Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer

Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer
It brings back Memories of yesteryear 

The wonderful times when I was a kid
Mom and Dad kept me very near

Pressing my nose to the window pane, searching for a glimpse of the Red light
Seeing what I thought was the Star of Bethlehem Shining so Bright

I knew Santa’s first stop was Bethlehem 
To bring gifts to the Great, I Am

The Love Santa has in His Heart for all the children in the world
Comes from his Maker above with His Love unfurled

Keep the Love of God and the Spirit of Santa close to you today 
We bow our heads and thank Him for the Love He sent our way. 

December 6, 2022
Mark Waldrop

A coal mining Christmas

A coal mining Christmas is what I was used too
Remembering the smells of Grandma's Christmas stew

We all got a little Something for Christmas. I thought a lot at the time. 
Even though it may have cost no more than a dime 

That was the time of year the boys got new overhauls
The girls all giggly over new dresses and the decorations in the halls

I was as happy as I could be
Because of God’s Love and Joy living in me

December 2, 2022
Mark Waldrop

Christmas Season

The Christmas Season is fond memories of long ago
The season of Baby Jesus being born and longing for a Christmas Snow

The Christmas play at Church
The warmth of the Season, we search

Pressing my nose to the frosty window pane made my heart race with cheer
Hoping to catch a glimpse of Santa's giant red Sleigh and the eight tiny reindeer

Little sleep before Christmas Morning
Santa quietly arrives with no warning 

My sleepy eyes missed him again tonight
He must have arrived late just before daylight

The Joy of giving and caring for those we love
The teaching from our Heavenly Father above

Being grateful for what we have
Is the key to God’s perfect Love

November 27, 2022
Mark Waldrop

BABY JESUS IS BORN

“A story for every Christmas”

“As seen through the eyes of Walter, The Little Christmas Donkey”

Joseph and Mary made a trip to Bethlehem to register with the government to pay their taxes. 

After a long day in line to register, they headed home. It was getting dark. Both Joseph and Mary were very tired. They started looking for a place to spend the night. Mary was riding on Walter the little donkey, holding to a rope attached to his neck. Joseph was walking ahead leading Walter. They were both so tired. Walter was the only one that didn’t look exhausted. 
He was trodding along with his head held high. 
He knew something exciting was about to happen. He just didn’t know what. 

They saw an Inn ahead. They were filled with excitement. They were sure they had found a place to spend the night. 
As they approached the Inn there were a lot of people bustling around. 
Joseph knocked on the Inn Keepers Door. 
The Inn Keeper opened the door and said in a gruff voice Go Away we’re full. We have no rooms. 
Joseph shrugged his shoulders and dropped his head and thought What are we going to do?

The Innkeeper peered around the door and saw Mary sitting on the Donkey. He saw she was with Child. It concerned him. 
He called to his wife. Come here. Is there someplace we can put this couple? They can’t continue on in the night. 
The Innkeeper said to his wife. What about the stable? We keep it clean. The animals will help keep them warm. Do you have extra sheets they could put on the hay? 
The innkeeper lit a candle. His wife found extra sheets. He gave them to Joseph and showed them the way. 
They prepared a safe place on the ground for the candle. So it would not catch the straw on fire. 

Joseph prepared Mary’s bed first. He bunched up the hay at one end so she could sit up and sleep. He prepared his bed next to her. 
Mary said, Joseph, this is the most comfortable bed I’ve ever had. 

Walter was In the corner munching on some hay. He was watching everything. He was so excited. He knew something good was about to happen, but didn’t know what. 

Mary and Joseph were so tired they went to sleep. 

Walter was watching and about to go to sleep.  He heard some rustling. Mary said to Joseph. It’s time the Baby is coming. 
As any husband would. Joseph ran out of the stable. He knocked loudly on the innkeeper's door. The Innkeeper was awaken from a deep sleep. He was not happy. Joseph yelled. The Baby Is coming !!!  The baby is coming!!!
The Innkeeper summoned his wife. The Baby is coming!!! He got another candle and she prepared a bowl of water and towels. 
She told them to calm down. I have delivered babies before. 
They arrived at the stable. She positioned the towels and bowl of water. 
The baby was born. He began to cry. Mary asked. Is He ok! The Innkeeper's wife replied. He is fine. He is a very healthy little Boy. She washed him and wrapped him in a  soft cloth. 
She said but there is something different. 
Mary shouted! What is it! Is he ok!
The Innkeeper's wife said. I’ve never seen anything like this. He is glowing! There was a soft glow coming from him. As she handed the Baby to Mary she saw that Mary’s face was glowing too. Their glow lit up the whole stable. 

They looked around. The donkey was on his knees. The cattle and sheep were also kneeling. All facing the glowing Baby Jesus. 

An Angel appeared to the Shepard Boys in the Mountains. They were very afraid. 
The Angel said Don’t be Afraid! I Bring you Great and Good News. Baby Jesus The Messiah has been born in a stable near here. 
Go see for yourself and Worship him. 
They were so excited. They left two of their brothers in the field to watch the sheep. They agreed some would return so they could see the baby later. 

Walter was so excited he was trembling. 
God told Walter, I have a job for you. Go to the edge of town and guide the Shepherd Boys here to the Stable. 
Walter was so excited. He ran as fast as he could. 
He met the Shepherds at the edge of town. On the way back he ran so fast they could barely keep up with him. 

As they came near to the Stable it was all aglow.  God had placed a Star above the Stable high in the sky.  It could only be seen by those that Loved Jesus and wanted to Worship Him. It would guide people from afar to come and Honor Him. 

An Angel told three Wise Men to follow the Star to Baby Jesus. They were wise because God had given them Wisdom. 
They found some of the most valuable gifts they could find. They took them to Him to Honor and Worship Him. 

After resting for a few days Joseph and Mary returned to their home in Nazareth. To take really good care of their son Baby Jesus

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is the most hallowed Ground I  will ever see.
Those who served, many died to preserve freedom for you and me

If I could hear the many memories they would share
Those dreadful memories I could not begin to bear

The only solace I have here on this day
They rest in calm peace, oh Lord I pray.

October 8, 2022
Mark Waldrop

Labor Day 

Labor Day is a wonderful time of year
A Great time for a picnic and your favorite cheer. 

A time to Honor those who labor every day
A time to stop and rest and take a little time to pray

Kids and adults love the festive day
It's the last Holiday of summer to vacation and play

Grilling out hot dogs, hamburgers, and all the good things 
After all the festivities, a good nap it brings

When Tuesday rolls around, another Labor Day we have found
Waiting another year, working ourselves in the ground

August 4, 2022
MarkWaldrop

 Easter

Easter is a glorious time for me
Realizing My Savior has risen to set me free

The redemption of the Cross I don’t fully understand
I know It saved me to enter the promised land

He came to conquer sin and death
So that we might have eternal rest

Our risen SAVIOR brings us, Hope
Always  Giving Us the Power to Cope

Know matter where I go or the circumstances I’m in

I can only bow my head and say thank you JESUS again and again 

April 10, 2022
Mark Waldrop

Presidents Day 

What is Presidents Day 
And what does it mean to me

It’s a day we Honor all the Presidents 
From Sea to Shining Sea

From the First President to the current one
They deserve our respect every one

No matter Your Politics or what people say
It’s the Highest Office in the USA

They have many Burdens to Bear
Sending our Men and Women into Battle with many prayers

Freedom is worth Fighting For
But it Hurts our Soles to the Core

So the next time You Pray
Pray that GOD will be looking over them  
Every Day

Won’t You Be My Valentine 

Won’t You Be My Valentine 
I’ll be yours if you’ll be Mine

Valentines are very special
They are Friends hard to find

If You Find One Keep them Close
You may never find another 
For they will always mean the Most

You can confide in them with Your Heart
They will always Love You no matter what they hear
For between the two of you, GODS Love Is So Very Clear

As time goes by
Our Hearts Grow Larger
We often ponder their departure

We know when Our Valentine has to leave
It’s only for a short time
So we shouldn’t Grieve

For we will Soon be Together Forever
In Our Father’s Arms
Happier than Ever

February 12, 2022
Mark Waldrop