Monday, February 28, 2011

No Worry

Time is lost in needless worry.
Then we sometimes have to scurry
To complete the task at hand,
With added pressure to withstand.

Worry is like sinking sand.
It bogs you down by it's demand.
Rise up from this sinking place
And don't give worry any space.

Before the Lord release your woes.
Let Him battle all your "foes".
To pray takes less time than to fret.
With prayer, good answers you will get.

God redeems our time for us
And teaches us how not to fuss.
Worry just is not much fun.
In prayer are our battles won.

"And who of you by worrying and being anxious can add one unit of measure (cubit) to his stature or to the span of his life?"
Matthew 6:27 Amplified Bible

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, February 27, 2011

Listening

How much do we long to hear the Lord's voice...
Are we too rushed in Him to rejoice?
Often He waits until we are still
To share of His goodness and speak of His will.

When we are still and ready to hear
Then He will whisper His love and good cheer.
Hearing His voice we find we are changed,
The thoughts of our hearts in Him re-arranged.

In His sweet presence we find His rich treasure
And taste of His goodness in beautiful measure.
Taking the time to listen and "wait"
A blessed dimension for us will create.

"O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee... My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips."
Psalm 63:1, 5 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, February 26, 2011

Emmanuel - God With Us

With us in the light of day,
With us through the night,
With us through our fearful times
Or struggles... even slight.

Nothing is too hard for Him
And nothing is too small.
As we walk with faithful step
He will cover all...

With comfort and encouragement.
We never are alone.
All the factors of our day
Before Him are well-known.

"Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us."
Matthew 1:23 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, February 25, 2011

Redeemed Time

I wanted just to sit and write,
But business was distracting me.
An issue which I could not solve
Was pressing in relentlessly.

I could have spent my writing time
Pursuing answers on the phone,
But chose to do my writing first.
Through God the answers would be shown.

Halfway through my writing time
The answer which I needed came.
God had broken through the maze
Which threatened all my time to claim.

While I took the time to write
He went to work in my behalf.
He redeemed my time that day.
My "business" got His autograph!

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..."
Psalm 138:8 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, February 24, 2011

Sowing And Reaping

Never give up... continue to sow.
Sooner or later your efforts will show.
Sometimes we think our prayers are not heard,
But when prayed in faith, God hears ev'ry word.

Our labors to sow good seed for the Lord
Will come to fruition and bring rich reward.
Weeping and toiling sometimes may be long,
But when answers come we'll sing victory's song.

Never give up, continue to sow
Good seeds into lives wherever you go.
When you trust the Lord, not one seed is lost.
Rejoicing will come and o'ertake the "cost".

"They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him."
Psalm 126:5-6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Covered In Him

Thank You, Lord, for watchcare
In these times of war and terror.
How we need Your wisdom,
Lest we falter or make error.

Guard and guide us by Your hand,
And keep us 'neath Your wing.
Help us walk in holiness
And to Your tenets cling.

Many dangers, threats and snares
Confront us every day.
For Your constant covering
We intercede and pray.

You are able to defend
And stave off all our foes.
On Your power we depend...
To save us from these woes.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Patience Knocks

If you find it hard to wait
And work yourself into a state,
Such as this you can't ignore,
For patience knocks upon your door.

Patience is a hard-won prize
And can't be learned through compromise.
You must choose to let her in
And let her healing work begin.

Patience is a precious gift.
Your thinking patterns she will sift
Until you learn to be at rest
And lean on God through every test.

He will cause stress to recede
And oversee your every need,
Giving you an inner calm
As a well-earned healing balm.

"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, February 21, 2011

Black And White

"Black and white" is crisp and clean,
Clearly, it's position seen.
But "grey" we need to contemplate.
Usually it speaks "hesitate".

Issues which are not quite clear
Can easily bring problems near.
Wisdom's voice says "study more
All grey's angles to explore".

Pray for wisdom when not sure
To discern what isn't pure.
As you put "grey" to the test,
Remember, black and white is best.

"Prove all things; hold fast that which is good."
I Thessalonians 5:21 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Prayer Finds A Way

As water always makes a way
To reach it's destination,
Prayer, too, o'ercomes and flows
In quiet celebration.

Prayers ascend the highest wall
And reach through time and space,
Pushing forward fervently
Sweet answers to embrace.

Prayers left in God's great hands
Are clothed and laden with His power,
Able to surmount our cares
And stand with strength through "trouble's" hour.

Prayer always finds a way
And flows with expectation,
Even as a waterbrook
To reach it's destination.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Above The Ordinary

Help me, Lord, to rise above
The issues of the day,
To find the "more important"
And to hear what You would say.

For time can be so wasted
If I don't know Your desire.
If I don't see Your "windows",
Golden timing could expire.

Excitement wells within me
As I glimpse Your will and way.
Your Spirit buoys me up with joy,
Erasing the "blase".

My daily "load" can't hold me down
When I have heard Your voice.
My spirit soars, my steps are light.
In You I will rejoice!

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."
Psalm 5:3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, February 18, 2011

Trends Of The Times

The trends of the times have made people numb,
And oft they forget God's wisdom to plumb.
Truth gives foundation on which we should stand
As flurries of untruth descend on our land.

We cannot let these trends become "norm",
Nor should we ever to "blurred" trends conform.
Discernment will come if we stay in the Word
To always stand strong against untruths we've heard.

Trends starting small may not seem to matter,
But when not discerned God's "order" will scatter.
His Word will help us to see through this "stuff"
And always with wisdom these trends to rebuff.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, February 17, 2011

The Gift Of Silence

Gossip is a "careless" tool.
We should never let it rule.
Info which we should not share
Discreetly should be wrapped in prayer.

When in speech our words meander,
Sometimes they become as slander.
Gossip sadly lacks respect
And lovingkindness won't reflect.

Any "news" which we might hear
To another may be dear.
We can give that one a lift...
To them our "silence" is a gift.

"He that covereth a transgression seeketh love; but he that repeateth a matter separateth very friends."
Proverbs 17:9 KJV

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth. The words of a talebearer are as wounds, and they go down into the innermost parts of the belly."
Proverbs 26:20, 22 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Remember His Benefits

If you're facing a high mountain
And you can't see o'er the top...
If you're needing "sunny weather"
And you want the "rain" to stop...
Remember, God has power.
He is a mighty tower.

If you're all stressed out
And new tensions start to rise...
When unexpeted troubles hit
And come as a surprise...
Remember, God brings peace.
In Him, you'll find release.

He'll lift you up and give you grit
Beyond your own ability.
Remember all His benefits.
In Him, you'll have a guarantee.
Remember, God is able
To guard and keep you stable.

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."
Psalm 68:19 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Knowing His Voice

The shepherd watches o'er his sheep
By day and night his flock to keep.
When He speaks, His voice they know.
Where He leads, his flock will go.

Should a sheep then go astray
The Shepherd goes without delay
To find his sheep and bring his back...
To keep him safe from wolves' attack.

It's good to stay within the flock,
For evil lurks and runs amok.
The sheep who hears the Shepherd's voice
Is sheltered and has made wise choice.

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

"If a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?"
Matthew 18:12 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, February 14, 2011

Love Is Able

Love is able to transcend and heal that which is broken.
By our actions and our words it's language will be spoken.
Love is humble, faithful, quiet, honest and true-blue.
It will cast out fear and doubt and bright hope will pursue.

Love takes time and deep commitment... sometimes through a storm,
But has a way of breaking through, it's wonders to perform.
In sharing and in caring of another's life to lift,
Love and tender friendship shown become a wondrous gift.

"Love never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end)."
I Corinthians 13:8 Amplified Bible

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear..."
I John 4:18 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Gentle Folk

Some folks have "a quiet touch"
And by their love will bless you much.
They don't look for laud or favor.
But their lives have special "savor".

Being near them fosters light.
Their smiles will make your day seem bright.
For they have learned to sense a need.
Their hearts respond in love and deed.

They aren't found on "center stage"
But will write a "gentle page"
In lives that need a little hope
And tender warmth to help them cope.

These are folk of small renown
Who in heav'n will wear a crown.
Each will wear a "royal" cloak.
Precious ones... these gentle folk.

"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 5:5 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, February 12, 2011

Our Daily Bread

"Give us this day our daily bread..." Surely this was the prayer of many back during the depression years, for not many were working.

During that time our family lived next door to a man who owned a greenhouse, but who didn't have enough money for food. Mom learned of his situation and invited him to come have dinner with our family so that he would have at least one meal a day. He hesitated, saying, "I work in a greenhouse where my clothes get dirty, and also, I wouldn't want to interrupt your family time. But if you will set the meal on the fence, then I will come out and get it."

Now this couldn't have been easy for Mom, because at that time she had three small children and a baby to take care of. But each day she would fix a plate of food for him and take it out to the fence, and he would come out to get it. She did this every day for two years, until one day, when she placed the plate of food there on the fence, he didn't come out... he had passed away.

Mom had seen a need and she met it faithfully every day...

"She stretcheth out her land to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy."
Proverbs 31:20 KJV

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, February 11, 2011

Eventide

In quiet hush of eventide
God hovers very 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

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Giving Is A Blessing

Giving just a meager cent
To one in need is wealth well-spent.
Sharing some of what you have
With one who's poor is healing salve.

It matters not if you have much.
Give a cent or mite or such.
Share a meal or drink or bite
To aid or solve another's plight.

Giving seems to multiply
And many needs will nullify.
When we give, God gives e'en more...
Riches from His heav'nly store.

"Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again."
Luke 6:38 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, February 09, 2011

The Beauty Of The Lord

If I could paint a picture
Of the beauty of the Lord
And capture all the love and warmth
In heav'nly places stored,

My paint brush would be filled with life,
My canvas richly hued,
And colors we have never seen
Therein would be debuted.

I could paint throughout all time
On canvas without end
To try to mix the shades and hues
Which He would have me blend.

And when I thought my work was done
There always would be more.
We cannot even comprehend
The "wealth" which is in store.

If I can paint a fraction
Of His beauty with my brush,
The colors will transcend the norm
And be extremely lush.

Every day I yearn to know
And understand Him more.
His beauty spurs me on and on
His riches to explore.

"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, February 08, 2011

Angels' Song

Oh, that I might sometime feel
The gentle brush of angel wings
And hear them sing or play upon
Their heavenly instruments of strings...

With harp and lute and mandolin,
Their voices wafting to and fro,
With heaven's harmonies and song,
Drifting down on those below...

Myriad voices praising God,
Resounding throughout heaven's sphere,
Echoing their glorious chorus
Blessing many far and near.

In the stillness of the night
I long to hear the angels sing,
Just to know a touch of heaven
And hear them praise our glorious King.

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, February 07, 2011

The Rooms Of My Life

If Jesus came into the rooms of my mind,
What would be waiting there? What would He find?
Would negative thoughts and doubt make Him weep?
Would meaningless clutter be piled in a heap?

If Jesus came into the rooms of my heart,
Would He be at peace there, or want to depart?
Can I stop what I'm doing and set all aside
So He can find welcome and want to reside?

Sometimes our Savior cannot find a "home",
For we don't receive Him and cause Him to roam
In search of a life which will give Him first place...
Where the rooms are quite full of His beauty and grace.

"And set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth."
Colossians 3:2 Amplified Bible

"My heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God."
Psalm 84:2 KJV

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, February 06, 2011

Friendship's Caring

The laughter of a caring friend
An aching heart will help to mend.
For love and laughter lift one up
And seem to empty sorrow's cup.

Friendship is a healing tie...
A special love we cannot buy.
It speaks a message of good cheer,
"I care for you and I am here."

It seems to make the sky more blue
To know that someone thinks of you.
It brightly causes hope to rise.
This is friendship's special prize.

"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, February 05, 2011

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

Friday, February 04, 2011

The Lamb Of God

To David

The Lamb of God - so precious He
Who died for you and died for me.
This flawless Lamb - Who cared so much
And gave His life for sinners and such.

He saw our plight and saw our need
As on the cross His side did bleed.
The blood that flowed was shed in pain,
But given in love to be our gain.

So great His love for you and me,
His sacrifice upon the tree.
The Lamb of God - so precious He
Who died for you and died for me.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, February 03, 2011

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, February 02, 2011

The Foot Of The Cross

Any and all may come...

A place where all are equal...
A place where one can be transparent...
A safe place.

A place of rest for a weary soul...
A place of release for a broken heart...
A place of comfort for the lonely and the hurting...
A place of redemption from sin and shame...
A new beginning.

The Cross... is our friend... is an anchor point in a shaky world.

"Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God."
Hebrews 12:1-2 KJV

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, February 01, 2011

The Ant And The Bee

(A Children's Writing)

The ant was so busy and worked all day long
To gather his food, though he was not strong.
Then he saw a bee who was flying about
From flower to flower, sweet nectar to scout.

Ant
"What are you doing?" he said to the bee.
Bee
"Searching for nectar to take home with me.
I fly to my beehive where honey we make,
For people like honey on bread and in cake!"

The ant thought it over but didn't know why
A bee would make honey for PEOPLE to try.
Ant
"I take my food from crumbs people LEAVE!
That you make them honey is hard to believe!"

Bee
"God made me a bee, for He had a plan
That I should make honey as good food for man.
So I work hard all day from dawn until eve.
For me it is better to give than receive."

"Remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive."
Acts 20:35 KJV

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf