Simplicity brings calm and ease,
Refreshing as a summer breeze,
Allowing us to get away
From overload and daily fray.

When we have more than enough
We're maybe keeping too much stuff.
When our schedules make us sigh,
It's really time to simplify.

Time and space consumed by clutter
Tend to make us fuss and mutter.
To downsize would be really wise.
Our lifestyle it would maximize!

"Whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God."      I Corinthians 10:31   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

We often will not understand
The “fit” of others’ moccasins
Unless we really care enough
To try to walk a block in them.

The moccasins may be well-worn,
And wearing them our feet would bruise.
Probably we’d hurry back
And welcome wearing our own shoes.

We cannot point and say we know
How rough a path some folks may walk.
We only prove we have blind spots
In how we reason and we talk.

Only Jesus knows their pain,
And He will help them bear their weight.
But if we think we understand,
With judgment we should hesitate.

“Be honest in your judgment and do not decide at
 a glance - superficially and by appearances;
 but judge fairly and righteously.”
John 7:24   Amplified Bible

© 2012  Arlene Schwartzkopf

When we pray, we will be steady.
When we pray we are made ready
To address each day's demand
And with confidence to stand.

Sure-footedly we move ahead
On any paths where we will tread.
Prayer is that which paves the way,
Adding clarity to each day.

"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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Every life is as a book
In which folks can search and look.
May its pages bring insight
And offer joy and peace and light.

May inspiration be its mark
And birth a bright, delightful spark
In hearts of those who will pass by,
The grace of God to glorify.

"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven."         Matthew 5:16   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Autumn always paints a story.
She bursts forth in radiant glory.
She will smile and bring us joy
With beauty which becomes a buoy...

In memory to carry us
And with her cheer to be a plus.
With brilliant shades of red and gold
She warms our hearts 'gainst
winter's cold.

"The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord."         Psalm 33:5   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Don't look down and don't give up.
In God is possibility
To make a change or start anew
With wondrous creativity.

Don't let your thoughts be limited,
For He may sow in you a seed
Which will blossom with great worth
And all your thinking far exceed.

"Call unto me, and I will answer
thee, and show thee great and
mighty things, which thou knowest
not."       Jeremiah 33:3   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

In the Lord we stretch and grow,
Bright insights to gain and know.
He'll not let us sit and laze
But spurs us on through all our days...

To accomplish higher goals
And fulfill important roles.
When enriched with His perception
We become His bright reflection.

"And all of us, as with unveiled face, (because we) continued to behold (in the Word of God) as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are constantly being transfigured into His very own image in ever increasing splendor and from one degree of glory to another; (for this comes) from the Lord (Who is) the Spirit."           II Corinthians 3:18  Amplified Bible

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Always listen for God's voice.
This will be your life's best choice.
He can see 'round every bend
And many errors will transcend.

When you choose to let Him lead,
Your fondest hopes you will exceed.
In Him you'll find wisdom's light.
Your life's path will then be bright.

"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   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Lord will strengthen us each day
As we pursue His Word and way.
He will build in us great skill
And mighty strength in us instill.

We won't be daunted by a "test",
But in the peace of God will rest.
When He strengthens us within
We need not fear that we won't win.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation: whom
shall I fear?  the Lord is the strength of
my life: of whom shall I be afraid?"
Psalm 27:1   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

We have a Lord Who really cares
When we sometimes need "repairs".
He lifts us up in time of need
And helps us see how to proceed.

He brings us balance and new grit
With wisdom which will benefit.
To trust Him is to have life's best,
In every season to be blessed.

"Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel,
who only doeth wondrous things."
Psalm 72:18    KJV

 ©2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf