Lord, help us choose our "stepping stones".
Let our path be found in You
So we fulfill unique design
And do what You would have us do.

For when we find that special niche,
Given from Your loving hand,
We'll thank You for Your stepping stones
And all the beauty which You planned.

"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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Sometimes things we plan to do
Will get upset and jarred askew.
But when we lift our voice to pray,
God will then reshape our day.

He gifts us with a sense of calm,
Refreshing as a healing balm.
When in prayer we're tightly moored,
Of God-shaped days we are assured.

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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

The joy of the Lord will carry you through
If you are tired or weary or blue.
Joy is a fountain, refreshing as dew,
All of life's seasons with light to renew.

Let joy overcome the "mountains" you face
And bring reassurance, smiles and grace
With brightness and cheer to pursue your race,
Filled with His blessings for you to embrace.

"The joy of the Lord is your strength."        Nehemiah 8:10   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

When we want to move ahead
The Lord will heal what holds us back.
He'll guide us to a plan that works
And strengthen us where we have lack.

Without the Lord we may not see
The best way to approach our task.
He'll give us creativity
For each step... if we simply ask.

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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Be young at heart... no matter your age.
Look at the bright side... with laughter engage.
Don't let some rainfall dampen your smile.
Let joyfulness carry you through every mile.

Being light-hearted erases a frown
And with bright beauty your countenance will crown.
Let joy mount up and cause you to grin.
From deep down within let laughter begin.

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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

If you're focused on the Lord
And your eyes look straight ahead,
You will not falter in your way
Or have anxiety or dread.

Don't let distractions pull you down.
Look neither to the left or right.
The goodness of the Lord is much.
In Him our hope is very bright.

"I have set the Lord always before me: because he is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.  Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth.”
Psalm 16:8-9   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Let healing flow in hearts anew.
And pleasantness make fresh debut.
Let peace and love and kindness flourish,
Strength of unity to nourish.

How we need to love each other,
Friend and neighbor, kin and brother...
Joined in  heart, of one accord,
Healed and bonded in the Lord.

"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!"          Psalm 133:1  Amplified Bible

2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

In all we do God gives us "pace".
If we're slow He gives us grace.
His "rhythm” is a measured flow
To make us strong and help us grow.

We will rise above the norm
When to His timing we conform.
Our lives will be so very blessed,
And in His rhythm we can rest.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time."     Eccles. 3:11  Amplified Bible

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

To accomplish things of might
Let prayer be your guiding light.
Prayer will clarify your vision,
Causing you to have precision.

In God's Word be strongly rooted.
This will make you be sure-footed.
In Him you'll have confidence
To do works of great consequence.

"It is God that girdeth me with strength, and maketh my way perfect.  He maketh my feet like hinds' feet, and setteth me upon my high places."
Psalm 18:32-33   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkop

All glory and honor be unto You,
For every day Your mercies are new.
Your faithfulness reaches beyond any doubt.
Compassion is what Your love is about.

We have assurance You won't let us go,
But blessing and goodness You will bestow.
Let much exaltation to You be raised.
Your name is glorious and much to be praised!

"Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God."          I John 3:1   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf