Thank You, LORD

Your lovingkindness warms my life.
Your grace and mercy make it glow.
For joy and laughter in my heart
A debt of gratitude I owe.

I rejoice in Your great love...
For You have saved me from my sin.
No one else could heal my fears,
But now I have deep peace within.

Your love always lifts me up
And helps me to stand tall and strong.
To know You is my richest gain.
Your lovingkindness is my song.

"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

Encouragement And Caring

Folks may need encouragement
When they are feeling down or sad.
Sometimes they just need a call
To perk them up so they feel glad.

This can be a springboard,
A jump-start into something new
When someone may be wondering
Just what they should do.

Encouragement is what it takes
To give a little boost or lift.
This is so much needed
And it truly is a special gift!

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Best Of The Best

Unity is as "crème de la crème"
And beautiful as a clear, sparkling gem.
Peace and agreement, when birthed in the heart,
Are as heavenly song or exquisite art.

Beauty comes forth as differences fade
And decisions to love are birthed and then made.
Unity is a reachable goal,
But when we don't have it, there is a toll.

We can avoid division and toil.
Love and humility it's plans will foil.
Unity is "the best of the best".
Always by unity we are much blessed.

"Again I say unto you, that if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven. For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them."
Matthew 18:19-20 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Book To Be Read

Every life is as a book...
Events and stories from the past...
Written by the things we do,
Remembrances which truly last.

Hopefully our books are filled
With inspiration, love and hope,
Penned with wisdom and good will,
Encouragement with depth and scope.

When our lives draw to a close
We leave pages to be read.
Here our light may brightly shine,
By which many will be led.

"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. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:16-17 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Easier Way

It's easy to want more and more
But better when there's less to store!
For everything I make a place,
But then stuff soon fills up my space.

Whenever I buy something new
I need to think my storage through.
Too much stuff will bog me down,
And cleaning then will make me frown.

I just may not need as much.
To "things" I do not want to clutch.
If I don't keep a watchful eye
Stuff will surely multiply!

It's really nice to have some space
So I can keep my things in place.
Clutter just is not okay.
Life is easier this way!

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Joy Of The LORD

Sometimes we get tired and worn.
By circumstance we're sometimes "torn".
"Revive us, Lord, from weariness.
Lift us up from dreariness!"

When we really need some cheer
He lends to us a listening ear.
Jesus overcomes our "lows"
And gives us joy which overflows.

Let Sonshine in our hearts prevail
To offset cares which make us ail.
Let joy and laughter flood the soul
To heal, uplift, and make us whole.

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness: to the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Psalm 30:11-12 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Everyday Goodness

We go to church one day a week
The Lord and all His ways to seek.
What we've learned can be a light
In someone's dark and dreary night.

But through the week we get sidetracked
In how we live and how we act
And oft forget that which we've learned...
For others to be more concerned.

Goodness isn't once a week.
Everyday it's love should speak.
Choose to live by what you've heard,
By Christ's example in the Word.

"For the Word that God speaks is alive and full of power - making it active, operative, energizing and effective; it is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating to the dividing line of the breath of life (soul) and (the immortal) spirit, and of joints and marrow (that is, of the deepest parts of our nature) exposing and sifting and analyzing and judging the very thoughts and purposes of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Growing In God

I like to feel that I am winning
But know that I am just beginning.
When the first step I have won,
I know there's more work to be done.

When we "win", we can't "retire",
For God will always take us higher.
Resting on a former win
May stifle something new within.

Though we sometimes feel tired
God will keep us much-inspired.
All the "lessons" which we learn
Will bring us very rich return.

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Ephesians 2:10 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reaching The Mountaintop

Do you want to reach the mountaintop?
Spend some time alone with God.
For here you'll reach the steepest climes
As your feet with wings are shod.

He will take you to great heights
As you have commune with Him,
Revealing truths to make you soar
Beyond your fondest dream or whim.

When your heart is turned to Him
The mountaintops are not too high.
He will lift you up to "see"
And all your hopes will satisfy.

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let Truth Be Known

Let truth be as a beacon bright,
Our steps to guide and path to light.
May we be prepared and ready.
May our progress e'er be steady.

Challenges may come our way.
We can meet them as we pray.
God will keep us from grave error
And shield us from the blight of terror.

God is faithful and is able.
He will keep us strong and stable.
Darkness cannot quench His light
Or stand against His power and might!

"When he, the spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will show you things to come."
John 16:13 KJV

"He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty (Whose power no foe can withstand)."
Psalm 91:1 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Respect Is Beautiful

Respect is beautiful to see,
Showing God's love graciously,
Treating others as we should,
Bringing blessing... which is good!

Respect shows courtesy and caring,
Thoughtfulness and kindness sharing.
It shows reverence and regard
And never leaves folks feeling "jarred".

Respect is much to be desired...
A quality to be acquired.
Always we should show respect,
God's love and kindness to reflect.

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him."
Colossians 3:17 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Highest And Best

I once heard a woman say, "My mother taught me all the right ways to do things, but I just don't choose to do them that way." She knew what was right, but she just didn't practice what she had learned.

I wonder how many times we hear good teachings, and even agree with them, but only receive the ones which don't challenge us to change. When God speaks "change", He is moving or pulling us toward something better. We may squirm or say, "This doesn't fit", but if we don't move forward then we are falling behind and limiting the blessings God has for us.

If we listen intently to God's instructions and follow through, we will find our "highest and best" in life. For He will challenge and stretch us to be more than we ever thought we could be!

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Laughter And Grace

Laughter just makes life more easy,
Cheering hearts which may be "queasy".
It breaks tensions with delight
And makes the atmosphere feel bright.

If your day starts bogging down,
Laughter will offset a frown.
Choose to smile and have some fun,
Or think of funny things you've done.

Laughter turns grey skies to blue,
And merriment will bring you through
Those "grumpy" times which we all face.
Laughter is a form of grace.

"He that is of a merry heart hath a continual feast."
Proverbs 15:15 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Making Good Choices

We cannot make good choices
Just by listening to "voices".
God will show us what to do
And add ideas which are new.

As we seek to do His will
He will give us needed skill.
He will show us what to choose,
Ensuring that we will not lose.

Choices made too quickly
Have results which may be "prickly".
But when we make a Godly choice
We'll have reason to rejoice!

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths."
Psalm 25:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Great Love

Man's sinfulness was very grave
Till Jesus died, our souls to save.
He became the sacrifice
For all our sin. He paid the price...

That we might enter Heaven's gate.
How we need to celebrate
Eternity with Christ the Lord.
What a beautiful reward!

God showed His love to us... each one.
He gave to us His only Son.
By His great love we are set free,
With Him to spend eternity.

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

On Time

Some folks just are always late.
With them you "hurry up and wait".
Often they will have excuse.
Of others' time this is misuse.

Being punctual is a gift.
It's measuring our time with thrift.
"Waiting" time is time that's lost,
And sometimes it will bring high cost.

Sometimes schedules are too tight,
And this creates a stressful plight.
Only do that which is prime,
And make a plan to be on time!

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Waiting On God

With new plans we contemplate
Sometimes God will make us wait...
To think them over for "a spell"
And take some time to let them gel.

It's always wise to not "rush in"
So we don't fail or have chagrin.
God may shed some extra light
And give us careful oversight.

Wait and pray till you have peace.
His timing will bring you release.
Should He say, "This plan don't do",
Praise Him then for freeing you.

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Gifts Of Learning

"Fun stuff" draws our children in...
A pattern we must bridle,
For it can take up all their time
And teach them to be idle.

Young folks with TV and games
Become almost addicted.
When their minds become too full
Their spirits are "afflicted".

Children not weighed down with "stuff"
Become much more creative.
Those who love good books and read
Are much more contemplative.

Arts and skills which they learn early
Give them joy and help them grow.
They will prosper as adults
From all the right things which we sow.

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Soaring In Him

When we overcome the trivial
What a blessing is in store.
As we seek a higher plane
In the Spirit we will soar!

"Every-dayness" bogs us down
And tends to weary our precision,
But when we seek the Holy Spirit
He will open up our vision.

Gaining insight and perspective,
We will see in new dimension,
Moving in the Spirit's timing
With much greater comprehension.

"For in him we live, and move, and have our being..."
Acts 17:28 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Rejoice And Be Glad

If sometimes you tire and bog down
And struggle to smile, not frown,
Shake off the weight of despair!
Rise up! God's goodness declare!

If you bask in His goodness you'll find
You can leave all the burdens behind.
He'll lift you up and transform your "view".
All of your thinking He will renew.

If in your spirit you're low
He'll give you new "get-up-and-go".
Rejoice in the Lord and be glad
And you will forget you were sad!

"Oh, that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men! And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare his works with rejoicing."
Psalm 107:20-21 KJV

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Balance

Balance helps us to get through
Confusing times with less ado.
Wisdom is it's strong foundation,
Coupled with communication.

Balance brings us evenness
And adds to us sereneness.
By events it won't be "tilted"
Nor it's confidence be wilted.

Emotions sometimes cloud it's view
And can make it be askew,
So guard emotions carefully.
Always seal them prayerfully.

Balance gives us clear perspective,
Helping us to be effective.
Often it will be required
And is much to be desired.

"And let the peace of God rule in your hearts..."
Colossians 3:15 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Heart Of Compassion

My brother Dave had a heart for people who were struggling in life...

One day he left his workplace at lunchtime and walked up to the park blocks around Portland State College to eat his sack lunch. He saw a man lying on one of the park benches, and he heard the Lord say to him, "Give that man your lunch." He did, and that was the beginning of a very beautiful friendship.

This man had been a writer for a large well-known newspaper in the Chicago area, and he had been high up in leadership of his church. But he lost his job, and then his marriage failed and he started drinking. At some point he had come to the Portland area. He spent some time in the Burnside area, drinking, but he decided he shouldn't be there so he moved to the park block area near the college where Dave found him.

Over time Dave took lunch to him a number of times, and on cold days would try to find him and take him to a restaurant to eat and get warm. Eventually someone gave this man a room to stay in, and he came back to the Lord. He had a very sincere, gentle spirit... a beautiful person.

Dave, because of his compassion for hurting people, was a part of this man being able to piece his life back together again, and this man had a new beginning in life.

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace Like A River

Let peace like a river come and flood my soul today.
Let rest and deep tranquillity offset my fears, I pray.
For in the midst of challenges or weariness or trial,
You are my "oasis" where I come and rest awhile.

Labors and anxieties are overcome by peace.
In You I find refreshing and a glorious release.
Let Your waters flow o'er me and vitalize my soul.
Basking in Your presence is the balm which makes me whole.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Shadows

Darkness hides from truth and light.
It tries to cover it's own blight.
Shadows are it's chosen friend
Where it will hide to work it's end.

Let your light expose it's ploy.
It's masquerade you can destroy.
Keep surveillance... fend it off.
Don't let it come back and scoff.

Choose to be a blazing light
Where truth can rest and bring insight.
Light exposes evil's cause,
Uncovering it's many flaws.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Vessel

A long time ago I had a dream, and in my mind I can still see what the Lord showed me in that dream.

I saw a broken teapot. It had been dropped and broken so many times that now it was just beginning to crumble apart. It seemed to now be beyond repair.

But then suddenly, as I again looked at the teapot, it was all shiny and new. It was totally restored to it's original beauty with lovely painted designs on it. As I looked closely I could see no hairline cracks in it at all. It was beautiful.

This teapot represented a broken life, and in the restored teapot I saw how the love of God had erased the brokenness and re-created that life to be even more beautiful than when it was first created. There were no signs of aging or wear and tear.

And this is the promise we have in Christ. He is able to take all the broken pieces of our lives and make them into something new and beautiful. He cares so much...

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness; To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever."
Psalm 30:11-12 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Step By Step

Patience comes when we are tested,
Not when we are calm and rested.
Problems sometimes irritate,
So we must learn to trust and wait.

Patience can't be bought or sold,
Quickly learned or time-controlled...
Only when we trust in God
And do not hurry, push or prod.

Patience has a perfect work
To do in us if we don't shirk.
It's end result makes us complete
As over time our trials we meet.

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Under His Wing

In Christ we will not suffer lack,
For His provision is not slack.
Circumstance may push and pull,
But in the Lord resource is full.

Our cup is filled with peace and joy,
And this becomes our precious buoy.
He knows which way we should go
When in ourselves we do not know.

No matter what the storm or test
In Him we have a place of rest.
When to Him we trust and cling
We're sheltered 'neath His mighty wing.

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."
Psalm 91:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwatzkopf

The Roads We Travel

In life we walk so many roads
And often carry heavy loads,
But as we walk them in God's light
Our "walks" will be content and bright.

When we can't see 'round the bend
Then on God we can depend.
Folks may ponder what we do
And think that we "don't have a clue"...

But in our God we have clear lead.
Our fondest hopes He will exceed.
From many roadways we can choose,
And He will help us win... not lose.

"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

God's Imprint On Our Lives

Following God will make us stretch
And in our lives new patterns etch.
Truths imprinted deep within
Will cause new blessings to begin.

Sometimes etching carries pain,
Is needful to accomplish gain.
When we want God's will for us
We must yield and not make fuss.

From His etchings we will learn,
And through them deeper insights earn.
His etchings bring to us deep change
And beautify our lives long-range.

"Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."
Philippians 1:6 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Song In Your Day

The best way to give your day a good start
Is worship the Lord. Let praise fill your heart!
Let your praise grow and blossom within.
You will have joy. Let worship begin!

Our God is mighty, is able to heal
And offset the tensions inside which you feel.
Though you don't think you're "in the right mood",
Bless Him with words of sweet gratitude.

Praise will become the song in your day...
A wonderful blessing in every way.
Worship the Lord... bring praise to His name.
Give Him the glory... His goodness proclaim!

"Praise the Lord! for it is good to sing praises to our God, for He is gracious and lovely; praise is becoming and appropriate."
Psalm 147:1 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Happy New Year !

The LORD Is Our Light

God is a tower of strength and great might,
Our shelter and refuge, our joy and our light
He is our fortress, in Whom we can hide,
A tower of safety where we may abide.

For all of His children His covering is sure,
A place of great peace, blessed and secure.
We do not need to tremble or fear.
The Lord is our light... and so very near!

"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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf