Knowing God's Will

When our perception may be "short",
Unwittingly wrong views to court,
God will show us that which matters.
Wisdom man's thoughts often scatters.

As we seek to know God's will
He adds to us perception's skill.
Our understanding He will hone
Until our views will match His own.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Wisdom Of God

God's leading often is unique
And by "the wise" receives critique.
For He might choose one deemed as weak
And through this one profoundly speak.

Or He might use a simple thing
To let man know He should not cling
To what which he may think is wise
Because it has a pleasant guise.

"But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to conrfound the things which are mighty."
I Corinthians 1:27 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Choose Joy

Light-heartedness can be a choice.
It makes cheer shine through in your voice.
Laughter brings a healing balm
Which lifts life's load and brings in calm.

Trust in God, for He gives peace.
Joy in Him brings sweet release
From all those things which bow us down.
The joy He gives repairs a frown!

"Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice."
Philippians 4:4 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Abundant Grace

No matter what the trials we face
Or just how hard our daily race,
God is near
Our prayers to hear.
We're covered by His wondrous grace.

In Him we do not walk alone.
He gives watchcare for His own.
His grace is real,
Our lives to heal.
In our behalf His grace is sown.

"For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly."
Psalm 84:11 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Blessed Shelter

If clear direction should be lost,
In times of wandering there is cost.
But God will save us time and toil
And shield us from all enemy "foil".

In our God we have safe cover,
A sheltered place where angels hover.
Carefully He guides His own...
A blessed shelter... we're not alone.

"For He shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways."
Psalm 91:11 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Looking Upward

Lord, help me to look up
And not to gaze on what's around me.
Help me clearly see
All that which You would have me see.

When I'm focused UP-ward
Earthly matters cannot keep me bound.
For I will start to know
New points of view which are profound.

"I will lift us mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth."
Psalm 121:1 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Chessboard

God has a chessboard! And He has a “game plan” which He wishes to accomplish. When we become yielded to Him He will begin to prepare us for “service”. And as we are molded and shaped in Him, He will set us in place on His “chessboard”.

He is preparing many for service, and it is important to stand in position wherever He places us, for a game cannot be won if some of the pieces are missing. When He begins to “move” He will need each person for a specific part of His plan.

How exciting it is to be used of Him! However, of this we cannot boast, for this is a “quiet work”. The “world” will not see the chessboard, but by the Spirit it will become very clear to those who love Him.

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

(Note: God spoke this to me in 2007, but I am sharing it here today because it is so relevant to this time).

Strstch And Grow

If God asks us to make change,
New "callings" in us to arrange,
Do we hesitate in fear
When all details are not yet clear?

He spurs us on to stretch and grow
And depth of wisdom's gold to know.
As we trust Him, we will find
Our footsteps will be well-defined.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Prayer For Today

Let hearts be turned back to the Lord
And thoughts be full of Scripture's sword.
Let truth and righteousness prevail
And strengthen all that may be frail.

Let fear and brokenness be healed
And answered prayers be revealed.
In the Lord we will be strong
To overcome that which is wrong.

"Uprightness and right standing with God (moral and spiritual rectitude in every area and relation) elevate a nation."
Proverbs 14:34 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Believe For The Best

When praying to God, expect only the best!
If He just gives a little at first, don't be sad.
For great things often will start out quite small
And, in His timing, more He will add.

He maybe will plant the tiniest seed,
Which you must water and nurture and tend.
In prayer the seed will prosper and grow
And your expectations and promise transcend.

"Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them."
Mark 11:24 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Finding Your Perfect Niche

In life what are you searching for?
You can find your perfect niche.
Read the Word and seek God's "wealth".
In Him you will be very rich!

His riches will not fade away
But cause your life to have increase.
Worldly standards rise and fall...
Search for heaven's expertise!

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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Compassion

God's compassion goes so deep,
Our wearied lives and souls to keep.
He desires to raise us up
And with much joy to fill our cup.

His love and mercy overflow.
Much gratitude to Him we owe.
All glory be unto His name,
His lovingkindness we proclaim!

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Timeless Truth

The Word of God will never change.
Its truths man cannot rearrange.
Its wisdom stands, men's lives to guide,
And cannot just be cast aside.

The Word provides our safest course.
It truly is our best resource.
Its countless riches are as gold,
Our lives to mold and to enfold.

"For ever, O Lord, thy word is settled in heaven."
Psalm 119:89 KJV

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Brand New Day

When your well-being has been jarred
And all you do seems to be hard,
Know that God will carry you
And in this trial will bring you through.

Lean on God and be at peace.
He'll be your strength and bring release.
By your faith you will have won.
A new day then will have begun!

"O Lord my God, I cried unto thee, and thou hast healed me."
Psalm 30:2 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

All Glory To God

Let worship be a heartfelt gift
Unto our God, His name to lift.
Drawing near to God in praise
With joy will set our lives ablaze.

Let our lives be as a story
Which to God will bring much glory,
Lifting praises all day long
In thankfulness and joyous song!

"Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power: for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created."
Revelation 4:11 KJV

©2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

New Seasons

The Lord gives us "seasons", in which we will rest.
But when the Lord speaks, then we must move on.
He may give a season for learning or labors
Or being made ready, a new mantle to don.

As we're in His timing and trust in His reasons
We may discover and have a new "birth",
Making us ready for all of our seasons
And filling our lives with heavenly worth.

"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

Wisdom's Gift

God may seed a thought in us,
Something meant to be a "plus".
As that seed begins to grow
Its fruit much wisdom will bestow.

His wisdom will shine more than gold,
Our lives to beautify and mold.
Wisdom's gift is filled with treasure,
More than we could ever measure.

"Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding."
Proverbs 3:13 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Delightful Purpose

Godly purpose spurs us on
And sets us forth in a new dawn,
Filled with fervor and delight,
Having promise which is bright.

God gives us identity
And joy in who we're meant to be.
Than He guides us faithfully
And for great works gives us the key.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Humility

Humility will clearly see
And from haughtiness will flee.
It never tries to override
But in peace it will abide.

It is gentle and content
Free from “self” and reverent,
By love and patience is defined,
Is sincere and always kind.

"Humble yourselves (demote, lower yourselves in your own estimation) under the mighty hand of God, that in due time He may exalt you."
I Peter 5:6 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Always There

Thank You, Lord, for Your deep peace
Where we can rest and find release.
Your presence is as healing balm,
Offering a blessed calm.

As we rest in Your embrace
Our anxious thoughts You will erase.
Thank You for Your loving care.
When there is need You're always there.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Great Nation

Could we turn back the pages of why we are great,
Could sit with our founders and time re-create,
We would hear prayer and reverence for God,
A standard of holiness without “facade”.

We would meet men of wisdom and might
Who had long-range vision and desire to do right.
With heartfelt conviction they founded our nation.
To them we all owe a standing ovation!

They honored God in action and word.
By Scripture and holiness these men were stirred.
Our founders had a prayerful concern.
They set fine example. From them we should learn.

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

© 2008 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Measured Words

Do you give thought before you speak?
Sometimes words can bring offense.
Careful answers are worth gold,
Often saving some "expense".

Unwise words can bring high cost...
Confusion, doubt or even pain.
But measured words will show respect
And good will likely ascertain.

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer."
Psalms 19:14 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Deep Roots

As with deep roots in the Word
And by its wisdom we are stirred,
We will prosper and stand tall...
Able to fulfill God's call.

As He speaks we can respond
With understanding far beyond
The limits of our own small thought...
For the Word deep wisdom brought.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Footprints Which Matter

Make your footprints strong and clear.
To truth and righteousness adhere.
Wavering steps are not secure.
Around unsureness make detour.

When footprints which you leave behind
Are very clear and well-defined,
You'll make a statement of great worth
Which in others might find birth.

"Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle? Who shall dwell in thy holy hill? He that walketh uprightly, and worketh righteousness, and speaketh the truth in his heart."
Psalm 15:1 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Love Heals

Choose to love instead of hate.
Avoid temptation to berate.
If another angers you
Do not react or fuss or "stew".

Don't let others rob your peace.
Let love and kindness have increase.
It breaks down barriers and walls,
Avoiding arguments and squalls.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Time Is A Gift

So easily time slips away,
And maybe there will be a day
When we wonder where it went
And cannot think how it was spent.

We need to plan so that we could
Go do the things we want or should.
Looking back we won't be sad
But have great reason to be glad!

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Spread The Good News

In this time of spiritual drought
Spread the Good News all about.
When people tremble and have fear,
Good news they will want to hear!

The Good News is God's loving plan
To bring salvation's seal to man,
That he may enter Heaven's door
And be with God forevermore.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Discovering God's Purpose

Opportunity often may just not be seen,
But God gives us insights His timing to glean.
When we discover His purpose and plan,
We can step into what He once began.

When we catch sight of what He designed.
And the depths of His wisdom and "gold" we have mined,
Our lives are transformed from normal to bright,
Filled with His goodness and blessings and light.

"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

Quest For Excellence

Many are today's distractions,
Offering myriad satisfactions.
Sadly, some do not have worth
Nor to excellence give birth.

Always we should have a quest,
To use our time for what is best.
Time we spend in worthy cause
Will earn a Heavenly applause.

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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Is Calling

Come and worship, come and pray.
Hear what God will have to say,
For He will turn your life around.
In Him love and joy abound.

Listen closely for His voice.
He will cause you to rejoice!
His love and joy are beyond measure.
Oh, what blessing, oh, what treasure!

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Seeing Clearly

Some things we don't want to see
And do not face reality.
So we just do not move ahead.
We simply hide from truth instead.

A bright new day will lie in wait
When we no longer hesitate
But spread our wings in bold new flight
And soar in faith with unmarred sight.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Sees The Heart

God will look upon the heart
And knows the worth of all we do.
If we're diligent and faithful
He will know we are "true-blue".

When to God we fully yield
By His Word our hearts are healed.
We will see with clarity.
His Word will be our trusted shield.

" Know thou the God of thy father, and serve him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind: for the Lord searcheth all hearts, and understandeth all the imaginations of the thoughts: if thou seek him, he will be found of thee."
I Chronicles 28:9 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Aware Of The Times

We are in an urgent day.
Listen closely. Be alert.
We should not procrastinate
On issues which we tend to skirt.

Set priorities aright.
Don't get sidetracked or deterred.
Listen closely to the Lord
And by His Word be deeply stirred.

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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Merits Earned

Serving in a "lowly" place
Will teach us wisdom we will need.
Doing it wholeheartedly
In our life will sow good seed.

From diligence and patience learned
And faithfulness in simple things,
Wisdom's merit, as it's earned,
Over time much honor brings.

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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Making Change

It is sometimes hard to change,
But God our lives can rearrange.
When we truly seek His face,
He gives us wisdom to embrace...

Leading us to higher "planes"
Looking through new "window panes",
Finding purpose bright and new,
Deep within us change to hew.

"The Lord will perfect that which concerns me."
Psalm 138:8 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Blessed Gift

A Godly father is a gift,
His children's hearts to truly lift.
By example he is light
To guide their paths and make them bright.

His love for them is laced with prayer.
He takes time with them to share.
They are bonded... closely knit.
His children will have strength and grit.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man, so are childrenof the youth. Happy is the man that hath his quiver full of them..."
Psalm 127:3-4 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Careful Focus

We need to know just how to face
Too many battles in our day.
They can sometimes cause distraction
And make order go astray.

Simple order is the best.
Choose your battles carefully.
Lest confusion wear you down,
Make wise choices prayerfully.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Deep Peace

When I am tired You bring such peace.
All tensions slip away and cease.
Your presence is a "resting" place
Where I am healed and wrapped in grace.

Your loving care refreshes me.
You make me more than I can be.
In You I can truly smile
And can go the extra mile.

"Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice."
Psalm 63:7 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Discerning Truth

Truth shines brightly in God's Word,
But in the news is often blurred.
"Correctness" in the current news
Brings misleading, "twisted" views.

How we need to clearly see
And spend some time on bended knee!
From the news we need to flee,
Discerning truth so we stay free.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Cheeriness For Dreariness

If you respond when called or asked
And even do the simplest task,
In God's sight that really counts.
Know God honors small amounts.

Walking as He daily leads,
Completing different kinds of deeds,
Will warm some hearts and bring some smiles
And cause you to forget your "trials".

In your day you will find joy
When you serve in God's employ.
As you carry His baton
He'll lift you up and spur you on.

"And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men."
Colossians 3:22 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Deep Anchor

Be careful that you do not drift,
For "worldly" currents quickly shift.
Keep deep anchor in the Lord.
In His Word be safely moored.

When all is changing, He is able
To protect and keep you stable.
Be on watch and stay alert,
The "unexpecteds" to avert.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heaven's Sphere

Worship brings a healing flow
And sets us on a high plateau.
When to God our hearts draw near
We enter into Heaven's sphere.....

Where our hearts will find sweet rest
As sincere worship is expressed.
As we know Him more and more
With wings of faith we start to soar.

"But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
John 4:23-24 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Knowing God's Word

May the words of the Lord find rest in my heart,
Wisdom and knowledge and love to impart,
That I might see clearly and walk in His will,
His purpose and calling to always fulfill.

His inspiration is higher than mine.
I want to discover His heavenly design.
His Word is a guide to life's ultimate best.
As I know His calling, then my life will rest.

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path."
Psalm 119:105 Amplified Bible

"Great peace have they who love Your law; nothing shall offend them or make them stumble."
Psalm 119:165 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Fresh Wind

God is drawing His flock near to Himself. He is gathering His people... to encourage them and cover them in a new way... to speak into their hearts and strengthen them. For some have grown weary and have fallen back in their faith.

Do not be discouraged, for there is a fresh wind (of the Spirit) blowing. God is saying, "Rise up into My wind, and I will blow the weight of life's chaff off of you... to refresh you... so that you can spring forth with excitement and renewed hope,"

"Be strong and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for and hope for and expect the Lord!"
Psalm 31:24 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Precious Times

To worship in the quiet place,
To sense Your loveliness and grace,
To know Your heart and hear your voice...
In these times I will rejoice!

Spending time with You, O Lord,
Offers respite and reward.
To heal our daily "wear and tear"
These times are beyond compare.

"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
John 14:27 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Answered Prayer

Our God is faithful... He answers prayer
And carries the weights which we cannot bear.
He gives us balance and helps us to stand
When life rushes at us and makes its demand.

He gives us calm in the midst of confusion
So all of our efforts have peaceful conclusion.
And when situations have need for repair,
He'll hear our prayers... He always is there!

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:6-7 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Cutting Edge

Being on the cutting edge
And hearing what the Lord would say...
With awareness of the hour
And remembering to pray...

If we're faithful in these things,
God will chart a course for us.
We will know His perfect will.
His plans will truly be a plus.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Strong Of Heart

Take courage in the Lord today.
Do not let your heart be faint.
Recognize the Lord's great strength.
A tiny image do not paint.

He is great and He is mighty,
Able to make all things right.
Rest within His mighty hand.
Trust in Him with all your might!

"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."
Proverbs 3:5 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Tread Out Gossip

Gossip is a creeping vine.
On others' business it will twine,
Shooting tendrils to and fro
And spreading where it should not go.

This "vine" can be a tangled mess.
Its growth we never should caress,
If we don't share the news we know
Gossip cannot start to grow!

"And be ye kind to one another..."
Ephesians 4:32 KJV

"Where no wood is, there the fire goeth out: so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceaseth."
Proverbs 26:20 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Time Rushes On

If the enemy can grab our time and attention,
Then we are robbed of clear comprehension,
Of that which is vital and what we would know
If we were not watching "electronic show".

Put down the "screens" and open your eyes,
Stop, look and listen and yearn to be wise.
Discernment is vital as time rushes on,
Lest things of import slip away and are gone.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In HIS Hand

Lord, my times are in Your hand.
There is no safer place to be!
As I follow where You lead,
From needless cares I am set free!

I rejoice in You, O Lord,
For bright well-being and release,
For Your love and covering,
For Your joy and inner peace.

"I trusted in thee, O Lord: I said, Thou art my God. My times are in thy hand."
Psalm 31:14-15 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Finishing Touch

Some things we do in life are diminished
Because what we've done we never quite finished.
That finishing touch is a final “caress”,
Giving accomplishment class and finesse.

An exquisite painting would not issue joy
If the artist true diligence did not employ
And add that last brush stroke... that finishing touch.
In all that we do this is needed so much!

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Happy Children

Children need encouragement
As they grow and as they learn.
A good word makes them glad of heart
And lifts them up at every turn.

They will prosper and have poise,
Growing in self-confidence,
Resulting in a deep self-worth
And choices with good consequence.

"A happy heart is good medicine and a cheerful mind works healing..."
Proverbs 17:22 Amplified bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Healed Land

May truth and righteousness prevail
And heal our land from deep travail.
Lord, we need You in this hour.
You're our fortress, our high tower.

Heal our land and set us free
From those who squelch our liberty.
Let us rise up strong again
Transformed and healed from where we've been.

"Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord , and the people whom He has chosen as His own inheritance."
Psalm 33:12 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessings Shared

Blessings shared with hurting folks
Are as manna for the soul,
Lifting, healing, bringing light,
Helping them toward being whole.

Do not turn and walk away.
Stay and linger for awhile.
When they know you truly care
They once again will start to smile.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heartfelt Tribute

Our highest tribute has been earned
By many who have not returned....
Who gave their lives for freedom’s cause.
For them we raise heartfelt applause.

We will always owe a debt
To every soldier, every vet.
Who bravely answered country's call.
They gave so much, and they stand tall.

To all who’ve served, our thanks we raise.
You deserve our heartfelt praise.
May God’s safekeeping follow you
And be your strength in all you do..

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Solid Rock

Build on ground which can't be shaken.
Build upon the solid Rock.
Your "foundation" will not fail
Should storms or challenge come to knock

Faith in God will keep you strong.
He will always light your way.
He will be your mighty fortress,
All your fears He will allay.

"And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; The God of my rock; in him will I trust: he is my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour."
II Samuel 22:2 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In Times Of Praise

When our lives are focused toward
A life of praise unto the Lord,
Worship changes all within,
Causing "newness" to begin.

Our perspective then is bright,
Washed in joy and filled with light.
Attitudes which were too tired
Give way to those much more inspired.

Worship nourishes the soul.
Deep within we are made whole.
Let hearts and hands to God be raised.
Always let His name be praised!

"I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Psalm 34:1 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Gift Of Words

Some conversations are meaningless chatter,
Lacking in purposeful subject matter.
If we're not careful there is high cost,
For focus on beauty and worth can be lost.

The words which we speak, when chosen with care,
Will brighten our message whenever we share.
Words filled with loveliness are a delight.
For others our words are a gift which is bright.

"Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk (ever) come out of your mouth, but only such (speech) as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God's favor) to those who hear it."
Ephesians 4:29 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Freedom To Soar

The world offers much of what we don't need.
What we DO need is Wisdom's good seed.
Acquiring discernment from Wisdom's store
Will help us excel and free us to soar.

Wisdom and knowledge will be our friends
And save us from weights of worldly trends.
Freedom to follow where our God would lead
All of our thinking will truly exceed.

"For wisdom is better than rubies: and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”
Proverbs 8:11 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessed Rest

In the quiet, in the stillness,
As I wait upon the Lord,
I feel all tensions slip away.
In times with Him I am restored.

My weariness is soothed away.
Deep within I am refreshed.
In Him I find tranquillity,
Peace and calm and blessed rest.

For such comfort in His caring.
I will thank Him all my days.
Because I know I'm never alone
My heart is filled with joy and praise!

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Life Is A Journey

Life is a journey, a one-time trip.
Of every moment, get a firm grip.
Enjoy the adventure as you travel through.
Savor each day in all that you do.

Create some memories of beauty and worth.
Be sure to include some laughter and mirth.
In all of your days, let goodness unfold
So all of your journey much gladness will hold.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Place Set Apart

“Trillium” was a place set apart,
A place of refreshing for spirit and heart,
A hidden oasis, a breath of fresh air
Where spirit and soul could find sweet repair.

With wellsprings of water, flowing year round,
The refreshing of God was truly profound.
Cooling was there in the soft summer breeze,
Heard in the winds brushing tops of tall trees...

Restoring the soul, healing the heart,
The refreshing of God to sweetly impart,
Escape from the rush of everyday life...
A place of sweet quietness, free from all strife.

"And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:7 KJV

(Note:) "Trillium" was a property out in the country which my parents owned. My father built a cabin there, and our family spent many restful weekends there. We named it "Trillium" because every year the property was covered with wild Trillium flowers.

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Joy And Refreshing

Lord, You are my hope and You are my joy.
In You I find strength which I can employ.
I will look up and I will rejoice.
I will sing praises with heart and with voice.

Why should I look down or just sit and mope,
Or wonder each day just how I will cope.
In You is resource which never will end...
So very much more than we comprehend.

I won't give gloominess even a glance.
The joy of the Lord is my chosen stance!
Your Word is a wellspring which I will explore.
In You is refreshing, new life and much more!

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in him, and I am helped: therefore my heart greatly rejoiceth, and with my song will I praise him."
Psalm 28:7 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Retrospect

"I wish I would have" comes too late.
It says that something was not done.
Regrets are sad and can't be fixed
But sure are something we should shun.

When we know we've done our best
We'll leave a trail in retrospect
Of blessings and achievement plus...
Such happy memories to collect.

"Whatever may be your task, work at it heartily (from the soul), as (something done) for the Lord and not for men."
Colossians 3:23 Amplified bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Faithful Drumbeats

God is marching down through time.
Do you hear His distant drumbeat,
Calling forth and hastening
The sound of many marching feet?

He is gathering His people
As the time is growing short.
The drumbeats have an urgency,
Myriad souls to save and court.

Listen for His faithful drumbeat.
Do not miss its urgent call.
Moving toward that final hour
God cries out, "COME, ONE AND ALL."

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Speak Softly, Walk Softly

Walk in softness, softly speak.
Let your presence soothe and heal.
Gentleness releases peace
And shows a caring which is real.

Willingness to pause or pray
May help another just to stand,
To feel self-worth and have some hope
And finish what they once began.

Hard times may have set them back
Or robbed them of their life's desire.
Through your caring they will heal
And to new heights they will aspire.

"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance..."
Galatians 5:22-23 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf