God Heals Brokenness

When you search for strength to cope,
In our God you will find hope.
Encouragement and hope will come
To offset all which makes you glum.

He can overcome deep pain
And free you from your hurt or strain.
He can heal what may be broken,
Erasing wrong words which were spoken.

His healing is a living stream,
Life's painful moments to redeem.
God's lovingkindness is profound,
Spreading blessings all around.

"He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds (curing their pains and their sorrows)."
Psalm 147:3 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sowing Seeds In Prayer

Good thoughts and prayers can travel far,
So why not send a few each day
To family, friends and other folks...
Or those who don't know how to pray.

When we pray in Jesus' name
And send some blessings from our heart,
Our prayers become a healing stream
And joy and laughter will impart.

Our prayers may be a bridge of grace
To cover challenges unknown.
The Lord will prompt us how to pray.
His blessings then will be full-blown.

We can be an "instrument"
By spreading blessings to and fro.
By our thoughts and prayers each day
So many blessings we can "sow".

“Always aim to show kindness and seek to do good to one another and to everybody. Be happy (in your faith) and rejoice and be glad-hearted continually (always); be unceasing in prayer (praying perseveringly)."
I Thessalonians 5:15-17 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwwartzkopf

A Precious Day

Live today with expectation.
Give to it your very best.
Don’t dwell in what is done and past.
Let yesterday be put to rest.

Fill today with joy and laughter.
Treat it as a golden ray.
Let its promise bring delight,
For God has given us this day.

Let His joy well up within you.
He will bless you with good measure.
When today is put to rest
You will have gathered precious treasure.

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

“In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore.”
Psalm 16:11 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Gathering Gold

Wisdom truly takes us higher
If we seek it and inquire.
We should always want to grow
And learn more wisdom than we know.

Wisdom is as priceless gold,
The worth of which does not grow old.
If its merits we would earn
We'll have rich blessings in return.

Gather wisdom, seek it out.
Let it be a "waterspout",
Saturating all you do.
Let its gold in you accrue.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Strong Covering

It is wisdom to pick up the threads of your responsibility and weave them into a strong covering. Leave no loose ends Do not skip over anything, thinking little threads (things) won't matter that much. Little threads, when bound together, contribute to the overall strength of the covering.

A covering woven out of wisdom and diligence will have great strength and provide stability in times to come. When the threads of our lives are tightly secured we will be able to stand strong.

Securing our "threads" now in many ways will be a saving grace later. Let prayer be as a sealant on the covering, and the covering will not fail.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Loving Artistry Of God

God plants in us a “DNA”...
Of wealth and riches to explore.
He adds to us exquisite “color”...
Art and beauty and much more.

Locked within us are His gifts,
Placed there in abundant measure.
It may take us many years
To discover all His treasure.

None of us is ever “empty”,
For we have a God of plenty.
He will give us deep insight
And “vision” which is twenty-twenty.

We are blessed with great potential,
Filled with beauty from His hand.
We are God’s own work of art.
By His love our lives were planned.

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me.”
Psalm 119:73 KJV

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thought "Overload"

Our thoughts get so full of everyday "stuff".
Some may be good, but some is just "fluff".
We must be careful to sort all this out
And need to remember what life is about.

Being alert will save us from snares
And help us avoid confusion and errors.
When we weed out what does not have worth,
Our minds can be ready for wisdom's sweet birth.

Wisdom brings insight and fresh new direction,
Lighting our way, providing protection.
We'll not bog down with trivial thought
But have a clearheadedness, just as we ought.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things arehonest, 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

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that givethto all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and itshall be given him.”
James 1:5 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Good News

God will bring good news each day
To those who follow in His way.
Spread the word... His news proclaim!
Let God's love be as a flame...

Healing lives and warming hearts,
Helping many make new starts,
Bringing new-found peace and joy,
For lost souls being as a buoy.

God desires that none be lost.
He gave His Son to pay the cost
Spread His good news far and wide.
That many in Him will abide.

"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

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us that we should be called the sons of God."
I John 3:1 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Exciting Discoveries

We should be careful to not have near-sightedness in the things of God, for there is always something deeper, higher, greater or more glorious and exciting to be learned...

When we study to know Him better we make discovery, and our perspective is wonderfully changed. We will find a new order in everything we do. Things which we thought were important fade into the background in the light of our discoveries, and a new simplicity and refreshing will develop in the patterns of our lives. We are freed from myriad distractions which surround us every day, and will find beauty in this new simplicity which comes into place.

When we see with singular purpose in Him, we are spurred on to learn and know yet more... always a delightful and rewarding experience... We have an awesome God!

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God..."
Psalm 42:1-2 KJV

Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day."
Psalm 25:4-5 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Bringing Hope

Every day will bring us joy
When we are in the Lord's "employ".
The simplest task may count for much
When we serve Him and bring His touch.

He will show us many needs,
Into which we can plant seeds...
Seeds of laughter, seeds of hope,
Encouragement to help folks cope.

A good word just to show we care
May spark new life or lift despair.
When we serve we are as light,
New hope and promise to ignite.

"Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Spring's Promise

Spring is as a breath of fresh air
Awakening all from winter’s cold fare.
Spring holds the promise of hope and good will,
A blossoming future for us to fulfill.

Welcome it’s freshness and fragrance and flair.
Move in it’s rhythm, it’s happiness wear!
When flowers burst forth and birdsong is sweet,
Rejoice in your heart, for spring is a treat!

Only our God could create a flower.
When spring makes an entrance, we’re seeing His power.
Give Him the glory, His goodness declare!
Without His great beauty, our lives would be bare!

“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessing Our Children

Do you want to bless your children?
Honor God in every way.
Follow Him with all your heart.
His tenets honor and obey.

Let your children see your “walk”
And learn well by your Godly talk.
When you set your standards high
Your children to God will draw nigh.

If you don’t know Godly ways
They may suffer all their days.
Let God’s wisdom in you rest.
Your children will be greatly blessed.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 KJV

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.”
Hosea 4:6 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Beauty Of Holiness

Holiness is beautiful,
Undisturbed by flaw and sin.
When we see through holy eyes
We're impacted deep within.

No longer will our sight be veiled.
Our perception will be new.
Suddenly perspectives change
As God's dimensions are in view.

Life can have much deeper worth
When holiness is truly found.
To comprehend its depth and beauty
Is life-changing and profound.

"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:3 KJV

"But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy."
I Peter 1:15-16 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Start Today

If you are tired of "day after day
Doing your work the same old way",
Wishing that somehow you could make some change
Or have new ideas to cheer you long-range,

Today is the day... just start where you are.
Don't let old thoughts your happiness mar.
Discard old patterns which just have not worked
And tackle the "projects" which you may have shirked.

From this day forward your life will get better
If you choose to be a cheerful pace-setter.
Set higher standards in all that you do.
The blessings of God will then follow you.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Colossians 3:23 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Hope And Promise

Many years ago (1992) the Lord spoke to me and said, “The best of times and the worst of times will walk hand-in-hand”.....

I did not understand why He was speaking this to me at that time. But I know without a doubt that now we so need the promise in those words. So much has changed in the world around us since then.

Many people are struggling right now, but we must not give up. There is HOPE and there is PROMISE in what the Lord said. I believe, in this time, that we need to look up... to focus and recognize what is “the best of times” and receive it in its fullness. This will be our balance in the days to come.

“Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord.”
Psalm 31:24 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Reminder To Me

To count my many blessings
Whenever I get tired or stressed.
This is better than worry
And from tensions brings a needed rest.

Worry tends to fret and nag.
It's wise to just not let it start.
When I think about my blessings
Worry then will soon depart.

I daily choose to focus in
On all the goodness of the Lord.
This changes worrisome perspective,
Bringing joy as its reward.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Residing In Peace

In days to come we need strong grip
So we don't falter, trip or slip.
Seeking God for clear direction
Is our safeguard and protection.

We can't see around the bend
The challenges which may offend,
But with God's wisdom we can find
A pathway which will not be blind.

What a comfort, what release,
In unknown times to have God's peace.
As we rest within His hand
He will guard and help us stand.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Words With Grace

Do the words of your mouth impart grace to the hearers?
Are words which you say to others as mirrors...
Reflecting the goodness of God as you speak,
Brightening and cheering up lives which are bleak?

Your words can pierce through much darkness and gloom,
Presenting a fresh hope where troubles would loom.
Words are as arrows of healing and light.
And when carefully “measured” are so very bright.

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”
Ephesians 4:29 KJV

“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.”
Colossians 3:16 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Work Of Our Hands

We often think a life of ease
Is something that would really please,
But more exciting is a role
Where we can reach a treasured goal.

Work we love will spur us on
And keep us from becoming wan,
Causing us to grow and bloom.
For growth we always should make room.

When you step out and explore
You may find new joy in store.
Choose a goal which brings delight
And it will make your days be bright.

Often learning a new skill
Your life with richness will fulfill.
Do not be afraid to try.
In all your work to God draw nigh...

"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
Psalm 90:17 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Joy Overcomes

Choose to sing a happy song,
Even if things sometimes go wrong.
We can weep or "bump along",
But why not sing a happy song?

Choosing joy will overcome
Those things which make us feel glum.
Don't just yawn and say, "Ho-hum".
Let gladness on your heart-strings strum.

Cheerfulness within will grow,
And soon your joy will overflow.
As you spread joy to and fro,
Gloominess will be "no-show".

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf