Guide my steps, O Lord, I pray,
That I might always know Your way,
To recognize Your higher call
In matters great and matters small...

To move into the paths You've shown
And safely tread in paths unknown,
To always bring Your love and light
And always be a vessel bright.

"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

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Our highest tribute has been earned
By many who have not returned....
Who gave their lives for freedom’s cause.
For them we raise heartfelt applause.

We will always owe a debt
To every soldier, every vet.
Who bravely answered country's call.
They gave so much, and they stand tall.

To all who’ve served, our thanks we raise.
You deserve our heartfelt praise.
May God’s safekeeping follow you
And be your strength in all you do..

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

© 2015  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Blessings shared with hurting folks
Are as manna for the soul,
Lifting, healing, bringing light,
Helping them toward being whole.

Do not turn and walk away.
Stay and linger for awhile.
When they know you truly care
They once again will start to smile.

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

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lord, Your joy and peace will soothe
Anxious days which are not smooth.
As we find our strength in You
Our attitude is healed and new.

With Your help we overcome
The beat of life's demanding drum.
Thank You for this inner peace
Which brings us balance and release.

"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

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf

God is worthy of our praise.
All laud and honor to Him raise!
Let your voice ring out with joy.
Flutes and horns and strings employ.

Let bells ring in celebration,
Choirs sing in adoration.
Let your praise exalt His name,
His lovingkindness to proclaim!

"It is a good thing to give thanks unto the Lord, and to sing praises unto thy name, O Most High:  to shew forth thy lovingkindness in the morning, and
thy faithfulness every night."         Psalm 92:1-2   KJV

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Serving God is a true treasure,
Filled with blessing beyond measure.
Nothing else can match its worth
Or to its loveliness give birth.

For God's mercy and His love
And tender watchcare from above,
My soul within me brings acclaim.
All glory be unto His name!

"Every day will I bless thee: and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.  Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised: and his greatness is unsearchable."         Psalm 145:2-3   KJV

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf

The presence of the Lord is sweet,
A place of joy and blessed retreat.
When we're weary from life's test,
In Him there is soothing rest.

Weights and cares will fade away
As we linger there and pray.
His refreshing and sweet calm
Are as a wondrous, healing balm.

"He leads me beside the still and restful waters. He refreshes and restores my life (my self)."          Psalm 23:2-3  Amplified Bible

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf

The world offers much of what we don't need.
What we DO need is Wisdom's good seed.
Acquiring discernment from Wisdom's store
Will help us excel and free us to soar.

Wisdom and knowledge will be our friends
And save us from weights of worldly trends.
Freedom to follow where our God would lead
All of our thinking will truly exceed.

"For wisdom is better than rubies: and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.”           Proverbs 8:11   KJV

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Outside my window a little bird sang.
His pretty song with melody rang.
He woke me up before it was light
And started my day in a way which was bright.

I knew that my day would be quiet and long.
God sent a gift, a bird with sweet song.
As I was awakened I just had to smile
As this feathered messenger sang for awhile.

"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

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Eagles fly above the storm
In weather which is just not norm.
The pressure will not pull them in.
Their high flight over storms will win.

When troubles rob our peace away
We can stay above the fray.
It’s best to pray and stay in peace.
Prayers reach high, and problems cease.

“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

© 2016  Arlene Schwartzkopf