Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Be Still, O My Soul

Sing softly, O my soul,
To the Lord Who makes us whole.
Sing praises to the King.
To His name sweet worship bring.

O my soul, bring blessing,
In most gentle words expressing
Love and adoration
To the Lord for His salvation.

O my soul, in Him rejoice
At every whisper of His voice.
Give Him glory, bring Him praise.
In every way His honor raise.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."
Psalm 103:1 KJV

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, August 30, 2010

Tilling Of The Soil

If farmers want to plant some seeds, they must prepare a field.
When they do this properly, their land will bring high yield.
They must root out stumps and stones and loosen up the ground.
When the soil is nicely tilled their plantings will abound.

The Lord would like to till our "ground" and plant in us good seeds,
Removing all our "roots and stones", and maybe even weeds.
He will sow His seeds in us so we may bring forth fruit.
If we've let Him till our "soil", our plants will have strong root.

We have opportunity much fruit to richly grow.
As we become good soil for Him, His blessings we will know.
Dormant soil placed in God's hand will soon become of worth.
Yielded to His "tilling", to much seed it will give birth.

"The seed is the word of God... But that (seed) on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience."
Luke 8:11, 15 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 29, 2010

The Poetry Of Life

The "poetry" of daily life is sometimes a conundrum.
Some "events" which happen... well, I wonder where they come from!
Things which ought to work together sometimes will not "rhyme",
And when I need to change my "tack", I find I'm losing time.

Smoothly should my life's "lines" flow, in harmony of wit and charm,
My rhythm moving to and fro, free from problems and alarm!
But life takes tricky twists and turns and writes it's own "lines" of concern.
So I seek God for every verse. For every word He gives, I yearn.

This is how the rhythm of a missing line improves:
When God gives out the perfect verse, then the rhythm "moves",
Having lines which ebb and flow with symmetry of sound.
The Lord brings forth a cadence which is lovely and profound.

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God..."
Psalm 42:1-2 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, August 28, 2010

A Wonderful Friend

I had a special lady friend, and she was really small,
But in her spirit she was strong... a "warrior" nine feet tall!
She loved Jesus and His Word and always was in prayer.
She shone brightly in her walk and was His "Good News" bearer.

She was bright and cheery, and to others would reach out,
Bringing them encouragement... to help free them from doubt.
She worked hard from morn till night but never did complain,
And gave her life in every way to further Kingdom gain.

What an inspiration! To know her was a pleasure,
For she had wisdom stored within... her life was a rich treasure.
Sometimes when I'm struggling I'm reminded of this friend.
Though she's now in heaven, her example does not end.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, August 27, 2010

God's Gift Of Grace

We're not self-sufficient.
We will always need God's grace.
And when we think we're "quite okay"
We need to seek His face.

Grace is His provision
To make up for all our lack,
Which we can't take for granted
And begin to be "laid-back".

How we need His grace each day!
From busyness take pause
To thank God for this precious gift
Which covers all our flaws.

"And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, August 26, 2010

Eventide

In quiet hush of eventide
God hovers oh, so near.
When the "dust" of day recedes
His gentle voice I hear.

"The day is done, it's battles won.
Peace, My Child, be still.
Let Your spirit rest in Me
And find sweet sleep until...

I bring another fresh new morn,
Sparkling softly with the dew...
My gift to you... of Son-lit day
When all is fresh and new.

In quiet now of eventide,
Hush, My Child, be still.
Let My angels watch o'er thee
And blessings o'er you spill."

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Parents, Your Children Need You

Parents, hover o'er your children.
Dangers which they face are great.
Each child is a precious gift.
Guard them from a "worldly" fate.

Alone, they cannot navigate
Life's storms. They really do need you.
Children are priority
And come before all else you do.

Nurture and spend time with them.
Guide them through life's daily snares.
Raise them up to know the Lord.
Undergird them with your prayers.

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

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Forgiveness Heals

Unforgiveness builds a wall
And clouds perception with it's "pall".
It is as a painful thorn
To all by whom it's weight is borne.

Unforgiveness grows and grows,
And seeds of discord often sows,
Causing pain and robbing joy.
Relationship it can destroy.

Let forgiveness be the rule.
It is as a precious jewel,
Allowing healing to begin,
Bringing joy and peace within.

"Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; forbearing one another and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
Colossians 3:13-14 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, August 23, 2010

God's Greatest Miracle

God's greatest work is done in hearts
When His salvation He imparts.
Who else could bring a sinner home
When he determined just to roam?

Who could make such wondrous change,
A wasted life to re-arrange?
Who could bring a heart of stone
To kneel and pray, for sin atone?

He will reach into deep "sludge"
And save a sinner with a "nudge",
Pouring out His love and grace,
Offering His own embrace.

What an awesome God we serve.
His love is more than we deserve.
No one else could e'er compare
Nor give to us such lovingcare.

"Likewise I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth."
Luke 15:10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Learning To Climb

When we want to reach the top of a mount,
Of skills we will need we must take account.
If we will gain that ultimate goal,
In lessons on climbing we must enroll.

We learn to walk one step at a time,
And it is the same when we learn to climb.
How do we know our footing is sure
If in the Lord we are not mature?

Scaling a mount brings us to high places.
Lest we might fall, we must know God's graces.
Deep in His wisdom will we find our skill
And ultimately know the mountain top's thrill.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, August 21, 2010

A Special Delight

The weather was hot, and my lawn needed a lot of watering. Because all the neighbors were also watering my water pressure wan't as high as normal. Ths spray from my sprinkler wasn't reaching as far as I needed it to.

As I stood there studying the situation God created the most delightful moment for me. A little hummingbird came and, hovering in the air, began to drink from the edges of the water spray. After several sips of water, it flew into the midst of the spray and began to take a bath. It lingered there, fluttering it's wings and tail feathers over and over in the water and then flew up and perched on a nearby tree limb. I never saw a hummingbird just sitting still before. Oh! How tiny it was!

Then this little guy came back down into the water spray and just seemed to be dancing gracefully here and there as he moved around in the spray before he finally flew away.

What a delightful moment! When I went out to set my sprinkler up my heart had been heavy. And it seemed like God sent this little messenger of joy to cheer me up. It just reassured me that God saw my need. I think God must have taken great joy when He created the little hummingbird.

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, August 20, 2010

His Healing Power

Without Jesus Christ our bodies are frail.
The burdens we carry will cause us to ail.
He gives us "structure" whereby we stand tall.
His strength within us is as a strong wall.

Our burdens are light, our worries are less.
Having His peace will cancel out stress.
In Him is health for body and soul,
Refreshing and rest from life's daily toll.

He lifts us up when we cannot walk.
He gives us words when too tired to talk.
His strength in us becomes as a tower.
Though we be weak, we have strength for each hour.

"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

Thursday, August 19, 2010

God's Goodness

God will fill our days with joy
If His wisdom we employ.
Peace and mercy, love and grace
All our struggles will displace.

As we find our life in Him
Negativity grows dim.
We will see with opened eyes
That which is our greatest prize.

We've done nothing to deserve
His outpoured love, but we can serve.
God provides for all our need.
Our highest hopes He will exceed.

"For thou, Lord, will bless the righteous; with favour will thou compass him as with a shield."
Psalm 5:12 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

A Lovely Cake

A cake is a combination of many different ingredients, mixed together into a batter. But for the batter to have form it must be poured into a pan and baked. Without the heat of baking the batter will not become a cake.

This is not different from the way we are formed. When God creates each one of us He combines beautiful and unique giftings together, looking ahead to who we will become. We have the ingredients, and His potential is within us, but for the aroma and beauty of His creation to become evident, probably we will go through a time of testing (of "fire"). If we don't shrink from this we will become seasoned in Him, and the "flavor" of our lives will become as sustenance and blessing for others.

Even as steel is tempered by intense heat to be made stronger, we are enabled to help others becuase of the "shaping" of the Lord in our times of testing. In these times we gain understanding and wisdom which cannot be learned any other way. If He "stirs us up" or "tests" us we can know that His hands are working to make us better! We never become failures or "discards" in Him. He "tempers" us to increase the beauty and "flavor" of our lives.

Who would not want to become all that they can be according to the plan and design of our very awesome God? What opportunity we have! Fulfillment in Him will always be greater than anything we can even imagine!

"For You, O God, have proved us; You have tried us as silver is tried, refined, and purified."
Psalm 66:10 Amplified bible

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, August 17, 2010

Fine Apparel

God's people are not dressed in "rags".
He clothes us with His gladness.
We can put off our sackcloth
And put away our sadness!

We can wear salvation
And a garment of bright praise.
We have robes of righteousness
To wear throughout our days!

Glory be unto our God
For giving us rich ornament.
He has given us His best...
Our clothes are Heav'n's adornment.

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness."
Psalm 30:11 KJV

"The Lord hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek... to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness."
Isaiah 61:1, 3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, August 16, 2010

Our Healing God

God's power to heal is sovereign and sure
When man has no answer or band-aid or cure.
We should not question what God is about.
What we should question is our own misdoubt.

God is our strength when we become frail,
So fear and mistrust are to no avail.
We must stand strong in faith to believe,
And ready His blessing and health to receive.

Resting and trusting in Him will bring peace.
As we rest in Him all tension will cease.
He is the "cradle" in which we may hide,
A shelter and covering in which to abide.

"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

"O Lord, my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
Psalm 30:2 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Truth Does Not Change

Watered-down truth is not truth at all,
Though change which is made is tiny or small,
For it loses strength and takes on new meaning.
When slightly "off", it needs careful gleaning.

Sometimes God's truths are given new "title",
Allowing for "space" to "bend" what is vital.
Focus is robbed from truth's real intent.
It's strong foundation is crumbled and spent.

When truth is changed the future is bleak,
Leaving the hearers unguarded and weak.
Truth is from God, and He does not change.
His words and wisdom we can't re-arrange.

"His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, August 14, 2010

People Who Inspire - Emma

My girlhood memories of my Aunt Emma are many. I spent time at her home during the summer months and was always amazed at how many different things she accomplished...

She had a fairly large property, and every square inch of it showed her loving touch. She had a large vegetable garden, and fruit trees, and berry bushes and plants. She raised a few chickens. Her yard included flowers of many kinds, including a lily pond with goldfish in it. Her plants were perfectly groomed and seemed to flourish at her touch. Her home was immaculate... she was a true homemaker. She canned and baked and made pies to freeze, which she would use through the winter. Her home-canned dill pickles were the best! She sewed many of her own clothes and crocheted hats to wear, doilies, intricate, lacy table cloths, and even made large braided rugs for her home. Also, she raised canaries and sold them.

She was widowed from her first husband and then later remarried. In her retirement years she began to babysit children during the day (somtimes as many as six at a time), and by doing this she helped to pay off the little home they had bought. A few years later she was widowed a second time.

What an amazing lady! She was crippled from a fall she had had early in life, and one leg was shorter than the other. But she never let it slow her down in any way. Now alone for a second time, she would still "prosper". She raised canaries, violet plants, tomato plants and geraniums, and then when they were in their prime she would put an ad in the "Nickel Ads" Newspaper and sell them. This way she had some extra spending money.

At age 88 Emma was tending flowers in her garden one day and was bitten by a brown recluse spider. The pain and itching were excruciating and ongoing, and she never found relief until she went home to be with the Lord at age 92. But even during these last few years she was never idle. She said that each day she would pray for every member of her family and for all the relatives whose names she knew. She loved the Lord and was a very remarkable woman.

"Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all."
Proverbs 31:29 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, August 13, 2010

Think Young

In God I have promise of goodness and joy.
All of His "blessings" I need to employ.
I'm seeing things which I missed before.
When life was too fast, I didn't "explore".

As I am focused and to Him attuned,
There I am cushioned and safely cocooned.
To be in His will is a heartfelt desire,
For deep in my spirit He fans a new fire.

Why should I think that I'm just too "old"
To do a new work... or something quite bold?
If God is the author of some new forte,
I only need follow... He'll show me the way.

Old age won't cause me to get all unstrung.
I have decided that I will think young!
I don't move fast, but give things more thought...
Taking time to be thankful... as all of us ought!

"Blessed is the man that trusteth in the Lord, and whose hope the Lord is. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Crystal-Like

A crystal is just plain old glass
Until an "artist" gives it "class".
When it is exposed to Light
It has a sparkling, beauty bright.

Endless glints of color shine,
Reflecting off it's cut design.
Rainbow colors mirrored in light
Fascinate and bring delight.

Lord, let me as a crystal be.
Let Your light reflect off me
As the crystal's rainbow hues.
Touch me, Lord... Your light infuse.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, August 11, 2010

A Healthy Heart

Sometimes hearts are filled with stones...
Little weights which cause deep groans,
Pebbles there of past offense
Or pain which took up residence.

Healthy hearts will freely "pump",
But "stony" hearts will start to slump.
Don't let stones and gravel form.
Let forgiveness be the norm.

Ask the Lord to help you know
If in your heart some pebbles show.
He can heal a stone-filled heart,
His love and joy and peace impart.

"A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh."
Ezekiel 36:26 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Meekness And Wisdom

Show me, Lord, if I have pride,
Lest somewhere in me it abide.
Help me to be meek and wise
And see myself with humble eyes.

Meekness stills the sting of strife
And opens up fresh streams of life,
Quieting and healing pain,
Causing it to cease and wane.

Help me bear much peaceful fruit,
Born of gentle, sincere root.
Let me take "the quiet road"
And always walk in humble mode.

"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy."
James 3:17 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, August 09, 2010

God Is My Refuge

In Your peace I find sweet rest.
In You is strength for every test.
Though someone sends up a flare
I will douse it's flame with prayer.

In Your presence I have calm
And do not want for healing balm.
Whether darts and arrows fly,
'Neath Your wing I wll draw nigh.

Praise and worship I will bring,
For You enable me to sing.
Though storm and tempest loudly roar,
Your great peace is always more.

"Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling."
Psalm 91:9-10 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 08, 2010

Shifting Sand

Things of the world are structured in sand,
Sometimes quite bright and glitzy and grand.
But sand in the wind of the Spirit may blow,
And that which was "pretty" is tossed to and fro.

The "world" entices and offers it's prize
But has little substance... just flimsy disguise.
Pleasure is sweet in the moment of taste
But doesn't add wisdom... a pitiful waste!

Wisdom is steady and rests as a rock.
Unlike the world, it never will mock.
Wisdom gives anchor amidst shifting sand,
A firm undergirding on which we may stand.

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed."
James 1:5-6 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, August 07, 2010

Careful Words

In everyday life we face situations
And people who challenge our peace with frustrations.
We can prevent, by wise use of the tongue,
The chaos which happens when folks are high-strung.

Words which are "measured" and quietly spoken
Will disarm most tension and heal what is broken.
The tongue is a tool, and when wisely used,
Will cause wrath and clamor to be much diffused.

Sometimes it's best to not speak, but give pause,
Until we are sure of the reason and cause.
Wisdom will guide us to know how to speak
And, when under fire, to be humble and meek.

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

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, August 06, 2010

Watching And Waiting

Are you watching and waiting for Christ's soon return?
In all your endeavors, how much do you yearn
To be in His presence and look on His face,
The worries and cares of the world to displace?

In the blink of an eye God's trumpet will sound,
And we shall rise up... no longer earthbound...
To worship our Lord, our God and our King,
All glory and honor and reverence to bring!

We do not know the day or the hour
When He shall appear in glory and power,
So we must be ready and look to the sky.
For Jesus is waiting and soon will draw nigh

"Behold, I shew you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed."
I Corinthians 15:51-52 KJV

"And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory."
Luke 21:28 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, August 05, 2010

A Beautiful Canvas

Lord, what would you paint on the canvas of my day?
If my life could speak today, what would You have it say?
Help me to be patient as I wait for Your brush stroke.
Let me wear Your colors as a treasured, velvet cloak.

Would You paint me brightly, as a banner of good news?
Or add to me serenity in soft and gentle hues?
Maybe You would try new shades and make of me a blend
Of a rainbow's varied tints... Your beauty to extend.

I await your brush strokes in the early dawn of day,
Anticipating artistry in fresh and new array.
Each day is a portrait, filled with flair and great finesse,
A painted, heavenly design, Your goodness to express.

"On thee do I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:5 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Look Up!

Many are troubled, many perplexed.
Many by worries are burdened or vexed.
Darkness o'erwhelms and even brings fright
Until they find Jesus and live in His light.

He can transform a picture of gloom
And give bright perspective to offset all doom.
Yes, there are times when grief fills our cup,
But we will find comfort if we'll just look up.

We are not helpless... In Christ we have hope.
He always will strengthen and help us to cope.
Do not be troubled or even be sad,
For Jesus is able to make your heart glad.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, August 03, 2010

Integrity Speaks

Integrity speaks when no one is watching.
Honesty stands... if seen or unseen.
Facade may obscure a lie deep within,
But God's Holy Spirit our heart-thoughts will screen.

God will discern if we are "true-blue",
If shadow or spot could cause us to waver.
Hearts cannot hide, for He sees clear through,
And purity causes a heart to find favor.

Integrity has a strength of it's own
And it will have nothing to hide or conceal.
It is unchanging... it never will bend.
Truth is it's core... it's highest ideal.

"The integrity of the upright shall guide them..."
Proverbs 11:3 KJV

"I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings."
Jeremiah 17:10 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, August 02, 2010

A Flower's Song

I have waited all year long
To see this summer sun.
When it's warm then I can bloom
And really have some fun!

I can brighten someone's day
And pour my fragrance'round.
When it's nice and warm like this
My blossoms will abound.

I will scatter seeds about
And multiply my summer fun.
I will make the most of this...
I want my job to be well-done.

After this the winter comes.
But while I have this chance to bloom.
I'll not yawn and say "ho-hums".
I will spread my sweet perfume!

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, August 01, 2010

Worshipping The Lord

How rich is the experience of worshipping the Lord.
All issues of the day just fade away.
The treasure of His presence overcomes my tired thoughts
As I draw near to hear what He would say.

How precious are these times of refreshing for my soul.
Changed perspective comes as welcome light.
For that which seemed important has no worthiness at all
As worship lifts my spirit to new height.

The glory of the Lord cannot be explained in word.
To worship in His presence is profound.
Deep within, my heart is changed and stirred
And constantly does worship there resound.

"O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the Lord our maker."
Psalm 95:6 KJV

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
Revelation 4:11 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf