A Fresh New Start

If everything we try to do
Does not work out and falls apart,
Maybe we are not on track
And need to make a fresh, new start.

Maybe what we need is change,
And God is doing us a favor.
He will close some doors for us
And open some which we can savor.

He'll set us on a brand new path,
For He knows what is really best.
As we turn and make a change,
By what we feared... we will be blessed.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Strong Anchor

If you are hurting deep down in your soul
And life has just seemed to be out of control,
Jesus will be the anchor you need.
He will bring answers... your hopes to exceed.

When life is spinning, He will not fail.
Though you have fear, He will prevail.
His anchor is strong and always will hold.
Through every storm He'll help you be bold.

We are not meant to fight "storms" alone.
He will be there when we face the unknown.
Do not be weary... His anchor is sure.
Your hopes and your dreams in Him are secure.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."
Psalm 46:1 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Greatness Of God

If all the wisdom of the world
Was gathered in one place,
Compared to God's great wisdom
It would fill a tiny space.

Man's perspective needs some help
To realize the size
Of just how big our God is...
And His wisdom recognize.

None could stand before our God
Nor look into His face,
And yet we are the objects
Of His mercy, love and grace.

His wisdom is our covering
To keep us all our days,
To guide us and protect us
From learning "worldly" ways.

By His wisdom through each day
We'll know how to proceed,
Not leaning on our own strength...
Which is really small indeed.

Through His word we can be wise
And move with power and might,
Remembering that He is God...
Our faithful, Guiding Light.

"Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable."
Psalm 145:3 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Longer Nearsighted

Some overused words are "self", "I" and "me".
When they're in the way we simply can't see
The merits in others, 'cause focus is wrong.
We're busy with self and singing "our" song.

How thoughtless it is to put ourselves first.
It's better to let the "me" bubble burst
And reach out with caring to others in need.
When we do this, from "self" we are freed.

No longer short-sighted, perspective is new.
A happier outlook will come into view.
When we bypass "self" and learn to be "giving",
This is the key to happier living.

"Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord."
Colossians 3:16 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Trusting Him More

Thank You, Lord, for my "well-being".
My mind from worry you are freeing.
I can't foresee my circumstance
Nor plan my pathway in advance.

Each day I will trust in You
Instead of making much ado.
My well-being, in Your hand,
Assures me strength which helps me stand.

The peace you give will overcome
And give to me serene aplomb.
You'll not miss my needs... not one.
In all things, Thy will be done.

"I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1-2 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessed Mortar

A home can be built of bricks or of stone,
But without good mortar it's structure will "groan".
Lack of strong mortar can cause it to fail,
And all of it's walls will tend to be frail.

The mortar of love will bond it together
And seal it's strength against all kinds of weather.
Where peace and good will and unity dwell
The home will have stories of gladness to tell.

Storms cannot touch the beauty within.
Love's mortar is strong and always will win.
Over the years the home's strength will grow.
Out of it's rooms will love overflow.

"Love never fails - never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end."
I Corinthians 13:8 Amplified Bible

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Changing Seasons

Today I am reflecting on the closing of old seasons... and new beginnings...

When we have found a happy niche, and are comfortable and prospering there, our endeavors will become a wonderful season. Because we enjoy it so much we want to stay there as long as we can to accomplish all that we can.

But sometimes the Lord sees that we need to make change or move on. When we sense that the season we're in is starting to close, we don't want to let it go. The Lord may want to give us a new beginning, and it cannot happen until we "lay down" the present season. The new birthing willl rise up out of remnants which are left.

We may fear being "empty" or not having purpose. But it is in the time without "busyness"... when we quietly rest in Him... that He can re-program us and drop "seeds" of creativity into our lives, setting us on a wonderful, new path.

He would have us rejoice in the old season but move on to the new season... a fresh, new beginning. For as long as our hearts are in tune with Him He will continue to give us new beginnings...

"For You cause my lamp to be lighted and shine;
the Lord my God illumines my darkness."
Psalm 18:28 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Patterns Of The Mind

What info might be stored
In the corners of the mind?
If all the "doors" were opened
What knowledge would you find...

Archives of experiences
And memories, good or bad...
Or treasured thoughts which you don't share,
Which really make you glad?

All you've done and where you've been
And knowledge you have learned
Become the sum of who you are
And where you have sojourned.

When the mind is daily "tuned"
With wisdom from the Word,
All the patterns of the mind
The Lord will undergird.

"And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God."
Romans 12:2 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Precious Oil

Diplomacy is precious oil
The "cutting" of harsh words to foil.
This is a great skill to learn,
And many friendships it will earn.

It will "cushion" what we say
And drive ill feelings far away.
It is wrapped in kind concern
And "obstacles" will overturn.

Diplomacy can help to heal
Because it's thoughtfulness is real.
How much better life can be
If we will learn diplomacy!

"A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver."
Proverbs 25:11 KJV

"A man hath joy by the answer of his mouth: and a word spoken in due season, how good is it!"
Proverbs 15:23 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Overflowing Love

The love of God is very real,
Our lives to cushion and to heal.
When salvation we receive
From sin and stain He gives us leave.

Those who will receive His love
From circumstance will rise above.
When He turns a life around
Joy and gladness will abound.

We can leave the past behind
And lovely new horizons find.
God's love is as a rushing stream
Our lives to rescue and redeem.

"For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
Psalm 103:11-12 KJV

© 2012 Arlene schwartzkopf

Whispers Of The Heart

The gentle whispers of the heart
Are heard in God's keen ear.
The softest words deep down inside
To His eye will bring a tear.

When He takes note of a heart
Which turns to Him in prayer,
Tenderly He holds that heart
And gives it loving care.

As the heart draws close to Him
And in His hand will rest,
It will find His rich reward
And truly will be blessed.

"Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart."
Psalm 37:4 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wisdom Needed

All the learning in the world
Will not make people wise.
But people with much knowledge
By their words can wear disguise.

They may be quite brilliant,
Yet deficient of Life's facts.
All their seeming knowledge
From God's wisdom oft distracts.

Wisdom from the Word of God
Becomes our strength and source.
When knowledge and great learning fail,
God's Word will reinforce.

God discerns the hearts of men
And sees right through facade.
Men may "soar" and fool some folks
But cannot fool the heart of God.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Be Still, My Soul

Be still, my soul... the Lord is near.
In Him I have no need to fear.
He is here, right by my side.
In His strength I will abide.

In Him I will be confident.
The help He brings is Heaven-sent.
I'll not tremble, but will stay
Within His peace... a strong forte'.

O my soul, delight in Him.
He is light when skies are dim.
Be at peace, have rest and calm.
His stillness is a soothing balm.

"Be still, and know that I am God."
Psalm 46:10 KJV

"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 43:5 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Happy Father's Day

Hand-In-Hand With Dad

When your little child you hold
To him you are a man of gold.
When you take the time to say
"I love you", you have made his day.

Walking with him, hand-in-hand,
Will help him feel you understand.
His confidence will grow and grow
As to him your love you show.

Though each step he takes is small,
Believe in him... and he won't fall.
If you're steady by His side,
Deep friendship always will abide.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Today

I cannot change where I have been,
Nor can I walk that way again.
Yesterday will not return.
Today should be my first concern.

Nor will I think on "where I'll be".
"Now" is right in front of me!
If I use my time today
Our God to serve and to obey...

I won't worry where I've been
Or fret about tomorrow then.
Through our God, each day is blessed.
And every day will hold His best!

"Take no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself."
Matthew 6:34 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Think Before You Speak

Think before you speak
Or give anyone critique.
God made you, but also them.
In Him you're both unique!

They may be a super-star,
Or weaker than you think you are.
Either way you both have worth,
And God is watching from afar.

We must keep our eyes on Him
And measure not another soul.
Precious in His sight are all.
Each one has a special role.

"Judge not, that ye be not judged."
Matthew 7:1 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Even In Little Things

I had a quiet time to write,
But soon my peacefulness took flight.
A neighbor started talking loud.
Through my thoughts her loud voice "plowed".

Wasted words and senseless chatter
In the ear are noise and clatter.
Lord, save me from this chatterbox!
This stream of words I must outfox.

I asked the Lord to stop this noise
So I could write and keep my poise.
Moments later she was gone.
No longer did her talk go on.

This matter seemed to be quite small.
But God is faithful when we call.
He had helped me to stay calm.
His presence is a healing balm.

"Great is thy faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:23 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Many Words

Some folks "bluster" and talk big.
By their words deep holes they dig.
Words pour forth without much thought
And with foolishness are fraught.

Some folks quietly observe
Until they know their words will serve
Good purpose and have good import.
Their words wisdom's riches court.

Frivolous words are such a waste
And sometimes aren't on real facts based.
But when you hear a wise man speak,
Know his words will be unique.

"Wisdom resteth in the heart of him that hath understanding; but that which is in the midst of fools is made known."
Proverbs 14:33 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Freeing Up Our Time

The more "stuff" we own, the more time we spend
Just keeping it up... there just is no end!
It often is simpler to own a lot less,
Lest it weigh us down and our time will possess.

If we have too much, we could start to share,
Blessing another to show that we care.
Then we are free and don't have to fuss
With way too much stuff... or clutter or muss!

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:16-17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blazing A Trail

When we're starting out anew
And begin to "blaze a trail",
Are we "taking land" for good?
Do our efforts have avail?

The direction of our lives,
When we've diligently planned,
Can make an impact of great value
Which will matter and will stand.

We can change the world
By the way we live each day.
Our lives can make a difference
And help others find their way.

The gifts we leave behind
When our lives are finally spent
Are things we do for others.
May they be of blessed intent.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

When Less Is More

What good is much treasure with trouble and sorrow.
Will that which we have bring us joy for the morrow?
Hope does not rest in surplus of things,
And joy isn't in that to which man clings.

When we know Jesus, much less is more.
Honoring Him, man never is poor.
When following Him, He saves man much grief,
And from many burdens brings blessed relief.

Leaning on Him, man's stance is much stronger.
Life is more simple, and joy is much longer.
He gives man balance and saves him much stress.
Loving the Lord will never be "less".

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

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Special Garden

In my spirit I see an old-fashioned garden wall, like a lovely painting. There are climbing roses trailing over the top of the wall and flowers and tall grass growing up in front of the wall, undisturbed and tranquil in the morning light. What a serene picture...

In today's rushed world we owe it to ourselves to create a place of serenity... maybe not a garden but a place set apart where we can "escape" and reflect on the goodness of God, where we can become quiet enough to hear Him whisper, where our senses are fine-tuned to His beauty, where our focus is renewed and "clutter" falls away. This is so-o-o inviting...

For those who have never had a "garden" or a quiet place, I urge you to start now to create one... and return there often. Or maybe just take time to picture yourself in a garden... absorb it's fragrance and peace and healing. Receive of the goodness of God.

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest."
Matthew 11:28 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Stretch And Grow

In following a chosen path, if you will persevere,
You will stretch and grow, and good progress will appear.
Sometimes if you're weary and often feel like quitting,
You think it would be easier to sit and do some knitting!

Staying focused on your goals... within will build some grit.
"At the start" or "halfway through" you should not choose to quit!
Remember through each weary day, "with no pain, there is no gain".
As you labor you will find... achievement is a higher plane.

Reach up to that higher place until you reach your chosen goal.
It may surprise you then to learn that no one else could fill your role.
What you thought you couldn't do has proved to be worthwhile.
Your example has much worth... you went the second mile!

"...This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:13-14 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Tears Of God

When God's people turn away
And from His loving presence stray...
When He does not have their ear,
Surely God must shed a tear.

In Jesus, God has given all,
And to each has given call.
When we answer to His voice
He is blessed we've made that choice.

Some folks make Him wait awhile,
But when they come His heart will smile.
Some will wait for many years.
O'er these our God sheds many tears.

He desires our fellowship,
With blessings our lives will equip.
When we love God, all Heaven cheers!
We bring joy instead of tears.

"The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing."
Zephaniah 3:17 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Grateful Thoughts

The dormancy of winter yielded
To the fragrant air of spriing...
The blessing of the flowering trees
And lovely sounds I hear birds sing...

The freshness of the morning air
And breeze which brings it's gentle touch...
Thank You, God, for endless beauty.
You have given us so much!

All around us is reminder...
Your creation is a gift
From Your gracious, loving hand...
Our hearts to cheer and lives to lift!

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Psalm 103:1-2 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Changing Seasons

All of us will go through "seasons".
Life presents to us it's reasons.
In each one we find our pace
And "rest" there in that special place.

But when that season finds it's end
And circumstances need to bend,
We may be slow to make a change
Because the change may feel strange.

Clinging to the former place
May delay us in life's race.
In God's seasons we can rest,
And in each season will be blessed.

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

People Who Inspire - Kathy

God created a lovely rose
And dressed her in exquisite clothes,
Strong of stem, with shiny leaf...
A truly beautiful motif.

Her fragrance has a healing touch
Which to many has meant much.
Faithfully this rose has bloomed...
By God's own hand... it's petals groomed.

She stands tall amoung His flowers,
And blessings on so many showers.
God is smiling on His rose,
This one His fragrance truly sows.

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Be Glad

Count your blessings every day.
Tell God "Thank You" as your pray.
For all His blessings number more
Than things you fear may be in store.

Focus on the work He's done.
Rejoice in what He has begun.
Look forward to a day that's bright.
Don't let dullness rob your light.

If you look up you won't bog down.
When you're thankful you won't frown.
Rejoice! Be glad, for God is good.
He'll help you do all that you should!

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Glimpse Of Heaven

I remember from many years ago a man named Ben, who was rushed into emergency with symptoms of a heart attack.

The emergency room doctors immediately applied the paddles to his chest, struggling to keep him alive, but he was fighting them. They were trying to encourage him, saying, "C-mon, Ben you can make it!"

But he argued with them, "No, I don't want to."

After this happened a few times his heart began to stabilize. The team effort of the doctors saved him. Afterwards the doctors said to him, "Why were you fighting us so hard?"

He answered, "Because I was already seeing the colors of heaven. They were so beautiful, and I wanted to see more."

What glory awaits us throughout eternity... for those who know the Lord.

"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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lovely Thoughts

When I think of lovely things
My heart smiles, my spirit sings.
"Loveliness" brings joy and peace,
From daily tensions brings release.

When I train my thoughts to be
On beauty God would have me see,
Then I start to recognize
His beauty right before my eyes.

My perspective has new scope.
Things I had not seen will "ope".
When I seek and stay aware,
God brings beauty everywhere.

"Whatsoever things are lovely, think on these things..."
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2011 Arlene Schwartzkopf