Thank God for Peace

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Thank You, God, for the promise of peace,
For wars to wane and hatred to cease.
In Your wisdom, may healing begin,
Uniting all hearts, removing all sin.

Thank You, God, for Your steadfast love,
A light unyielding from heaven above.
Through trials and tears, it gently mends,
A love eternal that never ends.

May swords be broken, the earth restored,
And nations kneel to call You Lord.
With every sunrise, Your mercy sends
Hope for a world where conflict ends.

Thank You, God, for the grace You show,
For teaching us how true love must grow.
Your love endures, forever our friend,
A bond unbroken, that will never end.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Echo of Amazing Grace

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Through the stillness, a baritone calls,
A voice that rises, and softly falls.
With every note, a story unfolds,
Of love unending, of grace that holds.

Then from the depths, a chorus swells,
Two hundred pipers, their music tells—
A tale of redemption, a hymn of might,
A sound that pierces the soul’s dark night.

The bagpipes wail, their echoes soar,
Through hearts and halls, forevermore.
A haunting beauty, a sacred sound,
That lifts the weary from earthly ground.

Amazing Grace, the timeless refrain,
Of sins forgiven, of freedom’s gain.
Its melody rings through the ages long,
Uniting all in its holy song.

In unison, the pipes declare,
The power of mercy, beyond compare.
An ethereal power fills the space,
A testament to God’s boundless grace.

And as the arena shakes with song,
The hearts of many are carried along.
For in that moment, heaven seems near,
With every note so crystal clear.

A performance etched in time’s embrace,
The sound, the spirit, of Amazing Grace.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Mark Waldrop

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My name is Mark. I’m just an old country boy. I give God all the Glory
My heart He filled April 26, 2021, with rhyming  joy.

God showed up and gave the gift of rhyming to me
I now share it with all who listen for His Beauty to see

Mark my Words

           The Greatest Gift

Why I write, I’ll share with you, 
A journey deep, a purpose true,
To bring forth words from soul to page,
To touch the hearts of every age.

I write to share the thoughts inside,
To heal, to soothe, to be a guide,
To bring a smile, a tear of joy,
Or moments sad, yet not destroy.

My poems live within the mind,
Yet fully breathe when they are kind,
To those who read and feel the weight,
Of emotions shared, of love and fate.

For poems are not complete alone,
They thrive when hearts have fully known,
The gift of words, from soul to pen,
A whisper sent from Heaven, then.

The greatest gift a poet sees,
Is knowing words can set minds free,
To stir the heart, inspire flight,
This is why, dear friend, I write.

MarkWaldrop

MarkWaldrop KE4WA
Email  ke7wa@juno.com

Whispers of Time

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Painting by Beth Mengelt
Strolling down the walk along the barrier, by the sea,
Reflections from the wet street cast their glow on me.
The colossal coach lights pierce the night’s gentle veil,
Guiding our steps along this shimmering trail.

On the other side, red maples weep their leaves,
A fiery cascade beneath autumn’s eaves.
The mist embraces us, soft and serene,
A dreamlike world of golds and greens.

Just me and my honey, lost in the haze,
Bound together through the fleeting days.
The whispers of waves, the rhythm of time,
Eternity captured in this moment sublime.

The pastels of dusk, a canvas divine,
Etch their hues in this heart of mine.
Forever entwined, like the sea and the sky,
Strolling together as the world drifts by.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Inspired by
The Painting by
Beth Mengelt

January 17

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture:
Hebrews 12:1 (ESV) - "Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us."

Reflection:
Life can often feel like a race, filled with obstacles, challenges, and moments of weariness. Yet, we are reminded in Hebrews that we are not alone in this race. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses—those who have gone before us and have faithfully endured their own journeys.

The imagery of laying aside every weight and sin speaks to the things that hinder us from fully living out our faith. These could be doubts, fears, distractions, or habitual sins that cling to us and slow us down. As we strive to run with endurance, it's essential to identify and release these burdens, trusting that our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us.

God's wisdom and guidance are ever-present, like a loving coach who knows the course better than we do. He sees the finish line and the path we need to take to get there. By relying on His strength and direction, we can overcome the obstacles and keep moving forward with confidence.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for the great cloud of witnesses that surrounds us, cheering us on in our journey of faith. Help us to lay aside every weight and sin that entangles us. Grant us the endurance to run the race set before us, trusting in Your perfect wisdom and guidance. May we glorify Your holy name in every step we take. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Application:
Today, take a moment to identify any weights or sins that are holding you back. Pray for God's help to release these burdens. Reflect on the encouragement from those who have gone before you, and renew your commitment to run your race with endurance, knowing that your Father knows best.

The Price of Love

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Amy Kathrine Browning – Lime   Tree Shade,1913
Their lives are brief, a fleeting spark,
A lantern’s glow against the dark.
You know the pain, it lies ahead,
The day you’ll grieve, the tears you’ll shed.

Yet still, you open wide your heart,
Accepting joy with every part.
A wagging tail, a gentle paw,
Their boundless love, their only law.

For dogs are honest, pure, and true,
They live for now, for me and you.
No promises of endless days,
Just stolen moments, fleeting praise.

And so, you laugh, you chase, you run,
You share their light beneath the sun.
You love them knowing all too well,
That time will toll its final bell.

But maybe in this fragile bond,
We glimpse a truth to dwell upon:
That love is worth its weight in pain,
A fleeting joy, a sweet refrain.

For every loss, a lesson taught,
To cherish life, the love it brought.
A dog’s short life, a tender cost,
A bittersweetness never lost.

So hold them close, these gifts divine,
Their time is brief, but wholly mine.
No lifelong ties, no grand charade
Just love, unbroken, till they fade.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Inspired by
Dean Koontz - The Darkest Evening of the Year

Love at the Gate

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There’s no love like the love that a dog has for its boy,
Pure and steadfast, a source of endless joy.
By the country gate, in the soft twilight glow,
The dog waits patiently, tail wagging slow.

Falling autumn leaves whisking in the wind,
A golden dance where the day begins to dim.
The air carries whispers of footsteps near,
And the dog’s ears perk with a joy sincere.

Every rustle, every sound, a promise of return,
As the fading sun sets the fields to burn.
His eyes gleam bright, filled with trust so true,
For a boy’s love is the world he knew.

When at last, the boy comes down the lane,
The dog leaps forth, all heart, no restraint.
Together they walk, the bond fully complete,
Two souls united, where love and loyalty meet.

So by the country gate, through seasons and time,
The dog will wait, his devotion sublime.
For there’s no love like the love that a dog has for its boy,
A love eternal, untouched by life’s ploy.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

January 16

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:
Proverbs 22:1 (KJV)

"A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold."

Reflection:

In a world often obsessed with wealth and material success, this verse from Proverbs reminds us of the true value of a good name and loving favor. A good name represents our character and reputation. It is built on integrity, honesty, and the way we treat others. Unlike riches that can be lost or stolen, a good name endures and brings lasting respect and trust.

The pursuit of wealth and material possessions can sometimes lead us away from what truly matters. Our Father, who knows best, calls us to prioritize our character and the relationships we cultivate. When we focus on living righteously and showing genuine love and kindness, we not only honor God but also build a legacy that money cannot buy.

This verse challenges us to reflect on our priorities. Are we striving for riches at the expense of our integrity? Are we seeking favor with God and people through our actions and words? Let us choose to value a good name and loving favor above all else, trusting that God will provide for our needs as we walk in His ways.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the wisdom of Your Word. Help us to prioritize our character and the way we treat others above the pursuit of material wealth. Teach us to value a good name and loving favor, and to live in a way that honors You. May our lives reflect Your love and integrity, and may we find contentment in Your provision. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Action Step:

Take time today to assess your priorities. Are there areas where the pursuit of wealth or success is compromising your integrity or relationships? Make a conscious decision to focus on building a good name through acts of honesty, kindness, and love. Seek ways to show genuine care and favor to others, trusting that these investments will bring lasting blessings.

Satisfied Wanderer

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There is much I’ve never known,
Paths untraveled, seeds unsown.
I’ve longed to see the world unfold,
From East to West, its stories told.

From North to South, where wonders lie,
Beneath the stars, beneath the sky.
Yet my body, frail, cannot roam,
Its miles untaken, yet I’m home.

For though my feet may never tread,
Where ancient forests softly spread,
My mind, unbound, goes far and near,
In dreams I wander, bold and clear.

There is much I haven’t known or seen,
The mountains vast, the seas serene.
But with each year, my heart’s content,
In quiet joy, my life is spent.

For every moment, small or grand,
A gift that’s placed within my hand.
And so I dwell, both far and free,
A traveler still, in memory.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

January 15

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:
Luke 6:43-45 (KJV)

"For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh."

Reflection:

In these verses, Jesus uses the analogy of trees and their fruit to teach us about the nature of goodness and evil. Just as a tree is recognized by the fruit it produces, so are we known by the actions and words that stem from our hearts. A heart filled with goodness and love will naturally produce good deeds and kind words, while a heart harboring evil will yield harmful actions and speech.

Our Father, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, knows our hearts intimately. He understands the treasures stored within and sees the fruit they bear. He desires for us to cultivate hearts that are rich in goodness, compassion, and love, reflecting His own nature.

This passage challenges us to examine the state of our hearts. Are we bearing good fruit that glorifies God and blesses others, or is there something within us that needs to be transformed by His grace? Let us seek His guidance and allow His Spirit to work in us, so that our lives may bring forth the good fruit that He desires.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your wisdom and for the lessons You teach us through Your Word. Help us to cultivate hearts that are rich in goodness, filled with Your love and compassion. Remove any evil or bitterness within us and transform our hearts to reflect Your nature. May our words and actions bring glory to Your name and bear good fruit for Your kingdom. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Action Step:

Take a moment today to reflect on the condition of your heart. Ask God to reveal any areas that need His healing touch. Commit to daily nurturing the good treasures within by spending time in prayer, reading His Word, and practicing acts of kindness and love. Let your life be a testament to the goodness of God, bearing fruit that blesses others and glorifies Him.

January 14

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop

Scripture Reading:

John 14:6 (KJV)
Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Reflection:

In John 14:6, Jesus makes one of the most profound and definitive statements about His identity and mission. By declaring Himself as the way, the truth, and the life, Jesus emphasizes that He is the exclusive path to a relationship with God the Father. This statement is not only a declaration of His divinity but also a guide for our faith and life.

Jesus is the Way. 
In a world full of confusion and myriad paths, Jesus provides clear direction. He leads us through life's challenges and uncertainties, showing us the way to the Father. When we follow Jesus, we can be confident that we are on the right path, regardless of the circumstances we face.

Jesus is the Truth. 
In an age of relative truths and shifting moral standards, Jesus stands as the eternal and unchanging truth. His teachings, life, death, and resurrection reveal the truth about God, humanity, and the way to eternal life. By adhering to His truth, we find clarity and purpose.

Jesus is the Life. 
He offers us not just existence, but abundant and eternal life. Through Him, we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us—life that is rich in love, joy, peace, and hope. Jesus' resurrection assures us of our own resurrection and eternal life with God.

Application:

1. Follow Jesus' Path: Reflect on the paths you are currently taking in life. Are they aligned with Jesus' way? Seek His guidance in prayer and scripture to ensure you are walking in His footsteps.

2. Embrace Jesus' Truth: Evaluate the truths you hold. Are they based on the teachings of Jesus? Dive deeper into His word and let His truth shape your beliefs and actions.

3. Live Jesus' Life: Consider the quality of your life. Are you experiencing the abundant life Jesus promises? Foster a deeper relationship with Him through worship, community, and service, allowing His life to flow through you.

Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank You for being the way, the truth, and the life. Help us to follow Your path, embrace Your truth, and live the abundant life You offer. Guide us to the Father and strengthen our faith as we trust in You. May our lives reflect Your love and grace, drawing others to the saving knowledge of You. Amen.

Thought for the Day:

In every decision and situation, let us remember that Jesus is our guide, our truth, and our source of life. Trusting in Him leads us to a deeper relationship with the Father and a life filled with His eternal blessings.

Moonlight’s Embrace

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Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars,
Softly veiling the heavens’ scars.
Its silver touch, serene and kind,
Wraps the earth in peace refined.

It whispers secrets to the night,
A beacon calm, a gentle light.
Though shadows linger, deep and far,
They cannot dim the brightest star.

The cosmos sings a quiet tune,
Beneath the watchful, glowing moon.
Its brilliance fades the faint away,
Yet leaves the bold in firm display.

Oh, moonlight, keeper of the skies,
Reflecting dreams in watchful eyes,
Guide us through the darkened hours,
With starlit strength and unseen powers.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

"Moonlight drowns out all but the brightest stars."
J.R.R. Tolkien - The Lord of the Rings, 1937.