Shepherd's Christmas 12-7-19

We watched the flock, the sheep were still.

The night was calm right up until...

the sky lit up! An angel came!

It frightened us! We weren't the same.

Near Bethlehem, we were that night,

and frightened were, at such a sight.

Then when I stilled, an angel spoke,

with message clear, for all us folk.

I bring you tidings of great joy.

In manger hay, you'll find a boy.

In strips of cloth, in loving care,

in Bethlehem, you'll see Him there.

Inside a stable built with board,

you'll find your Savior, Christ the Lord.

Then suddenly we saw the most,

a multitude of Heavn'ly host!

I heard, when sky turned brightest,

"Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth, peace... toward men."

with echo heard again, again.

And then those words, "Don't be afraid..."

Go see the place where Christ is laid.

And so the time, we didn't waste.

We left right then.  We left in haste.

When we arrived, it was as told.

It was a sight worth more than gold.

The Inn was full, but He was kept

inside a stable as He slept.

I fell to knees near humble child.

Dear Mary saw and simply smiled.

The floor was straw on dirt and dust.

I thought it odd and so unjust.

Deserved He more, much more than this,

with crown of pearls and happiness.

A Savior good, for all to see.

A Savior great, should one day be.

In fact, this child should be a king

that rules over everything!

It saddens though, God had to give,

His only Son so I could live.

I felt much dampness on my face,

for this was now a sacred place.

Through tears of joy, they saw us pray.

We saw it all that Christmas Day.

©2019 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Visions 11-28-19

Embossed into the reader's mind

are visions bright and full -

and colorful the places are

that hold us and then pull -

pull poems into vision that

create a special place -

a place of pure serenity,

a place we can't erase.

Those pleasant poems press in thoughts

of waterfalls and such.

And only poets can write scenes

that we can nearly touch.

With fragrance after morning dew,

in nature's quiet hush,

try stepping out on vision now

in grasses soft and lush.

Stroll out on clover so divine

it carries you beyond -

beyond these steps of mortal words

beside one little pond.

And as you walk on clover green

in visions you allow,

forget the words that brought you here

and live within them now.

The vast imagination here

can free you from your pains

of all that you've endured so far

in life's relentless rains.

Yet rain brings life to little seed

that grows a mighty tree.

So take the pains that you have now

to find more than you see.

If you can live inside these words

where poets often write -

you, too, can reach the waterfalls

and own this special sight.

Remember always nature's scenes

drawn by the poet's words

and let the visions bring you joy

and peace above all birds.

For God is in the spirit realm.

It's truly critical

to place yourself with Jesus now -

not in the physical.

And as you stroll, hum happy tune

and whistle for awhile.

Life sure is great when we all wear

that everlasting smile!

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Persevere 11-17-19

As the hurricanes and typhoons twirled,

I wish I could preach to the entire world.

...but I can't.

And standing so firm, like a giant red cedar,

I wish I could be a nation's great leader.

...but I can't.

Or be as appealing as double feature,

I wish I could be a big TV preacher.

...but I can't.

If I had two wishes, or even one choice,

I wish I could sing with a heavenly voice.

...but I can't.

If I could know Jesus, I mean really know Him,

I think I could write a masterful poem.

...but I can't.

I tell you the truth- that I am sincere,

but seems I can't make myself perfectly clear.

I sit here alone with but one lonely tear,

yet God says, go forth, you must persevere.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Twilight Colors Beckon Me 11-9-19

"The sun is setting.  It's to be.

The twilight colors beckon me.

Was life complete?  Did I obey

my precious Lord, His will, His way?"

I've fallen short.  I've fallen far

from Heaven's heights to things that are.

The Judge is waiting for me now

as sweat escapes my weary brow.

I've eaten time.  Now it's my fate.

What can I change with empty plate?

There must be something I can do.

Is there no grace for me and you?

Can I "un-drink" the milk now soured?
Can I "un-eat" what I've devoured?

Can I go back to live His way,

some ninety years?  No, not one day.

But futile death?  Say it's not so!

Yes, Christ arose from here below!

Forgiven from this life I leave!

Eternal life- for I believe!

It doesn't change my sadness though.

Regret, I do, as tempest blow.

You youngsters have a life of time.

Please do God's Will and make it rhyme.

Please read your Bible, read it true.

Don't be like me, but be like you.

Don't store up treasures on your shelf

for one day you will say yourself,

"The sun is setting.  It's to be.

The twilight colors beckon me.

Was life complete?  Did I obey

my precious Lord, His will, His way?"

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Of Sweet Joy 10-11-19

I traveled to see my mama today.

She needed to hear what I had to say.

But when I arrived, she was in deep prayer.

I had some good news I wanted to share.

My mama could talk the ears off the corn,

the ears off a rabbit since she was half-born.

And sometimes when I was trying to speak,

she'd cut me right off- for nearly a week.

But this time she had sad tears in her eyes.

Because of me I could only surmise.

I asked of her tears.  How bad could it be?

Then she shook her head.  It was about me.

I hurt my dear mom.  I hurt her a lot.

I wasn't a Christian and humble, was not.

The time had gone by, but now with good news,

I'm here for my mama to pay my last dues.

"I'm... sorry I... hurt... you for... so many years"

I said, as I stumbled with words through my tears.

But I have found Jesus.  My life turned around.

I bought my own Bible and it is profound!

Still tears held my mama.  She said not a word.

A small tiny sparrow was all that we heard.

Through tears, she then spoke, "I prayed for you boy -

and yes, I have tears, but now tears of sweet joy."

So together we cried.  So happy were we.
My eyes were a blur and I hardly could see.
But I felt much better when I saw her smile.
We conversed together for quite a long while.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Live In Remembrance 9-19-19

So many just plan for tomorrow.

So many just live for today.

Yet I long to live in remembrance

to yesterday's mem'ries this way...

My father, in garage, would be working.

My mother, in kitchen, would bake.

Then I would take turns being with them,

and tried not to make a mistake.

I'd hold the light steady for father

while he reached down under the hood.

The cookie dough mom had me stirring,

from finger to tongue was so good.

They'd take me to church ev'ry Sunday.

I learned all the Bible had taught.

I learned that my soul needed saving

a soul that was already bought.

And Jesus had blessed me so dearly

with parents I didn't deserve.

I learned of their love and devotion

a love that I'd often observe.

Though father did not show emotion

and hugging was not ever done,

He would, at times, play some horseshoes

and never had I ever won.

Now one night while watching home movies,

I saw a lone tear on his eye.

I knew his emotions ran deeper

and in him was greater supply.

My mother was very kind-hearted.

She loved everyone that she met.
And when someone hurt her unfairly,

I never had seen her upset.

Yes, everyone loved my dear mother
and that's how a dear flower grows.
She passed away still helping children

and buried, the finest of rose.

My memories fade with the sunset,

as emptiness sets in again.

My life seems so terribly barren

as loneliness grips me within.

But some things I'll not be forgetting:

two faces that I'll always see,

two lives that I'll always remember,

two parents who loved thankless me.

So many just plan for tomorrow.

So many just live for today.

Yet I long to live in remembrance

to yesterday's mem'ries this way...

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Redneck Love 8-10-19

There in my driveway, we were stuck
when she jumped out of my old truck.
The rain had stopped but mud was deep.
I warned it wasn't wise to leap.

But yet she tried to get away.
Regret, she did, that awful day.
Escape, she tried.  It wasn't wise.
In mud was covered, toes to eyes!

Above the muffler noise and smoke,
I yelled out loud, "The handle's broke!"
Reach in the window. Be on guard -
then grab that handle, yank it hard!

What she had done just wasn't right.
When she got in, she looked a sight!
Still splattered full with greasy crud
she wiped her eyes, hands full of mud.

I threw a coat under a tire
a pair of heels, a purse and wire.
When revved, I did, to its extreme,
the muffler drowned her ev'ry scream.

She wouldn't push, so we got out.
I wished she wouldn't scream and shout.
Those heels just didn't match her suits
and she looked good in army boots.

Along our driveway next to broom,
from toilet tank, saw tulips bloom.
She plucked one quick when we trudged past.
I knew right then our love would last.

I also knew she'd like our shack
and showed our outhouse there in back.
I kept the freezer on the porch
and fried my eggs with my old torch.

The roof still leaks and I had plans
but fish were in the frying pans.
She dug for worms. She was a gem.
I brushed my teeth, all six of them.

I'm not so big, four hundred pounds.
She liked our home, all seven hounds.
"Now truck needs gas so here's a buck.
I'm glad we've met, it's your good luck.

"I need to weld a broken part."
then said, "Be patient, have a heart.
Go find my leather welding glove.
It sure is nice to be in love!

"All will be fine. You cannot leave.
You can't escape. Don't be naive.
A shotgun wedding is in store
for me and you. They've locked the door.

"My pop's the justice of the peace,
the preacher too, and the police.
Jus' take your time and think it through,
ignore the gun, then say, "I do"."
---
Now God does not force us like this.
He offers grace, not promised bliss.
So pray to God.  He has your back.
He proves His love that others lack.

It's such a blessing to be free
to serve Him always faithfully.
So don't hitch rides with sinful man,
but follow God, His will and plan.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Through Eternal Years 7-12-19

Our tears come in mass
when our loved ones pass.

Oh, why do our hearts sink so low?

Can we not accept

on ship they have stepped?

So sad, why are we, when they go?

Please don't shed your tears

on day ship appears

because death is destined to be.

Our lives are so short.

It'll soon be in port

for you, your dear spouse, or for me.

For young or for old

no ticket is sold.

It doesn't cost even a dime.

Once you get on board

you will see your Lord.

and judgement is final this time.

It moves us in haste

conveying to place

where Christians together will be.

On that distant shore

we'll love even more

than did on this side of the sea.

Tethered together,

never to sever,

we'll have much more love to employ.

Through eternal years

come many more tears,

but they will be tears of sweet joy.

And they'll create seas

much greater than these,

with beauty we can't comprehend.
That shore we will see
and love there will be

with Jesus, our Savior and Friend.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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His Eyes 6-6-19

The multitude

was not subdued

with Jesus on display.

So I pushed near,

to better hear

what they all had to say.

It was his task

that Pilate ask,

Are You King of the Jews?

With Jesus mute

there was dispute

and so the crowd would choose.

Barabbas won,

so on the run

good Peter tried to hide.

The time was grim

when asked of him,

but three times he denied.

Now at the cross

was greater loss
with torture and with pain.
From crown of thorn
to nails and scorn,
would someone please explain?

Though not His fault,
they would not halt.

Was this unstoppable?

I called His name

so I could blame

the one responsible.

Above the din

I asked again,

"Oh, whose sin it could be?"

Through blood and sweat

I won't forget

when His eyes turned to me.

©2019 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

---

So then, of course,

in full remorse

confessed my ev'ry sin.

Through sacrifice

He paid my price

and now I'm born again!

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Like Humble Cloud 5-11-19

From breezes in the summer heat,

I saw the ripples swell, retreat.
Framed in by lily pad and reed
it bragged a pretty sight indeed.

I gazed upon reflection's scene

and never questioned what I'd seen.
On water's face, a cloud of white
would bend and twist as in a fight.

In clear reflection on the lake
I saw that cloud.  It wasn't fake.
And with my eyes, I had believed.
But I was wrong.  I was deceived.

Reflection's great deceptions are

mere perceptions, fake, bizarre.

I never saw a single cloud

'cept what reflection had allowed.

As I stared down at water's edge,

there was no cloud there, I alleged.
Then I looked up in reverence
and found the real evidence.

Deceived?  Oh yes!  I felt alone,

so in a rage threw heavy stone.

I saw that stone and water crash.

It killed reflection with a splash!

Do not look down.  It isn't right
to be deceived by pretty sight.
Deception's lie?  You're all alone.
No!  Make a splash with heavy stone.

I now see God a diff'rent way

when I see nature day to day.

Instead of lie's reflection here,

I now look up and see it clear.

And clearly seen, it seems unfair

that there's no boast or bragging there.

That cloud continued 'cross the sky.

It knew not where, nor how, nor why.

As God created it to be,
it simply was- as you and me.
It floated by in slow decrease
and humbly faded off in peace.

In quiet peace as it's allowed,

I'll always live like humble cloud.

I hover o'er deception's waves

and see each splash as Jesus saves.

Reflections you can always see,
but in His image, I will be -
that humble cloud, that real thing,
up here with God, my Lord and King.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Quiet Little Lamb 4-17-19

I'm not a goat, I'm not a Ram,

I'm just a quiet little lamb.

I speak for other lambs like me

who we don't hear and we don't see.

So many tortured and abused,

some aborted or simply used.

We all are lost among the tall

behind the shadow's darkened wall.

We're lost in thickets sharp with thorns,

with those tall demons without horns.

They say, "Please smile and go to bed"

but tears run down my cheeks instead.

From other lambs with reddened eyes,

I hear more screams and hear their cries.

A Shepherd passed the goat and ram

and in a thicket, found this lamb.

I pray, "Dear Jesus, help the lost.

the least of these who pay the cost.

Among the thickets, you will find

more lambs like me.  You are so kind.

I'm thankful, Lord, you hear and see

and know there's many more like me.

Please stop the tall who have become

the demons for each little one.

I'm not a goat, I'm not a Ram,

I'm just a quiet little lamb.

I speak for other lambs like me

who we don't hear and we don't see.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Understand the Ties 3-23-19

When someone is so nice to you that tears come to your eyes,

how often do we think of them and understand the ties?

A mere "thank you" is not enough, nor is a pretty card -

and smiles and hugs?  They too fall short as inch does to a yard.

When someone acts unselfishly and goes the extra mile,

so priceless are the friendships of the loyal caring smile.

And also true, when life surrenders full and total loss,

that everything falls ever short when viewing full, the cross.

When someone dies for what we've done, it's something to behold.

His precious, loving, selfless act is worth much more than gold.

When someone is so nice to you that tears come to your eyes,

how often do we think of Christ and understand the ties?

©2019 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Through Winds in Chime 2-23-19

Through life's tough test I did my best.

Some thought it odd I followed God,

but in His footsteps I found joy.

Please don't destroy, but do employ

the love of Christ and sacrifice -

for one day you will follow me.

In my steps be, just wait and see.

Your times are cast in ages past

in places that no longer thrill.

For it's God's will that waters still,

as deaths relate to Heaven's gate.

The case for all here by and by.

So do not cry or say good-bye.

For Heaven lives and Heaven gives!

So wonderful!  Believe me now.

There is no cow, nor ox nor sow.

No money lend, no work or end

and God's not penned His final rhyme.

For there's no time through winds in chime

o'er meadows green, where it's serene,

at that great place I've come to rest.

---

Through life's tough test, I did my best.

Some thought it odd I followed God,

but in His footsteps I found joy.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Filthy Man 2-2-19

I was the only usher here

inside our little church.

The sermon was just starting and

for truth, we'd always search.

Now everything was normal there

right up to and until,

the door creaked slowly open and

we all grew very still.

In pastor's long mid-sentence, the

strange silence first began,

for standing in the doorway was

a poor and filthy man.

Appeared, he did, atrocious there

and homeless quite awhile,

with clothes severely tattered, but

I staged a phony smile.

Now everyone had noticed him -

and not just quite a few.

so ushered him, I quickly to,

the end of nearest pew.

As if there were a final drop

of coffee in each cup,

all heads were tipped a-way, way back

with noses sticking up.

Now pride was quite a problem back

since Adam and since Eve

and even today's Christians who

may claim that they believe.

Continued then, the pastor did

and when was said and done,

we wanted to leave quickly but

the nervousness begun.

It happened, as you may have guessed,

the filthy man had stood.

He then walked down the empty aisle.

It didn't look too good.

Each member there stood silent and

embarrassed, froze, aghast -

for all eyes were upon him as

the filthy man walked past.

Not knowing what to expect next

with pastor silent too,

all time came to a stand still as

he walked past ev'ry pew.

Right to the front of church he walked

when there he seemed to freeze.

A moment later just collapsed...

right down on dirty knees.

The congregation was so stunned

as he confessed it all.

His prayer was for repentance and

to God we heard him call.

Now no one spoke and no one moved

until a small girl came -

and knelt down right beside him there.

Then all was not the same.

An old man also quickly came

and asked forgiveness too.

And even I came to the front

with others just like you.

Now maybe love had tugged our hearts,

or it was by design -

but seen, a single dry eye?  No,

and those included mine.

It wasn't long before we all -

the children, women, men -

all us who held our noses high,

became humbled again.

It took a poor and filthy man

to open up our eyes

and wash our filthy hearts again

with humble, humble cries.

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Tears Numbered More 1-19-19

A hard worker, I was, with zig and with zag,

but God said that my work was one filthy rag.

I said, "I'm a self-made multi-millionaire."

But God said, "You're prideful and I do not care."

I argued, "I poured my whole life into this."

But God then responded, "What life did you miss?"

I said, "I deserve my most hard-earned reward.'

But God said, "I'll give you a cross like your Lord."

I cried, "You can't do that!  I'll commit suicide!"

But God said, "I know that.  You once almost died."

Screamed I, "Seven properties!  It just isn't fair!"

But God whispered gently, "I still do not care."

I cried in my pity.  My tears hit the floor.

But God answered kindly, "I promise you more."

They've stolen my hard work and all of my years!"

I pointed in anger, "See my pool of tears?"

He knocked on my heart's door.  I said, "Go away."
But God kept on knocking... yes, day after day.

I fell to my knees in emotional stress.

But God reassured me, "It's you I will bless."

"Just how will you bless me?" I asked selfishly.

And God answered softly, "Come here close to me."

I got up but I just stood stubbornly there.

God simply responded, "Life never is fair."

I said, "I can hear you.  What next?" I had sighed.

Then God again answered, "Come here to my side."

Not sure of His motives, I came to Him then.
He held me.  He loved me.  I cried once again.

"I confess, I repent, I now understand you."

Then God said, "Forgiven.  Now here's what you do."

I listened intently now free of all sin.

The vine was quite diff'rent.  He grafted me in!

My job was to bear fruit, the best that I could.

There were abused children and help them, I would.

My elders, my neighbors, the sick needed care.

The years were before me.  Good friends I made there.

Once filled up with money, my heart nearly froze.

Now I'm loving others, my warmth overflows.

Remember, my God, when I acted as child?

You guided and taught me to be meek and mild.

I'm sorry, my God, when my tears filled the floor.

Then God said, "Don't worry.  My tears numbered more."
---
No matter how heavy our tears today flow,
our God's love is greater than we'll ever know. ~louis gander

©2019 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In Language Seldom Heard 1-2-19

Near foot high grass on contoured lands

on winding stream where timber stands,

I longed to be on nature's sod

where furry ones and pilgrims trod.
While sitting there within my dream

on boulder overlooking stream,

I dreamt of living in the wood,

of peace and hopes among the good.

A little fish had caught my eye.

I asked of it, "Please tell me why...

why do you seem so content

without the shelter of a tent?"
It simply made a little splash
and said, "I don't need home or cash.
I am content when water's clean.
I don't need man to intervene".

A little fawn on nearby path

was soaking in a sunlit bath.

I held my breath and held my thrill,

as I sat there so quiet, still.
It's soft tan fur just begged a touch

but me, it didn't care for much.

It jumped off quick around a tree.
Where it had gone, I couldn't see.

I heard a nearby sparrow sing.
It wasn't rich and wasn't king.
But it enjoyed its outdoor space
away from man and human race.
Now it was happy, that I knew,
but when I sang, it quickly flew.
I knew that it would be alright
and watched 'til it was out of sight.

I wondered what would happen next,

what I could write within my text.

I felt the breeze and breathed it in,

then heard all nature's prayer begin.

It was in language seldom heard

from fish or beast or even bird,

yet nature praised the God above

with all its beauty, all its love.

Black city streets are not for me.

The stink, the noise should never be.

Encroaching here upon this scene

are man-made things grossly obscene.

They're out of sync and out of place.

It's just not right, a huge disgrace.

God gave this beauty to the man

and has for us a greater plan.

Our God will bless if we've obeyed,

so please protect what He has made.

All this is God's and that is fine.
It isn't yours and isn't mine.

Creation spoke to me in wood

in lovely word now understood.

Still, I fell short when I replied.

In faded echoes my words died.

©2019 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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