You Are Not Forgotten

            
You Are Not Forgotten

In battles fought, in scars they bear,
Veterans stand, a solemn prayer.
Freedom's price, they've truly known,
Their courage, a legacy sown.

Through wars and trials, they have stood,
A testament to brotherhood.
Our duty clear, to safeguard the gain,
For their sacrifice, not in vain.

Let gratitude be our heartfelt song,
For veterans brave, courageous and strong.
A pledge to keep the flame alight,
To honor them, both day and night.

November 11, 2023
MarkWaldrop

Honor Days of Old

      Honor Days of Old

If you don’t know where you came from,
You’re drifting in the tide
No compass in your pocket,
No guiding star to ride.

The roots beneath your story,
The ones you barely see,
Are anchors in the stormwinds,
They shape who you will be.

The faces in old photographs,
The names that echo still,
They whisper truths and lessons
That time alone can’t fill.

If you forget the journey,
The pain, the joy, the song,
You’ll chase a hollow future
And wonder what feels wrong.

So honor where you came from,
The soil that held your seed
For knowing past gives purpose
And shows which steps to heed.

Deu 32:7  Remember the days of old, consider the years of many generations: ask thy father, and he will shew thee; thy elders, and they will tell thee.

For God’s Glory and Honor
MarkWaldrop

JOY

Jesus first—our guiding light,
He leads us through the darkest night.
His love, our anchor, firm and true,
In all we are, in all we do.

Others next—our hearts extend,
To lift, to serve, to love, befriend.
A gentle word, a helping hand,
To build each other, strong we stand.

Yourself the last—but not unseen,
For joy will blossom, pure and clean.
When Christ and others take their place,
Your soul will shine with heaven’s grace.

True joy is found when love is shown
Not in ourselves, but Christ alone.

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.”
Philippians 2:3 (KJV)

For God’s Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

To the Graduates

     Walk Free in Faith

Step forth with courage, hats held high,
Your dreams like stars across the sky.
But heed this word as you depart:
Guard your mind and keep your heart.

The world will whisper, pull, and bind,
Entangling soul and thought and mind.
It tempts with gold, with praise, with fame,
Yet leaves you weary, chasing name.

The more you strive with anxious hand,
The tighter wraps the sinking sand.
The more you grasp with frantic breath,
The more it drags you close to death.

But pause—and rest—release control,
Let peace of God embrace your soul.
Relax your grip, the knots unwind,
His love brings freedom to the mind.

For Christ is near, both guide and sword,
To cut the cords and lift you toward
A life of purpose, pure and true—
Not bound by fear, but led by You.

So graduate, walk bold and wise,
With heaven’s hope before your eyes.
Rely on Him, not fleeting charms
And you will rest in shepherd arms.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV)
“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.”

For God’s Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Where My Will Ends, His Will Begins

Where My Will Ends, His Will Begins

Where my will falters, weak and worn,
Beneath the weight of trials borne,
There in the silence, soft yet bright,
God’s will unfolds in perfect light.

Where my steps stumble, lost in doubt,
And fear would seek to shut me out,
His hand extends, so strong, so true,
Guiding me paths I never knew.

When dreams I held are torn apart,
And sorrow lingers in my heart,
I yield, I trust, I stand, I wait—
His purpose weaves a grander fate.

For where I end, He just begins,
To cleanse, to heal, to lift from sin.
His ways are higher, vast, unknown,
Yet in His grace, I am His own.

So let my will release control,
And let His love refine my soul.
For in surrender, life begins—
Where my will ends, His will begins.

For His Honor and Glory
MarkWaldrop

Isa 55:8  "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways," declares the LORD.
Isa 55:9  "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.

The Kentucky Derby

    One Hundred Fifth First Running
Saturday, May 3, 2025

At Churchill Downs, the roses bloom,
A spectacle that sweeps the room.
The 151 st a grand affair,
Hearts racing in the springtime air.

The thundering hooves, the vibrant crowd,
Each cheer and shout is incredibly loud.
A blur of colors flashes by,
Silks gleam under the May blue skies

The mint juleps, the fancy hats,
Old traditions, the aristocrats.
A gathering where legends tread,
Dreams run fast; the track is their bed.

Two minutes where time holds its breath,
Glory or heartbreak, triumph or death.
The greatest of races, a sight to behold,
Stories of courage and daring are retold.

Celebrating this grand jubilee,
The Derby, a dance of destiny.
Where every stride writes history,
Here at the Kentucky Derby, we’re free.

MarkWaldrop

Mothers, Beloved of God

Moms, you are cherished beyond measure,  
Not for the deeds your hands perform.
You are treasured in His sight,
For simply being the form you adorn.

God knows every layer of your spirit,
More deeply than you could ever view.
In His infinite wisdom and mercy,
He has made His loving verdict—He cherishes you.

Across all the mornings you rise before dawn,
Through nights when peace seems afar.
He sees the strength in your weary eyes,
Illuminated, as you are His star.

So on this day when we honor you,
Let this truth in your heart be still:
You are loved just for being you,
With a love that no depths can fill.

Happy Mother's Day to you,
A blessing from the skies above—
Eternally valued, eternally held,
In the boundless embrace of God's love.

May 7, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Mothers Day 

Mothers Are very special and dear
We keep our Mothers so very near

It was in her womb we started our life
Her Love she gave with much sacrifice

From infancy through eternity
A Mother’s Love will remain fervently

A Mother’s love covers all
No matter where we might fall

We thank the LORD for Our Mothers every day
For their the ones that taught us to pray

May 31

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Philippians 1:9-10
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.”

Reflection:
There are times in life when we face decisions that seem overwhelming, choices that test our understanding and wisdom. In those moments, it’s easy to rely on our own limited insight, but as followers of Christ, we are reminded that our Heavenly Father knows best.

Paul’s prayer in Philippians is a beautiful reminder of this truth. He prays that love—God’s love in us—will grow deeper and deeper, leading to greater knowledge and insight. With that love guiding us, we are able to discern what is truly best, making decisions that reflect purity and righteousness as we look toward the day of Christ’s return.

God doesn’t just give us rules to follow; He fills us with His love, shaping our thoughts, actions, and desires. As we allow His love to abound in us, we gain the clarity we need to live lives that are blameless and pleasing to Him. Trust in His wisdom, for He always knows what is best for our hearts and lives.

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your boundless love and perfect wisdom. Help me to grow in Your love, that I may see clearly the path You want me to take. Teach me to discern what is best and to live in a way that honors You, pure and blameless in the sight of Christ. Guide my steps today and every day. Amen.

May 29

Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Matthew 11:25 – “At that time Jesus said, ‘I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.’”

Reflection:

In this verse, Jesus praises God for revealing His truths not to the “wise and learned,” but to “little children.” This is a powerful reminder that God’s wisdom often transcends human intellect and pride. The “little children” here represent those with childlike faith—those who humbly trust in God and are open to His guidance without trying to control or outthink Him.

We live in a world that celebrates human knowledge and achievement, but Jesus shows us a different path. God’s greatest truths—about love, grace, and salvation—are not grasped through cleverness or academic prowess. They are revealed to hearts that are simple, open, and ready to trust.

This teaches us a vital lesson: the key to understanding God’s will and purpose is not found in striving for worldly wisdom, but in coming to Him with humility. When we approach God with the innocence and trust of a child, He opens our eyes to His deeper truths, giving us peace and understanding beyond what the world can offer.

Prayer:

Father, thank You for revealing Your truths to those who come to You with a humble heart. Help me to approach You with childlike faith, setting aside my pride and intellectual striving. Teach me to trust You fully, knowing that Your wisdom is greater than anything I can imagine. Open my heart to receive Your guidance today. Amen.

Takeaway:
Today, embrace childlike faith. Trust God’s wisdom, even when you don’t fully understand it, and He will reveal His deep truths to your heart.