Saturday, January 31, 2015

Wisdom's Plate

Most folks do not like to wait.
They often have too full a plate.
But hurriedness may have a price
And bring results which won’t suffice.

God will make us wait with cause
Because we need to rest or pause.
His perspective we must learn
And His insights should discern.

Patience will become our peace
And from disquiet bring release.
When God says we need to wait
He’s adding wisdom to our “plate”

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 30, 2015

A Rainbow Day

When I see a rainbow brightening the sky
My heart starts to sing in joyous reply.
Its colors bring gladness and beauty and cheer.
I have deep sense that God has drawn near.

In Him is promise of bright days to come.
He gives us reason a new song to hum!
He brings us laughter to offset dismay.
He is the rainbow which brightens each day!

He brings us sunshine instead of the rain.
He is the healer if we should have pain.
We'll see His rainbows if we will look up.
In Him we're reminded, "How full is our cup!"

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

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 29, 2015

Mighty Oaks

Listen to the senior folks
Who've stood in life as mighty oaks.
Of wisdom they have gathered much,
Which gives to them a special touch.

By their faith they have strong root,
And by their wisdom bear much fruit.
From them you can gather treasure,
More than you can even measure.

In tough times they've struggled through
And know just how to help you too.
Stay near to these lovely folks
Who by their faith are mighty oaks.

"The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is their gray head (suggesting wisdom and experience)."
Proverbs 20:29 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, January 28, 2015

Making Melody

Let my heart be full of song
And sing its music all day long.
Let harmony and beauty flow,
And love and inspiration sow.

Perhaps if I am full of song
Another just may sing along.
The melody in memory stays,
And two will soon be singing praise.

Let all worship multiply
To wipe the tears from every eye,
To sponsor joy or heal a heart,
Encouragement or cheer impart.

Fill me, Lord, with melody.
Let my song contagious be.
A lovely song can be a gift
To someone who may need a lift.

“Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices (and instruments) and making melody with all your heart to the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:19 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, January 27, 2015

A Worthy Book

I want to be a worthy book
Where God will write and folks can look.
Pages filled with joy and praise
And inspirations all my days.

Fill my pages, Lord, I pray.
I wait on You, Your thoughts to weigh.
Let Your wisdom richly flow,
Encouragement in hearts to sow.

Fill my pages with Your light,
With cheeriness which will be bright.
Bring refreshment and delight.
In my book, Lord, write, write, write...

I am but an empty page
Unless with You I will engage.
In my book will be a story.
May its pages bring You glory.

"Show me Your ways, O Lord; teach me Your paths. Guide me in Your truth and faithfulness and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation; for You (You only and altogether) do I wait (expectantly) all the day long."
Psalm 25:4-5 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, January 26, 2015

Imprints

Imprints of the Lord on the substance of our days
Will often lead us on in some new, refreshing ways.
What started out as ordinary then takes on a new dimension.
He adds purpose in our days as we then give him our attention.

Imprints from His loving hand will bring about a lasting change
And bring an understanding which will have extended range.
Many things consume each day and higher purpose often thwart,
But when we see His greater scope then trivial things will lose import.

We should welcome "imprints", though they cause us to be stretched.
When we submit to stretching, with gold God's imprints will be etched.
He blesses us with imprints which will prosper and amaze
And spur us on to higher purpose which will bless us all our days.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, January 25, 2015

A Fulfilling Life

When life becomes a carousel
And round and round you go...
When caught up in a pattern
Without time to think or grow...

It’s time to re-evaluate
And maybe make some change.
Don’t let “seasons” pass you by
Because you’re “stuck” long-range.

Patterns have good purpose
For the season you are in.
But when you need to move ahead
Choose patterns which will be win-win.

In life our seasons pass by once
And then forever they are gone.
Have perseverance in each one
With purpose you can build upon.

“The (uncompromisingly) righteous shall flourish like the palm tree (be long-lived, stately, upright, useful and fruitful); he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon (majestic, stable, durable and incorruptible). Planted in the house of the Lord, they shall flourish in the courts of our God. (Growing in grace) they shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be full of sap (of spiritual vitality) and rich in the verdure (of trust, love and contentment).”
Psalm 92:12-14 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 24, 2015

Linger Awhile

Each day opens with God's smile.
Come and linger for awhile.
Meet Him at the day's first light
To have a day that's truly bright.

Let His thoughts imprint your day.
Let them be a bright bouquet
With fragrance which you then can share.
In Him you'll have a new-found flair.

Each morn linger for awhile.
Let Him add His own sweet smile
To all you do along the way,
Throughout the hours of every day.

"The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee."
Numbers 6:25 KJV

"It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His (tender) compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 23, 2015

Rooted In God

When in God we are deep-rooted,
We will truly be sure-footed.
Winds may blow or darkness come,
But we will never lose aplomb.

His confidence and steadiness
Strengthen us with “readiness”.
Our foundation will not sway.
We’ll stand strong from day-to-day,

Knowing that our God is able
To build us up and keep us stable.
Our trust in Him will be our buoy.
The strength He gives will be our joy.

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

“Have the roots (of your being) firmly and deeply planted (in Him, fixed and founded in Him), being continually built up in Him, becoming increasingly more confirmed and established in the faith, just as you were taught, and abounding and overflowing in it with thanksgiving."
Colossians 2:7 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 22, 2015

The Beauty Of Communication

Communication is an art,
Always a good place to start.
How can any work together
If they are not “of one feather”?

Good can come when thoughts are shared
And differences are clearly aired.
For then agreement can be reached.
Faith and trust will not be breached.

But when these factors aren’t in place
Dissension rears its ugly face.
Communication, freely flowing,
Makes life much more easygoing.

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"
Psalm 133:1 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Timing

We sometimes need a “shaking”
Just to bring us up to speed
So we are on the cutting edge
To always know how God would lead.

If we need a “wake-up” call
We should be grateful when it comes.
It gives us fresh, new insight
So we don’t yawn and say “ho-hums”.

If every word the Lord will speak
We carefully will hear and heed,
Always we will have a peace
In how to “move” and to proceed.

Of being in His will and timing
We should always be aware.
We will know His path for us
If we will “watch” and stay in prayer.

“The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they know Me.”
John 10:27 Amplified Bible

When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.”
John 10:4 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, January 20, 2015

A Happy Attitude

Some folks manage to have fun
As they work to get things done.
They finish up what was begun.
Their attitude is just A-1.

Some folks grumble all the time,
Complain and mumble, moan and groan.
It’s easier to just dig in
Than listen to their woeful tone.

They probably don’t have a plan
Or maybe just don’t like to work.
They could get a lot more done
If simple jobs they would not shirk!

“Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining (against God) and questioning and doubting (among yourselves).”
Philippians 2:14 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, January 19, 2015

Let Truth Be Known

Let truth be known and man be shown.
Let righteousness in hearts be sown.
Let light expose all evil-speaking
And those whose lies the truth are tweaking.

Truth won’t waver, it will stand.
It walks with justice hand-in-hand,
Filtering darkness out of light,
Presenting wisdom which is bright.

Truth is as a mighty rock
And something we must never mock.
It provides a firm foundation
For every man and every nation.

“Behold, You desire truth in the inner being; make me therefore to know wisdom in my inmost heart.”
Psalm 51:6 Amplified Bible

“His truth and His faithfulness are a shield and a buckler.”
Psalm 91:4 Amplified Bible

“For God’s (holy) wrath and indignation are revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who in their wickedness repress and hinder the truth and make it inoperative.”
Romans 1:18 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, January 18, 2015

Safety In Him

Lord, we need to hear Your voice
So every day we make good choice.
We need to listen and to pray
And heed each precious word You say.

For You will guide us in our way
So we don't err or go astray.
When times are tense we must be wise
And Godly wisdom exercise.

Your ways always will be sure.
In You our lives will be secure.
How we need You every day
And every word You speak to weigh.

"Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, there shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. 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 91:9-11 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 17, 2015

Memories

Memories which sometimes come
Can lift us up or leave us numb.
Treasure those which have been good.
Discard the others as "deadwood".

Build a mental memory book
And let it be a special "nook"...
A prized oasis of retreat,
A place of recall which is sweet.

Gather only memories
Which build you up and bring you ease.
Place them in your memory "store".
Let them be as "joy's encore"

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report: if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 16, 2015

Diligence Prospers

The diligent prosper, though they be not rich.
Their carefulness keeps them from error and glitch.
They keep an eye on little details
And quickly will fix any problem that ails.

The diligent study to make a good choice,
And they will not listen to impulse’s voice.
They plan ahead the best way to walk.
Wisdom and planning they never will balk.

Diligence works, diligence frees,
And helps us to have well-being and ease.
When it is absent, resource is scattered,
And then we’re without the true wealth which mattered.

“Be diligent to know the state of your flocks, and look well to your herds; for riches are not for ever...”
Proverbs 27:23-24 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 15, 2015

No Strings Attached

Trivial things to which we cling
Attach to us like little "strings".
Our energies aren't wisely spent.
And sometimes we are not content.

Strings are things which hold us back
And cause our focus to have lack.
Then we may not move ahead.
We're sometimes stuck in place instead.

Wisdom says, "From strings be free.
Be who you are meant to be."
You will accomplish greater things
If you're not bound by little "strings".

(Note: Strings = Limitations, conditions, restrictions...
such as outdated thinking, memories, expectations
from others, clutter, love of things, lifestyle patterns...)

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:14-15 KJV

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
Galatians 5:1 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, January 14, 2015

A 'Baggage' Battle

What kind of baggage do you carry?
Are you "worn out" when you rest or tarry?
"Baggage" tends to make one weary
And often isn't very cheery.

Fear and anger, unforgiveness
And differences which may not matter
Are baggage which we do not need
And peace and rest will quickly scatter.

Irksome things will sometimes happen,
Do not let these things creep in.
Do not let them hang around.
Let them go, and you will win!

"Clothe yourselves therefore, as God's own chosen ones (His own picked representatives), (who are) purified and holy and well-beloved (by God himself, by putting on behavior marked by) tenderhearted pity and mercy, kind feeling, a lowly opinion of yourselves,gentle ways, (and) patience (which is tireless and long-suffering, and has the power to endure whatever comes, with good temper). Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has (freely) forgiven you, so must you also (forgive)."
Colossians 3:12-13 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Winter Thought

In the days of our winter we long for the spring
And all of the flowers it surely will bring.
But winter’s long season gives time out for thought...
For us to rejoice in the blessings God brought.

Each season will have its own special “tone”.
Winter is when new thoughts may be sown.
Let winter have its own special way.
Make it a time to worship and pray.

Let it become a time of discerning,
And, in the Lord, a time of much learning.
When winter is spent and her purpose has yawned,
We will be ready when spring days have dawned.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, January 12, 2015

The Best Year Yet

Make this year the best one yet,
Filled with good, without regret.
Choose to prosper in your way.
Give your best to every day.

Have a mindset filled with joy.
Service, kindness, love employ.
If you will walk "a second mile"
Your life will be much more worthwhile.

Do not look back. Look ahead.
Let your inspiration spread.
A year well-lived is as pure gold,
The worth of which does not grow old.

"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as (something done) for the Lord and not for men, knowing (with all certainty) that it is from the Lord (and not from men) that you will receive the inheritance which is your (real) reward. (The One Whom) you are actually serving (is) the Lord Christ (the Messiah)."
Colossians 3:23-24 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Faith-Inspired Beauty

When life presents its challenges
And sometimes intense storms may brew,
It is then strong faith in God
Is that which safely brings us through.

When overwhelming rains may fall
And winds too strong for us may blow
We are assured we're not alone.
In times of storm is when we grow.

When we have weathered through a storm
God's beauty in us starts to shine.
"Storms" will buff away rough edges
And new beauty will define.

If a challenge we should face,
It may uncover hidden gold.
Without the "storm" we may not know
How much of God's "wealth" we may hold.

"For truly I say to you, if you have faith (that is living) like a grain of mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, Move from here to yonder place, and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you."
Matthew 17:20 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Pause And Listen

We learn more when we’re listening
Than when we’re always talking.
We sense more when we pause
From our running or our walking.

We have more awareness
If we’re tuned to hear God’s voice,
For He will show us heavenly things
And cause us to rejoice.

His perspective changes us.
Our understanding will be more.
We’ll have sensitivity
To many things we’ve missed before.

“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you.” 
John 14:26 KJV

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 09, 2015

Bright Hope

In Christ we have a vibrancy...
An energy of life and light.
He buoys us up for each new day.
Our hopes and dreams in Him are bright.

Never ever give up hope,
For He can open a new door,
Giving you new depth of vision...
Brand new thoughts you can explore.

His perspectives spur us on
To reach up to a higher goal.
Life can be much more exciting
When we find His chosen role.

"For you are my hope, O Lord God. You are my trust from my youth and the source of my confidence."
Psalm 71:5 Amplified Bible

"And 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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 08, 2015

The Love Of God

The measure of God's love for us
We cannot even comprehend.
His mercy and His kindnesses
Are myriad and without end.

Many are His thoughts toward us...
His faithfulness and loving care.
He touches aspects of our lives
More than we are even aware.

The riches which our lives contain
Are given from the Father's hand.
His handiwork, which each life has,
Is beautiful and lovingly planned.

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered."
Psalm 40:5 Amplified Bible

"How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand."
Psalm 139:17-18 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wednesday, January 07, 2015

Tattered Stitches

These words, “A stitch in time saves nine”
Are wisdom we should underline.
We all know when stitches break
That mending we should undertake.

Relationships may start to sag
When situations hit a snag.
Quick mending we should contemplate,
For time unravels when we wait.

A broken “stitch” may need some prayer.
When things show wear, make quick repair.
A tattered “stitch” is truly frail,
But mended stitches will not fail.

“When angry, do not sin; do not ever let your wrath - your exasperation, your fury or indignation - last until the sun goes down. Leave no (such) room or foothold for the devil - give no opportunity to him.”
Ephesians 4:26-27 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuesday, January 06, 2015

A Lesson In Respect

When my children were young they were often creative in their mode of play. My nephew was staying with us temporarily, and he and my son had some really fun times playing together. But one evening the two boys gathered up a bunch of apples which had fallen off our tree in the back yard (these were scrubby and green) and took them over to the parking lot of a funeral home around the corner from our house. The parking lot was sloped, and they were rolling these apples down the slope as they played. But they created a problem... when they were through playing, they left the apples there. I was not aware this had happened.

The following morning (a Saturday) I heard knocking on my front door. When I answered the door I was face to face with a tall, dignified-looking gentleman in a suit who was the owner of the funeral home. He told me about the mess the boys had left in his parking lot and that there was going to be a memorial service that afternoon. I told him I would have the boys come clean it up immediately.

I spoke to the boys about how they needed to learn respect for other people's property. I instructed them to take our wagon over to the lot and pick up the apples, and also to go to the door of the home where this man lived (adjacent to the parking lot) and apologize to him for having made a mess. And I went with them to make sure they followed up on my instructions. This man must have been about 6'4" in height, and when he opened the door to these two short little boys he probably scared them. I don't know what he said to them, but they very quickly cleaned up the apple mess.

I really didn't need to say much more to them after that. The lesson was well learned when they had to face that very tall gentleman.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Monday, January 05, 2015

This New Year 2015

A time to zero in and strengthen ourselves in the Lord. Let "clutter" (ANYTHING which holds us back) fall away. Let our focus be clear before us.

When we walk with clear direction in the Lord, our footsteps are surer. We know where we're going and have an inner confidence that God will help us get there.

He is our shelter, where we may come and be refreshed. In Him we are encouraged. In His Word we are strengthened. In times of prayer (and listening) we hear His voice. He will keep us from wavering if we face some "unknowns". Our answers and assurance will be found in Him.

Rejoice in the Lord, for He is faithful!

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sunday, January 04, 2015

Hidden Wisdom

Many seniors are alone
And may have never been well-known.
Some have wisdom in great measure.
When they share, you will find treasure.

They don’t seek to have renown,
But in God’s sight may wear a crown.
They may be a reservoir
Of Godly wisdom and much more.

Don’t discount these senior folks
Who may have stood as mighty oaks.
Their lives will have a tale to tell.
Listen to them for a spell.

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saturday, January 03, 2015

Peace, Be Still

When pressures mount, O child, be still.
I bring you peace, your soul to fill.
In My tranquillity abide,
For I am near... right by your side.

Peace, be still. I'll give you rest
In every challenge, every "test".
When you feel weak I will be strong.
I'll be your joy and give you song.

Always know you're not alone.
Rest in Me... you are My own.
Your deepest prayers I will fulfill.
Peace, My child. In Me be still.

"Be still, and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10 KJV

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Friday, January 02, 2015

An Open Door

God keeps the doorway open wide
For us to enter and abide.
When our hearts are turned toward Him
Our entry will not be denied.

Even for the lowliest man
He offers love and has a plan.
When we’re sheltered ‘neath His wing
His love for us new life will bring.

His loving care becomes a shield.
Broken lives in Him are healed.
All our ways He will restore.
Praise God for His open door.

“For You have been my help. And in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice. My whole being follows hard after You and clings closely to You; Your right hand upholds me.”
Psalm 63:7-8 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thursday, January 01, 2015

A Bright New Year

A fresh new year and new beginnings
And opportunities to be winning...
Always God will give us reason
To rejoice in every season.

May this year be rich in measure,
Overflowing with God's treasure.
May we rise to greater heights
And deep within find God's delights.

Let us step into this year
Confident and free of fear,
Knowing God will spur us on
To reach up higher with each new dawn.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf