Meekness walks a path of grace,
But narrow is it's way.
It will know it's proper place...
Within it's borders stay.
Pride moves on a bumpy path
With utter lack of poise and grace,
"Scuffing" others, stirring wrath
Because it wants a larger space.
Mildness doesn't seek a stage
Where it has not been led to be,
In competition won't engage,
Of pride it's careful walk is free.
Humility avoids a snare
And travels on a road of grace.
The face of pride it will not wear.
Tranquility it will embrace.
"The Lord lifteth up the meek..."
Psalm 147:6 KJV
"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
James 4:6 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Being Ready
Should God present the "perfect occasion"
To make change and prosper or fulfill a dream,
Would you be ready to "pick up and go"...
To be called into opportunity's stream?
Often we ponder and yearn to be used
But are not attuned as to how to prepare.
God may be trying to bring about change,
But then we are busy and less than aware.
Whatever His leading, we need to respond,
Though sometimes His leading may not make much sense.
He will prepare us in His perfect timing
And help us be ready new work to commence.
We need not fear that we won't be ready.
By Him we're seasoned and fit and equipped.
We then can move in His perfect timing.
He is our Guide, His Word is our script.
"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
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
To make change and prosper or fulfill a dream,
Would you be ready to "pick up and go"...
To be called into opportunity's stream?
Often we ponder and yearn to be used
But are not attuned as to how to prepare.
God may be trying to bring about change,
But then we are busy and less than aware.
Whatever His leading, we need to respond,
Though sometimes His leading may not make much sense.
He will prepare us in His perfect timing
And help us be ready new work to commence.
We need not fear that we won't be ready.
By Him we're seasoned and fit and equipped.
We then can move in His perfect timing.
He is our Guide, His Word is our script.
"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
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, March 18, 2011
Castles In The Sand
People build things in the sand
And try to make a castle stand.
But with the wash of just one wave
Their well-formed castle they can't save.
Life is just a lot like that,
Sending "waves" we can't combat.
The waves of time will wash away
Those "towers" we build and hope will stay.
In Christ we build what cannot crumble
As before Him we are humble.
Do not build upon the sand.
What is built in Him will stand.
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Matthew 7:24-27 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And try to make a castle stand.
But with the wash of just one wave
Their well-formed castle they can't save.
Life is just a lot like that,
Sending "waves" we can't combat.
The waves of time will wash away
Those "towers" we build and hope will stay.
In Christ we build what cannot crumble
As before Him we are humble.
Do not build upon the sand.
What is built in Him will stand.
"Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it."
Matthew 7:24-27 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, March 17, 2011
Learning About Love
Sometimes love is hard labor. Sometimes it is long service... the giving up of self... the giving up of one's time.
Love is a choice. It is a test. In meeting it's test we open a door to rich experience in the Spirit... in the knowledge of God's grace and in the awareness of His faithfulness. As we lean into Him for strength we tap into deep wells of His goodness and wisdom and insight.
While we are yet leaning we are soaring to new heights in the Spirit. Those watching may think we have loss, but in Christ we have only gain.
"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Love is a choice. It is a test. In meeting it's test we open a door to rich experience in the Spirit... in the knowledge of God's grace and in the awareness of His faithfulness. As we lean into Him for strength we tap into deep wells of His goodness and wisdom and insight.
While we are yet leaning we are soaring to new heights in the Spirit. Those watching may think we have loss, but in Christ we have only gain.
"And let us not be weary in well doing; for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."
Galatians 6:9 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Do Unto Others
I know a man who quietly serves,
And much recognition he surely deserves.
But he will not seek it... that isn't his goal.
The "everyday" things encompass his role.
He does things well and gives of his best,
To bring joy to others his time will invest.
This is a man who serves our dear Lord,
Knowing that He will give him reward.
He is unselfish and serves with a smile
As he sometimes works and goes the nth mile.
The work of his hands is God's love expressed
And causes God's people to be greatly blessed.
"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
I Corinthians 10:31 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And much recognition he surely deserves.
But he will not seek it... that isn't his goal.
The "everyday" things encompass his role.
He does things well and gives of his best,
To bring joy to others his time will invest.
This is a man who serves our dear Lord,
Knowing that He will give him reward.
He is unselfish and serves with a smile
As he sometimes works and goes the nth mile.
The work of his hands is God's love expressed
And causes God's people to be greatly blessed.
"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."
I Corinthians 10:31 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Strong Family
"Family" is built in love over time
As touches of caring create a strong bond.
Sometimes the tiniest thing we may do
Will "heal" or "fix" or "reach way beyond".
Family "ties" which grow out of kindness
Will never be lost and cannot be broken.
Bonding is strengthened and love is promoted
When words of encouragement gently are spoken.
Commitment to pray and serve one another
Becomes as an anchor against storm and test.
Where family members are bonded in prayer
Then that home will be a haven of rest.
"Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening)."
I Corinthians 13:7 Amplified Bible
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
As touches of caring create a strong bond.
Sometimes the tiniest thing we may do
Will "heal" or "fix" or "reach way beyond".
Family "ties" which grow out of kindness
Will never be lost and cannot be broken.
Bonding is strengthened and love is promoted
When words of encouragement gently are spoken.
Commitment to pray and serve one another
Becomes as an anchor against storm and test.
Where family members are bonded in prayer
Then that home will be a haven of rest.
"Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening)."
I Corinthians 13:7 Amplified Bible
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, March 14, 2011
Ruts And Grooves
Sometimes a habit becomes as a rut,
A groove we get stuck in we need to rebut.
Our mind-sets grow weary and then start to lean.
Doing what's easy becomes as routine.
Forming good habits our time will redeem
And create new order, respect and esteem.
It may take hard work to change how we think.
It doesn't just happen as quick as a wink!
We can break loose from habits which bind,
Avoiding old "bents" to which we're inclined.
When our desire to change becomes prime,
Out of old ruts we surely will climb.
"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness..."
Proverbs 21:5 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A groove we get stuck in we need to rebut.
Our mind-sets grow weary and then start to lean.
Doing what's easy becomes as routine.
Forming good habits our time will redeem
And create new order, respect and esteem.
It may take hard work to change how we think.
It doesn't just happen as quick as a wink!
We can break loose from habits which bind,
Avoiding old "bents" to which we're inclined.
When our desire to change becomes prime,
Out of old ruts we surely will climb.
"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness..."
Proverbs 21:5 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, March 13, 2011
A Sweeping Wind
The Spirit of God is as wind o'er a prairie,
Sweeping in power it sometimes will tarry.
If we're alert we will witness His power
As God's hand is moving and working this hour.
The Spirit won't linger when His work is done
But quickly moves on a new course to run.
He touches down in lives which are yielded
Unto God's will and by His Word shielded.
Pray that you'll know the work of God's hand
And stay closely tuned to learn what He's planned.
The Spirit moves quickly, His work to complete,
And often His timing is "sweeping" and fleet.
"When the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
John 16:13 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sweeping in power it sometimes will tarry.
If we're alert we will witness His power
As God's hand is moving and working this hour.
The Spirit won't linger when His work is done
But quickly moves on a new course to run.
He touches down in lives which are yielded
Unto God's will and by His Word shielded.
Pray that you'll know the work of God's hand
And stay closely tuned to learn what He's planned.
The Spirit moves quickly, His work to complete,
And often His timing is "sweeping" and fleet.
"When the Spirit of truth is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come."
John 16:13 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Laughing At Me
Some days I don't have much "spark".
It seems my mind is stuck in "park".
I must need a "pick-me-up"
Or put more coffee in my cup.
Some days I am just a "klutz"
And "trip" on even tiny ruts.
I think I need to laugh at me
And enter my day merrily.
When my day is "out of sync"
I'll shrug it off without a blink.
What's the use to fuss and whine?
It's much more fun to laugh than pine!
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It seems my mind is stuck in "park".
I must need a "pick-me-up"
Or put more coffee in my cup.
Some days I am just a "klutz"
And "trip" on even tiny ruts.
I think I need to laugh at me
And enter my day merrily.
When my day is "out of sync"
I'll shrug it off without a blink.
What's the use to fuss and whine?
It's much more fun to laugh than pine!
"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, March 11, 2011
A Tangled Web
The "blame game" is a flimsy shield
Where people try to hide...
A tangled web of "reasons"
Where some folks oft reside...
Blundering their way around
Bare practicality,
Running from the real facts
And facing truth's reality...
Lying sometimes to themselves
About the "nitty-gritty"
And building up a think facade
Which really isn't pretty.
Oh, how sad the blame game is...
A prison it can be.
Owning up to one's own faults
Will heal and set one free.
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."
Psalm 51:6 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Where people try to hide...
A tangled web of "reasons"
Where some folks oft reside...
Blundering their way around
Bare practicality,
Running from the real facts
And facing truth's reality...
Lying sometimes to themselves
About the "nitty-gritty"
And building up a think facade
Which really isn't pretty.
Oh, how sad the blame game is...
A prison it can be.
Owning up to one's own faults
Will heal and set one free.
"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."
Psalm 51:6 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, March 10, 2011
An Early Start
While the day is very young, I turn to Jesus first,
'Fore with that day's busyness I soon become immersed.
Then I gain a right perspective how my day should go.
I can move with calm and not be bandied to and fro.
Jesus brings an order for the pieces of my day
And helps me sort it's factors... which are good or which are "nay".
He may even move aside the things I thought I'd do
And call to my attention something urgent, fun or new.
Daily schedules are best made before the Lord in prayer.
That way I eliminate much needless wear and tear.
When the day is very young I make a well-learned choice...
To spend some time apart with Him and listen to His voice.
"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..."
Psalm 138:8 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
'Fore with that day's busyness I soon become immersed.
Then I gain a right perspective how my day should go.
I can move with calm and not be bandied to and fro.
Jesus brings an order for the pieces of my day
And helps me sort it's factors... which are good or which are "nay".
He may even move aside the things I thought I'd do
And call to my attention something urgent, fun or new.
Daily schedules are best made before the Lord in prayer.
That way I eliminate much needless wear and tear.
When the day is very young I make a well-learned choice...
To spend some time apart with Him and listen to His voice.
"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..."
Psalm 138:8 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, March 09, 2011
Greater Love
Laying down our lives to serve the hurting or the lost
In ordinary terms may appear to have high cost.
But Jesus looks upon these souls as worthy of His best.
We dare not gaze upon their needs with mockery or jest.
Sometimes we're required by God to lay aside our plan
And take the time to help someone... to serve howe'er we can.
Longterm this can be a test of patience and of strength,
But Jesus doesn't look upon the job... it's width or length.
He is taking us to heights above our own perspective,
And we will start to see His plan as we become receptive.
We can be His vessel to show love to one another.
By serving even as He served, with love we bless each other.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
In ordinary terms may appear to have high cost.
But Jesus looks upon these souls as worthy of His best.
We dare not gaze upon their needs with mockery or jest.
Sometimes we're required by God to lay aside our plan
And take the time to help someone... to serve howe'er we can.
Longterm this can be a test of patience and of strength,
But Jesus doesn't look upon the job... it's width or length.
He is taking us to heights above our own perspective,
And we will start to see His plan as we become receptive.
We can be His vessel to show love to one another.
By serving even as He served, with love we bless each other.
"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, March 08, 2011
Sheep
It's so good to be a sheep
With the Shepherd giving keep,
Grazing 'neath His watchful eye,
And sheltered as the night draws nigh.
Listening to the Shepherd's voice
And resting in His flock by choice
Bring surety and comfort wise...
Nurture which His care supplies.
Sheep need cov'ring day and night
For all their needs... however slight.
The Shepherd hears their ev'ry bleat.
In Him they will have safe retreat.
"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
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
With the Shepherd giving keep,
Grazing 'neath His watchful eye,
And sheltered as the night draws nigh.
Listening to the Shepherd's voice
And resting in His flock by choice
Bring surety and comfort wise...
Nurture which His care supplies.
Sheep need cov'ring day and night
For all their needs... however slight.
The Shepherd hears their ev'ry bleat.
In Him they will have safe retreat.
"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
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, March 07, 2011
Being Centered
To be centered in God's purpose
Is the highest place to be,
For He is author of all hope
And possibility.
All the paths which He will give
Will lead us to a higher plane.
As we walk upon these paths
Our footsteps He will train.
He will guide and spur us on,
Our highest goals to reach.
Through each new experience
His great wisdom He will teach.
He designs the avenues
In which our lives will rest.
As we follow His design
We surely will be blessed.
"God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect."
II Samuel 22:33 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Is the highest place to be,
For He is author of all hope
And possibility.
All the paths which He will give
Will lead us to a higher plane.
As we walk upon these paths
Our footsteps He will train.
He will guide and spur us on,
Our highest goals to reach.
Through each new experience
His great wisdom He will teach.
He designs the avenues
In which our lives will rest.
As we follow His design
We surely will be blessed.
"God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect."
II Samuel 22:33 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, March 06, 2011
Sowing Peace
If we would have a life of peace
Then we must let all conflict cease.
For peace is birthed in wisdom's meekness
And has gentle, mild uniqueness.
Wisdom's righteousness and mercy
Douse the flames of controversy,
Causing strife to bow it's head,
Bringing good will in it's stead.
Wisdom from our precious Lord
Will always bring us blessed reward.
Only here will we find peace...
The kind that brings us full release.
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
James 3:17-18 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Then we must let all conflict cease.
For peace is birthed in wisdom's meekness
And has gentle, mild uniqueness.
Wisdom's righteousness and mercy
Douse the flames of controversy,
Causing strife to bow it's head,
Bringing good will in it's stead.
Wisdom from our precious Lord
Will always bring us blessed reward.
Only here will we find peace...
The kind that brings us full release.
"But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace."
James 3:17-18 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, March 05, 2011
No Longer Blind
Lord, help me see my blind spots
Lest pride be hiding there.
Should I not see clearly,
Please make me more aware.
If I move forth blindly
I might trample on another
By lack of sensitivity to
Neighbor, friend or brother.
Pride will often cut a swath
Where it should not have entered,
Walking on the will of God
Because it was not "centered".
Let my blind spots all be found
And tempered by humility.
Wash away my blindnesses
So I more clearly see.
"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
James 4:6 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Lest pride be hiding there.
Should I not see clearly,
Please make me more aware.
If I move forth blindly
I might trample on another
By lack of sensitivity to
Neighbor, friend or brother.
Pride will often cut a swath
Where it should not have entered,
Walking on the will of God
Because it was not "centered".
Let my blind spots all be found
And tempered by humility.
Wash away my blindnesses
So I more clearly see.
"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
James 4:6 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, March 04, 2011
Simplicity's Gift
What ever happened to simple, clean living,
Going to church, sharing and giving?
Folks have lost track of life's simple pleasures,
Rushing right past... to gain worldly treasures.
Simple is best... will always have worth.
Good common sense will often give birth
And open up doors we may not have seen,
God's riches and pleasures to taste and to glean.
Society's treadmill becomes as a race
And has it's own rhythm with too fast a pace.
Oft it's complexity is as a snare,
But simplicity is a breath of fresh air!
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Going to church, sharing and giving?
Folks have lost track of life's simple pleasures,
Rushing right past... to gain worldly treasures.
Simple is best... will always have worth.
Good common sense will often give birth
And open up doors we may not have seen,
God's riches and pleasures to taste and to glean.
Society's treadmill becomes as a race
And has it's own rhythm with too fast a pace.
Oft it's complexity is as a snare,
But simplicity is a breath of fresh air!
"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, March 03, 2011
The Joy Of Serving
Serving the Lord will never grow "old",
For in Him I find rich nuggets of gold,
Waiting to be discovered and known,
Practiced each day, and then to be sown...
So others may see and learn and be taught
And worship the Lord in prayer and in thought.
God is so good and loving and kind
And ready to teach us if we're so inclined.
What rich experience to be in His "keep",
To know and to serve Him and His blesisngs reap!
There is no joy to match such as this.
Those who don't serve Him don't know what they miss!
"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
Psalm 100:2 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
For in Him I find rich nuggets of gold,
Waiting to be discovered and known,
Practiced each day, and then to be sown...
So others may see and learn and be taught
And worship the Lord in prayer and in thought.
God is so good and loving and kind
And ready to teach us if we're so inclined.
What rich experience to be in His "keep",
To know and to serve Him and His blesisngs reap!
There is no joy to match such as this.
Those who don't serve Him don't know what they miss!
"Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing."
Psalm 100:2 KJV
© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, March 02, 2011
Distractions
When troubles surround and call for attention,
Let that be a call for prayer intervention.
In order to keep our eyes on our goals
We cannot let problems jar us from our "roles".
The enemy makes distractions and noise
To rob our perception, order and poise.
Don't let his actions bring fear or despair.
"Down-size" the troubles... enwrap them in prayer!
God will sort out our needs one-by-one
And show us quite clearly what needs to be done.
He will make order and give expertise
So we can move forward in calmness and peace.
"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..."
Psalm 138:8 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Let that be a call for prayer intervention.
In order to keep our eyes on our goals
We cannot let problems jar us from our "roles".
The enemy makes distractions and noise
To rob our perception, order and poise.
Don't let his actions bring fear or despair.
"Down-size" the troubles... enwrap them in prayer!
God will sort out our needs one-by-one
And show us quite clearly what needs to be done.
He will make order and give expertise
So we can move forward in calmness and peace.
"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..."
Psalm 138:8 KJV
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, March 01, 2011
A Touch Of Spring
A touch of spring would sure be nice,
Better than this snow and ice.
Hurry on, my "springtime friend"
And help this winter's spree to end.
Snow is pretty as it falls
And wraps all things in frosty shawls,
But deep within I yearn for spring...
To watch her showy, flowery fling.
She paints beauty on bare boughs
As she brings end to winter's drowse.
Winter's been here for awhile.
It is time for Spring's bright smile!
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Better than this snow and ice.
Hurry on, my "springtime friend"
And help this winter's spree to end.
Snow is pretty as it falls
And wraps all things in frosty shawls,
But deep within I yearn for spring...
To watch her showy, flowery fling.
She paints beauty on bare boughs
As she brings end to winter's drowse.
Winter's been here for awhile.
It is time for Spring's bright smile!
© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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