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

“And thou. Solomon my son, 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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Seniors Are God's Treasures

If you are a senior and think your “work” is done,
The greatest work which you will do may not have even begun.
God can add excitement and a season of great joy
In retirement and beyond when we rest in His employ.

It sometimes takes a lifetime to prepare for a great work,
So opportunity He gives to us we should never shirk.
The insights we have gathered will contribute to the “new”,
And with a new direction mighty works we still will do.

God will use His vessels if they’re open to His voice
And give them “special projects” which will cause them to rejoice.
We’ll have the “fire” and energy to welcome each new dawn.
His joy will fill us with new strength and fervor to go on!

“For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.”
Jeremiah 17:8 KJV

© 2013 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

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

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

Veteran's Day

A SPECIAL CLASS

Veterans are a special class
Who give of self and far surpass
Ordinary daily call.
To guard our land they give their all.

Today we pay them high esteem.
May the Lord their lives redeem
From weariness and battle scars.
In our sight they’re truly stars!

They have given us their best.
Heroes all, they’ve stood the test.
Precious are the ones who serve.
Highest honors they deserve.

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Filled With Joy

Lord, I joy to hear Your voice.
You give me reason to rejoice!
You lift my soul to a high place
And cover me with love and grace.

You cause me to be truly blessed.
You give me joy and precious rest.
My heart is filled to overflowing
By Your faithfulness ongoing.

Your mercies every day are new.
All gratefulness be unto You.
You are my Hope, my Joy, my Light.
In You, each day is very bright!

“Many, O Lord my God, are the wonderful works which You have done, and Your thoughts toward us; no one can compare with You! If I should declare and speak of them, they are too many to be numbered.”
Psalm 40:5 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Where Blessings Are Found

Humility often will open a door
And fill us with insight from God’s treasure store.
When “me” is too big, it gets in the way
And causes our blessings to just go astray.

The more that we recognize God’s awesome power
And know that we need Him in every hour,
The more He responds and pours out His grace.
But traces of pride we first must erase.

Humility rests when we trust in God.
We won’t have a need for “glitz” or facade
To make an impression or show who we are
To those who are watching from near or afar.

“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.”
James 4:10 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Greater Destiny

In God we have a destiny,
A promise of unknown things,
In which we rise above the norm
As His “song” plays on our heartstrings.

The harmonies of His sweet song,
When woven into our own being,
Create in us a sweet release,
From earthly “boundaries” freeing.

What joy and wonder we will know
When we discover God’s design,
Then enter into all He has
And with His purpose we align.

“Shew me thy ways, O Lord; teach me thy paths. Lead me in thy truth, and teach me: for thou art the God of my salvation; on thee do I wait all the day.”
Psalm 25:4-5 KJV

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

© 2014 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

When Wisdom Speaks

Wisdom speaks slowly... its words are well-chosen.
It will not hasten or choose its own way.
It prefers balance and peace and well-being.
Its kindness and mercy much “gold” will convey.

Through meekness and trial rich wisdom is honed,
And it will not listen to earthly desire.
It quietly moves with skill and great strength
And offers solutions which truly inspire.

Wisdom gives thought to every word spoken.
It will not rush forth to show it is right.
Its gentleness softens the “tone of its voice”
And when Wisdom speaks, its words bring much light.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:17 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our Blessed Source

Lord...
In all things You’re a blessed source,
Our lives to lift and reinforce.
You strengthen us when we are frail
Or have high obstacles to “scale”.

By Your grace we are complete,
Our greatest challenges to meet.
When Your “promptings” we forget,
Our “direction” You reset.

Lord, we always need Your touch.
Your blessings are so rich and much!
Your wisdom is our greatest treasure.
We cannot comprehend its measure.

Life has vibrancy in You.
Every day our strength is new.
Our purpose and our vision grow.
MUCH gratitude to You we owe.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Psalm 23:1 KJV

“My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.”
II Corinthians 12:9 KJV

© 2014  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fires Of Righteousness

Let mighty fires of righteousness
Break forth throughout our land.
Let folks be re-awakened
To the moving of God’s hand.

We were never founded
On a base of shifting sand,
But through prayer and sacrifice
Upon the Rock we stand.

Let us seek the Lord in prayer,
Re-capturing a Godly stance.
Let freedom’s cause be re-established...
Not just happenchance.

Let God’s army march anew
With fire and fervor for this cause,
Re-affirming righteousness.
For this we stand... with much applause!

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

© 2012 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Being Still

In today’s constant rush it’s hard to be still.
Folks hurry and push until they are ill.
The pace of our world suggests we do more,
And then we will own enough for a store!

Time with our God is the thing we need most.
If we don’t do this, then we cannot boast.
For all that we do will not have much worth
If we don’t give God a space or a berth.

Whatever the pressure, whatever the goal,
God will bring life to a world-weary soul.
When we are still and put our God first,
With blessing and peace we will be immersed.

“Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Psalm 46:10 KJV

“Because thou hast been my help, therefore in the shadow of thy wings will I rejoice. My soul followeth hard after thee: thy right hand upholdeth me.”
Psalm 63:7-8 KJV

© 2013 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

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

The Greatest Gifts

The greatest gifts of myrrh and gold
May just be found within the old,
Or covered in a tender child
On whom the Lord has gently smiled.

Hidden in the simplest places
We'll find Jesus' love and graces.
Age or status will not count,
Neither wealth of great amount.

Only through humility
Will we have chance to ever see
The gold that lies before our eyes
And God's great wisdom realize.

"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning."
James 1:17 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Stuck In Place

I have always been grateful for the unique way the Holy Spirit leads in any given situation.....

In years past I played the piano in a large church. In this setting there was a worship leader, a pianist and an organist. The worship leader would "move" as she was led by the Spirit, and we followed along on the instruments.

On one Sunday morning we had a very well-known guest speaker. He preached a powerful sermon and, at the end, he broke into singing the old hymn, "On Christ the solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand....."

As was the norm at this point, whenever a leader would start singing, the organist and I would move back to the instruments and start to play along. I started to move, but my feet were "stuck" in place. I tried again to step forward, but my feet were literally "planted". A moment later I heard the Holy Spirit say, "He's (the speaker) in the key of F sharp, and you won't be able to play it strongly enough." The crowd had been uplifted by the morning's message, and they were singing this old hymn with much enthusiasm.

As the service closed I stepped over to the piano to "check out" what key we had been singing in. And we were indeed in the key of F sharp. When we got home from church I sat down at the piano and tried to play the hymn in that key... and couldn't. I stumbled badly.

I was so-o-o grateful the Holy Spirit stopped me that day. My feet felt as though my shoes had been glued to the floor!

© 2007 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Forgiving Heart

The cost of unforgiveness is an aching, ailing heart,
A malady which penetrates and pricks one as a dart.
The torment grows in size o'er time and robs deep joy and peace,
Bringing illness and despair, causing love to cease.

Jesus Christ forgives us of our actions and offense,
So we should practice to forgive, to lay down our "defense',
Praying for each other as the Lord would have us do.
He will lift our "woundedness" and heal us through and through.

Oh, what happiness we have when we lay down our "woe".
As we love, and do not hate, His healing waters flow.
Jesus prayed, "Forgive them, for they know not what they do",
Even when He knew that He would die for me and you.

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." Luke 23:34 KJV

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
Matthew 6:14-15 KJV

©2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Fragrant Oil

Humility, as fragrant oil,
Will soften up the hardest "soil".
Quietly it soothes and heals
And special loveliness reveals.

It's inner beauty suffers long
When hampered by pride's sin and wrong.
Humility will heave a sigh
But ne'er to pride will it draw nigh.

But then should pride begin to bow
Humility will softly plow
And loosen up the hardened soil
By pouring out it's healing oil.

"For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones."
Isaiah 57:15 KJV

© 2010 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Almighty God

We do not know Your power, Your strength,
The size of Your love...the breadth or the length...
Until we are tested and reach out in prayer.
Then we will realize how much You care.

There is no valley too wide or too deep,
Nor is there mountain too high or too steep.
There is no challenge which You cannot meet,
Or battles and wars You cannot defeat.

When we're in need of the power of Your hand,
We then will trust that You'll help us stand.
Almighty God of power and might,
You are our strength, You are our light!

"Behold, the Lord's hand is not shortened, that it cannot save: neither his ear heavy, that it cannot hear."
Isaiah 59:1 KJV

"The name of the Lord is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe."
Proverbs 18:10 KJV

© 2009 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Always Seek Truth

Always seek truth until it is found.
In truth will God’s blessings always abound.
Truth is the measure by which we must live.
Society’s standards have “holes” like a sieve.

Truth is our shield wherein we have cover.
Truth is as light, which we will discover.
All else is flimsy and offers no strength,
However you measure it... breadth , depth or length.

Truth is a standard which always bears light,
Offering peace and hope which is bright.
Let its light shine as hope for mankind,
To lead and to guide us so we are not blind.

“His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
Psalm 91:4 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Simplicity And Common Sense

Some will study many years
To become what they call “smart”.
But the many books they study
Common sense will not impart.

Learning wisdom throughout life
Is a different kind of school.
Wisdom is as oil in gears...
A very necessary tool.

Watching, listening, hearing facts,
Gaining expertise and skill,
Show us that good common sense
Will keep our problems down to “nil”.

“If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God (Who gives) to every one liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.”
James 1:5 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Spiritual Perspective

When we observe a situation
And wonder what the Lord will do,
If we’ll pray and wait on Him
Then He will give us overview.

If we do not wait on Him
We may not see His whole intent.
And much of what He really does
Our understanding will not “dent”.

Sensitivity to Him
Will open up unseeing eyes,
And we will get a glimpse into
His “movement”, which will make us wise.

When we sense His hands at work
His overview has great import,
Giving us enlarged perspective...
A view which we should always court.

“But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message (on His own authority); but He will tell whatever He hears (from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him), and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come (that will happen in the future).”
John 16:13 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Serving With Joy

Blessed is he who is steady and untiring.
His faithful work is truly inspiring.
For he knows that diligence will bear much good fruit.
Of excellence he always will be in pursuit.

His work may be simple, but he has a vision.
And so he will work with joyous precision.
Some may not notice, but not so the Lord.
He sees the heart and brings rich reward.

Blessed is he who serves with the heart.
He has an excellence which sets him apart.
With joy and perfection will his work be done.
By true-hearted service will honors be won.

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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Beautiful Portrait

A beautiful countenance is formed over time,
Is tempered by kindness and love’s paradigm.
When God’s love resides deep down in the heart,
Then that which is etched in the face is His “art”.

Kindness and love will soften a smile,
While anger and angst it’s beauty defile.
If we let God soften our heart by His grace,
His radiance reflects in the eyes and the face.

Our beauty increases and glows as we age.
As we in His wisdom and kindness engage,
God creates beauty which truly is rare.
His love in us is a beauty we wear.

“And let the beauty of the Lord our God be upon us...”
Psalm 90:17 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Learning To Rest

The weight of daily burdens which we carry is too much.
We sometimes limp beneath the load and wonder if we need a crutch!
There is an answer for this plight which daily seems to overwhelm.
Place all your cares before the Lord and enter “rest”... a whole new realm.

Step out from ‘neath the weariness and trust the Lord with all your cares.
He will sort out endless thoughts and answer all your simplest prayers.
He is greater than your needs and isn’t overwhelmed at all.
Compared to God’s great might and power, your problems really are quite small.

To rest in Him brings healing balm... so needed in a complex day.
You will have release within as He lifts tensions far away.
You can walk in peacefulness with deep tranquillity within.
When you fully trust in Him, from too much stress He’ll help you win.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden and overburdened, and I will cause you to rest. (I will ease and relieve and refresh your souls.) Take my yoke upon you and learn of Me, for I am gentle (meek) and humble (lowly) in heart, and you will find rest (relief and ease and refreshment and recreation and blessed quiet) for your souls. For My yoke is wholesome (useful, good - not harsh, hard, sharp, or pressing, but comfortable, gracious, and pleasant), and My burden is light and easy to be borne.”
Matthew 11:28-30 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Little Things Are Big

At times the smallest thing we do will really make an impact.
Kindness in a hurry-up world too often is a missing act.
Attention given to little things shows others that we really care.
It gives a boost which may be needed, even lessening despair.

Taking time for little things in God’s sight can be really great,
For He can use your little “act” a needed healing to create.
How God uses what you do you may not even realize.
Your kindliness will be a tool and to another is a prize.

Your willingness will be the measure of how God sees that which you do.
A heart that’s willing to be used many blessings will accrue.
The trail of goodness which you leave will mount up large and count for much.
For you have been the instrument through which God left His special touch.

“Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.”
I John 4:7 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Potential

Many things we do in life just may not be essential.
A better goal is seeking out what is our full potential.
We may think that we’re okay and not seek to move higher,
Then miss that which God has for us that really would inspire.

In seeking Him we can discover what we’re meant to do and be.
He will lead us to that door which offers possibility.
When we’re feeling satisfied, time slips by and is a waste.
If we do not move ahead, that time can never be replaced.

“Resting on our laurels”, it’s too easy just to fall behind.
We should never rest too long, but to “progress” be inclined.
Reaching for a higher place may open up another door.
And we will find exciting things which God for us may have in store.

“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

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Autumn's Gift Of Joy

As remnants of Summer are almost gone
And Autumn prepares us for Winter’s new dawn,
I ponder the seasons and what each will bring.
In each there is beauty about which to sing.

Autumn speaks loudly with jovial voice.
Of all the year’s goodness she will rejoice.
With color she’ll set all the landscape ablaze
And crown her own season with Thanksgiving praise.

She brings a vibrancy... her joy lifts us up,
Reminding us always... “How full is our cup!”
Sing and rejoice with Autumn’s bright song.
Be filled with her joy and come sing along.

“Rejoice in the Lord always (delight, gladden yourselves in Him); again I say, Rejoice!”
Philippians 4:4 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Wonderful Neighbor

I live in a mobile home community, and I often saw a young woman out walking dogs... sometimes one, sometimes two... and not always the same ones. Even in very cold weather she did this.

One day I had the pleasure of meeting her. I found her to be very friendly and outgoing, and I learned that she had been walking dogs for other people who needed help with that.

Then one day I saw her raking leaves... large piles of leaves... for some neighbors who were on an out-of-town trip. And one day she came and rolled my garbage can out to the street when I couldn’t do it myself. A few days later she came and brought her phone number to me, offering help with whatever I needed, saying, “I love to help. And I don’t take any pay. We’re all family.” I was so touched by this. How many neighbors would be that willing to help or make that offer?

I have since learned that this petite little lady is physically challenged. She has just one kidney, and it is not fully functioning. I was stunned! She is small in size, but her life has great impact. She has a heart of gold and is full of love and old-fashioned goodness. What an inspiration she is!

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Building Wisely

Our God helps us to prepare
For every problem, every snare.
What we do must be well-built...
Strong, and not inclined to “tilt”.

We don’t know just what’s ahead,
But we don’t need to live in dread.
When we listen to God’s voice
He will help us make good choice.

We will live with what we’ve built.
If it is strong, we will not wilt.
Plan ahead as God would lead.
Always all His wisdom heed.

“A man’s mind plans his way; but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.”
Proverbs 16:9 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heaven's Glory

We can’t begin to fathom just how glorious Heaven will be.
Our best imaginations aren’t enough to help us see.
On earth we’ve not experienced perfect harmony and peace.
Of holiness and peace with man we first must have increase.

Our life styles need a second look to fine-tune everything we do,
To seek to heal relationships and then God’s presence to pursue
Heaven is life’s most treasured prize... it truly is God’s greatest gift
To which we all should hope to rise... God’s great reward, our hopes to lift.

We don’t yet know the beauty or the sound of Heaven’s praise.
Of worshiping around the Throne with myriad voices raised.
The glorious gifts God has for us are just so many more
And beyond our comprehension, awaiting us at Heaven’s door.

“Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Hebrews 12:15 KJV

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Take Joy In Him

Though dangers are many, and toil may be hard,
And everyday news our thoughts will bombard,
Remember God’s blessings and goodness to you.
Be joyful! Each day His mercies are new.

His joy is your strength... you need not “bog down”.
With peace and well-being your days He will crown.
Our God is greater than all the world’s woes.
Take time to recount the joys He bestows.

When you focus “Upward” your days will be brightened.
Perspective and outlook will also be lightened.
God’s joy keeps us balanced and helps us look up
With joy overflowing He refills our cup.

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The LORD'S Touch

How much we are missing if we don’t slow down!
When going too fast, God’s goodness is “blurred”.
We don’t see or think of the blessings around us...
The beauty unseen, His promptings unheard.

When we take the time to pause and reflect,
He opens our eyes and speaks to our heart.
We are enriched as we give Him place,
Spending moments with Him... from the “rush” set apart.

Without those sweet moments, we soon become dull.
For “hurry” and “rush” will push us too much.
But when we are “tuned” to see the Lord’s beauty,
We’ll see and we’ll hear and know the Lord’s touch.

“O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”
Psalm 34:8 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwrtzkopf

Keeping Focus

Being “centered” is important, whatever each day’s task might be.
Right position in the Lord will add to us vitality!
He makes order of our “times” and strengthens us for each day’s need.
His direction keeps us centered so we know how to proceed.

In all our ways He keeps us balanced... so we do not “overdo”.
He leads us through confusing times, during which we have no clue.
He facilitates our days, simplifying “overload”,
Lifting off too-heavy weights from which our minds and backs are bowed.

Staying focused in the Lord will keep us safe from wear and tear
And give us wisdom constantly as to how much “weight” we can bear.
Following in wisdom’s way, accordingly we need make change
So we are built up in our strength in all our paths through life long-range.

“The Lord will perfect that which concerns me.”
Psalm 138.8 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God Hears Our Prayers

I have found over the years that praying for my family has ensured their safety in many, many ways. I pray for each one of them every day first thing in the morning, and God has been faithful to watch over them. I am so grateful to Him.

Yesterday, as my daughter was driving home from work (and most of this drive is on freeways), she suddenly felt something pushing her sideways. It was a semi-truck! She was in a traffic lane which would take her to another freeway, and the semi-truck came from somewhere behind her and just started moving into her lane. She was able to pull over and stop (and so did the truck). Her car was damaged, but she was not hurt! This could have been so much worse!

The truck driver was very apologetic and showed genuine concern for her. As they talked he said to her, “God was on your side.” Once again the Lord was so faithful in caring for a member of my family! When she was alone in a frightening situation she received encouragement from the Lord from the driver of the truck which hit her! She was not alone at all in her circumstance...

So great is the faithfulness of God...

“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

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Slow To Speak

Words we speak can really hurt,
So careless words we should not “blurt”.
Let love and kindness be the rule,
For joy and friendship this will fuel.

Sometimes words will touch a nerve
And cause some hurt you don’t deserve.
Don’t react, but remain calm.
Respond with words of healing balm.

Speaking quickly leads to snares
Which then can add unneeded cares.
Thoughtful words will heal and bless,
Love and kindness will express.

“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

“Love never fails...”
I Corinthians 13:8 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

An Unexpected Turn

Sometimes when we are facing a new, unexpected situation and are searching for answers, it is like walking in an unfamiliar land. Our footsteps suddenly feel unsteady. And as we are searching for the right path we may not know which choices to make. This can be very unnerving and challenging.

If we know the Lord and stand on the power of His Word, our footsteps will be steady and strong and well-directed in Him. He will be at our side to lead and guide us. His grace, spilling over, will be more than enough to help us make any adjustments and/or changes.

Life will take turns we do not expect, but in our times of anxiety we can always know and be assured of this: in God we can trust; He will never forsake us... we are not alone; His love is unchanging; and, we are safe in His care.

“Because you have made the Lord your refuge, and the Most High your dwelling place, there shall no evil befall you, nor any plague or calamity come near your tent. For He will give His angels (especial) charge over you to accompany and defend you and preserve you in all your ways (of obedience and service).”
Psalm 91:9-11 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Heaven's Touch

It’s very important each day to take pause,
Our lives to consider and give God applause.
We’ll find good perspective by which we should live,
And we’ll have the confidence which He will give.

It never is wise to step out in haste.
Without some good wisdom we may just have waste.
Achievement will happen through wisdom and prayer.
Let those plans we make have Heavenly “flair”.

When we use our talents with Godly intent
Results of our labors will be “Heaven-sent”.
The work which we do will have His own touch.
With God’s precious leading we can achieve much.

“For we are God’s (own) handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, (born anew) that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us (taking paths which He prepared ahead of time), that we should walk in them (living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live).”
Ephesians 2:10 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Joy Of Giving

Giving to those in need is a wonderful expression of love and caring...

In years past my mother had a neighbor family that was poor and struggling because the husband was off work on disability. One evening the wife knocked on Mom’s door, asking if Mom might have an extra dishpan she could use. This lady said she was having trouble washing her dishes without a dishpan.

Mom didn’t have an extra dishpan, but she would not send her neighbor away without helping her. She brought out a very large kettle which she used for canning purposes (a favorite kettle), and she offered it to the neighbor to use as a dishpan. The neighbor was very moved and grateful for Mom’s kindness.

Always Mom would help where there was a need. She was not rich but was a very bright light throughout her life to those who knew her.

“(Charge them) to do good, to be rich in good works, to be liberal and generous-hearted, ready to share (with others)."
I Timothy 6:18 Amplified Bible

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Now Is The Time

A Prophecy

This is a wise time to “get things in place”,
To be well prepared for any new “pace”.
We do not know what tomorrow will bring.
To all of God’s leading we tightly should cling...

Paying attention to things still undone,
Finishing jobs which we have begun...
He calls us to order in all we need do.
We then can move forward without much ado.

“Now is the time” is not just a thought
But wisdom’s direction in times which are taut.
The Lord will direct us and keep us on track.
As we trust in Him, we shall not have lack.

“The Lord is my Shepherd (to feed, guide and shield me). I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in (fresh, tender) green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness (uprightness and right standing with Him - not for my earning it, but) for His name’s sake.”
Psalm 23:1-3 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

A Simple Path

We sometimes cannot seem to see just where we should be going.
So we must lean upon the Lord to have an inner knowing.
Never will we go astray
Or fear that we will lose our way.
He’ll lead us on “a simple path”, and wisdom He will be bestowing.

Think of all the time we’ll save, avoiding trails we should not take.
The Lord will save us many errors and slip-ups which we need not make.
When we cannot see the trail
Or “bumpy” pathways cannot scale,
We’ll be steady in His care. Of peace and calm we will partake.

If we make a special plan and try to go our very own way,
Without God’s help we could get “lost”, and then our plans would go astray.
Our path might turn out really wrong
And show us we are not so strong.
It’s best to wait on God’s direction... then our “path” will be okay.

“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. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

God With Us

I am rejoicing in the goodness of God...

Every day I pray for safety in travel for my son, who is a line haul driver and drives 18-wheel trucks. In my “limited thinking” I prayed for safety in traffic, which is always a concern, but God answered bigger than the way I prayed.

A couple days ago my son was driving through an intense rain storm when lightning touched the ground about twenty feet from his truck. He said it made an extremely loud, crackling, metallic-type sound, and it sounded like his whole truck was being ripped apart. It was still dark out (early morning hours), and he said the light of it was so bright that he had no peripheral vision on his left side for about half an hour afterwards, But through all this he was safe, and his truck showed no damage. What an experience!

Truly God was with him in the midst of the storm.

“They shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”
Matthew 1:23 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Measure Of A Life

Our life will be measured by that which we give...
The wisdom we share and example we live.
Riches and trappings have little to say
When kindness and wisdom and love are just “nay”.

Purposeful blindness will shield us from “needs”,
And we will miss doing some much-needed deeds.
We need not be rich to spur others on.
We just need to carry compassion’s baton.

A word or a smile, a pat on the back,
Cheering on one whose confidence has lack...
These are examples of how we can give.
This is the measure of how we should live.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things. but every man also on the things of others.”
Philippians 2:3-4 KJV

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Joy Is God's Gift

Do you have a smile down deep in your heart?
It’s truly a blessed way each new day to start.
Recount the blessings God gives you each day.
This keeps your “thinking” from going astray.

The mood of each day is really a choice.
Choose to be glad and smile and rejoice!
Though some days are hard and burdens crowd in,
The joy of the Lord will help you to “win”!

Don’t let your heart be robbed of its smile
By upset or burden or some petty “trial”.
For joy is God’s gift... a wonderful treasure
To make our lives better in bountiful measure.

“I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart; I will show forth (recount and tell aloud) all Your marvelous works and wonderful deeds! I will rejoice in You and be in high spirits; I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High!”
Psalm 9:1-2 Amplified Bible

© 2014 Arlene Schwartzkopf

Becoming A Winner

Do you have tenacity
To not give up but hang on tight?
Do you have the inner strength
To “win the race” or “fight the fight?”

Lean on God in trust, and pray
In all the challenges you face.
When you “practice” faith in Him
He’ll strengthen you and doubt erase.

By yourself you may just quit,
But with His help you’ll start to win.
Step by step you’ll gain in strength.
To win your race, with prayer begin.

“He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength.”
Isaiah 40:29 KJV

© 2013 Arlene Schwartzkopf