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Warm Touch

Neighbors come and neighbors go,
But some we never get to know.
We don't know the heavy cross
Which some may carry... or the loss.

But we can bless them by our prayers
And let them know that someone cares.
We can be a ray of hope
To those who cannot seem to cope.

Some may only need a smile
To help them go an extra mile,
Just to know they're not alone,
Because of friendship we have shown.

The world is harsh and cold for some,
But warmth we show may be the "crumb"
To perk them up and bring them joy...
A shining light and needed buoy.

"The light of the eyes rejoiceth the heart: and a good report maketh the bones fat."
Proverbs 15:30 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Not Meant To Judge

People make much error
When they chance to judge another.
Only God discerns the heart
Within a friend or brother.

Well-meaning "friends" oft pray amiss
Because they think they know
Just what the other person needs,
Then condemnation sow.

Unless we ask the Lord for help
In knowing what to pray,
We cannot bring encouragement
Or say what God would say.

Opinions just don't matter,
And perceptions may have flaw.
We need to see through eyes of love
And judgment should withdraw.

"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again."
Matthew 7:1 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Breathe On Me

Breath of God... breathe on me.
Impart new life and set me free
From earthly mindsets in my day
Which bog me down and bring dismay.

Breathe on me, Your truth bestow,
And holy inspiration show.
Heavenly thoughts will give me vision
And bring to me a fresh precision.

Breathe on me, sweet Breath of God,
And heal the weary steps I've trod.
For when I have Your overview,
Every day is fresh and new.

"The spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life."
Job 33:4 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Staying On Target

It is wise to measure
How much we do each day
And not to fill our days so full
That we don't even weigh...

The end result of "much ado"
And how it takes a toll.
If we do this long enough
We seem to lose control.

When we are propelled along
By schedule and demand,
The goals we should be working on
Are lost and will not stand.

It's wise to take some time each day
In quietness and thought
To contemplate all that we do
And focus as we ought.

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

"It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep."
Psalm 127:2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Made New

When Jesus lifts the weight of sin
And washes us deep down within,
We are freed to rise and soar
To heights which we've not known before.

Chains of bondage fall away
When we give Jesus place to stay.
Every day is fresh and new
As He transforms us through and through.

Joy and laughter have increase
As He brings hope and love and peace.
Jesus waits to hear us say,
"Come into my heart today."

"And they said, Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house."
Acts 16:31 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Heroes

There are special people
Who really show they care.
They reach out and encourage
With a smile or with a prayer.

They may not even realize
How much they've "spurred you on"
Or how much strength they've lent to you
When life was looking wan.

Their example or their kindness
Then became a stepping stone
To reach a higher plane in life
And realize you weren't alone.

These are God's true heroes.
They live their lives for others.
They don't seek recognition...
Not from strangers, friends or "brothers".

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Moles

Moles are funny critters,
And they give my lawn man jitters.
When he makes the yard look neat
The moles come through and cause defeat.

We don't know they're there until
They surface and they make a "hill".
They root around and make a mess...
A problem which we must address.

People's lives can be like this
When situations are amiss.
Problems hidden deep within
Can surface and expose deep sin.

Wisdom says to root sin out
And not to leave a room for doubt.
For sin is like a hidden mole
Which burrows deep within the soul.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I John 1:9 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Strong Army

O God, Your power we need in this hour.
Of Your Holy Spirit we need a fresh shower.
Fill us anew and raise us up strong
To overcome evil and heal what is wrong.

As warriors we march to conquer new ground.
In battle Your sword of truth is profound.
Weak though we are, in You we are able
To march in great strength, for you make us stable.

We are Your soldiers... to march through the land,
To conquer what's lost and take a strong stand.
We are victorious by Your power and might
To march as an army and fight Your good fight.

"Through God we shall do valiantly: for he it is that shall tread down our enemies."
Psalm 60:12 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Is Our Help

When money is short and we feel "the pinch",
When progress is slow and moves "inch by inch",
We are then challenged to dig deep within,
To ask for God's wisdom on how best to "win".

These are those times in which we can grow
And ask God His patience and insights to show.
He will give answer, our thinking will change,
And all that we do He may rearrange!

He brings solutions which we may not see
To strengthen and guide us and help set us free.
We can meet challenge with Him by our side.
He is safe shelter in which to abide.

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me."
Psalm 63:7-8 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Minding Mom

When my son was six years old I had reason one evening to bring correction to his behavior. He was playing with several children in the yard but was playing too vigorously, and I didn't want any of the children to get hurt. After a couple of "warnings" I called him in, thinking he needed to sit down for a few minutes. He had been in "race mode".

In an effort to "slow him down" I asked him to sit and write ten times, "I will mind my mother." This is what he wrote:

"I am going to mind my mother.
I'm going to mind my mom.
I am going (to) mind - I really am.
I am going to mind - really.
I'm going to mind from now on.
Mom, I going to mind.
I am going to mind my mother.
I'm going to mind anyone.
I'm going to mind.
I'm going to mind my Dad."

His creativity was hilarious, but after this exercise he was willing to listen to me and he played very nicely with the other children.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Year's Prayer

Let peace and good will within us be birthed.
Let all of our days have merit and worth.
In all of our actions let time be redeemed
And through us God's kingdom be highly esteemed.

Let us bring love where discord has been
To help restore joy and peace once again.
Let us bring healing to one who is down
Or offer a smile to counter a frown.

In some little act of kindness each day
Let us be envoys God's love to convey.
Let us be ready to walk in God's grace
And His precious leading to always embrace.

"...On earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:14 KJV

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

IN THE QUIET PLACE

In the quiet place,
In the still and the serene,
The presence of the Lord shines forth.
His beauty there is seen.

The depth of His great love is felt.
He reaches deep within,
And we can know His bounteous grace
For all our error and sin.

The touch of His sweet Spirit
Is as gentle as the dew.
His tender, loving presence
Will heal and make us new.

He adds to us His quietness...
The still and the serene,
And we are changed and blessed
When His beauty we have seen.

"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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf