Thanksgiving Time

Thanksgiving is a wondrous time
Of praise and celebration...
A season when we bow our hearts
In joyful adoration...

For blessings poured into our lives,
More than we can number...
Even for the air we breathe,
For life and health and slumber.

All we have is from God's hand
Poured out in bounteous measure.
By His love and graciousness
Our lives are filled with treasure.

"By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name."
Hebrews 13:15 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Season Of Thankfulness

October is over, November is here...
Season's reminder Thanksgiving is near,
A time to remember what Thanksgiving means,
Other than "holidays" and "cuisines".

This day was birthed in the hearts of a few
Who came "oh so far" from all that they knew,
Seeking to worship their God and their King,
Searching for freedom His praises to sing.

Suff'ring severely, they did not give up,
Believing each day God would fill their cup.
Thanksgiving then was a time to rejoice.
In glory to God they praised and gave voice.

Let us remember these brave, humble folk.
Their faith and example in us should evoke
Prayers and thanksgiving that freedom still rings
And for all of the bounty which God daily brings.

"Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
Psalm 95:2-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Song Of Thanksgiving

For abundance and for plenty
Let Thanksgiving songs be raised.
In expression from the heart
Let our God be warmly praised.

All we have is from His hand.
Let our worship freely flow.
Acknowledging His rich supply,
Let robust celebration grow.

He has poured out wondrous blessing.
Let us glorify His name
For His love and faithfulness,
Let us bring Him all acclaim!

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods."
Psalm 95:1-3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Winds Of Change

Changing "seasons" make us think
As time slips by and makes us blink.
If we're sensitive we will know,
And our perception then must grow.

Alertness to the winds of change
May stir us up to rearrange
Priorities in how we live
And how much time to prayer we give.

Keeping watch and keeping pace
Are wisdom which we should embrace.
Don't stay back, but move ahead.
On "changing seasons" be well-read.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is."
Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene schwartzkopf

A Treasure

Godly wisdom is a treasure
To be sought in growing measure.
How much better life can be
When through wisdom's eye we see.

Wisdom is a faithful guide
And careful balance will provide.
We can lean on wisdom's arm,
For it will shield us from much harm.

Wisdom steers us through life's maze
And often simplifies our days.
What a blessing to be earned,
And it's merits to have learned!

"If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."
James 1:5 KJV

"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."
James 3:17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Watching Over Us

At one point in my life I had no money coming in. I was low on oil for my furnace and didn't know how I was going to keep warm. My mom gave me fifty dollars to put a little oil in the tank so I wouldn't run out, but winter was coming and I knew that fifty dollars worth of oil wouldn't last long.

While the oil company was there putting the oil in the tank, a neighbor walked over to me and asked, "How much oil are you getting?"

I answered him, "However much fifty dollars will get for me."

He walked over to the oil man and was talking with him, then went into his house.

When I went to pay the oil man my fifty dollars, he said that the neighbor had handed him one hundred dollars for more oil.

I had been really down that day, but God was right there to lift me up. We never know how He will provide for us or who He will use, but His hand is not shortened to help us!

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessed Unity

Unity will bear good fruits.
Divisiveness has ugly roots.
Unity works "hand-in-hand".
Divisiveness just makes demand.

Unity will move ahead.
Divisiveness will fight instead.
Unity will get much done.
Divisiveness can show you none.

Blessed unity of thought
Shows love and patience as it ought
And seeks a goal of joy and peace,
Causing differences to cease.

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

"I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Stable And Fixed

Should storm winds blow, should waters rise,
Are we "anchored?" Are we wise?
Should changing times our lives define,
Or circumstance around us twine?

Know that Jesus is well able
To protect and keep us stable.
We have hope and peace in Him.
Look up... our future is not dim.

When we fear, He is our buoy.
If we're down, He brings us joy.
All our needs He will provide
As in His covering we abide.

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand)."
Psalm 91:1 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reach Higher

When my grandson was just a toddler, he found some plums on the ground which had fallen from a flowering plum tree. He knew what plums were and wanted to eat some. We told him, "No, these are the kind birds like to eat."

He stretched his little arms upward with his hands full of these small plums and called, "Here, birdie, birdie. Here, birdie, birdie." But the birds were high in the trees and did not hear him. Finally, with a big sigh, he dropped his little arms and said, "Can't reach. Can't reach."

As adults, I think sometimes we are as this little child. We may have a goal to reach, or a special calling. We give it a try, realize it's too hard to do, and we give up. But we shouldn't quit, because through the grace of God we can reach higher than we think. And through prayer we can overcome obstacles in our way. He will strengthen us to accomplish what we thought we could not do.

Believe in Him. Trust in Him. And in His timing, God will make a way...

"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Proverbs 3:5 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Seeing Loveliness

We sometimes miss the beauty
Which the Lord pours out each day,
But we'll perceive and see His best
If we'll take time to pray.

Many, many thoughts crowd in...
Not all of them are bad.
But when they crowd out "loveliness",
This is truly sad.

Taking time to meditate
And worship in the Lord
Opes our lives to loveliness...
A rich and blessed reward.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Veteran's Day

A SPECIAL CLASS

Veterans are a special class
Who give of self and far surpass
Ordinary daily call.
To guard our land they give their all.

Today we pay them high esteem.
May the Lord their lives redeem
From weariness and battle scars.
In our sight they're truly stars!

They have given us their best.
Heroes all, they've stood the test.
Precious are the ones who serve.
Highest honors they deserve.

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Covering Our Children

Little children need God's "cover".
Over them let angels hover.
Let their footsteps guarded be,
And let their spirits remain free...

Never bound by sin's dark stain
Or bogging down in things mundane,
But reaching up to Godly goals
And soaring in their chosen roles.

Let them prosper and be strong
So they will stand against all wrong,
Looking up unto the Lord.
In Him they will find rich reward.

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:14 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Autumn Speaks

Autumn sings a lovely song
But knows she cannot linger long.
She will spread her autumn cheer.
She hurries, knowing Winter's near.

She wakes us up from summer laze
And says "Prepare" for Winter's ways,
Then paints her beauty everywhere
With glorious artistry and flair.

Feel the briskness of her breeze.
The beauty of her season seize.
She speaks her message loud and clear...
"Prepare, prepare", for Winter's near.

Savor the beauty of the season, but listen to her voice...

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Drifting

If we let our guard down, we'll find ourselves drifting.
We won't be alert and constantly sifting
The wheat from the chaff and the good from the bad.
We'll not know we're slipping, and that is so sad.

Little by little our sight becomes blurred.
The words of the Spirit may not e'en be heard.
In this late hour we must stay alert.
Issues today we just cannot skirt.

Let us bow before God and make our hearts right,
Repent of our sins, though ever so slight.
Our God is merciful, patient and kind.
Let the "bent" of our lives to Him be inclined.

"Let us search and try our ways, and turn again to the Lord. Let us lift up our heart with our hands unto God in the heavens."
Lamentations 3:40-42 KJV

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartyzkopf

Blessed Rest

Having battled times of test
There are times when we must rest.
God's rest is a safe cocoon.
We shouldn't leave that rest too soon.

He is able to restore
All we need and much, much more.
We should not fret, fuss or fume
Or try our labors to resume.

Savor these sweet times with joy,
As God His own pace will employ.
When His healing work is o'er
With strong wings again we'll soar.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Healed Nation

Heart-to-heart and hand-in-hand,
For righteousness and peace we stand.
Faithful warriors, deep in prayer,
The weight of intercession bear...

Knowing God hears ev'ry cry.
Repentant hearts He won't deny.
When we walk away from sin
His healing power will begin.

God is able to repair
Those things in which we have made error.
Today in reverence we kneel
And ask the Lord our land to heal.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Time To Give

A time to give, a time to share,
A time to pray, a time to care.
Many people have great need
For acts of kindness or good deed.

Holidays are coming soon.
The chance to give is opportune.
What we'd spend to buy a gift
Could give a needy one a lift.

Giving is a blessed state...
The way in which we orchestrate
The love of Jesus for another...
Neighbor, friend or needy brother.

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 6:31 KJV

"Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:4 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sowing Good Seeds

What we sow is what we reap,
So it is wise good watch to keep
On careless words or attitude
Which sometimes darts or snares include.

Sowing peace and love and joy
Are worthy tools we can employ
To bring forth rich and blessed fruit...
Results which have good attribute.

Good seeds multiply and grow
And scatter more seeds to and fro.
Good seeds sown have bright reward
And bring much glory to the Lord.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Watching

When autumn wind gusts start to blow
We know that soon they will bring snow.
So we prepare for winter's start
As we watch autumn's "warmth" depart.

These simple signs before our eyes
Awaken us and say, "Be wise".
As we answer wisdom's voice
We rest because we've made good choice.

Yet other "signs" we do not see
And aren't prepared... but need to be.
Discern the times and then respond.
The Lord will help us see beyond...

To sense this present urgency
And seek His face with fervency.
If we're attuned to know His voice
He'll guide us to make wisdom's choice.

"Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober."
I Thessalonians 5:6 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fires Of Righteousness

Let mighty fires of righteousness
Break forth throughout our land.
Let folks be re-awakened
To the moving of God's hand.

We were never founded
On a base of shifting sand,
But through prayer and sacrifice
Upon the Rock we stand.

Let us seek the Lord in prayer,
Re-capturing a Godly stance.
Let freedom's cause be re-established...
Not just happenchance.

Let God's army march anew
With fire and fervor for this cause,
Re-affirming righteousness.
For this we stand... with much applause!

"Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) these elevate a nation..."
Proverbs 14:34 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Perfect Work

We don't grow in easy times.
We grow in times of testing.
Not much is accomplished
If we spend our time in "resting".

Problems solved and battles won
Bring insight and perspective,
Learned by labor and hard work
And reaching an objective.

Growing truly is hard work
And something which we should not shirk.
Do not run from times of testing.
In wisdom you will be investing.

"My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."
James 1:2-4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Rich Life

There's gold within the Word of God...
Treasure hidden in each page.
Wisdom stored there is God's gift
For living which we should engage.

Man's ideas will not stand.
Without the Word he'll go astray,
Building his own kingdom's worth.
He'll not know he needs to pray.

If he only owns one thing,
The Word of God will fill his need.
It will bring great wealth to him
And all his hopes it will exceed.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness."
II Timothy 3:16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

When Storms Come

In our times of deepest trouble
When our problems seem to double,
Only God can raise us up...
Only He can "fill" our cup.

When storms and upsets cause alarm,
The greatest threats God can disarm.
When we turn to Him in prayer
He will keep us in His care.

Lean on Him to show the way.
When He speaks, His words obey.
God is able in this hour
To "head off" storms with might and power.

"And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm."
Mark 4:39 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let Prayer Break Forth

Let prayer break forth... let prayers be many.
Let freedom ring... for all and for any,
For freedom to worship, to sing and to praise,
To honor our God and voices to raise.

Let streams of truth flow forth every day.
Let worldly "bindings" all fall away.
Righteousness says to us, "Let there be light!"
Thus should we pray with all of our might.

If we will pray for freedom's great cause,
If we will worship and give God applause,
If we will stand and do what is right,
We are assured of a future that's bright.

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:3 KJV

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Unfailing Love

Though our lives have spot and stain,
Our God doesn't show disdain.
Patiently He loves us still...
Until His purpose we fulfill.

By ourselves we are not able
To have wisdom or be stable.
In our weakness He is strong
And helps us stand against all wrong.

We are able by His grace
Bigger challenges to face.
His great love will never fail
But always o'er our lives prevail.

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life."
John 3:16 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Days Well-Lived

Some days seem so ordinary.
Others are "ho-hum".
But I can still rejoice and sing
And not be down... as some.

I know God is working
To perfect that which concerns me.
My life rests within His hand.
From needless worry I am free.

In simple things I'll be alert
So I don't miss what He might say.
All that He would teach me
Will prepare me for another day.

I will rest and be content
Until He says to make some change.
But I won't "move" until He speaks,
Lest His timing I shortchange.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me."
Psalm 138:8 Amplified Bible

"I will cry to God Most High, Who performs on my behalf and rewards me - Who brings to pass (His purposes) for me and surely completes them!"
Psalm 57:2 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Built Upon The Rock

Whatever we build, when built on the Rock,
Has sturdy foundation which no foe can mock.
The labors we spend in serving the Lord
Cannot be shaken, but bring rich reward.

"Towers" we build, in which we place hope,
May not bring answers or help us to cope.
Aside from the Lord our "towers" will crumble,
Creating confusion and leaving a jumble.

When God helps us build, it may be unseen,
But substance is there, on which we can lean.
Wisdom would tell us to "build on the Rock"...
A sturdy foundation which no foe can mock.

"And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer: The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence."
II Samuel 22:2-3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Mercy Wins

Dare we quickly judge another...
Neighbor, friend, son or brother?
Dare we give some up for lost...
Those whose paths we may have crossed?

We are sometimes much too "jaded"
'Gainst some folks we might have aided.
Judgment shows we do not care
And causes us to make sad error.

Mercy does not point a finger.
With compassion it will linger,
Praying out of love and caring,
Hope and inspiration sharing.

"The Lord is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The Lord is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works."
Psalm 145:8-9 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Beautiful Language

What has happened to verbal expression?
Folks do not seem to use much discretion.
Beautiful language becomes as an art
And shows the condition of one's mind and heart.

We must let good thoughts crowd out the bad
And fill our minds full of thoughts which are glad.
Let us tune out the language that's coarse
In TV or magazines... whate'er the source.

The fruit of the Spirit, working in us,
Will soften our speech and be a real plus.
Beautiful words are laden with treasure
And add to the hearers blessings and pleasure.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22 KJV

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Honesty

An honest man has naught to hide.
No shadows or untruths abide.
He can look you in the eye
And "tricks" or fibs" will never try.

Honesty bears much good fruit.
It's loveliness we should salute!
How much simpler life can be
When honesty has set us free.

Untruths make a tangled web,
Causing honesty to ebb.
Beauty fades and much is lost.
Untruths carry long-term cost.

"These are the things that ye shall do; speak ye every man the truth to his neighbour; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates."
Zechariah 8:16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faithfulness

Faithfulness plants fruitful seeds
And serves with blessings and good deeds.
Faithfulness has open eyes...
Others' needs to recognize.

Faithfulness will never tire
But by willingness inspire.
Her rewards o'er time accrue,
And God will bring her honor due.

Faithfulness within the heart
Shares many seeds to grow and start.
She is generous and kind
And to much giving s inclined.

"O love the Lord, all ye his saints: for the Lord preserveth the faithful..."
Psalm 31:23 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Repentance

Repentance is a healing point
Which says, "I'll turn from what I've done.
I will change my attitudes.
A brand new life I have begun."

Repentance cleanses us from sin,
Releasing us from shame and guilt.
What a blessing to be free
And know your life can be rebuilt.

Jesus calls us e'en today
And urges us to change our ways.
When we answer His sweet call
We're "transformed" and filled with praise.

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness: but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."
II Peter 3:9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace On Earth, Good Will To Men

Let our cities smile brightly.
Let our streets be filled with peace.
Let our people work together.
Let all hate and anger cease.

Let "agendas" not be prime
But purposes of God have rule.
Let Scripture and the Ten Commandments
Be our standard and our "school".

Let us have good will toward men.
Let this always be our goal.
Being instruments of peace
Is a very blessed role.

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."
Matthew 5:9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Quick Responders

Quick responders are alert
And many problems will avert.
They have practiced "readiness",
In times of need have steadiness.

They are on the cutting edge,
So "tuned in" they will not hedge.
Moving forth with ease and speed,
Responding to God's call or need.

Quick responders aren't held back
By "baggage" or by "order's lack".
They are as a polished arrow,
Piercing through when time is "narrow".

These are they who know God's heart.
When He calls they make quick start.
They have made important choice
To always listen for His voice.

"Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, 'Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?' Then said I, 'Here am I; send me.' "
Isaiah 6:8 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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Soft As Dew

The touch of the Lord is like dew on a petal.
With each new dawn it's softness will settle.
He brings refreshing and promise each morn,
Your day with rich blessing and joy to adorn.

Be as a petal and welcome the dew,
God's mini-oasis which says, "I love you".
He is so faithful to meet all our needs.
All of our hopes and dreams He exceeds.

Rest then in knowing that He cares for you.
His gentle healing comes down as the dew.
Quietly, tenderly, dew drops appear
As loving reminder to say He is near.

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Two In Agreement

Sometimes we need to lay down our "rights",
For often these "rights" dissension ignites.
We may complain, "It just is not fair.
I'm misunderstood and I did not err."

"Claiming our rights" can have a sharp edge,
Building a fence or driving a wedge.
The more vital issue is living in peace,
Working together and letting strife cease.

"Rights" build a "block" in us toward another.
Just lay them down and work with that brother.
Two in agreement will get a lot done.
Don't think of "self"... agree to have fun!

"And be at peace among yourselves..."
I Thessalonians 5:13 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

As Chaff In The Wind

Boasters make a foolish crowd
Who brag and bluster long and loud
They appear to be upbeat
But have the wind beneath their feet.

Their pride will blow away as chaff.
Then they'll grieve and will not laugh.
"Ego" has no real worth
Nor footing which will give them "berth".

Bragging maybe gives them joy,
Yet words are but a sinking buoy.
Boasting is not solid ground.
In Christ sure footing will be found.

"For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast."
Ephesians 2:8-9 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Gather Wisdom

Gather wisdom for the winter.
Store it's harvest in your heart.
Even tiny gleanings store,
For "covering" they will impart.

Let fires of God burn deep within you,
Warming you in times of cold,
Causing you to move in strength
And in your spirit to be bold.

Traverse safely through the "winter".
Draw upon your wisdom's store.
Stoke the fires of God within you.
He'll give strength and might to soar.

"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Psalm 119:11 KJV

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Jesus Changes Lives

He makes good folks out of bad
And downhearted people glad.
He will fill an empty soul
With His love and make him whole.

He will heal a wounded child
Whose aching heart has never smiled,
Or give courage to the fearful
And sweet laughter to th tearful.

His compassion is a gift
To those who dearly need a lift.
His faithfulness is truly great...
His goodness we should celebrate!

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shalll praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips."
Psalm 63:3-5 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faith

When threat of darkness:closes in
It is faith that helps us win.
Faith brings courage, strength and might
And will break forth into light.

Faith will stand and not let go
Nor be bandied to and fro.
It takes up a strong position
Till it's hopes come to fruition.

Choosing always to be glad,
Rejoicing in good times and bad,
Faith will bring us through long night
And fill us with God's peace and light.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."
Hebrews 11:1 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heart Full Of Peace

A gentle heart is full of calm,
Joy and peace and healing balm.
But when anxiety comes in
The heart experiences "chagrin".

The answer is to "practice peace".
This will take some expertise.
No matter what the circumstance,
Pray, and do not "take a chance".

Let your peace push back the stress.
Don't allow it to oppress.
God will give you inner rest,
And by His peace you will be blessed.

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

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."
Colossians 3:15 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Longing To Hear Church Bells

How I long to hear church bells
Ringing out across the land,
Reminding us of holiness
And that for which we stand.

Our beginnings, birthed in prayer,
We siimply can't forget.
We must change the path we're on,
Lest we have deep regret.

Let us honor our foundation.
Let us bow to thank our God,
Take a look at whence we've come
And prayerful footsteps we have trod.

Let those footsteps not be wasted.
Let our past not be discarded.
Let our focus be renewed
And Godly format be regarded.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fences

Fences are a helpful choice
To keep things in or keep things out.
Beware of "sitting on the fence".
That leaves room for too much doubt.

It' a slippery place to be,
Not a healthy place to rest.
As you tarry on the fence
You could face unwelcome test.

Sitting too long on the fence
Because you do not want to move
Shows a lack of wisdom, and
Your lethargy and pride may prove.

Ask the Lord to give you wisdom
On which side you should abide.
Then be honest with yourself
And hasten to get on His side.

"Choose you this day whom ye will serve..."
Joshua 24:15 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Being Light

As Christians we should be as light...
In times of darkness shining bright.
Our love and joy will clearly speak
And strengthen others who are weak.

Jesus working in our hearts
A warming, healing light imparts.
But if at times we tend to grumble,
Then our light may fade or crumble.

Let His joy spill out of you.
To grumbling quickly bid "adieu".
Let your brightness be a sign
So others too will want to "shine".

"Do all things without grumbling and faultfinding and complaining (against God) and questioning and doubting (among yourselves), that you may show yourselves to be blameless and guileless, innocent and uncontaminated, children of God without blemish (faultless, unrebukable) in the midst of a crooked and wicked generation - (spiritually) perverted and perverse, among whom you are seen as bright lights - stars or beacons shining out clearly - in the (dark) world."
Philippians 2:14-15 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace In The Storm

Though trials come and storm winds blow,
Though troubling waters overflow,
Jesus speaks, "I am your peace.
I will make the storm to cease."

"When I am there to keep you steady
You won't fail... in Me you're ready
To o'ercome your stormy test.
I will give you calm and rest."

"Trust in Me... do not have fear.
When you call, I will be near.
I will speak into your 'storm'
And all your circumstance transform."

"And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waters: but he was asleep. And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish. and he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm."
Matthew 8:23-26 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fidelity

A life with fidelity is genuine clear through.
It never will swerve from that which is true.
Pure and sincere in all of it's ways,
It doesn't complain but always obeys.

It's trueness is "fixed" and rests deep within,
Guiding that life away from all sin.
Faithful of heart, with love which is real,
It wears a bright badge with loyalty's seal.

Fidelity's song is flawless and pure.
The tune which it sings will grow and endure.
Fidelity's purpose will always be clear,
Unchanging in beauty, a gift to revere.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzopf

Joyful Worship

Worship has a lovely voice
And causes Heaven to rejoice.
God is worthy of our praise...
Every song and every phrase.

Glorify His name on high.
With gratitude to Him draw nigh.
Come into His holy presence.
Honor Him with heartfelt reverence.

Oh, what joy in Heaven awaits
When we come near those pearly gates.
Our hearts will swell, our voices soar
To worship Him forevermore.

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together."
Psalm 34:1-3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our Children Need Prayer

Everywhere I look I see the "scattering" of children... as the result of divorce or broken relationships where the mom and dad were not married; children of parents who realize that they don't really want to step up to the responsibility of raising children, so they leave; children being raised by relatives or foster parents; and, children removed from the home because of lack of care or abuse...

Today many children do not feel secure, are not being emotionally nurtured, maybe don't have sufficient nutrition, etc., If they don't have a solid foundation, how can they be anything but confused as they mature and try to find solid guidelines for their own lives? How will they learn to love and be kind if they are rejected or just "get lost in the shuffle" some way.

I knew a couple whose six-year old daughter had no expression in her eyes. Her eyes looked totally blank. She and her brother played with my children, but this girl was different. I later learned that her mother didn't like children. Now this story had a peculiar twist. The mother and dad had some friends who didn't have any children, but this woman really cared for the girl and boy. So these two couples decided to exchange partners. Both couples divorced and then remarried each others' mates.

The end of this story is that the children blossomed because their new mother loved and nurtured them. And it was then that the girl began to have expression in her eyes. The blankness previously in the girl's eyes was from total lack of love.

Also, there was a young boy in our mobile park who had lost one of his parents, and the other parent didn't want him. So he came to live with his grandparents. But then he got in a little trouble in our park, and management said he had to leave. But the grandparents couldn't afford to sell their home and move. I have wondered many times what happened to that young boy.

We surely need to pray for today's children and treat them kindly wherever we see them... it may be the only kindness they will know, and it might be a saving grace for them at some point in their lives...

"But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 19:14 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf