A Healing Stream

Forgiveness is a healing stream
Whose waters aching hearts redeem.
Forgiveness is a fragrant balm
Which restores and brings us calm.

Forgiveness may be hard at first,
If in anger we're immersed.
When ire and woundedness prevail
Relationship it will derail.

When offense has taken place
Don't be caught in it's embrace.
Let forgiveness break it's hold...
It's healing power is as pure "gold".

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."
Matthew 6:14 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Complete In Him

The Lord our God is our friend and our keeper,
And inside our hearts He wants to go deeper.
Always He wants to change us within,
To fill us with love and free us from sin.

Without some heart-change, how will we know
The beautiful bounty He wants to bestow?
Sometimes we think His plans are a "stretch",
But inside our beings His love He will etch.

Deep in our hearts His home He will make...
To fill us with warmth and shield us from "ache".
He gives us balance which we cannot beat.
Whatever our lack, in Him we're complete.

"As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love. If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father's commandments, and abide in his love. These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might be full."
John 15:9-11 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Happy Day

Do you want to have a happy day?
The first thing you should do is pray.
This will start your day out right
And cause it to be fresh and bright.

Thank God for His constant care.
Of His goodness be aware.
You will see with different eyes
And begin to realize...

Your outlook has been truly changed.
Your day with ease has been arranged.
Let God lead you through your day.
He knows your heart, He knows the way.

"My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O Lord; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up."
Psalm 5:3 KJV

© Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Master Weaver

God weaves patterns in our lives...
Lovely, intricate design.
He puts every thread in place
And precious gold will intertwine.

Each life is a tapestry
With colors beautiful and rare,
Individual and unique...
Artistry beyond compare.

God delights in who we are
For He creates each life with flair,
Watching over His creation
With His wondrous loving care.

"Your hands have made me, cunningly fashioned and established me; give me understanding, that I may learn your commandments."
Psalm 119:73 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wisdom's Door

Always knock on Wisdom's door,
For every day you will need more.
Rewards will come from wisdom's quest.
It's Heaven's wealth. You should invest!

Those without face many "bumps".
They will stumble and get "lumps".
Wisdom is as oil in gears
For every problem which appears.

Wisdom is as polished gold,
But never will be bought or sold.
Find it in God's precious Word.
From it let your heart be stirred.

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold. She is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her."
Proverbs 3:13-15 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Covered In Him

No matter what my circumstance
In God I'm covered in advance.
I can rest in knowing this,
For God is never "hit-and-miss".

When I lean on Him in trust
His wisdom helps me to adjust
And understand what will be best
In every trial, in every test.

And so my life is safe in Him,
Full of hope and joy... not dim.
He will guide me... this I know.
Much gratitude to Him I owe.

"For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone."
Psalm 91:11-12 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Calling

When God calls upon us, do we make excuse?
The reasons we give are sometimes profuse!
"I don't have time", or, "I am not ready".
"This makes me nervous", or, "I feel unsteady".

If He is calling us, He has good reason.
He may want to take us into a new season!
If we're lethargic or don't want to "go",
We may miss blessings He wants to bestow.

He goes before us, preparing the way.
We go in His strength as we trust and obey.
We should not question or keep asking "Why?"
His will is a blessing. On Him we rely.

"And Moses said unto the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since thou hast spoken unto thy servant: but I am slow of speech, and of a slow tongue. And the Lord said unto him, Who hath made man's mouth? Or who maketh the dumb, or deaf, or the seeing, or the blind? Have not I the Lord? Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say."
Exodus 4:10-12 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love Is Able

Love is able to transcend and heal that which is broken.
By our actions and our words it's language will be spoken.
Love is humble, faithful, quiet, honest and true-blue.
It will cast out fear and doubt and bright hope will pursue.

Love takes time and deep commitment... sometimes through a storm,
But has a way of breaking through, it's wonders to perform.
In sharing and in caring of another's life to lift,
Love and tender friendship shown become a wondrous gift.

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

"There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear..."
I John 4:18 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

When Children Speak

If a child wants to talk, he needs to be heard.
Let him express himself. Catch every word.
As you show interest he'll learn to express
His feelings and thoughts of joy or distress.

And when you listen he'll start to feel worth.
He won't be afraid new ideas to birth.
He'll know you're his friend... to you he will run.
In all his excitement you both will have fun!

"And he took a child, and set him in the midst of them: and when he had taken him in his arms, he said unto them, whosoever shall receive one of such children in my name, receiveth me: and whosoever shall receive me, receiveth not me, but him that sent me."
Mark 9:36 KJV

"And Jesus saith unto them, Yea; have ye never read, Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise?"
Matthew 21:16 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Special Gifts

Our giftings from God may be hidden inside...
Yet undiscovered because of our pride.
Or maybe our busyness covets first place.
For deep things of God we've not allowed space.

The giftings God gives deserve our attention.
As we seek Him we gain comprehension.
Then we will blossom as we make pursuit
To grow in His giftings and bring forth good fruit.

Sometimes a life gets weary and weathered
If to the Lord it has not been tethered.
But, even so, it's never too late.
The Lord's lovingkindness and mercy are great.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
James 1:17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

We Need God

Our God has power
We need in this hour.
But we shut Him out.
His tenets we flout!

Life will go on,
But it will be wan
Till we honor God
And give Him our nod.

God can work wonders
To heal our blunders.
If we'll let Him guide
He'll stop evil's tide.

Our God knows best
When we are hard-pressed.
Reverence His name!
His honor proclaim!

"And thou shalt do that which is right and good in the sight of the Lord: that it may be well with thee..."
Deuteronomy 6:18 KJV

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Careful Footsteps

We cannot see around the bend
Or even know tomorrow's trend.
On God the Father we must lean
And all our guidance from Him glean

He prepares each step we take
So we don't err or make mistake.
Our direction He may turn...
What we don't see He will discern.

Steps we take may not make sense
But will have good consequence.
God can see around the bend.
All our steps He will attend.

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Gentle Touch

Most folks need a gentle touch
And will appreciate it much.
Kind words are as gifts of gold
And offer hope on which to hold.

Gentleness will bring a smile
And often go the second mile
To let folks know you really care
And lift them from life's wear and tear.

A gentle touch is just so nice.
A gift of warmth beyond all price,
Offering a ray of light,
Making someone's day so bright.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."
Galatians 5:22 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Families Together

Gathering together at the dinner table is a wonderful time for fellowship and conversation and bonding together. Families so need this today. But this precious "tradition" in some families has almost been lost. It is threatened by busy work schedules, after-school activities and numerous other distractions. When this happens communication begins to suffer.

It is important to re-think this. It seems that we need to establish a "do not disturb" dinner time... with no television or radio running in the background, no cell phones, no texting, no toys, etc., just fun and laughter and caring and sharing as we eat together. This will re-establish the importance of family over all the other activities which tend to draw us apart.

I can remember coming home from church, sitting down to eat, and everyone choking down their food so they could go watch a game on television. There was no conversation as we ate, no conversation during the game, and then the children ran outside to play. The lack of communication left an emptiness in our day.

We need to slow down enough to enjoy each other. Children especially need this example...

"Unless the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it."
Psalm 127:1 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Higher Learning

The schools which we attend, with goals of higher learning,
Cannot match experience for lessons in "discerning".
Learning happens over time and simply can't be rushed.
Patiently through trial and error we learn, but still are "hushed".

Sometimes we have challenges we do not like at all.
But rising up and solving them will make us to stand tall.
We may have opinions, but o'er time these too will change,
For as we gather wisdom our "sight" is longer-range.

Observation teaches well, so watch and listen much,
Always seeking to learn more, avoiding snares and such.
It takes a lot of living to be taught and to be wise.
Gathered over many years, life's teaching is a prize!

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Proverbs 3:13 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our Creative God

All that God does has exquisite design.
His attention to detail is matchless and fine.
But some of His "benefits" may seem quite plain
(And try as we will, just cannot explain).

He has a purpose to make us the best
And tempers our lives so we will be blessed.
As we are faithful to follow His plan
We reap all the blessing of what He began.

His creativity makes us unique.
Into each life His beauty will speak
And bring special blessings which in Him abound...
Outpouring from God which is truly profound.

"Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves..."
Psalm 100:3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

This Is A New Day

This is a new day... the past times are gone.
We should feel excitement with every new dawn.
Let us move forward, but not "limp" along,
When we can walk with a heart full of song!

We can't look back nor open closed doors,
But can gather new riches which our God outpours.
This is a new day... to "rise up" and soar,
To serve our great God with each open door!

"This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Order

Let my life's order be pleasing to You.
Let me be focused in all that I do.
Help me eliminate "din" and confusion
And discern the truth from "words" and illusion.

Order brings balance and deep peace of mind.
With wisdom our lives become well-defined.
We learn what is urgent and know what is best.
Sometimes we're "pushed', but know when to rest.

Ideas and trivia can sometimes blur fact.
They take up our time and tend to distract.
But order will save us the time we may spend...
And definitely is a very good friend!

"You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You and hopes confidently in You."
Isaiah 26:3 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Clear Vision

To see real beauty, my "sight" must be changed.
My thoughts and perception must be rearranged.
I must re-think the way that I see
So I won't miss beauty which may surround me...

Training my heart to always see good
And seek out God's beauty wherever I should,
Cutting through haze which fogs up my vision,
To recognize worth with Godly precision.

Gold may be hidden in folks whom I know.
I could encourage that beauty to grow.
Lord, help me see the way that You see
And hopefully be all that I should be.

"Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law."
Psalm 119:18 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love Never Fails

Families which are close-knit
Will have a special kind of grit.
Closely bonded, they will stand,
Hearts united, hand-in-hand.

Each will help the other one
To finish all the goals begun.
None is left to stand alone,
For love and caring have been sown.

When homes are filled with Jesus' love,
Blessings there are from above.
Special bonding will abide
And rest on those who there reside.

"Love never fails..."
I Corinthians 13:8 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Perplexing Problem

Our lives have been invaded
By cell phones, games and texting.
For seniors of a different era
This can be perplexing!

We have learned to talk in depth.
We didn't need this "stuff".
We just enjoyed each other.
Good sharing was enough.

Now people are distracted
In everything they do
By games and fancy gadgets
Which they endlessly pursue.

Relationships have suffered,
For some don't even talk.
Their eyes are glued to every text.
At this I tend to balk!

TV hampered family ties.
Communication then was lost.
While phones and games are lots of fun,
Be careful of the cost!

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thank You, LORD

Your lovingkindness warms my life.
Your grace and mercy make it glow.
For joy and laughter in my heart
A debt of gratitude I owe.

I rejoice in Your great love...
For You have saved me from my sin.
No one else could heal my fears,
But now I have deep peace within.

Your love always lifts me up
And helps me to stand tall and strong.
To know You is my richest gain.
Your lovingkindness is my song.

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Encouragement And Caring

Folks may need encouragement
When they are feeling down or sad.
Sometimes they just need a call
To perk them up so they feel glad.

This can be a springboard,
A jump-start into something new
When someone may be wondering
Just what they should do.

Encouragement is what it takes
To give a little boost or lift.
This is so much needed
And it truly is a special gift!

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Best Of The Best

Unity is as "crème de la crème"
And beautiful as a clear, sparkling gem.
Peace and agreement, when birthed in the heart,
Are as heavenly song or exquisite art.

Beauty comes forth as differences fade
And decisions to love are birthed and then made.
Unity is a reachable goal,
But when we don't have it, there is a toll.

We can avoid division and toil.
Love and humility it's plans will foil.
Unity is "the best of the best".
Always by unity we are much blessed.

"Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:19-20 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Book To Be Read

Every life is as a book...
Events and stories from the past...
Written by the things we do,
Remembrances which truly last.

Hopefully our books are filled
With inspiration, love and hope,
Penned with wisdom and good will,
Encouragement with depth and scope.

When our lives draw to a close
We leave pages to be read.
Here our light may brightly shine,
By which many will be led.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:16-17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Easier Way

It's easy to want more and more
But better when there's less to store!
For everything I make a place,
But then stuff soon fills up my space.

Whenever I buy something new
I need to think my storage through.
Too much stuff will bog me down,
And cleaning then will make me frown.

I just may not need as much.
To "things" I do not want to clutch.
If I don't keep a watchful eye
Stuff will surely multiply!

It's really nice to have some space
So I can keep my things in place.
Clutter just is not okay.
Life is easier this way!

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Joy Of The LORD

Sometimes we get tired and worn.
By circumstance we're sometimes "torn".
"Revive us, Lord, from weariness.
Lift us up from dreariness!"

When we really need some cheer
He lends to us a listening ear.
Jesus overcomes our "lows"
And gives us joy which overflows.

Let Sonshine in our hearts prevail
To offset cares which make us ail.
Let joy and laughter flood the soul
To heal, uplift, and make us whole.

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness: to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Psalm 30:11-12 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Everyday Goodness

We go to church one day a week
The Lord and all His ways to seek.
What we've learned can be a light
In someone's dark and dreary night.

But through the week we get sidetracked
In how we live and how we act
And oft forget that which we've learned...
For others to be more concerned.

Goodness isn't once a week.
Everyday it's love should speak.
Choose to live by what you've heard,
By Christ's example in the Word.

"For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power - making it active, operative, energizing and effective; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and (the immortal) spirit, and of joints and marrow (that is, of the deepest parts of our nature) exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Growing In God

I like to feel that I am winning
But know that I am just beginning.
When the first step I have won,
I know there's more work to be done.

When we "win", we can't "retire",
For God will always take us higher.
Resting on a former win
May stifle something new within.

Though we sometimes feel tired
God will keep us much-inspired.
All the "lessons" which we learn
Will bring us very rich return.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reaching The Mountaintop

Do you want to reach the mountaintop?
Spend some time alone with God.
For here you'll reach the steepest climes
As your feet with wings are shod.

He will take you to great heights
As you have commune with Him,
Revealing truths to make you soar
Beyond your fondest dream or whim.

When your heart is turned to Him
The mountaintops are not too high.
He will lift you up to "see"
And all your hopes will satisfy.

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Psalm 18:32-33 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let Truth Be Known

Let truth be as a beacon bright,
Our steps to guide and path to light.
May we be prepared and ready.
May our progress e'er be steady.

Challenges may come our way.
We can meet them as we pray.
God will keep us from grave error
And shield us from the blight of terror.

God is faithful and is able.
He will keep us strong and stable.
Darkness cannot quench His light
Or stand against His power and might!

"When he, 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 show you things to come."
John 16:13 KJV

"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

Respect Is Beautiful

Respect is beautiful to see,
Showing God's love graciously,
Treating others as we should,
Bringing blessing... which is good!

Respect shows courtesy and caring,
Thoughtfulness and kindness sharing.
It shows reverence and regard
And never leaves folks feeling "jarred".

Respect is much to be desired...
A quality to be acquired.
Always we should show respect,
God's love and kindness to reflect.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:17 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Highest And Best

I once heard a woman say, "My mother taught me all the right ways to do things, but I just don't choose to do them that way." She knew what was right, but she just didn't practice what she had learned.

I wonder how many times we hear good teachings, and even agree with them, but only receive the ones which don't challenge us to change. When God speaks "change", He is moving or pulling us toward something better. We may squirm or say, "This doesn't fit", but if we don't move forward then we are falling behind and limiting the blessings God has for us.

If we listen intently to God's instructions and follow through, we will find our "highest and best" in life. For He will challenge and stretch us to be more than we ever thought we could be!

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Psalm 103:2 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Laughter And Grace

Laughter just makes life more easy,
Cheering hearts which may be "queasy".
It breaks tensions with delight
And makes the atmosphere feel bright.

If your day starts bogging down,
Laughter will offset a frown.
Choose to smile and have some fun,
Or think of funny things you've done.

Laughter turns grey skies to blue,
And merriment will bring you through
Those "grumpy" times which we all face.
Laughter is a form of grace.

"He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast."
Proverbs 15:15 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Making Good Choices

We cannot make good choices
Just by listening to "voices".
God will show us what to do
And add ideas which are new.

As we seek to do His will
He will give us needed skill.
He will show us what to choose,
Ensuring that we will not lose.

Choices made too quickly
Have results which may be "prickly".
But when we make a Godly choice
We'll have reason to rejoice!

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Great Love

Man's sinfulness was very grave
Till Jesus died, our souls to save.
He became the sacrifice
For all our sin. He paid the price...

That we might enter Heaven's gate.
How we need to celebrate
Eternity with Christ the Lord.
What a beautiful reward!

God showed His love to us... each one.
He gave to us His only Son.
By His great love we are set free,
With Him to spend eternity.

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

On Time

Some folks just are always late.
With them you "hurry up and wait".
Often they will have excuse.
Of others' time this is misuse.

Being punctual is a gift.
It's measuring our time with thrift.
"Waiting" time is time that's lost,
And sometimes it will bring high cost.

Sometimes schedules are too tight,
And this creates a stressful plight.
Only do that which is prime,
And make a plan to be on time!

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Waiting On God

With new plans we contemplate
Sometimes God will make us wait...
To think them over for "a spell"
And take some time to let them gel.

It's always wise to not "rush in"
So we don't fail or have chagrin.
God may shed some extra light
And give us careful oversight.

Wait and pray till you have peace.
His timing will bring you release.
Should He say, "This plan don't do",
Praise Him then for freeing you.

"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 3:5-6 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Gifts Of Learning

"Fun stuff" draws our children in...
A pattern we must bridle,
For it can take up all their time
And teach them to be idle.

Young folks with TV and games
Become almost addicted.
When their minds become too full
Their spirits are "afflicted".

Children not weighed down with "stuff"
Become much more creative.
Those who love good books and read
Are much more contemplative.

Arts and skills which they learn early
Give them joy and help them grow.
They will prosper as adults
From all the right things which we sow.

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Soaring In Him

When we overcome the trivial
What a blessing is in store.
As we seek a higher plane
In the Spirit we will soar!

"Every-dayness" bogs us down
And tends to weary our precision,
But when we seek the Holy Spirit
He will open up our vision.

Gaining insight and perspective,
We will see in new dimension,
Moving in the Spirit's timing
With much greater comprehension.

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being..."
Acts 17:28 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Rejoice And Be Glad

If sometimes you tire and bog down
And struggle to smile, not frown,
Shake off the weight of despair!
Rise up! God's goodness declare!

If you bask in His goodness you'll find
You can leave all the burdens behind.
He'll lift you up and transform your "view".
All of your thinking He will renew.

If in your spirit you're low
He'll give you new "get-up-and-go".
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad
And you will forget you were sad!

"Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing."
Psalm 107:20-21 KJV

"This is the day which the Lord hath made: we will rejoice and be glad in it."
Psalm 118:24 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Balance

Balance helps us to get through
Confusing times with less ado.
Wisdom is it's strong foundation,
Coupled with communication.

Balance brings us evenness
And adds to us sereneness.
By events it won't be "tilted"
Nor it's confidence be wilted.

Emotions sometimes cloud it's view
And can make it be askew,
So guard emotions carefully.
Always seal them prayerfully.

Balance gives us clear perspective,
Helping us to be effective.
Often it will be required
And is much to be desired.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heart Of Compassion

My brother Dave had a heart for people who were struggling in life...

One day he left his workplace at lunchtime and walked up to the park blocks around Portland State College to eat his sack lunch. He saw a man lying on one of the park benches, and he heard the Lord say to him, "Give that man your lunch." He did, and that was the beginning of a very beautiful friendship.

This man had been a writer for a large well-known newspaper in the Chicago area, and he had been high up in leadership of his church. But he lost his job, and then his marriage failed and he started drinking. At some point he had come to the Portland area. He spent some time in the Burnside area, drinking, but he decided he shouldn't be there so he moved to the park block area near the college where Dave found him.

Over time Dave took lunch to him a number of times, and on cold days would try to find him and take him to a restaurant to eat and get warm. Eventually someone gave this man a room to stay in, and he came back to the Lord. He had a very sincere, gentle spirit... a beautiful person.

Dave, because of his compassion for hurting people, was a part of this man being able to piece his life back together again, and this man had a new beginning in life.

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace Like A River

Let peace like a river come and flood my soul today.
Let rest and deep tranquillity offset my fears, I pray.
For in the midst of challenges or weariness or trial,
You are my "oasis" where I come and rest awhile.

Labors and anxieties are overcome by peace.
In You I find refreshing and a glorious release.
Let Your waters flow o'er me and vitalize my soul.
Basking in Your presence is the balm which makes me whole.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Shadows

Darkness hides from truth and light.
It tries to cover it's own blight.
Shadows are it's chosen friend
Where it will hide to work it's end.

Let your light expose it's ploy.
It's masquerade you can destroy.
Keep surveillance... fend it off.
Don't let it come back and scoff.

Choose to be a blazing light
Where truth can rest and bring insight.
Light exposes evil's cause,
Uncovering it's many flaws.

"I am come a light into the world, that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness."
John 12:46 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Vessel

A long time ago I had a dream, and in my mind I can still see what the Lord showed me in that dream.

I saw a broken teapot. It had been dropped and broken so many times that now it was just beginning to crumble apart. It seemed to now be beyond repair.

But then suddenly, as I again looked at the teapot, it was all shiny and new. It was totally restored to it's original beauty with lovely painted designs on it. As I looked closely I could see no hairline cracks in it at all. It was beautiful.

This teapot represented a broken life, and in the restored teapot I saw how the love of God had erased the brokenness and re-created that life to be even more beautiful than when it was first created. There were no signs of aging or wear and tear.

And this is the promise we have in Christ. He is able to take all the broken pieces of our lives and make them into something new and beautiful. He cares so much...

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Psalm 30:11-12 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Step By Step

Patience comes when we are tested,
Not when we are calm and rested.
Problems sometimes irritate,
So we must learn to trust and wait.

Patience can't be bought or sold,
Quickly learned or time-controlled...
Only when we trust in God
And do not hurry, push or prod.

Patience has a perfect work
To do in us if we don't shirk.
It's end result makes us complete
As over time our trials we meet.

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Under His Wing

In Christ we will not suffer lack,
For His provision is not slack.
Circumstance may push and pull,
But in the Lord resource is full.

Our cup is filled with peace and joy,
And this becomes our precious buoy.
He knows which way we should go
When in ourselves we do not know.

No matter what the storm or test
In Him we have a place of rest.
When to Him we trust and cling
We're sheltered 'neath His mighty wing.

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwatzkopf

The Roads We Travel

In life we walk so many roads
And often carry heavy loads,
But as we walk them in God's light
Our "walks" will be content and bright.

When we can't see 'round the bend
Then on God we can depend.
Folks may ponder what we do
And think that we "don't have a clue"...

But in our God we have clear lead.
Our fondest hopes He will exceed.
From many roadways we can choose,
And He will help us win... not lose.

"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 3:5-6 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Imprint On Our Lives

Following God will make us stretch
And in our lives new patterns etch.
Truths imprinted deep within
Will cause new blessings to begin.

Sometimes etching carries pain,
Is needful to accomplish gain.
When we want God's will for us
We must yield and not make fuss.

From His etchings we will learn,
And through them deeper insights earn.
His etchings bring to us deep change
And beautify our lives long-range.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Song In Your Day

The best way to give your day a good start
Is worship the Lord. Let praise fill your heart!
Let your praise grow and blossom within.
You will have joy. Let worship begin!

Our God is mighty, is able to heal
And offset the tensions inside which you feel.
Though you don't think you're "in the right mood",
Bless Him with words of sweet gratitude.

Praise will become the song in your day...
A wonderful blessing in every way.
Worship the Lord... bring praise to His name.
Give Him the glory... His goodness proclaim!

"Praise the Lord! for it is good to sing praises to our God, for He is gracious and lovely; praise is becoming and appropriate."
Psalm 147:1 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Happy New Year !

The LORD Is Our Light

God is a tower of strength and great might,
Our shelter and refuge, our joy and our light
He is our fortress, in Whom we can hide,
A tower of safety where we may abide.

For all of His children His covering is sure,
A place of great peace, blessed and secure.
We do not need to tremble or fear.
The Lord is our light... and so very near!

"The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life: of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf