Let Hope Rise Up

In this new year let hope rise up
In faith that God will fill our cup.
We need not feel we're all alone.
He is faithful to His own.

In our walk He hovers near,
He lends to us His listening ear.
With eyes on Him we will not fail.
By His strength we will prevail.

We'll meet our challenges and goals
And fulfill all our needed roles.
With hope in Him we will have joy.
Our hope will be a constant buoy.

"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope."
Psalm 17:8-9 KJV

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Hope For Each New Day

Lord, You're our hope in each new day.
You lift us up when skies are "gray".
In all we do, You are our Source.
You guide us on a careful course.

You bring us balance, peace and joy
And wisdom which we can employ.
Our lives in You have brighter hue.
We're thankful and rejoice in You!

"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. My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness; and my mouth shall praise thee with joyful lips."
Psalm 63:3-5 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Bright Dimension

In each of us God will do a good work,
But first He must get our side-tracked attention.
He may be trying to bring about change
And lead us into a bright new dimension.

The more sensitivity we have to His will,
The more we will know His path and design.
What blessing to feel His touch on our life.
What treasure when we with His leading align!

Trusting in Him we'll learn how to "soar"
As the riches of God we mine and explore.
We'll see with new eyes and hear with new ears.
We can't even guess what He has in store!

"Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us: no one can compare with You! If I should speak of them, they are too many to be numbered."
Psalm 40:5 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Healing Balm

It is of the Father's will
That we have quiet and are "still".
When daily testings take a toll
He soothes the unrest of the soul.

His peace penetrates life's din,
Restoring quietness within.
His refreshing is sweet balm
To heal our lives and give us calm.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul."
Psalm 23:2-3 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Blessed Vessel

If I were a lump of clay
And in the Lord's hand I might lay,
I shouldn't hesitate to stay
As He shapes the lump of clay.

He will form a perfect vessel
If with His plans I do not wrestle.
Yielded clay will have rare form...
Set apart from worldly norm.

"But now, O Lord, thou art our father: we are the clay, and thou our potter: and we all are the work of thy hand."
Isaiah 64:8 KJV

"I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvelous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well."
Psalm 139:14 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

CHRISTMAS Walks Among Us

One cold night long years ago
God sent His Son in a manger low.
This tiny babe would give His life
To free us from all sin and strife.

Today He lives... He’s ever near
And by His Spirit brings good cheer.
Every place where we might go
He is there, His love to show.

We have Christmas every day
As in our hearts He comes to stay.
He brings gifts of greatest blessing...
The love of our great God expressing.

“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

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

KING Of Kings

Let all Heav’n and earth proclaim
The majesty of Jesus’ name.
Let His power be spread abroad.
Magnify and give Him laud!

Master, Savior, King of Kings...
Praise Him with the harp and strings!
Let all Heav’n and earth give voice.
He is Lord... in Him rejoice!

Carols, hymns and anthems raise.
Give Him honor, sing His praise.
Share with all His wondrous story.
He is worthy of all glory!

“Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”
I Timothy 1:17 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Glorious Event

Silent Night, hallowed night,
Eastern star, shining bright,
A newborn babe, love profound,
Angels singing, Heav’nly sound...

Joyful tidings, Heav’n’s good news,
Peace on earth, good will to muse,
Shepherds pond’ring distant star,
Worshipping in fields afar...

Quietly a great event,
Love came down... Heaven-sent,
The greatest gift we’ll ever know,
Cradled in a manger low.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Room In The Inn

Baby Jesus, do not fear...
I will make for You some space.
Little child without a bed,
In my heart I'll make a place.

I invite and welcome You
Deep within my heart to stay.
I want to live my life for You
And want to bless You every day.

As You reside within my heart,
Joy and worship I will bring.
You are worthy of all praise,
You'll daily cause my heart to sing.

Nothing I can offer You
For me could greater joy impart
Than to give You residence
In the inn of my own heart.

"If anyone loves Me, he will keep My word; and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our home with him."
John 14:23 NKJ

© 2004 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love Came Down On Christmas Eve

Jesus came... for me and you.
Quietly He made debut.
Time would prove He was God’s Son,
The King of Kings, Most Holy One.

God poured out His love that night
In a tiny babe... so slight.
No one knew how great His plan
To cover sin and redeem man.

When He sent His precious Son
He had thoughts of us... each one.
He gave us the best He had.
Rejoice and be exceeding glad!

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Sounds Of Christmas

Oh, what joyful sounds we hear...
Bells and chimes upon the ear,
Carolers and choirs singing,
Children’s laughter gaily ringing.

Happy sounds float through the air
The birth of Jesus to declare.
Excitement fills our hearts with song
And makes us want to sing along.

The Christmas season fills with joy
As praise and worship men employ.
Lift your heart and voice to sing.
Celebrate the newborn King!

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men!”
Luke 2:14 KJV

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Revisit The Manger

I will revisit the manger again
To retrace my steps and where I have been,
To recall God’s blessings and open my heart,
Ready for God new lift to impart.

Let all my worship be fragrant as myrrh,
And let His great love anew in me stir.
As I remember and take time to pause,
Again I am filled with joy and applause.

Salvation was birthed in the manger that night...
Promise of heaven, mankind to excite.
We can take joy, for God had a plan
To bring full redemption and blessing to man.

“And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”
Luke 2:10-11 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Light Of The World

Jesus became the light of the world,
A message of hope, as a banner unfurled,
Given to man... God’s ultimate gift...
Of gracious redemption our stained lives to lift.

In Him is mercy. In Him is grace...
God’s wonderful coverings in all that we face.
Jesus became the key to the door
Of heaven’s bright gates and life evermore.

If we will follow, He’ll show us the way,
Will fill us with joy and all fears allay.
Jesus became our path and our light
So we might have futures both holy and bright.

“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

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Season Of Joy

Let Christmas once again unfold
The greatest story ever told
Of Jesus’ birth, God’s precious Son...
God’s salvation plan begun.

Let His love spread far and wide
In a mighty, sweeping tide.
As gifting to the hearts of men,
Let His birth be told again.

Jesus came to make men glad...
The greatest friend man ever had.
Let us celebrate His birth
With adoration, joy and mirth.

“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.”
Psalm 100:1-2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Tiny Spark... A Mighty Flame

A baby’s birth... a tiny spark... would over time become a flame.
God’s great love for all mankind the light of Heaven’s hope became.
Jesus had no earthly comfort but was birthed in lowly place.
Man received a miracle of lovingkindness and of grace.

Let the flame of Jesus’ love be fanned within your heart anew.
Let a holy fire burst forth and brightly burn in all you do.
Let it’s light and warmth become contagious by it’s healing balm,
Reaching out with new-lit flames, inspiring peace and joy and calm.

May this fire’s sparks ignite, unquenchable and with great power.
Let salvation’s fires burn with great new fervor in this hour.
Let our hearts be tuned afresh to know the warmth of Jesus’ flame,
Remembering salvation’s plan - the glorious reason why He came.

“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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
John 3:16-17 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Finding Christmas

The real Christmas isn’t found
In presents from a shopping mall
And dashing back and forth in stores
For many items, large and small.

Jesus Christ is still the reason
Christmas is His wondrous story.
He was God’s most precious gift.
We should praise and give Him glory.

Jesus’ name has been erased
From speech and courts and public schools,
But He still lives in many hearts.
He is Lord, and He still rules!

What a wondrous gift God gave,
Of love and joy and hope for all.
The happiness which Jesus brings
Cannot be purchased in a mall.

“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let The Children Sing

At Christmas let the children sing.
Let their little voices ring!
Let their hearts well up with joy,
Every girl and every boy.

As they sing of Jesus’ birth
And are filled with glee and mirth,
Listen to their gentle sound.
Love and sweetness there abound.

Children have a special way
In how they sing and what they say.
They will bring a simple view
Which oft refreshes me and you

When the little children sing,
Special blessings they will bring.
Listen to their voices sweet
As the Savior’s birth they greet.

“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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Mirrors Of Christmas

If this Christmas season were seen in a mirror,
What would be found there in it’s clear reflection?
Would there be singing, or sharing and love...
Would anything there point in Jesus’ direction?

Would there be scenes of sweet celebration,
Honoring Jesus... rememb’ring His birth?
Who there would practice “good will to all men”
And live in a way to bring peace on the earth?

Christmas has meaning anew every year
As His love is birthed afresh in each heart.
And when this happens, new joy will come forth...
His love and His peace and warmth to impart.

The scenes in the mirror will be lovely indeed,
Recording the love of the Christmas season,
For all that has meaning and really has worth
Is found in our Lord... HE is the reason!

Without Jesus Christ the mirrors will be empty
And will not record a scene or reflection.
The scenes will be lost, for they don’t have true meaning,
And will not be worthy of sweet recollection.

© 2006 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Warmly-Burning Fire

In this season joy impart.
Light a candle in a heart.
Of joy and caring be a spark.
Be a bright light in the dark.

A hurting one may need a hug.
Don't just look away and shrug.
Your hug might cause that one to heal
And great potential to reveal.

An act of love, done to inspire,
Will light a warmly-burning fire.
Be a warm flame, be a "smile",
To help one walk another mile.

"And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise."
Luke 6:31 KJV

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thank You, LORD

Lord, in this special time of year
We have deep gratitude and cheer
In remembrance of Your birth
And why God sent You down to earth.

Your life brought hope for all mankind.
God's love, through You, was well-defined.
Rejoicing fills this wondrous season.
Thank You, Lord... You are the reason!

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Flame Seen Far And Wide

Come, Dear Lord, be birthed anew,
The hearts of men to heal and woo.
How man needs Your precious touch,
For he's off-course and hurting much.

Salvation's warmth can build a fire
And change the bent of man's desire.
Let its flame spread far and wide
And cause men in You to abide.

"For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him."
John 3:17 Amplified bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Possible Dream

If we would desire to walk as God leads, the size of our accomplishments would be far beyond our own expectations. By simple obedience to Him the prosperity of our lives would flourish. The bindings and roadblocks caused by error would fall away. Light would increase, joy would burst forth, peace and well-being would rest upon us.

Even in today's mixed-up world this is not an impossible dream. God's promises to us stand. He is faithful, His goodness is profound and always follows a tuned-in heart.

The more we are attuned to God, the more our "walk" will be adjusted and healed... no more stumbling and lack of direction or confidence, no more emptiness, but sureness and fulfillment and joy in each step we take.

Let this be the desire of our hearts...

"The steps of a (good) man are directed and established by the Lord when He delights in his way (and busies Himself with his every step)."
Psalm 37:23 Amplified Bible

"O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct his steps."
Jeremiah 10:23 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Hand-Designed

We each have an identity...
By our God we're hand-designed.
The greatest joy which we can have
Is when His plan for us we find.

Discovering the gifts we have
Creates both joy and inner peace.
We will have new-found direction
And of blessing have increase.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Choose Joy

Though you may be struggling or working very hard,
Let pleasantness become the rule, all your thoughts to guard.
Happy thoughts can lift your load and brighten up your day
And any daily negatives will laughingly outweigh.

Laughter is a useful tool... one we all can choose.
It helps us have a win-win day and offset nuisance "blues".
Don't let any situation cause you to look down.
Let pleasantness become the rule, with joy your days to crown.

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

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness."
Psalm 30:11 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Gold

With deep understanding a person is calm.
In times of great stress his peace is a balm.
He will not be jarred or speak out in haste,
For words too soon spoken are often a waste.

He will be guided by wisdom and vision
And choose all his words with careful precision.
When he does speak, his words will be clear.
His oversight will be worthwhile to hear.

Those who seek wisdom are truly a gift
And add to us blessing, our lives to lift.
They have understanding more priceless than gold.
It cannot be bought, nor will it be sold.

"He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding has a cool spirit."
Proverbs 17:27 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Great Is HIS Faithfulness

When we are hurting and cry out with pain,
The comfort of God, who can explain?
For when we have need He comes alongside
To lend strength and balance in which to abide.

His presence brings ongoing comfort and hope,
Enabling us to once again cope.
How great His compassion and unfailing love,
That merciful touch we need from above.

"This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope. 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 3:21-23 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Crossword Puzzle

Life is like a crossword puzzle,
With many spaces to be filled.
When we fill the blanks correctly
A life of beauty we will build.

Should we enter a wrong word
The puzzle then won't be complete,
For other words cannot be entered
Until the wrong word we delete.

Each word has right definition,
And as we fit each one in place
There won't be blanks which are unfilled.
What expression of God's grace!

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake."
Psalm 23:3 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Timing

We sometimes need a “shaking”
Just to bring us up to speed
So we are on the cutting edge
To always know how God would lead.

If we need a “wake-up” call
We should be grateful when it comes.
It gives us fresh, new insight
So we don’t yawn and say “ho-hums”.

If every word the Lord will speak
We carefully will hear and heed,
Always we will have a peace
In how to “move” and to proceed.

Of being in His will and timing
We should always be aware.
We will know His path for us
If we will “watch” and stay in prayer.

“The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they know Me.”
John 10:27 Amplified Bible

"When he has brought his own sheep outside, he walks on before them, and the sheep follow him because they know his voice.”
John 10:4 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Time For Praise

When we're in "the Christmas rush"
And busyness becomes a crush,
It's good to re-evaluate
And "overload" eliminate.

At Christmas we should stop and pause,
Slowing down to bring applause,
Remembering God's wondrous plan
In sending Jesus to save man.

November was a time of praise,
But moreso in December raise
Deep adoration for God's Son,
God’s glorious gift for us... each one.

"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. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved."
John 3:16-17 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Step By Step

The first step we will take
Is the best one we can make
If we maybe need to move
So our lifestyle will improve.

Each decision, when well-made,
Will truly help us to upgrade.
Diligence, when well-employed,
Will show us pitfalls to avoid.

We will start to realize
We can make change if we're wise.
Reward will come from steps we take
And wise decisions which we make.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Banners Of Prayer

Our country is blessed with Godly foundation.
Let banners of prayer wave over this nation.
The tenets of God are the strength which we need.
Only to His words should we pay heed.

With mixed information we are bombarded.
Against such confusion we need to be guarded.
Issues of import get lost in the shuffle.
Too much mixed news our insight will muffle.

We must stay focused to steer through this "haze"
And not let our thoughts fall into malaise.
When we can't sort out the news that we hear,
Always to God's truths should we adhere.

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Keep It Simple

We sometimes over-complicate
When "simple" just would be more wise.
We should give some thought to this,
Then an easier plan devise.

Ease of order simplifies
And oils the gears of what is done.
It promotes accomplishment
And maybe even will be fun!

"And whatsover ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Colossians 3:23 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Procrastination

Procrastination is a snare
And creates "weights" we should not bear.
For when we let things fall behind
We sometimes find we're in a bind.

Facing quickly life's "demands"
Prevents delays and frees our hands
So we have order in our days
And peace of mind in all our ways.

"Look carefully then how you walk! Live purposefully and worthily and accurately, not as the unwise and witless, but as wise (sensible, intelligent people). Making the very most of the time (buying up each opportunity), because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Priceless Treasure

It's good to study and be learning
And for wisdom to be yearning.
Wisdom is a reservoir
Of wealth and value and much more.

In it we find understanding
For all which life may be demanding.
Wisdom is a gift of gold
Which never fails nor grows old.

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold."
Proverbs 3:13-14 KJV

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Is Our Helper

When we need help, with things great or small,
God has a way of helping with all.
He knows our needs, whether peace or provision
Or helping us make a simple decision.

The answers He brings will cause us to grow
And maybe creative ideas will sow.
He brings the clarity we need for each day
And saves us from needless worry and fray.

"Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition (definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God."
Philippians 4:6 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Song Of Thanksgiving

For abundance and for plenty
Let Thanksgiving songs be raised.
In expression from the heart
Let our God be warmly praised.

All we have is from His hand.
Let our worship freely flow.
Acknowledging His rich supply,
Let robust celebration grow.

He has poured out wondrous blessing.
Let us glorify His name!
For His love and faithfulness,
Let us bring Him all acclaim!

"O come, let us sing unto the Lord: let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. Let us come before his presence with thanksgiving, and make a joyful noise unto him with psalms. For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods.”
Psalm 95:1-3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

His Name Is High

We are surrounded by good and by plenty.
God meets our needs in miraculous ways!
Let us be mindful of His glorious bounty
And lift up a song of thanksgiving and praise.

His name is high... above any other...
Worthy of honor and reverence and praise.
Let us lift up our hearts and our hands
And to our great God celebration raise!

“I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth. My soul shall make her boast in the Lord: the humble shall hear thereof, and be glad. O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.”
Psalm 34:1-3 KJV

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Remember The Pilgrims

Remember the pilgrims and what they stood for...
For freedom to worship they came to our shore.
They made a long journey from depth of conviction
To worship our God and be free from restriction.

Freedom in worship they knew must be guarded,
Not lightly treated or foolishly discarded.
This is a heritage we can't forget,
An error which only would bring deep regret.

God is our strength and all hope for this nation.
We lift our hands in heartfelt oblation.
In honor and tribute and worship we stand,
Knowing our blessings have been from His hand.

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High."
Psalm 92:1 KJV

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Thanksgiving Time

Thanksgiving is a wondrous time
Of praise and celebration...
A season when we bow our hearts
In joyful adoration...

For blessings poured into our lives,
More than we can number...
Even for the air we breathe,
For life and health and slumber.

All we have is from God’s hand,
Poured out in bounteous measure.
By His love and graciousness
Our lives are filled with treasure.

“By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name.”
Hebrews 13:15 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Take Time To Reflect

This Thanksgiving Day the best thing to do
Is give God much honor, to which He is due.
The blessings He gives are more than we know.
It truly is time our gratitude to show.

Daily let hearts with awareness be shod.
We must be faithful to honor our God.
We need to slow down and give Thanksgiving space
And worship our God for His goodness and grace.

Christmas will come with joyful ado
And bring many blessings to me and to you.
But Thanksgiving is a true celebration
Of all God has done in this, our great nation.

"For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised..."
I Chronicles 16:25 KJV

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O most High: to shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and thy faithfulness every night."
Psalm 92:1-2 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

You Are Our Hope

No matter our circumstance, in You is hope,
Abundance of joy and promising scope.
We are not limited by what we see.
In You we rise up, much better to be.

You are the Light which shows us the way.
You lift us up from the toil of the day.
As we move forward with eyes trained on You
We're filled with much hope in all that we do.

"Be of good courage, and he shall strengthen your heart, all ye that hope in the Lord."
Psalm 31:24 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Is Our Refuge

In these troubled days and times
Amidst the chaos which we see,
In the Lord we can take refuge,
For in Him our strength will be.

When we cannot see ahead
He brings comfort and deep peace
He will be our closest friend,
From deep unrest to find release.

Trusting God will keep us balanced,
Shielding us from stress and fear.
He becomes our place of refuge
As to Him we hasten near.

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

"Trust in him at all times; ye people, pour out your heart before him: God is a refuge for us."
Psalm 62:8 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Careful Thoughts

Carefully I choose my thoughts
And try to never let them stray.
For when I’m fine-tuned to the Lord
He shows me many things to weigh.

If I don’t focus in on Him
Then my thoughts will get side-tracked.
My direction won’t be clear
Nor my perception be intact.

I must guard against mixed thoughts
Which take my time and fill my mind,
For when God speaks I want to hear
And to His movement be inclined.

If I don’t manage my thoughts well
I will not know how much I’ve lost.
To not stay tuned-in to the Lord
Can sometimes bring too high a cost!

“Roll your works upon the Lord (commit and trust them wholly to Him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and) so shall your plans be established and succeed.”
Proverbs 16:3 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Saved And Forgiven

The urgency of the times we are in
Should prompt deep repentance from shadow of sin.
We do not know the days yet ahead
But need not be filled with deep-rooted dread.

In finding forgiveness of sin by the Lord
We have assurance of Heavenly reward.
He fills our days with deep, inner joy.
In unknown times He is our buoy.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Meaningful Life

Relationship with God will be our best strength
To pilot us forward through years of life's length.
He changes the fibers of who we become.
Of benefits He gives we can't measure the sum.

He gives foundation which never will bend.
The wisdom He shares our needs will transcend.
Our lives will have purpose and Heaven-touched worth
And leave meaningful imprint behind on this earth.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Starting Small - Ending Big

You may be doing something small.
It may not seem to matter at all.
But if you do it very well
God will cause its worth to swell.

We can’t start out with something big.
(A tree starts out as just a twig).
Do not scorn a simple start.
Sincerely do it with full heart.

As you’re faithful in each task
God perfects more than you ask.
Diligence is what you’ll learn,
And higher merits you will earn.

“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.”
Colossians 3:23 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

"Son" Shine

In all the corners of your life
If you will let the Son shine in,
With Him to guide you in your way
Over darkness you will win.

He will be your source of strength
When His light in you shall dwell.
Receive the Son in all you do
And He will cause you to do well.

"For thou art my lamp, O Lord: and the Lord will lighten my darkness."
II Samuel 22:29 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Choose Joy

Though you may be struggling or working very hard,
Let pleasantness become the rule, all your thoughts to guard.
Happy thoughts can lift your load and brighten up your day
And any daily negatives will laughingly outweigh.

Laughter is a useful tool... one we all can choose.
It helps us have a win-win day and offset nuisance "blues".
Don't let any situation cause you to look down.
Let pleasantness become the rule, with joy your days to crown.

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

"Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness."
Psalm 30:11 KJV

© 2015 Arlene schwartzkopf

Truth Speaks Clearly

Truth is always “black-and-white”
And won’t be found in muddy grey.
If truth cannot be clearly seen
Integrity has gone astray.

Words we hear and words in print
On Godly truth may often trample.
Sift the words you hear each day
To see if they are truth’s example.

Integrity and truth will stand...
Always constant, always pure.
When fancy verbiage seeks attention
Rest in God. His truths are sure.

“Every word of God is tried and purified; He is a shield to those who trust and take refuge in Him.”
Proverbs 30:5 Amplified Bible

“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 (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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Finding Our Direction

When we let go of what we don't need,
Then we make room for growth of new "seed".
We will fulfill God's purpose and call
As we are yielded in any and all.

Perspective will change, we'll have a new stance.
Our understanding the Lord will enhance.
All of those things which we tried to clutch
Were simply diversions, distractions and such.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No Greater Love

Our veterans have served and not asked for praise,
But high accolades to them we should raise!
Selfless and brave, they serve this great nation.
The service they give is a real inspiration.

In our behalf they've answered the call
To ensure protection for one and for all.
In this they've achieved a profound dimension
And truly deserve much honorable mention.

"Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends."
John 15:13 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Voice Calling

My people’s eyes and ears are dulled.
By “overload” their minds are lulled.
Awake, O People! Hear My voice!
I offer you a better choice!

Be renewed from constant “blur”.
Let refreshing in you stir.
Spend time in the Word and prayer.
I’ll meet you and will heal you there.

I’ll be your lifeline day and night.
Joy and gladness I’ll ignite.
Let new enthusiasm burn
As from long weariness you return.

The “world” will offer many choices
And coax you with its myriad voices.
But when you choose to “rest” in Me,
From “overload” you will be free.

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind (both its inclination and its character) is stayed on You, because he commits himself to You, leans on You, and hopes confidently in You."
Isaiah 26:3 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf