The Candle 7-28-06

I know I'm but a candle,
pulled from a little box,
and set among the vexing thorns
in this big world of rocks.
Then being weary, I sat down
in shading of a tree -
and there in shadow of my sin,
I sat in misery.

I thought I had the answers too,
but did not have the spark.
I sat alone in torment then -
cold, ignorant, dark.
I was an unlit candle
and not worth anything
until one day I saw the light -
from under thorns, a King!

I sat among the shadows, black -
but flicker in His Word
had stunned me when it whispered -
and still, small voice I heard.
That Light had died for just three days,
but showered me with grace,
and love was lit throughout the world,
to all the human race.

When I stepped out and saw the light
from under that old tree,
right then was lit with flames of hope -
which made me wholly free!
Oh yes, a strange thing happened -
and happened long ago.
My ears could hear, my eyes could see,
His warmth in all its glow.

My heart was lit and came to life -
though just a humble light -
but with the flames from all of us,
He shines so very bright.
I light the places where I go.
It is my job you see,
to be a Christian candle.
There's nothing else to be.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

John 8:12
Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “ I am the Light of the world;
he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life."

John 12:46
" I have come as Light into the world, so that everyone who believes in Me will not remain in darkness.”

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Consider it 7-26-06

.
Consider it a privilege –
For not one prayer to Heaven is unheard.

Consider it helpful -
For those times you’re taught by God's Word.

Consider it love -
For His grace is sufficient for all.

Consider it joyous -
For His wonders.

Consider it peaceful -
For seeing His forgiveness.

Consider it patience -
For those times you instruct others.

Consider it kind -
For helping those in need.

Consider it good -
For experiencing trials.

Consider it faithful -
For being a servant of God.

Consider it worthy -
For being a child of God.

Consider anything at all -
For no one in the graveyard can.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Lost Sheep 7-18-06

Like a lost sheep, and all alone - sins danger followed me;
And crept along in shadows dark, although I didn't see.

I made my way along life’s path not knowing where I'd go;
But, oh, the farther I traversed - the danger sure did grow.

One day unexpectedly, when I was down and out;
I threw my hands up in the air and lost it all in doubt.

Now you will not believe this. You'll just look at me and stare;
But something lifted, raised me up while my hands were in the air....

I found myself among my friends sitting in this very fold;
So now I'm sitting in the warmth of love - not out there in the cold.

Yes, He found and lifted me and brought me to this shore;
-And now I live a life that's free where dangers are no more.

He rejoices - I was found - more than the ninety-nine...
Rejoicing lifts my heart now too, as I'm added to His vine.

We all were lost among the thorns, but we, through Him, were found.
The Shepherd has us in His fold - now going homeward bound.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Luke 15: (NASB)
4 "What man among you, if he has a hundred sheep and has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open pasture and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?
5"When he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.
6"And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and his neighbors, saying to them, 'Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!'
7"I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance.

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Contentment's Glove 7-18-06

We thirst for it. We grab for it - contentment's out of reach.
We think of it. We dream of it - that perfect sweetest peach.
Some beg for it. Some steal for it. Sin grows a longer vine.
Some fight for it. Some die for it and tangled they entwine.

Growing anger, hate and madness continues on to seed;
And then with pride so many die, in wars through hate and greed.
I, too, once packed, and walked away. I took my tiny tent;
As a lady, so deep depressed, I just was not content.

I saw this girl. She hugged a glove. She wore it on one hand;
She seemed to be enjoying it. I couldn't comprehend.
From where I stood, She looked a mess, with mud caked on her face;
She smiled big from ear to ear. How'd I come by this place?

I raised my nose and pursed my lips, ignored her every call.
But then she ran - caught up to me, and stopped along a wall.
To be polite, I said to her, "Your glove had caught my eye."
She tugged at me, then said with glee, "Please tell my dolly 'hi'."

And then my thoughts turned negative, as she grinned ear to ear;
She's so happy. I'm so depressed. Does this girl not know fear?
So then I said, "If that was mine, I wouldn't be so proud.
I'd hide it good - or throw it out - not show it to a crowd."

"Why, she's my friend, my 'pretend' doll. I like to keep her near.
And if you want, I'll share with you, go on and hold her - here."
She held it out in trusting love. I knew not what to say;

Then I found out she had her trials, and seen her parents death;
She lived alone without a home, and that had seized my breath.
She clung to me - gave me a hug, it had to be pure love;
Was all she had, and then again, held out that special glove.

Then my focus fell off of me, I’d surely lost my case;
In tailored clothes with makeup on, I lost my perfect face.
I have so much - her so little, she hugged me as I tried;
To hold the flood of many tears, but I broke down and cried.

I spent the day with my new friend, contented as a pearl;
And as we walked, She gave her 'doll' to yet another girl.
There is nothing, more special than, to be a real glove;
Once I had less than this small child - of pure, unselfish love.

Greed and envy, hate and anger, will see no Nation through;
It's who you are and what you do - results are up to you.
You have to be that unique doll, that special one to love;
A tailored suit cannot replace, or be contentment's glove.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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There Comes A Time... 7-8-06

There comes a time in all men's lives,

-When he questions all he's done.

Should he continue on his course -

Or finally say, "Well done"?

There comes a time his children leave,

They seem to be so busy.

Should we wait for them to call?

Or call them? It makes us dizzy.

My wife and I became a pair,

So many years ago;

But things became so different as,

I watched her knit and sew....

Now faster time accelerates.

I buried half of me.

I sit alone in disbelief -

so lonely I will be.

And now my time will surely come,

It's sooner than I think.

There'll come a time in your life too,

Be watchful - do not blink.

I'm torn in two as tears begin

to wet my wrinkled face....

At least I know we'll be, one day,

together in one place....

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Our Treasure Cove 7-7-06

I am human. My God divine-
but yet I cling to what's not mine.
I hold on tight and won't let go,
but finally give a mite or so...

I drove one day. I drove and drove-
away from my dear treasure cove.
I saw His beauty was so free,
but there was not one speck in me.

I tried to run far from the truth,
and tried to buy back all my youth;
but then God spoke so brutally,
and crushed my heart that I might see.

I was no cup with just some cracks,
but crushed to dust. It's just the facts.
He paid just once - but paid it all,
so why not me? I heard His call.

We are human, God divine,
you might have yours, but God has mine.
My treasure cove is very bare.
God owns it all. It's only fair.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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