The Power of Sharing

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Grief shared is grief diminished,
A burden lightened, pain relinquished.
In whispered words and tearful eyes,
The sorrow fades, the spirit flies.

For when we lean on those we trust,
Our hearts can heal, as hearts they must.
In every tear that others see,
A part of grief is set free.

Love shared is love increased,
A light that spreads and is released.
In every touch, in every smile,
It grows and stretches mile by mile.

For love, when given, does not fade,
But multiplies in bonds we’ve made.
The more we give, the more we find,
A love that blooms in heart and mind.

So let us share both grief and love,
For both are gifts from up above.
In sorrow shared, we find release,
In love, we find our soul’s increase.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

October 23

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture Reading:

James 1:17-18
"Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures."

Reflection:

Life often presents us with a series of choices, challenges, and uncertainties. In our journey, we may find ourselves questioning the circumstances we face or the paths we should take. During these moments, it's comforting to remember that our Heavenly Father knows what is best for us.

James 1:17-18 reminds us of two profound truths about God's nature and His intentions for us. Firstly, every good and perfect gift originates from Him. Unlike the shifting shadows of this world, God remains constant, unchanging, and ever faithful. His blessings are tailor-made for us, designed to enrich our lives and draw us closer to Him.

Secondly, God's purpose for us is rooted in His eternal truth. He chose to bring us forth through His word, marking us as the firstfruits of His creation. This signifies our unique and precious position in His plan, reflecting His glory and goodness.

When we face doubts or challenges, we can rest in the assurance that our Father, the Creator of lights, knows exactly what we need and when we need it. His gifts may come in forms we do not expect, but they are always perfect and timely.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for being the unchanging source of all good and perfect gifts. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and timing, knowing that You always have our best interests at heart. Guide us by Your word of truth, and let us live as the firstfruits of Your creation, reflecting Your love and light in all we do. Amen.

Thought for the Day:

Whenever you doubt or feel uncertain, remember that your Father knows best. His gifts and plans for you are perfect, and His love for you is unwavering. Trust in His goodness and let His light guide your way.

I’m Waiting for You

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I’m the one who’s always waiting for you,
Faithful and true, no matter what you do.
Your car, it hums a tune I know,
A sound that makes my heart aglow.
In a thousand, I could pick it out,
My ears, they hear you without a doubt.

Your steps ring out like a magic bell,
Each footfall casting its gentle spell.
Your voice, a melody soft and clear,
It’s the sweetest sound I ever hear.
When I see your joy, I feel it too,
For every smile, I’m smiling with you.

Your scent, to me, is the very best,
It lingers like a warm embrace in my chest.
Your presence stirs my every sense,
In your wake, there’s no defense.
Your waking up brings life to me,
A bond, unspoken yet heavenly.

I watch you sleep, in quiet awe,
To me, you are without a flaw.
Your look, a beam of radiant light,
Fills my world with pure delight.
Your hands on me bring peace so sweet,
In your touch, love is complete.

When you leave, my heart grows cold,
A void that only you can hold.
But I’ll wait here, day after day,
For your return, come what may.
For I am the one who will wait for you,
Today, tomorrow, my whole life through.

I am your dog, forever true.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

October 22

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture Reading:
A Revelation 4:11 - "Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created."

Reflection:
In our journey through life, we often encounter moments of uncertainty, challenges, and decisions that leave us questioning the best path forward. During these times, it's comforting to remember that our Heavenly Father, the Creator of all things, holds us in His hands and knows what is best for us. Revelation 4:11 reminds us of the glory, honor, and power that belong to God alone. It is by His will that all things exist, including us.

This verse calls us to trust in God's sovereignty and perfect plan. When we acknowledge His supreme authority, we can find peace in knowing that nothing happens outside His control. Our Creator, who designed the vast universe and the intricate details of our lives, is worthy of our trust and praise.

Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank You for Your boundless wisdom and perfect will. Help us to trust in Your plan for our lives, even when we don't understand the path ahead. Remind us that You are in control and that You know what is best for us. May we glorify and honor You in all that we do. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Action:
Today, take a moment to reflect on the areas of your life where you need to trust God's wisdom more fully. Surrender your worries and uncertainties to Him, and praise Him for His sovereignty and care. Trust that our Father knows best and rest in His perfect plan for your life.

Your Vote is You

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You are who you vote for, they say it’s true,
In the choices you make, your values shine through.
With each name on the ballot, a vision, a voice,
Reflecting the world you see in your choice.

You are who you vote for, a mirror of heart,
A part of the system, you play your part.
In the hopes you cast, in the trust you invest,
In a future you dream of, the one you think best.

You are who you vote for, in silence or shout,
A whisper of faith, or a scream of doubt.
But remember, in the end, the vote is more,
Than just a decision, it’s what you stand for.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

Trooper

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I was left in the flood waters of Hurricane Milton, to fend for myself,
The future looked bleak as the waters began to swell.
Then, a Trooper with a heart I caught his eye,
Rescuing me, now my spirit can fly.

I will never be the same, I know it’s true,
With love and care, my life starts anew.
I am so proud Trooper is now my name,
A symbol of hope, a life reclaimed.

I was lucky, a tender heart set me free,
But there are many cousins still waiting like me.
At your local shelter, they long for the same,
For a chance at life, a brand-new name.

MarkWaldrop

At the Potter’s House

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“Go down to the potter’s house,” the Lord once said,
To Jeremiah, in his spirit led.
For some lessons in life, we must descend,
Not in our heights, but where we bend.

Down to the place where the potter molds,
Shaping murky clay with gentle holds.
For in our lows, we are made to see,
The work of the Potter in you and me.

The clay He chooses, though flawed and weak,
Is pressed and pounded, soft and meek.
For the Potter knows, with every strike,
The cracks will form, but He makes them right.

Are you being pressed against the wall,
Feeling broken, shattered, small?
Fear not, the Potter’s hands are sure,
He works with love, so we endure.

In our impurities, we often break,
But the Potter never makes a mistake.
With patient hands, He starts anew,
Forming vessels strong and true.

We are not thrown away, despite our flaws,
The Potter’s love obeys no laws.
With mediocre clay, He forms with grace,
Vessels to adorn His holy place.

Are you broken now? Rejoice and know,
In His hands, your beauty will grow.
Glazed and shining, you’ll stand one day,
A perfect vessel, shaped His way.

Created by 
MarkWaldrop

Taken from words of my friend
Ramon Tristani

It Is What It Is

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It is what it is, they say with a sigh,
No sense in asking the how or the why.
Life takes its course, and time will unfold,
Stories of joy, and moments untold.

It is what it is, as the days drift away,
Some battles we fight, some prices we pay.
But in the stillness, in the quiet night,
We find our peace, and we hold on tight.

It is what it is, the ebb and the flow,
The highs and the lows, the things we don’t know.
Yet through it all, we find strength within,
For every ending begins again.

It is what it is, and that’s how it goes,
Through seasons of loss, and when love grows.
We rise, we fall, and then we stand,
With faith in heart and hope in hand.

Created by
MarkWaldrop

October 21

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Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best
By Mark Waldrop 

Scripture: 
Romans 5:18-19 - Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous.

Reflection:
In the grand tapestry of history, our Father has woven a story of redemption and hope. The disobedience of one man, Adam, brought sin and condemnation into the world. It might seem unfair that one man's failure could have such devastating consequences for all of humanity. But in His infinite wisdom, our Father had a plan that would not only address this injustice but also display His boundless grace and love.

Through the obedience of one man, Jesus Christ, our Father brought about the greatest act of righteousness. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross reversed the curse of sin and death, offering justification and life to all who believe. This profound truth reminds us that our Father's plans are always perfect, even when we don't fully understand them.

1. Understanding God's Wisdom: God's ways are higher than our ways, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts (Isaiah 55:8-9). What might seem like a hopeless situation to us is an opportunity for God to reveal His glory and bring about His perfect plan. Trusting in God's wisdom means believing that He knows what is best for us, even when we can't see the bigger picture.

2. The Power of Obedience: Just as Adam's disobedience brought sin into the world, Jesus' obedience brought salvation. Our own obedience to God, though seemingly small in comparison, can have a significant impact on our lives and the lives of those around us. By following God's commands and living according to His will, we participate in His redemptive work in the world.

3. Grace and Redemption: The story of Adam and Jesus highlights the incredible grace of our Father. Despite our failures and sins, God offers us redemption through Jesus Christ. This grace is not something we can earn; it is a gift freely given out of God's great love for us. Embracing this grace transforms our lives and fills us with gratitude and hope.

Application:
Today, let's reflect on the wisdom of our Father who knows best. In moments of doubt and struggle, remember that God's plans are perfect and His love for us is unending. Trust in His wisdom, obey His commands, and embrace the grace He offers through Jesus Christ. Let this truth guide your actions and fill your heart with peace and confidence.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for Your perfect wisdom and unfailing love. Help us to trust in Your plans and to obey Your commands, knowing that You always know what is best for us. Thank You for the grace and redemption we have through Jesus Christ. May our lives reflect Your love and bring glory to Your name. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day:
Our Father’s wisdom and love are perfect. Trust in His plans, walk in obedience, and embrace His grace, knowing that He always knows what’s best for us.

The Christian Voter’s Guide

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The process is vast, with the world in debate,
But God’s saving grace does not hinge on the state.
Parties seek power, they care for your vote,
Yet Christ’s love and mercy, they barely take note.

The pursuit of control can cloud what is right,
For the Christian’s calling is love in the fight.
Do not trade the Sermon for influence or gain,
For in that exchange, there’s little but pain.

If politics tempts you to judge or to hate,
Turn down the volume before it’s too late.
Bring salt, bring light, in this heated divide,
With grace, let the love of your Savior abide.

For splitting the Body over policies grim,
Is a wound far greater than any party win.
Vote with conviction, your conscience, and might,
But remember, it’s love that defines what is right.

More precious than victories, more lasting than fame,
Is a soul filled with love, glorifying His Name.

Created by
MarkWaldrop