Still Waters

If you are caught up in turmoil and stress
And feel the tensions of life’s constant press,
Remember, still waters bring healing and rest,
Restoring us so we can meet every test.

The Lord knows your labors, and He has not changed.
The factors which push you can be rearranged.
The stillness He brings will heal and break through
All of the trials which come against you.

Remember His stillness, for He is your peace..
And there in that stillness you will find release.
As you look up, you’ll know He is there,
Answering your cries and every small prayer.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters...”
Psalm 23: 1-3 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Spoken For Good

A righteous tongue is full of wealth,
To many others can bring health.
Words with loving expertise
Become as instruments of peace.

Expressions which are filled with joy
May bring “uplifting” as a buoy.
Words we choose with love and care
Can be delightful as “fresh air”.

When we think before we speak
And watchfully our words we “tweak”,
Our tongues become as tools for good
In blessing others... as we should.

“A wholesome tongue is a tree of life...”
Proverbs 15:4 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

“The tongue of the wise is health.”
Proverbs 12:18 KJV

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Laughter And Song

If you choose to laugh and sing
Life will have a bright new ring.
Singing makes your heart to smile
And lends your face a bright profile.

If you sing, you won’t be “down”
Or even think to wear a frown.
Choose to sing a happy tune.
From “grumbles” you will be immune.

Laughter is a healing stream,
The weight of burdens to redeem.
Worries will be less than half
If you will just relax and laugh.

Let your singing “bubble up”
And some laughter fill your cup.
Rejoice and sing, and don’t be sad!
Our God would have us to be glad!

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

“A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance.”
Proverbs 15:13 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Favor

What blessing we have when we walk in God’s favor,
All of His wisdom and goodness to savor!
We are surrounded by great lovingkindness,
Assured of His light so we won’t walk in blindness.

He is so worthy of honor and praise
We, with each breath, celebration should raise.
Rejoice in His love! His goodness proclaim!
All glory and tribute be raised in His name!

“Light is sown for the uncompromisingly righteous and strewn along their pathway, and for the upright in heart the irrepressible joy which comes from consciousness of His favor and protection.”
Psalm 97:11 Amplified Bible

© 2013 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

Some Days Are Like That

When I simplify the tasks at hand,
The tasks don’t seem to be so large.
I organize what I must do,
Then I feel much more in charge.

But some days things defy my “plans”
And “simple” never seems to come.
I cannot seem to get ahead.
And start to lose “serene” aplomb!

I need peace where chaos is,
My composure to regain.
I just need to stop and pray
So order once again will reign.

God will make another way
To sort out what did not get done.
He will help me to complete
Every task I had begun.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Too Many Hats

When people wear too many “ hats”
It tends to make them weary.
Over time as they bog down
Then life becomes quite dreary.

When there is an overload
It’s time to sort out which to keep.
Lightening the load a bit
Many good results will reap.

Hats which are not shaken off
Use up time and blur one’s purpose.
They will sidetrack God’s design
And make of life a three-ring circus.

When we simplify our goals
We’ll not miss what God would say.
He may want to redirect
And bless us in a fresh new way.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Place Of Retreat

It’s good to have a “resting place”,
A place of deep retreat,
Where we escape from busyness
And stillness is replete.

From daily “drain” and wear and tear
It’s wise to take a needed break
To ponder and to re-affirm
The next step we should take or make.

Our anchor is our “resting place”,
Where we return and find release.
In that place we are renewed.
In prayer God brings us His sweet peace..

“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

God's Voice Heals

Do not be worried how much people talk
If they’ve not known your path or your walk.
“Chatter” is worthless, and gossip is worse..
Words which folks speak, in memory don’t nurse.

Just be concerned with serving our God,
Not about whether your path has been odd.
Those who don’t know you should not criticize,
For they have not heard your prayers or your sighs.

God knows your heart... He knows who you are.
Don’t let the door of words stand ajar.
Listen to God. The sound of His voice
Will give you much reason to praise and rejoice!

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Completed Work

Always we should pray that God will enable us to finish all the work of our hands which He has designed for us to do...

Each of us is unique in Him, created for His purpose. As we begin to comprehend this, we may find ourselves on an exciting path, very different from what we ourselves might have chosen to do.

Our God fills us with many giftings and capabilities. As we offer these giftings back to Him in service He will lead and guide us and prepare the way before us. In Him we are readied to step out into service. Our accomplishments will be greater and more meaningful than we ever could have imagined. Though the “hills” we climb may sometimes be long and steep, in Him we will be sure-footed and triumphant.

When we have accomplished works which are worthy before our great and wonderful God, then by His hand, we have truly lived.

“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

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

One Voice, One Heart

One voice, one heart.....
People working hand-in-hand,
Agreeing in the “path" they’re on,
In precious unity will stand.

Unity removes all struggle.
Harmony brings peace and calm.
We can then move forth with ease,
Without anxiety or qualm.

One voice, one heart.....
Agreement is a blessed state.
“One voice, one heart”
Is something we should celebrate!

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!”
Psalm 133:1 KJV

“I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called, with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-3 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Can!

When hindrances are in the way
This is what we ought to say,
“My God has a better plan.
If I’m not able, my God can!”

I will rest in knowing this:
Whenever something is amiss,
He will guard and shelter me,
Keep me safe and set me free!

There are things we cannot change
Which only God can rearrange.
He is always at our side,
All hindrances to override.

“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

“He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble. I will deliver him and honor him.”
Psalm 91:15 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

New Seasons

When we make change we must have good reason.
This will be true when we’ve finished a “season”.
For “seasons” are periods of “resting in place”
Where we live and work and learn of God’s grace.

But then when we find that a season is done,
We must move on... something new has begun.
Change is not easy... “familiar” felt good.
We cannot look back but move forth as we should.

Seasons have doors which will open and close.
These changes of seasons we should not oppose.
When God brings a change... a new season to show,
In that new season we’ll learn and we’ll grow.

“Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.”
Psalm 25:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Man Of God

A man of God has stature which is gained no other way.
Inward strength and confidence his lifestyle will convey.
Love of God and wisdom deep within his spirit rest,
Tempered by humility... with peace in every test.

He has found his source of strength to be Almighty God
And his feet in holiness and service have been shod.
From his bright example there is much which can be learned.
His life speaks of merits which in prayer he has earned.

He will meet the challenges and tests of life with joy
‘Cause he makes the Word of God to be his trusted buoy.
Of God’s richest treasures in the Word he has partaken.
He has placed his trust in God and he cannot be shaken.

“Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Song

When I hear a note or bell,
Music in me starts to swell.
As melodies come forth and grow,
Praise and worship start to flow.

I may hear new harmony
Or sounds which set my spirit free...
Sounds from God He will create,
And then will help me to translate.

How can I contain the sound
Which in my heart and soul resound?
I will sing and I will play
And bless the Lord throughout my day!

“O sing to the Lord a new song; for He has done marvelous things.”
Psalm 98:1 Amplified Bible

© 2013 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.
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

Good Seed

When we seek to know the Lord
We will harvest much reward.
His seeds of goodness we receive
Works of beauty will conceive.

As His good seeds multiply
Folks will wonder and dry nigh.
Good seed in our lives will speak.
The fruit of good seed is unique.

Many seeds the Lord will sow,
Causing us to stretch and grow.
Our lives will flourish more and more.
The Lord enables us to soar!

“The seed is the word of God... “
Luke 8:11 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heaven's Song

Heavenly music will have no discord
But myriad voices, all praising the Lord...
Richness in harmony, beauteous in sound,
Transcendent and glorious... truly profound.

We’ve not yet heard what heaven has in store...
Choirs and symphonies, harps, bells and more...
Celestial and lovely strains, floating aloft,
Waves of sweet melodies, lilting and soft.

“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.”
I Corinthians 2:9 KJV

© 2013 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 Greatest Gift

Our children need a heritage
To learn about and know the Lord
Through Him they will excel in life
And gain their heavenly reward.

They will need a careful balance
To move forward toward their goals,
To prosper and succeed in life
And fulfill their Godly roles.

Without the wisdom of the Lord,
To His great gifts they will be blind.
To get acquainted with the Lord
Will be the best gift they will find.

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Seek Understanding

Be careful not to criticize
Those things you do not understand.
The Lord may have you wait
Before He places answers in your hand.

Trust the Lord in everything.
His wisdom in you He will store.
Understanding then will come,
For wisdom opens up the door.

Truth and light will enter in
And help to clarify your vision.
Then the Lord will show you
Why you should not ever hold derision.

Criticism is a stream
Which spews out venom from the heart.
It’s best to lean upon the Lord
And never ever let it start.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 KJV

© 2013 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

Each New Day

In the morning hours
When dew is fresh upon the ground,
And songbirds greet the new day
In a potpourri of sound,..

My spirit lifts in worship
For the beauty of the day.
Each day is a gift from God
To bless our work or play.

As I wait upon the Lord
And listen closely for His voice,
I will have much reason
To be glad and to rejoice!

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A House Of Praise

When the Lord builds a house
It will have firm foundation,
Filled with great wisdom
And much celebration.

It won’t be divided
By trends or distraction,
For prayer and reverence
Will bring satisfaction.

Though stormy times come
Or flood waters flow,
This house will stand
And great blessings will know.

It’s walls will resound
With sweet prayer and praise,
For those who reside there
Much worship will raise.

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
Psalm 127:1 KJV

© 2013 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

Peace, Wonderful Peace

Over time I have noticed different individuals who “stood out” to me because of a certain quality which they had, and that quality was peace. It was apparent in their facial expression, in their voice or in the way they carried themselves. Peace has a profound effect on who we are, and it is magnetic. Always I am drawn to those who have this quality.

So I’m drawn also to Scriptures pertaining to peace. The following Scriptures pertaining to peace have helped me in times of trial. And the more I rely on them. the more they bring deep peace within me.

Peace as stillness in the midst of turmoil...
”Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

Peace as a quiet resting...
“Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them.”
Psalm 119:165 KJV

Peace as well-being and contentedness...
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 KJV

Peace as freedom from fear...
“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

Peace as “feeling settled”...
“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

God’s Word pertaining to peace is what enables us to have that peaceful quality which carries us through trying times.

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Special Design

Let the fabric of my life
Be woven with great skill,
With fibers from the hand of God,
His purpose to fulfill.

My fabric may be linen,
Or it even may be silk.
Or He may choose to weave
Using threads of different ilk.

When God does His weaving
His design will be unique.
I can’t weave the threads myself.
My fabric would be weak.

As I trust the Lord to weave
The fabric of my life for me.
His design will be complete.
My life will be His tapestry.

“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

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 and 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...”
Galatians 5:22 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Authority With Wisdom

Authority just does not happen from the reading of a book
Or having a position or a certain stylish look.
Authority with caring only by experience is well-learned.
By humility and wisdom and much prayer it will be earned.

Authority with wisdom does not happen overnight,
But comes by constant testing over time to gain insight.
The person with much wisdom through the years will learn it best.
And learning through the years is a necessary test.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf