God's Reflection

Do we make room for the Word in our hearts?
Is God's Holy Word in all, or just parts?
Where'er the word rests becomes as a fountain
Of riches and glory from God's holy mountain.

Deep in our hearts, when His Word is stored,
God's wisdom and teaching are richly outpoured.
Discernment is greater, perception is clearer.
Our lives reflect His Word as a mirror.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
Colossians 3:16 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Still Rules

God is God, and He still rules.
Those who don't believe are fools.
Men who through their pride wield power
Before God's might will shrink and cower.

Though they speak with flossy tongue,
In God's sight all their words are dung.
God discerns the hearts of men
And knows their every wicked yen.

He will turn their words to dust,
For He is righteous, pure and just.
All shall bow before His power.
How much we need Him in this hour.

"The Lord is in his holy temple, the Lord's throne is in heaven: his eyes behold, his eyelids try, the children of men."
Psalm 11:4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Freedom In Christ

If you're caught in patterns which are from the past,
Step out of the shadows which may have been cast.
Christ brings us light so we may be free
And blossom into the "flowers" we should be...

Filled with His fragrance and radiant with life,
With no former trace of weakness or strife.
We will gain strength and grow in rich soil,
Covered in grace against enemy foil.

No matter our memories or where we are from,
The Lord's wondrous love our fear will o'ercome.
When no longer bound, but in His embrace,
We then can "blossom" with beauty and grace.

"If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
John 8:16 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Inspired Music

The sounds of Heaven will be rich... inviting to the ear.
No discordant melodies or sounds there will we hear.
Waves of Heaven's harmonies will echo to and fro,
Glorious and beautiful beyond what we now know.

Let us offer harmonies with beauty as we praise.
Let us sing refrains of worth in worship which we raise...
Pleasing to a holy God and glorious in sound,
Music birthed from Heaven's doors, heart-stirring and profound.

"Praise ye the Lord; for it is good to sing praises unto
our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely."
Psalm 147:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Looking Up

We can choose to "look up" or choose to stay down.
It's better to smile than to wear a sad frown.
As we reach up all our cares fall away
And we gain bright focus to govern our day.

God is our strength through each day and each hour,
A faithful companion, a shield, a safe tower.
We have good reason to always look up...
To learn God's perspective on what's in our "cup".

For He has a plan and keeps track of detail.
The size of our challenge will then start to pale.
And we can move forward with joy in our day,
Assured of His covering and care... come what may.

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Coverings

God sees through the "coverings" we use to hide our sin.
We may fool ourselves, but with God this is "no-win".
We cannot pretend we have no problems or no flaws.
If we think we're faultless, then it's really time to pause...

God is holy, God is just, and full of great compassion,
Willing to extend His grace, our flawed lives to refashion.
When we shed our "coverings" and lay down all our pride,
He gives us HIS covering in which we may abide.

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
I Peter 1:15-16 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Golden Words

Pondering the things of God
And all the many paths I've trod
Makes me want to know Him more...
And learn what He might have in store.

His guiding voice is as pure gold...
Wealth of wisdom yet untold.
When He speaks I turn my ear
With excitement then to hear.

Knowing He will speak to me
Spurs me on to closer be,
List'ning for each golden word
And treasuring each word I've heard.

"The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."
Lamentations 3:25 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Greater Is He

Deception offers ugly wares,
Packaged in appealing wrap.
It reaches out in myriad ways
Unwary souls to gain and trap.

Oftentimes if we are seeking
Something new and fresh and bright,
This ugly pest is just there waiting
To distract us with it's "light".

Deception tries to sow it's seeds
And offer us alternative,
To draw us off God's chosen path
And blur our thoughts on how to live.

But God is so much greater and
Is able to fulfill our joy
When we keep our eyes on Him
And all His principles employ.

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
James 4:7 KJV

"Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
I John 4:4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Procrastination

Procrastination is a drag!
It sends up a bright, red flag.
Delaying things can bring high cost.
Important timing can get lost.

Issues dealt with in prompt manner
Wear a bright and smiling banner,
Bringing order, easing stress,
Making complications less.

Doing things on time is good,
Addressing issues as we should.
Procrastination "waits awhile",
But promptness wears a happy smile!

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily,
as to the Lord, and not unto men..."
Colossians 3:23 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Anchored On The Rock

When things around us falter
And our way of life might alter,
Are we able to adjust
And to lean on God in trust?

In Him we will be stable.
It is He Who makes us able
To be strong, should problems come,
And not waver or succumb.

Though we may be shaken
Our foundation won't be taken.
When we're anchored on The Rock
We're secure when trials knock.

"And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour..."
II Samuel 22:2-3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Spring's Bright Beauty

Crocus blooms and daffodils
Are welcome signs of spring's bright frills.
Then fluffy-petaled, flow'ring trees
Present their fragrant potpourris.

Spring turns everything to flowers
As plants and shrubs become as bowers.
Spring seems bent on blessing us
As she makes her pretty "fuss".

Thank You, Lord, for all this beauty
As spring fulfills her annual duty.
When she opes her pretty door
She brings to us new hope and more.

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Smooth Road

Meekness walks a path of grace,
But narrow is it's way.
It will know it's proper place...
Within it's borders stay.

Pride moves on a bumpy path
With utter lack of poise and grace,
"Scuffing" others, stirring wrath
Because it wants a larger space.

Mildness doesn't seek a stage
Where it has not been led to be,
In competition won't engage,
Of pride it's careful walk is free.

Humility avoids a snare
And travels on a road of grace.
The face of pride it will not wear.
Tranquility it will embrace.

"The Lord lifteth up the meek..."
Psalm 147:6 KJV

"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
James 4:6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Being Ready

Should God present the "perfect occasion"
To make change and prosper or fulfill a dream,
Would you be ready to "pick up and go"...
To be called into opportunity's stream?

Often we ponder and yearn to be used
But are not attuned as to how to prepare.
God may be trying to bring about change,
But then we are busy and less than aware.

Whatever His leading, we need to respond,
Though sometimes His leading may not make much sense.
He will prepare us in His perfect timing
And help us be ready new work to commence.

We need not fear that we won't be ready.
By Him we're seasoned and fit and equipped.
We then can move in His perfect timing.
He is our Guide, His Word is our script.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Castles In The Sand

People build things in the sand
And try to make a castle stand.
But with the wash of just one wave
Their well-formed castle they can't save.

Life is just a lot like that,
Sending "waves" we can't combat.
The waves of time will wash away
Those "towers" we build and hope will stay.

In Christ we build what cannot crumble
As before Him we are humble.
Do not build upon the sand.
What is built in Him will stand.

"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Matthew 7:24-27 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Learning About Love

Sometimes love is hard labor. Sometimes it is long service... the giving up of self... the giving up of one's time.

Love is a choice. It is a test. In meeting it's test we open a door to rich experience in the Spirit... in the knowledge of God's grace and in the awareness of His faithfulness. As we lean into Him for strength we tap into deep wells of His goodness and wisdom and insight.

While we are yet leaning we are soaring to new heights in the Spirit. Those watching may think we have loss, but in Christ we have only gain.

"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Do Unto Others

I know a man who quietly serves,
And much recognition he surely deserves.
But he will not seek it... that isn't his goal.
The "everyday" things encompass his role.

He does things well and gives of his best,
To bring joy to others his time will invest.
This is a man who serves our dear Lord,
Knowing that He will give him reward.

He is unselfish and serves with a smile
As he sometimes works and goes the nth mile.
The work of his hands is God's love expressed
And causes God's people to be greatly blessed.

"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
I Corinthians 10:31 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Strong Family

"Family" is built in love over time
As touches of caring create a strong bond.
Sometimes the tiniest thing we may do
Will "heal" or "fix" or "reach way beyond".

Family "ties" which grow out of kindness
Will never be lost and cannot be broken.
Bonding is strengthened and love is promoted
When words of encouragement gently are spoken.

Commitment to pray and serve one another
Becomes as an anchor against storm and test.
Where family members are bonded in prayer
Then that home will be a haven of rest.

"Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening)."
I Corinthians 13:7 Amplified Bible

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Ruts And Grooves

Sometimes a habit becomes as a rut,
A groove we get stuck in we need to rebut.
Our mind-sets grow weary and then start to lean.
Doing what's easy becomes as routine.

Forming good habits our time will redeem
And create new order, respect and esteem.
It may take hard work to change how we think.
It doesn't just happen as quick as a wink!

We can break loose from habits which bind,
Avoiding old "bents" to which we're inclined.
When our desire to change becomes prime,
Out of old ruts we surely will climb.

"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness..."
Proverbs 21:5 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Sweeping Wind

The Spirit of God is as wind o'er a prairie,
Sweeping in power it sometimes will tarry.
If we're alert we will witness His power
As God's hand is moving and working this hour.

The Spirit won't linger when His work is done
But quickly moves on a new course to run.
He touches down in lives which are yielded
Unto God's will and by His Word shielded.

Pray that you'll know the work of God's hand
And stay closely tuned to learn what He's planned.
The Spirit moves quickly, His work to complete,
And often His timing is "sweeping" and fleet.

"When 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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Laughing At Me

Some days I don't have much "spark".
It seems my mind is stuck in "park".
I must need a "pick-me-up"
Or put more coffee in my cup.

Some days I am just a "klutz"
And "trip" on even tiny ruts.
I think I need to laugh at me
And enter my day merrily.

When my day is "out of sync"
I'll shrug it off without a blink.
What's the use to fuss and whine?
It's much more fun to laugh than pine!

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Tangled Web

The "blame game" is a flimsy shield
Where people try to hide...
A tangled web of "reasons"
Where some folks oft reside...

Blundering their way around
Bare practicality,
Running from the real facts
And facing truth's reality...

Lying sometimes to themselves
About the "nitty-gritty"
And building up a think facade
Which really isn't pretty.

Oh, how sad the blame game is...
A prison it can be.
Owning up to one's own faults
Will heal and set one free.

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."
Psalm 51:6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Early Start

While the day is very young, I turn to Jesus first,
'Fore with that day's busyness I soon become immersed.
Then I gain a right perspective how my day should go.
I can move with calm and not be bandied to and fro.

Jesus brings an order for the pieces of my day
And helps me sort it's factors... which are good or which are "nay".
He may even move aside the things I thought I'd do
And call to my attention something urgent, fun or new.

Daily schedules are best made before the Lord in prayer.
That way I eliminate much needless wear and tear.
When the day is very young I make a well-learned choice...
To spend some time apart with Him and listen to His voice.

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Greater Love

Laying down our lives to serve the hurting or the lost
In ordinary terms may appear to have high cost.
But Jesus looks upon these souls as worthy of His best.
We dare not gaze upon their needs with mockery or jest.

Sometimes we're required by God to lay aside our plan
And take the time to help someone... to serve howe'er we can.
Longterm this can be a test of patience and of strength,
But Jesus doesn't look upon the job... it's width or length.

He is taking us to heights above our own perspective,
And we will start to see His plan as we become receptive.
We can be His vessel to show love to one another.
By serving even as He served, with love we bless each other.

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sheep

It's so good to be a sheep
With the Shepherd giving keep,
Grazing 'neath His watchful eye,
And sheltered as the night draws nigh.

Listening to the Shepherd's voice
And resting in His flock by choice
Bring surety and comfort wise...
Nurture which His care supplies.

Sheep need cov'ring day and night
For all their needs... however slight.
The Shepherd hears their ev'ry bleat.
In Him they will have safe retreat.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Being Centered

To be centered in God's purpose
Is the highest place to be,
For He is author of all hope
And possibility.

All the paths which He will give
Will lead us to a higher plane.
As we walk upon these paths
Our footsteps He will train.

He will guide and spur us on,
Our highest goals to reach.
Through each new experience
His great wisdom He will teach.

He designs the avenues
In which our lives will rest.
As we follow His design
We surely will be blessed.

"God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect."
II Samuel 22:33 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sowing Peace

If we would have a life of peace
Then we must let all conflict cease.
For peace is birthed in wisdom's meekness
And has gentle, mild uniqueness.

Wisdom's righteousness and mercy
Douse the flames of controversy,
Causing strife to bow it's head,
Bringing good will in it's stead.

Wisdom from our precious Lord
Will always bring us blessed reward.
Only here will we find peace...
The kind that brings us full release.

"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. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
James 3:17-18 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Longer Blind

Lord, help me see my blind spots
Lest pride be hiding there.
Should I not see clearly,
Please make me more aware.

If I move forth blindly
I might trample on another
By lack of sensitivity to
Neighbor, friend or brother.

Pride will often cut a swath
Where it should not have entered,
Walking on the will of God
Because it was not "centered".

Let my blind spots all be found
And tempered by humility.
Wash away my blindnesses
So I more clearly see.

"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
James 4:6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Simplicity's Gift

What ever happened to simple, clean living,
Going to church, sharing and giving?
Folks have lost track of life's simple pleasures,
Rushing right past... to gain worldly treasures.

Simple is best... will always have worth.
Good common sense will often give birth
And open up doors we may not have seen,
God's riches and pleasures to taste and to glean.

Society's treadmill becomes as a race
And has it's own rhythm with too fast a pace.
Oft it's complexity is as a snare,
But simplicity is a breath of fresh air!

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Joy Of Serving

Serving the Lord will never grow "old",
For in Him I find rich nuggets of gold,
Waiting to be discovered and known,
Practiced each day, and then to be sown...

So others may see and learn and be taught
And worship the Lord in prayer and in thought.
God is so good and loving and kind
And ready to teach us if we're so inclined.

What rich experience to be in His "keep",
To know and to serve Him and His blesisngs reap!
There is no joy to match such as this.
Those who don't serve Him don't know what they miss!

"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
Psalm 100:2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Distractions

When troubles surround and call for attention,
Let that be a call for prayer intervention.
In order to keep our eyes on our goals
We cannot let problems jar us from our "roles".

The enemy makes distractions and noise
To rob our perception, order and poise.
Don't let his actions bring fear or despair.
"Down-size" the troubles... enwrap them in prayer!

God will sort out our needs one-by-one
And show us quite clearly what needs to be done.
He will make order and give expertise
So we can move forward in calmness and peace.

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Touch Of Spring

A touch of spring would sure be nice,
Better than this snow and ice.
Hurry on, my "springtime friend"
And help this winter's spree to end.

Snow is pretty as it falls
And wraps all things in frosty shawls,
But deep within I yearn for spring...
To watch her showy, flowery fling.

She paints beauty on bare boughs
As she brings end to winter's drowse.
Winter's been here for awhile.
It is time for Spring's bright smile!

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf