A Strong Foundation

You can’t build a house on flimsy foundation,
For it will not have a lengthy duration.
Its walls start to sag and its floors start to creak.
Its future longevity will be quite bleak.

Foundation is basic in all that we do
When we have sure footing, and wisdom pursue,
We will build well... our plans will not fail.
We won’t have setbacks which cause us to “ail”.

The tools of our “building” are found in the Word.
Instruction we find there will best undergird.
We will not falter, nor plans fall apart,
If our foundation is strong from the start.

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: and the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock.”
Matthew 7:24-25 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Being Focused

Keeping order in our thought,
When in “busyness” we’re caught,
Is not as easy as it seems.
Our minds will follow many streams.

If we focus on our goal,
Not giving lesser things control,
Distractions then will have no sway
And we will have an ordered day.

Important thoughts will not get lost.
And busyness will not have cost.
Finishing each task we start
Will then become a practiced art.

“The hand of the diligent will rule...”
Proverbs 12:24 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Holy Spirit, Come

We need a blessing from God’s hand
To bring refreshing in our land.
Many lives are caught in “drought”,
Suffering from fear and doubt.

Holy Spirit, come and rest
On those who need to be refreshed.
Let Your healing waters flow,
New life and blessing to bestow.

Let Your floodgates open up
Come and fill this empty cup,
Washing o’er our land today.
“Holy Spirit, come”, we pray.

“So too the (Holy) Spirit comes to our aid and bears us up in our weakness; for we do not know what prayer to offer nor how to offer it worthily as we ought, but the Spirit Himself goes to meet our supplication and pleads in our behalf with unspeakable yearnings and groanings too deep for utterance.”
Romans 8:26 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Joyful Reward

We sometimes sow our seed with tears.
For some we’ve prayed for years and years.
God has noted every tear
Which we have shed for someone dear.

Faithfulness to carry on,
Even when our hopes are wan,
Is highly honored by the Lord
And brings a glorious reward.

Be encouraged. Do not quit.
God will give you added grit.
Not one prayer has gone unheard.
By your faith, God’s heart is stirred.

“They that sow in tears shall reap in joy. He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him,”
Psalm 126:5-6 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Possibility In Christ

In Christ is possibility.
You’re unencumbered and set free
To reach a goal or win a race
And all His blessings to embrace.

He gives gifts and He gives skills
To mount the very highest “hills”.
In all things in Him believe.
When you trust, you will receive.

You'll find strength and you'll have grace
Every circumstance to face.
Whatever challenge comes your way
In Christ you will not go astray.

“Now in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Romans 8:37 KJV

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Philippians 4:13 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wisdom And Caution

Wisdom would urge us to weigh every plan
And each of our choices to thoroughly scan.
Excitement and fun times would lure us to come,
But if they’re not right, they’ll leave us quite numb.

Decisions made quickly without thought or prayer
Have “price tags” of which we are not aware.
We must be sure of each step we take
Lest we get entangled and make a mistake.

Maybe we feel that we are “left out”,
But should not join in if we have some doubt.
Caution is friendly... our lives it will guard...
And shows us the choices which we should discard.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”
Psalm 119:105 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Remember His Benefits

The benefits of the Lord are many.
Remember... lest you not have any.
Think upon His loving care
And praise Him with your heartfelt prayer.

Never should we take for granted
All the blessings He has planted.
All we have is from His hand.
May we truly understand.

Worship Him with heart and voice.
For His love and grace, rejoice!
All our days in Him are blessed.
Let worship in us be expressed.

“Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases, who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies; who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”
Psalm 103:2-5 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Open Line

I know to whom I want to talk
When I make a telephone call,
Then I’m offered “menu options”.
I tire of listening to them all!

If the menus weren’t so long
The call I’m making would be short.
Sometimes I will just hang up.
Menus all my patience thwart.

Then I call upon the Lord
To help me make this simple call.
He always has an open line
To hear my prayers, however small.

He will help me to be patient.
With this daily irritation.
When I hear a lengthy menu,
He brings peace for my frustration.

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Praise Rising Up

Praise rising up in the depth of my being
O’ershadows the woes which my eyes are seeing.
Praise changes me, and brings me great peace.
My heart is encouraged... in Him is release.

He is my shelter when storms tend to blow.
He makes my heart with joy to o’erflow.
As my perspective is caught up in praise
I can “see” better... He transforms my days.

“Rejoice in the Lord, O you (uncompromisingly) righteous (you upright in right standing with God): for praise is becoming and appropriate (for those who are upright (in heart).”
Psalm 33:1 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Wisdom's Imprint

When wisdom makes its imprint
On a life or in a heart,
That life will have direction
And for good is set apart.

Wisdom makes a difference,
For it opens up our eyes
And brings us understanding
Which we then can exercise.

Wisdom is a priceless treasure...
One which we should always seek.
When its imprint is in place
The path we walk will be unique.

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him,”
James 1:5 KJV

“She (wisdom) is more precious than rubies: and all the things thou canst desire are not to be compared unto her. Length of days is in her right hand; and in her left hand riches and honour. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to them that lay hold upon her: and happy is every one that retaineth her.”
Proverbs 3:15-18 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Safe Course

We need the Lord to find our course,
To be our guide and be our source.
He is able to direct
And all our footsteps to perfect.

If we need to make detour
Because our pathway isn’t sure,
He will always make us ready,
Then will keep us strong and steady.

Unexpected change is hard
And can cause us to be jarred.
Our skills the Lord will reinforce
To always help us “stay” our course.

“Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; there shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Psalm 91:9-11 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Great Love Story

A rose is perhaps the most loved flower.....

It rises forth out of a homely-looking wood stalk. The stalk is sometimes gnarled and may have been “wounded” or broken at some time. There may have been times of drought and seasons of severe cold..... and yet each year it bursts forth in glory and presents us with all the beauty and fragrance which can be found anywhere in a flower.

My favorite rose is a rich, velvety red and grows on long, sturdy stems. When it blooms it reminds me of all the majesty and power of our Lord Jesus. The rich velvet of the petals reminds me of His royalty. When I cut a bloom and bring it inside, it’s fragrance fills my house. This is precious, because I want Jesus’ fragrance to always fill the rooms of my home.

The rose has beautiful leaves, but it also has large thorns, and I am reminded of the thorns Christ wore in my behalf. The rose represents Jesus, but the thorns bring remembrance of the suffering He went through for me... and you.....

This is the greatest love story of all time..... Think on the rose.....

“...Whatsoever things are lovely... think on these things.”
Philippians 4:8 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Pleasant Home

Order in a home is a gift to all who live there...
A way of showing loved ones just how much we really care.
This is not an easy task, but one we all should really do.
Order is a blessed gift... it’s one we truly should pursue.

We do ourselves a favor if we learn to be more neat.
It makes our home attractive... like a place of sweet “retreat”.
Order is a better choice than disarray and clutter,
For when we cannot find a thing, we grumble and we mutter.

Too much “schedule” can confuse and rob us of our peace and ease.
Maybe we should organize our time and check activities.
Any causes of disorder we should re-evaluate.
Peace and order in a home are gifts which we ourselves create!

“For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace...”
I Corinthians 14:33 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Forgiveness Is As Gold

When we take offense, we are building a wall.
If we don’t forgive, we have no joy at all.
If things offend you, release them at once.
Do not pay head to slights and affronts.

Choose to be free of resentment and grudges.
Do not react to barbs, hints, or “nudges”.
Love and forgiveness will bridge any gap
And keep us from getting caught up in this trap.

The fruit of forgiveness is healing and peace.
And love is the oil of gentle release.
Walk in the joy of forgiveness each day.
Its worth is as gold... God’s love-inspired way.

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

© 2013 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

Trails Of Blessing

What kind of “trail” do you leave behind?
When you’ve passed through, will others then find
That nothing has changed right down “to the letter”?
Or will your own imprint have made things much better?

We have a choice in the trail we leave.
Our goal should be blessings for folks to receive.
Something good happens when we think ahead...
Our very best blessings to share and to spread.

Each time we make effort, our trail to improve,
We’ll inspire others to similarly move.
Our trail will bring challenge as others look on
And will be remembered long after we’ve gone.

“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

You Are Special

Did you know you are different from everyone else...
You are quite special and one-of-a-kind.
God is creative and gave you much thought.
The plan for your life by Him was hand-signed.

You are important... in Him you have worth.
You have His “imprint”, which no one can take.
The giftings He gave you are rich and unique.
Never forget this when choices you make.

Rejoice in His goodness. Look up and be glad!
When you were born God gave you His best!
In Him is promise and “wealth” to excel.
Know that in Him you will be very blessed.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Discerning The News

When we hear the evening news
The many facts we should peruse.
Prayer Warriors, be alert!
Some issues media will “skirt”.

What is bad can’t be called good.
Issues must be understood.
Issues which have “haziness”
Confuse and sponsor “craziness”.

Prayer Warriors, watch and pray
That truth be known every day.
Of urgent issues be aware.
When we pray, God hears our prayer.

“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

Our Peace Is In Him

When you need peace from stress and confusion
And you need light to offset delusion,
Draw nigh to God... just rest and be still,
For then He will speak and show you His will.

When everything’s moving ahead at full speed
It’s wise to retreat until you find His lead.
He may advise you to try a new “tack”,
Or He just might tell you to “watch and stand back.”

He knows what is best... to leave or to stay.
Whatever the change, then He’ll pave the way
And give you the peace which you so desire.
All of your footsteps He then will inspire.

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Read The Instructions

How many times have we heard these words,
“When all else fails, read the instructions.”
Usually this will be after the fact
When we’ve already tried our own weak deductions.

We should not get in too much of a hurry,
But just stop and read the instructions first.
Then we won’t get in a dither or flurry.
All our frustrations would then be reversed!

We should be willing to listen and learn.
It’s always wise to heed good advice
Think how much effort and time we could save.
So we would not have to do some things twice!

“Take fast hold of instruction; let her not go: keep her; for she is thy life.”
Proverbs 4:13 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Reaching Up

It it seems like you’ve reached bottom
And you’re weary from the fight.
If you know the Lord
In Him you’ll find new strength and might.

He does not desert us in our times
When life is out of joint.
He is there beside us,
Helping us to find a turning point.

When all we do comes to a halt
And we don’t know which way to turn,
He gives us new perspective,
And guides us through what we must learn.

If we lean upon my Lord,
To help us reach a “mountain top”.
We can start a higher climb...
In Him we will not fail or drop.

Yes, we may be weary,
But He gives us hope and blessed peace.
No matter what the “climb” before us,
Our strength, in Him, will have increase.

“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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm “lights a fire”
And helps us work toward our desire.
Zeal and fervor energize
And point us toward goals of great size.

Laziness will hold us back
Because our attitudes are slack.
Procrastination slows us down,
So when we fall behind, we frown.

Attitudes are ours to choose,
And good ones light our future’s fuse.
It’s best to never lag behind
Because to work we’re not inclined.

Opportunity will knock.
Attitudes good choice could block.
Let enthusiasm rule.
It often is our strongest tool!

“For the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 KJV

“He becomes poor who works with a slack and idle hand, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”
Proverbs 10:4 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Treasure From God

When we are reverent and humble of heart,
Our God will speak and anointing impart.
There in the quiet, in us He’ll give birth
To giftings and promise which will have great worth.

As we then nurture the promise He planted
We will have favor which our God has granted.
We cannot claim the work He has done.
Only in Him was a new work begun.

When we are changed in the quiet with Him
Our lives from that point will never be dim.
By His own hand He’ll lift us up high.
Our lives will have worth which money can’t buy.

“Lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Matthew 6:20-21 KJV

“Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ.”
Philippians 1:6 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Order Or Suprises?

Closets were made to put clothes away,
But some are so full that things go astray.
A closet, o’er time, is full of surprises...
So many clothes, of all different sizes...

Or too many shoes... with purses to match,
Which o’erfill the space so the door will not latch.
We maybe don’t need as much as we buy
Or to keep everything when our space becomes shy.

When clothes just don’t fit, then give them away.
Things which don’t match should maybe not stay.
Making a plan is a good step to take,
For planning ahead more order will make.

If when you’re done your clothes still don’t fit,
You’ll need a new closet... or humor and wit!
Think what a load this will take off your mind...
When you have order, your clothes you can find!

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Healing Light

You may be the only light
In another’s dreary day.
Take the time to show you care
As you travel on your way.

A bright “hello” or loving smile
May truly bring some hope or cheer
To one who isn’t recognized
Or made to feel that he is “dear”.

Acceptance brings a healing flow.
If you bring a little light
Hurting folks will start to blossom
You have made their day seem bright!

“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.”
Matthew 5:14-15 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Waiting Quietly

Oftentimes the Lord says, “Wait”.
Or He may tell us just to “rest”.
Learning to have faith in Him
Can sometimes be a lengthy test.

We should not question what He says,
Knowing He is in control.
Though waiting sometimes is a “stretch”,
Impatience oft can take a toll.

The Lord will guard and keep us safe
If we do not start to wander.
He knows what is best for us.
His timing we should never squander.

“The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:25-26 KJV

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Many Eagles

Our country needs men who are fearless and strong...
Eagles at heart against what is wrong,
Those who will stand with power and might,
Defending the truth through darkness and night.

Eagles have vision, eagles will soar
And move with precision you cannot ignore.
They aren’t distracted, nor will they waver
From storms which may threaten... or from disfavor.

May “eagles” rise up and answer God’s call,
Carrying banners of freedom for all.
Let there be light, and let truth be known.
Let freedom’s victories be bright and full-blown!

“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. He teacheth my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by mine arms.”
Psalm 18:32-34 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Celebrate!

Celebrate our country’s freedom!
Never let its truths be lost!
In our hearts and memories
Let its tenets be embossed!

By God’s blessing we have prospered.
By His hand we have survived.
Through much prayer and faith in Him
We’ve been safe, we have thrived.

Remember where our great strength lies
And Who it is that made us great.
Blessings, freedom, peace and joy
Are reasons we should celebrate!

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessed Hope

Hope is a springboard from which we rise up...
The promise of newness and reaching our goal.
When hope is in God we have a full cup
Waiting and ready to make our lives whole.

In God our hope is not vague...it is real...
As we lean in trust to see His hand move,
His goodness and power and might to reveal,
All of our doubts or fears to disprove.

We’re not alone when hope is in place,
For God hears our prayers and comes alongside.
We then can rest and lean on His grace,
Knowing in all things that He will provide.

“For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for? But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.”
Romans 8:24-25 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Moccasins

We often will not understand the “fit” of others’ moccasins
Unless we really care enough to try to walk a block in them.

The moccasins may be well-worn, and wearing them our feet would bruise.
Probably we’d hurry back and welcome wearing our own shoes.

We cannot point and say we know how rough a path some folks may walk.
We only prove we have blind spots in how we reason and we talk.

Only Jesus knows their pain, and He will help them bear their weight.
But if we think we understand, with judgment we should hesitate.

“Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at a glance - superficially and by appearances; but judge fairly and righteously.”
John 7:24 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene schwartzkopf

Windows In Time

We have windows in time to do certain things...
A space which is open when timing is right.
If we don’t do them our chance may be lost
And we cannot backtrack to repair our plight.

Urgency says, “We should do it now”
And not put it off till some other day.
For “some other day” may bring a new task
Which needs to be done without a delay.

God helps us see our windows in time.
He is most faithful to lead and to guide.
When we feel a nudge to get something done,
It’s wisdom to move and not set it aside.

“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Wherefore be ye not unwise, but understanding what the will of the Lord is.”
Ephesians 5:15-17 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf