If God has been drawing you near to His side
In closer relationship there to abide,
There will be benefit more than you know.
Deep wisdom and insight will cause you to grow.
Now is the time to answer His call
And follow His lead in things great and small.
When you wait on Him your days will be bright.
His peace and His joy will bring much delight.
Take joy in His presence and worship His name.
All of His goodness and glory proclaim!
Our God is good and worthy of praise.
Rejoice and be glad through all of your days!
"Praise ye the Lord. Praise the Lord, O my soul. While I live will I praise the Lord: I will sing
praises unto my God while I have any being."
Psalm 146:1-2 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, April 30, 2015
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Time Well Spent
Idleness unharnessed
Will soon become a waste of time.
But when it’s used for Godly thought,
Then its worth is rich and prime.
Pausing to reflect on God,
His lovingkindness and His grace,
Is time well-spent... rich time
For which we always should make place.
Since He created all we see
We should get to know Him well.
When we meditate on Him
New life within us starts to swell...
And change the fibers of our being.
We’ll see ourselves in a new way.
His perspective is so freeing.
We’ll find an endless new array...
Of light and possibility
To help us find who we should be.
Glory be unto our God
Who blesses us so faithfully.
“I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.”
Psalm 119:15 KJV
“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.”
Psalm 100:3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Will soon become a waste of time.
But when it’s used for Godly thought,
Then its worth is rich and prime.
Pausing to reflect on God,
His lovingkindness and His grace,
Is time well-spent... rich time
For which we always should make place.
Since He created all we see
We should get to know Him well.
When we meditate on Him
New life within us starts to swell...
And change the fibers of our being.
We’ll see ourselves in a new way.
His perspective is so freeing.
We’ll find an endless new array...
Of light and possibility
To help us find who we should be.
Glory be unto our God
Who blesses us so faithfully.
“I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.”
Psalm 119:15 KJV
“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves.”
Psalm 100:3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 28, 2015
Refreshing For The Heart
When God's Word lies deep within
We're freed from stress and error and sin,
For in the Word we find much gold,
The kind which isn't bought or sold.
The Word becomes a place of rest
Where we can turn in every test.
We need not fear or be in toil.
The Word is as a healing oil.
From worldly thoughts we find release.
The Word of God becomes our peace.
From all our cares we're set apart
In God's "oasis" for the heart.
"The entrance of thy words giveth light..."
Psalm 119:130 KJV
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Psalm 119:11 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We're freed from stress and error and sin,
For in the Word we find much gold,
The kind which isn't bought or sold.
The Word becomes a place of rest
Where we can turn in every test.
We need not fear or be in toil.
The Word is as a healing oil.
From worldly thoughts we find release.
The Word of God becomes our peace.
From all our cares we're set apart
In God's "oasis" for the heart.
"The entrance of thy words giveth light..."
Psalm 119:130 KJV
"Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee."
Psalm 119:11 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 27, 2015
A Joyous Task
If I can write one word of hope
Or help a struggling one to cope...
If through my pen new life has birth,
Then my day is one of worth.
Encouragement is sorely needed.
Let my pen with joy be "seeded",
Lifting those who are bent low,
Spreading brightness to and fro.
As I write this is my hope...
That through a word new doors will ope,
Cheering hurting people on
To help them find a bright new dawn.
"Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also each for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Or help a struggling one to cope...
If through my pen new life has birth,
Then my day is one of worth.
Encouragement is sorely needed.
Let my pen with joy be "seeded",
Lifting those who are bent low,
Spreading brightness to and fro.
As I write this is my hope...
That through a word new doors will ope,
Cheering hurting people on
To help them find a bright new dawn.
"Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also each for the interests of others."
Philippians 2:4 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Achieving God's Best
God designed us by His hand.
We should seek what He had planned.
No greater blessing can we find
Than serving Him heart, soul and mind.
We’ll achieve a higher plane
And Heavenly honors will attain.
This should be our highest goal...
Living out His well-planned role.
“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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We should seek what He had planned.
No greater blessing can we find
Than serving Him heart, soul and mind.
We’ll achieve a higher plane
And Heavenly honors will attain.
This should be our highest goal...
Living out His well-planned role.
“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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, April 25, 2015
A Season Of New Beginnings
Winter drowsed for much too long.
We needed Springtime’s lovely song...
Refreshing as the morning dew
She spurs us on to something new...
Telling us we should aspire
To goals and dreams which reach up higher...
To believe we can excel
And do a new thing very well.
She reminds us we have reason
To grow a little in each season.
She lifts us out of winter’s laze.
Our hearts are filled with joy and praise.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
Psalm 100:1-2 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
We needed Springtime’s lovely song...
Refreshing as the morning dew
She spurs us on to something new...
Telling us we should aspire
To goals and dreams which reach up higher...
To believe we can excel
And do a new thing very well.
She reminds us we have reason
To grow a little in each season.
She lifts us out of winter’s laze.
Our hearts are filled with joy and praise.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
Psalm 100:1-2 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Friday, April 24, 2015
A Grateful Heart
When we have a grateful heart
Life will have a brighter view.
God adds focus to our lives
And our perspective will be new.
As we focus on God's beauty
We won't "center" on our needs.
Joy will increase in our days
And grow as precious flowering seeds.
We have opportunity
To know God's goodness every day.
If we'll remember to "look up"
Our grateful heart will pave the way.
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Life will have a brighter view.
God adds focus to our lives
And our perspective will be new.
As we focus on God's beauty
We won't "center" on our needs.
Joy will increase in our days
And grow as precious flowering seeds.
We have opportunity
To know God's goodness every day.
If we'll remember to "look up"
Our grateful heart will pave the way.
"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
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, April 23, 2015
Encouragement
We all sometimes need an encouraging “note”,
A gentle reminder, a positive “vote”.
When we are struggling, each day to get through,
Encouragement turns our “gray skies” to blue.
It’s okay to admit we just need a boost.
A call or a hug will cause joy to be loosed.
When someone else cares we’re lifted up out
Of sadness or fear, weariness or doubt.
Then once again our heart has a smile
And is able to conquer that “difficult mile”.
Some extra good cheer is a gift with much light
Which offers a lift and makes a life bright.
“A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment - how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
A gentle reminder, a positive “vote”.
When we are struggling, each day to get through,
Encouragement turns our “gray skies” to blue.
It’s okay to admit we just need a boost.
A call or a hug will cause joy to be loosed.
When someone else cares we’re lifted up out
Of sadness or fear, weariness or doubt.
Then once again our heart has a smile
And is able to conquer that “difficult mile”.
Some extra good cheer is a gift with much light
Which offers a lift and makes a life bright.
“A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment - how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 22, 2015
The Beauty Of Humility
Humility is beautiful...
Peaceful, kind and very mild,
Free from arrogance and strife,
Gentle as a little child.
Without it we would have blurred sight,
Causing us to be quite slack.
In our soul we would have "blight",
Of caring there would be a lack.
Humility will love and serve
With gratefulness and heartfelt joy,
Bringing light and new-found hope,
Even as a saving buoy.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:3-4 KJV
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
I Peter 5:6 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Peaceful, kind and very mild,
Free from arrogance and strife,
Gentle as a little child.
Without it we would have blurred sight,
Causing us to be quite slack.
In our soul we would have "blight",
Of caring there would be a lack.
Humility will love and serve
With gratefulness and heartfelt joy,
Bringing light and new-found hope,
Even as a saving buoy.
"Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:3-4 KJV
"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
I Peter 5:6 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
Forgiveness Heals
Forgiveness brings rest, peace, release, healing deep within. Ask the Lord to show you if you have any shadow of unforgiveness (maybe even something you have forgotten about), or perhaps unforgiveness of self.
Let forgiveness be as soft rain, gently falling, washing, penetrating and soothing the fibers of your being, bringing deep refreshing. May this soft rain wash away even the memory of any offense and cause you to be tenderhearted.
Be free of this unneeded binding, for it is as gravel in the soul, creating irritation and "weightedness".
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Let forgiveness be as soft rain, gently falling, washing, penetrating and soothing the fibers of your being, bringing deep refreshing. May this soft rain wash away even the memory of any offense and cause you to be tenderhearted.
Be free of this unneeded binding, for it is as gravel in the soul, creating irritation and "weightedness".
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 20, 2015
The Worth Of A Life
When we are young, we think we have time,
But time marches on, and then we grow old.
Time is a gift we never should waste,
For we do not know what “prize” it might hold.
God has designed us to live with great cause,
To have worthy purpose in all that we do.
Each day holds promise which we may not see.
God may be leading us toward something new.
Follow His lead... don’t just let time pass,
For when you grow old you may have regret.
Some of the things which you should have done
Are goals which had meaning but which were not met.
How blessed, when old, to look at the past
And know that you’ve done the most you can do.
The mark of your life will have import and honor
As you have accomplished what God had for you.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:2-3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But time marches on, and then we grow old.
Time is a gift we never should waste,
For we do not know what “prize” it might hold.
God has designed us to live with great cause,
To have worthy purpose in all that we do.
Each day holds promise which we may not see.
God may be leading us toward something new.
Follow His lead... don’t just let time pass,
For when you grow old you may have regret.
Some of the things which you should have done
Are goals which had meaning but which were not met.
How blessed, when old, to look at the past
And know that you’ve done the most you can do.
The mark of your life will have import and honor
As you have accomplished what God had for you.
“But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:2-3 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, April 19, 2015
A Safe Haven
I recall my mother telling me how, when she was a little girl, lightning had struck their home (a little house out in the country), and how frightening it was.
Lightning storms were common in that area. So after that, if there was a lightning storm, Grandpa would get the whole family up and read aloud from the Bible until the storm passed over... sometimes all night. The Word of God became their covering and a very real place of safety.
There is power in the Word of God, beyond what we comprehend. It is our shelter, our hiding place, a blessed oasis of rest and peace. It will be strength in times of weakness, healing in times of weariness, and deep peace in troubling times. Our greatest need is to know it well.
"Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him."
Proverbs 30:5 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Lightning storms were common in that area. So after that, if there was a lightning storm, Grandpa would get the whole family up and read aloud from the Bible until the storm passed over... sometimes all night. The Word of God became their covering and a very real place of safety.
There is power in the Word of God, beyond what we comprehend. It is our shelter, our hiding place, a blessed oasis of rest and peace. It will be strength in times of weakness, healing in times of weariness, and deep peace in troubling times. Our greatest need is to know it well.
"Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him."
Proverbs 30:5 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, April 18, 2015
A Listening Ear
Will you give to God a listening ear?
Are you finely tuned, His leading to hear?
We cannot laze and think we're okay,
For He might speak "change" even this very day.
Know His direction and heed every word.
Follow His lead. Do not be deterred.
The change may be great... or not hard at all.
Know when He speaks and answer His call.
God is our covering through shaking and storm,
Our shelter and strength when things are not norm.
Draw nigh to Him and know His voice well,
That under His shadow you safely may dwell.
"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
Are you finely tuned, His leading to hear?
We cannot laze and think we're okay,
For He might speak "change" even this very day.
Know His direction and heed every word.
Follow His lead. Do not be deterred.
The change may be great... or not hard at all.
Know when He speaks and answer His call.
God is our covering through shaking and storm,
Our shelter and strength when things are not norm.
Draw nigh to Him and know His voice well,
That under His shadow you safely may dwell.
"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
Friday, April 17, 2015
A Grandparent's Delight
A grandchild is a special gift,
Full of joy my heart to lift.
There’s sunshine in his happy smile.
He makes every day worthwhile.
Now my grandson is fifteen..
From birth and all the days between,
He’s caused me to be young at heart.
He’s full of hugs... I love that part.
A grandchild truly is a treasure,
The joy of which I cannot measure.
May he prosper many ways
And have God’s blessing all his days.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord...”
Psalm 127:4 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Full of joy my heart to lift.
There’s sunshine in his happy smile.
He makes every day worthwhile.
Now my grandson is fifteen..
From birth and all the days between,
He’s caused me to be young at heart.
He’s full of hugs... I love that part.
A grandchild truly is a treasure,
The joy of which I cannot measure.
May he prosper many ways
And have God’s blessing all his days.
“Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord...”
Psalm 127:4 Amplified Bible
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Thursday, April 16, 2015
God's Colors
When we know the love of God, our lives are filled with beauty and vibrancy, even as rich color in a painting. We have anticipation and joy as we look forward to each new day.
But sometimes, by choices we make, the fullness and vibrancy is robbed out of our lives, and our existence becomes drab ... like watching a film on an old black-and-white TV rather than on a new color set.. By our habits, or sometimes lifestyle, we get locked into a black-and-white, lackluster state.
God wants us to have more than that... so much more. He wants us to experience His beauty in every dimension of our lives, and to have His joy in all that we do. By His love our lives will blossom into joy and will have the full, rich "color" which He creates for each of us.
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
But sometimes, by choices we make, the fullness and vibrancy is robbed out of our lives, and our existence becomes drab ... like watching a film on an old black-and-white TV rather than on a new color set.. By our habits, or sometimes lifestyle, we get locked into a black-and-white, lackluster state.
God wants us to have more than that... so much more. He wants us to experience His beauty in every dimension of our lives, and to have His joy in all that we do. By His love our lives will blossom into joy and will have the full, rich "color" which He creates for each of us.
"One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple."
Psalm 27:4 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Wednesday, April 15, 2015
The Best Plan
It’s wise to discern and know the Lord’s plan
And then to do right as much as we can.
We can avoid and steer clear of snares
And not be surprised by “schemes” unawares.
So much more blessing will happen for us
If we follow Him and just do not fuss.
God’s plans for us are greater than we know
And always will cause us to prosper and grow.
We have a chance to soar and excel,
To run “a good race” and really do well.
Following God’s plans is a really good choice.
In Him we’ll have much about which to rejoice!
“Roll your works upon the Lord (commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and) so shall your plans be established and succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And then to do right as much as we can.
We can avoid and steer clear of snares
And not be surprised by “schemes” unawares.
So much more blessing will happen for us
If we follow Him and just do not fuss.
God’s plans for us are greater than we know
And always will cause us to prosper and grow.
We have a chance to soar and excel,
To run “a good race” and really do well.
Following God’s plans is a really good choice.
In Him we’ll have much about which to rejoice!
“Roll your works upon the Lord (commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and) so shall your plans be established and succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Tuesday, April 14, 2015
Choose Joy
Some folks seem to be upbeat
And choose to not accept defeat.
Because they’re cheerful they bring light
And put all gloominess to flight.
To be around them is a joy,
And some days they are as a “buoy”.
Their attitudes are joy-inspiring.
Joy like theirs is worth acquiring.
Don’t just let life bog you down.
Choose to smile instead of frown.
Overcome the daily “blues”.
Frowns and gloominess refuse!
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”
Proverbs 15:13 KJV
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
And choose to not accept defeat.
Because they’re cheerful they bring light
And put all gloominess to flight.
To be around them is a joy,
And some days they are as a “buoy”.
Their attitudes are joy-inspiring.
Joy like theirs is worth acquiring.
Don’t just let life bog you down.
Choose to smile instead of frown.
Overcome the daily “blues”.
Frowns and gloominess refuse!
“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV
“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”
Proverbs 15:13 KJV
“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Monday, April 13, 2015
Words We Speak
Words will sometimes make a mess.
It may be better to say less.
Before we speak we should give thought,
Using wisdom as we ought!
Words go forth and have impact,
Causing others to react.
If our words are well thought out,
Then what we say will not leave doubt.
Talk much less and listen more.
Before you speak, the facts explore.
Let wisdom be a constant guide.
Let all your words in peace abide.
"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit."
Proverbs 17:27 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
It may be better to say less.
Before we speak we should give thought,
Using wisdom as we ought!
Words go forth and have impact,
Causing others to react.
If our words are well thought out,
Then what we say will not leave doubt.
Talk much less and listen more.
Before you speak, the facts explore.
Let wisdom be a constant guide.
Let all your words in peace abide.
"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit."
Proverbs 17:27 Amplified Bible
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Sunday, April 12, 2015
Take Time To Reflect
Too much to do can have high cost
If time to pray somehow gets lost.
Spending time before the Lord
Gives balance which will bring reward.
In Him we find a measured pace.
He "slows us down" so we don't race.
When we're traveling too fast
Important things we rush right past.
Take time to rest and to reflect
And precious insights to collect.
It may be wise to simplify,
For life can too soon pass us by.
"Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob."
Psalm 132:3-5 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
If time to pray somehow gets lost.
Spending time before the Lord
Gives balance which will bring reward.
In Him we find a measured pace.
He "slows us down" so we don't race.
When we're traveling too fast
Important things we rush right past.
Take time to rest and to reflect
And precious insights to collect.
It may be wise to simplify,
For life can too soon pass us by.
"Surely I will not come into the tabernacle of my house, nor go up into my bed; I will not give sleep to mine eyes, or slumber to mine eyelids until I find out a place for the Lord, an habitation for the mighty God of Jacob."
Psalm 132:3-5 KJV
© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf
Saturday, April 11, 2015
A Lovely Day
The lilting rhythm of this day,
God’s glorious beauty on display,
Rays of sunshine peeking through
And sparkling on the morning dew,
Fragrance floating in the air
As blossoms all their beauty share,
Shades and hues of colors bright
To our eyes bring sweet delight.
The glory of a soft, spring morn
Our heart and spirit to adorn,
God’s endless beauty in array
To bless us with a lovely day.
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
God’s glorious beauty on display,
Rays of sunshine peeking through
And sparkling on the morning dew,
Fragrance floating in the air
As blossoms all their beauty share,
Shades and hues of colors bright
To our eyes bring sweet delight.
The glory of a soft, spring morn
Our heart and spirit to adorn,
God’s endless beauty in array
To bless us with a lovely day.
“O Lord our Lord, how excellent is thy name in all the earth!”
Psalm 8:9 KJV
© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf
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