Bringing Hope

Every day will bring us joy
When we are in the Lord's "employ".
The simplest task may count for much
When we serve Him and bring His touch.

He will show us many needs,
Into which we can plant seeds...
Seeds of laughter, seeds of hope,
Encouragement to help folks cope.

A good word just to show we care
May spark new life or lift despair.
When we serve we are as light,
New hope and promise to ignite.

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

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

You Can Do It!

If you set a goal ahead
But tend to hesitate instead,
Don't let shyness hold you back.
In Christ you will not suffer lack.

He'll be strong when you are weak.
In Him you'll have the strength you seek.
Trust in Him... don't hesitate.
Your fears He will alleviate.

"I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."
Philippians 4:13 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Balance And Rest

Folks hustle and bustle, hurry and scurry
And sometimes are in a flurry of worry,
Their energies spent and efforts well meant,
But what kind of message has all of this sent?

Hard work is good, but worry is not!
To take on too much puts folks in a spot.
God gives us balance in all that we do.
He does not want us to worry or stew!

"Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me: for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."
Matthew 11:28-30 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Healing Waters

When we release control of all
And answer God's redemptive call,
Inward tensions soon will cease
And we will find deep, healing peace.

God's healing waters start to spill
Into our lives and make us "still".
In quietness we hear His voice
And with deep joy we will rejoice!

As healing waters freely flow
Our lives will change more than we know.
In Him we have a new beginning.
Over the past we will be winning.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters."
Psalm 23:2 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Easter Morn

Oh, that glorious Easter morn
When Jesus triumphed o’er the grave!
He arose in victory
O’er sin and death our souls to save!

What a Savior! What a friend!
The awesome sacrifice He made
Has covered all our sin and error.
Our sin-debt has been fully paid!

The joy we have in Jesus Christ
All Heaven and earth will ne’er contain.
As King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Through eternity He’ll reign!

“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

The Greatest Love

O Father God....from beginning of time
You had a plan...a flawless design.
Not in a lifetime, not in a day
Could we comprehend just how much You would pay.

Your love is so great that You sacrificed all
So we might be saved from effects of "the fall".
How great Your compassion, Your mercy and grace
...That You should love us and our sins erase.

You didn't forsake us or cast us away,
But provided redemption...our debts to pay.
O Father God, Your mercy and grace
Flow freely and richly our lives to embrace.

We are wrapped in Your love and eagerly wait
For the time when we see You and enter Your gate.
What blessing and honor and joy that will be...
To be in Your presence eternally.

" I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Romans 8:38-39 KJV

© 2005 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Nail-Scarred Hands

Jesus walked a lonely road
To die for mankind’s “wrong”.
The sin for which He suffered
To Him did not belong.

The cross He bore was heavy,
Yet He bore it all alone.
He redeemed us for all time
From sin which was our own.

As we focus on the cross,
Our knee we humbly bow
And pray that we’ll not drive a nail
Or place a thorn upon His brow.

His nail-scarred hands reach out to us,
Salvation to impart.
His death is now our gain
As we receive Him in our heart.

“How amiable are thy tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul longeth, yea, even fainteth for the courts of the Lord: my heart and my flesh crieth out for the living God.”
Psalm 84:1-2 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Season Of Promise

A season of promise, a season of hope,
A season of breathtaking, heavenly scope!
Christ broke the barriers and opened the door
To eternity’s glory with Him evermore.

Jesus became the path and the key
By His blood outpoured on Calvary’s tree.
He made provision that none should be lost.
By His sacrifice He paid for sin’s cost.

This is God’s promise of hope for this day.
Eternity’s welcome in front of us lay.
We have all reason to sing and rejoice,
To lift up high praise with most jubilant voice!

“And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”
I John 2:2 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Each New Day

Lord, let us be centered on all that You say
And not miss your calling for every new day,
Lest we miss the beauty and purpose You've planned,
The moving and working of Your mighty hand.

Let us be quickened and tuned to Your voice
And not be distracted by "worldly" choice.
In You we can rise up and conquer and soar,
Have victory and leading and just so much more.

"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

Choices We Make

Lessons we learn come from choices we make.
Wise choices bring blessings of which we partake.
We should be wary,
For choices will vary.
Lest we are fooled and make a mistake.

If we should make a choice which is wrong,
The lesson is hard and sometimes is long.
Take time to pray
And carefully weigh,
Ensuring that all of your choices are strong.

"A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels."
Proverbs 1:5 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Transformed Day

Lord, what would You say to help me today,
That I might rise above challenge and fray?
I want to rise above every-day norm,
The blasé and ordinary in me to transform.

I want to see with long-distance vision,
To "fix" on high goals with new-found precision.
Lift me above earth's weary condition.
Help me to soar and to make bright transition.

"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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The LAMB Of God

The Lamb of God - So precious He
Who died for you and died for me.
This flawless Lamb - Who cared so much
And gave His life for sinners and such.

He saw our plight and saw our need
As on the cross His side did bleed.
The blood that flowed was shed in pain,
But given in love to be our gain.

So great His love for you and me,
His sacrifice upon the tree.
The Lamb of God - so precious He
Who died for you and died for me.

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

© 2003 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Beauty Of Holiness

Holiness is beautiful,
Undisturbed by flaw and sin.
When we see through holy eyes
We're impacted deep within.

No longer will our sight be veiled.
Our perception will be new.
Suddenly perspectives change
As God's dimensions are in view.

Life can have much deeper worth
When holiness is truly found.
To comprehend its depth and beauty
Is life-changing and profound.

"Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts: the whole earth is full of his glory."
Isaiah 6:3 KJV

"But as the One Who called you is holy, you yourselves also be holy in all your conduct and manner of living. For it is written, You shall be holy, for I am holy."
I Peter 1:15-16 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Quiet Place

Lord, I seek You in the quiet place,
Set aside from noise and toil,
To hear Your voice and know Your heart.
Your thoughts are as sweet, healing oil...

To soothe away long weariness
And fill me with Your joy and peace.
Spending quiet time with You
From daily cares brings blessed release.

"My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him."
Psalm 62:5 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Timing

Sometimes when you are stuck in a rut
And you start to think how change would be nice,
(How doors could be opened, or maybe some shut),
Pray for God's timing and wisdom's advice.

If you must wait, ask God for His peace.
Don't let uncertainty rob you of rest.
If you need change, He'll give expertise,
Leading you carefully so you'll be blessed.

"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

The Work Of Our Hands

We often think a life of ease
Is something that would really please,
But more exciting is a role
Where we can reach a treasured goal.

Work we love will spur us on
And keep us from becoming wan,
Causing us to grow and bloom.
For growth we always should make room.

When you step out and explore
You may find new joy in store.
Choose a goal which brings delight
And it will make your days be bright.

Often learning a new skill
Your life with richness will fulfill.
Do not be afraid to try.
In all your work to God draw nigh...

"And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it."
Psalm 90:17 KJV

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Humility Heals

Humility opens a much-needed door
To see our own blind spots and much more.
For pride is a barrier which covers much sin
So we do not deal with that deep within.

Humility builds a softness of heart,
Causing the hardness of pride to depart.
The winnowing fork of humility heals
And Godliness and much gentleness reveals.

"Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time."
I Peter 5:6 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Soothing Balm

In a sometimes jumbled day
Our hearts cry out for calm and peace.
From all of life's diverse demands
We long for stillness and release.

As we focus on the Lord
We receive a soothing balm.
He is greater than life's stress
And able to restore our calm.

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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Perspectives

When we know the Lord we will have increased potential.
In Him we will find wisdom - a "gold", inspired credential.
Our perspective will be keen
As we from Him our wisdom glean.
Whatever we desire in life, His wisdom will be consequential.

In Him our capabilities will reach a higher plane.
Our insights will be clearer, understanding we will gain.
Inspiration then will flow.
Creativity will grow.
When we follow in His path, to higher goals we will attain.

Do not say, "This isn't me. These higher goals I do not see."
The Lord will lift you higher... up to who you're meant to be.
For lesser things you should not settle.
Let Him add to you new "mettle".
Trust the Lord to lift you up... from hesitations be set free.

"Your hands have made me, cunningly fashioned and established me..."
Psalm 119:73 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Healing For Discord

When we're caught up in a fray
It's best then just to pause and pray.
This cuts through whatever tension,
Bringing peace to calm dissension.

Answers quietly thought out
For discord are a healing route.
Ruffled feelings then are soothed,
And situations will be smoothed.

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

"Let every man be quick to hear (a ready listener), slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry."
James 1:19 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Prayer For Our Nation

From coast to coast and border to border,
Let there be peace and let there be order.
In all that we do, let those with potential
Rise up and do that which is essential.

Guide us, O God, we urgently pray,
That we will be stable and not go astray.
In You we trust, for You are our hope
For Godly leaders with faith-filled scope.

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

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Day's Promise

Always there is promise
When we wait upon the Lord.
At the dawning of each day
Love and mercy are outpoured.

When we place our trust in Him
Our faith and hope will have increase.
Any fears we may have had
Will start to fall away and cease.

In faith we reach a higher plane
Where we believe and start to see
The workings of our precious Lord
So we may prosper and be free.

"It is because of the Lord's mercy and loving-kindness that we are not consumed, because His (tender) compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great and abundant is Your stability and faithfulness."
Lamentations 3:22-23 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Filled With Joy

What precious ointment for the soul,
God's joy which fills and makes us whole.
His joy o'ercomes all daily din
And brings a wondrous peace within.

All life's issues fade in size
As joy's sweet wonder multiplies.
We're lifted up in our perspective
As in God's joy we are reflective.

"In thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."
Psalm 16:11 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Pursue Peace

Let the peace of God rule the focus of your day.
Don't let little irritations rob your peace away.
Choose to see the brighter side. Let God direct each thought.
He will help you maintain calm and not become distraught.

Peace will give you wise perspective, saving energy and stress.
Your time will be much more effective as distractions become less.
God will strengthen you each day as your focus is on peace,
And from those nuisance irritations you will finally find release.

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

"Seek peace, and pursue it."
Psalm 34:14 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Loving Hands And Loving Hearts

If we bring healing or make worthy impact
In only one life, we surely must try.
In all of our labors and work of our hands
We should not question who, what or why.

If we are willing, our God will use us
To touch someone's life and show them His grace.
Bringing them kindness and showing them love
A pile-up of hurting and pain may erase.

We cannot fathom the size of some needs,
But we can be light and maybe bring hope.
We're changing the world, one soul at a time.
The work of our hands has heavenly scope.

"Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection."
Colossians 3:12-14 NKJ

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Patience Learned

Sometimes waiting can be hard.
Against frustration we must guard,
For patience learned is as pure gold.
Its benefits are manyfold.

Patience causes us to grow.
New gentleness it will bestow.
Our thinking it will rearrange,
Bringing peace in sweet exchange.

"But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be (people) perfectly and fully developed (with no defects), lacking in nothing."
James 1:4 Amplified Bible

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Beauty Of The LORD

His beauty is woven and laced in each day,
Even as flowers in a lovely bouquet.
He shares new wonder in each day's debut.
Always His blessings and goodness shine through.

His love and handiwork are new every morn
Our lives and our days with joy to adorn.
Each day is filled with promise anew,
With cheer and refreshing as sweet morning dew.

"Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee"
Psalm 63:3 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Good Example

We never know who may be watching
Who we are and how we "walk"...
Whether we leave good example
Which is more than idle talk.

We may be encouragement
To one who's setting lifetime goals
Or one who's seeking to discover
What should be life's chosen roles.

Every day our actions speak
And may inspire at least a few
In their talk and in their walk,
High ideals to pursue.

“Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his (good) works with the (unobtrusive ) humility (which is the proper attribute of true wisdom.”
James 3:13 Amplified Bible

© 2015 Arlene Schwartzkopf

In HIS Time

When you're moving toward a goal
Let God's timing set your pace,
Lest some aspect you may miss
Because you hurry or you race.

Let God's fullness be complete
And every facet fall in place.
In Him no stone will be unturned
As His blessed timing you embrace.

"He hath made every thing beautiful in his time."
Ecclesiastes 3:11 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Love Of God

When I am tired or days are too long,
God is my strength and He is my song
His joy is a gift,
My spirit to lift.
He is the music which helps keep me strong.

He gives me laughter to brighten my day.
My outlook is bright in every way.
He pours out grace
To steady my pace.
So many blessings... His love to convey.

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God."
I John 3:3 KJV

© 2016 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Season Of New Beginnings

Winter drowsed for much too long.
We needed Springtime’s lovely song...
Refreshing as the morning dew
She spurs us on to something new...

Telling us we should aspire
To goals and dreams which reach up higher...
To believe we can excel
And do a new thing very well.

She reminds us we have reason
To grow a little in each season.
She lifts us out of winter’s laze.
Our hearts are filled with joy and praise.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf