My Tree Still Stands 3-24-09

The whipping winds, the freezing rain,
it did not understand the strain -
and did not understand the stress
of wicked, wintry cold's excess.

Until the springtime snow was melting,
it kept taking earthly pelting.
It held firm throughout the frost
and persevered despite the cost.

The freezing rain was in the air -
yet life grew out of everywhere.
Now how can freezing offer good
while this tree stands misunderstood?
---
Does it strengthen, does it now?
Does it make me wonder how?
Does it test me, does it try,
and does it hurt me - make me cry?
Do trees know that life's not fair?
and do they know if God is there?
Liberty and freedom's great -
but it's not easy fighting hate.
---
Yet sunshine sees (through its appearance),

vast rewards from perseverance -
springtime buds its cheers of joy
and proves this world cannot destroy.

For God alone holds season's times -
protects our souls from earthly crimes.
And though the world claims its demands -
in springtime warmth, my tree still stands.

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

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Summer Day 3-22-09

There is nothing more fine on a warm summer day
than laying in grasses of clover and hay,
where breezes make music through all of the leaves,
and birds do their singing among all the trees.

A butterfly zig-zagged here hither and yon
busily flapping as I had looked on.
I raised my eyes up at the vastness of space
and wondered what God thought of His human race.

Soaking up comfort in all that I saw,
lying there silent, in skeptical awe -
pouring His beauty in nature below,
oh, how did God start it so long, long ago?

He continues to bless us year after year -
and why does He love us? It isn't too clear.
Now God did create us - all different kinds,
so what does He look for in all of our minds?

My horse wandered over and nuzzeled my head.
He wanted me up in the saddle instead.
I sat on his back, took a minute or two -
and pondered the question, pondered a clue.

As I kicked his haunches I knew as I grinned
that he would obey as I leaned to the wind.
He faithfully galloped with all of his might -
the answer revealed as I rode out of sight.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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An Amazing Miracle 3-18-09

Creation.
An amazing miracle.

A miraculous life as faith in God grows.
The greatest forest withstands the storms -
but when an acorn falls, God knows.

Creation.
An amazing miracle.

A miraculous life of piloted prayers.
A flock of birds protect each other -
but when the sparrow falls, God cares.

Creation.
An amazing miracle.

A miraculous seed crushed under strife.
The tomb was dark, the stone was sealed -
but God delivers eternal life.

Creation.
An amazing miracle.

A miraculous life as grace unfolds.
A family weeps, kisses, and loves -
but when their loved one sleeps, God holds.

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

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The Web 3-16-09

It looked so fragile - I laughed.
Thin strands I could hardly see.
I figured it was harmless
and knew it couldn't hold me.

I tested it, toyed with it, and knew
I was much stronger than it.
So I played for little while
and formed a harmless habit.

There in comfort, I wrapped myself.
I failed to hear the alarm.
It enveloped - and fragile it was,
I knew it could do no harm.

At times I tried to free myself,
my soul was awful scarred.
I'd soon give up each time I tried -
My heart becoming hard.

A great deceptive spider came
and bound me up so tight,
devoured me in laughter
and I had lost the fight.

Learn from this fatal lesson,
and don't play games with sin.
We cannot do it on our own -
for Christ must live within.

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

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The Castle 3-15-09

Ever see a castle, the drawbridge and moat?

Think of it this way - consider, take note....

If God is the Castle, and we're all together,

We're on the outside, in threatening weather -

If moat - full of demons - is giving us fits,

with crocodiles ready to gnash us to bits -

If we're to get safely and quickly across,

let Christ be our guide and the drawbridge, the cross.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Two Worlds 3-15-09

Entangled in earthly possessions -

the world of the physical,
or free, like a bird, that's flying high -
the world of the spiritual.

I once had lived in the earthly world

of personal toil and grind;

but now I live in a different realm -
a world with peace of mind.

A world that I could never earn,

a world I'll never leave,
a world where others can live too,
if only they'd believe.

I could never leave God's world,

and return to a life of sin -

for I've lived in both these worlds
and chose the one I'm in.

Yes, there are two separate worlds.

We can only live in one.
We either build a life for us
or live for God's own Son.

Though I can reach back there to some,

I cannot pull them here.
I cannot pray them here to me,
or bend their lone deaf ear.

We alone have made the choice
in which world we are living -
and if we haven't seen God's world
we don't know what we're missing....

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Good-bye... 3-13-09

"Good-bye"...

It's easy to say to problems,
it's easy to say to a storm,
it's easy to say to the blizzard,
it's easy to live with the norm,

but hard to say to a neighbor,
and hard to say to a friend.
It's hard to say to our family,
and so hard to comprehend.

To all His friends that He saw that day,
and to His disciples, Jesus tried to say,
"Good bye, my friends, I'm about to die",
but they understood not. They didn't know why.

Would we have been grasping or awed with blank stare
if, in His midst, we were standing there?
Could we comprehend what the cross would weigh?
Would we understand - the stone rolled away?

Yet God had a purpose and part of His plan
was that Jesus leave - as He had began -
in Bethlehem humbly, without huge crowds,
then later ascending, above the clouds.

Faith knows we'll see Him in Heaven again,

so our prayers all end with a sincere "Amen".
There in His arms we'll have ample supply -
and never again hear the word "good-bye".

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

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Seven Cents 3-12-09

How futile are the efforts

of mans’ short feeble strife,

on this lost and dying earth,

as he begins his life.

I repaired a house -

had first to clean it up,

some paper here, some clothing there,

and one stained coffee cup -

I really have to wonder,

what's inside the head,

when I see the pauper's life -

and view his life instead.

How futile are the work days,

how futile those days off,

when hogs and sows come running to -

a busy feeding trough.

If I had only known him,

if I had known him hence,

though others carried him from here,

I held his seven cents.

Though not as much as Jesus' cried

while hanging to the cross,

my heart cries out in anguish

for men who live in loss.

Indulging in the here and now,

responsible, his fate -

man still works and lives like pigs,

though God controls the date.

Seven cents discarded,

I found inside his home.

A life indulged in things of earth -

More souls forever roam....

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

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Hallowed Be Thy Name 3-12-09

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name,
because you first, so loved the world -
we're changed and not the same.

We once were so despicable,
like soiled, dirty rags,
but now we wait as loyal friends,
as a puppy's tail wags.

They say that dogs are man's best friend -
trusting pure and true,
so faithfully we follow -
our faith is all in You.

There's nothing we can turn to,
nothing that we own,
nothing we can build upon -
except Your corner stone.

We wait on Your great wisdom,
we live on Your great strength,
and then as faithful servants,
we serve to greater length.

We cannot hold Your love inside.
We cannot live the same -
we must shine bright and tell the world!
Hallowed be Thy name.

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

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But Then God 3-10-09

On the run - chasing shadows,

and always on the go.

Always right - never wrong,
and always in the know.

"It's not me" I told myself -

my life so wasteful spent.

I was lost. I went to work -

my mind was earthly bent.

I was blind. I couldn't see -

His voice I couldn't hear.

But then God (who loved the world),

had turned my busy ear.

I was a shadow chaser -

too busy for my Lord.

Praise God the Spirit stirred me.

and now I am restored.

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

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What Is Art? 3-9-09

"What is art?” if to me, you would ask,

I'd say its a laborious, challenging task.

God creates life that we can't comprehend -

then puts it in nature, beginning to end...

We suffer the challenge to come even near

the beautiful landscapes we hold ever dear.

The brilliant full sunsets that take breath away

only proves that our artwork is futile and gray.

Though it is improved and forever is honed,

creation is simply just mimicked and cloned.

With all of the paintings and all of the words,

none can replace nature’s flowers or birds.

I search, and within me, I find that great art -

comes from creation through a humble heart.

So never take credit, profits or fame -

for next to creation, our work is a shame.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Weekend Worship 3-7-09

Have a great weekend!

The weekend I praise!

It sure makes me free!

Though bowing to Friday -

is it about "me"?

Is Saturday sacred?

Am I unaware?

Is sporting important -

with no time for prayer?

Do I enjoy Sunday,
or is worship dull?
Do I go my own way? Am
I my own idol?

My weekend? A gem -

we perfectly rhyme!

And finish this poem?

I haven't the time...

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Flip The Coin 3-1-09

Wouldn't it be nice if we
learned from history?
Really there's no problem -
it is no mystery.

And what if we could learn
from anothers' bad mistakes?
Wouldn't that be helpful?
Tell me for goodness sakes.

What if we can't even learn
from mistakes - our very own?
And what if we ignore our friends -
now shouldn't we have known?

Wouldn't it be nice if we
learned from experience?
Really, what's the problem?
Ah, beginning to make sense?

Now flip the coin right over and
I'll tell you what I see...
Jesus died for OUR mistakes -
now explain why that should be.

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

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Johnny 3-1-09

Have you ever had unwanted help -
(oh, let’s just call him "Johnny"),
with exceeding, good intentions,
now thinking back, was funny?

God must laugh a little too,
when He sees how we act.
But remember though, His only Son -
He cried, and that's a fact.

My birthday cake, a year ago
tasted somewhat bland.
It had a funny color too -
the texture? (playground sand).

Whether lav, or kitchen sink,
or tub (home for his toad).
Grace was like the water
that Johnny overflowed.

He knew that water would spill forth
no matter where, was drawn,
and Johnny was so full of faith
when turning water on.

Oh, Johnny had his good days
and certainly his bad,
but I would never trade him as -
I loved the little lad.

Our Father loves us just the same,
despite the times we're wrong -
but if we're not responsible,
our discipline is strong.

If faith is like a water pipe,
if grace a lot like water,
if Christians were like Johnny -
just think what could occur!

If gardens saw no water,
our fruit would not be ripe.
All of it would die away -
without the water pipe.

But baptised in His water,
salvation we will get,
and as it was with Johnny -
so often drenching wet.

God's grace is all sufficient
for those who turn it on,
but most won't see the power
of living water drawn.

And yes, at times I'd scold him,
the paddle, his reward -
but questions seemed to linger -
with him, I so adored.

Many times a flood of tears,
poured down my weary face,
as he taught me repeatedly
God loves the human race.

I'd ask myself quite often as
I looked him in the eye,
and wondered if my Johnny had,
a greater faith than I?

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

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John 4: (NIV)7When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, "Will you give me a drink?" 8(His disciples had gone into the town to buy food.) 9The Samaritan woman said to him, "You are a Jew and I am a Samaritan woman. How can you ask me for a drink?" (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.)10Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."11"Sir," the woman said, "you have nothing to draw with and the well is deep. Where can you get this living water? 12Are you greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did also his sons and his flocks and herds?"13Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, 14but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."

The Way To The Cross 2-28-09

So you want directions?
You're at a loss?
You want me to point
the way to the cross?

Well, it's not a "direction",
and not about speed -
but get there, you're able -
you sure can, indeed.

You can't go by auto,
nor by a plane,
A rocket won't help you -
nor will a train.

You can't use your eyes
to see your way there,
You can't use your ears
or recite a prayer.

But close your eyes, listen -
to that still, small voice,
which draws you in closer.
God gives you a choice.

To choose a direction
would tear you apart,
but listen, you're closer
to your very heart.

To find that old cross,
don't look through the trees.
Just humble yourself
and drop to your knees.

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

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Cross On Over 2-28-09

Do you know in this world that there's no guarantee?
Cross on over to Calvary.

If you're lonely right now to such a degree...
Cross on over to Calvary.

Strip all pride away that keeps you from Me.
Cross on over to Calvary.

You may be confused, but do not flee.
Cross on over to Calvary.

I am the bridge that you can see.
Cross on over to Calvary.

Leave your troubles, world debris.
Cross on over to Calvary.

Grace is yours, always free.
Cross on over to Calvary.

See Calvary's tree.
Cross on over to Calvary.

Your faith is key.
Cross on over to Calvary.

There's no fee.
Cross on over to Calvary.

You, Me.
Cross on over to Calvary.

We.
Cross on over to Calvary.

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

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John 14:6 (NASB) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

Poet's Prayer 2-27-09

"Father," I pray as I walk along,

"give me the words that would flow like a song.

A poem of promise, of hope and of love

that would focus lost sinners on You up above....

The moon's shining bright from behind an oak branch,

but it's cold here tonight on my dear humble ranch.

I'd be so happy if I was a tree,

for they stand much taller, much taller than me.

Their tops are much closer to Heaven I know,

and they just get closer, the more that they grow.

There's no clouds in the sky - but if so, they would be

joyously singing up there with Thee.

The stars in the sky seem much brighter tonight.

They must be so close they reflect Heaven's light.

The gold, alabaster - the pearls and brass

I bet shine like prisms through diamond-like glass.

Oh, to get closer to Heaven - one peek....

could give me the thoughts that would make these words speak.

The sights would bring words and to earth I could bring

the poem of poems.  Itself, it would sing.

Instead, here I stand in the shivering cold,

a mindless numb man who was late getting old.

But here, down on earth, I'll perform every task,

and faithfully do everything that You ask.

I know that these people will not have a clue,

because this small poem cannot describe You.

So quickly this world forgets who You are,

They miss (as they're sleeping), the bright Morning Star.

I know that the God of Love's heart had to grieve,

when Heaven's gates opened to let Your Son leave -

to die on a cross that folks want to forget.

They just do not care - not one little bit.

But because of Your grace- and faith, I believe -

for You're the Great Poet and me, You don't leave.

You live deep within, so I'll faithfully start -

for the greatest of poems come deep from the heart.

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

(We merely reflect God's wonders...)

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A Cardboard Christian? 2-26-09

Are you a cardboard Christian - who folds so neatly out,
then goes to church on Sunday - yet seldom goes without?

Do you look good to others - yet void beneath the skin -
a box that never carried fruit, a box that should begin?

Wake up! and look to Jesus! Do not be weary eyed!
Did He not pray profusely - that night before He died?

Are you a cardboard Christian - a shadow on the wall,
a ceiling fan that spins around but never hears His call?

He calls from that old rugged cross - the perfect sacrifice.
Do we deny like Peter - not once, not twice, but thrice?

Is your sword made up of plastic? Is your helmet made of tin?
Is your breastplate sounding hollow? Is your shield paper thin?

Take up your cross and follow Him. Take up your yoke and plow.
Was that huge stone not rolled away? Is He not living now?

Don't focus in the mirror - but on our God above.
for we are merely blood and guts - but He's the God of love!

Some questioned Jesus and His ways. Don't be a doubting Thomas.
Focus on the "least of these" and listen to His promise!

Wake up! and smell God's roses! Lift up your voices, sing!
Raise high your hands and stomp your feet and praise our Lord and King!

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

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Knocking at the Door 2-22-09

Can you believe it?? My team is up by ten!!
With this interception, we might just score again!!
This is so exciting - and now they'll run the clock -
but what was that? I heard a knock, knock, knock.

Probably a salesman. "Go away!" I yelled!
(I was MUCH too busy with the remote control I held).
Just one quarter more to go and then it's the division.
Knock, knock, knock I heard again - but I made my decision.

I snatched up popcorn in my fist and stuffed it in my mouth,
and should they win this final game - they will be headed south.
I grabbed a drink, opened it and chugged down half a can.
No one ever questioned it - that I'm their biggest fan!

Knock, knock, knock I heard again. Grrrrrr, "I don't want any!!!"
This is SO important. It's now third down and twenty.
UGH - they scoop a fumble, with a touchdown spike the ball -
now with only three points up, my team could finally fall.

Knock, knock, knock. Okay, that's it. This I won't forgive!
I got up off my special throne. I have advice to give!
I flung the door wide open - gazed with a deadly stare,
then poked my head out quickly - asked, "Is anybody there?"

Silence - 'cept for a neighbor, "Did you see who that was?"
I yelled back, "I do not care - and care less what he does!"
he called back, "Do not get mad - and certainly don't cuss!
The man you didn't answer to was none-other than Jesus."

Jesus? - (my thoughts ran wild) was knocking at MY door?
My priorities I straightened now, not worried 'bout the score.
"He's gone." I thought discouraged, "I didn't hear His voice.
That game was too important - and I had made my choice."

"Jesus!" I yelled out loud, "Come! I really care!"
But the neighborhood was silent, and Jesus wasn't there.
"Did I miss a chance?" I thought. An ambulance drove up.
Men ran through my open door and shocked my little pup.

I ran back to see it all - and I sure got a scare,
for there I was a-sittin' - dead in my special chair.
So my life is over (sobbing), give me one more chance!
That game was not important as - I fell into a trance....

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

Revelation 3:20 (NASB) "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

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Poem From Jesus 2-21-09

If Jesus wrote a poem,
and shipped it down the ladder,
would He send it lovingly,
condoning empty chatter?

Or really, if He wrote one
would He truly have a fit?
I wonder what He'd tell us -
well, maybe this is it...

---

"My dearest child, I love you.
You'll never know how much.
I see you but I can't appear
through prayer.  Please keep in touch.

If you saw Me, you'd believe,
but faith would fade away.
I wish you'd pray once in awhile,
you really should today.

Have a heart, I reach for yours,
with both my wounded hands -
but know you're much too far away
from Heaven's perfect lands.

So grace I give abundantly -
please listen to my voice.
It's still a sweet, soft whisper,
I give you all a choice.

You know My time is not your time.
I hung for not mere hours -
and oh, that wicked cross I bore
still has its sacred powers.

The whip, the torture, rope and nails
still pains me yet today -
when I see all my people -
forget me, go astray.

It's then my tears in torrents pour,
they come in drenching rains.
Those winds are my mere whispers
that blow across the plains.

I formed you in my image.
I made you good and true,
but then allowed a serpent
and left it up to you.

Many were deceived by him,
from Adam's time 'til now.
Their faith grew on the simple,
mere earthly things allow.

So trivial your wishes,
on petty things you feed.
Please stumble not on Satan's lie -
remember 'mustard seed'?.

My grace was all sufficient
for every soul on earth -
but faith is all I ever asked
from you who want rebirth.

I created you, a human,
not a servant angel.
Faith will choose the Heavens -
the lack, forever hell.

By grace you are saved through faith
not grace alone to coast -
nor by any other means,
nor works, that you might boast.

Few enter through the narrow gate.
They listen to instruction.
But most will focus not on me,
but wide path to destruction.

Oh, please believe I love you.
You, my precious few.
Because of faith I chose you.
Your faith has seen you through.

My dearest child, I love you.
You'll never know how much -
so pray until I bring you home
to feel this Master's touch."

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

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Matthew 7 (NASB)
13 Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it.
14 But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.