Monday, December 31, 2012

A Path For The New Year

Beginning in this fresh new year
I want to have a listening ear,
That all the Lord speaks I'll not miss.
I pray for diligence in this.

He is faithful to provide
And all my ways to lead and guide.
The path He sets is safe for me.
He enables me to "see"...

So I'll not stumble nor will fall
In my endeavors, great or small.
When I choose to hear His voice
I know He'll cause me to rejoice.

"It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 30, 2012

Abundant Grace

My hope is in the Lord,
For earthly things are frail.
I know He'll keep His eye on me.
In Him I will not fail.

His grace is so abundant
And will help me carry through.
When I trust and lean on Him
He covers all I do.

He guides me and He spurs me on
And strengthens me to stand.
I can rest within His grace.
My life is in His hand.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 29, 2012

These Are They

Lives that count are not the rich
But Godly folks with quiet niche...
Those who walk their path each day,
Do not complain, but always pray...

Trusting God in all they do,
Knowing He will bring them through.
All the hurdles which they face
Are more than covered by His grace.

These are they whose faith has grown,
Leaving "wealth" to those they've known.
They in heaven will wear a crown,
For there these folks will find renown.

"Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
II Timothy 4:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 28, 2012

Sowing Happiness

A cheery word can change a day
For one who's feeling quite blase'.
Spread some joy where'er you go,
For joy is a good seed to sow.

Be contagious with your cheer,
For laughter is so good to hear.
When you choose to be "upbeat",
For others you become a treat.

Others soon will smile back,
And laughter then will not have lack.
By your cheer you've filled a need.
You've sown happiness indeed!

"For the joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Reflecting On God's Goodness

Thankfulness changes our daily perspective
When on God's goodness we are reflective.
If we are "running" and going too fast,
The blessings of God we may run right past.

Our God is great and worthy of praise.
We should pause often and gratitude raise.
He is our fortress and mighty in power...
Our peace and our strength in this very hour.

Moments we spend in praising His name
Will change us inside... we won't be the same.
We will have joy as we're in His presence...
As we acknowledge and show Him our reverence.

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised..."
Psalm 48:1 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

A Song Of Joy

Sing a song of love and joy,
Blessed gifts men should employ.
How we need to spread good cheer
To every person... far and near.

Good will flows forth from the heart
And many blessings will impart.
Gladness offsets many frowns
And love produces lovely "crowns".

Let joy sing from deep within.
Let light-heartedness begin.
Joy brings comfort, hope and calm...
A welcome, wondrous, healing balm.

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Philippians 4:4 KJV

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

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

Monday, December 24, 2012

Room In The Inn

Baby Jesus, do not fear...
I will make for You some space.
Little child without a bed,
In my heart I'll make a place.

I invite and welcome You
Deep within my heart to stay.
I want to live my life for You
And want to bless You every day.

As You reside within my heart,
Joy and worship I will bring.
You are worthy of all praise,
You'll daily cause my heart to sing.

Nothing I can offer You
For me could greater joy impart
Than to give You residence
In the inn of my own heart.

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
John 14:23 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 23, 2012

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

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Jesus Is Born

A tiny babe's cry pierced out through the night,
Forever to change the darkness to light.
It was God's loving plan for all of mankind.
This event which took place by God was hand-signed.

The life of this babe would be flawless and pure
And would bring answer men's sorrows to cure.
He would bring life and wash away sin,
That men everywhere might eternal life win.

That tiny cry pierces darkness today.
Jesus was come... your sin-debt to pay.
For those who receive Him and live in His light
He'll cut through your darkness and make your life 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. 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

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 21, 2012

Sounds Of Christmas

Carolers singing, a joyful sound bringing,
Trumpets and choirs and pretty bells ringing...
These are the sounds of bright Christmas cheer,
Announcing good news for all men to hear!

"Peace be on earth and good will toward men."
Let this be broadcast again and again!
Jesus has come... He is the Light,
Hope for mankind... the world to ignite.

Let celebration well up in your heart
And cause daily worries to flee and depart.
Jesus is come, our joy to renew.
Let His song ring forth... in me and in you!

"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

Thursday, December 20, 2012

A Childhood Christmas

The light in the eyes of a sweet little child,
Worshipping Jesus, the sweet baby mild,
Is precious and tender and wondrous to see.
His love is so pure and his spirit so free.

Lord, let this "imprint" on him ne'er be lost.
May Your love and grace in his heart be embossed.
May the wonder and awe which he has in his heart
Always remain there... Your joy to impart.

For childhood will fade and a young man emerge.
May angels keep watch and around him converge
To guard and protect this wonder and awe.
Let him never forget the "manger" he saw.

"For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways (of obedience and service)."
Psalm 91:11 Amplified Bible

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

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 18, 2012

Revisit The Manger

I will revisit the manger again
To retrace my steps and where I have been,
To recall God's blessings and open my heart,
Ready for God new life to impart.

Let all my worship be fragrant as myrrh,
And let His great love anew in me stir.
As I remember and take time to pause,
Again I am filled with joy and applause.

Salvation was birthed in the manger that night...
Promise of heaven, mankind to excite.
We can take joy, for God had a plan
To bring full redemption and blessing to man.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 17, 2012

A Song Of Christmas

Hum a lovely Christmas song.
In this season, sing along!
Christmas carols tell a story...
Reminding us to give God glory!

What a joyous time to sing
Our praises to our Lord and King!
Let your voice with worship swell...
The birth of Jesus Christ to tell.

Let choirs sing and bells ring out,
For joy is what this is about!
Lift up worship... celebrate!
Jesus' birth commemorate!

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 16, 2012

Let The Children Sing

At Christmas let the children sing.
Let their little voices ring!
Let their hearts well up with joy,
Every girl and every boy.

As they sing of Jesus' birth
And are filled with glee and mirth,
Listen to their gentle sound.
Love and sweetness there abound.

Children have a special way
In how they sing and what they say.
They will bring a simple view
Which oft refreshes me and you.

When the little childtren sing,
Special blessings they will bring.
Listen to their voices sweet
As the Savior's birth they greet.

"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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Keep Christmas Simple

Christmas is all about God's precious Son...
God's love poured out to every one.
Let celebration rise up in your soul.
With adoration our great God extol.

Church bells and choirs will ring out His praise.
Folks 'round the world bright worship will raise.
Don't get bogged down in presents and trees,
Wrapping, decor and activities.

Keep Christmas simple and take time to pause
And deep in the heart to bring your applause.
Let it's bright message again make you new,
And let God's great love be re-birthed in you.

"I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly."
John 10:10 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 14, 2012

Mirrors Of Christmas

If this Christmas season were seen in a mirror,
What would be found there in it's clear reflection?
Would there be singing, or sharing and love...
Would anything there point in Jesus' direction?

Would there be scenes of sweet celebration,
Honoring Jesus... remembering His birth?
Who there would practice "good will to all men"
And live in a way to bring peace on the earth?

Christmas has meaning anew every year
As His love is birthed afresh in each heart.
And when this happens, new joy will come forth...
His love and His peace and warmth to impart.

The scenes in the mirror will be lovely indeed,
Recording the love of the Christmas season,
For all that has meaning and really has worth
Is found in our Lord... HE is the reason!

Without Jesus Christ the mirrors will be empty
And will not record a scene or reflection.
The scenes will be lost, for they don't have true meaning,
And will not be worthy of sweet recollection.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 13, 2012

Good Tidings Of Great Joy

Bethlehem was quiet on the night when Jesus came.
Little did man know... that He would set the world aflame.
He would bring salvation to redeem man from all sin,
And yet there was not room for him in the local inn.

Today He lives and dwells within the hearts and lives of men.
May we all remember Jesus' coming once again.
Let our celebration be to honor He Who came.
And let His love within us be an ever-burning flame.

"For 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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

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

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

A Joyous Season

Christmas is a joyous season.
To praise the Lord we have good reason.
Worship Him, and offer praise!
With grateful heart an anthem raise!

For worship, like a symphony,
Is how our lives are meant to be!
Bring sweet melody and song.
Lift your voice and sing along!

Let glorious harmony and sound
Within your heart rise up, abound!
Let exaltation be on high,
His wondrous name to glorify!

"I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever."
Psalm 145:1-2 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 10, 2012

A Little Girl's Christmas Tree

In years past my mother, who was already in her eighties, babysat a little three-year-old girl.

As Christmas drew near I thought it would be fun to bring this child her own little Christmas tree to decorate. I gathered up a bunch of unbreakable ornaments I had, then went in search of a tree. I found a little three-foot-tall tree at a lot near my house.

I didn't know how well a three-year-old could decorate a tree, but thought she could at least try. And she totally surprised us! She carefully placed the ornaments, one-by-one, walking around the tree with each one to make sure there were no bare places on the tree. She did a remarkable job for her age. It looked really pretty.

This whole scene was priceless to watch. When she was through she sat down (on a large, wrapped package) to admire her work. Her face glowed and her eyes were filled with delight. As she was sitting there, someone came and knocked at the front door. She jumped up to go see who was there, tripped on a throw rug, and went flying right into the middle of her tree, knocking the tree over. The ornaments went flying in every direction. She was devastated! She cried and she wailed. It was like her whole magical world had fallen apart.

It took a little time to comfort her, but then I encouraged her to pick the tree up and put all the ornaments on again. (It's a good thing they were unbreakable). So she started over and once again decorated her little tree. After I left I'm sure she adjusted and re-adjusted the placement of the ornaments. She was very precise about the way it looked. It was her very own little tree!!!

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 09, 2012

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

Saturday, December 08, 2012

Prayer Breaks Through

In years past I was part of a bible study group that met once a week for worship, bible study and prayer. The home where we met was on a corner in a lovely neighborhood.

The Lord spoke to my heart that I should walk around the four blocks adjoining that corner and pray and that this would bring change in our bible study time. A few days before our study I walked and prayed, as did a few others in the weeks to follow. As I walked, God showed me the needs in some of the homes there. One in particular I remember... He said there was a lot of fighting going on there.

As this process went on for a few weeks we began to see a beakthrough in the meeting times. The power of God during our prayer times was profound, and healings and breakthroughs began to take place in the women's lives.

The time spent in "prayer walks" was like the tilling of ground... needed preparation for planting and harvest. We saw results in our study group, but surely many people in the neighborhood were also blessed as the atmosphere changed in that four-block area.

If we want to see change, we must "till the ground' with prayer first... and God will hear these prayers.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, December 07, 2012

Listen And Remember

Many times the Lord will "speak"
But then our memories are weak.
If we don't keep careful focus
The enemy plays "hocus-pocus".

If our minds are just too full,
Or busyness exerts it's "pull",
He will rob that precious seed
Which God has shared and which we need.

Do not let His words be lost,
For this is much too high a cost.
God will be our faithful guide.
Draw near to Him... in Him abide.

"Now the parable is this: the seed is the word of God. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. They on the rock are they, which when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection. But that 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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, December 06, 2012

Shining Bright

If you know Jesus, you have light.
His indwelling makes you bright.
He will cause your light to shine
And all your purpose will define.

You can maybe light a spark
In places where it's dim or dark,
Bringing joy or love or peace,
Causing darkness to decrease.

You can warm a heart that's cold
Or bring some cheer to one who's old.
Be a lighthouse, shining bright,
For many need a little light.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:14-16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, December 05, 2012

Looking Up In Times Of Change

Sometimes life will take a "turn",
And these are times in which we learn.
If you've gone through "wear and tear",
Move on! You should not linger there.

Ask the Lord for new perspective.
He will give you good directive.
Don't let changes bog you down.
Determine that you will not frown.

Look up, and let God spur you on.
Look forward to a bright new dawn.
For He transforms our "sad" to "glad".
His strength and joy to you He'll add.

"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

Tuesday, December 04, 2012

Every Day Is Good

Every day there's something good
To praise the Lord and shout about!
Lift up worship, songs and praise
And drive out every shred of doubt!

Think about God's lovingkindness,
His forgiveness and His grace.
His compassion and His love
Will bring a smile upon your face.

All good gifts are from His hand.
Praise His name and shout for joy!
Don't let problems get you down.
Let His goodness be your buoy!

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

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, December 03, 2012

The Real Christmas

Christmas is a holy time
To celebrate our Savior's birth...
A time to worship and remember
God's own gift of greatest worth.

But man would try to change it all,
Diminishing the Christmas season,
Leaving us a "holiday"
Without its God-intended reason.

Then what is left to celebrate...
The endless gifts? Or what we ate?
The Christmas trees we decorate?
Or too much cost which we create?

Let us pause and contemplate
The blessing of God's greatest gift.
Let us worship from our hearts...
Much praise and adoration lift!

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, December 02, 2012

Prayer Across The Miles

Prayer knows no boundaries.
It travels out across the distance,
Reaching near or reaching far
And offering much-blessed assistance.

Prayer does what we can't do
And trusts in God to intervene.
He will cover all details
And even some which are not seen.

No matter where the need may be,
We can intercede and pray.
Our prayers will bring the needed help,
E'en though the need be far away.

"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."
James 5:16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, December 01, 2012

The Best Christmas

The Christmas "frenzy" in our land
Has sadly gotten out of hand.
People scurry to and fro...
From store to store to store they go.

Often they will spend too much,
Using credit cards and such,
Creating bills and needless stress
When they could simply do with less.

The greatest gift which we could share
Is to love and show we care.
Find a lonely soul or two
And something special for them do.

God so loved us that He gave
His only Son, lost souls to save.
His example was to give.
This then is how we should live.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf