In a quiet place, Elmira’s hills, Where Twain and Lewis rest so still, Two friends, one white, one black, we find, In the company of time entwined.
One born free, a farmer’s son, The other born where rivers run, Each path unique, yet crossing here Bound by respect, and hearts sincere.
When Twain’s kin faced a runaway’s flight, Lewis, unflinching, braved the night, Saved them both, at risk of loss, A soul undaunted, a friend embossed.
A bond grew deep through words and days, Religion, faith, and simple ways; Twain’s books inscribed with warm intent, To Lewis’ hands each page was sent.
And when Huck’s tale resumed its bend, Perhaps it was this faithful friend That brought Jim forth, not fear or shame A man, not just a shadowed name.
Years after, on New York’s street, A black man, white man, calmly greet, In Twain’s eye, no spectacle near, Only respect, undimmed, sincere.
He’d pondered race, the frail divide, How law and custom shaped its pride, In Huck’s and Wilson’s tales so bold, A truth laid bare, a fiction told.
Now here they lie, in Elmira’s fold, Two lives interred as tales retold.
Mark and John, side by side, rest In friendship’s bond, forever blessed.
Created by MarkWaldrop
Taken from an article written by Harlow Arquette Member of Strange and Curious Things, Facebook
What will it take, this fragile dream, To calm the lands, let silence gleam? Where desert sands and rivers flow, Will seeds of peace find room to grow?
Years of sorrow, voices lost, What price remains, what human cost? Borders drawn by hands long gone, Yet hearts still beat, and life goes on.
It takes the courage to forgive, A chance for all to simply live. To see beyond the lines and hate, To let compassion navigate.
It takes a strength to pause and say Let’s end the bloodshed here today. To build a world where children play, Not fearing bombs or endless fray.
The leaders’ hands, the people’s hearts, Must work as one to make new starts. With every prayer, each tear that falls, The earth cries out, a voice that calls.
What will it take? Perhaps we know: The will to stay, the strength to grow. For in the soil of pain and loss, May hope take root, and peace emboss.
So let us dream, and let us dare, To plant the seeds with endless care. For peace is more than just a cease It’s every step toward lasting peace.
I’m happy to say, as a kid I knew, A few times like this, skies wide and blue. Different hat, a dog at my side, A horse beneath me, with nowhere to hide.
The world stretched open, quiet and grand, With reins in my grip and dreams in my hand. No rush, no noise, just hoofbeats’ song, The sense of right where I belong.
I can still feel it, that gentle thrill, The peace that held the air so still. Exhilaration, pure and light, A memory etched in morning light.
Different times, but the feeling remains Freedom’s whisper across open plains. Just a kid, yet knowing this bliss, I’m happy to say, I’ve known times like this.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 2:9 "But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him.'"
Reflection: The verse in 1 Corinthians 2:9 is a beautiful reminder of the unimaginable blessings God has in store for those who love Him. It speaks to the incredible depth and breadth of God's plans, which far surpass our human understanding and imagination.
Often, we find ourselves caught up in the worries and limitations of our daily lives. Our vision is constrained by what we see and hear around us, and our hearts are limited by our experiences and understanding. Yet, God’s plans transcend all of this. His preparations for us are beyond anything we can conceive.
This promise encourages us to trust deeply in our Heavenly Father. Even when we cannot see the path ahead or understand the reasons behind our circumstances, we can have faith that God is preparing something extraordinary for us. His wisdom is perfect, and His love for us is boundless.
Reflecting on this verse helps us to let go of our fears and uncertainties. It invites us to place our trust fully in God, knowing that He is orchestrating everything for our ultimate good. Our Father knows best, and His plans are full of hope and future glory.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the incredible promises You have made to those who love You. Help us to trust in Your perfect plan, even when we cannot see or understand it. Strengthen our faith and remind us that Your preparations for us are beyond our imagination. May we rest in the assurance that You know what is best for us. Amen.
Thought for the Day: God's plans for you are beyond anything you can imagine. Trust in His perfect wisdom and love, knowing that our Father knows best and is preparing extraordinary blessings for you.
It’s not where you’ve been, but where you’ll go, The dreams you chase, the seeds you sow. The past may shape, but cannot bind, For forward lies the road you’ll find.
Footprints fade on trails behind, Their lessons stay, but don’t define. Each sunrise brings a brand-new chance, A step ahead, a forward glance.
So lift your gaze, let shadows fall, It’s where you’re going, after all. The journey’s yours to rise and steer, A future bright, a path mad clear.
There’s the way to do it, clear and right, A path well-lit, in steady light. A careful choice, a thoughtful turn, Where wisdom guides, and lessons earn.
Then there’s the way not meant to be, A winding road, no clarity. The steps unsure, the outcome blurred, A path where doubt and fear are stirred.
And then, the way you took that day, The choice you made, come what may. Looking back now, wish you’d known, How seeds of regret could be sown.
But every way, each step we tread, From things we wish were left unsaid, Becomes a lesson, sharp and true A guide to show what next to do.
Daily Devotional: Our Father Knows Best By Mark Waldrop
Scripture: Isaiah 9:7 "Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this."
Reflection: Isaiah 9:7 presents a powerful vision of the eternal and righteous reign of Jesus Christ. This prophecy reassures us that the government and peace brought by Christ will never end. His reign is established and upheld with justice and righteousness, and it is driven by the zeal of the Lord.
In our daily lives, it’s comforting to know that our Father’s wisdom and foresight extend beyond our present circumstances. His plan, executed through Jesus, is one of everlasting peace and justice. Even when the world around us seems unstable and unjust, we can trust that God’s ultimate plan is one of perfect order and righteousness.
The phrase "the zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this" underscores God’s passionate commitment to His promises. Our Father’s zeal guarantees that His plan for justice and peace will be fulfilled. This divine enthusiasm should inspire confidence and hope within us, knowing that God is actively working for our good and the good of His kingdom.
When we face moments of doubt or uncertainty, remembering this prophecy can bolster our faith. God’s kingdom, established through Jesus, is a kingdom where peace and justice reign eternally. We are invited to participate in this kingdom, trusting that our Father knows best and His plans are always for our ultimate good.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise of Your eternal kingdom, established and upheld by Jesus Christ. Help us to trust in Your wisdom and zeal, knowing that You are committed to justice and peace. Strengthen our faith and inspire us to live righteously, reflecting Your kingdom values in our daily lives. Amen.
Thought for the Day: In a world of uncertainty, trust in the eternal peace and justice of God's kingdom. Our Father knows best, and His zeal ensures that His perfect plan will be accomplished.
Don’t try to break through to God, Be still, let Him come to you In quiet places, hearts are stirred, His presence soft and true.
Stilling soul and mind, listen for His call, An ever-calm, sweet voice that changes all. Though the world may try to lead astray, His peace descends as you humbly pray.
For in the silent, sacred space, His love flows deep, His gentle grace. Be patient, still, and you will see God’s love unfolds, eternally free.
On Sabbath’s calm, with whispered grace, A hand once withered found its place. No rule, no law, could bind the might, Of love that heals, of purest light.
The critics watched with eyes of stone, Yet mercy stood, unbowed, alone. A touch, a word, a heart made whole— A spark of grace to heal the soul.
To choose compassion, brave and clear, To stand for love when others fear. For sometimes faith must bend the rule, To teach that love is Heaven’s school.
And so we learn, in steps so small, To heal, to lift, to answer the call. In hands we hold, let kindness flow, And walk with peace where others go.
Created by MarkWAldrop
Mat 12:13 Then he said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." So he stretched it out and it was completely restored, just as sound as the other.
