Wednesday, June 30, 2010

Coffee Break

Housework sometimes is a bore.
Dust and clutter are a chore!
How come houses don't stay clean?
I need "down time" in between!

Piles of clothes don't wash themselves.
Books don't jump back onto shelves.
What is sticky on my floor?
Oh! Someone's knocking at my door.

Who said this is easy work?
Around each corner more tasks lurk.
When I'm done I have to bake.
To start, I need a coffee break!

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

A Test Of Patience

Early in the year a farmer plans his crops
And labors that his fields might be prepared.
When the time is right he plants his seeds.
Careful preparation shows he cared.

But then he is dependent on the Lord
And patiently must wait to see results.
When he sees fruition of work,
In the Lord he glories and exults.

When he's labored long and labored hard
The waiting time that follows is a test.
He must practice patience and endure,
Knowing in His time he will be blessed.

"But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 28, 2010

Giftings Untold

God is the author of beauty and skill
And into our lives His goodness will spill.
In every person are giftings untold.
What joy multiplied to watch them unfold!

But how will we soar if we don't know Him?
Our gifts may lie dormant or seem just a whim.
He opens doors we don't know are there
And makes us to blossom with beauty and flair.

To miss the "adventure" which our God has planned
Is living a life perhaps aimless or bland.
For each He has planned a bountiful niche.
Potential in Him is fruitful and rich.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Almighty God

We do not know Your power, Your strength,
The size of Your love... the breadth or the length...
Until we are tested and reach out in prayer.
Then we will realize how much You care.

There is no valley too wide or too deep,
Nor is there mountain too high or too steep.
There is no challenge which You cannot meet,
Or battles and wars You cannot defeat.

When we're in need of the power of Your hand,
We then will trust that You'll help us stand.
Almighty God of power and might,
You are our strength, You are our light!

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save: neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear."
Isaiah 59:1 KJV

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 26, 2010

Clearer Vision

Lord... Forgive me of unconscious sin,
If I have blind spots deep within
Which sometimes cause me to make error.
Help my "sight"... this is my prayer.

Help me to remember then
That I not fault others when
Their own blind spots they don't know.
Help me, Lord, Your grace to show.

Help me to be swift to learn,
And through prayer Your insights earn.
Take the blinders from my eyes...
Unconscious sin to recognize.

"Who can understand his errors? Cleanse thou me from secret faults. Keep back thy servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me..."
Psalm 19:12-13 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 25, 2010

A Walk Of Peace

I want to walk with footsteps of peace,
Causing dissension to wan and to cease,
Leaving an imprint of soothing and calm,
Establishing joy as sweet, healing balm,

Making a path which others may tread
For those who are weary and filled with much dread...
People who simply don't know where to turn,
But deep in their hearts for happiness yearn.

Lord, help me be a vessel of peace,
Enabling others to find deep release,
That they might know Your stillness and rest
And by Your touch be totally blessed.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. 'Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 24, 2010

He Knows My Heart

Some days my greatest efforts
Do not amount to much,
And though I've really labored hard
Don't have "that special touch".

And then some days I move along
With energy and ease,
Pat myself upon the back
And think, "This was a breeze!"

The Lord will look upon those days
I worked and tried so hard.
Those might be the very days
When in His sight I "starred".

The work I do cannot be measured
In the sight of man.
My meekest efforts just might be
My best in God's great plan.

What is in my heart each day
Is that which God will measure.
Even though I be not skilled,
My worship is His treasure.

He can take my weakest skills
And make them shine as gold.
All that I will do for Him
Has benefit untold.

"...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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Worship Rings!

Worship in my spirit plays
A glorious song of joy and praise.
Glory to our God and King!
Laud and honor to Him bring!

Magnify His holy name.
All the earth His works proclaim!
Worship Him with harp and voice.
In His majesty rejoice!

Pay Him honor, pay Him due.
He is worthy, just and true.
Celebrate and bring acclaim
To His glorious, holy name!

"O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth."
Psalm 96:1 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Suspended In His Care

When we know Jesus and seek Him in prayer
Our lives are suspended and held in His care.
We can find peace for all our alarm.
Worry is needless... He shields us from harm.

His peace is real and brings inner calm,
Soothing our fears as a warm, healing balm.
Tensions and stress will just fade away
As we lean on Him and give Him full sway.

He is our steadiness... our place of rest,
Bringing tranquility for every test.
We are protected and held 'neath His wing.
We are His children. To Him we will cling.

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 21, 2010

Tread Softly

It is wisdom to tread softly in everything we do,
For hasty words or actions may obscure a Godly view.
God will show us how to move if we will pause and wait,
Walking in His timing and obeying His dictate.

How much grief and sorrow we can bypass in this way,
By being slow to speak or move in all we do or say.
Reverence and humility will keep us in God's will
And add to us His balance... to tread softly with good skill.

Gentleness will douse the flames of possible dissension,
Bringing oil of healing and promoting good dimension.
Learning to tread softly is a meek and gentle art,
Developed over time by a wise and humble heart.

"Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."
James 1:19 KJV

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV

"He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding..."
Proverbs 14:29 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 20, 2010

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

Saturday, June 19, 2010

Picnic Time (Almost)

Summer's near - it's picnic time
But spring has been "a strain".
The weather man has let us down.
We just keep having RAIN!

A ray of sunshine sure would help
To brighten up the day
So we might barbecue a steak
Or maybe play croquet.

I want to roast a marshmallow.
I'm ready for some chips,
Potato salad and baked beans
And vegetables with dips!

Watermelon would be good
And lemonade for all.
But I guess we'll have to wait
Until we're past spring's "squall"!

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 18, 2010

Words Which Linger

Let your speech be sweetly graced
And with God's love and peace be laced.
Words can be a healing balm
And foster lovingcare and calm.

E'en as sunshine shares it's light,
Your words may be as neon bright.
Laughter in your voice can bring
Some hope to which a soul may cling.

A voice as soothing as a shower
Is almost like a fragrant flower.
It's memory lingers on awhile
And, by it's beauty, brings a smile.

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Strength In Him

When you cannot make a change
But factors wish to re-arrange,
Ask the Lord to strengthen you
And show you what you need to do.

Let Him take away your fears.
Let Him wash away your tears.
In His presence there is rest
And sure relief for every test.

He will help you simplify
That which makes you tend to sigh,
And make you equal to your task
If you will simply pray and ask.

"But thou, O Lord, art a shield for me: my glory, and the lifter up of mine head. I cried unto the Lord with my voice, and he heard me out of his holy hill."
Psalm 3:3-4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

No Fear - Hidden In Him

When turmoil and crisis and chaos abound,
Peace and direction in Jesus are found.
He is the anchor we need in this day
To guide us and save us, whatever the fray.

We should not question His might or His power.
Be hidden in Him in the midst of that hour.
Carefully watch and be quick to hear
Any small sound of His voice in your ear.

He is our peace... in Him we can rest
Through every trial, commotion or test.
He is our refuge... in Him we may hide.
He gives safe covering where we may abide.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Sanctuary

Purify my heart, O Lord,
Every fiber, every niche.
Help me reach transparency,
Without a shadow or a glitch.

Stretch and change my heart to know
A greater depth of wisdom's gold.
Let me hasten and be quick
Your love and teachings to enfold.

In every recess of my heart,
In it's deepest sanctuary,
May I be a worthy vessel
Of your love extraordinary.

"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

© 2009 Arlene Scheartzkopf

Monday, June 14, 2010

Sing A Lovely Song

Virtue plays a lovely song,
Pure and holy, all day long.
Honor brings it's harmony
And with virtue will agree.

Goodness, too, will add it's tune
And with beauty will commune.
If you listen you will hear
A symphony within your ear.

Let this lovely music play
Deep within your soul today.
Listen for each precious strain
And sing along with it's refrain.

"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 be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 13, 2010

Come To Me

Our precious Lord calls out today,
"Come to Me, My child, I pray.
Do not pause or hesitate,
Thinking you have time to wait."

"Don't let cares get in the way
Or cause your thoughts to go astray.
Salvation calls to you 'don't wait'.
Even now the hour is late."

"Though your sins be manyfold
I will pour out love untold.
Heavenly promise contemplate.
Come to Me, My child... don't wait."

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 12, 2010

Treasure-Stores

Never look down on people of years,
For they have "fought wars" and shed many tears.
They have forgotten more than we have learned
And have wealth of stature which they proudly earned.

They will have wisdom beyond what we know.
Esteem and respect to them we should show,
For we have not walked as far as they have.
Their lives are a balm... a sweet, healing salve.

Our gray-haired folks are rich beyond measure,
Filled with the years and stores of good treasure.
Carefully listen to hear what they say,
For they have learned much in life every day.

"The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience)."
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified Bible

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 11, 2010

Waters Of The Word

The waters of the Living Word
A fruitful life will undergird.
When the Word rests deep within,
That life will prosper and not sin.

Constantly it is refreshed.
It's meditation is much blessed.
Living waters flood the soul
To heal, renew and make it whole.

And so this life is rich with fruit.
In the Word it has strong root.
It's living waters freely flow
And cause this life good fruit to grow.

"Blessed is the man... whose 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 1:1-3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 10, 2010

Praying For Our Nation

Holy God of might and power,
Guide our footsteps in this hour.
We, Your people, seek Your face
The works of darkness to displace.

Look upon our deep distress.
Rescue us from evil's press.
How we need Your strength and light
To offset darkness day and night.

What was birthed of You in prayer
Has fallen into serious error.
God, have mercy. We have failed.
Save us lest we be derailed.

We cry out and trust in You
To turn this tide and see us through.
Our foundation, built in prayer,
Has need today for much repair.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 09, 2010

The Artistry Of God

I see heaven in a flower,
And in a bird's wing see God's power.
Everywhere 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

Tuesday, June 08, 2010

Thought Patterns

Are cares of this world in the bulk of your thoughts,
Crowding your thinking for space and for time?
Or Scripture and prayer laced through all that you do,
Causing your thoughts to be vital and prime?

When filled with the Word, our cares become dim.
Worries and conflicts are kept down to size.
They can't consume us and just wear us out
If living for Jesus our thoughts wil comprise.

Commitment and focus on who Jesus is
Will alter our habits and patterns of thought.
Perspective will change and peace will come in
As we choose to honor the Lord as we ought.

"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."
Proverbs 16:3 KJV

"Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee."
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, June 07, 2010

Heavenly Reward

Jesus goes before us, and it's He who opens doors.
When we serve Him faithfully, blessings He outpours.
Life in service to our Lord is truly set apart...
A very special calling which is birthed within the heart.

Stepping in His footprints and following His lead
Will take us to new heights in life and cause us to succeed...
Not by standards man would set, but by His special plan.
Then when we have finished, Heav'n will cheer the race we ran!

What a joy to find His path and know when life is through
That Heaven will be waiting and will welcome me and you.
We will gain a glimpse of Heaven while serving here on earth
And be assured of entering there... reward of highest worth!

"And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day."
John 6:40 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, June 06, 2010

Brick Upon Brick

Brick upon brick a strong wall is built,
With mortar to seal it so it will not tilt.
The key is the mortar... it keeps things in place.
It may not show, but it makes a strong base.

Prayer is as mortar in all that we build.
Our "walls" will be strong if with prayer they're filled.
And if we add love to the mortar of prayer
Our walls will reflect the Master Bricklayer.

The temples and walls we build with our prayer
Will withstand life's storms and fierce wear and tear.
And e'en though our walls may seem rather humble,
With mortar of prayer these walls will not crumble.

"Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it..."
Psalm 127:1 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, June 05, 2010

Contentment

Do you have contentment in your circumstance or lot?
Or do you always wish for change, then struggle... all for naught?
Having more or making change may not bring peace or rest.
Contentment is a choice we make when we are tired or "pressed".

If we find our peace in God we will be at ease and glad.
Do not fuss and fume and fret, complain and sometimes e'en be mad.
Contentment is that precious rest which praises God in great or small,
Rejoicing in His lovingkindness, resting in His grace in all.

"Godliness with contentment is great gain."
I Timothy 6:6 KJV

"Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, 'I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.' "
Hebrews 13:5 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, June 04, 2010

Holiness In Leadership

We cannot look at the type of the gift
Which God placed within us when we first began
And think of ourselves as greater because
We're prospering in what we know is His plan.

Leaning on Him in the midst of success
Will keep evil out and save us from sin,
For as we're bowed down and humble of heart,
We cannot be tempted way deep down within.

Though we be "visible", we must stay "hidden",
Seeking God's holiness, hearing His voice,
Lest we're distracted by schemes and diversions
Which pull us away from His very best choice.

Our God is holy and searches the hearts,
Seeking for one who is Godly and pure.
If we are leaders we then must be guarded,
For only in Him are our footsteps secure.

"Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searchest all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee..."
I Chronicles 28:9 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, June 03, 2010

A New Day's Promise

Jesus,
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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, June 02, 2010

A Peace-Filled Heart

Many hearts need healing and relief from strife with man.
A healthy heart, when filled with peace, anxiety will ban.
Jesus' peace will guard a heart and keep it free from stress,
But we must choose to let Him come in place of our distress.

Sometimes He is shoved aside as daily cares press in,
Residing in the background, watching heart "aches" then begin.
If we let Him fill our hearts and let the heartaches go,
Deep within His peace will be a constant, healing flow.

Problems and emotions cause our heartbeats to be ill.
Jesus' words to us would be, "Peace, my child, be still".
He desires that we have joy, and in that joy look up,
For then His peace will heal our hearts and richly fill our "cup".

"For he is our peace..."
Ephesians 2:14 KJV

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."
Colossians 3:15 KJV

"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved."
Psalm 16:8 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

Conscience

(A Children's Poem)

We cannot hide a single thing.
God sees all we do!
He looks down into our hearts
And knows if we've been true.

We can hide our hearts from some
(And try to hide from God).
But it really is no use.
Our conscience He will prod.

Conscience helps us to be good
And tells us when we're wrong.
This is how God teaches us
So we will grow up strong.

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf