In happy hours, praise Him high,
Let joy-filled songs reach the sky.
For every blessing, every grace,
Lift your voice, seek His face.
In difficult hours, seek His light,
When shadows fall, and day turns night.
In every trial, in every test,
Find your solace in His rest.
In quiet hours, work for Him,
In silent moments, keep your vim.
With gentle hands and steady heart,
Do His work, play your part.
In painful hours, trust His plan,
When the road is rough, yet take your stand.
For every tear, He holds you near,
In His love, dispel all fear.
In every moment, thank Him true,
For all the good He's given you.
In each breath, and every prayer,
Know He's with you, always there.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Don’t Judge, Love
When I see my neighbor, I sometimes compare,
Judging his actions, though it’s not my affair.
But deep in my heart, I know what’s true,
I should not judge, but love like You.
Help me to be more like Jesus above,
Who came not to condemn, but to offer love.
He walked among sinners, yet did not scorn,
For His Father, God, is Love, from whom grace is born.
Let me see with eyes that care,
And a heart that’s willing to share,
For in loving others, I find my way,
To live like Jesus, day by day.
So when I see my neighbor, let judgment cease,
And may love and kindness increase.
For God is Love, this truth I know,
And in His love, my soul will grow.
August 31, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop
A Woodpecker’s Tale

In the quiet woods where shadows fall,
A woodpecker's tale begins to call,
To the task at hand with patient care,
Finding a tree that stands tall and fair.
The deadwood trunk, a hollowed prize,
Beneath the gaze of autumn skies,
Becomes the canvas, rough and true,
For a winter's feast in every hue.
With careful beak and measured pace,
The woodpecker starts to carve its place,
Each hole a cradle, snug and tight,
Neither too large nor small in height.
Too wide, the thieves would have their way,
Too small, the bounty would decay,
So, in between, with master’s hand,
The woodpecker crafts a storage grand.
Summer's end, the work complete,
The ripened acorns, smooth and sweet,
Are tucked within the wooden walls,
In secret chambers, nature’s halls.
Fifty thousand, a mighty store,
The woodpecker's winter—famine no more.
And as the cold winds start to sing,
The bird will rest, content with spring.
A testament to patience, skill,
And nature’s will in seasons still,
The woodpecker's legacy, so fine,
Is etched in bark, a steadfast sign.
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Don’t Judge, Love
When I see my neighbor, I sometimes compare,
Judging his actions, though it’s not my affair.
But deep in my heart, I know what’s true,
I should not judge, but love like You.
Help me to be more like Jesus above,
Who came not to condemn, but to offer love.
He walked among sinners, yet did not scorn,
For His Father, God, is Love, from whom grace is born.
Let me see with eyes that care,
And a heart that’s willing to share,
For in loving others, I find my way,
To live like Jesus, day by day.
So when I see my neighbor, let judgment cease,
And may love and kindness increase.
For God is Love, this truth I know,
And in His love, my soul will grow.
August 31, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Jesus Meets Us Where We Are
Jesus meets us where we are,
Whether very near or very far.
Whether I’ve been good, doing the best I can,
Or a devout sinner, wandering the land.
It’s not what we’ve done in days gone by,
Or the tears we've shed when we questioned why.
Jesus said, “It’s what you do from now that will last,
For in Me, your future is not bound by the past.”
He opens His arms, no matter our state,
With love so pure, it’s never too late.
Whether we stand in the light or in the dark,
His grace ignites a brand-new spark.
So, I’ll trust in His word, and walk His way,
Knowing He’ll guide me every day.
For Jesus meets us where we are,
And with Him, no distance is ever too far.
August 30, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Everybody gets Old
Everybody gets old, or that's what I'm told,
With more miles behind me than ahead to behold.
I should look ahead, for the journey's not done,
And prepare my heart for the rising of the sun.
I pray that my steps will find the right way,
Guided by faith as I walk through each day.
May wisdom be with me, as time takes its toll,
For everybody gets old, but peace fills the soul.
The road may be winding, the nights may grow cold,
But I trust in the promise that love never folds.
So, I'll keep pressing on, with hope as my guide,
For the future is bright, with the Lord by my side.
And when the day comes that my journey must cease,
I pray that I find a sweet, eternal peace.
Everybody gets old, that's what I've been told,
But with grace, I'll embrace it, and let the story unfold.
August 30, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop
Victories on the Way
Victories on the way, though valleys we may tread,
Through shadows deep and heavy, where hope seems almost dead,
Yet in the midst of hardships, a light begins to gleam,
For through Jesus, there's a victory waiting in the stream.
The valley rests between two peaks, a journey in between,
A place where faith is tested, where fears can be unseen,
But from the depths we gather strength, a courage firm and true,
To climb the next great mountain, with skies of endless blue.
For every valley passed, a mountaintop awaits,
Where joy and peace will greet us, beyond the narrow gates,
And as we climb each rise, with faith to guide our way,
We know the strength we gain today will serve another day.
So let each valley teach us, let each summit make us strong,
For victories are on the way, through every trial long,
And as we journey forward, our hearts will ever pray,
That faith will grow with every step, and guide us on our way.
August 27, 2024
MarkWaldrop
Reflecting Thoughts

Cowboy Angels

September 10
By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: 1 Timothy 1:14
“And the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
Reflection:
Paul’s words to Timothy are a beautiful testimony to the transformative power of God’s grace. Despite Paul’s past as a persecutor of Christians, God’s grace overflowed abundantly in his life, bringing faith and love through Christ Jesus. This overflowing grace is a reminder that no matter our past or present circumstances, God’s love and mercy are more than sufficient to renew and restore us.
Grace is unmerited favor, a gift we receive not because of our worthiness but because of God’s infinite love. When we embrace His grace, it fills us with faith and love, empowering us to live transformed lives. This grace is not just a one-time gift; it continuously overflows, equipping us to face each day with the assurance of God’s presence and power.
Our Father, who knows best, showers us with His grace to lead us into a deeper relationship with Him. This grace enables us to trust Him more fully and to love others as Christ loves us. It’s a reminder that we are never beyond the reach of His grace and that His love can transform even the hardest of hearts.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your overflowing grace that brings faith and love into our lives. Help us to receive this grace with open hearts and allow it to transform us. May Your grace strengthen our faith and empower us to love others as You have loved us. Guide us to trust in Your perfect wisdom and to live each day in the light of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Application:
Reflect on the areas of your life where you need God’s grace to overflow. Spend time in prayer, asking God to fill you with His grace, faith, and love. Consider how you can extend this grace to others, showing them the love of Christ through your actions. Let the assurance of His grace guide you, knowing that our Father, who knows best, provides all we need to live a life of faith and love.