Saturday, May 31, 2014

Winds Of Change

When winds of change are blowing hard,
Our Godly focus we must guard.
He will guide us through the “storm”
And help us find our brand new “norm”.

Change unsettles and can “jar”
But should not “upset” who we are.
We are covered by His grace.
Our future rests in His embrace.

In our God we have bright hope,
Knowing new doors He will ope.
He is there, right by our side.
With peace, in Him we will abide.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, May 30, 2014

The Gardens Of Life

Life is as a series of gardens that we walk through.....

In some we may sit and rest and enjoy the loveliness which is all around us. These are gardens of refreshing and healing and renewal. But in some we will toil and labor... the ground may be rough and rocky, and the soil may not be easy to till. As we struggle there we will learn new skills and acquire new “muscle”..... wisdom.

Some of the gardens might be somewhat barren, and we will learn there to lean on the Lord for understanding and provision. These might be called gardens of trust.

Occasionally we might pass through a garden of sorrow. In our time there we will know comfort and the depths of God’s love and caring.

Or we may pass through a garden where each path has specific directions which we must follow... signposts everywhere. Some of these instructions we may not understand, but as we carefully walk the paths of this garden we will learn obedience.

Perhaps we will find ourselves in a hidden garden..... isolated and out of the way..... and wonder what we are doing there. It is there we learn to be contented with whatever daily measure God gives us. We learn gratefulness.

There will be many gardens and many experiences along the way, but as we live and walk in these “gardens” we will begin to know God. Each of these gardens will bring blessings of perspective and understanding which we could not have found any other way. We will begin to see the flowers of God’s goodness around us in each of the gardens.

To avoid or rush out of a garden too soon is to miss God’s precious handshaping of our lives, for in each garden lies a treasure. As we pass through each garden then it’s fragrance and understanding will become part of our lives.

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge; and to knowledge temperance; and to temperance patience; and to patience godliness; and to godliness brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, charity. For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
II Peter 1:5-8 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Wings To Soar

Lord..... When I “wait” on You, I mount up as with wings.
I am encouraged, and my spirit sings.
You lift me up and cause me to “soar”.
You strengthen my wings, new “heights” to explore.

And when I am soaring my sight becomes clear,
Knowing that new heights I never should fear.
I will not “look back” to what was before...
Higher and higher in You I will soar.

“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

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

God's Special Design

Let the fabric of my life
Be woven with great skill,
With fibers from the hand of God,
His purpose to fulfill.

My fabric may be linen,
Or it even may be silk.
Or He may choose to weave
Using threads of different ilk.

When God does His weaving
His design will be unique.
I can’t weave the threads myself.
My fabric would be weak.

As I trust the Lord to weave
The fabric of my life for me.
His design will be complete.
My life will be His tapestry.

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Marching On

The way we think will rule our day,
Even change the words we say.
When we say, “I’m marching on!”
An overcoming “cloak” we don.

Even though we may feel tired,
“Marching on” keeps us inspired.
Good thoughts overcome our pain.
Instead of loss we will have gain.

“Thinking forward” is a plus,
Encouragement from God to us.
Looking up we will find joy
From God, our ever-present buoy.

“Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted within me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him, who is the health of my countenance, and my God.”
Psalm 42:11 KJV

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, May 26, 2014

Men Of Courage

Men of courage, men of valor
Pledged their lives to win a war.
For our freedom they paid price,
And with their lives gave sacrifice.

We remember these great men
And pay them honor once again.
Those who answered country’s call
Were truly heroes, one and all.

We have heroes ‘cross the land
Who today for freedom stand.
Vets, we give you heartfelt praise.
To all of you, applause we raise.

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, May 25, 2014

Footsteps In The Sands Of Time

What footprints will you leave
As you walk the sands of time...
Will all your steps be meaningful
And have rich paradigm...

Imprints etched in hearts and lives
Of those you love and know.
Will remain as inspiration,
Though the sands may shift and blow.

Your footsteps may leave meaning
For some folks you have not known
As they observed you from afar
And through you love was shown.

Footprints walked in faith and love
Can’t be erased or blown away.
Though the winds may shift the sand,
Eternally your prints will stay.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Wisdom's Gold

Lord, I want to know You more,
Your wealth of wisdom to explore.
Help my vision to be clear.
Enable me to truly hear.

You’re my strength and guiding Light.
You make my pathway to be bright.
You bring me hope and joy and peace.
In You my faith will have increase.

In You I find deep perspective,
Causing me to be reflective,
Wisdom which is filled with gold...
More than ever can be told.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.”
Psalm 19:7-10 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, May 23, 2014

Bonded In Christ

Two can walk in harmony
When Jesus makes the number three.
For when those two agree in Him
Their lives are as a synonym.

They will walk the same direction,
For Jesus bonds them in perfection.
Their understanding will be deep,
And many blessings they will reap.

In all they say or do or feel
Jesus will be very real.
In Him they have a special bond...
Communion far above and beyond.

“For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.”
Ephesians 2:14 KJV

“Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble.”
Psalm 119:165 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, May 22, 2014

Healing Peace

God’s wondrous peace will soothe and heal
All anxieties we feel.
Worries, fears and urgent cares
Are washed away in simple prayers.

We can enter into rest
Whenever pressures start to “test”.
Heavy loads we need not carry
But in the peace of God should tarry.

Peace releases every tension
Giving us a calm dimension
Where we can heal and be at rest.
This is God’s sweet peace expressed.

“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

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

God's Faithfulness

Thank You, Lord, that sometimes
When I pray, You answer, “No”.
For often times there’s something better
Which You may bestow.

My own choices may deter me
From Your master plan for me.
It isn’t wise for me to make
My own decisions hastily.

You shut doors which are not right,
So I learn patience as I wait.
As I hope and trust in You
An opening You will create.

As I take the steps You plan,
I will arrive where I should be.
And then I’m thankful for Your “No”.
You care for me so faithfully.

“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

“For I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you, will continue until the day of Jesus Christ - right up to the time of His return - developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Rest In God

If burdens are heavy and troubles are many,
Should you not have a dollar or penny,
Cry out to God, for He really cares.
He knows your heart, and He’ll hear your prayers.

He will direct you and cover your need,
And give you direction on how to proceed.
His arm is not shortened to reach down and help you.
Whatever your challenge, He will bring you through.

He’ll give you peace so you will have rest.
He’ll take all your stress and leave you refreshed.
For all of your need, our God is able
To settle and bless and make your way stable.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls).”
Matthew 11:28 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, May 19, 2014

Worshiping God

O Lord, as I worship you today, let my meditation be as a tapestry of woven thoughts, words of beauty gently laced together with loveliness, unto You.

Let my inner being bend and sway in response to the movement of the Holy Spirit, absorbing new dimensions of sensitivity and grace.

Let all the offerings of my life respond to Your presence and be an ever-growing expression of worship unto You.

You are my God, and you are worthy of all praise...

“How lovely are Your tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns, yes, even pines and is homesick for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out and sing for joy to the living God.”
Psalm 84:1-2 Amplified Bible

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my (firm, impenetrable) rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Live Well

All that we do will have an effect
On others around us... more than we know.
The gist of our lives will leave imprints and memories,
Hopefully some by which others can grow.

For those who are watching and those who will follow,
Let our example have substance and worth.
May we leave a heritage and “etchings” o’er time
Which to wisdom and love and goodness give birth.

Each life has purpose, design and intent
And great opportunity to impact the world.
For eternity’s sake let us choose to live well
And be as a banner of bright light unfurled.

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble, and good deeds and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Quietness

When I am quiet and sedate
And with expectation wait,
I know the Lord will speak to me
And show me things I need to see.

If I do not wait on Him
My vision will be “off” or dim.
I want to be within His will.
I know I’ll hear Him when I’m still.

Quietness brings peace of mind.
In these times we are “refined”.
Time we spend before the Lord
Will always bring a rich reward.

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, May 16, 2014

Blessed Children

Blessed are the children who show high regard
To parents who raised them and worked very hard,
Who show sweet compassion as parents grow old,
And time and attention they do not withhold.

Blessed are the children who listen and watch
And know when their parents aren’t feeling top-notch,
Who know that a visit or phone call brings cheer.
Hearing from children to parents is dear.

Parents “light up” when a daughter or son
Gives praise or applause for a job that’s well done.
A “pat on the back” for a mother or dad
From a daughter or son will make them feel glad!

“Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:2-3 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, May 15, 2014

Heaven's Touch

In life’s experiences we go through
The Lord will lead and guide and teach
To prepare us so we’ll gain
The highest goal which we can reach.

He helps us see much higher “planes”
Than we discover on our own.
And as we reach up in full faith
We’ll never have to walk alone.

He is faithful...(He who made us),
To help us see our life’s design.
His imprint is that heavenly touch
Which causes us to truly shine.

“For we are God’s (own) handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live).”
Ephesians 2:10 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

Jesus Cares

If you’re weary and you’re shaky
And you need a steady hand,
Turn your gaze unto the Lord.
By His power He’ll help you stand.

He will lift the load you bear
As you look into His face.
He is able to restore
Your strength and vigor by His grace.

Steady and unwavering
Shall your precious footsteps be.
That which seemed so far away
Will now have possibility.

Be encouraged, do not fear.
Jesus has a healing touch
And always watches over you...
Because He cares and loves you much.

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Psalm 46:1 KJV

“O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me.”
Psalm 30:2 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Looking Ahead

Wisdom says “always be looking ahead”,
For then you will know where your feet should tread.
Long-range perception will be as a light,
And far-sighted vision will save oversight.

We may be comfortable right where we are,
But times which are changing our comfort could jar.
We can’t shut our eyes and say, “I’m okay”,
Then be caught off-guard because we’re blasé.

Our God is faithful to lead and to guide
And give clear direction in which to abide.
Staying alert and listening prayerfully
Keeps us in touch so we will move carefully.

“Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people), making the very most of the time (buying up each opportunity), because the days are evil. Therefore do not be vague and thoughtless and foolish, but understanding and firmly grasping what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, May 12, 2014

Peace On Earth, Good Will To Men

How much we need to speak “good will to men”
And pray for God’s peaceful indwelling again.
Let this be birthed in our hearts every day.
All of our deep, inner thoughts we should weigh.

Peace and good will must first be in me
To open my eyes and cause me to see.
I can bring hope and joy where there’s pain
Or offer some sunshine where there has been rain.

Peace and good will are a bridge to sweet healing...
An answer for people whose lives have been “reeling”.
The Lord will reside in peace and good will
And bring inner healing for many-an-ill.

“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 KJV

“For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us.”
Ephesians 2:15 KJV

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”
Luke 2:15 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Happy Mother's Day

PRECIOUS GOLD

Moms are made of precious gold.
Their gifts of love are manyfold.
From time of birth until we crawl
They smile and hold us when we “call”.

As we grow they hover near
And always have a ready ear.
Should we have a need or fear,
They are there, our thoughts to hear.

From dawn to dusk a mother prays
For wisdom in just how to raise
Her children whom she loves so much.
Through prayer she has the Lord’s own touch.

And so her children are much blessed
She gives to them her very best.
Through her love they find God’s light.
Because she shines so very bright,

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
Proverbs 31:28 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Truth And Light

Our land was built with strong foundation,
But many now have deep frustration.
Lord, help us see Your light, we pray,
For truth is twisted every day.

Let our footings never crumble.
Guard us, lest we trip or stumble.
Let Your truth spread far and wide,
Exposing that which would divide.

Let Your light drive darkness out.
Let Your truth bring turnabout.
Save us, Lord from evil’s tide
That we in peace may still abide.

How we need Your might and power
To save us in this urgent hour.
Hear our prayers and heal our land.
We need Your strength to help us stand.

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

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartrzkopf

Friday, May 09, 2014

Kindness

We just do not know how much people suffer,
So kindness we show will be a sweet “buffer”.
If we can make a “needy” one smile,
Their pain will seem less... at least for awhile.

They may need to know that somebody cares.
You just may have given a gift unawares.
It’s amazing how laughter can change how we feel,
Can overcome sadness with warmth which will heal.

For folks who are wounded or crippled within,
Kindness will cause “repairs” to begin.
Kindness is golden... to others brings light.
It truly makes others’ lives to be bright.

“And be ye kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, May 08, 2014

Waiting

Waiting sometimes is “hard work”...
Our patience will upset or irk.
We tend to want things right away,
And waiting causes nerves to fray.

Waiting is a test of trust.
It shows we may need to adjust.
It’s so much better just to pray
When we are facing “time delay”.

Long-term, we must learn to “rest”
As we are waiting for God’s “best”.
When we leave timing in His hands,
Our patience grows and then expands.

The Lord will help us to have peace
As we are waiting for release.
As we wait we grow and learn.
New understanding we will earn.

“The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:25-26 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, May 07, 2014

A Story About My Little Oak Tree

We had a little oak tree.
It was barely ten feet tall.
We didn’t guess another tree
Would break and on it fall.

Underneath the brush it lay,
Bent down to the ground.
But little did we know right then
How much it would rebound.

We cleared away the broken tree
And lifted up the little oak.
We didn’t know if it would live....
Maybe too its roots were broke.

We gave it tender loving care
And watched it start to thrive and grow.
O’er the years it spread its limbs.
Its “wounds” were healed from long ago.

If you ever have been broken,
Think about my little tree.
God will lift you up again,
Will nurture you and set you free...

To grow into a stately oak.
Your life too will have a story.
You will have God’s strength and beauty,
Which will bless and bring God glory.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”
Psalm 103:1-2 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, May 06, 2014

A Sure Path

The Lord will lead me in where I should go.
He gives me direction so I will know.
He makes a pathway so my steps are sure
And I don’t get lost in error and detour.

He gives me courage, and peace, joy and hope.
He strengthens me daily and helps me to cope.
I need not fear that the path may be hard.
I know He sends angels, my pathway to guard.

I’ll trust in Him and rest in His care.
All my provision He will prepare.
All my concerns I will place in His hand,
For He is the Rock on which I will stand.

“For thou art my rock and my fortress; therefore for thy name’s sake lead me, and guide me.”
Psalm 31:3 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, May 05, 2014

Love And Healing

When a relationship is broken the beginning of healing is birthed in humbling oneself before the Lord and before the other person. The healing may take time, but humility paves the way for it to happen. Humility breaks down walls. It is a cushion in which love can grow and a foundation on which trust can be built.

Humility breaks down “position” and “patterns” and pride. It treads down “all that we thought we knew”. Its cleansing power washes us and gives us a fresh start. This is an atmosphere in which beauty will grow and love can flourish. When humility is in place love will flow and healing becomes complete.

“Love endures long and is patient and kind; love never is envious nor boils over with jealousy, is not boastful or vainglorious, does not display itself haughtily. It is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly and does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong).”
I Corinthians 13:4-5 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, May 04, 2014

Beautiful Speech

There aren’t many limits to what people say.
Tasteless expressions are heard every day.
I’m saddened how unrefined words have crept in.
I don’t like to hear them... my patience grows thin!

Christians, be guarded in all of your speech.
Consider your words and where they will reach.
Let what you say be full of much light,
Free of encumbrances, shadows and blight.

Let us reflect the goodness of God.
Let all our speech with beauty be shod.
We shouldn’t accept the speech of today.
It will not enhance what we wish to say.

“Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, May 03, 2014

Pillars Of Strength

(A Message To Seniors)

Sometimes if we don’t know what we should be doing and don’t see much happening around us, we begin to question what our purpose might be...

If you have a family, you are as a pillar of anchor for them. You are more important than you think you are. God’s purpose in you is a point of strength for those who follow. If you do not have family there will be others who have been encouraged and strengthened because of you.

Do not let weariness cause you to lose focus. Being a “pillar” is not at all boring. It is a worthy purpose with exciting potential. Knowing that God is using you will add joy and peace to you each day.

Do not be discouraged, but stand in place. “Pillars” are important in the Kingdom of God!

“Let Your work (the signs of Your power) be revealed to Your servants, and Your (glorious) majesty to their children.”
Psalm 90:16 Amplified Bible

“The beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience).”
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, May 02, 2014

A Bright New Season

We sometimes get weary in everyday patterns
And feel like we are not moving ahead.
The Lord may be nudging us... “Think about change”.
It just may be time for our wings “to be spread”.

We may have had growth while “standing in place”,
But now should move forward for very good reason.
When seasons are through, there’s naught left to do.
So we don’t bog down, we should try a new season.

We should welcome the “newness” when in this new day.
The Lord knows us well and knows our desire.
He leads us on to goals which are higher.
He is our Guide... to teach and inspire.

“You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is fullness of joy: at Your right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 16:11 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, May 01, 2014

A Time-Saver

The cares of the world will rob all our thought,
And if we’re not careful our time goes for naught.
Disruptions and “snags” become as a thief,
And from these annoyances we need relief.

So measure your time, spend some with the Lord.
He’ll redeem your day and bring you reward.
For “hurdles” and “ruts” which slow down your pace
He smoothes out the problems and offers you grace.

Leaning on Him is sweet healing balm.
Frustrations must flee, and He gives you calm.
Our God will help you through every delay,
And you will have peace at the end of the day.

“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.”
Psalm 25:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf