Be not discouraged

Be not discouraged, for it lasts for only a short while
Be an encourager that will forever last with a smile

Discourage knocks you down
Encourage brings a rebound

Discouragement lasts only while on earth
Encouragement lasts forever, bringing 
 rebirth

Discouragement comes from evil
Encouragement comes from good
Being the Captain of your soul, sail where you would

A spark of fire causes much destruction 
A spark of hope and faith causes resurrection 

Be whom you may be
Encouragement lasts through eternity 

November 12, 2023
MarkWaldrop

A profound peace

In praise of God, our anxieties cease to be,
A soothing balm for our minds, our souls set free.
For in the act of appreciating His grace,
We find release from worries that we face.

Stress, a heavy burden we often bear,
In every aspect of life, it's always there.
But when we lift our voices in grateful song,
The Father's peace in our hearts is strong.

As the psalmist knew, in God we find our place,
A refuge where we pour our hearts with grace.
The burdens lifted, we gain a vital key,
To physical, mental, and spiritual harmony.

So let us appreciate God, in reverence and praise,
For in His presence, our worries we erase.
In that release, we find our souls set free,
A profound peace, a gift from the Almighty.

November 8, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Green Pastures

In pastures green, where waters flow,
The LORD, my shepherd, makes me know.
Beside still waters, my soul restored,
Guided on paths, for His name adored.

Through shadows deep, no fear I find,
With rod and staff, His peace entwined.
A table set 'midst foes unkind,
Anointing oil, my cup assigned.

Goodness and love, my constant guide,
In every step, by His side.
Through days and nights, through joy and strife,
In the LORD's house, I find my life.

November 8, 2023
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Shortcomings

I can't blame my shortcomings on what I don't have
Shortcomings come from within and how I behave

I can long for things of this world and covet others' possessions
Being content and calming my soul should be my mission

Quieting my soul and having peace within comes from knowing my maker
Not walking with Him, I will have no peace until I meet the undertaker

October 7, 2023
MarkWaldrop

Hope

I have hoped for many things in my life
Some brought more some less strife

Hope is a good thing if what you hope for is good for you
It can be equally as bad if it is evil and not true

Hope in the Lord will always benefit me and you
All Blessings come from God that is so true

It is difficult to put my trust in something I can't see
Becoming  easier over time when I see how he takes care of me

November 6, 2023
MarkWaldrop

Under a cloud

I seem to always be under a cloud of desperation
Everywhere I go, there is always frustration 

Why is this not true of everyone I ask
Is this the way I look at every task

Never looking for sunshine or the light  of day 
I seem to focus on all hardships along the way

Dear Lord, how can I see a Happier time 
Stay in My Love where My Light doth shine

November 6, 2023
MarkWaldrop