Thursday, December 31, 2009

A Prayerful Nation



As we greet 2010
Prayerfully let us seek God's best,
Bowing in humility
That our nation may be blessed.

Challenges which lie ahead
Cannot be solved in minds of men,
But people bowed in holiness
Can make the difference once again.

Diligence to intercede
Will bring us needed clarity,
Bringing hope, restoring peace,
Inviting God's prosperity.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways: then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

A New Year Coming

Some have had a very good year
With opportunity and cheer,
And others seemed to struggle through,
Looking toward a year that's new.

For those who feel they may have failed,
Whose "mountains" just could not be scaled,
Let the old year be at rest.
This new year just may be your best!

Ask the Lord new doors to ope.
Be encouraged! Have new hope.
He can turn the old year's test
To something positive and blessed!

"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

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Good Things Happen When We Pray

Good things tend to happen when we take the time to pray...
Miracles and healings, and good answers for each day.
Simple problems which we face can tire and wear us out,
But when we pray the Lord will guide and take away our doubt.

Solutions which we just can't see are often just a prayer away,
And God will add His wisdom in those matters which are "grey".
When we need some added strength, we can lean upon His arm.
If we are in danger He will always keep us safe from harm.

Good things tend to happen as we put our faith in Him.
He can turn our circumstance to joy from grim and dim.
Prayer is believing for those things we cannot see,
Knowing He will never fail but hear our every plea.

"Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you."
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 28, 2009

A Gift Of Joy

I had a friend whose joy was like sunshine.
Moments with her would often be fun-time.
Humor and laughter just seemed to surround her,
Even when problems would nag or occur.

She had her weights and burdens to bear,
But she read the Word and spent time in prayer.
Her faith in God would lift and renew.
No matter the problem, her joy would shine through.

Even when ill she still prayed for others,
Family and friends, sisters and brothers.
Joy was her gift, which she shared with all.
In friendship and love she stood very tall.

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 27, 2009

Listening

Oftentimes Grandma would just sit and listen
To others' expressions and what they would say.
If we made mention of why she was quiet,
She would just say, "I hear more that way!"

This comment always would catch my attention,
For she had much wisdom she gained through the years.
We were the ones who needed to listen...
To not "ramble on" but lend her our ears.

Often our minds are too full of thoughts.
If we take pause there is much we could learn
From those who have lived much longer than we,
For we will find wisdom and rich return.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 26, 2009

Much Good News

There is much good news to tell...
How Jesus came to earth to dwell.
Spread His message far and wide,
That many may in Him abide.

He gave all for you and me,
To save our souls and set us free.
Magnify His holy name.
Give Him glory and acclaim!

As we celebrate His birth
Far and wide throughout the earth,
May His love be birthed anew
And deep in many hearts accrue.

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 25, 2009

A Glorious Event

Silent night, hallowed night,
Eastern star, shining bright,
A newborn babe, love profound,
Angels singing, Heav'nly sound...

Joyful tidings, Heav'n's good news,
Peace on earth, good will to muse,
Shepherds pond'ring distant star,
Worshipping in fields afar...

Quietly a great event,
Love came down... Heaven-sent,
The greatest gift we'll ever know,
Cradled in a manger low.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Sounds Of Christmas

Carolers singing, a joyful sound bringing,
Trumpets and choirs and pretty bells ringing...
These are the sounds of bright Christmas cheer,
Announcing good news for all men to hear!

"Peace be on earth and good will toward men."
Let this be broadcast again and again!
Jesus has come... He is the Light,
Hope for mankind... the world to ignite.

Let celebration well up in your heart
And cause daily worries to flee and depart.
Jesus is come, our joy to renew.
Let His song ring forth... in me and in you!

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

King Of Kings

Let all Heav'n and earth proclaim
The majesty of Jesus' name.
Let His power be spread abroad.
Magnify and give Him laud!

Master, Savior, King of Kings...
Praise Him with the harp and strings!
Let all Heav'n and earth give voice.
He is Lord... in Him rejoice!

Carols, hymns and anthems raise.
Give Him honor, sing His praise.
Share with all His wondrous story.
He is worthy of all glory!

"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

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

A Heavenly Host

There are angel voices singing
And sweet bell choir's joyous ringing,
Being heard throughout the earth
As we celebrate Christ's birth.

Once again let men employ
The love of God and know His joy.
In this blessed holy season
Surely we have wondrous reason...

To proclaim what God has done
And contemplate His precious Son.
Join the angels as they voice
All praise to God... with them rejoice!

"And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 1:13-14 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 21, 2009

Room In The Inn

Baby Jesus, do not fear...
I will make for You some space.
Little child without a bed,
In my heart I'll make a place.

I invite and welcome You
Deep within my heart to stay.
I want to live my life for You
And want to bless You every day.

As You reside within my heart,
Joy and worship I will bring.
You are worthy of all praise,
You'll daily cause my heart to sing.

Nothing I can offer You
For me could greater joy impart
Than to give You residence
In the inn of my own heart.

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
John 14:23 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Sing Noel

Angel voices sing "Noel".
Sit and listen "for a spell".
They have good news they will tell...
How Jesus came to earth to dwell.

Angel voices heard on high,
Echoing across the sky
With beauty we cannot deny,
Entreat alll people to draw nigh.

Heavn'ly choirs their worship bring,
"Glory to the new-born King!"
Listen as the angels sing
And let their joy within you ring!

"And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord."
Luke 2:10-11 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 19, 2009

A Childhood Christmas

The light in the eyes of a sweet little child,
Worshipping Jesus, the sweet baby mild,
Is precious and tender and wondrous to see.
His love is so pure and his spirit so free.

Lord, let this "imprint" on him ne'er be lost.
May Your love and grace in his heart be embossed.
May the wonder and awe which he has in his heart
Always remain there... Your joy to impart.

For childhood will fade and a young man emerge.
May angels keep watch and around him converge
To guard and protect this wonder and awe.
Let him ne'er forget the "manger" he saw.

"For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways (of obedience and service)."
Psalm 91:11 Amplified Bible

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 18, 2009

The Sounds Of Christmas

Oh, what joyful sounds we hear...
Bells and chimes upon the ear,
Carolers and choirs singing,
Children's laughter gaily ringing.

Happy sounds float through the air
The birth of Jesus to declare.
Excitement fills our hearts with song
And makes us want to sing along.

The Christmas season fills with joy
As praise and worship men employ.
Lift your heart and voice to sing.
Celebrate the newborn King!

"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!"
Luke 2:14 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Christmas Walks Among Us

One cold night long years ago
God sent His son in a manger low.
This tiny babe would give His life
To free us from all sin and strife.

Today He lives... He's ever near
And by His Spirit brings good cheer.
Every place where we might go
He is there, His love to show.

We have Christmas every day
As in our hearts He comes to stay.
He brings gifts of greatest blessing...
The love of our great God expressing.

"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

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

A Christmas Tree

If I could be a Christmas tree,
The decoration you might see
Would be quite different from the norm,
Colorful and brightly warm.

My branches would be filled with light,
And I would shine both day and night
To tell of Jesus' wondrous birth
And speak His love throughout the earth.

For He gives ornaments of gold...
Love and peace which don't grow old,
Joy and hope which draw folks near
And offer Heav'n's eternal cheer.

With Jesus' beauty I could be
A vital, living Christmas tree,
With lights and garlands which decree
The love of God for all to see.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Mirrors Of Christmas

If this Christmas season were seen in a mirror,
What would be found there in it's clear reflection?
Would there be singing, or sharing and love...
Would anything there point in Jesus' direction?

Would there be scenes of sweet celebration,
Honoring Jesus... rememb'ring His birth?
Who there would practice "good will to all men"
And live in a way to bring peace on the earth?

Christmas has meaning anew every year
As His love is birthed afresh in each heart.
And when this happens, new joy will come forth...
His love and His peace and warmth to impart.

The scenes in the mirror will be lovely indeed,
Recording the love of the Christmas season,
For all that has meaning and really has worth
Is found in our Lord... HE is the reason!

Without Jesus Christ the mirrors will be empty
And will not record a scene or reflection.
The scenes will be lost, for they don't have true meaning,
And will not be worthy of sweet recollection.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 14, 2009

Christmas Celebration

Though you may not have a tree
Or you purchase not one gift,
Though you wear no fancy dress
Or your life is all adrift...

The Christmas celebration
Happens deep within the heart.
From there our joy comes forth,
And then Christmas has it's start.

The parties and the decor
Really don't amount to much
If they are not expressions
With our Savior's wondrous trouch.

Our circumstance should not affect
The brightness of the season.
When we know the love of Christ
We have a priceless reason...

To celebrate and fellowship
And want to share with others,
To sing some lovely carols
With some friends or Christian brothers.

The beauty of the season
Lies in grateful adoration
To Jesus Christ Who came to earth
As means for our salvation.

"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

Sunday, December 13, 2009

Let The Children Sing

At Christmas let the children sing.
Let their little voices ring!
Let their hearts well up with joy,
Every girl and every boy.

As they sing of Jesus' birth
And are filled with glee and mirth,
Listen to their gentle sound.
Love and sweetness there abound.

Children have a special way
In how they sing and what they say.
They will bring a simple view
Which oft refreshes me and you.

When the little children sing,
Special blessings they will bring.
Listen to their voices sweet
As the Savior's birth they greet.

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:14 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Reflections Of His Goodness

We should be collectors
Of the good things God would give
So we could bring example
Of the way He'd have folks live.

The myriad facets of His love
Are there for all to know.
As we worship at His feet
His gifts He will bestow.

His wisdom is a treasured prize
Within the heart to store.
His "fruits" are goals to reach for
And to live by more and more.

Always there is more to learn
And "nuggets" to collect,
In hopes that in our lives each day
His goodness we'll reflect.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 11, 2009

Laughter Is Better

Laughter is better than sorrow and tears,
And hope is much better than anger and fears.
Laughter and joy are as sweet, healing balm
In the midst of anxiety when we need calm.

Look on the light side... refuse to get down.
Wear a bright smile in place of a frown.
Laughter breaks tension when problems loom large,
And we need not struggle when God is in charge.

God gives us hope and deep peace for each day,
And He is well able our problems to weigh.
Only in Him can we laugh through the "storm".
He is our strength, and His joy is our norm.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God."
Psalm 42:11 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 10, 2009

A Gift Of Priceless Worth

Sounds of worship waft and swell
As God's sweet promise comes to dwell.
Once again we celebrate
And with anticipation wait.

This little babe of lowly birth
Was God's own gift of priceless worth.
Gather round the manger low.
Love and adoration show.

This time of joy will warm the heart
And Heaven's blessings will impart.
As once agian we are renewed
We bow in heart-felt gratitude.

"For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men."
Luke 2:11-14 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 09, 2009

A Door Of Hope

Jesus walked through pain and sorrow
So you and I can face the morrow.
We are not without great hope
Or left without a way to cope.

God reached down from high above
And sent His Son to show His love.
We will never be alone
Or need to fear what is unknown.

For Jesus stays right by our side.
In His covering we abide.
Jesus is the open door
To God's great blessings evermore.

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
Revelation 3:20 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, December 08, 2009

A Christmas Voice

It's time to raise a Christmas voice
With joyous sound, "Rejoice! Rejoice,"
As once again we celebrate
And Jesus' birth commemorate.

Hallowed is this special season.
Jesus really is the reason
Why we have a holiday
And God's great love again convey.

The Christmas message shall remain
And offer love and hope again.
God sent "Love" to everyone.
Meditate on what He's done.

Jesus was God's greatest gift,
Our lives to save and bless and lift.
Join with me and raise your voice.
Jesus came... Rejoice! Rejoice!

"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

Monday, December 07, 2009

Fresh-Fallen Snow

Snowflakes drifting silently
Bring a "hush" o'er field and hill,
Covering the winter "gray"
With white which seems to say, "Be still".

Quietly and gracefully
The snow transforms our weary view
Into a picture of delight
And seems to speak, "I'll make things new".

As we gaze upon the snow
And pause in sweet reflection,
We'll see her purify with white
Every imperfection.

"For he saith to the snow, Be thou on the earth..."
Job 37:6 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 06, 2009

Clear Answers

The Word exposes errors and flaws,
Concerning sin a fine line draws.
Issues are so very clear
When held up to the Scripture's mirror.

Only by God's Holy Word
Can we discern the "truths" we've heard.
Thoughts can oft be masked with skill
By flourishes and speech with frill.

But measured by God's Holy Word
The thoughts may seem somewhat absurd.
And sometimes if we are not sure,
The Word will show us what is "pure".

Our own wisdom comes up short.
Good order it can even thwart.
If with Scripture we agree,
God's own answers we will see.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 05, 2009

Storm-Proof

If God is our builder, our "structure" is strong.
As we trust in Him He filters out wrong.
He gives foundation on which we may stand.
He steadies and guides us by His mighty hand.

Though storms may come and winds may blow hard
Always His angels will watch and keep guard.
When our foundation is anchored in Him
We will not waver, e'en though times seem grim.

He gives us hope which bypasses fear,
Joy as our strength to e'er persevere,
And peace deep within, that we might have rest.
When we're "built" in Him we will stand every test.

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock."
Matthew 7:24 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 04, 2009

Finding Christmas

The real Christmas isn't found
In presents from a shopping mall
And dashing back and forth in stores
For many items, large and small.

Jesus Christ is still the reason -
Christmas is His wondrous story.
He was God's most precious gift.
We should praise and give Him glory.

Jesus' name has been erased
From speech and courts and public schools,
But He still lives in many hearts.
He is Lord, and He still rules!

What a wondrous gift God gave,
Of love and joy and hope for all.
The happiness which Jesus brings
Cannot be purchased in a mall.

"For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Love's Good News

People by their love are known
When acts of kindness they have shown.
Love brings change which needs to come,
And though it may be just a "crumb"...

Yet it brings a ray of hope.
A tiny door it might just ope.
And when the door is opened wide
Love's bright light is multiplied.

Tiny sparks of love when sown
Can make love's flame become full-blown,
Igniting even further fire
And acts of kindness which inspire.

Any lives which love may touch
Have chance to benefit by much.
May we by our love be known
For acts of kindness we have shown.

"And above all these (put on) love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness (which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony).
Colossians 3:14 Amplified Bible

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

A Patchwork Quilt

Through the years if I save scraps and make of them a quilt,
The quilt becomes a decoupage of memories which were built.
Happiness and joyful times reside within the scraps.
Every little, special piece a memory recaps.

The quilt becomes a storybook of treasures pieced together,
A coverlet of life well-lived through many kinds of weather.
Some scraps may be poignant or bring a tear or two,
But all the scraps are precious, and sweet memories review.

In the quilt are lessons which in life were taught and learned,
Of sweet rewards and victories which by diligence were earned.
A patchwork quilt has value rare which only will be known
By the life it represents... by whom it's threads were sewn.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Footsteps Toward Eternity

Footsteps toward eternity...
We're given just so many.
We should make them count for good,
Not sacrificing any.

Our talents, time and giftedness
Can make the world much better.
As we use them for our God
We will not be life's debtor.

Giving, sharing, loving, caring
All contribute to His cause.
Doing all in Jesus' Name
Will foster heavenly applause.

As we walk our daily paths
We can bring a Heavenly touch
To many who don't know our God,
And then our lives will count for much.

"How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace, that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation..."
Isaiah 52:7 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf