The peace of the Lord our fears will dispel,
That we may rest, in confidence to dwell.
We need not worry when life brings demand,
But place our concerns in His loving hand.

We'll not be bowed down, should a test come,
But will be steady with poise and aplomb.
Trust in the Lord will be our strong shield.
Against fear and trembling our lives will be sealed.

"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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

The Word of God is rich and deep.
When it rests within the heart
Many blessings it will reap.
Wisdom's wealth it will impart!

It becomes a strong foundation
And an anchor day by day.
Giving it much contemplation
Shelters us from "worldly" fray.

"Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him."        Proverbs 30:5   KJV

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

May winds of refreshing blow 'cross our land
And waves of encouragement to help us stand,
To heal us from weariness, frettings and fear
And restart the engines of hope, faith and cheer.

In God is much hope for bright days ahead.
May prayers and good will and unity spread.
He is our God, with great might and power.
And He is our answer in this pressing hour.

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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Diligence and faithfulness
Are standards to which we should cleave.
Over time, when practiced well,
Strength of character they will weave.

Folks who won't leave things undone,
But will work and and finish well,
Know that they have done their best.
In peace and harmony they will dwell.

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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Make a point to spread cheer
To all who come near.
A word which is bright
Will spread needed light.

Folks will sense caring
When joy you are sharing.
For those who are sad,
New brightness you'll add.

"Let each one of us make it a practice to please (make happy) his neighbor for his good and for his true welfare, to edify him (to strengthen him and build
him up spiritually)."          Romans 15:2   Amplified Bible

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Always stay sensitive... keenly aware...
To hear the Lord's voice and what He would share.
He'll always guide... the best plans to make..
And help you avoid lost time or mistake.

Rest in His timing... His "rhythm" is best.
Trust Him in this when you're feeling pressed.
He will bring balance if you must make change,
Your very best welfare and peace to arrange.

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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

Lord, You are my strength and cheer.
I sense Your presence... always near...
To spur me on and lift me up
With peace and joy to fill my cup.

I can prosper in my day,
None of which will be blasé.
You make all my days to shine.
Your touch gives them bright design.

"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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

When we worship and we pray,
We drive the "blues" and "blahs" away.
We need not grumble, fret or sigh
If to the Lord we will draw nigh.

He gives perspective which is bright.
He spurs us on with deep insight.
He’s never far away, but near,
And fills our lives with hope and cheer.

"I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved.  Therefore my heart is glad and my glory (my inner self) rejoices; my body too shall rest and confidently dwell in safety."
Psalm 16:8-9  Amplified Bible

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

In God is brightness for the soul
To lift us up and make us whole,
To carry us through times of trial,
Enabling us to always smile.

His goodness is a constant source,
Our confidence to reinforce,
And all our steps with hope to guide...
A place to joyously abide.

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

© 2017  Arlene Schwartzkopf

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