Think of Rio de Janeiro, a city of grace, A vision that comes to mind, a holy embrace. Perched on Corcovado, high and grand, Cristo Redentor with outstretched hand.
A granite sentinel, 2,300 feet high, Looms above samba's rhythm and sky. Christ the Redeemer, arms wide and kind, Welcomes all, with a heart aligned.
"The first sight from airports, his open arms, A brotherly presence, shielding from harms," Says designer Gilson, with pride and cheer, A symbol of love, ever so near.
When journeys end and flights alight, No need to seek, in day or night. For he finds us, with a gentle glow, Guiding us home, in Rio’s flow.
To all our Fathers who are in Heaven
Thank you for all the Love you have given
The many times you picked me up when I fell down
In my eyes, you always wore a crown
My heart aches with memories of Love
I have tears of Joy when your smile I think of
Thank you for never giving up on me
For the Loving-kindness you showed me
No matter the memory of others and their dad
They would not be here if it weren't in God's Plan
A Wonderful day to remember your forgiving Love
My heart can't wait to join you in Heaven above
June 17, 2023
MarkWaldrop
In Yellowstone's embrace, where wild spirits roam, A rare white buffalo is born, prophecy's tome. Lakota voices whisper through the windswept grass, A sacred sign emerges, as ages past.
A calf of snowy white, a vision pure, A symbol of hope, of times to endure. Blessing bestowed, yet a cautionary tale, A call to protect where the wild ones prevail.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse speaks with ancient grace, His words a solemn echo in this hallowed place. "This birth," he says, "is both blessing and warning, A dawn of better times, yet a sign of mourning."
The earth's heart beats with each creature's plight, Guardians of nature must rise to the fight. For in this calf's eyes, we see a plea, To shield our world, to let it be free.
So let us heed this sacred birth's decree, To honor and safeguard all we see. For in the white buffalo, a truth profound, Better times await, if we protect this ground.
In childhood's dawn, a tale unfolds, Of tender hearts and stories told, A mother’s choice, a grandmother’s care, In a world that seemed so unfair.
At five, four, and one, we were left behind, By a mother who turned from love’s kind, Our grandmother, at seventy-three, Embraced us with a heart so free.
The judge inquired, could she provide? With courage strong, she did decide, To raise us well, with love so grand, In city streets or country land.
But sorrow struck, a painful theft, Our savings gone, our hearts bereft, Mother took what wasn’t hers, Leaving wounds that time deters.
Yet through the pain, a light did shine, Our grandmother’s love, pure and divine, She moved us far, to greener fields, Where broken hearts had time to heal.
Football games and concerts played, Piano notes in sweet parade, Weddings, births, life’s milestones passed, Mother missed them, chose her path.
But grandmother, with strength and grace, Filled our lives with love’s embrace, She saw us grow, and guided true, Her wisdom old, yet ever new.
She lived to ninety-seven years, Her loss brought forth our deepest tears, Engraved in stone, our hearts declare, “Forever in our hearts” is there.
In memories, her teachings stay, Her love remains, come what may, Our angel now in heaven’s light, Guiding us through darkest night.
For in her arms, we found our way, Through childhood’s night to bright today, Her legacy, a love so vast, A beacon from our cherished past.
This is a photo of them together with their new children. Credit: Bishop Family Farm
Sad night last night, shadows deep, The ewe’s heart heavy, unable to sleep, Her lamb, stillborn, gone too soon, She cried through the night, under the moon.
In dawn's soft light, a new hope gleams, For sorrow yields to brighter dreams, The ewe on the right, with twins so small, Has heard the grieving mother's call.
A gift of love, so pure and kind, One tiny lamb, now reassigned, From mother’s heart to mother’s care, A bond of life, beyond compare.
Now brighter days, with joy in sight, Two mothers share the morning light, One grieving heart, now healed by grace, As love and life find their place.
In fields of green, beneath the sky, Two mothers watch their lambs run by, A story told of loss and gain, Of tender hearts, through joy and pain.
Animals are incredible, showing respect more than some, With hearts that speak a language to which we often succumb. Bill Brock spoke of a moment, profound and silently still, A grave site visited, a testament to a will.
He walked with his companion, a creature of gentle grace, Though never knowing death's shadow, it found a solemn place. The dog lay down in reverence, an instinctive silent plea, As if it understood the weight of the sacred cemetery.
In stillness, there was wisdom, in quiet, there was a bond, A photo captured the essence, a moment to be fond. For sometimes in their silence, animals understand, Respecting life's great mysteries, more than many in this land.
So let us learn from creatures, their simple, profound respect, In moments of deep sorrow, their actions we reflect. For in their silent reverence, they teach us to be kind, To honor life and memory, with love and peace of mind.
Let your faith be bigger than your fear, A beacon bright, both strong and clear. In times of darkness, when shadows loom, Let faith's light dispel the gloom.
When doubt and worry cloud your mind, In faith, a guiding star you'll find. A trust so deep, a hope so strong, It carries you through trials long.
Let your heart hold steady, firm and true, In faith, there's nothing you can't do. For fear may whisper in the night, But faith will always shine its light.
With every step, let courage rise, Faith lifts your spirit to the skies. In storms of life, stand bold and near, Let your faith be bigger than your fear.
June 8, 2024 Created by MarkWaldrop
Let your faith be bigger than your fear Billy Graham
Yesterday, as my Daddy’s farewell made its solemn way, Led by the United States Marine Corps in proud array, We saw a man by the roadside, pulled over and still, Hat in hand, heart covered, a silent act of will.
His simple gesture, so respectful and true, Touched our grieving hearts, brought tears anew. Amidst the hustle of cars just passing by, His honor stood tall under the open sky.
His license plate revealed his name, Ernest Boerlin, brave and grand, A veteran of the US Navy, in service he did stand. When we reached out to thank him, his words were sincere, A brother in arms, offering comfort so dear.
“It was an honor to show respect for a fellow serviceman,” he said, “Our prayers and condolences to you as you tread. Fair winds and following seas, may God bless your way, In this time of sorrow, I humbly pray.”
Ernest, your kindness did more than words can convey, In our hearts and memories, your gesture will stay. Thank you for your service, your honor so true, May God's blessings and love always be with you.
