God's Perfect Design

How many people storm through life, rushing toward their goals,
Laboring in hard pursuit to fill their chosen roles,
Never pausing to consider what the Lord might have in mind,
Missing precious gifts of God because they're simply "flying blind".

God delights in blessing us with many treasures still untold.
If we seek His chosen path we'll see these treasured gifts unfold.
His intent for every life is more creative than we know.
What a blessing to discover all the skills He would bestow.

We can be much more in Him than what we ever thought we could.
Our lives would be very different if His plans we understood.
Even now we can make change... it really never is too late.
When we're centered in His plan, our lives He will rejuvenate.

"Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; and in the book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them. How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God; how great is the sum of them! If I should count them, they are more in number than the sand..."
Psalm 139:15-18 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

My Song Of Praise

Your mercy is greater than I comprehend.
On your love and grace I daily depend,
For I'm not complete except by Your grace.
With Your lovingkindness my life You embrace.

Heavenly Father, to You I bring praise.
With all of my heart my worship I raise.
Let my expression Your greatness proclaim.
All glory and honor be unto Your name.

"I have trusted in thy mercy; my heart shall rejoice in thy salvation. I will sing unto the Lord, because he hath dealt bountifully with me."
Psalm 13:5-6 KJV

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love's Good News

People by their love are known
When acts of kindness they have shown.
Love brings change which needs to come,
And though it may be just a "crumb",

Yet it brings a ray of hope.
A tiny door it might just ope.
And when the door is opened wide
Love's bright light is multiplied.

Tiny sparks of love when sown
Can make love's flame become full-blown,
Igniting even further fire
And acts of kindness which inspire.

Any lives which love may touch
Have chance to benefit by much.
May we by our love be known
For acts of kindness we have shown.

"And above all these (put on) love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness (which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony)."
Colossians 3:14 Amplified Bible

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Greatest Gifts

The greatest gifts of myrrh and gold
May just be found within the old,
Or covered in a tender child
On whom the Lord has gently smiled.

Hidden in the simplest places
We'll find Jesus' love and graces.
Age or status will not count,
Neither wealth of great amount.

Only through humility
Will we have chance to ever see
The gold that lies before our eyes
And God's great wisdom realize.

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In Little Things

In little things and times alone is when we tend to grow.
The way we handle little things our character will show.
What we do when we're alone and think no one will see...
These are things in which we're tested to a fine degree.

To sluff off or to weaken, or to do less than our best
Becomes the measure of our growth... it really is a test.
Little tests are good... they will stretch us to reach higher,
Drawing "finer" lines in us to which we should aspire.

Always we should welcome little tests the Lord would give.
Though they may be small, they will change the way we live.
That which seemed so litte just might later cause a fall.
Then we'll know the value of that test which seemed so small.

"For the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart."
I Samuel 16:7 KJV

© 2010 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 uus 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

The Echoes Of A Life

The echoes of a person's life reverberate through time
And leave a bank of memories which some may wish to mime.
Lives well-lived will leave a treasure, rich and of much worth.
In another person this rich treasure may find berth.

Imprint of the way we live may foster life in others,
Even some we do not know, in neighbors or in brothers.
Good example speaks it's message... we don't have to say a word.
By our actions over time our own echoes will be heard...

Ringing in the memories of some who have passed by
Who wish to change their lifestyle and our example try.
Life well-lived is never lost... it echoes on and on,
Passing on it's blessings as a valuable baton.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."
Matthew 5:16 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Green Pastures

When my thoughts are whirling 'round
And anxieties abound,
Your voice whispers, "Be at rest.
Don't get flustered, don't be stressed."

Deep within I feel Your peace.
Earthly weights and matters cease.
I am freed from "wear and tear"
As I'm in Your presence there.

I find treasure when I'm still.
There it is I know Your will.
You refresh my weary soul,
And by Your healing make me whole.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul..."
Psalm 23:1-3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Jesus' Touch

The healing power of Jesus carries warmth and cheer and light...
Encouragement for all that ails... refreshing which is bright.
The healing power of Jesus can transform that which is worn,
Bringing new vitality and mending what is torn.

Jesus' touch is powerful and filled with love and hope...
Much beyond our comprehension, greater far in scope.
All that we release to Him will have a healed dimension.
Even of our smallest prayer He gives us full attention.

Many things we do each day may seem to work okay,
So we don't think to "ask for help"... for some things we don't pray.
Should we bring these things to Him, we may have huge surprise.
In Him ALL is better... all we do He beautifies.

"O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
Psalm 30:2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Patchwork Quilt

Through the years if I save scraps and make of them a quilt,
The quilt becomes a decoupage of memories which were built.
Happiness and joyful times reside within the scraps.
Every little, special piece a memory recaps.

The quilt becomes a storybook of treasures pieced together,
A coverlet of life well-lived through many kinds of weather.
Some scraps may be poignant or may bring a tear or two,
But all the scraps are precious, and sweet memories review.

In the quilt are lessons which in life were taught and learned.
Of sweet rewards and victories which by diligence were earned.
A patchwork quilt has value rare which only will be known
By the life it represents... by whom it's threads were sewn.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Something Good

Focus on the positive. Speak a word that's bright.
Don't bog down in negatives which put nice thoughts to flight.
Always there is something good on which our thoughts could center
And paths of creativity on which our thoughts could enter.

Goodness brings perspective in the way we spend our day...
Happy in the good things, or grumpy and blase'.
The "weight" of daily problems we just do not need to bear.
We can lay our burdens down before the Lord in prayer.

Weed out all those "gloomy" thoughts and counter them with joy.
This will brighten up your day and cheerfulness employ.
Being filled with blessed thoughts becomes a simple choice,
Causing you to have a smile and deep within rejoice.

"Finally, brethren, 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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Is Greater - Only Trust

God is greater than our sorrows.
In His hand are bright tomorrows.
He will author joy and hope
And lovingly new doors will ope.

If your faith seems wan and weak,
Or your "picture" looks quite bleak,
Draw upon His might and power.
Let Him be your strength and tower.

He is able, as we trust,
Our difficulties to adjust.
If in Him we will abide
He will be our strength and guide.

"Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth."
Psalm 124:8 KJV

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Many Hats

How many "hats" we wear each day!
Some folks have a large array!
Some may "follow", some may lead,
Some may help or intercede.

Some explore and some create,
Some will sit and contemplate.
Some will watch and some stand still
As others change their "hats" at will.

Each "hat" has ability
And gives us versatility.
God's hats "fit" and beautify,
And He will give us rich supply...

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Soft Touch

A soft touch is better than "wars" we would wage,
A much wiser tool our fears to assuage.
Thoughtfulness, gentleness, calmness and peace
Oft will encourage all discord to cease.

Walking in peace will heal and soothe,
Causing our "paths" to be happy and smooth.
If we will choose to have a soft touch,
Rewards will be many and peacefulness much.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful."
Colossians 3:15 KJV

"Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath..."
James 1:19 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Foot Of The Cross

If we are hurting or suffered some loss,
Our burdens are lifted away at the cross.
Provision is there through Christ's sacrifice.
For all of our "weights" He has paid the price.

The foot of the cross is a place of renewal.
When we are "worn" it is there we "refuel".
All of our weeping and shed tears will cease.
From all our tensions we'll find His deep peace.

This is the place Christ poured out His love,
Becoming our "door" to the Father's great love.
Pilgrimage daily to rest at the cross
Brings new life and healing for all of our loss.

"For the story and message of the cross is... the manifestation of the power of God."
I Corinthians 1:18 Amplified Bible

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Lighthouse In The Darkness

The Lord is a lighthouse, where all may come in,
A refuge and shelter from pain and chagrin,
A warm healing balm for those who are weak,
Salvation and hope for lives which are bleak.

To those who question or have any doubt,
His light is sure and ne'er will go out.
When darkness comes and seems to surround,
Know that His light will always abound.

In Him are hope and safety and joy.
He'll give you peace as an anchor and buoy
To steady you through the storms you may face
And always to cover you with love's embrace.

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

"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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Whisper Of His Voice

The whisper of His voice in a quiet moment's pause
Cuts through what I'm doing and my attention draws.
Oh, what treasure, Oh, what joy... to realize and know
That He is always near to me, His blessings to bestow.

His caring never wavers and His presence is so real.
He is ever by my side, His guidance to reveal.
Should my footsteps weary or confusion cause alarm,
I can listen for His voice and lean upon His arm...

Trusting He will speak to me and cover me with peace.
The whisper of His voice brings such healing and release.
When I rest and give Him pause I know He will draw near.
In these times, as I am still, His voice is very clear.

"As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God."
Psalm 42:1 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Winter's Call

Leaves are falling, winds are blowing,
Winter hastens near our door.
Autumn's hand is growing weary
From much colorful decor.

Winter's briskness issues call
With frosty windows, chilling breezes
'Fore it's snowflakes start to fall
And Autumn's duty softly eases.

Winter brings us to attention.
Snow may soon become the norm.
As she paints in white dimension
We are drawn to fires warm.

As the land is "wrapped" in rest
We'll give pause to praise our God.
He is worthy to be blessed
For times through which we've safely trod.

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: to shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night."
Psalm 92:1-2 KJV

© 2010 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

Wondrous Healing Power

I call upon Your name for Your wondrous healing power,
For many folks are needy in this day and in this hour.
The promises within Your Word are vibrant, strong and real!
Should we not believe that You are able still to heal?

You are able to restore, refresh and make things new.
Many folks alive today are those whom You've brought through...
Folks who have been near death's door and simply could not cope,
But life itself is in Your hand, and where there's life, there's hope.

Miracles are near to us... we only need believe,
Leaning on Your promises... Your healing to receive.
You are strong and mighty. You're our refuge and strong tower...
The answer in our times of need... our God of love and power.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquites; who healeth all thy diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's."
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Peace-Maker's Walk

A peace-maker's walk is humble and low.
Wherever he goes his prayers he will sow.
He looks at life through peace-loving glasses
And seeks God for wisdom to solve life's impasses.

He will move first when tensions are high
To break down tall barriers in those who deny
That they might be wrong or threw the first stone,
For in their denial they stand all alone.

He always moves in love... without threat,
To rebuild old bridges and save much regret.
He "settles" waters which deeply are troubled.
By his sweet actions God's blessings are doubled.

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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Finding Right Answers

Sometimes the answers we need can't be found
Except in the Bible where great truths abound.
People try Google and buy many books,
But often in books there will be worldly "hooks".

Reading the Word and time spent in prayer
Will give fresh perspective and bring light to bear.
We do not have God's over-all view.
It may be different from what we would do.

He may detour us or e'en hold us back,
Save us from grief or getting off-track.
When we are sensitive to hear His voice
He will give answers in which to rejoice!

"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

"Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grace

When I'm "near-sighted" and coming up short,
Or through some failures Your purpose I thwart,
When I am weary and falling behind,
Your grace has waited, is patient and kind.

When I get busy and sometimes don't pray
And by my lethargy do not obey,
When I make error and simply am blind,
Your grace has waited, is patient and kind.

Grace is the bridge between us and our goals,
Helping us "reach" and fulfill all our roles.
Grace is our comfort... God's love defined.
His grace is waiting, is patient and kind.

"And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Door Of HIS Presence

Blessed are those who wait on Me,
Who hearken to My voice.
Blessed are those who find My rest,
Who deep within rejoice.

Many walk right by the "door"
And hurry on their way.
I long to spend some time with them
And speak into their day.

I am always waiting for
The slightest nod or smile...
Of fellowship with those I love,
To make their lives worthwhile.

I have sorrow as I watch them
Suffer pain and trial,
And ponder why they cannot see
They're living in denial.

As they rush along their path
They'll need Me more and more.
And I will be here waiting...
If they'll enter at My door.

"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

You Are...

You are greater than our needs,
You're sufficient in our lack.
You are strong when we are weak,
You provide when times are slack.

You are covering when we fear,
You are comfort when we mourn.
You are joy when we can't sing,
You bring healing when we're "worn".

You are Master over all,
You are Giver of all grace.
Because You are our God,
We are safe in Your embrace.

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."
Psalm 23:1 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Man Of God

A man of God has stature which is gained no other way.
Inward strength and confidence his lifestyle will convey.
Love of God and wisdom deep within his spirit rest,
Tempered by humility... with peace in ev'ry test.

He has found his source of strength to be Almighty God,
And his feet in holiness and service have been shod.
From his bright example there is much which can be learned.
His life speaks of merits which in prayer he has earned.

He will meet the challenges and tests of life with joy
'Cause he makes the Word of God to be his trusted buoy.
Of God's richest treasures in the Word he has partaken.
He has placed his trust in God and he cannot be shaken.

"Blessed is the man... whose 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 1:1-3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Potpourri Of Worship

A potpourri of worship...
A mosaic of sweet praise...
Is created as we lift our hearts
And grateful voices raise.

What sweet savor to the Lord
When His people gather 'round
And offer sacrifice of praise
With overflowing, glorious sound...

Rising in the Heavenlies
To touch the Father's ear...
Precious offerings causing Him
To listen and draw near.

"But thou art holy, O thou that inhabitest the praises of Israel."
Psalm 22:3 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Prayer For Election Day

May peace and order be the mark of this election day.
May all intent of evil come to naught and fall away.
Help our nation re-establish footing and foundation
And be, as was intended... a Godly, praying nation.

Cover us in these tense times. Let many see Your light.
For only by Your leading can our future path be right.
Let truth and wisdom be as banners, waving o'er our land.
This day we need a blanket of protection from Your hand.
In Jesus' name, Amen.

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wisdom And Prayer

If we haven't used good wisdom and prayed,
Most of our problems may be what we made.
Knowing God's plan will save us much time
And help us to reach those goals which are prime.

Wisdom will guard us from tangles and snares
So we can avoid life's worries and cares.
Time spent in prayer will "order" our days
And lead us with insights which "lift" and amaze.

That which we seek may have gilt and gloss,
But errors in judgment can create much loss.
Our God is faithful to help us discern.
When we're in prayer, His wisdom we learn.

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf