Prayer Poem (of love) 2-20-09

I pray this soiled poem that's
so tattered, torn and curled,
finds its way to every eye
around this wicked world.
Pen and ink have spilled my love
upon this paper's face.
I've poured out every ounce of love,
then added Father's grace.

I walked this soiled paper out -
right to my mail box.
and know that it was carried far,
for several, several blocks.
It found its way on semi's,
on trains, on airplanes too -
then criss-crossed 'round this big ol' world,
to make its way to you.

I pray that my concern for you
disperses not in vapor.
My prayer behind these lonely words
cries out within this paper.
I've been in your shoes many times
and no, I've not been perfect,
but here it is, this poem's yours
with utmost, dear respect.

This poem's traveled many miles
and now it so appears,
it is for you, for you to read,
here after all these years...
Take now, a bold and humble step
to find out something new.
Around the world this poem came -
and now it's here for you.

---

"Oh Father, see this poem that
I'm holding in my hands?
It's been to several countries and
its seen so many lands.
But now it's here, I'm holding it.
It really is for me -
and I am so discouraged that
I ask to be set free.

"Just like this letter, traversed I,
so many, many miles.
Yes, I've been lost for many years.
Sin stole so many smiles.
My heart was cold just like the tree
that stands collecting moss.
Until this poem had searched me out,
I could not see Your cross.

"Now Father, You have changed me
from black to perfect white -
and I have put your armor on.
I'll be your special knight.
This shield of faith protects me and
my sword, I'll always read.
And in it, I'll find answers to
my every, every need.

"Now thank you for my special friend
who cared enough to give -
this love-filled poem to me so -
so now, I too, can live.
I'm sending this small poem on
so other friends can see.
But now I know why it's so soiled -
I've added tears from me."

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Get REAL! 2-18-09

With tattoo's ink smeared everywhere,
and piercings by the score -
and color-copied rainbow hair -
how can we handle more?

To get a little self-respect
our clothes must have a label,
our auto's must be perfect or
we all appear unstable.

Eye lashes must be fastened on.
Our scent squirts out from sprayers.
Eye liner must be perfect drawn
with powder caked in layers.

We wear our jewelry with pride
and aging spots we cover.
And wrinkles we can try to hide
so no one will discover.

Through remedies we dig and dig.
We make a real fuss -
but it's like lipstick on a pig,
it's surface, surface, surface!

We try to conquer blunders and
we think we've conquered dull,
but what I have to wonder is -
what's inside the skull?

Man can't look beyond the skin,
Man looks at the face.
Man sees only fat or thin.
Man sees only 'race'.

God sees through all shallowness.
God sees through the skin.
God sees down inside our hearts,
God sees deep within.

Some day we just might teach our youth.
Some day we just might feel.
Some day man might learn Godly truth
and hopefully get REAL!

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Picture Frames 2-18-09

Picture frames sure vary so,
no matter, big or small.
They all have work they need to do,
no matter, wide or tall.

Picture frames are so unique,
maple, oak or pine.
But focus not on picture frames,
They're merely for design.

Frames can border a photo.
Frames can border a place.
Frames can border a work of art
or border someone's face.

---

When I was just a little boy,
(and though I was quite small),
a picture I remember well
was hanging on the hall.

I know my father put it there.
It hung for many years.
There it was throughout my teens -
showed sorrow, pain and tears.

That picture was of Jesus
bowed lowly on His knees -
at a huge and solid rock,
near branches on some trees.

His hands were neatly folded.
Love flowed from both His eyes.
His head was tilted way, way back -
His face gazed at the skies.

Dark clouds had covered most the sky.
Moon's rays had lit His face,
and seemed to put a glow around
this humble Man of grace.

For years, that picture on our wall
drew thoughts within my mind...
God sent on down, His only Son,
to sinful men, unkind.

I remember well, that picture.
I don't recall the frame.
So let us frame, that others see,
that they might know His name.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Poems 2-15-09

God's poems are like mustard seeds,
helping those with real needs,
spreading poem's seeds around,
rocky soil and fertile ground.

I pray these seeds will fall on soil,
pulling souls from earthy toil,
growing strong with such great root,
providing more with it's good fruit.

God's poems are like mustard seeds,
helping those with real needs,
and by God's grace, I do implore,
I pray this poem saves one more.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Matthew 9:37 (NASB) Then He said to His disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few."
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Time Flies 2-15-09

As I lay down and close my eyes,
God shows me just how fast time flies.
I'm not a child anymore,
those days are past - beyond my door.

Recalling house and first bedroom,
remember fathers old push broom,
mother, always in the kitchen,
the "weird taste" we'd never mention.

My report card, teachers face,
my first car and my first race,
my first love and my first kiss -
but nothing matters except this:

Another day, another week,
another year, it's all oblique.
Resembling any passing weed,
days are never guaranteed.

Jesus gives us each tomorrow,
every day from God we borrow,
and if tonight He chooses me,
very soon His face I'll see.

And when I'm standing at the throne,
I'll be exposed and all alone.
We don't live the past somehow,
for God gives life - right here, right now.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Anchored Soul 2-13-09

If the sea is the world - the ship your soul,
where are you at - and what's your goal?
When storms surge up and darken the skies,
do you know where you're at? Is there fear in your eyes?

Do your troubles seem endless and so overwhelm?
Tell me, "Are you standing alone at the helm?"
Where's the foundation when you're on a ship?
Do you hold to life with a white-knuckled grip?

When the world seems dark, dangerous, cold,
in the storms of life, will your anchor hold?
When shivering rain - sends you into shock,
is your faith secure? Is it in the Rock?

When the cold waves slap at your straining hull,
are you dazed, confused - in your empty skull?
Though the sharp winds slice as a piercing knife,
is your anchor firm from the storms of life?

Do you stay near the shore where it's not so deep?
Are trials so great, you cannot sleep?
When the waves surge over your fragile deck,
I think, overdue - your reality check.

Don't hide down below afraid of the facts.
With Jesus beside you - always relax.
Be bold and set sail! Your life is in hands,
that calms the waters - as He commands....

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Blind Man 2-11-09

It's a privilege to see all the colors abound,
a rainbow of colors of things all around.
My empathy cries out for those who can't see,
and dreading the thought if it happened to me.

I'm thankful for God and His infinite love,
from flowers below and the rainbows above,
but this man was blind from birth until now,
before Jesus came and then healed him how?

He lived in full darkness. No light he had seen.
Can you just imagine location and scene?
Can you imagine the thought of it all?
Spitting in dust, making clay they recall.

And of all days on Sabbath - believe it or not,
the Pharasee's angry. They argued a lot.
They questioned the blind man and his parents too.
They heard all the facts but still hadn't a clue.

He told them the truth but they didn't believe.
They asked him again and then told him to leave.
Those who had eyes were so totally blind,
but Jesus took blindness, rekindled the mind.

It's a privilege to see all the colors abound,
the rainbow of colors of things all around.
My empathy cries out for those who aren't free,
so have faith in Jesus and make yourself see!!

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 9

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Healing the Man Born Blind

9 As He passed by, He saw a man blind from birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he would be born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “It was neitherthat this man sinned, nor his parents; but it was so that the works of God might be displayed in him. 4 We must work the works of Him who sent Me as long as it is day; night is coming when no one can work. 5 While I am in the world, I am the Light of the world.” 6 When He had said this, Hespat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and applied the clay to his eyes, 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is translated, Sent). So he went away and washed, andcame back seeing. 8 Therefore the neighbors, and those who previously saw him as a beggar, were saying, “Is not this the one who used to sit and beg?” 9 Others were saying, “This is he,” still others were saying, “No, but he is like him.” He kept saying, “I am the one.” 10 So they were saying to him, “How then were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered, “The man who is called Jesus made clay, and anointed my eyes, and said to me, ‘Go to Siloam and wash’; so I went away and washed, and I received sight.” 12 They said to him, “Where is He?” He *said, “I do not know.”

Controversy over the Man

13 They *brought to the Pharisees the man who was formerly blind. 14 Now it was a Sabbath on the day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 Then the Pharisees also were asking him again how he received his sight. And he said to them, “He applied clay to my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Therefore some of the Pharisees were saying, “This man is not from God, because Hedoes not keep the Sabbath.” But others were saying, “How can a man who is a sinner perform suchsigns?” And there was a division among them. 17 So they *said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, since He opened your eyes?” And he said, “He is a prophet.”

18 The Jews then did not believe it of him, that he had been blind and had received sight, until they called the parents of the very one who had received his sight, 19 and questioned them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? Then how does he now see?” 20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind; 21 but how he now sees, we do not know; or who opened his eyes, we do not know. Ask him; he is of age, he will speak for himself.” 22 His parents said this because they were afraid of the Jews; for the Jews had already agreed that if anyone confessed Him to be Christ, he was to be put out of the synagogue. 23 For this reason his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.”

24 So a second time they called the man who had been blind, and said to him, “Give glory to God; we know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He then answered, “Whether He is a sinner, I do not know; one thing I do know, that though I was blind, now I see.” 26 So they said to him, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I told you already and you did notlisten; why do you want to hear it again? You do not want to become His disciples too, do you?”28 They reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are disciples of Moses. 29 We know that God has spoken to Moses, but as for this man, we do not know where He is from.” 30 The man answered and said to them, “Well, here is an amazing thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He opened my eyes. 31 We know that God does not hear sinners; but if anyone is God-fearing and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the beginning of time it has never been heard that anyone opened the eyes of a person born blind. 33 If this man were not from God, He could do nothing.” 34 They answered him, “You were born entirely in sins, and are you teaching us?” So they put him out.

A Deaf Man 2-10-09

When I was just a little boy,
playing with my favorite toy,
so bored with all the waiting rooms,
grownups in their white costumes,

my parents sitting in their chairs,
me on the floor, I had no cares.
I heard some grunts and turned around,
and saw a deaf man making sound.

Our eyes had met. I was bemused.
He seemed quite different - me confused.
Why I stared, my thinking slow -
his funny hat? I do not know.

As he walked closer (me afraid),
I then ignored him as I played.
And so afraid of the unknown,
I held my space to be alone.

Then as I felt a sudden tap -
fear dropped that toy right in my lap.
I was stunned from head to toes,
and every muscle in me froze.

Something happened after that,
as he knelt down and there we sat.
We played and talked a little while -
he seemed so very versatile.

If I was deaf, I would be sad,
but he seemed happy, not so bad.
He had no fear. He shed no tear.
In fact, he grinned from ear to ear.

To talk to him (if I would choose)
he showed me language I could use.
Sign language later, I was told.
It was special, it was gold.

Also special - somewhat odd,
is the language heard from God.
After all, who'd know the cost -
without two wooden timbers crossed?

Love and grace are not mere words.
Our faith was not meant "for the birds".
It took a man who couldn't hear
to help me see this very clear.

Him I miss - his funny hat.
I never saw him after that.
Precious memories from the Lord,
remembering well, that cancer ward.

---

Sounds from nature, sounds from man,
sounds from God - He knows we can.
Sounds of thunder, sounds of loss,
sounds from Jesus on the cross....

If we can hear without our ears,
God will conquer all our fears.
Listen close, it is a plus.
God hates sin - but hates, not us.

If we have heard and understood,
we know the cross was more than wood.
When all is said and all is done,
we too, can hear God's only Son.

Just listen....

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Slave Loyalty 2-7-09

The best slave in the world,

is the one who doesn't know he's a slave.

He's one who will do all he is told,

and for his master will always behave.

When his master offers greater rewards,

he is right there ready and willing to serve -

obedient every waking minute -

and proves to his master - he has nerve.

And so it's been for thousands of years,

best slaves have been obedient and gave.

Sin is the master who goes unseen -

best slaves oblivious, to their grave....

The best slave in the world,

is the one who doesn't know he's a slave.

He's one who will do all he is told,

and for his master, will always behave.

Never be a slave to sin.
Never be a slave to man.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Time 2-4-09

Time is elusive.

God made it that way.

Because man's abusive,

man must pass away.

If man lived forever,

would Caesar still bring -

a power so clever

that he'd still be king?

We need to take pause -

look truth in the eye.

Sin is the cause,

and we know that's why.

God has a purpose

for both you and I.

We might make a fuss,

but we will soon die.

Time is elusive

but stands in our way.

Because sin's abusive,

man will pass away.

Truth's hard to swallow.

Life can be brutal.

But if God we follow -

life won't be futile.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)

 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Mustard Seed Christian 2-2-09

For God so loved the world, why?
-merely so His Son could die?
What did the serpent represent?
And why to earth was Jesus sent?
Heads [for years] theologians spun,
convincing Christians they had won,
so easy thoughts we now regard -
where grace is free - and faith, not hard.

Dividing Christians from the rest,
should God give us a 'free-will' test?
For faith is what God's looking for,
as saving grace He has out-poured.
Does He choose the ones to bury,
and the faith that others carry -
or does He choose the faithful son,
whose life is still a fruitful one?

For son, daughter, mother, father -
an everlasting spring of water.
While no one falls away from grace,
faith is something some replace.
Though none are taken from His hand,
we cannot build on sinking sand.
We want our drive-ups and fast food -
salvation likewise, we include.

Many will hear (as they forgot);
"Depart from me, I knew you not."
And that's why many will be lost...
they [know not love] at any cost.
Though "ye, of little faith" we hear,
many shun it year to year.
If, to the world, we embrace -
there is no faith and is no grace.

Love and service is in our hands,
if we hold faith, heed His commands.
Love is service, faith grows fruit.
A mustard seed must grow its root.
A mustard seed has water needs -
but water needs no mustard seeds.
If grace is water, faith can root,
so follow Christ and produce fruit.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Just how serious are Christians today?
Be a Mustard Seed Christian.

Gen. 3:6
John 3:16
Matt. 7:23
Matt. 7:26 

Endure 2-1-09

If I can't endure ridicule,
if I can't endure humility,
if I can't endure some yelling -
then how can God endure me?

If I can't endure a doctor,
if I can't endure a sore knee,
if I can't endure the waiting,
then how can God endure me?

If I can't endure my neighbor,
if I can't endure family,
if I can't endure disturbance -
then how can God endure me?

If I can't endure the messes,
if I can't endure some debris,
if I can't endure depression -
then how can God endure me?

If I can't endure a mistake,
if I can't endure stormy sea,
if I can't endure some failure -
then how can God endure me?

If I can't endure the taxing,
if I can't endure the degree,
if I can't endure government -
then how can God endure me?

If I can't endure employment,
if I can't endure my boss -
then how can I endure God's way,
and take up my own cross?

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Matthew 10:22 (NASB) "You will be hated by all because of My name, but it is the one who has endured to the end who will be saved."

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A Rainbow Life 1-29-09

No matter how earth's breezes blow,

just seek the promise - God's rainbow.

For Noah's faith was always pure,

never failing - always sure.

A rainbow I can see, not touch

but does it really matter much?

God holds it fast, as He holds me.

Bright colors of His rainbow see.

If close, God's armor we do wear.

This world can't fill us with despair.

No, never be a doubting 'Thomas'

but stand fast in Jesus' promise.

God parts the dark clouds of man's sin,

and brings full light of life within.

When I am touched with Spirit's winds.

God sunshine melts dark clouds of sins.

Before God's spectrum kisses ground,

I know His promise will be found.

I gaze, awed at His universe.

Sing praises, I, each word and verse.

If joy is brushed with indigo,

patience pink and peace yellow,

if kindness orange and goodness gold,

then all good fruit of His I'll hold.

If grace is blue and love is white,

and prayer is green and God is light,

the world's sin won't overwhelm,

for I'm in Him - another realm.

If life's a footrace, death blood red,

then Christ's bright rainbow lies ahead.

If we are raised from sin and strife,

then God gives us, a rainbow life.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Complaints Heard Here 1-27-09

We get so excited with weddings and births,
or other great things which are part of the earth's -
like parties and joking, and all of the sports,
hobbies, vacations and games of all sorts.

But then when our lives take a turn for the worse,
with unfair disasters which carry a curse,
we'll complain when things don't go our way -

and our chance will come. We're one heartbeat away.

I wonder if God hears a thanks or a grumble,
whenever our hearts are a little less humble?
Will all our complaining spill over the brim,
when soon we'll be standing - in front of Him?

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Dust To Dust 1-26-09

From the ground with dust, formed man.
Oh, this world that God began.
He had only asked for 'trust'.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

And of the fruit, creation ate -
so plowed he fields, outside the gate.
Was from the garden thrown, unjust?
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Man confused, but thought so great -
so man, an idol did create -
which then decayed in rot and rust.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

So ascertain his final fate -
for man still thinks at this late date,
that knowledge proves he's so robust.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The clock keeps ticking - marches on.
It's certain who we call upon.
Into the future we are thrust -
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Close it now, the vast division,
God or self, it's your decision.
Life moves swiftly, dawn to dusk.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

Another Shoe 1-23-09

Perfectly balanced as when it begun,
God's earth rotates around His sun -
so empty the pride, of yours, each shoe -
if you think this world revolves around you.

Now find any pair - which ever you choose -
and slip yourself in - another's shoes.
You'll soon realize, while walking in stride,
they're much too large and a bit too wide.

Professors, plumbers, doctors, police,
firemen, authors, teachers and priests -
don't ever assume you can't be replaced,
for your life on earth will soon be erased.

God made us different for very good reason,
so whatever the weather, whatever the season,
we're all on this earth here - bound with a tether,
so strip away pride and start working together.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Matthew 24:10 (NASB) At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.

Talk Is Cheap 1-20-09

When words are empty, talk is cheap.
when words are parsed, talk is cheap.
when gossip travels like a missile, talk is cheap.
when the ends justify the means, talk is cheap.
when eyes expose an angered heart, talk is cheap.
when half-truths build as a skyscraper, talk is cheap.
when manure is spread upon the heap, talk is cheap.
when rationalizing trumps the rational, talk is cheap.
when an agenda overrides the purpose, talk is cheap.
when tongues repeat the hollow points, talk is cheap.
when innuendo paints the masterpiece, talk is cheap.
when the snake oil slips along the slime, talk is cheap.
when truth is obvious between the lines, talk is cheap.
when words invest for a return on flattery, talk is cheap.
when words are used for self preservation, talk is cheap.
when words are spit out with forked tongue, talk is cheap.
when words become more colorful than a rainbow, talk is cheap.
when words are tailored like a thousand dollar suit, talk is cheap.
when ten dollar words are used on a two-cent thought, talk is cheap.
and when money is the purpose behind the words, talk is worthless.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org

Psalm 78: (NASB)
35And they remembered that God was their rock,
And the Most High God their Redeemer.
36But they deceived Him with their mouth
And lied to Him with their tongue.
37For their heart was not steadfast toward Him,
Nor were they faithful in His covenant.

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If I Were God.... 1-19-2009

Bad things happen every day,

on waves and solid sod -

This world is in such disarray -

but not if I were God.

People fall off mountains -

People fall in ditches -

People fall for anything -

but not if I were God.

People will get greedy -

People will get sad -

People will get lonely -

but not if I were God.

People get diseases -

People get depressed.

People get so bothered -

but not if I were God.

People hurt so often -

People hurt so much -

People hurt each other -

but not if I were God.

No, if I were God,

there'd be no mountains.

there'd be no valleys,

lakes or drinking fountains.

No one would fall off of,

fall into, or drown.

No, if I were God,

you'd never, ever frown.

If I were God,

there'd be 'garden of Eden',

all would be happy,

with nobody leavin'.

If I were God,

you could do what you please,

there wouldn't be plagues,

locusts or fleas.

Yes, if I were God,

you'd sing la-la-la,

because I'd create

utopia.

Don't worry that you'd never be challenged.

Don't worry that you'd get a bit bored.

Don't worry that you'd be a robot -

with brains as dense as a board.

So did God have other intentions?

Does 'free will' mean much at all?

Did Jesus give us a challenge?

And are we to answer His call?

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 9:37 (KJV)

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Focused Failures 1-18-09

Many will focus on money,
many will focus on fame,
many will focus on friendships,
many will focus on name.

Many will focus on family,
many will focus on courts,
many will focus on children,
many will focus on sports.

Some will focus on parties,
some will focus on news,
some will focus on women,
some will focus on booze.

Some will focus on travel,
some will focus on jets,
some will focus on sunshine,
some will focus on pets.

Few will focus on Jesus,
few will know of His grace,
few will know of His mercy,
few will look on His face.

Few will know of our Savior,
few will know of His love,
few will know of His service, and
few will see Him above.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Matthew 11: (NASB)
28"Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.
29"Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and YOU WILL FIND REST FOR YOUR SOULS.

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One Hundred Years From Now 1-17-09

Some are massive. Some are smart,
but every one shall soon depart.
All animals - both great and small,
will someday hear God's final call.

And even through their graceful motion
near the bottom of the ocean;
no matter what they could become,
all ocean fish will too, succumb.

While birds can soar above the rest,
they also take their final test.
Though they fly to their highest high -
they will also, surely die.

No matter where, what, why, or how,
Just one hundred years from now;
no matter if we've so persisted -
few will know that we existed.

So why go through our futile notions
exercising fruitless motions;
collecting things we cannot keep,
until we all fall fast asleep?

Sinners want to impress people
outside of the church and steeple.
But soon our chances will be past.
Only what's done for Christ will last.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Hebrews 9: 27 (KJ) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

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