Let Freedom Ring

"Political correctness" is a snare.
It limits what we dare to say.
But truth will break through its dark haze
And free us from its disarray!

Let truth rise up across the land
And wave its unrelenting banner,
Restoring freedom once again
By strong posture, means and manner.

"These are the things that ye shall do; Speak ye every man the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates."
Zechariah 8:16 KJV

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Prayer Shelter

It is wise to stay covered with prayer all around.
It becomes a cocoon in which peace will abound.
The power of prayer is a welcoming shelter
To which we can run from things “helter-skelter”.

We can be strong when all things are shaking
And have inner peace to soothe “nervous quaking”.
We’ll have a surety... a sense of deep calm...
A refuge and shield against every qualm.

Prayer is our anchor for all that we do.
We then are stable in all we go through.
We will not shudder or tremble or fear.
To God we will lift up a listening ear.

“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. And God’s peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heart's Desire

In my life let praise resound!
Let my walk with grace abound.
May my words be filled with light
And my prayers have heavenly flight.

May imprints which I leave be kind,
Heartfelt and by love defined.
Let my life be as a praise,
Much glory to our God to raise!

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee. Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name."
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Forgiven!

When God forgives our sin and shame
He no longer sees our blame.
How great His mercy and His grace!
Our sins are gone... every trace!

Our pathway then is fresh and bright,
Our perception filled with light.
Our life will have a whole new stance
And wisdom in us rich expanse.

"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."
I John 1:9 KJV

"As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
Psalm 103:12 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Expectancy

Do you have expectancy
Of all the good things God will do...
And know deep down within yourself
Just how much He’ll do for you?

God has only good for you
And truly wants you to excel
He will guide you carefully
And help you to do all things well.

Expectancy in God will give you
Joy, well-being and deep peace.
You will have His careful timing
As He gives you expertise.

Your times of learning in the Lord
Will give you insight rich and rare.
You will have a sense of joy,
And all His goodness will declare.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Transitions

As we transition into Fall
We once again sense Winter's call
With thoughts of how we should prepare
And of the trends to be aware...

Of knowing that we are secure
And of provision to be sure.
Wisdom speaks in every season,
Urging us to muse and reason.

Listen to her faithful voice.
Purpose now to make good choice.
Autumn offers time and grace
Against the winter's trends to brace.

"Be thou diligent to know the state of thy flocks, and look well to thy herds."
Proverbs 27:23 KJV

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Hearts Of Gold

Thank You, Lord, for those who care
When of a need they are aware,
Who will step up to the plate
And help to lift "a heavy weight".

These are folks with hearts of gold,
Whose help cannot be bought or sold.
Their hearts are filled with good clear through,
Showing love in all they do.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Discerning Truth

We need to teach our young folks
To stand up for what is right.
For truth is on a slippery slope.
Help them know what’s black or white.

Amidst the current thinking modes
Right principles are now a blur.
But if our young folks know God’s Word
Righteousness in them will stir.

The Word will help them to discern
Between the truth and what they hear.
As they stand for righteousness
Their insights will be very clear.

“And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”
Deuteronomy 6:5-6 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Gentle Thoughts

Unkind thoughts allowed to "rest"
Will tend to burrow deep within.
Do not give them any space.
To let them stay will be "no-win".

Let your thoughts with love be laced.
Filter out what is not kind.
When your thoughts with joy are graced,
God's love in you is well-defined.

"Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established."
Proverbs 16:3 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Inner Strength

Inner strength comes from the Lord.
His Word is as a sharpened sword
To cut away what has no worth
And strength within us to give birth.

When deep within God's Word is hewn,
To worldly chaff we are immune.
The more we're in the Lord's embrace,
We'll find that chaff just has no place.

"For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Hebrews 4:12 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Imprints

What kind of “imprints” do we leave behind....
If others should study them, what would they find?
Imprints of love will live on and on
And echo anew with every new dawn.

Blessings we leave bring positive change
And linger with joy and richness long-range.
The sunshine of friendship we offer to some
Is as gold to one whose life was ho-hum.

We won’t be remembered for riches or fame
But more for the fullness of love’s burning flame.
Love makes an imprint which can’t be erased...
Memories which will long be embraced.

“Love bears up under anything and everything that comes, is ever ready to believe the best of every person, its hopes are fadeless under all circumstances, and it endures everything (without weakening). Love never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end)."
I Corinthians 13:7-8 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Answered Prayers

When we have need we cannot meet,
God is faithful to respond.
He makes a way where there is none.
The help He brings goes far beyond.

His resource is not limited.
He is able to provide.
When we trust and wait on Him
Our prayers will not be denied.

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

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name."
Psalm 103:2 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tuned In To God

In times like these, what is my task?
"What should I be doing?" you may ask.
Be carefully listening, should God give you call.
Be willing to follow and give Him your all.

In each situation we can't see the end,
But our God can see around every bend.
We need His guidance and leading each day.
In Him is much wisdom so we will not stray.

"Let us not sleep, as the rest do, but keep wide awake (alert, watchful, cautious, and on our guard) and let us be sober (calm, collected, and circumspect)."
I Thessalonians 5:6 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Keeping A Balance

Today’s world offers endless “toys”
For men and women, girls and boys.
The smart phones, toys and games with screens
Have interrupted known “routines”.

Conversation has been lost.
Relationships have suffered cost.
This may need some careful thought,
For cherished friendships can’t be bought.

We don’t take time to think or dream.
We’re caught up in this strange new “stream”...
A constant call of “busyness”
To which we should not acquiesce.

God’s beauty often is not seen
When we’re looking at a screen.
Creativity is dulled
When new ideas could be mulled.

Let us not forget the day
When we took time to read or pray,
To sit and talk with those we love
And share our blessings from above.

“...Ever be filled and stimulated with the Holy Spirit. Speak out to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, offering praise with voices (and instruments) and making melody with all your heart to the Lord.”
Ephesians 5:18-19 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Wise Leader

Many "voices" want to lead,
But all their words we cannot heed.
Discernment sifts out wrong from right
And brings much-needed keen insight.

Help us, Lord, to make wise choice,
To recognize Your chosen "voice".
May Your order be in our land.
We need the blessing of Your hand.

"For the transgression of a land many are the princes thereof: but by a man of understanding and knowledge the state thereof shall be prolonged."
Proverbs 28:2 KJV

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Simple Choice

When frustrations start to irk
And interrupt your daily work,
Cause your thoughts to change direction.
Think "peace" - let it bring "correction".

Peace within becomes a choice.
Listen to its soothing voice.
Let frustrations fade away
As peace brings healing for your day.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our God Is Greater

Our God is greater than all of our fears.
He is our healer, he dries all our tears.
Remember His benefits, rest in His power.
He's able to help us in every hour.

In Him is resource to meet all we face.
He gives us grace, life's snares to outpace.
He gives us courage against all defeat.
In Him we have strength, life's testings to meet.

"Greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world."
I John 4:4 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

You Are Unique

Whatever else in life you do
You never should look down on YOU.
God gave you unique design.
His handiwork in you will shine.

He will cause you to stand tall
And more than reach your goals in all.
You may feel weak, but He is strong.
Should you be down, He’ll give you song.

His giftings in you are replete.
You’re able all life’s tests to meet.
God’s handiwork in you is fine.
Let His giftings in you shine.

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me.”
Psalm 119:73 KJV

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Set Free

Carefully guard your heart and your mind.
Sift out all thoughts which maybe could bind.
Keeping your mind uncluttered and free
Will help you to be the best you can be.

Guarding the heart will bring a deep peace.
And from inner tensions will bring a release.
You can move forward with more clarity
Because from confusion you've been set free.

"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. And God's peace (shall be yours, that tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace) which transcends all understanding shall garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Treasured Wellspring

Understanding is a wellspring
Bubbling up from deep within.
When you gather understanding
You’ll have “tools” which help you win,

Knowledge which we have from God
Will give us insight and keen vision,
Causing us in all our thoughts
To see with a whole new precision.

Understanding is a treasure,
Surely much to be desired.
We’ll have a wellspring deep within,
From our precious Lord inspired.

“Understanding is a wellspring of life to those who have it...”
Proverbs 16:22 Amplified Bible

“The reverent and worshipful fear of the Lord is the beginning (the chief and choice part) of Wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight and understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Changing Seasons

As summer hastens into fall
The season's change presents a "call"
To gather in sufficient store.
Good wisdom we cannot ignore.

We know not what the seasons bring.
To Godly leadings we should cling.
Look ahead. Avoid surprise.
To be prepared is always wise.

"See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil."
Ephesians 5:15-16 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Morning Dew

Lord, the morning is quiet, and You are so near.
I wait in this moment, Your voice to hear.
You are my peace, in You I am still.
Let your tranquillity over me spill.

Lift me above the "shape" of the day
In Your sweet presence I want to stay.
For You bring me soothing and calm deep within...
A wonderful way this day to begin.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Think Before You Speak

Think about the words you speak.
They may be heard more than you know.
Others your words may repeat,
And they will echo to and fro.

Let your words be kind and good,
Never having ill intent.
Guard the “text” of what you say,
And problems this will then prevent.

Words have power and consequence
Which can bring healing, joy or calm.
It’s truly worth your careful thought
To let your words be healing balm.

“Pleasant words are as a honeycomb, sweet to the mind and healing to the body.”
Proverbs 16:24 Amplified Bible

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Helpful Tool

Scripture is a wondrous tool.
It becomes as precious "fuel"
To keep you strong and give you calm,
In times of stress a healing balm.

This is wisdom at its best,
A strong foundation when hard-pressed.
It will be your very best friend,
A base on which you can depend.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Living On The "Up-Side"

If many pathways you have tried
And felt your footsteps start to slide,
Ask the Lord to be your guide.
On stable ground you will abide.

He will make your footsteps sure
And save you from a path that’s poor.
You’ll not need to make detour.
The path He gives will be secure.

To the “down-side” say “Farewell”,
For on the “UP-side” you will dwell.
Your life will truly start to gel.
The Lord will cause you to do well.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Fruitful Harvest

As the year progresses forth
Out of summer into fall,
What will be my progress
Of these precious seasons overall?

Will I have am ample harvest
Of a lifestyle filled with fruit
As I have traveled through the months
In wisdom’s wonderful pursuit?

When we seek out wisdom’s bounty
Then our harvest will o'erflow.
Each month will be filled with fruit.
It is God’s Word which helps us grow,

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Hands Reaching Out

Serving the Lord to life adds much treasure
And opens the door to joys beyond measure.
We can speak words which bring others light,
Or we can do deeds, new joys to ignite.

We are God's hands to reach out and touch.
People are hurting and need Him so much!
We are conduits of His love and power
To touch many lives in this day and hour.

"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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Listen Closely

Surely our God must heave a big sigh
Each time His call we ignore or deny.
A simple request, which is big in His sight,
We never should treat as trivial or slight.

If we listen keenly and quickly respond
Our understanding will grow far beyond
The norm we expect on an average day.
We'll have inspiration in every way.

"When he (the Shepherd) 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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Exciting Potential

Have you inquired of the Lord,
“What is my potential?”
When He made you long ago
He gave you a “credential”.

What a journey... to explore
The giftedness He planned for you,
To find His fullness in your life
And not to miss His every cue.

He will cause you to excel,
To rise up in your life and soar.
When you’re thinking “this is good”,
The Lord will always give you more.

Keep your eyes upon the Lord.
Listen for His precious voice.
Seek to find your full potential.
You’ll have much reason to rejoice.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Timing

When we want to move ahead
And find ourselves on hold instead,
We should pray and ask the Lord.
His timing may bring rich reward.

Timing sometimes opes a door,
Enabling us to rise and soar.
But if we need to "rest" and wait
Or carefully re-contemplate...

We must trust the Lord in this,
Lest His best choice we might miss.
When we truly hear His voice
We'll have reason to rejoice.

"The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him."
Lamentations 3:25 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf