Daisy-Chains And Clover

As a child I used to spend time at a large, neighborhood park. There were swings and teeter-totters, a merry-go-round and slides... all those things you commonly find in a city park. But the sheer size and space of the park are what stand out in my memory. Every time I went there I had such a sense of freedom. And the lovely, tall evergreen trees provided a canopy of shade on warm days. It was so pleasant.

I remember playing hard and running, then falling down on the cool grass to rest. I loved lying on my back and watching fluffy white clouds floating in the summer sky. I used to make daisy-chains from those tiny white daisies that grow in the grass, and always lookd for four-leaf clovers... with total abandonment as to time. The sheer enjoyment of being there was a gift.

Lord, whan I tend to get stressed or rattled, help me to remember that childhood freedom... and practice it; to slow down, lay aside my cares and to draw upon the beauty You have placed around me.

"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..."
Psalm 23:1-2 KJV

© 2009 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

Wheat

So much we do may simply be chaff,
Except what we do in Jesus' behalf.
As we are wheat and "die" for His cause,
The yield of our lives will draw Heavn's applause.

Kernels of wheat which fall to the ground
Will rise up again as grain more profound.
God multiplies the grain which was sown
As "food" for the multitudes who are unknown.

We may be "planted" again and agin
In service to Him so we may draw men
As laborers into His fields of grain,
Gathering "store" for Heaven's domain.

"Verily, verily, I say unto you, Except a corn of wheat fall into the ground and die, it abideth alone: but if it die, it bringeth forth much fruit."
John 12:24 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Pleasant Thoughts

Delightful things for which I long...
Butterflies and lovely song,
Flowers, birds, and afternoons
Filled with joy and bright balloons.

Light-heartedness and sounds of wings,
Angels' song on silver strings,
Fragrance wafting in the breeze,
Hummingbirds and swaying trees...

Pretty threads and silks and lace,
Bright colors for my eye's embrace,
Stories for my heart's delight,
New ideas to pen and write...

Days of leisure and of rest,
Days to ponder and be blessed,
Time to worship and to pray...
These thoughts are like a huge bouquet.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

With Eagles' Wings

Lord, help me to mount up with wings as the eagle
And soar on a plane which is glorious and regal.
Let the wind of Your spirit swell 'neath my wing,
To lift up and heal me and new strength to bring.

For when I am soaring earth's weights fall away.
The joy which I feel shall worries allay.
In You is all power and glory and might
...Inspiration to rise up and bravely take flight.

I shall not faint, no longer be weary,
And brightness will light the eyes which were teary.
You are my wind and You are my wings.
Deep in my spirit Your sweet promise rings.

"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

Awesome Colors

When I see God's colors, spilled out in rich array,
I feel the love of God all around me on display.
My spirit rises up with joy whene'er I see His touch.
He pours out so much beauty and has given us so much.

I can see God's very heart in every shade and hue,
Painted there by loving hands to bless us... me and you.
What an awesome gift He gave... this brilliant parade...
All the variations of the colors He has made!

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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Finding Balance

You can tell what I like by the things that I "store":
Music and writings and books and much more;
Fabrics and papers and stitchery charts,
CD's and records, paintings and arts.

But more important is Jesus, my Lord.
Without knowing Him, I would simply be bored.
He gives me purpose... I'm in His employ!
He gives me "calling" and fills me with joy.

So that which I do in Him will be first.
For His sweet presence I always will thirst.
He keeps me balanced so I don't lose sight
Of that which is best and that which is right.

"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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Spring's Promise

Spring brings a promise of good things to come,
A blessed relief after winter's "ho-hum".
A season of freshness which sponsors new hope,
Spring cheers us on many new doors to ope.

Spring says, "It's time to get going again,"
And paints pretty pictures where winter has been.
She dresses all nature with color and hue
And offers her brightness to me and to you.

She brings a new energy, spurring us on
To join in her fervor and carry her baton.
For spring holds a message of new life for all,
And she eagerly runs to answer her call.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Potholes And Ruts

Sometimes our lives get stuck in a rut.
We're facing a wall and all doors slam shut.
Or life's bumpy road with potholes is fraught.
We just can't get going as we think we ought!

The potholes and ruts just may be from God
To cause us to change the path which we trod.
Or maybe He's trying to get our attention
To cause us to grow or see new dimension.

Our welfare is safe in the palm of His hand.
We sometimes must grow to meet new demand.
We can move forward while standing in place
If we'll learn from Him and lean on His grace.

"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 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

That Special Touch

When "doing unto others", do you go the extra mile?
Do you do your very best, with intent to make them smile?
People will be blessed when you add a special touch.
In what you do for others, your actions will say much.

A heart turned toward the Lord and filled with gratitude
Reflects it's joy and peace in a happy attitude.
Willingness to work or serve, as done unto the Lord,
Will make unusual impact and strike a pleasant chord.

Sometimes people will "sluff off" in how they do a job.
When they fail to do their best, this work their joy will rob.
But work done with a special touch will bring a happy glow.
Then your faithful service the love of God will show.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and Father by him."
Colossians 3:17 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Is My Strength

If something has knocked the wind from your sails,
Or hope for the future suddenly pales,
Jesus will be there in your situation.
He is the One to rebuild your foundation.

What is before you just may not seem clear,
But He knows your heart and what you hold dear.
He will bring strength and the courage you need
As He carefully guides you in how to proceed.

As you fix your eyes on His purpose for you,
Your weakened foundation He'll start to renew.
He'll cause you to have very strong underpinning.
In Him is your hope for a fresh, new beginning.

"My flesh and my heart fail; but God is the strength of
my heart and my portion forever."
Psalm 73:26 NKJ

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Loving Creator

If God indeed has fashioned us
By His own loving hand,
Then should we not acquaint ourselves
With that which He has planned?

His golden purpose for our lives
Was birthed in fine detail.
When we find His gold within
Our lives will be "full scale".

He knows us in our inner depths
And all our great potential.
He'll make a way for us to learn
Those skills which are essential.

As we walk upon His path
His glorious blessings we will know.
He will take us higher than
We ever thought we'd go.

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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grace For The Humble

Should we walk in pride, we forfeit God's grace,
For pride in a heart His care will displace.
His eye will rest on one who is humble,
Who serves Him in love... one who won't grumble.

To live in His grace and feel His love
Is experience divine from the Father above.
He so wants to bless us. If we will draw nigh
He'll pour out His grace in endless supply.

We cannot know the dangers around us
Or overcome fears which strike and confound us.
But we have His grace to carry us through...
A sweet place of rest in all that we do.

"But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up."
James 4:6 & 10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Don't Forget Prayer

We rush about to make a living
And don't have time for much thanks-giving.
When daily pressures overtake
We really need a prayer break!

For all we have may be as chaff.
We probably don't need but half.
And what we do may not have worth
Or to God's work give any birth.

It is good to oft take stock
So we don't just run out the clock,
Waste our time and come up short
Or do a work of no import.

How we steer our lives will matter.
Let our prayers be more than "chatter".
All our efforts can't compare
To what is done in fervent prayer.

"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

© 2009 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 will 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

An Urgent Prayer

Let the people come into the House of the Lord
And learn from His Word - the two-edged sword.
Let them be armed with power and might
And strength for each day to "fight the good fight"!

Let them rise up and carry Your truth
To all whom they know... adult, child or youth.
Let Your Word go forth as a fire in the land
And the flames of this fire by Your Spirit be fanned!

Jesus is coming! There is a foreknowing
To make sure that sin-debt is paid and not owing.
Urgent the times before us today...
Let all men find Jesus, I solemnly pray.

"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not, the Son of man cometh."
Matthew 24:44 KJV

© 2009 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 frindship 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

Mountains And Valleys

We long to reach "the mountaintop",
To rest and be renewed,
To glory in God's presence
And express our gratitude.

But way down in the valley
There are needs which must be met.
When we reach the mountaintop
Our "friends" we can't forget.

The mountaintop should spur us on
To listen to the cries
Of those down in the valley,
Their needs to recognize...

Voices crying out for hope,
People wanting to be well,
Homeless lining up for food
Or just a place where they may dwell.

We will not be useful
If we stay upon the mountain,
But having reached the top
Our lives become a fountain...

Of encouragement and healing
For a lost and hurting valley.
So as we love and serve there,
To salvation some may rally.

"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me; because the Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted. to proclaim liberty to the captives, to them that are bound; to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, vengeance of our God; to comfort all that mourn; to appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified."
Isaiah 61:1-3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Easter Morn

Oh, that glorious Easter morn
When Jesus triumphed o'er the grave!
He arose in victory
O'er sin and death our souls to save!

What a Savior! What a friend!
The awesome sacrifice He made
Has covered all our sin and error.
Our sin-debt has been fully paid!

The joy we have in Jesus Christ
All Heav'n and earth will ne'er contain.
As King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Through eternity He'll reign!

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Foot Of The Cross

Any and all may come...

A place where all are equal...
A place where one can be transparent...
A safe place...

A place of rest for a weary soul...
A place of release for a broken heart...
A place of comfort for the lonely and the hurting...
A place of redemption from sin and shame...

A new beginning...


THE CROSS

Is our friend...
Is an anchor point in a shaky world...


"Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance 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 has set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 NKJ



© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our Blessed Lord

On the cross Jesus carried the pain of the world.
It whipped at His life like a banner unfurled.
Nothing we know could e'er match His pain,
Nor can we fathom all mankind's disdain.

He loved us so much He walked down this path.
To save us from sin He suffered such wrath.
He chose the cross, accepting it's "cup"
That we through eternity with Him might sup.

Forgive us, dear Lord, should we drive a nail
Or by careless action Your great love assail.
Forgive us, dear Lord, if we bring a thorn
Which might cause another to sin or to scorn.

Never has such love been poured out on man
As that which He gave, but this was God's plan.
All glory be giv'n to the Lamb Who was slain,
Who forever will rule and forever will reign!

"Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen."
I Timothy 1:17 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Nail-Scarred Hands

Jesus walked a lonely road
To die for mankind's "wrong".
The sin for which He suffered
To Him did not belong.

The cross He bore was heavy,
Yet He bore it all alone.
He redeemed us for all time
From sin which was our own.

As we focus on the cross,
Our knee we humbly bow
And pray that we'll not drive a nail
Or place a thorn upon His brow.

His nail-scarred hands reach out to us,
Salvation to impart.
His death is now our gain
As we receive Him in our heart.

"How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God."
Psalm 84:1-2 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heirlooms Of Worth

What heritage can I leave
When my days and hours are spent?
Will the message of my life
Change the world or "make a dent"?

Will the "heirlooms" of my life
Have some value or some worth?
Will the seeds which I have planted
In someone's life give birth?

My prayers are that I will not miss
The doors that God would ope,
To really make a difference,
To bring light and to bring hope.

God brings opportunity
To change the world for good.
I want to leave an "imprint"
And accomplish all I should.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Truth Will Stand

We seem to need a dictionary.
The news we hear is "fiction"-ary!
Society gives us new title
For time-worn issues which are vital.

Morality is watered down.
(We're told we're not supposed to frown).
Babies' lives are caught in "choice",
Never having had a voice.

Men are re-defining "sin".
Godly values are not "in".
Folks are in deception caught,
But flossy language changes naught.

To those who listen to this "chatter",
What they say won't really matter.
Truth is truth and will not bend,
No matter what the latest "trend"!

"Beware, lest any man spoil you through philosphy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily."
Colossians 4:9 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Hears Every Prayer

Jesus listens carefully...
He hears our every cry.
When we call upon His name
He always will draw nigh.

He is faithful... never fails...
To hear our whispered prayer.
He knows prayers we keep within
Which we can't even share.

Resting in His faithfulness
And drawing strength from Him
Brings release we really need
When prospects just seem dim.

As we trust and wait on Him
His answers will come through,
And when He answers He completes
Those things we could not do.

"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."
Psalm 121:1-2 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In Rememberance Of The Cross

It's good to have remembrance
Of the cross and He Who died,
Who gave His life that we with Him
Forever might abide.

The cross for Him was heavy,
And the road He trod was long
As He became redemption
For our sin and for our wrong.

It's good to bow in reverence
And contemplate the cross,
To realize how great His love
So we would not have loss.

Blessed Savior of Mankind,
We offer sweet oblation
Of glory, laud and honor
To express our adoration.

"Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever."
Psalm 145:2 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Springtime's Fun

Springtime blossoms on my tree
Fill my day with smiles and glee,
Dressing up each bare brown limb
With flowers as pretty as a hymn.

After winter's brown and grey,
Springtime seems to smile and say,
"It's time to decorate anew
And paint a sweet bouquet for you!"

She splashes color everywhere
With sweet abandon to declare,
"A bright new season has begun!"
I'm blessed to watch her have such fun!

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Favorite Sport

Our doggy grew old... his eyes were quite dim.
He only could see right in front of him.
While out in the yard he bumped into a cat.
Oh, what delight! How much fun was that!

The cat had come out from under a bush.
The dog "came alive", chasing after her... whoosh!
In earlier days, if cats ventured near,
He barked at them loudly and caused them to fear.

To now chase a cat when he barely could see
Was really a treat... he chased her with glee.
He never did catch one, but relished the chase.
And always the kitty cats would win the race.

Our cat was a "friend", but strange ones were game.
He guarded our turf from all cats who came.
Though his age was twelve and his vision was short,
Chasing a cat was his favorite sport.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Better Then Gold Or Silver

Gather God's wisdom and store it within.
Savor it's riches again and again.
Seek understanding, desire it's prize,
That all of God's goodness you may realize.

Which of the treasures the world has to give
Will strengthen and help us much better to live?
The world cannot offer the tools that we need
Or tender the counsel and "food" to succeed.

Wisdom is priceless and cannot be bought,
And keen understanding should always be sought.
Precious rewards from the Father above...
His constant outpouring to show us His love.

"How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!"
Proverbs 16:16 KJV

© 2009 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 Ar;eme Schwartzkopf