Look All The Way Up

When life is weary and you just feel down,
What other place can you look except up?
Look past the clutter... look ALL the way up
To God in the heavens Who WILL fill your cup!

As your prayer goes forth and touches His ear
He will address the needs which you have...
He'll add His blessings... more than you dreamed,
And give you His peace as a warm, healing salve.

It does not matter... the size of your load.
Our God is greater, the weight to relieve.
He will not fail or turn from your side.
Our God will help you... if you just believe.

"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 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Much Blessed

This is the day the Lord has made.
I will look up and not be afraid.
Gladness and joy will rule in my heart.
I will rejoice in Him from the start!

He is my strength... He orders my day.
He helps me each thing to carefully weigh.
He is my peace in all that I do
And helps me to have a bright overview.

I can go forth with calmness and poise,
Evading the enemy's conflicts and "noise".
He is my joy... in Him I will rest.
As I walk with Him my days are much blessed.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Gracious Words

Let all our words be measured
And the things we speak be treasured.
Thoughtful words will have impact
To which others will react.

Let all our words bring blessing
And never be distressing,
For many folks are weary
And need a word that's cheery.

Gracious words will touch a heart
And precious benefits impart.
When we choose our words with care
Someone's life we may "repair".

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Humble Pie

If I think I'm doing "good"
The Lord will serve me "humble pie"
To "nourish" some humility.
It's purpose I cannot deny

If I don't eat humble pie
I might get too confident.
I must always remain humble,
Not allowing self-content.

As my purpose rests in Him
He will cause me to do well.
In what I can't do my myself,
HE will cause me to excel.

"Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up".
James 4:10 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Touch Of Caring

Will you be a friendly voice
To help a lonely soul rejoice...
Loneliness is hard to bear
And needs some friendship and some prayer.

Lonely souls don't often laugh,
So lend some joy in their behalf.
Hidden treasure may be there,
Of which you maybe weren't aware.

Just a touch of caring matters
And "the blues" it quickly scatters.
You may make a treasured friend
Who, to YOU, much joy would send.

"A friend loveth at all times..."
Proverbs 17:17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Many Seasons

Sometimes we "shine", and sometimes we rest.
Sometimes we're learning to meet the next "test".
Sometimes we're hidden and shut in with God,
Gaining new insight, awaiting His "nod".

In His right timing we surely will shine,
For then we're fulfilling His precious design.
When we have "rested" or learned some new skill,
Then we are able to walk in His will.

Don't disregard the seasons of rest
As some kind of failure or "less than the best".
We all like to shine but need wise perspective,
Birthed in our hearts when we are "reflective".

"All-the-time" shining will make us burn out.
And then we are caught in spiritual drought.
Seasons become as a tool of the Lord
Which add to us wisdom and bring good reward.

"To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

By Example

If you wish to leave a heritage
Of silver and pure gold
To future generations,
Let the Bible's truth be told.

All the children of today
Will need God's light to lead them on.
Share with them the love of God.
Pass to them a "good" baton.

This is treasure beyond price...
The greatest gift which we can give.
By our lives and our example
We can teach them how to live.

"And thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might. And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shall talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up."
Deuteronomy 6:5-7 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Early Start

While the day is very young, I turn to Jesus first,
'Fore with that day's busyness I soon become immersed.
Then I gain a right perspective how my day should go.
I can move with calm and not be bandied to and fro.

Jesus brings an order for the pieces of my day
And helps me sort it's factors... which are good or which are "nay".
He may even move aside the things I thought I'd do
And call to my attention something urgent, fun or new.

Daily schedules are best made before the Lord in prayer.
That way I eliminate much needless wear and tear.
When the day is very young I make a well-learned choice...
To spend some time apart with Him and listen to His voice.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerneth me..."
Psalm 138:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Upward Bound

Blessed are those folks who've found...
With faith in God they're UPward bound!
They will climb to higher planes
And by the Spirit have rich gains.

Blessed are those folks who "soar"
And of the Lord crave more and more.
They o'ercome by looking up,
Knowing God will fill their cup.

These are richer than "the rich",
For they have found a heav'nly niche.
Earthly woes beneath them lie,
'Cause to the Lord they've drawn nigh.

"But, as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God."
I Corinthians 2:9-10 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Is Greater

God is greater... He is strong
Against all evil and all wrong.
Should evil men their power employ,
Almighty God will be our buoy.

With much prayer across the land
God will, by His mighty hand,
Pierce the darkness which surrounds
And stop that which is "out of bounds."

All our trust must be in Him,
Lest our future hope be dim.
Our God is a God of might.
How we need His power and light!

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

© 2012 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

At Dawn's Early Light

At dawn's early light I look to the skies
To seek out Your face, that I may be wise.
For You are the Way, the Truth and the Light.
In You my day will be joyous and bright.

All through the day, with You I will walk
And gain inspiration as with You I talk.
Your voice is gentle and sweet to the ear...
Inspiring me upward with each word I hear.

You are my courage and strength for each day,
And when evening comes, to You I will pray.
As the day closes, I'm grateful to You.
For Your lovingcare o'er all that I do,

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee; thy right hand upholdeth me."
Psalm 63:7-8 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

For Righteousness' Sake

When facts aren't clear we need the Lord's light.
Gray areas "tarnish", though ever so slight.
We may not discern when "gray" first creeps in.
It may be so subtle, we don't call it sin.

Some may ignore it as "not all that bad".
Be careful of "gray"... it may be error-clad.
Test it beyond a hint of a doubt.
If you're not sure, then throw the "gray" out.

When "gray" is allowed, it opens a door
Which may rob your time, cause problems and more.
Stay with the facts of which you are sure,
For righteousness rests in that which is pure.

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Springtime

My calendar tells me it is spring,
But showers are dampening everything!
Flowers droop and bow their heads,
And pools are in my flower beds.

All through March the rains have "squalled"
As pretty weather has been stalled.
My trees, like cotton candy spun,
Are more than ready for some sun!

Fluff and fragrance in the air
Are spring's bright signals to prepare,
For sunny days must follow soon
As springtime sings her happy tune.

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In Step With The Shepherd

I once saw a painting of Jesus with sheep all around Him. Some of the sheep were running ahead of Him, some were lagging behind, some were just standing there.. but a couple were looking up to Him. This painting spoke volumes to me.

The man who owned the painting asked me, "If you were a sheep in this picture, which one would you be?" I have never forgotten his question.

To run ahead of the Shepherd is never good and can leave one open to error, or perhaps danger. To lag behind shows lack of alertness and the possibility of missing perfect timing. Those which stood around were "just there", but not very focused. Only two of the sheep were looking up at His face.

If I were a sheep in that picture I would want to be one of those two. They were at the Shepherd's side and looking up to Him. They were "in tune" with Him.

How much we need to be in tune with Jesus! He is our safety and covering. It is good to know Him, to be at His side and move in step with Him...

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Rooms Of The Mind

Good health will reside in the rooms of the mind
In those who are to God's wisdom inclined.
Wisdom will crowd out those thoughts which are ill
And all of the mind with good "health" will fill.

Sometimes dark thoughts will enter and hide.
Until wisdom enters, these thoughts will reside.
The searchlight of wisdom becomes as a screen,
And negative thoughts it will carefully glean.

If the rooms of the mind are healthy and well,
Wherever we are, in peace we will dwell.
A mind without conflict will have joy and rest,
For wisdom will cause it to always be blessed.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Coverings

God sees through the "coverings" we use to hide our sin.
We may fool ourselves, but with God this is "no-win".
We cannot pretend we have no problems or no flaws.
If we think we're faultless, then it's really time to pause...

God is holy, God is just, and full of great compassion,
Willing to extend His grace, our flawed lives to refashion.
When we shed our "coverings" and lay down all our pride,
He gives us HIS covering in which we may abide.

"But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy."
I Peter 1:15-16 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

He Gives Us Wings

When footsteps get weary
God gives us wings.
If we're discouraged
New hope He brings.

When we are anxious
He gives us peace
And causes our worries
And problems to cease.

Trust in His kindness...
He hears our prayer.
Rest in His caring...
Know He is there.

"But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength: they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint."
Isaiah 40:31 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schweartzkopf

Love And Peace

A man of peace will not get ruffled,
Though His plans are sometimes shuffled.
He will choose to stay above
Those things that try to "push and shove".

Wisely, he will not react
But answer all with poise and tact.
He responds with careful thought
And in dissension won't get caught

The peace he has is wrapped in love
And given from the Lord above.
He has learned that love will heal,
And so his peace is very real.

"A soft answer turneth away wrath..."
Proverbs 15:1 KJV

"Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shalll offend them."
Psalm 119:165 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Freedom In Christ

If you're caught in patterns which are from the past,
Step out of the shadows which may have been cast.
Christ brings us light so we may be free
And blossom into the "flowers" we should be...

Filled with His fragrance and radiant with life,
With no former trace of weakness or strife.
We will gain strength and grow in rich soil,
Covered in grace against enemy foil.

No matter our memories or where we are from,
The Lord's wondrous love our fear will o'ercome.
When no longer bound, but in His embrace,
We then can "blossom" with beauty and grace.

"If the son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed."
John 8:16 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Beauty Shines

We can upgrade our appearance
And "remodel" what we wear
To make a bright impression
Or to show we have new "flair".

But change which comes from deep within
Will express just who we are,
Reflecting in a lovely way,
Surpassing outward dress by far.

Outward dress cannot disguise
A heart with emptiness within.
When the heart holds wisdom's treasure
Beauty will shine through and win.

"Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting, get understanding. Exalt her, and she shall promote thee: she shall bring thee to honour, when thou dost embrace her. She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."
Prtoverbs 4:7-9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Holy Nation

May the people of our nation
Bow their knee in supplication.
May they call upon Your name
And Your holiness proclaim!

May prayer cover all the land
And righteousness forever stand.
May the people be in praise
And heartfelt worship to You raise.

Guide us, Lord, through dark of night.
Let our light again be bright.
Our foundation must not crumble.
We, the people, must stay humble.

"If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."
II Chronicles 7:14 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Smooth Road

Meekness walks a path of grace,
But narrow is it's way.
It will know it's proper place...
Within it's borders stay.

Pride moves on a bumpy path
With utter lack of poise and grace,
"Scuffing" others, stirring wrath
Because it wants a larger space.

Mildness doesn't seek a stage
Where it has not been led to be,
In competition won't engage,
Of pride it's careful walk is free.

Humility avoids a snare
And travels on a road of grace.
The face of pride it will not wear.
Tranquillity it will embrace.

"The Lord lifteth up the meek..."
Psalm 147:6 KJV

"God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble."
James 4:6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Free And Full Of Joy

Many live their lives "in chains"
When they don't deal with sin and "pains".
Things pile up and make a "stack",
And soon their lives feel "out of whack".

Each day we should give review
And deal with issues we've gone through.
If we're hurting or made error
God will heal our lives through prayer.

If we let an issue slide
Or any heartache try to hide,
Deep within we are not free
And full of joy... as we should be.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Be At Peace

Conflict is an ugly state.
The devil uses it as bait
To stir up problems and distract.
Make a choice to not react.

If you answer it in haste
Conflict all your time will waste.
How much simpler just to wait
And let the conflict dissipate.

Don't be ruffled... stay in peace.
Let tranquillity increase.
Don't pay heed to what you see.
It's so much better to stay "free".

"If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men."
Romans 12:18 KJV

"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest thou also be like unto him."
Proverbs 26:4 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Ruts And Grooves

Sometimes a habit becomes as a rut,
A groove we get stuck in we need to rebut.
Our mind-sets grow weary and then start to lean.
Doing what's easy becomes as routine.

Forming good habits our time will redeem
And create new order, respect and esteem.
It may take hard work to change how we think.
It doesn't just happen as quick as a wink!

We can break loose from habits which bind,
Avoiding old "bents" to which we're inclined.
When our desire to change becomes prime,
Out of old ruts we surely will climb.

"The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness..."
Proverbs 21:5 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Touch Of Spring

A touch of spring would sure be nice,
Better than this snow and ice.
Hurry on, my "springtime friend"
And help this winter's spree to end.

Snow is pretty as it falls
And wraps all things in frosty shawls,
But deep within I yearn for spring...
To watch her showy, flowery fling.

She paints beauty on bare boughs
As she brings end to winter's drowse.
Winter's been here for awhile.
It is time for Spring's bright smile!

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Diligence Wins

Goals of worth are only won
By careful footsteps, one by one.
"Instant fixes" which some choose
Will shortchange growth and goals diffuse.

Patience and hard work are skills
Which teach us to avoid "quick" frills.
The excellence we need to earn
By prayer and diligence we will learn.

Following a careful plan
We will complete what we began.
But "shortcuts" do not take us there.
We reach our goals through work and prayer.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Tangled Web

The "blame game" is a flimsy shield
Where people try to hide...
A tangled web of "reasons"
Where some folks oft reside...

Blundering their way around
Bare practicality,
Running from the real facts
And facing truth's reality...

Lying sometimes to themselves
About the "nitty-gritty"
And building up a think facade
Which really isn't pretty.

Oh, how sad the blame game is...
A prison it can be.
Owning up to one's own faults
Will heal and set one free.

"Behold, thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part thou shalt make me to know wisdom."
Psalm 51:6 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Longer Lost

There are lost sheep, just wand'ring about
Without Godly focus, and having much doubt,
Not making progress but stumbling in error,
Who just need the Shepherd and time spent in prayer.

Time with the Shepherd will guide the lost sheep
To re-find their way and wisdom to keep.
For sheep need the Shepherd for watchcare and rest.
If they don't stray their lives will be blessed.

A sheep who draws near the Shepherd is well.
He's nurtured and has a bright future to tell.
When he regains the path he had lost
His life is redeemed, for Christ paid the cost.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

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