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

Refreshing For A Weary Soul

When challenges of living my energies deplete,
I spend time with the Lord in prayerful retreat.
Times of rest won’t quite replenish all that I have lost,
But by the Lord upon my soul restoration is embossed.

Restoration heals us from our daily toil and weariness,
Giving us fresh outlook and a touch of heaven’s cheeriness,
Undergirding us with strength and power to again move on,
Enabling us to “run” our race when life was looking somewhat wan.

Drawing close unto the Lord brings restoration and fresh hope
That we are able every day with all our challenges to cope.
The Lord our God is able to restore a very weary soul,
To pick us up and once again to heal and make us truly whole.

“He restoreth my soul...” Psalm 23:3 KJV
“He refreshes and restores my life (my self)... Psalm 23:3 Amplified Bible
“He renews my strength”... Psalm 23:3 New Living Translation
“He makes me whole again”... Psalm 23:3 The Voice

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Shining Light

Strive to be a beacon,
A light which can been seen,
For many walk in darkness
And they know not where to lean.

If Jesus’ love in you is bright
They will be drawn to His light.
His Light reflected from your life
May save them from the dark of night.

You may not know who’ll see your light,
But if just one begins to see,
Your light has rescued one who’s lost
And saved him for eternity.

“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

“I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.”
Luke 15:7 KJV

© 2014 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

Treasure In Heaven

Our riches are measured by how much we give,
Not by belongings or how much we gain.
That which we own may give us much pleasure,
But “treasures” grow old and value will wane.

Treasures in heaven are built as we share,
When giving to others and showing we care.
We need not worry we won’t have enough...
Earthly provisions or clothing to wear.

In our great God our provision has rest.
As we seek His kingdom He meets all our needs.
Our greatest need is to serve Him and give.
For all of our “want” His provision exceeds.

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Luke 6:38 KJV

“Sell what you possess and give donations to the poor; provide yourselves with purses and handbags that do not grow old, an unfailing and inexhaustible treasure in the heavens, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.”
Luke 12:33 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Creativity In Us

When a flower is planted it must grow strong roots. And as it grows we will start to see buds form... growing promise of lovely blooms. As the petals of the blossoms unfold and issue forth fragrance we see God’s handiwork in full bloom.

If I could grow into a lovely flower, I think I would like to be a rose. But if He would want me to be a lilac or a daffodil, then that is what I must be to fulfill His promise for me. First I must ask the Lord where He wants to plant me, for I know He would plant me in good soil. Then I must receive His nurturing so my roots will be strong. (I cannot rush this process, for if I’m not well-rooted I will not be a strong plant). In His timing I will start to grow buds. As I receive His loving care, then I will blossom and have fragrance... evidence of His creativity.

I can become my radiant best as I allow Him to prune me and remove weeds which would sap nourishment from my roots. His Word is my nourishment. He is my Light. In Him I have promise of beauty and fragrance.

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

© 2014 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

His Guiding Voice

Oftentimes when God says, “No”,
Or, “All the facts you do not know”,
He keeps us from what isn’t best
Because He wants us to be blessed.

We should thank Him for His “No’s”.
His voice we never should oppose.
He can see “around the bend”
And all our footsteps will defend.

By ourselves we go astray
And sometimes flounder on our way.
He wants to save us from such error
And help us be a wise wayfarer.

He gives us constant, loving cover.
Round about us angels hover.
Listen for His guiding voice.
In His covering rejoice!

“For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend and preserve you in all your ways (of obedience and service).”
Psalm 9:11 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Serving Well

When we serve with a full heart
Love and joy we will impart.
The simplest things which we may do
May cause great blessings to ensue.

Serving well is as pure gold
Which can’t be purchased or be sold.
It’s birthed within a heart that cares...
Love’s expression, laced with prayers.

Serving is a blessed choice,
One in which we should rejoice.
To serve and not expect reward
Is truly pleasing to the Lord.

“Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.”
Philippians 2:5-7 KJV

© 2014 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

A Call To Prayer For Our Nation

Warriors, rise up and pray
That we might see a brighter day,
That once again we’ll put God first
And for His wisdom we would thirst.

God’s tenets carried us this far
And once again can make us “star”.
Prayer is our strongest course...
A powerful and mighty force.

Let our nation bow its knee.
Let our prayers for wisdom be,
Repenting of our error and sin.
Let holiness be birthed within.

May God lead us in this hour.
We need His guidance and His power.
Prayer warriors, hear this cry
And to our God again draw nigh.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Freedom From Stress

When your day is racing faster
Than the pace which you have set,
And you need to keep on top of it
So details you will not forget,

Stop and take a long, deep breath.
Ask the Lord to give you peace.
For a moment just relax,
And you will start to feel release.

He is able to adjust
The way in which your day will flow
And make you equal to it’s work
So excess stress you can forego.

He will help you to resolve
Those issues which seem difficult.
He’ll facilitate your day
If with Him you will consult.

“Jesus said unto him, If thou canst believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.”
Mark 9:23 KJV

© 2014 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 lovngkindness,
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

The Trail Ahead

Keep your focus straight ahead.
Do not wander left or right,
For other trails are everywhere
And your interest would invite.

Beware of curiosity.
These trails could lead you far astray.
While the trails may have intrigue,
They may make you lose your way.

Unknown trails can cause delay.
Robbing time when you should rest.
And you could miss desired goals.
To focus straight ahead is best.

“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left...”
Proverbs 4:26-27 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Each Day's Promise

We may not understand the promise
Given each and every day
If we are not alone with God
And glimpse a little of His way.

He will shine upon our thoughts
If in our day we give Him space.
We will see in His dimension
When we seek and give Him place.

Opening our minds to Him
Will turn our “darkness” into light.
Treasured rays of heavenly light
Will spur us on to “higher flight”.

We can soar into His promise,
Confident and strong of wing,
As we discover “higher learning”
And to His promise tightly cling.

“When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.”
Psalm 27:8 KJV

“Set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.”
Colossians 3:2 Amplified Bible

© 2014 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

Sharing His Love

It really is fun to create a gift
And give it to one whose life needs a lift.
We may not know how much that gift meant
Or how much encouragement we may have sent.

It may be the difference between hope and despair
If we take the time to show that we care.
Giving is blessed and should be a goal...
To give of one’s self to help a “down” soul.

Giving to others enlarges perspective
And offers good will, which may be infective.
God gives us talents and giftings to use.
We are His hands to share love’s good news.

“Let each of you esteem and look upon and be concerned for not (merely) his own interests, but also each for the interests of others.”
Philippians 2:4 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Very Sure Pathway

We are never lost, for the Lord gives us direction.
He shows us where to turn at every “intersection”.
We don’t lack for answers when we put our trust in Him.
Our pathway will be sure... not just a foolish whim.

We can move with confidence and have an inner peace,
Even when we face unknowns... He gives us needed expertise.
We can trust in knowing, if we follow where He leads,
His grace will go before us and cover all our needs.

“Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 Amplified Bible

© 2014 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

Encouragement

Encouragement is always needed.
By love and caring it is seeded.
Words of gladness and of cheer
Are all we sometimes need to hear.

Then we’re able to go on
And finish what was looking wan.
What a blessing when folks care
And maybe say a little prayer.

Encouragement will counter stress.
Weariness will be much less.
Share a smile or a blessing...
Sweet encouragement expressing.

“A man has joy in making an apt answer, and a word spoken at the right moment - how good it is!”
Proverbs 15:23 Amplified Bible

“A word fitly spoken and in due season is like apples of gold in settings of silver.”
Proverbs 25:11 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Acceptable In Thy Sight

That which dwells within the heart
Good or evil can impart.
What’s there will surface when we speak
In words which heal... or havoc wreak.

Let us speak with carefulness,
Measuring words with prayerfulness,
For careless words some problems net,
Often bringing deep regret.

Let our hearts be filled with good
And speak with kindness as we should.
Words of love are warm and bright,
Bringing friendship and delight!

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my (firm, impenetrable) rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 Amplified Bible

© 2014 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

Too Much Baggage

Most of us have too much “stuff”,
Half of which would be enough.
We could give it all away
But still have “baggage” we must weigh.

In our hearts we carry much...
Weighty memories and such.
We truly need to be aware
Of how much “stuff” we’ve harbored there.

This is baggage we don’t need.
From this our hearts need to be freed.
It’s wise to often make review...
And make sure “stuff” does not accrue.

“I will praise thee, O Lord, with my whole heart...”
Psalm 9:1 KJV

“Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
Matthew 5:8 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let Joy Come In

Though troubles swirl all around,
Grace in God will more abound.
We don’t have to sit and “grump”
Because we may have hit a “bump”.

Joy in Him will overcome
And help us not to be “ho-hum”.
We have reason to look up,
Believing God will fill our cup.

God brings “newness” every morn,
Our days with gladness to adorn.
His joy becomes a much-prized gift,
From trying times our hearts to lift.

“It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:22-23 KJV

“In thy presence is fulness of joy.”
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2014 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

A Lesson In Obedience

My neighbors forgot to close their front door, and their two dogs went happily running out. I knew the neighbor always kept them in his house or yard, so I went over to tell him his pets were out.

He found them in a yard a couple doors away. With a firm voice he spoke to them, “Go home!” The little dog (a long-haired chihuahua), with her tummy dragging the ground and her head bowed down, crawled over to him. When she was in front of him she rolled over on her back at his feet. Guilt was so evident in her actions. Her rolling over was almost like an apology. When he spoke again both dogs immediately ran home and into the house.

There was such a lesson in this. Sometimes when we get outside of boundaries which are safe for us, our loving God will speak and draw us back to where we need to be.. If we are like these these two dogs we will run (not walk) back to the safe and protected covering of the Lord. When we are in tune with Him and listen to His voice, He will direct our paths and keep us from going astray...

“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.”
Psalm 3:5 KJV

“And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice.”
John 10:4 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heaven's Promise

Time is rushing on so fast.
We cannot hang onto the past.
Do you know where you are going?
With a peaceful inner knowing?

If you’ve answered Jesus’ call
You will have deep peace in all.
Hope of Heaven lies ahead...
Freedom from all fear and dread.

When we complete our earthly race
We’ll see Jesus face to face.
What a glorious reward...
Eternity with our dear Lord!

“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.”
Revelation 3:20 KJV

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Clutter Happens

Clutter happens. It’s a mess!
This problem I must soon address!
Paper seems to grow and sprout...
Do I save or throw it out!

There always is a “not sure” pile,
So I save it “for awhile”.
And soon the pile overflows.
When I’m not looking, it just grows.

My cupboard had an empty place,
And now I have need of more space.
Something multiplied in there.
Probably this needs some prayer!

My house can’t be a big “in” box.
This problem I must soon outfox!
I need boxes, labeled “OUT”
And close surveillance all about...

To stay ahead of too much clutter
(Which tends to really make me mutter!)
If I don’t have some “open” space,
I have a challenge I must face!

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Precious Shield

The presence of the Lord is the “light” which makes us glad
And gives us precious balance when the “news” is often bad.
We can be “uplifted” and have joy instead of gloom
If, in the midst of daily tasks, for Jesus we make room.

As we keep our focus on the joy He offers us
We will have composure which will be a blessed “plus”.
No matter what the daily news, we can have deep inner calm.
His presence is a precious shield... a very wondrous healing balm.

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

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.”
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Faithful Friend

Sometimes friends will make a pledge
Or speak a promise or a word,
But not as many follow through
With faithfulness. They get deterred.

A faithful friend will follow through
And never ever let you down.
When they speak they are sincere.
These special ones should wear a crown!

They are steady... “down-to-earth”,
And just a few are to be found.
The goodness in a faithful friend
Is reassuring and profound.

“Many a man proclaims his own loving-kindness and goodness, but a faithful man who can find?”
Proverbs 20:6 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf