Spring brings a promise of good things to come,
A blessed relief after winter's "ho-hum".
A season of freshness which sponsors new hope,
Spring cheers us on many new doors to ope.
Spring says, "It's time to get going again,"
And paints pretty pictures where winter has been.
She dresses all nature with color and hue
And offers her brightness to me and to you.
She brings a new energy, spurring us on
To join in her fervor and carry her baton.
For spring holds a message of new life for all,
And she eagerly runs to answer her call.
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Friday, May 09, 2008
Don't Give Up
In testing or trial don't ever give up,
Though you are weary and have "a full cup".
Call on our God and He will draw nigh.
He knows all your fears and hears every sigh.
Give Him your burdens... just lay them all down.
Let Him bear those weights which cause you to frown.
There is no valley too wide or too deep,
Nor are there mountains too high or too steep.
For our God is able to change and make right
All that would challenge or make you uptight.
In Him are answers, joy and release.
He"ll solve your woes and fill you with peace.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end."
Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Though you are weary and have "a full cup".
Call on our God and He will draw nigh.
He knows all your fears and hears every sigh.
Give Him your burdens... just lay them all down.
Let Him bear those weights which cause you to frown.
There is no valley too wide or too deep,
Nor are there mountains too high or too steep.
For our God is able to change and make right
All that would challenge or make you uptight.
In Him are answers, joy and release.
He"ll solve your woes and fill you with peace.
"Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end."
Ephesians 3:20-21 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 08, 2008
A Well-Spring
Help me, Lord, to understand
Your every whisper or command,
To wisely follow what You say
And all Your tenets to obey.
Should my understanding fail
Then opportunity may pale.
To wisdom I will always cling,
As sought-for answers it will bring.
When understanding's waters flow
I will prosper and will grow.
Refreshing comes... a healing stream,
My quest for insight to redeem.
"Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it..."
Proverbs 16:22 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Your every whisper or command,
To wisely follow what You say
And all Your tenets to obey.
Should my understanding fail
Then opportunity may pale.
To wisdom I will always cling,
As sought-for answers it will bring.
When understanding's waters flow
I will prosper and will grow.
Refreshing comes... a healing stream,
My quest for insight to redeem.
"Understanding is a well-spring of life unto him that hath it..."
Proverbs 16:22 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Love Encourages
Everybody needs to know
That someone somewhere cares for them.
Though that one be near or far
Their love is as a precious gem.
It's presence is as gold and myrrh,
It's worth is more than can be told...
A precious gift between two hearts
Which can't be bought and won't be sold.
It sparks new life and buoys one up,
Bringing joy and warmth within.
It often brings the courage
Which enables one to "soar" and win.
That one who's loved will often smile,
Knowing there is one who cares,
For love expressed in little ways
A priceless crown of beauty wears.
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
That someone somewhere cares for them.
Though that one be near or far
Their love is as a precious gem.
It's presence is as gold and myrrh,
It's worth is more than can be told...
A precious gift between two hearts
Which can't be bought and won't be sold.
It sparks new life and buoys one up,
Bringing joy and warmth within.
It often brings the courage
Which enables one to "soar" and win.
That one who's loved will often smile,
Knowing there is one who cares,
For love expressed in little ways
A priceless crown of beauty wears.
"A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, May 06, 2008
Lots Of Bugs
A Children's Poem
Mommy wonders all the time
Why I like to play with bugs.
I find so many different kinds...
She watches me and then just shrugs.
Butterflies are really pretty,
And caterpillars sure are fun.
Ladybugs are just so cute...
I'm always happy when I find one.
I like to watch the honeybees
As they sit upon a bloom.
When they find some nectar
Then they buzz back to their hive...Zoom!!!
Potato bugs and crawly things...
There really are so many.
I have to play with them outside.
In the house Mom doesn't like any!
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Mommy wonders all the time
Why I like to play with bugs.
I find so many different kinds...
She watches me and then just shrugs.
Butterflies are really pretty,
And caterpillars sure are fun.
Ladybugs are just so cute...
I'm always happy when I find one.
I like to watch the honeybees
As they sit upon a bloom.
When they find some nectar
Then they buzz back to their hive...Zoom!!!
Potato bugs and crawly things...
There really are so many.
I have to play with them outside.
In the house Mom doesn't like any!
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, May 05, 2008
God's Patience
How great is God's patience in "waiting" for me
As I try to figure out where I should be.
I will be listening and training my ear
When He is speaking... lest I do not hear.
"Bumps" and experience have taught me to pause,
For if He is speaking there is good cause!
I've learned to treasure the Spirit's sweet voice
Whisp'ring within me... in this I rejoice!
E'en though at times I've missed His direction,
When I look back I see in reflection
That He poured out mercy and grace upon me.
How great is His love... as deep as the sea!
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..."
I John 3:1 KJV
"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him."
Psalm 103:11 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As I try to figure out where I should be.
I will be listening and training my ear
When He is speaking... lest I do not hear.
"Bumps" and experience have taught me to pause,
For if He is speaking there is good cause!
I've learned to treasure the Spirit's sweet voice
Whisp'ring within me... in this I rejoice!
E'en though at times I've missed His direction,
When I look back I see in reflection
That He poured out mercy and grace upon me.
How great is His love... as deep as the sea!
"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God..."
I John 3:1 KJV
"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him."
Psalm 103:11 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, May 04, 2008
A Treasured Tree
Once there was an old, old tree. And it had stood for many years, enduring storms and drought, wind and weather.... and broken limbs....
Over the years many had gathered around its base and rested in its shade. Many found a place of refuge in its shadow. The tree was a symbol of strength, and its roots reached very deep.
It did not lose its leaves or have a season of rest, as some trees do, but was always green and stately and beautiful. The sound of the wind in its branches was soothing and restful.
There are certain people whose lives are like that of the old tree.... who stand for long periods of time.... unwavering in their positions. They have strong foundations, and their lives are examples of deep strength and encouragement for others. They do not waver, though storms may threaten.
And even when they are old and "weathered", they are unchanged. By their steadfastness they are a glorious inspiration to many.....
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Over the years many had gathered around its base and rested in its shade. Many found a place of refuge in its shadow. The tree was a symbol of strength, and its roots reached very deep.
It did not lose its leaves or have a season of rest, as some trees do, but was always green and stately and beautiful. The sound of the wind in its branches was soothing and restful.
There are certain people whose lives are like that of the old tree.... who stand for long periods of time.... unwavering in their positions. They have strong foundations, and their lives are examples of deep strength and encouragement for others. They do not waver, though storms may threaten.
And even when they are old and "weathered", they are unchanged. By their steadfastness they are a glorious inspiration to many.....
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, which spreads out its roots by the river, and will not fear when heat comes; but its leaf will be green, and will not be anxious in the year of drought, nor will cease from yielding fruit."
Jeremiah 17:7-8 NKJ
© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, May 03, 2008
A Safe Refuge
Though times may seem tense, in whatever shall be
God is sufficient to watch over me.
I may not see just where I am going,
But He gives me peace and a sweet inner "knowing"...
That He will attend to my every need,
And He will cause evil to shrink and recede.
He will not forsake me... of this I am sure.
He is my covering... in Him I'm secure.
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me."
Psalm 138:8 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
God is sufficient to watch over me.
I may not see just where I am going,
But He gives me peace and a sweet inner "knowing"...
That He will attend to my every need,
And He will cause evil to shrink and recede.
He will not forsake me... of this I am sure.
He is my covering... in Him I'm secure.
"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me."
Psalm 138:8 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, May 02, 2008
Answered Prayer
God has not forgotten the prayers which you have prayed,
Nor forgotten sacrifice which you have gladly made.
He remembers every word - He keeps a good account,
And oft His answers come in miraculous amount.
His lovingkindness and His joy will always far exceed
Our expectations, hopes and dreams, fulfilling every need.
We do not have to ponder whether prayers are really heard.
Our God is faithful to His flock. Of this we are assured.
"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
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Nor forgotten sacrifice which you have gladly made.
He remembers every word - He keeps a good account,
And oft His answers come in miraculous amount.
His lovingkindness and His joy will always far exceed
Our expectations, hopes and dreams, fulfilling every need.
We do not have to ponder whether prayers are really heard.
Our God is faithful to His flock. Of this we are assured.
"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
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Many Words
Many words bombard our ears
As the big election nears...
Words designed to change our views
Which we should guardedly peruse.
Our future rests in careful choice.
Let us prayerfully use our voice.
Let us weigh each new detail.
May truth and righteousness prevail.
"His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 KJV
"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:3 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As the big election nears...
Words designed to change our views
Which we should guardedly peruse.
Our future rests in careful choice.
Let us prayerfully use our voice.
Let us weigh each new detail.
May truth and righteousness prevail.
"His truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 KJV
"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:3 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Two Thieves
We choose very carefully where we will go
And guard against problems, lest we should have woe.
We filter our reading to make sure it's pure
And only choose friends of whom we are sure.
But still we have open both window and door.
Our computers and TV's much evil can store.
Approach with discretion the use of THESE two.
Into our lives much info they spew.
If we're not careful, our homes they will fill
With exposures which harm or can even make ill.
They may "color" or taint with darkness and fear
All of our thoughts and those things we hold dear.
"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..."
Psalm 101:3 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And guard against problems, lest we should have woe.
We filter our reading to make sure it's pure
And only choose friends of whom we are sure.
But still we have open both window and door.
Our computers and TV's much evil can store.
Approach with discretion the use of THESE two.
Into our lives much info they spew.
If we're not careful, our homes they will fill
With exposures which harm or can even make ill.
They may "color" or taint with darkness and fear
All of our thoughts and those things we hold dear.
"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes..."
Psalm 101:3 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Humility And Goodness
Humility won't criticize
Or judge another's action.
It will not point it's finger
Or in pride find satisfaction.
Humility has good perspective
And won't practice guile.
It's strength is found in thankfulness
Through good days and through trial.
Humility has quiet strength
And doesn't need to strive.
It's grateful, loving heart is that
Which causes it to thrive.
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Or judge another's action.
It will not point it's finger
Or in pride find satisfaction.
Humility has good perspective
And won't practice guile.
It's strength is found in thankfulness
Through good days and through trial.
Humility has quiet strength
And doesn't need to strive.
It's grateful, loving heart is that
Which causes it to thrive.
"He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?"
Micah 6:8 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 28, 2008
A Sweet Gift
To hear sweet counsel from a friend
Is a gift which will transcend
The fears and questions which you have,
As a fragrant, soothing salve.
A friend who stays right by your side,
One in whom you can confide,
Will bring dimension, love and light
And cause your days to be more bright.
True friendship is as gold and myrrh
And oftentimes your heart will stir...
A bonding filled with warmth and joy,
A treasured gift, a heavenly buoy.
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Is a gift which will transcend
The fears and questions which you have,
As a fragrant, soothing salve.
A friend who stays right by your side,
One in whom you can confide,
Will bring dimension, love and light
And cause your days to be more bright.
True friendship is as gold and myrrh
And oftentimes your heart will stir...
A bonding filled with warmth and joy,
A treasured gift, a heavenly buoy.
"Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend."
Proverbs 27:17 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, April 27, 2008
New Balance
A Prophecy
April 23, 2008
There will be rumblings and tremors and shaking... at the highest levels and deep within. There will be shifting of power as yet unseen.
There will be "eruptions" internally, happening as a sort of "fireworks"... a flash here, a flare there... attacks which surprise and expose... a shaking out into the open of that which has been hidden or covered up.
And while this will be upsetting and will shake many, there will begin to be a balance of understanding and new insight which will come to the forefront. There will be explanation and answers for questions unspoken. Inner struggle and turmoil in many places shall finally be released.
A new balance will be seen.
(Note: I believe this has to do with government, organizations, leadership, present-day systems and situations...)
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
April 23, 2008
There will be rumblings and tremors and shaking... at the highest levels and deep within. There will be shifting of power as yet unseen.
There will be "eruptions" internally, happening as a sort of "fireworks"... a flash here, a flare there... attacks which surprise and expose... a shaking out into the open of that which has been hidden or covered up.
And while this will be upsetting and will shake many, there will begin to be a balance of understanding and new insight which will come to the forefront. There will be explanation and answers for questions unspoken. Inner struggle and turmoil in many places shall finally be released.
A new balance will be seen.
(Note: I believe this has to do with government, organizations, leadership, present-day systems and situations...)
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, April 26, 2008
God's Harmony
We do not know or understand
The beauty of a heav'nly choir...
How harmonies from God Himself
Our weary spirits can inspire.
Harmony is God's own gift,
And melody is from His hand,
But man has added his own "touch"
And changed all that which God had planned.
God has spoken to "be still",
But man is given to want noise.
A simple song is better far
Than all the sounds which man employs.
There is no sweeter sound on earth
Than voices singing pretty songs.
Surely this must bless our God,
For harmony to Him belongs.
"I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee."
Psalm 144:9 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
The beauty of a heav'nly choir...
How harmonies from God Himself
Our weary spirits can inspire.
Harmony is God's own gift,
And melody is from His hand,
But man has added his own "touch"
And changed all that which God had planned.
God has spoken to "be still",
But man is given to want noise.
A simple song is better far
Than all the sounds which man employs.
There is no sweeter sound on earth
Than voices singing pretty songs.
Surely this must bless our God,
For harmony to Him belongs.
"I will sing a new song unto thee, O God: upon a psaltery and an instrument of ten strings will I sing praises unto thee."
Psalm 144:9 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, April 25, 2008
Time To Pause
Lord, I don't want to go so fast that I am never still.
If I'm always "on the run", my cup You cannot fill.
I must pare my thinking down... to enter into "calm".
For I desire to know You more and feel Your healing balm.
An empty cup is just not good. To "run" is such a waste!
For I could "miss" Your Spirit, or Your glory might not taste.
Thoughts propel me forward, but I will stop to pause,
For any day I leave You out will certainly have flaws.
"Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the Mighty God of Jacob."
Psalm 132:3-5 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
If I'm always "on the run", my cup You cannot fill.
I must pare my thinking down... to enter into "calm".
For I desire to know You more and feel Your healing balm.
An empty cup is just not good. To "run" is such a waste!
For I could "miss" Your Spirit, or Your glory might not taste.
Thoughts propel me forward, but I will stop to pause,
For any day I leave You out will certainly have flaws.
"Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids, until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the Mighty God of Jacob."
Psalm 132:3-5 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Truth's Bright Light
Let truth's bright torchlight ne'er go out.
Let it's flame cast evil out.
Let it's banner always fly
And it's standard be held high.
Let us stand against all wrong,
Be unwavering and strong,
As evil looks for compromise
And parades in slippery guise.
Let our firm foundation stand.
Let God be honored in our land.
Marching forward in His light
Our future will, through Him, be bright.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."
Psalm 33:12 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Let it's flame cast evil out.
Let it's banner always fly
And it's standard be held high.
Let us stand against all wrong,
Be unwavering and strong,
As evil looks for compromise
And parades in slippery guise.
Let our firm foundation stand.
Let God be honored in our land.
Marching forward in His light
Our future will, through Him, be bright.
"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord..."
Psalm 33:12 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
A Lovely Crown
Maybe today you can't see the sun
And don't see results from all you have done.
On days you "can't win", and it gets you down,
Don't let this depress you and cause you to frown.
There always will be a brighter day coming,
When you will feel good and your heart will be humming.
Tomorrow has promise to be a great day,
So chase all your burdens and worries away!
Let laughter and merriment brighten your day.
Wear them as flowers in a colorful lei.
Find today's promise... a lovely jeweled crown...
And wear it with joy... then you won't feel down.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And don't see results from all you have done.
On days you "can't win", and it gets you down,
Don't let this depress you and cause you to frown.
There always will be a brighter day coming,
When you will feel good and your heart will be humming.
Tomorrow has promise to be a great day,
So chase all your burdens and worries away!
Let laughter and merriment brighten your day.
Wear them as flowers in a colorful lei.
Find today's promise... a lovely jeweled crown...
And wear it with joy... then you won't feel down.
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Healing Balm
Dear little child, do not be discouraged,
For I know the measure of your every need.
When you're sorely tested and face daily trials
I dispatch my angels with haste and with speed.
My spirit hovers through day or dark night,
Constantly guarding and bringing defense
Against powers of evil which rob and destroy.
For these I will bring you My sweet recompense.
For you are My child... I take note of your days.
You've been in My keeping through storm and through calm.
I'll never forsake you nor once look away.
You can rest in this promise as sweet healing balm.
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91:11 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For I know the measure of your every need.
When you're sorely tested and face daily trials
I dispatch my angels with haste and with speed.
My spirit hovers through day or dark night,
Constantly guarding and bringing defense
Against powers of evil which rob and destroy.
For these I will bring you My sweet recompense.
For you are My child... I take note of your days.
You've been in My keeping through storm and through calm.
I'll never forsake you nor once look away.
You can rest in this promise as sweet healing balm.
"For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91:11 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 21, 2008
Blessings
May God give you blessings
Which rain as a fountain,
And raise you up strong
To scale every mountain.
May beauty and wonder
In your path abound,
And melody ring in your voice
With sweet sound.
May joy be as sunshine
To fill all your days.
May God's myriad blessings
Your spirit upraise.
"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Which rain as a fountain,
And raise you up strong
To scale every mountain.
May beauty and wonder
In your path abound,
And melody ring in your voice
With sweet sound.
May joy be as sunshine
To fill all your days.
May God's myriad blessings
Your spirit upraise.
"The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: the Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace."
Numbers 6:24-26 KJV
© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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