I traveled down a lonely road
And no one seemed to care,
The burden on my weary back
Had bowed me to despair,
I oft complained to Jesus
How folks were treating me,
And then I heard Him say so tenderly.
"My feet were also weary, 
Upon the Calvary road;
The cross became so heavy,
I fell beneath the load,
Be faithful, weary pilgrim,
The morning I can see,
Just lift your cross and follow close to me."

"I work so hard for Jesus," 
I often boast and say,
"I've sacrificed a lot of things
To walk the narrow way,
I gave up fame and fortune;
I'm worth a lot to Thee,"
And then I hear Him gently say to me,
"I left the throne of glory
And counted it but loss,
My hands were nailed in anger
Upon a cruel cross, 
But now we'll make the journey
With your hand safe in Mine,
So lift your cross and follow close to Me."

O, Jesus if I die upon
A foreign field someday,
'Twould be no more than love demands,
No less could I repay,
"No greater love hath mortal man
Than for a friend to die"
These are the words He gently spoke to me,
"If just a cup of water
I place within your hand
Then just a cup of water
Is all that I demand."
So if by  Faith to living 
They can Thy glory see,
I'll take my cross and follow close to Thee.

Music & Lyrics: Ira F Stamphill, 1953
Picture created by MarkWaldrop

https://youtu.be/RN8UW_C_sgA?si=9DRMNKDaTEVeFoZd

Can I change, or do I even want to
Change from what? What must I do

I see people change to what they are
I don't know how to follow that star

Wanting to do better is my ambition
Follow the Bible will bring it to fruition

I try to change a little every day
Drawing a little closer as I pray 

January 9, 2024
MarkWaldrop

In the quiet marketplace, a hush falls like a gentle rain,
Streets devoid of bustling life, a tranquil, silent domain.
Builders' tools lay still, the harvest's time now complete,
Housewives pause, and in the courtroom, there's no more debate.

The King is coming, trumpets heralding His grand arrival,
Faces aglow with joy, lives redeemed from sin's survival.
Broken homes now mended, prisoners set free,
Children and the aged, hand in hand, a jubilee.

Charmed by the chariots' rumble, a marching throng unfolds,
God's trumpets proclaim the end, a story yet untold.
Regal robes cascade, the grandstand of heaven in place,
Choirs singing "Amazing Grace," a harmonious embrace.

O the King is coming, the King is on His way,
Trumpets sounding, His face shining like the break of day.
Praise God, He's coming, a divine symphony,
For you and me, the King is coming, forever to be.

January 8, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Taken from the song “The King is Coming”

In the highs and lows, my gratitude remains,  
For the mountains' peaks, and the valleys' plains.  
In every storm that raged, wild and true,  
I found strength in faith, as my spirit grew.

I thank God for the mountains, their towering might,  
For the lessons learned in their soaring height.  
In each ascent, a challenge, a chance to rise,  
Under the vast, unending, azure skies.

For the valleys deep, where shadows fall,  
I thank Him still, for the humbling call.  
In quiet lows, where reflections run deep,  
I learned to sow the faith I reap.

And in the storms, His presence so near,  
Through winds that howl, and skies that clear.  
It's there I found, in trials anew,  
The power of God, steadfast and true.

For if my path were smooth and free of test,  
I'd never know the strength that lies in rest.  
Never see how problems, with edges so rough,  
Could be smoothed by faith, strong and tough.

In His word, a beacon, a guiding light,  
Turning darkest fears into morning bright.  
In every trial, every tear that fell,  
His word was the well, where hope did dwell.

So I thank God for each mountain, valley, and storm,  
For in every shape, His love does transform.  
In every moment, be it bitter or sweet,  
In His grace and mercy, my heart does beat.

January 7, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop 

To be the best I can be
It’s totally left up to me

I can go through this worldly life
exhibiting little love causing strife

Loving every day will bring the best out of me 
Trying very hard to see what others may see

Others showing their love to me 
Will certainly bring the best I see

January 6, 2024
Mark Waldrop

Oh Lord, I had to take time to pray
It's hard out here every dusty day 

Them old cows got spooked; they almost trampled me
I figured then I hadn't been good enough for your face to see

I ain't got no money to give to you
I'm just like them Shepherd boys that were so true

I'll do the best I can with what I got
Don't forget me when I'm not

January 4, 2024
MarkWaldrop