Heart-Cry

Can there be an end to sorrow?
Will the sun peek through tomorrow?
If you're needing increased hope
Just to daily help you cope...

May Jesus be your constant cover
And angels round about you hover
To help you with the pain you feel
And give you joy and new-found zeal.

You will find a new day's coming
And soon you even may be "humming".
The Lord will help you to stand strong,
That you might sing a bright new song.

"Why art thou cast down, O my soul? and why art thou disquieted in me? hope thou in God: for I shall yet praise him for the help of his countenance."
Psalm 42:5 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Humility's Skill

Humility curbs the errors of the tongue
From words that are careless and sometimes far-flung.
Humility sees without clouded vision,
'Cause "self" does not block it's careful precision.

Humility never is weak, but is wise,
And with understanding, in strength it will rise...
Dousing the flames of challenge and ire.
With kindness and skill, it puts out the "fire".

Humility is quiet and often will rest,
Is not in a hurry ad weighs every test.
Humility's actions with love are well-laced,
Helpful and caring, gentle and graced.

"But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.."
Galations 5:22 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Pleasant Season

While my body moves slower, my mind is a-whiz.
(Since I'm retired, that's the way that it is!)
I do not need to run in a race,
But I will have fun and enjoy my new pace.

I can still learn, and I can still write.
Sharing with others brings daily delight.
So I am busy and never get bored...
Many new thoughts within me are stored.

This season in life is a lovely new blessing...
Sometimes a fun way of memories expressing.
Never do I want to sit and just "laze".
I am light-hearted... and give God the praise!

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thank You, Veterans

Thank you, Vets, to one and all
Who have answered freedom's call...
Those who fought and bled and died
That we in peace may still abide.

To those who carry wounds or scars,
In our hearts you're truly stars...
Worthy of our highest praise.
To you our gratefulness we raise.

In freedom's battles lives were lost...
A worthy cause but painful cost.
For our freedom you stood tall...
Heroes one and heroes all!

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

One-Of-A-Kind

God has made us... every one.
Rejoice in what the Lord has done!
We are worthy in His sight.
In each one He has delight.

Who or what can put us down
Or cause us not to smile but frown?
When we recognize our worth,
In our lives great things find berth.

His plan is one-of-a-kind unique...
Deserving of our time to seek.
When we find our special niche,
In Him our lives are truly rich.

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Bright Future

Sin creates blotches which we can't erase
Except through our Lord and His saving grace.
Without Salvation the future is dim.
Heaven is bright, outer darkness is grim.

Some day we'll step through eternity's door
And have opportunity Heav'n to explore.
Tears and affliction will be left behind.
The joy of God's presence is what we will find.

What expectation we have in the Lord!
His sweet Salvation brings Heav'nly reward.
We have God's promise... the future is bright!
Heaven's reward our hope should excite!

"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to set with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne."
Revelation 3:20-21 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our Great Creator

God's majesty is in a tall mountain peak,
And the size of the oceans of His vastness speak.
The heavens are far beyond our comprehension.
We cannot fathom their size and dimension.

In trees which grow tall and plants which are small,
His creativity is given for all.
Bees which make honey were part of His plan...
Something so small, yet created for man.

All that we have is from God's own hand...
So very much more than we understand.
For His lovingkindness we bring Him acclaim.
All glory and honor be unto His name!

"Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness."
Psalm 150:1-2 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessed Are The Thoughtful

Blessed are the thoughtful in heart,
Who reach out to others and kindness impart.
Thoughtfulness often will touch "the right spot"
And bring joy or healing where needed a lot.

We do not know the "weights" in a heart.
The heart may be heavy... or empty in part.
Just being kind may "open a door"
And may be the key for that heart to soar.

Practicing kindness will stir up good will
And make a day better than "run-of-the-mill".
Thoughtfulness balances "woes" with a smile,
Enabling others to run the "nth" mile.

"Love endures long and is patient and kind."
I Corinthians 13:4 Amplified bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Everything We Need

When we need strength to run our course
God Almighty is our Source.
When we need wisdom to succeed,
Our very footsteps He will lead.

Should we face a fearsome test,
In the midst He gives us "rest".
When we need a fresh ideal
He provides new hope and zeal.

We can draw on Heaven's store
For everything we need... and more.
In the Lord we are complete
And always have a blessed retreat.

"But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Ready Listener

If someone wants to just "reflect",
It's kind to show them your respect,
Pause and wait until they speak,
Lest their thought you sadly tweak.

Kindliness will lightly tread...
And then will listen to what's said.
We should lend a ready ear,
For truth and wisdom we may hear.

"Love endures long and is patient and kind..."
I Corinthians 13:5 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Celebrate God's Goodness

It is good to review the blessings of God,
To always be mindful... our memory to prod,
Lest in our hurriedness we bypass "gold"
And don't even see a blessing unfold.

Hurriedness "crowds" sensitivity's space,
And we miss a blessing because of our pace.
If we will purpose to ponder and pause,
We will find reason to give Him applause.

We cannot number the gifts He pours out.
His beauty and blessings are all round about.
For all that He gives, we should celebrate.
Our God is awesome... His beauty is great!

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."
Psalm 68:19 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Special Shoes

We cannot fill another's shoes
But if we really tried,
Probably our feet would hurt
And maybe, too, our pride.

We must recognize OUR shoes,
For only these will fit.
As we grow into these shoes
We'll find our walk has grit.

Much of God's design is lost
If we don't wear His shoes.
We could lose God's chosen path
In something we would choose.

Only we can fill our shoes
Which God has hand-designed.
If we'll wear them faithfully,
His "riches" we will find.

"Know ye that the Lord he is God; it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves..."
Psalm 100:3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Letter To My Grandson

Because you truly love the Lord
Your life will have a rich reward.
He will always help you know
What's right wherever you will go.

When He designed you and was done,
You were like no other one.
You were precious from your birth
Because He gave you special worth.

Though others know not who you are,
To God you are a "super-star".
Remember that He gave you light.
Always let your light shine bright.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Riches Of God

The Word will help us find our niche.
It's well-learned lessons make us rich.
Wisdom is a priceless gift,
Our thoughts to change and lives to lift.

Diligence will prosper us...
Always it will be a plus.
Patience' work makes us complete...
A precious value to entreat.

Humility will earn God's grace
And lift us to a higher place.
Giving, even when hard-pressed,
Will always cause us to be blessed.

Faith pursued through "storm" or test
Will "carry" us and bring us rest.
All God's gifts will make us wise.
Each one is a treasured prize.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lghts, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
James 1:17 KJV

Scripture References:
Psalm 119:162 (The Word);
Proverbs 8:18 (Wisdom);
Proverbs 12:27 (Diligence);
James 1:4 (Patience);
James 4:6, 10 (Humility);
Proverbs 11:25 (Giving);
I Peter 1:7 (Faith).

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Smile Of God

God isn't impressed with "the proper and prim",
But honors the simple who wholly love Him.
He isn't swayed by the famous and rich
Or talked into anything by a smooth "pitch".

He looks at hearts, uncluttered and pure,
And smiles on the humble, shy and demure.
For hidden in these are His riches and treasure...
Those He can use in significant measure.

We cannot strive to achieve a great name
Or place our attention on glitz, wealth and fame.
God will promote the child-like and true
And cause them to prosper in all that they do.

"Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven."
Matthew 18:4 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace For Our Nation

May our poeple bow and pray,
Seek repentance and obey.
Pray for God's continuing cover.
May His guardian angels hover.

God is holy, God is true.
Reverence to Him is due.
We can't taunt or mock His name
But His holiness proclaim!

All our peace across this land
Truly rests in God's own hand.
If we pray and intercede
Our heartfelt prayers He will heed.

"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

Always Have Hope

When circumstance presents a test,
Always there is hope!
It really doesn't do much good
To sit around and mope.

How much time and energy
Are lost in gloomy days.
If we set our mind on "go",
A new trail we might blaze!

God might cause our present path
To have an end or change
And set us in a bright new place,
Our lives to rearrange.

Hope will prompt us to have cheer
And always to look up.
It will not leave us in a slump
But is a pleasant "cup".

"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope."
Psalm 16:8-9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Perfect Peace

When there seems to be no peace,
Jesus makes our angst to cease.
He will help us to be still.
Our need for "rest" He will fulfill.

When we lean on Him and trust
The way we think He will adjust.
Leaning on Him will bypass
Those thoughts and worries which harrass.

Praise His name, for He is able
To make all our thoughts be stable.
He will hear our every sigh.
Trust and pray... to Him draw nigh.

"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

Happy Mother's Day

The Gift Of Motherhood

Once a mother, always a mother...
A privileged experience unlike any other.
No matter the age, whether daughter or son,
Children are special, for God made each one.

Every day is filled with surprise
As children explore and learn to be wise.
Leading and guiding them brings rich reward
As they grow and blossom in things of the Lord.

Then when the children are raised up and grown,
Moms can reflect on the joys they have known
And maybe look forward to having more fun
With a little granddaughter or precious grandson.

"Her children arise up, and call her blessed..."
Proverbs 31:28 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lightheartedness

Humor is a pleasantry
To make us smile and bring us glee.
Wit and laughter are much fun
And seem to help our work get done.

Attitude and frame of mind
Will lighten up "the daily grind".
Making choice to have a smile
Will help us go "the second mile"...

Causing others to delight
And maybe have a day that's bright.
Laughter, smiles and merriment
On some days will be heaven-sent.

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blind Spots

Just when we think we know quite a lot,
We may be growing a little blind spot.
We will learn more by keeping close watch
So pride doesn't blind our sight with it's blotch.

Selfishness limits the depth of our sight...
We only see part of that which is right.
It creates shadows and "fog" in our vision
So we do not see with humble precision.

Those who procrastinate don't see at all
And don't sense the need for urgency's call.
Arrogance, laziness, ego and pride
Will cause UGLY blind spots where'er they reside.

If there are "patterns" which get in the way
Of seeing things clearly, take time out to pray.
We will see well if we remain humble
And will not form blind spots which cause us to stumble.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Psalm 19:14 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Be Careful What You Say

Always words are as a measure,
Showing if a heart holds treasure.
Words from humble hearts have worth,
'Cause lovingkindness there had birth.

In our words our hearts will speak.
Let our words be pure and meek.
Every spoken word is weighed.
For idle words a price is paid.

What is in the heart rings clear
And kindly words can bring much cheer.
But worthless words may bring a snare...
Of this we need to stay aware.

"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things. But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned."
Matthew 12:34-37 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Precious Moments

When times are moving just too fast
Our precious moments might not last.
Special memories can get lost
Instead of on our hearts embossed.

God will share with us perspective
If we pause and are reflective.
He enriches all we do
Whene'er we seek to know His view.

Do not hurry through each day.
Linger sometimes just to pray.
Receive God's fullness all the time.
Savor moments which are "prime".

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

More Then Enough

They who give the Lord full sway
Will never falter in their way.
Blessings which they cannot buy
To all their footsteps will draw nigh...

Lots of laughter, lots of cheer,
Free from bondage, free from fear,
Lots of wisdom, lots of hope
To offset error and give them scope.

Benefits from Heaven's store
Are like a mighty reservoir.
Never will God's "wealth" run dry.
His love and kindness satisfy.

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Parents, Listen To Your Child

Children today need a loving "cocoon"
Which by the parents is thoughtfully hewn...
Where they may speak and share what they feel...
Where they can rest and linger and heal.

Problems they face can become "a full cup".
All their emotions get stretched or used up.
When they can "spill out" the stress that they have,
Loving response will be as warm salve.

Parents, be sure you hear your child's cry.
Listen intently so you will know why
They may be suffering and feel all alone,
Just needing comfort and love to be shown.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord..."
Psalm 127:3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Planning Well

It's wise to have foresight in planning ahead.
A schedule un-planned can sometimes cause dread.
Things will pile up, confusion will reign.
And "running behind" will cause undue strain.

With "too much to do" we can't keep things straight,
So we must measure "the size of our plate".
If it's too full, we need to cut back.
Important things never should suffer from lack.

Well-balanced planning will help us find ease,
And we will discover results which will please.
Planning ahead is a helpful solution,
For "tired and harried", it brings resolution.

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Shining Mirror

The Word is a mirror in which we should gaze
To see if we have imperfection or "haze".
It will reveal a "blemish" or stain
And give us high standards to which to attain.

When our reflection reveals the Word
Then by example will others be spurred.
Becoming as mirrors, then we reflect light
To help others see if they might have "blight".

The Word gives us depth and shapes our reflection.
It's wisdom will change our very complexion.
Some mirrors are "foggy", and some clear and bright.
A mirror of the Word is an image of Light.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Joy Will Not Fail

We can leave a bright new trail
Of hope for those who ail or fail.
Sometimes when a person's down
A smile will help offset their frown.

Encouragement is often needed,
And joy will need to be "re-seeded".
Laughter helps a heart to heal
And joy restores an "even keel".

By example we inspire
And cause another to reach higher.
As we walk we leave a trail
Of hope and joy which will not fail.

"Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad."
Proverbs 12:25 KJV

"A merry heart doeth good like a medicine..."
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Just One Step

We only can take one step at a time,
Our valleys to cross or mountains to climb.
If we skip steps we may not succeed.
We will not have all the skills that we need.

We learn as we go, our successes to earn.
Taking a "shortcut" should be of concern.
Diligence and patience we should not resist,
For herein is "gold" which we might have missed.

God sets the pace through which we are trained.
As we walk in it, much knowledge is gained.
Wisdom will come and be as a light
To lead us and guide us in ways which are right.

"God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds' feet: and setteth me upon my high places."
II Samuel 22:33-34 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Healed Heart

The cry of a heart, piercing the night,
Lonely and frightened and needing much light,
Is heard by the Father and studied with care,
His love and compassion to pour out and share.

In Him is light... to stave off all night,
Offering strength and hope which is bright.
Darkness and heaviness must flee away
As He hovers near, all fears to allay.

He holds the heart, it's suffering to heal,
Bringing good cheer and love which is real.
His warmth and caring will make the heart smile,
Able to laugh and face the next mile.

"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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Moving Forward

When we are comfortable, we don't like change,
But sometimes our circumstance is re-arranged.
Then we are caught betwixt and between.
On new "adventures" we may not be keen.

We cannot move on if we live in the past.
When we look forward a new day is cast.
Change will then come and give a new reason
To want to go on into a new season.

When we are willing to make forward movement
Our situation will show marked improvement.
God does not want us to miss any chance,
For always our lives He wants to enhance.

"And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ - right up to the time of His return - developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you."
Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf