Separation of church and state 5-15-06

There IS separation of church and state,

And you'll never hear me recriminate.

Never before have I heard such a jeer,

And heard it so often - year after year.

Change every rule, and rule every change.

Then change every fool so that they become strange.

Scream bloody murder, and see if I care,

Then sue everyone, with all the hot air.

For only One Truth - can be absolute,

And everything else falls pointlessly mute.

You can have the vast killing galore,

-By pulling our God from each school door.

For if you make legal, murder and lies,

We’ll all be innocent - in even your eyes.

So open you may, your Pandora’s box,

But beware when it comes to your door and knocks.

Have you not read the 10 Commandments?

Or even know what it all represents?

It's not from a sect, a synagogue, or church,

So get with it now and do your research.

God never says to lust, murder, or steal,

But to love everyone and help them to heal.

Keep separate the church - for there's no debate,

But you can't separate our God from our state.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Only One Journey 5-14-06

I walked through the valley of the shadow of death.

I turned each direction. The sight took my breath.

The way through that valley was ever so wide,

and sin was so rampant that many had died.

Lust, lies and deception, like grains of the sand,

the bodies and souls - they covered the land.

Stepped over, I did - strewn here and there,

for they were all lost, in death, unaware.

It seemed so atrocious. I felt so inept -

but I journeyed along as I carefully stepped.

So many had fallen far short of their goals,

and the valley was covered with forgotten souls.

Now so many limbs and bodies were crossed,

that each proved our sin has a very high cost.

In every direction, I trembled in fear,

yet some tracks pressed on, so vividly clear.

So many had prospered, so many were great,

but they had all worked to a merciless fate.

I stepped over more - the young and the old.

Each day some would fall and then would turn cold.

It seemed, was no end - as a fight in a sewer -

then noticed the footprints, were fewer and fewer.

I pressed on ahead through trials and all,

I fought the good fight and then heard His last call.

The footprints had dwindled to just a small few.

Then leaving the valley, there were only two.

Now one set of footprints went straight on ahead,

while the other one stopped, and turned back instead.

But through the dim darkness, a light I could see.

It fell as a halo - then covered me...

My armor still glimmered as if still brand new,

despite all the work that He asked me to do.

There up from the valley and over the crest,

I saw that old cross and knew I was blessed.

Some friends greeted me. There were but a few.

Then I laid down my cross, as they had done too.

We're living here now, above valley and loss -

for we wore our armor and looked to the cross.

It's easy to know now, how we gathered here,

despite those one set of footprints, it's clear.

When He is in us, we are more than a sparrow -

we walk in His sandals, the straight and the narrow.

You have but one journey. He guides your steps now.

He'll show you the way and - He will show you how.

He knows that the valley of death will bring pain.

It'll run you in circles and drive you insane.

But wear your whole armor. Endure to the end -

for He is your Savior, Defender and Friend.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil;

for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

The TRUTH 4-13-06

What's a simple, solid truth?

Is it something not so real,

because it doesn't fit our wishes -

just isn't how we feel?

If it's something in the past,

not necessarily cast in stone -

then we all can make it live

and say Columbus came alone...

If it's only what we want

and the truth is but a quiz -

then wars will be increasing

as we lack what truly is....

Truth eludes the greatest men

to them that know their goal -

if it isn't what they wanted,

they will take another poll.

And if, indeed, truth changes -

then black is same as whites;

and we'd toss and turn for hours

with shallow, sleepless nights.

"Two wrongs don't make a right"

it was said so long ago.

And truth will hurt a whole lot more

when we say it isn't so.

The truth is very special.

It's not for us to claim -

so don't strut around parading

letting others take the blame.

The truth is very simple

but we must be on guard -

and as much as we can want it,

thirty inches makes no yard.

The truth is all but buried

in this world of selfish woe -

so is money our new friend

as our friends become our foe?

Now let me summarize this all.

The truth shall never die.

Its there to be discovered

and will surface by and by.

To be honest with ourselves,

the whole world must confess -

truth is truth and that is all,

nothing more and nothing less.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Voices from God 3-25-06

It was a quiet Sunday morning, I was not the least bit lost;

But I heard some children singing, that had warmed the morning frost.

I was just around the corner, just behind some oak and birch,

When I heard those children sing out from that little country Church.

It stood between the grocers, and a little barbershop;

As its steeple rose above it all, ascending there on top.

Its cross was seen for miles, from around the countryside,

And the evidence of its power was witnessed there inside.

All the children's voices rang - with sincere, persistent calls,

As they carried through the valley - from behind those painted walls,

As I came a little closer, I could see above the dew,

Some pedestrians had stopped, as they listened to them too.

I had thought that I was busy. My schedule was quite full;

But I didn't dare to walk on by, as I sensed a tender pull.

I heard the soft, sweet whisper when the bells began to ring.

Right there inside those cedar doors, I found the Lord, my King.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Move Your Mountain 3-13-06

The youth seem to covet the future,

old women reside in the past;

the rest of us, merely foolish,

-for running through life so fast.

If our heart is into tomorrow,

or mind is stuck in a braid;

the page that is holding today,

is blank or surely will fade.

Youth hurriedly flips all the pages,

her mother stores volumes of books...

It's no wonder we wind up so empty,

-with tired and sorry old looks.

The chapter of greed we must close,

so surrender, it can't win the fight;

we're to write on God's great creation,

as a stream reflecting His light.

The big world is round for a reason,

we know that there isn't an end...

The Heavens do not have a ceiling,

and there's nothing on earth to defend.

So carry your burdensome mountain,

a little bit farther, I'd say;

for you will not move tomorrow,

-the little you've moved it today.

Yet within a small, tiny seed,

in potential to greatly outweigh;

and if planted deep down inside us,

faith will lighten the way.

Tomorrow is just for your planning,

as yesterday's over and gone...

so write as a stream very faithful;

-beginning in prayers before dawn.

Today’s page was given to you.

Don't simply write down your dream;

but rather through reams of endless faith,

move your mountain with your stream.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 17:20 And He said to them, "Because of the littleness of your faith; for truly I say to you, if you have faith the size of a mustard seed,

you will say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move; and nothing will be impossible to you.

TRUTH 2-16-06

What is truth, what is a lie?

Well truth is one, but lies pile high.

They pile up without a base,

and topple o'er without a trace.

Truth is full, and all complete -

not part or half; but both halves meet.

And we must live by truth alone -

the perfect pitch, the perfect tone.

Myths and lies are never rare,

we find them here and everywhere.

Don't be deceived or be naive,

when truth is tied, twisted, weaved,

Some eat them up, a million words -

scream opinions, strut like birds.

Tragedies come, when kids are taught,

and get ideas, from slanted thought.

Lies will die, like wilted wheat;

and truth is fact, not obsolete.

When to the sky the weeds can reach,

be careful now just what you teach.

Amendment one, allows free speech,

responsibility though, we must not breech.

And only teach - our thirsty youth,

perfect, simple, unbridled truth.

History's fact. It doesn't live.

It doesn't take. It doesn't give.

And it proclaims to everyone -

that it's over - done, done, done.

All truth is built on nothing less,

than fact alone - It's not a guess.

It stands alone - a priceless vase,

without a flaw - to rest its case.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Perfect Man 2-16-06

Joe is perfect.

He wakes up just before the alarm goes off.

He shaves with the perfect razor,

brushes his teeth with the perfect toothpaste, flosses,

takes a shower, combs his hair and holds it with perfect hair spray.

He puts on his perfect suit, his perfect tie, and his perfect shoes.

After his perfect breakfast,

he pats his perfect kids on their heads

and kisses his perfect wife goodbye.

He gets in his perfect car

and backs out his perfect driveway

past his perfectly groomed lawn.

He gets to his perfect job

and performs his work perfectly.

No.

Did you really believe that? Nothing is perfect - despite the appearance.

If you really knew Joe,

you'd find many imperfect circumstances in his life.

And, you'd observe that he isn't perfect either.

Not in the least -

especially on the inside.

And just like Joe, another man woke up -

but with confused friends.

He didn't use perfect toothpaste or perfect hair spray.

He had no suit - much less a perfect one.

He had no perfect wife or kids.

He had no perfect vehicle.

He had no perfect home.

His work didn't pay much.

He didn't have perfect friends.

He did have some perfect enemies, though.

In fact, one day, He was beaten with a whip.

Later that day He died.

He was hung from an imperfect tree

with imperfect nails

and an imperfect crown -

not at all fitting for a perfect Man.

Why?

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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White Is White 2-16-06

When I was just a little child
so very long ago,
My grandpa called me over close.
He often told me "No!"

But this time it was diff'rent as
he held my little hand,
He just said "wrong is black",
one day I'd understand.

So now that I am old and wise,
I know just what he meant;
That truth is never black or gray,
that truth is never bent.

Truth is nothing more or less
than what is in God's plan.
And doesn't add a single breath
to lives of mortal man.

And sometimes it seems difficult
to do what's always right;
When everyone is hurried and
so blinded by the night.

But when the soft sweet whisper comes
from Father up above,
We'd better heed the warning from
the Man who’s full of love.

If living, we, just one "white" lie,
our lives are black as coal,
so better make things right before
they drop us in the hole.

For lies are nothing more than sin's
black darkness in the night,
but sunshine kills the darkness and
regains our Christian sight.

Black is black and white is white.
There is no in-between.
And as it was with grandpa there,
it won't go sight-unseen.

It's God alone, who knows what’s best.
His plan we must obey.
So follow in His footsteps. Do
what's white, not black or gray.

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

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What If? 2-16-06

What if, by chance, the sun didn't rise,

the moon didn't shine, one dozen was nine?

What if, by chance, streams didn't flow,

the wind didn't blow, and we didn't grow?

What if, by chance, birds didn't fly,

fish didn't fry, and we didn't cry?

What if, by chance, we couldn't see,

we couldn't agree, and we weren't free?

What if, by chance, a few were a lot,

ice was too hot, but fire was not?

What if, by chance, a dollar's a dime,

colors were time, and lies were sublime?

What if, by chance, the horizon was near,

a day was a year, and front was the rear?

What if, by chance, kindness was crime,

soapsuds were grime, and talking was mime?

Then that, for sure would be day in the night,

and wrong in the right, and peace in a fight.

Yes, we do have a right to our opinion -

but truth will always prove if it's right.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Greater 2-12-06

Just look at me now. If you want, you can stare.

And tell the whole world. But I really don't care.

Wrinkle your eyebrows and look down your nose,

And practice that jeer as you straighten your clothes.

We all know by now - it's a very, old song;

That you're always right - and I'm always wrong,

While the speck in my eye is driving me crazy,

The log in your eye has become downright lazy.

I know I'm not perfect - for only One is,

But it doesn't matter. I know that I'm His.

There's only one difference between you and me -

For you're still in prison, and I was set free!

You can yell, you can scream, you can beat me to death,

But I'll keep on saying until my very last breath;

"Don't look at me - then judge my Creator,

For I am the lesser and He is the Greater."

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Who Is This Man Really? 1-31-06

.
Long ago, I met someone
who bent my eager ears.
He displayed the widest smile
and held me captive many years.

His words seemed very humble,
a pleasant, healing sound,
so he was followed closely by
this unsuspecting hound.

He wore the newest clothes
and stories he could tell!
He seemed to be familiar and
I thought I knew him well.

I did see all his actions
and followed in his thought.
I sometimes noticed dancing
in all his wayward talk.

So as he seemed to sparkle,
brighter than his youth,
I finally asked the question,
"Was he a lie or was he truth?"

The man I met was not so good -
although at times was fun,
but he surely wasn't really me
I hid the real one...

Was I just an empty suit,
a giant human fake?
If that were true, I'd have to be
the greatest grand mistake.

As it is with all of us -
throughout the human race,
the man we must address some day
resides behind our face.

You might think insignificant -
and maybe somewhat odd -
but one day soon the real you -
will step before our God.

For only truth will win for sure
when all is said and done,
a casket will not close on two -
but on the real one.

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

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BEHOLD! 12-30-05

All was still - and all was silent, pre dawn's dark was as a death.
In my walk I mumbled harshly, under each and every breath.
As I strolled along the pathway, stopping here and there to rest,
not a bird had started singing from inside their comfy nest.

Flowers bloom was ever hiding, from the darkness and its bath.
There was not a single color, from along my darkened path.
Then above the great horizon, sprang a special sort of hue,
as the dawn of day approached, and the sky began to blue.

As one bird began it’s singing, from behind its hidden nest,
a chorus grew in sounds behind the one that sang the best.
Lights turned on in several houses. Many lives began to buzz.
They ran around in circles, why? I guess - was just because...

Brightness chased away the darkness - began to show beyond the blue,
pushing light up ever higher on a world without a clue.
As my walk continued forward - busy ones, their beds would make.
A baby cried out in the distance - many roads, they all would take.

Then the round orange glow of sunshine began it’s mighty crest.
Colors shone in light around it - was like Heaven's colored vest.
Along the path, the flowers opened, revealing one big merry fest.
Colors bloomed in all their brilliance. I became their special guest.

Brightness poured then - all about me, and God showed His special Son.
The Light of truth was just too bright - oh, my God - what had I done?
Then I turned my eyes to Heaven - saw the Son who had to pay,
and behold, that dawning sunshine, shone so bright on me that day!

All is still and all is silent. There is no yesterday.
In my walk - I praise Him softly - as I go my merry way.
Life grows so, so very special, as the years all come and go,
as His Son, in all His brilliance, passes on His very glow.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
11You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Everything is Possible! 12-28-05

How can I define a tune, to all the deaf on earth?
Or find the nearest ocean, and walk its total girth?
Or explain a rainbow's color, to someone blind from birth?
Or begin to taste the smallest crumb of Gods tremendous worth?

Can I play ALL the instruments, and call myself a band?
Or count each and every grain, on a beach of endless sand?
Ah, paint a rainbow in the sky? I'll never understand,
But everything is possible, for a loving, nail-scarred hand.

God can shake the mountains, and throw them to the sea!
God can rule the wind to stop, or hurl it endlessly!
It's nothing for an awesome God, that used a simple tree,
And gave His Son - so we could live - with Him, eternally!

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 19:26 (NASB)
And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

In Full Control 12-21-05

My knowledge is complete, with educated bliss,
and the only thing I'm missing is humbleness, I guess.
I stand tall with shoulders back - my pride is mine to feel!
My countenance shines bright! My arrogance is real!

I scaled the steepest mountain - and clasped my hands up high!
And then - as if it gloated, a cloud went floating by....
I sent across the ocean, a boat that ran full clip -
but then it kissed an iceberg, and sank the mighty ship.

Then in boastful bragging, I send a plane up high.
It isn’t my malfunction, when many hundred die.
I dive for buried treasure, in ocean's deepest depth,
but yet on solid footing, I sometimes lose my step.

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Don't pull us off our pedestals, there’s more, which we can do -
and don't tell the world that we're a fake - they haven't any clue!
Now hurricanes are mighty winds! How can we slow them down?
In fact, it's even hard to calm - a breeze from making sound.

Volcanoes? Those we cannot cap, nor stop hot lava's flow,
Do we look a bit dumbfounded now - lying here below?
An ocean's wave we cannot rule, and floods we'll never stop,
even though it's just plain water - each a tiny, little drop.

Earthquakes topple buildings. They change things in a day,
and then when it's all finished - there is nothing more to say.
Earthquakes, floods and hurricanes - they always seem to know -
that God is way above the earth. It’s us who’s here below.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Isaiah 2:11 (NASB)
11The proud look of man will be abased And the loftiness of man will be humbled, And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

Sounds of a Snowflake 12-20-05

Shhh! Little children. Gather 'round,

Hear the raindrops falling down?

Watch and listen, hear the sound?

-That pitter, patter all around?

However, should the moisture freeze,

Before it falls into the breeze;

And blows around your little feet,

You'll never know which ones will meet.

Stand real still and do not meddle,

Can you hear the snowflakes settle?

No you can't - and why's it so?

Where does the sound of a snowflake go?

They gather here, they gather there,

Each one different - no matching pair.

They settle in - as a marching band,

Yet quietly, contour the land.

We're all like snowflakes, each our own,

Some are small - some overgrown.

Under a heavy blanket of snow,

You'll find me there - somewhere below....

I'm but just one of many more.

I’m helping hold - the upper floor.

Let others bask out in the sun,

Get tossed around in wind with fun.

For I may not be king or queen,

Always heard - and always seen.

It's all okay.... I am content,

The rest can fight and circumvent.

But if you know, just what you'll be,

It matters not to an angry sea;

Go if you want and make some noise,

But remember this, you girls and boys:

Some climb the biggest, highest tree,

And yell out orders breathlessly;

But in the end, it's not to be.

It's all a waste – futility!

It's not the din we make at birth,

That gives us special rights on earth;

It's not about the clothes we wear,

Or the gossip we might share.

It's not about the ground we tilled,

Nor all about the wealth we build;

It's really what you leave behind,

And whether you were fair and kind.

Eventually, the warm wind breaks,

And melts the coldest, biggest flakes;

They travel ditches - travel streams,

Travel creeks - with no more dreams.

Most will melt - in torrents roar,

And while they melt, they're wanting more;

It's really all, just up to you,

Who you'll be, and what you'll do.

But don't take Satan's awful blow,

When life is over and the rapids flow;

Screaming in anxious, helpless woe, because -

That's where the sounds of a snowflake go.

Did we exist? Will history show?

Who we were - or where we'd go?

It matters not, to me, you see,

For I have God - eternity.

Content and peaceful you will be,

-If you're a snowflake just like me.

Before I see that pearly gate,

It's me, who'll quietly evaporate.

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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James 4:14 (NASB)
14Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

Decisions, Decisions 12-20-05

Some decisions in my life are easy - black and white.
It doesn't take much to compare the sun from the black night.

I know what’s light and heavy. I know what’s short and long.
I know what’s hot and cold - but do I always know what's wrong?

Sometimes it seems impossible in life's big, endless fight;
and sometimes still, I ask myself, should I turn left or to my right?

Problems fill my mixed up head. My decisions seem so frail;
and sometimes I can do what's right - but often times I fail.

If the road we're on is winding, and leads back to you or me;
it's time we fully understand that it's all futility.

And if that isn't bad enough, Satan pulls our bending ear;
tells us what to do and think, makes us want and makes us fear.

He claims the world and all unrest, all hate and greed abound.
Sometimes it makes me wonder - if God is still around.

Not looking to the one, true God - that I hide on a shelf;
it's then my faith is failing – looking only to myself.

It’s also when I am most troubled. Nothing lights my way;
nor is there much that I can do, except to humbly pray.

So when I have no place to turn, surrounded by the sea;
I reach my hands to heaven, and grasp the golden key!

God will always tell me - and deep inside I know -
that I'm my biggest problem as I'm tossed to and fro.

So when I know not where to turn - from sin and shame I flee;
it's then that I can see the light, and follow faithfully.

For faithfully, His still, small voice, is now my every clue;
so I don’t focus on this earth, but out beyond the blue.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Isaiah 11:3-5 (NASB)
3And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; 4But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. 5Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist.

IF GOD CAN USE... 12-8-05

If God can use an old, old man, (Gen 6)
and send the rain for a month, He can;
then God can use animals, in pairs obey,
and follow Noah to the ark that day.

If God can use flooding on the earth, (Gen 7)
and lift the Ark with all it's worth;
then God can expose a little branch,
and promise us, our little ranch.

If God can use a little dove, (Gen 8)
and bring it back with all His love;
then God can use a passing cloud,
that shout with rainbows, right out loud.

If God can use an angry sea, (Matt 8)
to toss disciples helplessly;
then God can use just one command,
calm all the seas - to solid land.

If God can use a little child, (John 6)
for a growing crowd that's getting wild;
then God can use some fish and bread,
hungry souls, and thousands fed.

If God can use an empty tomb, (John 20)
a virgin Mary - an empty womb;
then God can use a little shed,
and just a manger for a bed;

If God can use a crown of thorn, (Matt 27)
and a veil - top to bottom torn;
then God can use the quaking earth,
and thundering skies for our new birth.

If God can use a final breath, (Matt 27)
a shortened life, a cruel death;
then God can use a borrowed grave,
a missing stone, an empty cave.

If God can use the loss of sight, (Acts 9)
for Saul, the man who loved to fight;
then God can use some simple prayers,
sending messengers - proof He cares.

If God can use the blind from birth, (John 9)
and a little dust from His big earth;
then God can use what's always right,
and asks of us, our focused sight.

If God sends demons into swine, (Matt 8)
and uses water - to make wine; (John 2)
then patient, loving He must be,
to use a sinner, saved - like me.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 66:16 (NASB)
16Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.

The Failure 11-2-05

Oh Lord, I have failed you.
Oh Lord, I have failed you.
Oh Lord, I have failed you.

I failed as a child.
I failed as a man.
I have failed as an old man.

Oh Lord, I have failed you.
Oh Lord, I have failed you.
Oh Lord, I have failed you.

I failed as a neighbor.
I failed as a father.
I failed as a husband.

Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

I failed the church.
I failed the pastor.
I failed You.

Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

I failed You yesterday.
I failed You today.
I fail tomorrow.

Oh Lord, forgive me.
Oh Lord, forgive me.
Oh Lord, forgive me.

I fail You when I think.
I fail You when I speak.
I fail You when I act.

Oh Lord, forgive me.
Oh Lord, forgive me.
Oh Lord, forgive me.

I fail You when I am happy.
I fail You when I am angry.
I fail You when I cry.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)
9And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Thanksgiving Prayer 10-25-05

There’s more to be thankful for than we sometimes realize…

Thank You Lord, for giant trees,
colorful leaves, crashing seas;
for everything that needed keys,
for getting stung, by honeybees.

Thank You Lord, for every grouse,
every elephant, every mouse;
all my children, special spouse,
-and giving us, our little house.

Thank You Lord, for all the years,
all the laughter, all the tears;
special grace, as Your face nears,
-for giving me trials, numerous fears.

Thank You Lord, Your patient pace,
your special timing, Your loving face;
and to everyone, the human race,
and the outpouring of Your grace.

I know I cheated, I know I'd peek,
while playing games, like hide and seek.
Now as they lay me, down to sleep,
You have my soul, I'm yours to keep.

For as they close, and seal the lid,
I'm ashamed dear Lord, for all I hid;
but thank You Lord for getting rid,
forgiving me fully, for all I did.

Thank You Lord, that I did see,
that you came here to earth for me.
Love, peace, and grace were always key,
so together now, we'll always be.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB)
in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

ol' Bore 10-14-05

As a group of boys chose two teams for kick ball,

a small boy stood in the midst of them all.

One by one they were called, one by one they were taken,

but with six on each team the last was forsaken.

The boys had the ball and with six on each team,

the one could not play – no matter his dream.

So he hung his head low - on the lawn took his seat,

with his head in his hands and tears on each cheek.

There was a building nearby and on the top floor,

sat a crippled old man that they all called "ol' Bore".

The old man looked out through his window up high,

seeing all of them play, but the little one cry.

He watched them all, having fun far below –

minus that one that felt ever so low.

But the sun shone bright in the evening sky –

exposing a glimmer in that little boys' eye.

It's a well-known fact that life isn't fair,

but nice it would be - if we could all share.

The boys all yelled except for that one –

as he sat all alone with shoestrings undone.

Yet up there in silence (except for some birds),

'ol Bore spoke a prayer in just a few words.

It didn't take long as he whispered that call,

so that maybe - just maybe - that boy could play ball.

As he pulled his head up and looked down below –

why, that boy was gone! Now where did he go?

He looked left and right, and then far and near –

"Where?" he asked, the answer unclear....

Now that is impossible! For this we all know,

that a boy can't disappear in thin air – its not so!

He could only see trees, a pup, and some sticks,

and the big group of boys that were having their kicks.

Then something caught his eye on the lawn there below.

Those two teams seemed different as they ran to and fro.

It seemed quite peculiar, as they would all run –

six on one team, same on the other.... -plus one?

Yes! There he was! Playing with all the boys –

filled with numerous, exuberant joys!!

Though he ran back and forth quite slow,

his eye was still lit with that peculiar glow.

He continued to hear the boys kick the ol' ball.

They played a long time - until the nightfall.

Then they started for home (and even the pup),

but the little boy stopped - then turned his head up.

Exhausted because he had run a good mile,

he raised his hand high, with a very big smile.

He waved it wide from his left to his right,

so the old man could see from his uppermost height.

Then the crippled old man smiled deep down inside,

and raised his hand up, waving right back in stride.

On each side of that window, a connection was nailed,

from a short simple prayer, and a God who's not failed.

Now how could a boy see a man way up there –

behind that high window with love in his prayer?

Maybe, just maybe, the crippled mans' cry,

was heard by that child with the shine in his eye.

Although a prayer is much more likely to be,

heard by a God that loves you and me.

He loves us all to our innermost core –

even a child with a prayer from "ol' Bore".

Will some day we learn (no matter how small) –

Our prayers can't be answered if we know it all?

'ol Bore didn't know as he waved goodbye,

that he prayed for a boy - with a shiny glass eye.

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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