A Salute on the Roadside

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Yesterday, as my Daddy’s farewell made its solemn way,  
Led by the United States Marine Corps in proud array,
We saw a man by the roadside, pulled over and still,
Hat in hand, heart covered, a silent act of will.

His simple gesture, so respectful and true,
Touched our grieving hearts, brought tears anew.
Amidst the hustle of cars just passing by,
His honor stood tall under the open sky.

His license plate revealed his name, Ernest Boerlin, brave and grand,
A veteran of the US Navy, in service he did stand.
When we reached out to thank him, his words were sincere,
A brother in arms, offering comfort so dear.

“It was an honor to show respect for a fellow serviceman,” he said,
“Our prayers and condolences to you as you tread.
Fair winds and following seas, may God bless your way,
In this time of sorrow, I humbly pray.”

Ernest, your kindness did more than words can convey,
In our hearts and memories, your gesture will stay.
Thank you for your service, your honor so true,
May God's blessings and love always be with you.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Only God Can Heal

All the law can do is kill,
Impose its will, sharp and still.
Cold justice, swift and stern,
In its grasp, hearts may burn.

Yet in the shadow of the law’s decree,
Where souls may falter, lose their plea,
There blooms a hope, a light revealed,
Only God, through His Son, can heal.

For where the law ends, grace begins,
Breaking chains, absolving sins.
In Christ, the wounded find their balm,
In His embrace, a healing calm.

All the law can do is bind,
But in His love, true peace we find.
Beyond the verdict, beyond the seal,
Only God, through His Son, can heal.

June 7, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

A Joy in Christ

In trials faced, rejoice in heart,
Though grief may come, and tears may start.
For every sorrow, every pain,
Brings forth a faith that shall remain.

Refined like gold in fire’s embrace,
Your faith, a treasure, shows its grace.
Though unseen, yet you love Him still,
His presence felt, your soul to fill.

In every moment, trust and find
A joy in Christ, pure and refined.
Though eyes can’t see, your heart believes,
And in His promise, peace receives.

For at the end, when all is done,
Salvation’s gift through Christ is won.
A glorious joy beyond compare,
Eternal life in love’s sweet care.

June 7, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

1Pe 1:6  In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials.
1Pe 1:7  These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.
1Pe 1:8  Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,
1Pe 1:9  for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

A Soul Found Love

In shadows deep, where sight is lost,
A soul found love, no matter the cost.
With eyes unseen, yet spirit bright,
He came to us, pure as the light.

I adopted him, but never saw
What others deemed a fatal flaw.
He lacked not sight, but love and care,
And now he's ours, a joy to share.

In our home, he found his place,
With wagging tail and gentle grace.
No fierceness here, no hint of fear,
Just boundless love, sincere and clear.

With children, he's a tender friend,
A bond of trust that knows no end.
A loving heart, so pure and true,
Accepted now, his life anew.

We’re honored by his silent choice,
In him, we found a joyful voice.
Let's not judge by what we see,
For every soul deserves to be free.

In this home, his spirit soars,
A loving child, forever yours.
An animal's soul shines just as bright,
A beacon of love, in the darkest night.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

You Have All You Need

Through faith in Christ, your soul is freed,
In His embrace, you have all you need.
No earthly treasure, no worldly gain,
Can match the peace in His name.

His grace, a light that never fades,
Guides your steps through life’s charades.
In trials, His love will be your guide,
With Him, there’s nothing left to hide.

No storm too fierce, no night too long,
For in His arms, you’re ever strong.
Through valleys deep and mountains tall,
His faithfulness will conquer all.

In every moment, trust His lead,
For in His love, you have all you need.

June 7, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Anchor Holds

The anchor holds though the ship is battered,
Amidst the storm, where hopes are shattered.
The waves may crash, the tempest roar,
But steadfast, the anchor grasps the ocean floor.

The sails are torn, whipped by the gale,
Yet still, we press on, though hearts may pale.
In darkness deep, when all seems lost,
The anchor's strength outweighs the cost.

Through trials fierce and battles worn,
In every scar and tempest born,
The anchor holds, unwavering, true,
Guiding the ship and crew through.

So when the night is cold and long,
Remember, in the anchor, you belong.
For though the storms of life may rage,
The anchor holds, from age to age.

June 7, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

His Eternal Plan

We should look for the good in every man,
For we know not God’s eternal plan.
What we have in the world today,
Are sinners redeemed, finding Jesus along the way.

Just the beginning of knowing His grace,
The promises of God in every place.
Growing in scripture, hearts open wide,
He walks with us, wherever we abide.

In every soul, His light can shine,
Transforming hearts, divine design.
Seek the good, embrace His love,
Guided always by the Lord above.

For in each journey, each path we trod,
We are never alone, upheld by God.
Through faith and trust, we understand,
The beauty of His eternal plan.

June 7, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

The Casual Christian

A casual Christian, shallow as can be,
Content to float on faith’s vast, tranquil sea.
They shy away from scriptures' depths profound,
Unseen, the love that in His word is found.

Clinging tight to old, familiar ways,
Avoiding truths that challenge, yet amaze.
God saves us from the dark, engulfing sin,
Yet it's our choice to keep from falling in.

A love so vast, it seeks to set us free,
Yet only if we let go, can we see.
Dive deeper, and His grace will light the way,
Transforming night to dawn, and dusk to day.

June 6, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Jas 1:22  Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says

The Dog Days of Summer

Summer is here, and it's the perfect time
To bask in the sun with a friend so sublime.
With wagging tails and joyful cheer,
The Dog Days of Summer are finally here.

We chase the rays and run through the fields,
Enjoying the warmth that the season yields.
Splashing in water, tongues hanging out,
These moments of bliss, we can't live without.

From dawn till dusk, we play and explore,
Finding new adventures at every door.
With every bark and every bound,
In these Dog Days, pure joy is found.

So let's embrace the sunny days,
With our furry friends in endless ways.
For the Dog Days of Summer are here to stay,
Bringing happiness to every day.

June 6, 2024
Created by
MarkWaldrop

Let Us Remember

FRANCE – JUNE 01: World War II. Normandy landings. American reinforcements landing from barges at Utah-Beach (Manche) to deploy towards Cherbourg, June 1944. (Photo by Roger Viollet/Getty Images)
On Normandy's shores, where history was made,
Brave souls in the dawn's first light arrayed.
Eighty years have passed since that fateful day,
Yet their courage and sacrifice never fade away.

Let us remember those who stormed the beach,
Their valor and bravery beyond our reach.
But also the medics and chaplains who cared,
In the midst of chaos, they bravely dared.

With bandages, prayers, and comforting hands,
They brought hope and healing to war-torn lands.
Families of these heroes, in our hearts, you remain,
Your loved ones' service was not in vain.

We ask for prayers, for strength and grace,
For those who faced war's grim embrace.
May their legacy of kindness and love,
Shine down on us from the heavens above.

On this 80th year, we honor and pray,
For the medics and chaplains of that historic day.
Their selfless acts in the darkest of times,
Echo through the ages, in our hearts, they chime.

Created by
MarkWaldrop