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

A Healed Land

If you long to see change across our dear land
Kneel down and pray, that our nation might stand.
Cry out to God, and from your heart pray.
Repent of your sins and turn from your way.

God is our help, to heal what is ailing.
He is our strength, to keep us from failing.
Let prayer begin and constantly flow.
Let holiness in our land again grow.

God will hear prayers from hearts which are pure.
He'll heal our land and make it secure.
If we'll ask forgiveness for all of our sin
He'll reach down and heal our land deep within.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Bread Of Life

The Word is fresh bread for the poor and the hungry,
Food for the spirit, food for the soul,
Sustenance for the day's preparation,
Refreshing and newness to make each day "whole".

We are reliant on God's Holy Word.
This is the way God made us to be.
When we take time to dine at His table
And eat of His bread, we're holding life's key.

"For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world."
John 6:33 KJV

"And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst."
John 6:35 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Remember To Laugh

Laughter offsets gloom and doom.
For grumpiness it won’t make room!
Laughter warms a shivering heart
And joy and sunshine will impart.

It makes perspective start to smile,
And tensions it will reconcile.
It overcomes and gets ahead
When anger tries to raise its head.

Laughter is a smile within
And sponsors a delightful grin.
Its presence is a merry friend,
Your “rainy days” it will transcend.

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Blessed Life

Words of healing, love and caring,
Joy and laughter sweetly sharing.....
This is what life is about.
If we have this, we're not without.

Gentleness, kindness and good will
Are as balm, much pain to still.
When to goodness we aspire,
Love and healing will transpire.

"But the fruit of the (Holy) Spirit (the work which His presence within accomplishes) is love, joy (gladness), peace, patience (an even temper, forbearance), kindness, goodness (benevolence), faithfulness, gentleness (meekness, humility), self-control (self-restraint, continence)."
Galatians 5:22-23 Amplified bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Words Of Gold

The Word gives us much on which to reflect,
Riches of wisdom our lives to perfect.
Understanding we find there will be as pure gold.
It never will fail, nor will it grow old.

When we discover its depth and its worth,
Its insights and wisdom in us will give birth
To wealth which is greater than what we can measure...
God's wondrous gift... an unending treasure.

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

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Isaiah 55:8-9 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

No More Baggage

How much “baggage” do you carry?
Of too much weight you should be wary.
If you had a “carry-all”
Would its weight be large or small?

Some weights could be left behind.
Don’t let past “ills” fill your mind.
Do not focus on what’s lost.
These weights have too high a cost.

Make room for tomorrow’s need.
From worries let your mind be freed.
The weight you carry can be light.
And then your path will be quite bright.

“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 Scnwartzkopf

Remember God's Goodness

Don’t let life's load crowd out good thoughts
Of all that God has done for you.
His perspective will make lighter
All the weights of what you do.

Keeping praise within your heart
Will balance you and be a guard
Against the tides of daily toil
And all that sometimes may seem hard.

"Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits."
Psalm 103:1-2 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Soothing Balm

Forgiveness is a soothing balm
Which heals the heart and brings sweet calm,
Freeing us from needless tension,
Filling us with love's dimension.

How much better to forgive,
A blessed way in which to live.
It leaves no room for grudge or ire.
Peace and love it will inspire.

"Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it (it pays no attention to a suffered wrong)."
I Corinthians 13:5 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Discovering Who I Am

If I just see myself as “me”,
Then my view is much too narrow.
If I can see who God made me,
I might see He made an “arrow”.

My own view is limited
And probably would be too small.
If God gave “possibilities”,
Then I should want to find them all.

Searching out His very best
Will open many special doors.
And as I travel in His path,
Then I’ll discover wisdom’s “stores”.

On my own I can’t accomplish
All that God would have me do.
But I can fulfill all my purpose
When I seek His well-planned view.

“Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture."
Psalm 100:3 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