On June 19th, we stand and cheer, For freedom’s dawn, a day so dear, Juneteenth, we mark with joyous heart, A chapter new, a vital part.
In Galveston, the message came, Union soldiers, freedom’s flame, In 1865, they brought the word, And freedom’s song was finally heard.
The chains were broken, spirits free, A promise kept, for you and me, The end of war, the start of light, A path from darkness to the right.
We honor those who walked this land, With dreams of freedom in their hand, Their courage, strength, and pain endured, In Juneteenth’s name, their hope assured.
A celebration, rich and bright, Of history’s turn towards the light, For all who fought, for all who yearned, In freedom’s name, the tide has turned.
So every June, on day nineteen, We gather ‘neath the flag’s bright sheen, To celebrate, remember well, The story that our hearts now tell.
Do you not know, beloved, the truth so clear, Your body is a temple, sacred, dear. Within you dwells the Spirit, pure and bright, A gift from God, a beacon in the night.
You are not your own, this life bestowed, Purchased with a price, a love that's owed. The sacrifice, His blood, a crimson thread, In every breath, His grace and mercy spread.
So honor Him with every step you take, In deeds of love, for righteousness' sake. Let purity and reverence be your song, For in His temple, you forever belong.
Glorify God in body and in soul, In every act, let holiness be your goal. For you are cherished, precious in His sight, A living temple, shining with His light.
1Co 6:19 Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 1Co 6:20 for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.
In Bettendorf, where whispers of history unfold, Stands a schoolhouse, a story to be told. Forest Grove, with walls of ancient hue, Built in the 1870s, where dreams first flew.
One room, a sanctuary of learning and light, Children gathered from dawn till twilight. Slate boards and wooden desks, memories etched deep, Where knowledge was sown, promises to keep.
Windows framed vistas of fields and sky, Witness to seasons as years drifted by. Laughter and lessons mingled with grace, A timeless rhythm in this cherished place.
Teachers’ voices, guiding gentle and wise, Kindling sparks in eager young eyes. Reading, writing, and arithmetic’s song, In Forest Grove, they all belonged.
Echoes of the past, in every beam and stone, A testament to the seeds once sown. Legacy of learning, a beacon so bright, Forest Grove School, a beacon of light.
Through decades, its spirit remains, A symbol of growth, where knowledge reigns. In Bettendorf's heart, forever it will stay, Forest Grove School, in memories’ array.
Happy Father's Day to our Father in Heaven, Your love and grace, to us, are given. There's only one gift I can humbly bring: My trust and my love, from deep within.
In Your embrace, I find my peace, From worries and burdens, You grant release. With every prayer and every thought, Your endless love is all I've sought.
Guiding me gently through each day, Your light illuminates my way. On this special day, I lift my voice, In Your boundless love, I rejoice.
Happy Father's Day, my Lord above, Receive my trust and all my love.
Think of Rio de Janeiro, a city of grace, A vision that comes to mind, a holy embrace. Perched on Corcovado, high and grand, Cristo Redentor with outstretched hand.
A granite sentinel, 2,300 feet high, Looms above samba's rhythm and sky. Christ the Redeemer, arms wide and kind, Welcomes all, with a heart aligned.
"The first sight from airports, his open arms, A brotherly presence, shielding from harms," Says designer Gilson, with pride and cheer, A symbol of love, ever so near.
When journeys end and flights alight, No need to seek, in day or night. For he finds us, with a gentle glow, Guiding us home, in Rio’s flow.
To all our Fathers who are in Heaven
Thank you for all the Love you have given
The many times you picked me up when I fell down
In my eyes, you always wore a crown
My heart aches with memories of Love
I have tears of Joy when your smile I think of
Thank you for never giving up on me
For the Loving-kindness you showed me
No matter the memory of others and their dad
They would not be here if it weren't in God's Plan
A Wonderful day to remember your forgiving Love
My heart can't wait to join you in Heaven above
June 17, 2023
MarkWaldrop
In Yellowstone's embrace, where wild spirits roam, A rare white buffalo is born, prophecy's tome. Lakota voices whisper through the windswept grass, A sacred sign emerges, as ages past.
A calf of snowy white, a vision pure, A symbol of hope, of times to endure. Blessing bestowed, yet a cautionary tale, A call to protect where the wild ones prevail.
Chief Arvol Looking Horse speaks with ancient grace, His words a solemn echo in this hallowed place. "This birth," he says, "is both blessing and warning, A dawn of better times, yet a sign of mourning."
The earth's heart beats with each creature's plight, Guardians of nature must rise to the fight. For in this calf's eyes, we see a plea, To shield our world, to let it be free.
So let us heed this sacred birth's decree, To honor and safeguard all we see. For in the white buffalo, a truth profound, Better times await, if we protect this ground.
