I thank God

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

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

Painting by Gunars “Gunny” Cakste

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

The Shepherd Boy

Painting by Gunars “Gunny” Cakste
Just a humble Shepard Boy tending my lambs
They follow my voice no matter where I am

They follow, trusting, not knowing their fate
Being chosen as a Safarice, not knowing the date

I faithfully watch over my flock day and night
Bringing me peace under the starlight

Heading home now they are following me
Entrusting their Shepherd with their destiny 

January 2, 2023
MarkWaldrop

With heart of love

Painting by Gunars “Gunny” Cakste
In valleys deep and mountains high,
A shepherd tends his flock with care.
One hundred sheep beneath the sky,
In green meadows, they graze and fare.

But lo, one lamb, in innocence,
Strays far from safety's gentle keep.
The shepherd, with no hesitance,
Leaves ninety-nine to seek the weak.

Through brambles thick and rivers wide,
With heart of love and eyes so keen,
He searches where the lost may hide,
In places rarely seen.

And when at last he finds the stray,
His joy is like no other sight.
More than the ninety-nine that stay,
His heart with love alights.

For every soul, like each lost lamb,
Is precious in the Father's plan.
In heaven's realm, the Great I Am
Seeks each lost child of man.

So let us learn from this parable,
Of love that seeks the one astray.
A lesson timeless, invaluable:
Each soul is worth the journey made.

Matthew 18:12-14

January 2, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

A soul on edge

Ending the year, single and fine,
With caring friends, the stars align.

Dancing in the kitchen's soft glow,
Wishing as midnight's clock does show.

Promises made for change so grand,
Yet resolutions slip like sand.

Every New Year's Eve, the refrain,
Words echo, but actions wane.

Hurt lies in never taking flight,
In dreams untold, in fading light.

On the hill where memories weave,
Time moves on, hearts choose to leave.

Resolutions echo through the cheer,
Guiding paths, sometimes unclear.

In the kitchen's glow, aspirations rise,
Clock striking midnight, hope in our eyes.

A wish to change for the better,
To brave the storms, to write a letter.

Every New Year's Eve, the vow,
Yet actions falter, reality somehow.

The hurt resides in fear's denying,
In dreams unlived, in silence crying.

On the hill where promises conceived,
Moving on, a better self achieved.

So, this New Year's Eve, the pledge,
To break the cycle, a soul on edge.

Actions louder than words may be,
In the dance of time, a symphony.

For what will hurt is never trying,
What will hurt is never dying.

On the hill where dreams are spun,
A new journey, a battle won.

January 2, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Taken from
New Years Eve
Violet Akira

A yearning grace

In a paper sack, divine worth unfolds,
Three dollars sought, the mystic threshold.
Not to explode the soul, disrupt the sleep,
But warmth of milk, or in sunlight, a peep.

No transformation craved, just ecstasy's kiss,
A pound of Eternal, in humble bliss.
No love for the different, no migrant's toil,
Just God's warmth, in the womb, without turmoil.

Three dollars worth of the sacred embrace,
In a simple request, a yearning grace.

January 2, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Taken from
“Three Dollars Worth of God”
Wilbur Reesy

New Year Dawns

In battles fierce with vices, take your stand,
A warrior within, against the shadows grand.
Let peace with neighbors be your constant song,
Harmony that echoes, enduring and strong.

As the new year dawns, a chance to renew,
A better version of yourself, tried and true.
Forge ahead with wisdom, leave the past behind,
A journey of growth, in every step you find.

January 1, 2024
Mark waldrop

Created from a quote from Benjamin Franklin, in his December, 1755 edition of Poor Richard's Almanac.