A Tiny Child

A fresh new babe, a tiny light,
Filled with promise oh-h-h so bright.
A work of art, God's sweet creation,
Cause for joyous celebration.

What's more precious than a child
Upon whose life the Father smiled?
A little gift from Heaven above...
A portrait of the Father's love.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward."
Psalm 127:3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Day's Promise

Lord, Here is my heart. Please fill it today
With insight and wisdom and courage, I pray.
Let me respond with worship and praise.
With newness of life let me be ablaze.

Each day has promise... a gift which You give...
A blessed opportunity for me to live.
Help me to grasp the greatness of this
So I will have victory and no portion miss.

You give me challenge, and You set my pace.
As I yield to You I'll rest in Your grace.
Let my day be measured with wisdom and skill,
That all of Your purpose I might fulfill.

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-5 KJV

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Artistry Of God

I see heaven in a flower,
And in a bird's wing see God's power.
Everwhere God's love abounds
In painted beauty which astounds.

Only God could build a "mount"
Or cause a bubbling water fount,
Fill the oceans and the seas,
Or bless us with a gentle breeze.

His artistry in rich array
Blesses us in every way.
All worship be unto His name.
All glory to our God proclaim!

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Times Of Resting

How fast are we going? How fast must we run
To get through the day with everything done?
Is there time to ponder or just sit and think
Of all of God's goodness from which we may drink?

Moments with Him bring times of refreshing
And add good perspective when things are not "meshing".
Not "pausing" with Him may have a sad cost,
As bright new perception could simply be lost.

His wisdom is pleasant and brings us to "rest"
In confidence daily to meet every test.
What sweet dimension in Him can be found!
Our days will be brighter and blessings abound!

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there by any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Season Of Prayer

Heavenly Father....
Make a way for Your people. Let there be a parting of the waters. Let them walk on dry ground and cross over into the promised land for which they have long prayed. Let the needed answers come.

May the people gather in fear and trembling and in reverence and worship before Your throne, but without fear of man. Let them find solace and rest from weariness there, renewal and refreshing in their bodies and new fervor from the Holy Spirit. Let Your people drink and drink of Your life-giving waters, and be changed...
In Jesus' Name.

The Holy Spirit will bring fresh energy to those who gather unto Jesus, who seek to honor and worship Him.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Manna

Gentle manna from the Lord,
Provision for our every need,
Sustenance from heaven above
Our spirit and our soul to feed...

Gift and favor from God's hand,
Benefit in rich supply...
His faithfulness will never fail.
As we wait He will draw nigh.

Manna is divinely given.
We do not know and can't perceive
How it becomes reality,
And yet it comes when we believe.

"And when the children of Israel saw it, they said one to another, It is manna: for they wist not what it was. And Moses said unto them, This is the bread which the Lord hath given you to eat."
Exodus 16:15 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

High Places

In God we have purpose and reach for high goals.
He guides us and helps us to find our true roles.
But each time we think our labors are done
God may have a new work which He has begun.

He stretches and bends us to prosper and grow.
He leads us to dwell where His fresh waters flow.
To be in the center of God's perfect will
Will fill us with wisdom and prayerful skill.

He is the strength and the power and might
Which carry us bravely to breathtaking height.
We need not look back, but always look up.
With His richest blessings He will fill our cup.

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Psalm 18:32-33 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Abide In Him

If circumstance brings troubling toll
And you feel you've lost control,
Turn to Jesus in your need.
Your fondest hopes He will exceed.

That which has you in a bind
In Him will clearly be defined.
With His wisdom as your guide
His peace and stillness will abide.

Safety lies beneath His wing.
To His covering tightly cling.
Whatever challenge comes along,
Though you're weak, He will be strong.

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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Bright Candle

Let me be a candle bright,
A beacon shining in the night,
Reaching out with joy and hope
To save a soul or help one cope.

I may be a tiny link,
But often bigger than I think,
For some may only need my prayers
Or some to know another cares.

Let my beacon ne'er go out
But beam your love and light about.
Through the distance, through the night,
Keep me shining, keep me bright.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Happy Father's Day

A MAN OF GOD

A man to look up to,
A man who stands tall,
Who truly loves God
And gives Him his all...

A man of great kindness,
With heart of pure gold,
Full of much wisdom
And giftings untold.

Grounded in faith
And strong in His walk,
His life is well-lived
And not "idle talk".

Living the Word,
His life is a story
Of truly bright light,
To God be the glory!


© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Rainbow Promises

Rainbows do not grace the sky without a little rain.
(Without some life experience we will have no gain).
When rain clouds sometimes hover o'er and do not go away,
In God's perfect timing we will see a brighter day.

In rain is hidden treasure as we learn to know the Son.
While waiting for the rainbow His precious work is done.
And when the Son breaks through the clouds our eyes will upward turn
To see God's rainbow promise as the "light" for which we yearn.

On the back of every cloud are many rainbows waiting
To be spilled out upon our lives, His promises re-stating.
Graced by Heaven's rainbows, our lives become a story
Of richness from the Father's hand. To Him be all the glory!

"Because he hath set his love upon Me, therefore will I deliver him; I will set him on high, because he hath known My name. 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 I will satisfy him, and shew him My salvation."
Psalm 91:14-16 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Discovering Gold

Gold is often hidden in the plainest one we see.
It's probable we'll pass right by this possibility.
To see gold in another we must learn to "see the heart",
A very special gift which the Spirit will impart.

As we grow more sensitive the Spirit will point out
The hidden gold in others where we may have had some doubt.
Gold is God's rich treasure, sometimes really covered.
When we see through spiritual eyes then it will be discovered.

"...In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:3-4 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In Your Presence

Lord, You are my hiding place,
A sweet oasis in life's race,
Where I may come and drink and live
And find refreshing which You give.

Deep within that secret place
I'm washed in Your amazing grace.
As I bow and worship You,
I am changed to see anew.

Worldly cares grow faint and dim.
I only hear a glorious hymn,
Gently ringing in my soul.
Your presence, Lord, has made me whole.

"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

Charades

We are living in such a serious time...

People are so stretched as they run about to jobs, to school, to family, to sporting events, to meetings, to social gatherings, busily filling every day and week in a flurry of activities. They are caught up in schedules, maybe of their own choosing, or of necessity, or perhaps imposed by others.

But sometimes these activities and schedules can become places of "hiding" from something we need to face or need to do, or from something which would cause change or take us out of our comfort zones. Busyness can become a facade, or a point of pride ("Look at all the things I am doing..."). It is sometimes like "Charades"... a game people play. We may fool those around us, or even fool ourselves for a time, but we can't fool God. Some may be caught in this unwittingly, for it is deceptive. It is an enemy trap to distract God's people.

We are living in a time of urgency. God wants us to break free from any "games" we may be playing. This is a time to re-order our lives in accordance with His tenets and His Word, and to become transparent before Him. He will lead and guide us carefully as we focus on Him and purpose to stay within His covering.

"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 5:16 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Kaleidoscope

Our world is a kaleidoscope
Of yellows, reds and blues,
Painted by a loving God
In endless shades and hues.

God's great artistry gave birth,
In evidence for all to see,
To colors splashed throughout the earth
In endless creativity.

Color is God's special gift,
In constant, bright procession,
...As lovely as a symphony,
His beauteous expression.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Seasons

Are we in touch with God and His seasons,
Sense His direction and perceive His reasons?
Are we in touch with the beat of His heart
And open to Him... a new work to start?

Are we in touch with the sound of His voice
And ready to make whatever His choice?
Do we respond to the move of His hand
To go forth in battle and faithfully stand?

He may come in, our direction to shift.
Wherever the need, His movement is swift.
Whether the seasons be short or be long,
As we move with Him, in Him we'll be strong.

"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him; for they know his voice."
John 10:4 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Constant Care

God promises to light our way.
He leads and guides us day by day.
His lamp shines brightly in the night.
In Him we always will have light.

We have His presence by our side.
We're not alone... in Him abide.
Though troubles come, or flood or drought,
His lamp o'er us will ne'er go out.

More and more I am aware
Just how constant is His care.
His faithfulness and guiding hand
Are more than we can understand.

"For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness."
II Samuel 22:29 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grace Is There For Me

When part of my life starts to come together and I think I have it just right, then usually I find something else I need to work on which is lagging behind. It is in these times that I am especially grateful for grace.

Grace waits until I can catch up.
Grace catches me when I fall.
Grace is gentle and always smiles (probably chuckling at my bumbling attempts at times).
Grace is encouragement when I hit hard bumps along the way.
Grace is always the sufficiency which causes me to win, filling the part of the gap between me and the goal which I, of myself, cannot fill.
Grace does not look at my weakness or inability but waits with joyful expectation.
Grace is as light in the darkness and does not leave me alone.
Grace is an "always" friend.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee..."
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The High Road

If circumstances pull you down,
Take the "high road"... do not frown.
Choose to smile and laugh and pray.
In the doldrums do not stay!

We can bless when others curse,
And past confusion can traverse.
Pleasant words we choose to speak
Can turn the tide when all looks bleak.

We don't need to wail and cry
When to the Lord we can draw nigh.
We can rise above the fray
By staying positive each day.

"Do all things without murmurings and disputings: that ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world."
Philippians 2:14-15 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Resting

The Good Shepherd stands in the midst of the sheep,
And He watches over them... safety to keep.
They do not fret or worry or fuss
Or question His leading, as do some of us.

They are at peace and rest at His side,
For they are dependent on His hand to guide.
We are as sheep, but often don't rest,
And scramble the Shepherd's plans for our best.

We can't run ahead or linger behind,
For sheep without leading are really quite "blind".
The sheep at His side who pay heed to His voice
Have learned how to "rest", and will truly rejoice.

"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
John 10:4 KJV

© 2009 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

Wings To Soar

You are my joy when deep inside I sigh.
You are the wings which enable me to fly.
You are the wind which takes me to new height,
Who sets me in high places and fills me with delight.

You are the fire which deep within me burns
And fills me with a warming flame. For You my spirit yearns.
You are skillful hands when I simply cannot reach.
You become a ready voice when I am lacking speech.

You are mighty power to help me climb a mount,
And when I'm tired or thirsty, You become my fount.
I know in all my frailty that You will give me wing,
Causing me to brightly soar and joyful worship bring.

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him,
and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth;
and with my song will I praise him."
Psalm 28:7 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love And Good News

How blessed the day when we joyfully choose
To carry God's message of love and Good News.
For people need Jesus, His life and His light.
So many are living in darkness and night.

We can plant "fires" of peace and good will
And bring healing touches to those who are ill.
We can speak blessing to those who are sad
And bring seeds of hope to make them feel glad.

Each little gesture we do in His name,
And each little word we speak to proclaim
The Good News of Jesus, His grace and His love,
Will bring great reward from the Father above.

"As it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!"
Romans 10:15 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Little Mama Robin

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

Speaking Blessings

It's easy to love those whose speaking is gentle,
Those who are kind and not temperamental.
But some folks send darts and thorns with their speech,
Intended to impact whomever they reach.

How sad is the state of the heart in these folks.
A thorn brings dissension and wounding provokes.
Hearts full of thorns are truly unhappy,
Fostering speech which can sometimes be snappy.

We need not receive any thorns which are "sent",
But should return blessing to offset "intent".
This won't be easy but keeps us above
The "fracas" which tries to rob us of love.

"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love..."
Proverbs 17:9 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Signs Along The Way

When God gives us signs of "stop" or "beware",
Using good caution will save us from snare.
When we hear Him call, it's good to draw near.
His leading will keep us from error and fear.

He knows what's best and is faithful to guide
When we heed His voice and in Him abide.
What joy to walk with our hand in His hand!
What peace when we follow the path He has planned!

A life set apart for Jesus, our Lord,
Is sure to be blessed with much rich reward.
To follow His lead and follow His voice
Is reason to always sing and rejoice!

"Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies."
Psalm 27:11 KJV

© 2009 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

Who Is Watching?

We may never know who is watching us,
Who pattern their lives on our actions thus.
If we're a "window" which people look through,
Let us be sincere and always true-blue.

Let them see Jesus each time that they look.
Let wisdom be there as an open book.
We may be light or start a new fire
For one reaching up... new heights to aspire.

We may impact someone we don't know
And cause them to change, to stretch and to grow.
Living for Jesus is really "top-notch"
And will make impression on any who watch.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Hidden Potential

In spring a little flower rises up from a quiet place in the ground... and what a story it has to tell!

Hidden there in the darkness was a seed or root or bulb with all the potential God had given for that little flower to grow. Gently it peeks forth into the sunlight and blossoms, spilling out it's fragrance and the full expression of it's purpose.

But the flower doesn't come forth until the "season" is right and the ground starts to warm up. There is a right timing.

So it is as we grow in the Lord. He designs us, guides and nurtures us, preparing us all along the way, that we might become the full expression of who He made us to be. And in His timing we will blossom. Our hidden potential will become a sweet fragrance unto Him... when the season is right.

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

© 2009 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 heart
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