Friday, December 31, 2010

Blazing A Trail

When we're starting out anew
And begin to "blaze a trail",
Are we "taking land" for good?
Do our efforts have avail?

The direction of our lives,
When we've diligently planned,
Can make impact of great value
Which will matter and will stand.

We can change the world
By the way we live each day.
Our lives can make a difference
And help others find their way.

The gifts we leave behind
When our lives are finally spent
Are things we do for others.
May they be of blessed intent.

"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

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Think About Jesus

Think about God's precious Son.
Contemplate what He has done,
Giving self to clear our shame,
In our place assuming blame.

Think about the love He shared
And just about how much He cared...
How He suffered and endured
So our salvation was ensured.

Think about eternity,
Of which He brought us guarantee,
Of Heaven's wondrous open door
And praising Him forevermore.

"And he is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world."
I John 2:2 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

High Flight

When efforts seem to fail, and emotions feel quite tattered,
It's time to reconsider just how much the cause has mattered.
For sometimes we get wrapped up in the matters of each day.
Our goals get somewhat side-tracked and we bog down in the "fray".

Oftentimes the tears we shed are spent upon "the little things",
But if we're focused on our goals, we'll rise up with golden wings
And bypass o'er the daily snags with confidence and joy and hope,
Riding on the wings of faith and keeping vision with bright scope.

"Bumpy" paths are not a challenge if we keep our sights on high.
We can move with able steps and never have to wonder why...
Efforts may get scrambled or delayed or maybe even stopped.
We won't lose composure if for "high flight" we will opt!

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in the 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

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

The Timing Of The Spirit

The Spirit doesn't linger where there is no longer purpose...

When we have an "assignment" from the Lord, or a goal to meet, and then we complete that goal, we should not just "rest" there. Immediately we should start to seek the Lord for His next "insturction". If we just "loiter" there and "rest on our laurels" we may miss the further moving of the Spirit. The Spirit will move to accomplish a purpose and then move on. To remain in the old place, once the Spirit has changed direction, is fruitless.

God will give us time to rest between "assignments", but He doesn't want us to be distracted away from sensitivity to His works and purpose. As we are focused in Him we will be able to move freely and respond to the nudging of His Spirit, not falling behind but always moving forward in His timing.

Lord, help us to be increasingly more sensitive to Your timing and movement. Help us to accurately discern that which You would show us in this hour. In Jesus' name, Amen.

"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth; for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
John 16:13 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 27, 2010

Never Alone

Never alone... we're never alone.
We need not fear what may be unknown.
Jesus, our Lord, is constantly there,
Our worries and loneliness always to bear.

He is our friend, well able to fill,
All of those empty spots which feel so "nil".
He brings a fullness of gladness and cheer.
Always His presence is precious and dear.

With Him alongside, in peace we abide.
His loving hand will comfort and guide.
We cannot fathom the works He will do.
Worship the Lord! He makes all things new.

"How excellent is thy lovingkindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
Psalm 36:7-9 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 26, 2010

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

Saturday, December 25, 2010

Merry Christmas

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

Friday, December 24, 2010

Blessed Child

Lullaby, sweet Son of God,
As off to sleep You gently nod.
Slumber calmly, safe from harm,
Leaning on Your mother's arm.

Rest in peace... have sweet repose.
In her heart Your mother knows
You're the Son of the Most High,
One Whom men will glorify.

Baby Jesus, You will bring
Salvation to which men will cling.
You are Chosen, Blessed Child,
To reign as Lord... though You be mild.

"And the angel said unto her, Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found favour with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a son, and shalt call his name Jesus. He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord god shall give unto him the throne of his father David."
Luke 1:30-32 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 23, 2010

A Tiny Spark... A Mighty Flame

A baby's birth... a tiny spark... would over time become a flame.
God's great love for all mankind the light of Heaven's hope became.
Jesus had no earthly comfort but was birthed in lowly place.
Man received a miracle of lovingkindness and of grace.

Let the flame of Jesus' love be fanned within your heart anew.
Let a holy fire burst forth and brightly burn in all you do.
Let it's light and warmth become contagious by it's healing balm,
Reaching out with new-lit flames, inspiring peace and joy and calm.

May this fire's sparks ignite, unquenchable and with great power.
Let salvation's fires burn with great new fervor in this hour.
Let our hearts be tuned afresh to know the warmth of Jesus' flame,
Remembering salvation's plan - the glorious reason why He came.

"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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
John 3:16-17 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

The Good News

Once again our hearts make trek
To Bethl'hem town to pay our "dues",
Where history changed when Christ was born
And heav'nly hosts brought God's good news!

Once again our hearts will sing
As we are filled with bright new hope,
And worship God for Jesus' birth.
Through Him to us Heav'n's doors would ope.

Hallelujah! Worship Him!
He is Lord and He is King.
With chorus, bells, and harp and flute
Let all men adoration bring!

"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 2:13-14 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Christmas Bells

In my spirit I hear bells
'Cause deep within me Jesus dwells.
So when the Christmas music swells
I hear pretty ringing bells...

Celebrating Jesus' birth,
Announcing good news, "Peace on earth",
Ringing in much joy and mirth,
Heralding again His worth.

Bell sounds ringing far and wide
In cheerful and melodious tide
Draw all men to come abide
And worship Jesus deep inside.

"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 2:13-14 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 20, 2010

Savor The Miracle Of Christmas

Christmas brings remembrance of God's plan for our salvation.
It's miracle of promise is a cause for celebration.
And yet we hurry to and fro... too rushed to give much thought
To that which is before us, to be reverent as we ought.

More than other times we should pause, reflect and savor
The marvel of God's faithfulness, His wondrous grace and favor.
Drink in all the beauty... stop to breathe in once again
The splendor and the essence of God's graciousnesss to men.

Christmas brings renewal as we ponder Jesus' birth,
But if we are too busy we may miss it's precious worth.
As we again receive all it's blessings and it's joy,
May we have remembrance... it's full meaning to employ.

"The Lord is God, Who has shown and given us light (He has illuminated us with grace, freedom, and joy)."
Psalm 118:27 Amplified Bible

2010 Arlene Schw©artzkopf

Sunday, December 19, 2010

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

Saturday, December 18, 2010

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 all people to draw nigh.

Heav'nly 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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 17, 2010

A Season Of Joy

Let Christmas once again unfold
The greatest story ever told
Of Jesus' birth, God's precious Son...
God's salvation plan begun.

Let His love spread far and wide
In a mighty, sweeping tide.
As gifting to the hearts of men,
Let His birth be told again.

Jesus came to make men glad...
The greatest friend man ever had.
Let us celebrate His birth
With adoration, joy and mirth.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
Psalm 100:1-2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 16, 2010

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

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Light Of The World

Jesus became the light of the world,
A message of hope, as a banner unfurled,
Given to man... God's ultimate gift
Of gracious redemption our stained lives to lift.

In Him is mercy. In Him is grace...
God's wonderful coverings in all that we face.
Jesus became the key to the door
Of heaven's bright gate and life evermore.

If we will follow, He'll show us the way,
Will fill us with joy and all fears allay.
Jesus became our path and our light
So we might have futures both holy and bright.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

The Song Of Christmas

Music permeates the air
As for Christmas we prepare...
A song that started long ago.
Listen for it's lovely flow.

Let a chorus brightly sing.
Hear the distant church bells ring.
Listen to the children's voices,
Singing as the land rejoices.

Let the Christmas music swell
And celebration come to dwell.
Deep within the hearts of men
Let Jesus' birth resound again.

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 13, 2010

The Real 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 more 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

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Lead Me, O Lord

Lead me, O Lord, and teach me Your ways.
I want to follow Your truths all my days.
Whatever Your call,
I give You my all.
My heart o'erflows with worship and praise.

Things of the world no longer excite.
They have no import before Your pure light.
Your call transforms
And changes all norms,
Bringing new purpose and goals which are bright.

Lead me, O Lord... there's no turning back.
In You is provision... there never is lack.
Your perfect niche
Will make my life rich.
My life will be worthy and always "on-track".

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 11, 2010

God's Touch Of Beauty

Color is a special gift... those reds and yellows, greens and blues,
Given to delight our lives with myriad tints and shades and hues.
We have a kaleidoscope of brilliance painted all about.
Of God's love and beauty we should never ever have a doubt.

If we picture everything in shades of white and black and gray,
How dull our lives would soon become... how weary, boring and blase'.
I am grateful for God's gifts... expression of His awesome love...
The spilling out of glorious beauty in the earth from Heaven above.

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

"I wll praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will shew forth all thy marvellous works. I will be glad and rejoice in thee: I will sing praise to thy name, O thou most High."
Psalm 9:1-2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 10, 2010

Christmas Is Coming!

Christmas is coming! Christmas is coming!
It's time to remember our great Savior's birth...
A time of rejoicing, a time to bring praise
And celebrate Jesus throughout all the earth!

Let choirs make song and many bells ring!
Let music rise up in jubilant sound!
Let our Savior's birth be greeted with joy!
Let banners be drawn and worship abound!

Let the Good News be spread far and wide.
Magnify Jesus throughout all the earth!
Let all that we do in this wonderful season
Bring glory and honor and tell of His worth!

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 09, 2010

It Isn't Too Late

I will not consider that my work is done,
For a bright new adventure has maybe begun.
Every new day offers beautiful chance
To serve my dear Lord in all circumstance.

What could be richer than finding His will
And letting Him lead me to some bright, new skill?
If I am open He'll make "a new day".
He'll help me to write and His thoughts to convey.

Whatever my age, it just isn't too late
To serve my dear Lord and do something great.
All that I do I will do in His name.
It gives me great joy His love to proclaim!

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 08, 2010

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, loving Christmas tree,
With lights and garlands which decree
The love of God for all to see.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, December 07, 2010

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

Monday, December 06, 2010

Richly Covered

Oh, the richness of God's covering
And His wondrous angels hovering...
In His matchless love profound
His mercy and His grace abound.

To find oneself beneath His wing
Is cause to make one want to sing,
Knowing He will ne'er let go
But faithfully His strength bestow.

His steady hand is ever there
To guide our way and burdens bear.
He becomes our guiding light
In gentle watchcare day and night.

To linger in His presence sweet
Is to find a joy replete,
A touch of heaven come to earth.
How rare this gift of priceless worth!

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 05, 2010

Beauty And Worth

If there be a touch of beauty
Or a thing which has some worth,
It is from the Father's hand.
It is He Who gave it birth.

Anything that we can do
Will only be a simple "gray".
But when we let the Father work
His handiwork He will display!

His touch upon that which we do
Will transform as from night to day.
He paints beauty everywhere
In generous and full array.

"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us:
and establish thou the work of our hands upon us;
yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
Psalm 90:17 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 04, 2010

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 03, 2010

Tell The Little Children

Tell the little children of that night so long ago
When Christ was born in Bethlehem in a manger low.
Share with them that Christmas is a time to celebrate
The love of God for each of them... for them to contemplate.

"Christmas" has no purpose, apart from Jesus' birth.
It takes on worldly emptiness and doesn't have much worth.
Jesus is the center, and He gives us glorious reason
To share His love with others in this bright and joyous season.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 02, 2010

A Christmas Blessing

Reach out with an open heart to those who don't have much.
Share with someone who has need and bring a warming touch.
It is far too easy to get busy and forget,
To overlook a real need and then have much regret.

Think of one whom you can bless... to whom you could bring joy,
A neighbor, friend or family, a little girl or boy.
Set aside some funds or time and offer them your best.
Giving is rewarding, and you both will be much blessed.

"It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 01, 2010

Winter Warm

Gather up a harvest of good memories to store,
To warm your heart in "winter" when the rain and windstorms roar,
Memories of jobs well done and times spent with the Lord
Will be there in the "cold times" as a warming, rich reward.

It's good to meditate upon the good things God has done
And thank Him for the peace He gives and battles which were won.
Keep a "scrapbook" in your heart of treasures to review,
And draw strength from it's pages just to help you winter through...

Until the season finds repose and sunshine filters through,
And you can seed new harvests which you later will review.
Seasons come and seasons go, but autumn says "prepare".
Gather up a harvest which will counter winter's fare.

"Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, and lest they depart from thy heart all the days of thy life: but teach them thy sons, and thy sons' sons."
Deuteronomy 4:9 KJV

"Seek the Lord and his strength, seek his face continually. Remember his marvellous works that he hath done, his wonders, and judgments of his mouth."
I Chronicles 16:12 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf