Thoughts Of Grace

GRACE...

Is the Lord's compassion in action.
Is evidence of His deep caring.
Is a shield from the onslaught of the enemy, a cradle of safety.
Is my confidence.

GRACE,,,

Fills in the gaps of my insufficiency.
Forgives... does not hold me guilty.
Raises me up to more than I thought I could be.
Carries me to the finish line.

"My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

"For by grace are ye saved through faith: and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God."
Ephesians 2:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Live Without Regret

Do good to others. Owe no man a debt.
Live every day so you'll have no regret.
Do what you know is the right thing to do.
In everything to your conscience be true.

All of your actions will speak over time
And carry a message of "service" sublime.
Let the sum total of all you have done
Speak of God's goodness and victories won.

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

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Artistry

God placed beauty everywhere.
His excellence and love to share,
Offering profound display
Of beauty to enhance each day.

Meadow grass, a mighty tree
And flowers in endless potpourri...
Sun and cloud and mountain peak
Of His artistry bespeak.

Rivers, streams and water fount,
Colors more than we can count...
Praise God for His artistry,
Shared for one and all to see!

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Unfailing Love

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

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

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

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Autumn's Gift

Autumn has a splendid style.
Again she brings her dazzling smile,
Splashing color to and fro.
Joyfully she makes her show!

She has beauty all her own.
Her color palette is full-blown.
Brilliant orange and flaming reds,
Glowing golds and copper threads...

Appear on hillsides far and wide,
A lavish showcase to provide.
Autumn gives her glorious best,
And once again we are so blessed!

It seems she tries to bring us cheer
Before the snow-clad time of year.
She will leave a warming glow,
God's love and caring to bestow!

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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace Keepers

Simplicity and common sense
Bring answers to confusion,
And coupled with diplomacy
Will bring a good conclusion.

Diplomacy does not give room
To anger or emotion
But addresses all the facts
And cuts through much commotion.

Simplicity and common sense
Eliminate all kinds of stress.
Diplomacy then brings a calm
With practiced balance and finesse.

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

"Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble therewith."
Proverbs 15:16 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Mercy Wins

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

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

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

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lift Up Your Eyes

Lift up your eyes to the heavens above.
Worship the God Who poured out His love
To save us and rescue us from sin's dark toll,
Who gave His own Son that we might be whole.

All of our joy and hope rests in Him.
When we look up, our cares will grow dim.
Deep in our hearts new life will have birth.
There in His presence we find our true worth.

Our God is able to meet all our needs.
His mighty hand our lack supercedes.
Our mighty God is worthy of praise.
Let us look up and much worship raise.

"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

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Psalm 34:1 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Root Of The Problem

If there is a problem,
Even though it be minute,
We cannot cure the "symptoms"
Till we figure out the root.

Roots are sometimes hidden,
And symptoms may confuse...
Maybe signs of bigger things
Upon which we should muse.

"Symptoms" we don't understand
Will need to be defined.
Dealing with the hidden roots
Restores our peace of mind.

"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 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Perfect Work

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

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

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

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Little Folks

A child can touch the heart of God
With just a tear, or smile or nod.
How God cares for tiny folks
And sees them as His mighty oaks!

He makes every child unique.
To each one His heart will speak.
They are precious in His sight.
He made each with great delight.

As they grow up and mature,
And their lives stay sweet and pure,
Surely they will be fine oaks...
These precious, gentle little folks.

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

"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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

As Chaff In The Wind

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

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

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

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faithful Soldiers

Faithful soldiers labor long,
For in Christ they are made strong.
Their endurance will not fail.
By much prayer they prevail.

Many battles they will win.
Jesus gives them grit within.
They are poised and unafraid
And by distractions won't be swayed.

They will "march" till victory's won,
Finishing the work begun.
Precious soldiers of the Lord...
They'll have heavenly reward.

"His lord said unto him, Well done, good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy lord."
Matthew 25:23 KJV

© 2011 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 well-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

A Little Bit Is Too Much

"Little sins are as small bugs
Which eat and chew and act like thugs!
They steal strength and leave a trail
Of damage which will make one ail.

Sometimes hidden deep within
They multiply into more sin.
Do not give them residence.
Close the door on sin's offense.

Just a little is too much.
Don't allow it's tempting touch .
Tiny sins are not okay.
Close the doors and turn away."

"Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."
James 4:7 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fences

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

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

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

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

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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 wll 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

Don't Give Up

If you have a task before you
And you don't know where to start,
Place your work before the Lord...
Fresh ideas He will impart.

When you work as unto Him
And give to Him your very best,
He will help you to excel
And cause you to be very blessed.

Challenges which seem too hard
And tempt you to give up or quit
Suddenly are solvable
Because God's wisdom gives you grit!

"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."
Proverbs 16:3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faithfulness

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

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

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

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Keeping Promises

Keeping our word is a high aspiration,
And for those who do, give standing ovation.
Taking this lightly is just not of God.
Our word must be good and with truth be shod.

Promises given and then not fulfilled
Are only as chaff when fine grain is milled...
Meaningless words without good intent
Carelessly uttered but not really meant.

Words which we speak should always be weighed...
With careful attention and love be conveyed.
Words which are meant will never be broken.
Honorable words are more than a "token".

"For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord, thou knowest it altogether."
Psalm 139:4 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Quick Responders

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

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

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

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

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

"And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice."
John 10:4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fidelity

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

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

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

"Whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzopf

The Fruit Of The Spirit

Our bodies by God's loving hands were designed
And prosper in health when with Him we're aligned.
We are not built to house anger and rage,
Yet some folks in anger unwisely engage.

Because of this problem so many are ailing.
Even, in some cases, health may be failing.
Ire undermines our health and destroys,
Robbing us daily of God's wondrous joys.

If we are filled with the Spirit's good fruit,
Then love and forgiveness all rage will dilute.
Do not let anger take root in the heart.
Let love, joy and peace blot it out at the start.

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage."
Galatians 5:1 KJV

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Autumn's Voice

Summer flourished in full bloom,
But now for Autumn must make room.
As Summer sighs and moves aside
Autumn enters in bright stride.

Crisp, clean air and painted hills
Appear as Autumn shows her skills.
Autumn has a special voice.
Her brightness leads us to rejoice!

As she paints the countryside,
In hearts her beauty will reside.
She'll bring joy with brilliant hue
Till Winter hints that she is through.

"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faith

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

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

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

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

© Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Bright Pathway

Know if you are weary
And the outlook seems quite dreary,
In the Lord you have bright hope.
He is there new doors to ope.

When you bow and make appeal,
By His grace He will reveal
All the answers you will need
And refresh you to proceed.

He will never leave your side.
In His peace you may abide.
He will hold and pick you up
And with joy will fill your cup.

Do not be discouraged.
Look to Him and be encouraged.
He will add to you His light
And will make your pathway bright.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Avoiding Blind Spots

If we get a bit "off-track"
Our perspective will have lack.
Error then will cloud our vision.
Our sight will not have precision.

If our path has growing error
We become much less aware
That blindness has become a "spot"...
Not a little, but a lot.

Blind spots bring a serious twist,
For we don't know what we have missed.
We need God to guard our way.
He'll safely lead us if we pray.

"My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer thy foot to be moved: he that keepeth thee will not slumber."
Psalm 121:3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Healing Touch

God's healing process may take time
But is a blessed upward climb.
In answer to our many prayers
He will peel off "layers and layers".

He will cause our eyes to see
That from these layers" we can be free.
He erases stain and blot
And even "ills" which we forgot.

Jesus' healing touch is real.
There is no "ill" He cannot heal.
His refreshing brings new hope
For that with which we couldn't cope.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits; Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; 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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Is My Peace

I don't wish to be where I am just tolerated.
But I take comfort... in Jesus I'm celebrated.
I can walk tall
For He is my "all".
Always in Him my spirit is liberated.

When things in life become just too complicated,
And all of the factors in Him are well-contemplated,
He gives me peace
And I find release.
By His gentle hand I'm covered and "insulated".

He shows me beauty, more than anticipated.
He is my righteousness... in Him I'm venerated.
I am made whole.
He enriches my soul.
Always to Him my life will be consecrated.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A High Calling

If on the Lord you wait,
Is your "calling" up-to-date?
Are you on the "cutting edge"
Or hanging off a ledge...?

God causes us to "climb"
(If we give to Him our time),
And bridge across wide space
By His wisdom and by grace.

He lifts us up to "see"
And perfects who we should be.
We wll live "on high"
If to Him we will draw nigh.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Treasure In Heaven

Extravagance is such a waste
When too much excess is embraced.
Often it becomes a weight
And then creates a too-full plate.

Maintenance may have high cost,
And time for urgent things is lost.
Folks are often more content
When money is more wisely spent.

"Wealth" is best when shared with others...
Charity or needy brothers.
Worldly goods have little worth,
But when shared, to love give birth.

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."
Matthew 6:19-21 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf