New Seasons

When we make change we must have good reason.
This will be true when we’ve finished a “season”.
For “seasons” are periods of “resting in place”
Where we live and work and learn of God’s grace.

But then when we find that a season is done,
We must move on... something new has begun.
Change is not easy... “familiar” felt good.
We cannot look back but move forth as we should.

Seasons have doors which will open and close.
These changes of seasons we should not oppose.
When God brings a change... a new season to show,
In that new season we’ll learn and we’ll grow.

“Show me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths.”
Psalm 25:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Man Of God

A man of God has stature which is gained no other way.
Inward strength and confidence his lifestyle will convey.
Love of God and wisdom deep within his spirit rest,
Tempered by humility... with peace in every test.

He has found his source of strength to be Almighty God
And his feet in holiness and service have been shod.
From his bright example there is much which can be learned.
His life speaks of merits which in prayer he has earned.

He will meet the challenges and tests of life with joy
‘Cause he makes the Word of God to be his trusted buoy.
Of God’s richest treasures in the Word he has partaken.
He has placed his trust in God and he cannot be shaken.

“Blessed is the man... whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A New Song

When I hear a note or bell,
Music in me starts to swell.
As melodies come forth and grow,
Praise and worship start to flow.

I may hear new harmony
Or sounds which set my spirit free...
Sounds from God He will create,
And then will help me to translate.

How can I contain the sound
Which in my heart and soul resound?
I will sing and I will play
And bless the Lord throughout my day!

“O sing to the Lord a new song; for He has done marvelous things.”
Psalm 98:1 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Even In Little Things

I had a quiet time to write,
But soon my peacefulness took flight.
A neighbor started talking loud.
Through my thoughts her loud voice “plowed”.

Wasted words and senseless chatter
In the ear are noise and clatter.
Save me from this chatterbox!
This stream of words I must outfox.

I asked the Lord to stop this noise
So I could write and keep my poise.
Moments later she was gone.
No longer did her talk go on.

This matter seemed to be quite small,
But God is faithful when we call.
He had helped me to stay calm.
His presence is a healing balm.

“Great is thy faithfulness.”
Lamentations 3:23 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Good Seed

When we seek to know the Lord
We will harvest much reward.
His seeds of goodness we receive
Works of beauty will conceive.

As His good seeds multiply
Folks will wonder and dry nigh.
Good seed in our lives will speak.
The fruit of good seed is unique.

Many seeds the Lord will sow,
Causing us to stretch and grow.
Our lives will flourish more and more.
The Lord enables us to soar!

“The seed is the word of God... “
Luke 8:11 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heaven's Song

Heavenly music will have no discord
But myriad voices, all praising the Lord...
Richness in harmony, beauteous in sound,
Transcendent and glorious... truly profound.

We’ve not yet heard what heaven has in store...
Choirs and symphonies, harps, bells and more...
Celestial and lovely strains, floating aloft,
Waves of sweet melodies, lilting and soft.

“But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”
I Corinthians 2:9 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Stretch And Grow

In following a chosen path, if you will persevere,
You will stretch and grow, and good progress will appear.
Sometimes if you’re weary and often feel like quitting,
You think it would be easier to sit and do some knitting!

Staying focused on your goals... within will build some grit.
“At the start” or “halfway through” you should not choose to quit!
Remember through each weary day, “with no pain, there is no gain”.
As you labor you will find... achievement is a higher plane.

Reach up to that higher place until you reach your chosen goal.
It may surprise you then to learn that no one else could fill your role.
What you thought you couldn’t do has proved to be worthwhile.
Your example has much worth... you went the second mile!

“...This one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:13-14 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Greatest Gift

Our children need a heritage
To learn about and know the Lord
Through Him they will excel in life
And gain their heavenly reward.

They will need a careful balance
To move forward toward their goals,
To prosper and succeed in life
And fulfill their Godly roles.

Without the wisdom of the Lord,
To His great gifts they will be blind.
To get acquainted with the Lord
Will be the best gift they will find.

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Seek Understanding

Be careful not to criticize
Those things you do not understand.
The Lord may have you wait
Before He places answers in your hand.

Trust the Lord in everything.
His wisdom in you He will store.
Understanding then will come,
For wisdom opens up the door.

Truth and light will enter in
And help to clarify your vision.
Then the Lord will show you
Why you should not ever hold derision.

Criticism is a stream
Which spews out venom from the heart.
It’s best to lean upon the Lord
And never ever let it start.

“Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Proverbs 3:5 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Changing Seasons

All of us will go through “seasons”.
Life presents to us it’s reasons.
In each one we find our pace
And “rest” there in that special place.

But when that season finds it’s end
And circumstances need to bend,
We may be slow to make a change
Because the change may feel strange.

Clinging to the former place
May delay us in life’s race.
In God’s seasons we can rest.
And in each season will be blessed.

“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven...”
Ecclesiastes 3:1 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Each New Day

In the morning hours
When dew is fresh upon the ground,
And songbirds greet the new day
In a potpourri of sound,..

My spirit lifts in worship
For the beauty of the day.
Each day is a gift from God
To bless our work or play.

As I wait upon the Lord
And listen closely for His voice,
I will have much reason
To be glad and to rejoice!

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A House Of Praise

When the Lord builds a house
It will have firm foundation,
Filled with great wisdom
And much celebration.

It won’t be divided
By trends or distraction,
For prayer and reverence
Will bring satisfaction.

Though stormy times come
Or flood waters flow,
This house will stand
And great blessings will know.

It’s walls will resound
With sweet prayer and praise,
For those who reside there
Much worship will raise.

“Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
Psalm 127:1 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Glimpse Of Heaven

I remember from many years ago a man named Ben, who was rushed into emergency with symptoms of a heart attack.

The emergency room doctors immediately applied the paddles to his chest, struggling to keep him alive, but he was fighting them. They were trying to encourage him, saying, “C’mon, Ben, you can make it!”

But he argued with them, “No, I don’t want to.”

After this happened a few times his heart began to stabilize. The team effort of the doctors saved him. Afterwards the doctors said to him, “Why were you fighting us so hard?”

He answered, “Because I was already seeing the colors of heaven. They were so beautiful, and I wanted to see more.”

What glory awaits us throughout eternity... for those who know the Lord.

“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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Peace, Wonderful Peace

Over time I have noticed different individuals who “stood out” to me because of a certain quality which they had, and that quality was peace. It was apparent in their facial expression, in their voice or in the way they carried themselves. Peace has a profound effect on who we are, and it is magnetic. Always I am drawn to those who have this quality.

So I’m drawn also to Scriptures pertaining to peace. The following Scriptures pertaining to peace have helped me in times of trial. And the more I rely on them. the more they bring deep peace within me.

Peace as stillness in the midst of turmoil...
”Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.”
Isaiah 26:3 KJV

Peace as a quiet resting...
“Great peace have they which love thy law; and nothing shall offend them.”
Psalm 119:165 KJV

Peace as well-being and contentedness...
“And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
Colossians 3:15 KJV

Peace as freedom from fear...
“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

Peace as “feeling settled”...
“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

God’s Word pertaining to peace is what enables us to have that peaceful quality which carries us through trying times.

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Special Design

Let the fabric of my life
Be woven with great skill,
With fibers from the hand of God,
His purpose to fulfill.

My fabric may be linen,
Or it even may be silk.
Or He may choose to weave
Using threads of different ilk.

When God does His weaving
His design will be unique.
I can’t weave the threads myself.
My fabric would be weak.

As I trust the Lord to weave
The fabric of my life for me.
His design will be complete.
My life will be His tapestry.

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Humility's Skill

Humility curbs the errors of the tongue
From words that are careless and sometimes far-flung.
Humility sees without clouded vision,
‘Cause “self” does not block it’s careful precision.

. Humility never is weak, but is wise,
And with understanding, in strength it will rise...
Dousing the flames of challenge and ire.
With kindness and skill, it puts out the “fire”.

Humility is quiet and often will rest,
Is not in a hurry and weighs every test
Humility’s actions with love are well-laced,
Helpful and caring, gentle and graced.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control...”
Galatians 5:22 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Authority With Wisdom

Authority just does not happen from the reading of a book
Or having a position or a certain stylish look.
Authority with caring only by experience is well-learned.
By humility and wisdom and much prayer it will be earned.

Authority with wisdom does not happen overnight,
But comes by constant testing over time to gain insight.
The person with much wisdom through the years will learn it best.
And learning through the years is a necessary test.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.”
Proverbs 9:10 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

New Every Morn

If you have days when you’re feeling quite worn,
Remember, God’s mercies are new every morn.
It’s He Who will help you and give you new zest
To run with new vigor and meet every test.

You may be behind when you get out of bed
And wonder just how you will come out ahead.
Rejoice in the Lord! Be glad for the morn.
It is His pleasure, your day to adorn...

With beauty and goodness and riches untold.
He’ll give you perspective to recognize “gold”.
Your day will be blessed. You’ll have a new view
Of God’s lovingkindness and His love for 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.”
Psalm 63:3-4 KJV

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; I will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV

“It is of the Lord’s mercies and lovingkindness 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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Pleasant Season

While my body moves slower, my mind is a-whiz.
(Since I’m retired, that’s the way that it is!)
I do not need to run in a race,
But I will have fun and enjoy my new pace.

I can still learn, and I can still write.
Sharing with others brings daily delight.
So I am busy and never get bored...
Many new thoughts within me are stored.

This season in life is a lovely new blessing...
Sometimes a fun way of memories expressing.
Never do I want to sit and just “laze”.
I am light-hearted... and give God the praise!

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Psalm 118:24 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Listening Ear

Children need a listening ear,
Their feelings and their thoughts to hear.
Listen closely as they share
And secrets of their hearts they bare.

Children love a smile or two,
To know that they’re approved by you.
And they love a gentle touch
To let them know you love them much.

Children are a precious gift,
Our lives to warm and hearts to lift.
We can learn a lot from them,
For each one is a sparkling gem.

“Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord...”
Psalm 127:3 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Waiting On The Lord

How many times we need to “wait”,
And on our patience this will grate!
We simply want to move ahead,
And then we have to wait instead.

But waiting on the Lord is good.
We’ll do more than we thought we could,
For he facilitates our work,
Protecting us from “threats” that lurk.

God redeems our time for us
And saves us from a lot of fuss.
Wisdom says to wait on Him
And praise Him in the interim.

“The Lord is good unto them that wait for him, to the soul that seeketh him. It is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord.”
Lamentations 3:25-26 KJV

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Remembering Our Heroes

Thank you, Veterans, one and all
For answering our country’s call.
We raise a banner in your name
For your defense of freedom’s flame.

Our debt to you we can’t repay,
But from our hearts want to convey
Much honor for the job you’ve done.
You’re truly heroes, next to none.

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God's Faithfulness

Thank You, Lord, that sometimes
When I pray, You answer, “No”.
For often times there’s something better
Which You may bestow.

My own choices may deter me
From Your master plan for me.
It isn’t wise for me to make
My own decisions hastily.

You shut doors which are not right,
So I learn patience as I wait.
As I hope and trust in You
An opening You will create.

As I take the steps You plan,
I will arrive where I should be.
And then I’m thankful for Your “No”.
You care for me so faithfully.

“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

“For I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you, will continue until the day of Jesus Christ - right up to the time of His return - developing (that good work) and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.”
Philippians 1:6 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Shining Brightly

If you love the Lord you’ll have light in your eyes.
His love in your heart you cannot disguise.
You will have calm, and your smile will be bright.
Your appearance will change because of His light.

His presence will cause you to have peace and grace
If you’re under pressure or just need some “space”.
He’ll give you composure and add to you cheer.
You’ll make an impression on those who are near.

And if they should ask, “How did you stay calm?”
Share that the peace of the Lord is as “balm”.
Many will notice His brightness in you
And they may be drawn to want His light too.

“The light in the eyes (of him whose heart is joyful) rejoices the heart of others, and good news nourishes the bones,”
Proverbs 15:30 Amplified Bible

“Let your light so shine before men that they may see your moral excellence and your praiseworthy, noble and good deeds, and recognize and honor and praise and glorify your Father Who is in heaven.”
Matthew 5:16 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our Great Creator

God’s majesty is in a tall mountain peak,
And the size of the oceans of His vastness speak.
The heavens are far beyond our comprehension.
We cannot fathom their size and dimension.

In trees which grow tall and plants which are small,
His creativity is given for all.
Bees which make honey were part of His plan.
Something so small, yet created for man.

All that we have is from God’s own hand...
So very much more than we understand.
For His lovingkindness we bring Him acclaim.
All glory and honor be unto His name!

“Praise ye the Lord. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power. Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.”
Psalm 150:1-2 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Worshipping God

O Lord, as I worship you today, let my meditation be as a tapestry of woven thoughts, words of beauty gently laced together with loveliness, unto You.

Let my inner being bend and sway in response to the movement of the Holy Spirit, absorbing new dimensions of sensitivity and grace.

Let all the offerings of my life respond to Your presence and be an ever-growing expression of worship unto You.

You are my God, and you are worthy of all praise...

“How lovely are Your tabernacles, O Lord of hosts! My soul yearns, yes, even pines and is homesick for the courts of the Lord; my heart and my flesh cry out and sing for joy to the living God.”
Psalm 84:1-2 Amplified Bible

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my (firm, impenetrable) rock and my redeemer.”
Psalm 19:14 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Truth Shines Brightly

Sooner or later an untruth will fail.
Tripping and stumbling o’er its own feet.
Any good purpose which we may have had
Lying and falsity will surely defeat.

We cannot create a tangle of words,
Leaving impressions which may be quite blurry.
For light pierces through, exposing the truth,
And then there is reason to hide and to worry.

There is no way to untangle a lie
Except to admit that it just isn’t true.
It may be hard to always speak truth,
But truth won’t leave shadows which flashback on you.

“Truthful lips shall be established for ever, but a lying tongue is (credited) but for a moment.”
Proverbs 12:19 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessed Are The Thoughtful

Blessed are the thoughtful in heart,
Who reach out to others and kindness impart.
Thoughtfulness often will touch “the right spot”
And bring joy or healing where needed a lot.

We do not know the “weights” in a heart.
The heart may be heavy... or empty in part.
Just being kind may “open a door”
And may be the key for that heart to soar.

Practicing kindness will stir up good will
And make a day better than “run-of-the-mill”.
Thoughtfulness balances “woes” with a smile,
Enabling others to run the “nth” mile.

“Love endures long and is patient and kind.”
I Corinthians 13:4 Amplified Bible

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Clutter Happens

Clutter happens. It’s a mess!
This problem I must soon address!
Paper seems to grow and sprout...
Do I save or throw it out?

There always is a “not sure” pile,
So I save it “for awhile”.
And soon the pile overflows.
When I’m not looking, it just grows.

My cupboard had an empty place,
And now I have need of more space.
Something multiplied in there.
Probably this needs some prayer!

My house can’t be a big “in” box.
This problem I must soon outfox!
I need boxes, labeled “OUT”
And close surveillance all about...

To stay ahead of too much clutter
(Which tends to really make me mutter!)
If I don’t have some “open” space,
I have a challenge I must face!

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Footsteps In The Sands Of Time

What footprints will you leave
As you walk the sands of time...
Will all your steps be meaningful
And have rich paradigm...

Imprints etched in hearts and lives
Of those you love and know.
Will remain as inspiration,
Though the sands may shift and blow.

Your footsteps may leave meaning
For some folks you have not known
As they observed you from afar
And through you love was shown.

Footprints walked in faith and love
Can’t be erased or blown away.
Though the winds may shift the sand,
Eternally your prints will stay.

“Love never fails (never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end).”
I Corinthians 13:8 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Celebrate God's Goodness

It is good to review the blessings of God,
To always be mindful... our memory to prod,
Lest in our hurriedness we bypass “gold”
And don’t even see a blessing unfold.

Hurriedness “crowds” sensitivity’s space,
And we miss a blessing because of our pace.
If we will purpose to ponder and pause,
We will find reason to give Him applause.

We cannot number the gifts He pours out.
His beauty and blessings are all round about.
For all that He gives, we should celebrate.
Our God is awesome... His beauty is great!

“Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation.”
Psalm 68:19 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessed Children

Blessed are the children who show high regard
To parents who raised them and worked very hard,
Who show sweet compassion as parents grow old,
And time and attention they do not withhold.

Blessed are the children who listen and watch
And know when their parents aren’t feeling top-notch,
Who know that a visit or phone call brings cheer.
Hearing from children to parents is dear.

Parents “light up” when a daughter or son
Gives praise or applause for a job that’s well done.
A “pat on the back” for a mother or dad
From a daughter or son will make them feel glad!

“Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; that it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
Ephesians 6:2-3 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Fruitful Tree

I want to be a fruitful tree
And bring forth fruit continually.
Let my leaf and blossom grow
And fragrance sprinkle to and fro.

I want to drink from holy streams
And meditate on Godly “themes”.
Let my spirit not grow old
But to God’s tenets keep firm hold.

I will prosper and drink deep.
All God’s wisdom I will keep,
That I might be a fruitful tree
And bear good fruit continually.

“Blessed is the man...whose delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.”
Psalm 1:1-3 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lightheartedness

Humor is a pleasantry
To make us smile and bring us glee.
Wit and laughter are much fun
And seem to help our work get done.

Attitude and frame of mind
Will lighten up “the daily grind”.
Making choice to have a smile
Will help us go “the second mile”...

Causing others to delight
And maybe have a day that’s bright.
Laughter, smiles and merriment
On some days will be heaven-sent.

“A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones.”
Proverbs 17:22 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Answered Prayers

The Lord’s lovingkindness our lives can “redo”.
Joints can be healed and hearts are made new.
That which we’ve lost the Lord can restore.
He will encourage or open a door.

Whatever your need, the Lord is aware.
He’s waiting to help you and answer your prayer.
If you are suffering or have special need,
All your requests He’ll more than exceed.

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

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Truth And Light

Our land was built with strong foundation,
But many now have deep frustration.
Lord, help us see Your light, we pray,
For truth is twisted every day.

Let our footings never crumble.
Guard us, lest we trip or stumble.
Let Your truth spread far and wide,
Exposing that which would divide.

Let Your light drive darkness out.
Let Your truth bring turnabout.
Save us, Lord from evil’s tide
That we in peace may still abide.

How we need Your might and power
To save us in this urgent hour.
Hear our prayers and heal our land.
We need Your strength to help us stand.

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

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartrzkopf

Happy Mother's Day

PRECIOUS GOLD

Moms are made of precious gold.
Their gifts of love are manyfold.
From time of birth until we crawl
They smile and hold us when we “call”.

As we grow they hover near
And always have a ready ear.
Should we have a need or fear,
They are there, our thoughts to hear.

From dawn to dusk a mother prays
For wisdom in just how to raise
Her children whom she loves so much.
Through prayer she has the Lord’s own touch.

And so her children are much blessed
She gives to them her very best.
Through her love they find God’s light.
Because she shines so very bright,

“Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
Proverbs 31:28 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Joy Will Not Fail

We can leave a bright new trail
Of hope for those who ail or fail.
Sometimes when a person’s down
A smile will help offset their frown.

Encouragement is often needed,
And joy will need to be “re-seeded”.
Laughter helps a heart to heal
And joy restores an “even keel”.

By example we inspire
And cause another to reach higher.
As we walk we leave a trail
Of hope and joy which will not fail.

“Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad.”
Proverbs 12:25 KJV

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Alive And Well

We must keep our spirit “well”
And never let t become dull.
When the Holy Spirit moves
We cannot be caught in a “lull”.

As we listen carefully
We will hear the Spirit’s voice,
Or sense His movement ‘round about
And deep within we can rejoice!

He will lead us faithfully
And help us have fresh comprehension.
What a privilege this is...
To be part of this blessed dimension.

“Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God.”
I Corinthians 2:12 KJV

“Howbeit, when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.”
John 16:13 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Planning Well

It's wise to have foresight in planning ahead.
A schedule un-planned can sometimes cause dread.
Things will pile up, confusion will reign.
And "running behind" will cause undue strain.

With "too much to do" we can't keep things straight,
So we must measure "the size of our plate".
If it's too full, we need to cut back.
Important things never should suffer from lack.

Well-balanced planning will help us find ease,
And we will discover results which will please.
Planning ahead is a helpful solution,
For "tired and harried", it brings resolution.

"A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps."
Proverbs 16:9 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Story About My Little Oak Tree

We had a little oak tree.
It was barely ten feet tall.
We didn’t guess another tree
Would break and on it fall.

Underneath the brush it lay,
Bent down to the ground.
But little did we know right then
How much it would rebound.

We cleared away the broken tree
And lifted up the little oak.
We didn’t know if it would live....
Maybe too its roots were broke.

We gave it tender loving care
And watched it start to thrive and grow.
O’er the years it spread its limbs.
Its “wounds” were healed from long ago.

If you ever have been broken,
Think about my little tree.
God will lift you up again,
Will nurture you and set you free...

To grow into a stately oak.
Your life too will have a story.
You will have God’s strength and beauty,
Which will bless and bring God glory.

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our God Is Able

Lord, thank You for grace... my strength is from You
When I find myself doing those things I can't do.

Lord, thank You for joy and cheer which I feel...
Delight which You give is lasting and real.

Lord, thank You for hope which bridges across
The spaces before me... I will not fear loss!

Lord, thank You for peace which soothes every "care".
Nothing the world gives will ever compare.

"And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work."
II Corinthians 9:8 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Parents, Listen To Your Child

Children today need a loving "cocoon"
Which by the parents is thoughtfully hewn...
Where they may speak and share what they feel...
Where they can rest and linger and heal.

Problems they face can become "a full cup".
All their emotions get stretched or used up.
When they can "spill out" the stress that they have,
Loving response will be as warm salve.

Parents, be sure you hear your child's cry.
Listen intently so you will know why
They may be suffering and feel all alone,
Just needing comfort and love to be shown.

"Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord..."
Psalm 127:3 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lessons We Learn

Best lessons in life are the ones that will stretch us,
But stretching is hard, so we groan and we fuss.
Sometimes we wonder why things are so hard,
But what we are learning we can’t disregard.

Endurance is good and patience will follow,
If in self-pity we don’t sit and wallow.
Ego and pride may have to move over,
For some of our lessons are not “beds of clover”.

If we “push through”, just think what we’ve learned.
Through stretching, much wisdom and grit we have earned.
We should not question the hurdles we face
But learn all we can through God’s precious grace.

“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Firm Anchor

Information moves so quickly it is hard to stay abreast.
Unless we hurry all the time we miss some things and fail the test.
And sometimes we lose track of that which kept us stable in the past...
The wisdom which we leaned upon before we tried to go so fast.

It is more important now to take some downtime to reflect,
To pause for prayer and time with God, our thoughts to gather and collect,
Lest we get caught unawares and swept along in info’s tide.
We cannot let this new found pace our basic wisdom override.

Wisdom is our anchor rope on which we need to keep firm hold,
Lest we lose our footing and by all this “movement” are controlled.
Info changes all the time, but with God’s wisdom we can stand
Against life’s constant daily rush, increasing pressures and demand.

“Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them.”
Psalm 119:165 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Just One Step

We only can take one step at a time,
Our valleys to cross or mountains to climb.
If we skip steps we may not succeed.
We will not have all the skills that we need.

We learn as we go, our successes to earn.
Taking a “shortcut” should be of concern.
Diligence and patience we should not resist,
For herein is “gold” which we might have missed.

God sets the pace through which we are trained.
As we walk in it, much knowledge is gained.
Wisdom will come and be as a light
To lead us and guide us in ways which are right.

”God is my strength and power: and he maketh my way perfect. He maketh my feet like hinds’ feet: and setteth me upon my high places.”
II Samuel 22:33-34 KJV

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Beautiful Speech

There aren’t many limits to what people say.
Tasteless expressions are heard every day.
I’m saddened how unrefined words have crept in.
I don’t like to hear them... my patience grows thin!

Christians, be guarded in all of your speech.
Consider your words and where they will reach.
Let what you say be full of much light,
Free of encumbrances, shadows and blight.

Let us reflect the goodness of God.
Let all our speech with beauty be shod.
We shouldn’t accept the speech of today.
It will not enhance what we wish to say.

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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Time-Saver

The cares of the world will rob all our thought,
And if we're not careful our time goes for naught.
Disruptions and "snags" become as a thief,
And from these annoyances we need relief.

So measure your time, spend some with the Lord.
He'll redeem your day and bring you reward.
For "hurdles" and "ruts" which slow down your pace,
He smooths out the problems and offers you grace.

Leaning on Him is sweet, healing balm.
Frustrations must flee, and He gives you calm.
Our God will help you through every delay,
And you will have peace at the end of the day.

"Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths."
Psalm 25:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf