Receiving God's Best

Are we keeping ourselves from God's very best?
The more that we seek Him, the more we are blessed.
When we get caught up in mundane distractions
We may be cheating ourselves by our actions.

We may not think that we're being cheated,
But if we've "slept" or simply retreated
We may not realize there is a cost...
Time and well-being perhaps may be lost.

When God thinks of us, He only thinks good.
When we are focused we'll "move" as we should,
Learning from Him, receiving His best.
And as we seek Him we truly are blessed.

"I, the Lord, will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you."
Psalm 32:8 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let Truth Break Forth

A Prayer For Our Nation

Let truth break forth... let there be light!
Let fires of righteousness burn bright,
Exposing evil's shady works
And cleaning out where'er it lurks.

Righteousness is fresh and pure...
For nagging problems is the cure.
Let honesty and truth prevail
And all deceptive plans derail.

May we rise in strength and power
And not be blind in this late hour.
May our eyes be opened wide
To see in Whom we should abide.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord; and the people whom he hath chosen for his own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Autumn's Music

How lovely is the countryside
As Autumn is preoccupied
With splashing beauty everywhere
And causing trees bright hues to wear.

Autumn has a certain flair
And spends great effort to declare,
"I won't let the winter come
Until I've danced and "played my drum".

Her bright rhythm and her song
Invite us all to hum along.
She works hard to bring us cheer
As we move toward the end of year.

Autumn has a special gift,
Her warmth and glow our hearts to lift.
She always does her very best
And causes us to be much-blessed.

"Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise."
Psalm 98:4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Rich Treasure

The Holy Spirit guides us in all we say or do.
He gives us rare perception... an enhanced and different view.
To see or hear as He would see is thrilling and unique.
He adds a new dimension to the way we think or speak.

The limitations which we have will oft get in the way,
But the Spirit of the Lord will be with us as we pray.
The anointing which He gives will bring wisdom in new measure.
To know Him and to hear His voice is a precious treasure.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Changing Season

Through the years I have enjoyed many activities... sewing, stitchery, decorating, gardening, etc. Each one was a blessing and useful at the time. These activities were wonderful in the former season. But now the Lord is saying to me that some of these things must fall away from me, that unless they do I cannot fit into the "house" He has for me. And they don't matter as much now. To continue to do all these things would be like carrying extra baggage around.

I do not know what is before me. I cannot see yet... or know. But I feel relief in knowing that my lack of interest in the former things is part of preparation for a new season.

He told me He was preparing me to walk on a higher ledge. (This reminds me of the Scripture which talks about hinds' feet in high places" - Psalm 18:33), and that I can't carry a wide load on a narrow ledge. (God has a good sense of humor.)

Some days, when all of my favorite things began to fall away from me, I felt discouraged and wondered what was happening to me. At times I did not feel good about it. But now, as I look at what is happening I can see that God's hand is in this. And I am encouraged. He is faithful and He knows my needs. And He also knows what I don't need anymore! Hallelujah!

"He makes my feet like hinds' feet (able to stand firmly or make progreess on the dangerous heights of testing and trouble); He sets me securely upon my high places."
Psalm 18:33 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Unshakeable Peace

The peace of the Lord is gentle and pure...
For any anxiety... a wondrous cure.
As fresh, cooling waters it soothes and it calms...
An oasis of rest and sweet, healing balms.

Let it become the water you drink,
The air that you breathe, the thoughts that you think.
The peace of the Lord will change how you live.
A restful perspective and joy it will give.

Peace is a "fortress" of God's might and power
Where we may rest in troublesome hour.
He is our shelter from wind and from storm
Or anything else which just is not norm.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Perfect Timing

As we serve, God fills our cup,
And in His time we are raised up,
But we must start at the beginning.
Shortcuts do not lead to "winning".

Serving in the little ways
Is a most important phase.
Learning here to be content
Is preparation time well-spent.

If we're patient step-by-step
The Lord will give us needed "prep".
We'll grow in wisdom and in grace
As we are in His perfect pace.

"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

My Hummingbird Friend

This little bird, so quick in his flight,
Brightens my day... is a precious delight.
He "visits" my flowers, pausing mid-air,
And savors the nectar which he enjoys there.

He doesn't linger, but quickly moves on,
Visiting flowers hither and yon.
But in that moment when he darts by,
I feel like my heart to God has drawn nigh.

This little bird is one of God's treasures
To cheer us and bring sweet memories and pleasures.
Though he be small, he brings a big smile.
I always wish that he'd linger awhile.

"And God created... every winged fowl after his kind: and God saw that it was good."
Genesis 1:21 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow

Young folks frown upon "the past"
Because they're traveling too fast.
"It's passe', it makes me yawn.
I have no intrerest... it is gone!"

They desire "the latest thing".
Whatever's "in"... to that they cling.
They are caught up in "today".
"Near the action" they will stay.

Some are speeding toward tomorrow,
Buying things (for which they borrow).
They are in a fruitless race
And need to find a balanced pace.

The past had values all should learn,
And for it's wisdom they should yearn.
To have perspective for today,
Important choices they must weigh.

Some things change, but some things don't.
Jesus' life and teaching won't.
Foundation which He gives is sound.
In Him is right perspective found.

"Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and today, and forever."
Hebrews 13:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Message Of Cheer

Be a messenger of cheer
To all who may be near.
Change the atmosphere or "view"
With a happy note or two.

Have a sunshine smile ready
For some who feel unsteady.
If you sing a happy tune
Maybe they'll be singing soon.

Your joy will be contagious
And help others be courageous.
Be a courier of cheer.
You will bless those who are near.

"The Lord hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad." Psalm 126:3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene schwartzkopf

Jesus Changes Lives

He makes good folks out of bad
And downhearted people glad.
He will fill an empty soul
With His love and make him whole.

He will heal a wounded child
Whose aching heart has never smiled
Or give courage to the fearful
And sweet laughter to the tearful.

His compassion is a gift
To those who dearly need a lift.
His faithfulness is truly great...
His goodness we should celebrate!

"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. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips." Psalm 63:3-5 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Music Of The Heart



When rhythms of two hearts agree
Then life becomes a melody...
A pleasant song with lovely tune.
With love and joy the hearts commune.

When apart the hearts still sing
The tune they know... to it they cling...
For when they first became as one
A lovely journey was begun. 

On and on the song will play
To brighten each and every day.
When it rests within the heart,
A special love it will impart.

© 2011  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Choice Silver

A wise man studies to learn fact...
To idle info won't react.
If he's not sure, then he will weigh
What he has heard... and then will pray.

He will measure every word
To make sure truth is never blurred.
Carefully he works things through,
Then will speak his "studied" view.

Those with wisdom we should hear,
For always they will be quite clear.
As they speak, rich truth we glean...
Wisdom on which we can lean.

"In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise. The tongue of the just is as choice silver..."
Proverbs 10:19-20 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Soaring In The Spirit

In my spirit I can fly
And mount up with my wings on high.
I will never be earth-bound.
God will show me things profound.

He enables me to soar,
His heavenly riches to explore.
By His Spirit I will "see"
With sight unhindered and set free.

The Spirit's wind beneath my wings
Lifts me above life's mundane things.
In my spirit I will fly
And to the heart of God draw nigh.

"But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for thenm that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by His Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
I Corinthans 2:9-10 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Mountain Too High

When barriers seem uncrossable,
God will make it possible.
Though life's hurdles may seem high,
Don't give up or sit and sigh.

God can reach the highest peak
And to your mountain clearly speak.
When things seem too hard for you,
Trust in Him to see you through.

He will reassure your heart,
Love and joy and grace impart.
Trust in Him, for He is there.
He hears your cry and fervent prayer.

"Ah, Lord God! Behold thou hast made the heaven and
the earth by thy great power and stretched out
arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee."
Jeremiah 32:17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Strength Through Prayer

Prayer heals frazzled nerves,
And peace of mind it oft preserves.
No matter just how great our stress,
Prayer gives us calm finesse.

We shouldn't wait till troubles come
And leave us feeling somewhat numb.
God will guard each step we make
As we in times of prayer partake.

Prayer gives us strength to face
Great challenges with quiet grace.
God brings balance to our day
If we faithfully will pray.

"Be careful for nothing: but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heart For Others

My father's family came from Russia in the early 1900's. They had been people of means in Russia, but when they came to the United States they had only the two sets of clothes on their backs. Dad learned to work hard early in his life, and as I look back I remember him as always working very hard. But I also remember him as having a heart for poor people and for those in need.

This story comes to mind... we had a crab apple tree in the backyard which attracted neighborhood children. They would pick the apples (green crab apples are very hard), throw them and have fights with them. Dad was afraid they would hurt each other or break windows with them. He told them that if they would stop picking them, when they were ripe he would give the apples to them. The children became his friends, and he did give the apples to their family.

Numerous times he helped our neighbors... fixing plumbing, catching moles (he knew just how to set the traps and he got them every time), repairing bicycles or whatever else needed fixing.

But one of his best "works" was mowing a neighbor's lawn every week in addition to doing our lawn. The couple across the street were both crippled. The man was in a wheel chair, and his wife had had polio. (One of her legs was much shorter than the other). Even though he daily worked physically hard, he never missed doing their lawn. He loved helping them.

The stories are many... he always tried to help others when he saw a need.

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:4 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Take Time To Pause

Through the day take time to pause
And give the Lord heartfelt applause.
Give Him praise and honor due
For all the gifts He's given you.

Look into His lovely face
And ponder His redeeming grace.
The love He shows to you and me
Is as an endless potpourri.

His beauty will refresh your day
And push your worries far away.
Receive His beauty... breathe it in.
He'll cause your day to be win-win!

"Give unto the Lord the glory due unto his name: worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness."
Psalm 29:2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

As Seasons Change

Summer sang her pretty song,
But now she marches right along,
Knowing that her stay is short.
To Autumn she must soon give court.

She has warmed our hearts and lives.
We're always glad when she arrives.
But soon we'll see her wave "good-bye"
As Autumn's jubilee draws nigh.

For Autumn also has a song
And has been waiting all year long
To do what she seems to do best.
By her color we'll be much blessed.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Helping Our Children

I'm thinking of our children
As they start a new school year.
What will they be taught
And what values will they hear?

The truth is bent to suit new trends,
Confusing little minds.
Unless we help them sort it out,
They'll learn errors of all kinds.

Their books have been rewritten
To reflect these current trends,
Eliminating moral truth
And leading toward wrong "ends".

Children need good balance
As they learn just how to live.
Parents, teach them wisdom.
Understanding to them give.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Safe Niche

No matter our trials, no matter our storm,
No matter the testings which just are not norm,
Always in Jesus we have blessed hope.
If we just trust, new doors He will ope.

He brings refreshing when we're all worn out.
He'll make us strong, e'en though we have doubt.
In times of great need, He fills us with joy.
He is our peace... an uplifting buoy.

Those who have suffered will know this is true.
Our God is faithful to help us "come through".
Though we have nothing, in Him we're still rich.
Covered in Him we have a safe niche.

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand). I will say of the Lord, He is my Refuge and my Fortress, my God; in Him I lean and rely, and in Him I (confidently) trust!"
Psalm 91:1-2 Aprlified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Heard My Prayer

God heard my prayer, and He met my need...

My need was for a new pair of shoes. This might not seem like much of a need, but I wear special shoes, and when I don't have them it causes lots of problems in my hip. The pair I was wearing broke down on the inside and was no longer good.

I didn't have money for a new pair, but in faith I called the shoe store and asked them to hold a pair in my size, telling them I would come soon to get them. This situation needed a quick answer.

The girl who answered the phone said to me, "Oh, I forgot to call you. You won a drawing."

This startled me. I said, "What drawing?"

She answered, "Don't you remember? The last time you were in you signed up for a drawing and you won. You have a new pair of shoes waiting for you."

It took a moment for me to realize what I was hearing. My reply was, "You mean I get a free pair of shoes?"

The beauty of what had happened was really impacting me. Obviously, God was in the mix here. I still don't recall that there was a drawing, but somehow He provided these shoes for me.

God is not limited in His ability to provide for us. When we love Him and serve Him He goes before us, preparing our way, providing for all our needs, and making a safe path for us.

I am so grateful for His lovingkindness.

"The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1 KJV

"The Lord hath done great things for us, whereof we are glad."
Psalm 126:3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Retreat

Retreat with God to the "quiet place".
Learn of peace and of His grace.
Escape the din of daily duty.
Find dimensions of His beauty.

Let His Spirit flow through you
To wash, refresh and make you new.
He will soothe life's wear and tear
If you will wait and linger there..

Priceless... His tranquillity,
From tension's wares to set us free.
His presence brings a peace replete
When with Him we seek retreat.

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them."
Psalm 119:165 KJV

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Watching Over Us

At one point in my life I had no money coming in. I was low on oil for my furnace and didn't know how I was going to keep warm. My mom gave me fifty dollars to put a little oil in the tank so I wouldn't run out, but winter was coming and I knew that fifty dollars worth of oil wouldn't last long.

While the oil company was there putting the oil in the tank, a neighbor walked over to me and asked, "How much oil are you getting?"

I answered him, "However much fifty dollars will get for me."

He walked over to the oil man and was talking with him, then went into his house.

When I went to pay the oil man my fifty dollars, he said that the neighbor had handed him one hundred dollars for more oil.

I had been really down that day, but God was right there to lift me up. We never know how He will provide for us or who He will use, but His hand is not shortened to help us!

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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

Angels On Duty

My daughter drives a classic caar - a 1966 Mustang.

The former owner of this car didn't do the repair work on it properly. "Bucket of bolts" and "held together with bubble gum and baling wire" would be apt references here. Sometimes I wonder what kept it running, except for the fact that I pray for my daughter and know God watches over her. She herself says that every time she gets in the car she prays, "God, get me where I'm going".

Recently she was coming to my house, traveling on a freeway, and lost the water out of her radiator. She pulled off to the side, got out of the car, and started to lift up the hood of the car. Before she could get the hood up, a van with three fellows stopped. One fellow said to her, "I have a '65 Mustang. I think I can fix your problem."

As he checked to see what the problem was, he found that a "cap" had broken from age, causing the water to drain out. He went to his van, came back with a "cap" and put it on her car. She didn't know what the cap was from, but it exactly fit the car.

The fellows had bottled drinking water in their van, and they poured it in her radiator. Then they offered to follow her to the exit where she would leave the freeway to make sure she would get off safely. They would take no pay for helping her.

What a miracle! She didn't lose more than ten minutes' time in her trip, and the car was running fine.

As she told me about this, I laughingly commented, "Well, that may have been the only place in this whole metro area where the part which was needed was available (because the car is so old), and God knew right where the part was.

When I later shared this story with a friend, his comment was, "Angels. It was angels..." And then I realized. God had sent angels to help her.

"For He shall give His angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91:11 NKJV

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Confidence

Ideas from God bring innovation,
Leading one to bright creation...
Art or music or design,
Or something which will truly shine.

In God we are not limited,
Nor should we feel inhibited.
What He causes us to see
Is then a possibility.

If in Him we will believe,
He will help us to perceive
How to do what He has shown...
Which we couldn't do alone!

"For the Lord shall be thy confidence..."
Proverbs 3:26 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Merry Heart

Laughter and joy are good for the soul.
Cheerfulness is a wonderful goal.
It isn't dependent on how life might be.
It's more about choice and the way that we "see".

We needn't be glum when life gets us down.
Light-hearted perspective will offset a frown.
When challenges come, remember to smile.
Laughter and fun will lighten your trial.

Choose to be positive, whate'er may come.
Laughter is good if your day is ho-hum.
You will have joy... your trials will feel lighter.
With changed perspective your life will be brighter.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Rejoice In God's Covering

When a door closes, it may not be bad.
If God closed the door, then we should be glad.
He watches over our steps every day
And He goes before us to "ready" our way.

We're in safe keeping when we lean on Him.
Without Him our hopes would maybe be dim.
We may not know where His steps would lead.
He may surprise us and sow some "new seed".

In all of His leading for us we will grow
If we are open His purpose to know.
We do not know what may be ahead,
But we will be blessed if by Him we're led.

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Do Unto Others

Everywhere I look are needs
And chances to do many deeds.
Sometimes folks will need to hear
Encouragement from someone near.

But others need a little more...
To walk their dog or sweep their floor,
Watch their children for a bit,
Or, if they're lonely, just to sit.

If you connect to help someone
God will honor what you've done.
You may make a valued friend
As a helping hand you lend.

You may help them just one time,
But at that moment you are prime.
Usually they won't forget...
Because a simple need you met.

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 6:31 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf