Angel Wings 4-27-09

(for my cousin, Louise, who was always smiling, 1955-2009)

When life seems empty, it's no fun.
When everything's hopeless, what can be done?
When all life's work goes down the drain...
when I look back, it's all insane.

What if I knew that few people care,
and where are the answers from government there?
What can I do when I've lost earthly hope?
Oh, what can I do at the end of my rope?

Let go, let God,
with wink and nod.
For it's worthwhile.
to smile awhile.

With faith I just
rely on trust.
I feel so free.
Don't cry for me.

From all earths harms,
I'll drop in arms,
against His chest -
for I'm His guest.

In graveyard no,
don't look below,
but up should look,
for me He took.

When life looks bleak,
give God a peek,
You'll find Him too
with life anew.

Trust has no strings,
an angel sings,
when Jesus brings
us angel wings...

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

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Tears (of living water) 4-26-09

I pray across this blessed land -
and sit here now, with pen in hand.
Truth is not just for the birds,
so seek ye truth among these words...

There was a tree along my drive
appearing very much alive.
Others lived there all around -
but this one grew on shallow ground.

That tree had basked out in the sun,
and from the birds it didn't run.
Yet its roots did not reach down
and soon its leaves were turning brown.

Receiving moisture, as the rest,
but didn't drink despite its quest.
It didn't draw from nature's love -
was lacking nurture from above.

Though it rained all summer long
and though I nursed it all along -
truth revealed no life ahead,
so that tree stood completely dead.

I gave it time - another year,
but it was dead and that was clear.
Though it stood there so straight and tall -
I pulled it out. Yes, roots and all.

Holding fast to 'here and now',
do I drink milk, forget the cow?
Thinking of each choice I make,
can I still pray, "my soul to take"?

Do we so love our good Creator -
or do we, His creation more?
Many still, reject His grace
as tears of sadness, soak His face.

Now this, for me, is ample proof -
His teardrops pour upon my roof.
Through the window - what a scene!
My grassy yard is turning green.

With her doll, she always cuddles,
jumping in abundant puddles.
Playing, I can see my daughter -
we're so blessed with living water.

Now here I pause, with pen and ink,
I ponder this. It makes me think,
if I reject the truth I see -
then I, just like that tree will be.

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

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Respect 4-23-09

Where's respect we used to have,
among each other, great?
And where's concern for other folks
in love. How do we rate?

We used to clean up, comb our hair,
when taking off for town,
but now we think it's 'oh, so cool'
when pants are sliding down.

Baggy pants are not the cause
respect is nearly dead.
It starts before the pants are made.
The 'cause' is in our head.

Just look and see the jogging shorts
at any grocery store.
And how can we still wonder why
our crime rates upward soar?

With dirty, ragged, torn tee-shirts,
what does it say to others?
And can we see this disrespect
for even, yes, our mothers?

We are so full of gracious love -
but only for ourselves.
They've lost their love for others as
they watch out for themselves.

And even now in government,
without the least regard -
they tax and spend (their sacred cause).
Belligerence is hard.

We think we have the answers -
but have we gone insane,
with pay-offs by the trillions -
paid back with waves of grain?

Respect those purple mountains.
Respect our fruited plains.
Tell me why we're tightly wrapped -
and bound with our own chains?

What happened to America -
and to those spacious skies?
What happened to our families?
Who's focused in our eyes?

Where's respect for brotherhood?
Let's do some deep research.
Let's open up our Bibles now
in office, homes and church.

It's way past time we get on track
and rid ourselves of pride -
for if we don't, our country's in
for one last bumpy ride....

Foundations are not built on air -
and faith cannot be bought.
Don't listen to the here and now,
but what our grandpa's taught.

Strength cannot come from within,
when feet aren't on the ground.
The strength we get is from above
where truth is always found.

Respect for flag and country
can one day come again -
but only if we humbly ask,
forgiveness from our sin.

Where is respect for country?
Are God's commandments wrong?
I ask you now, "What can replace
these ten to make us strong?"

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

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Exodus 20 (KJV)
The Ten Commandments
1 And God spoke all these words:
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

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America the Beautiful
Words by Katharine Lee Bates, 1895, 1904, 1913
Melody by Samuel Ward

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good
with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul
in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success
be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good
with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till souls wax fair
as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till paths be wrought
through wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till selfish gain
no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till nobler men
keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!

Priorities 4-17-09

Filling my calendar, filling my schedule.
Accomplishing the vast majority.
I cancel some - then add a few.
What's my top priority?

Would I get behind, or come out ahead -
if I happened now to drop over dead?

Career, home, and family -
Am I for God or just for me?
When life is over, what will be?
Who's the great authority?

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

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Final Walk 4-13-09

Now forty lashes - minus one

The torture, anguish has begun.

Thirty-nine lashes, horrid pain,

I can't endure - but won't complain.

A crown of thorn cuts in so deep,

Energy gone, I've got to sleep.

But on my back, a timber placed -

it weighs a ton, blood/sweat I taste.

I feel the cross beside my face.

I cannot walk a faster pace.

Skin open rips - each time I slip,

so tighter, I must keep my grip.

Each step I take is harder still

when trudging up this cruel hill.

The slivers pierce me as I trod,

both big and small - please help me God.

Please give me strength - for Heaven's sake

for every muscle in me aches.

With that huge cross along my back,

my knees give out. My legs go slack.

Exhausted, I can hardly crawl

and then I drop it as I fall.

My shoulder hurts, the pain intense -

then they all stare in awed suspense.

I can't hold it any more

yet I know next, what is in store.

My lungs hurt so, I've lost my breath -

but give me strength before my death.

At the top, I finally rest -

but now this cross, my final test.

I love you all - am faithful still,

right here on top of Calvary's hill.

Yet all the pain endured thus far

cannot erase the sins that are.

Sacrifice, death - wages of sin -

now demand pain on the cross begin.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In His Hands 4-5-09

I just heard the tragic news
but I can't fit in your own shoes.
Some times I try to comfort some
but hugging you doesn't take you from
all of the heartache and all of the pain.
My words can't even begin to explain....

My stomach winds up in a giant knot
and after I leave I cry a lot.
When losing a friend that I hold dear
and having known them year after year,
I cry out "God, it just isn't fair"
and wonder often - does He not care?

Then I think, Matthew ten, twenty nine -
recalling the sparrow is not even mine.
God only knows (though worth half a cent)
its final day, its final descent.
For God is sovereign. It fits in His plans
that even the sparrow rests in His hands.

I know that I've made so many mistakes
and I can't feel all the pain and aches -
but God holds the answer, for He sent His Son
and knows of the burdens - as sin weighed a ton.
Our sins Jesus took. Our sins He forgave
and buried them all down deep in the cave.

I guess once again, He graced a few days
to share love together in our special ways.
Just sitting together with tears in our eyes,
helps us weather these very dark skies.
I stumble with thoughts. My words are a few -
but all I can say is - I love you....

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

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Stop, Look & Listen 4-5-09

Please Lord, stop me in my tracks
when others pressure me.
I will not pass Your roses by -
my prayers will thankful be.

Help me look up to Your face
beyond these foggy skies.
With humbleness I see You so
forgive my 'wanting' eyes.

Help me listen to Your voice
with answers - help me start,
not to hear with selfish ears,
but with a humble heart.

I'll not bow to sinful worlds

for You gave me a choice.

I will stop, look and listen 'til
I sense Your Holy voice.

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

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If God We Trust 3-27-09

On a hill, on top of a tree,
a leaf so high went sailing free.
A hot air blast it had acquired,
and pushed it up, as it desired.

It flipped and turned on humid air
and tossed about without a care.
Higher, higher than ever before,
it loved the power, wanted more.

Reminding us, lest we forget,
the winds were not done with it yet.
That leaf blew high above our lawn.
Passed on over where it was drawn.

It blew across our grassy field -
down to a fence that wouldn't yield.
The wind prevailed - to free, it tried,
but there it stuck until it died.

The tree's still there, the roots confirm,
that it is strong and standing firm.
The hot air blew and now we know
that leaf was used by Satan's blow.

It flipped and turned up in the breeze,
and filled itself with selfish ease.
Hot air blows deception's air
but don't forget, we put him there.

So when we vote, let's choose the leaf
who's tested pure and not a thief.
For our tree stands and always will -
if God we trust and honor still.

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

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Thoughts 3-27-09

When Jesus walked this earthly land
and when He healed the withered hand,
did Jesus smile?
When Jesus turned the tables down
and scattered money all around,
was it worthwhile?

When Jesus calmed the wind and sea -
explained to them that faith was free,
did Jesus sigh?
When Jesus took sins mighty loss,
with thorns, the nails, the rugged cross,
did Jesus die?

Did He postpone that awful death
or did He take His final breath?
Do we know why?
Does God [a Christian walk] still see
as He looks deep inside of me?
Does Jesus cry?

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matt. 12: 13
Matt. 21: 12
Matt. 8: 26

Halleluja! 3-25-09

Lord,

You knew all my excuses.

You knew my weaknesses.

You knew all my feeble cries.
You knew my many, many lies.

You know what our duties are.
You knew me there, from afar.
You knew my every failure.
You knew my every cure.

You knew all my futile years.
You knew my tired painful ears.
You knew my heavy heartache.
You knew I was just another fake.

You knew my best, my dearest friend.
You knew the end, the very end.
You knew my feeble, sorry prayer.
You knew that deathly, stale air.

You knew my wall, between us built.
You knew inside my head, the guilt.
You knew all my greatest fears.
Only You could wipe away the tears -

Tears that flowed for several weeks.
Tears that flowed down guilty cheeks.
Tears that stopped when I ran out -
but one day - finally saw the drought.

A drought that came when God imparted.
A drought that saw me soften hearted.
A drought that halted sacrifice slaughter -
as You gave freely - living water!

Living water so graciously given.
Living water - for me, forgiven.
Living water - for faithful few -
as living water flows on through -

to tears of joy (no sin within).
Tears of happiness flow again.
Tears I can fully, well afford.
Halleluja! Praise the Lord!!

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

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Dead Broke 3-24-09

I bought a house I so adored -

my friends all cheered in great accord.

I borrowed funds on every board

and now my payments, can't afford.

Though every call from bank ignored

I want my credit all restored -

so I can keep my great reward -

so I can buy and not be bored.

High water, I can sometimes ford

and if I could, I'd get on board,

but soon I'll break this final chord -

so loan me patience quickly Lord!

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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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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