Rejected 12-15-09

My love is so abundant
but has no place to rest,
excessive pain shoots through me
and puts me to the test.

When I love someone deeply
but they reject my love,
from stomach's pit grows sourness
which builds and builds above.

When constant sadness lingers,
is this what God had planned?
When tears flow like a river,
won't someone understand?

With widely stretched out arms,
in all my horrid pain,
will someone answer kindly
so I don't scream in vain?

Vast sorrow holds me captive.
There's nothing worse it seems,
when left without an option,
I yell my final screams.

"HELP! HELP!"

---

Yet,

Love made the lame to walk again,
love made the blind to see -
though Jesus was rejected - and
rejected just like me.

They screamed, "Give us Barabbas!"
They yelled it right out loud.
Yes, Jesus loved as I did when
rejected by the crowd.

Consider every piercing thorn,
consider feet were nailed,
consider every painful word -
yet Jesus never failed.

Consider every scourging lash,
which tore into His back.
Consider that His hands were nailed
when everything went black.

Jesus loved so very much.
It pained Him. Can't we see?
Does rejection come from other folk -
or does it come from me?

With rejection's weight upon me
and there's no place to run,
it's time to read these words again -
but this time of God's Son....

---

His love is so abundant
but has no place to rest,
excessive pain shot through Him
and put Him to the test.

When He so loves me deeply
but I reject that love,
from stomach's pit grows sourness
which builds and builds above.

When constant sadness lingers,
is this what God had planned?
When tears flow like a river,
will then I understand?

With widely stretched out arms,
in all His horrid pain,
will I now answer kindly
so He won't scream in vain?

Vast sorrow held Him captive -
was nothing worse it seemed.
When left without an option,
this is what He screamed....

"It is finished!!"

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

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Luke 22:44
John 19:29
John 11:35
Acts 2:23,24
Isaiah 53:3
John 19:30

Luke 10:16 (NASB) "The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me."

Wanderers 12-15-09

We wrap ourselves up in our own little world
and can't seem to find our way out.
Why do we choose to go our own way -
then wonder what life's all about?
Do we find enjoyment in all the wrong ways
and find ourselves woefully lost -
then seek out pleasure in other new things -
but find that they have a huge cost?

We study volcanoes, the atom, the light,
study unknowns, the uncharted -
studying past, seeking the future,
but find ourselves back where we started.
Do we find employment and sell our life's hours
in wages for other good things?
Do we seek out treasures, tie ourselves up -
then dance like we're puppets on strings?

Are we so wrapped up in our little world -
in earthly things we can't assess?
Have we drawn conclusions with theories and more -
then wander so futilely aimless?
Our warmth is important, some shelter, some food -
but always remember Lot's wife.
For what is the worth of all earthly things...
in exchange for eternal life?

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

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Luke 17 (KJV)
32 Remember Lot's wife.
33 Whosoever shall seek to save his life shall lose it;

and whosoever shall lose his life shall preserve it.

Special Day 12-7-09

For God so loved the world that
He gave to us a special day -
though we were in such disarray -
He loved this world anyway.

So many search both high and low,
both east and west - and worldwide -
for anything that they decide,
can fill their emptiness inside.

We cut our trees, then water them -
and decorate with balls and bow.
We hang up lights with colored glow
and then we hang the mistletoe.

We wish to feel a special way -
spend time with friends and family.
But if we loved, we too could see
that humbleness still holds the key.

With decorations 'round the globe -
with music filled with lovely sound -
this special day is so profound -
so why has Jesus not been found?

Now do not search your hearts or minds
and don't be timid, don't be weak.
The wise men came with gifts unique.
And tell me, who did shepherds seek?

For God so loved the world that
He gave to all this special day -
not just another 'holiday' -
so shout out loud, these words today:

Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

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

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Luke 1:14 (KJV) And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Silhouette (against the sky) 12-2-09

Four-thirty in the morning came.
The night was cool, the winds were tame.
As with birds, time quickly flies -
in silhouette against the skies.

Deceptions twist and bend the truth -
for men and women, aged and youth.
Seek these hints with open eyes -
in silhouette against the skies.

Sin's deception ruled the earth -
for our forgiveness, His rebirth.
Hear the echo of His cries -
in silhouette against the skies?

God's truth and I, we walk abreast -
deceptive lies we so detest.
So He reveals as He supplies -
in silhouette against the skies.

Now Jesus came to shed the light -
it was okay, forgiveness right.
See His cross still standing high -
in silhouette against the sky?

Now listen... as His voice breaks free,
Can you not hear, can you not see -
glimmering hope - that is why,
in silhouette against the sky?

If masks were shed and truth be told,
each one of us is getting old.
Morning breaks, the end draws nigh -
in silhouette against the sky.

Yes, God is love and grace is free!
My little fragile faith tests me...
So in shadow, will walk I -
in silhouette against the sky?

Promises great, followers few -
do you know Him as He knows you?
Seek Him first and you will spy -
in silhouette against the sky.

Four-thirty in the morning passed,
the weather cool. Now winds blow fast.
As with birds, time quickly flies -
His glimpse of truth against the skies.

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

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Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Looking Up 11-25-09

Is forgiveness easy? Is love enough?
Why is living today so tough?
Some days are better , some certainly not -
when crying through pain a lot.

I go on living - remembering 'bad' -
with so many memories sad.
Oh, why is forgetting so awfully hard -
in blocking memories scarred?

If I could only go back some days -
and maybe turn some different ways....
but nothing can change, as facts seize me tight -
these truths I can never fight.

Do I still cry out reserving my cup -
or drop it all and tilt my head up -
to thorns on the head and nails in the hands -
of Jesus who still understands?

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

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Matthew 26:39 (KJV) And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.

Caged 11-21-09

A bird chirped loud - said "See what's ours
on this side of your safety bars.
So come and grasp your freedom now -
enjoy these twinkling stars."

"You know that I am also free
and everything, can also see -
here in the comfort of my home"
I said so gleefully.

He chirped again there on the ground,
"Experience this life profound."
So decidedly, I chirped again,
"I like what I have found."

"Just try to understand my plea."
he chirped high from an apple tree.
"My owner too, will come for you"
I quipped triumphantly.

That pesky bird had quite an edge,
He landed on my window ledge!
So turned I back to owner, vowed,
"I'm staying here, I pledge."

She said sincerely, "I love you"
so I told her, "I love you too.
You gave me such a perfect place -
and give me such a view!"

So then that pesky bird took flight.
With me, it couldn't win a fight -
and though I understood his way -
was certain I was right.

That pesky bird had quite a tale,
but my demands would all prevail.
My owner, all I'd ever need -
and her, too big to fail.

Oh, I clung tight to selfishness -
my good entitlements a 'plus'.
I didn't care for other's needs -
nor 'rights' of theirs discuss.

Yes, I had dignity and pride -
until that day my owner died.
With not one seed, with water gone -
tightly locked, I was inside.

Then angry got, was so enraged -
here locked inside my little cage.
My freedom I had so dismissed -
starvation then, my wage.

Had chances to escape, a few -
but didn't from this life I knew.
Last thing I saw, that pesky bird -
pulling up a worm or two.

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

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Jonah 2:6 (NASB) "I descended to the roots of the mountains The earth with its bars was around me forever, But You have brought up my life from the pit, O LORD my God."

This Harp 11-18-09

The dust completely covered
the memories of old,
as I sat in my attic,
as melodies turned cold -
though still completely faithful
for all these many years,
I had no lone ability
to perk up hungry ears.

Until the seed was planted,
forgiven all, times seven -
until I grew through practice -
a harvest seen in Heaven -
until revived with water -
until restored with oil -
this harp was all but worthless,
lacked spirit through my toil.

BUT THEN set to a purpose
and held in humble love,
full notes created music
which floated high above.
This harp exposed a message,
and melodies took wing -
but only when His fingers
strummed each and every string.

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

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Psalm 147 (KJV) 6 The LORD lifteth up the meek: he casteth the wicked down to the ground.
7 Sing unto the LORD with thanksgiving; sing praise upon the harp unto our God:
8 Who covereth the heaven with clouds, who prepareth rain for the earth, who maketh grass to grow upon the mountains.

Best Friends 11-16-09

Am I best friends with Jesus?
Does friendship really pay -
when troubles seem to always come
and things don't go my way -
when sunlight sets in darkness,
yet Him I must obey?

Am I best friends with Jesus?
Does friendship really pay -
when pain and sorrows come about -
and my heart, heavy weighs -
when others seem successful
while I'm in disarray?

Am I best friends with Jesus?
Does friendship really pay -
when this world's full of vultures
and turns me into prey -
when enemies surround me -
yet focused I must pray?

Am I best friends with Jesus?
Does friendship really pay -
when living in this sinful world -
residing day to day?
Am I His loyal soldier -
through love above the fray?

Am I best friends with Jesus?
Does friendship really pay -
if to myself I'm focused with -
and Jesus I betray?
If clay becomes the potter -
where is the faith in clay?

Am I best friends with Jesus?
Does friendship really pay?
Because He came to bear my cross
is friendship then okay?
Are both my eyes on Jesus -
committed ALL the way?

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

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John 15:13 (NASB) Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.

The Sands Of Time 11-9-09

Time is ever constant
on table's level line -
the hourglass sets steady.
It's all in God's design.

Will pride still hold me hostage,
tied tightly to my chair
and sitting at my table -
while sands are sifting there?

When I see that hourglass
and wear, if I, a mask -
questions must be answered,
if questions I can ask.

Will guilt and sorrow overcome
when sinful shadows cast -
if humble, I, right where I am,
repent of failures past?

Will perseverance ponder
tempations endless goal -
if faithful, I stand steadfast
in whom I can extol?

Final sand still empties out
and grains, will fewer be.
The hourglass sifts steady.
The sands of time test me.

When the hourglass stands empty,
and life's race I have run -
will God look back upon my life
and say the words, "Well done"?

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

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Matthew 25:29,30 (NASB)
29 "For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he will have an abundance; but from the one who does not have, even what he does have shall be taken away.
30 "Throw out the worthless slave into the outer darkness; in that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Perfection's Promise 11-8-09

There is no perfect paper,
there is no perfect pen.
There is no perfect poem
that can be told by men.

There are no perfect phrases,
that offer perfect rhyme.
There are no perfect voices
to comfort us this time.

We chart our many poems
and give them all a grade -
or pass them off as faulty -
ignore, lest truth invade.

Poems by the millions
can offer but a clue -
to how our Savior really felt
when He was torn in two.

Though not a bone was broken,
though not a word was said -
Jesus broke that perfect mold
and showed us love instead.

If we can't see perfection,
from love that God bestowed -
from love that Jesus gave us,
from love that Jesus showed -

If you can't see perfection
in poetry and all -
then you will never understand
and God will never call.

So take this very poem
and rip it all to shreds -
if you can't see the promise
in what our Jesus said.

However, if your heart is soft,
if humble you can be -
if you can rip yourself from pride -
then Heaven you will see.

There is no perfect poem.
Perfection never starts -
unless we see God's promises
down deep within our hearts.

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

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John 3:16 (KJV) For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Insignificant? 11-7-09

Are we so blind in our own little world -
can't see our own ship's demise -
and feel deep down an emptiness
with insignificant eyes?
Yet do we love life's dangers,
and into the tempests lean -
with all our focused attention on
this world's corrupted scene?

Are we so deaf in our own little world,
when waters send warning tears -
that we can't discern the crashing waves
with insignificant ears?
And do we love life's dangers
that envies what sins enjoy -
with all of our selfish actions,
with insignificant noise?

Are we so wrapped in our own little world,
balled up as some yarn and strings -
yet hanging from a single thread,
with insignificant things?
Oh, the storms that God allows
as we tighten ourselves in chains.
We cannot break free from greed and lust
with insignificant brains.

When temptation's storm keeps tossing
our ships on the mighty sea,
are we so lost in our own little world -
we can only think about "me"?
When waters keep rolling and breaking
our ships against angry waves -
will cries be screamed at Heaven to
a Jesus who truly saves?

Would God send His Son with His infinite love,
with insignificant goals -
to have Him die on an old rugged cross
for insignificant souls?
Certainly not! We're meaningful -
we faithful sons and daughters.
Grace is sufficient against all storms.
Let Jesus calm Life's waters.

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

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Galatians 3:26 (NASB) For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

The Hourglass 11-2-09

Who begins the timeline,
life's hourglass, brand new?
Excitement grasps first days of life
as grains of sand slip through.

Youthful times surround us.
We lack full wisdom's clue.
We learn to make decisions though,
as grains of sand slip through.

Middle age is stressful
with obligations due -
so we go about our business
as grains of sand slip through.

Oh, to know the answers -
and every facet knew -
so we prepare the answers then
as grains of sand slip through.

With sunset years upon us,
we find God's Word is true -
but still the days flee fast from us
as grains of sand slip through.

Who holds our real value -
and have regrets, will you -
as the hourglass stands empty and

the final grain slips through?

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

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Ecclesiastes 9:12 (NASB) Moreover, man does not know his time: like fish caught in a treacherous net and birds trapped in a snare, so the sons of men are ensnared at an evil time when it suddenly falls on them.

Autumn Leaves 10-25-09

How do those leaves expose bright, vivid colors -
that are seen throughout autumn's day,
when those same leaves in the darkness of night
are simply a cold shade of gray?

The works of the flesh are futile and worthless -
when cloaked in the darkness of sin.
Only grace proves God's light is so brilliant -
and faithfully shines truth within.

So even the greatest of all Christian trees
can't be proud of colorful deed -
but humbly drop several acorns around
faithfully planting the seed.

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

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Isaiah 66:2 (NASB)
"For My hand made all these things,Thus all these things came into being," declares the LORD "But to this one I will look,To him who is humble and contrite of spirit, and who trembles at My word."

The Moral Compass 10-21-09

Have they been long forgotten,
as trials trouble so,
the morals from the stories learned
so many years ago?

Points, that moral compass, where?
In circles, does it turn?
When lost deep in the wilderness -
do hearts sincerely yearn?

Follow, do we, others' paths
to North, East, South or West -
or any other 'rabbit' trails?
What waters do we test?

Is morality of value -
when values others form?
What forms the lawful ethic then -
from those who aren't reformed?

'Woe is me' when troubled from
corruption's planted seed -
and bountiful afflictions come
from harvesting the greed.

Economies will all collapse
and drive us far apart -
when money is the real love
that's locked within our heart.

Oh, man still harbors evil.
Respect is all but dead.
The young, the old, the least of these -
can see their lot ahead.

Yet God's Word sets a standard,
from wisdom's tested past -
and only if we follow Him,
will peace forever last.

Hold, if we, that truer love
and do what we were taught -
would people ever think to steal,
or have an evil thought?

What if no one ever killed,
and no one ever lied?
The way, the truth and the life -
It opens eyes so wide.

What have I in my goblet?
What have I in my flask?
What do I treasure in my cup,
it's me that I must ask.

Seek, I must, humility
and drop my royal cup -
for the moral of this poem is -
the compass points straight up.

©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."

Cricket Wisdom 10-14-09

No one seemed to care for me,
I had no great demand.
As tears were pouring down my cheeks,
did no one understand?

A cricket jumped in front of me,
so I took it to task.
"Be treated fair" is what I said,
Was that too much to ask?

Did my friends all turn away?
Had they done what they ought?
Oh, I had done so much for them -
but it was all for naught.

I asked and asked and asked for help.
I searched, that there might be -
just two small words of wisdom -
yet no one answered me.

Even God won't answer me -
oh, don't you understand?
I felt that I was sinking fast -
grasped in life's quick sand.

That cricket sat there patiently.
It hadn't any words.
Its chirping - simply worthless,
its wisdom for the birds.

Yet still it sat in front of me -
I wished that I was dead...
But then I stopped my talking and,
"I'm listening," it said.

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

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Deuteronomy 28:41-50 (NASB)
41 "You shall have sons and daughters but they will not be yours, for they will go into captivity.
42 "The cricket shall possess all your trees and the produce of your ground.
43 "The alien who is among you shall rise above you higher and higher, but you will go down lower and lower.
44 "He shall lend to you, but you will not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you will be the tail.
45 "So all these curses shall come on you and pursue you and overtake you until you are destroyed, because you would not obey the LORD your God by keeping His commandments and His statutes which He commanded you.
46 "They shall become a sign and a wonder on you and your descendants forever.
47 "Because you did not serve the LORD your God with joy and a glad heart, for the abundance of all things;
48 therefore you shall serve your enemies whom the LORD will send against you, in hunger, in thirst, in nakedness, and in the lack of all things; and He will put an iron yoke on your neck until He has destroyed you.
49 "The LORD will bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as the eagle swoops down, a nation whose language you shall not understand,
50 a nation of fierce countenance who will have no respect for the old, nor show favor to the young.

Grandma's Place 10-11-09

I sat there on those weathered boards
as 'welcome chimes' would ring -
Yes, grandma's place was special on
her old porch swing.

Her dinners were delicious,
her cookies she would bring,
as rich aromas found me on
her old porch swing.

At times the wooden seat was damp.
The morning dew would cling -
but I just had to sit there on
her old porch swing.

The chains, stressed on occasion,
that held a many thing.
Sat, all her friends and fam'ly, on
her old porch swing.

Served well those rusty bolts.
Though not for queen or king,
but all the folk were welcomed on
her old porch swing.

The conversations several -
the arm rest, everything -
as we discussed my problems on
her old porch swing.

Nothing makes my heart so glad
and nothing makes it sing,
until I think of grandma on
her old porch swing.

Many years have long since passed.
To memories, I will cling -
those days I sat with grandma on
her old porch swing.

The workers razed the homestead -
In fear, the birds took wing,
but always in my memory is -
her old porch swing.

Some say it wasn't special,
nor good for anything -
yet that's where I found Jesus - on
her old porch swing.

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

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The Memory Train 10-5-09

Break out from the darkness. Come with me and get lost -
back in memories, in days of cold and snow -
where freezing winds whistled - but love warmed us all,
in treasured trust, around the wood stove, those many years ago.

I remember nursery rhymes and childhood games - firm discipline -
and shaking the strong rough hand of the working preacher.
I remember the new shiny shoes, new suit and a thin bow tie -
on my first day of school with flowers, and respect - for the teacher.

Remember spring rains and warm summer breezes, puffy white clouds
and scary dark ones? Bright flashes of lightning out the windows, we'd look.
And then the roar of thunder shortly followed so very loud.
Hiding under covers, I cowered in darkness - when the whole house shook.

And when a lie was told, the taste of soap-
Mama and me at the basement sink.
Respect for authority, lesson learned,
as she saved me deep from the shadowed brink.

We learned respect for others
in those good old days -
with love expressed so humbly,
in many, many ways.

Presents wrapped in color with paper's love,
to stay unopened under the lit Christmas tree -
not to be touched until that sacred time -
as excitement grew in our whole family, and me.

Though suspense held us captive,
and time seemed to freeze - and stand so still -
never moving - as a train at a station.
There we waited, and waited - and waited, for the thrill.

Oh, that bitter and horrible word 'patience' -
when focused on 'self' - was the most difficult thing to learn.
No minute rolls, microwaves, fast foods or drive-ups -
but that difficult place strengthened us – where we should return.

Barefoot and poor, I did not expect very much.
But after the suspense and curiosity, beneath the wrapping and bow -
came the excitement of unwrapping a custom gift so discovered.
I'd let out a pressure of steam with a sigh, as I heard a distant whistle blow.

Mostly, I learned to love – a peaceful love for others,
Gifts not made overseas and bought from a stores, I remember.
We learned a homemade joy - made with our very own hands -
that gave us each a lifetime of keepsakes to treasure.

Not instant self-gratification and self-indulgence which holds for a time,
a very, very short time as mere pleasure in the day -
but then is thrown in the trash to be burned with fire -
to perish - where so many good truths, wisdoms and customs, also decay.

Today, broken are plastic parts from an assembly line -
that work for a time and were made for 'whomever'.
Where presents with parts, sometimes numerous, break and vanish -
disappearing from our memories - lost and forgotten, forever.

For many, those days of old are not to be remembered -
for they are just plain, downright rotten.
Pain and sorrow, loneliness and hurt, emptiness and anger –
that darken our character, are oftentimes best forgotten.

And just as darkness can never be removed from the shadow -
no dark soul can run from its past.
They cannot separate darkness from their shadow a mere inch -
though running from that shadow of death, no matter how far, no matter how fast.

And from generation to generation, the darkness from sins shadows,
continue to follow, at every breath and gasp -
for those who will never, ever change -
nor escape its final grasp.

We weep and shed our tears for others -
as love abounds - for indeed God first loved us.
So too, we love others. Yet truth hurts,
so we cry too, in love, just as our Savior did - Jesus.

Thanks to our great culture, and the character
and the teaching of a many great men -
who cared strongly and who loved deeply, and with God's grace so abundant,
we do escape those shadows, as faith leads us into light once again.

Where love [for family, friends and neighbors, and respect for neighborhoods,
for government, and church, and God - by every man and wife] -
exceed power and money, [stock markets, retirement plans, portfolio's, lotto's, gambling, pleasure, and self] - there is life, and it's a good life.

My grandfather and my grandmother, my aunts and uncles,
my father and mother, my sisters and brothers, who cared completely,
as a firm unit, as a golden chain,
tightly and closely linked together, gave me.

So now as I think back - every tear that I shed,
is not from the sorrow, nor of the shame,
nor of any guilt - but rather thoughts
of great times - from whence we came.

So we remember well - our treasures, our thoughts, our friends -
of yesteryear. Those ties that bind -
and are never loosed, never lost, never taken -
but freely given to each other, in kind.

The tickets are free and plentiful. Jump aboard!
Remember the good times - and not the filth and grime.
The whistle blows again, at the hard, cold track of time.
Friction forgives as wheels spin, and this is the last time - the very last time.

Gone forever, the guilt of mistakes made -
for grace holds forgiveness with heavy nails,
for a humble creation with box cars of good fruit,
in the straight and narrow of those faithful rails.

Oh, 'father time' is stubborn. He doesn't wait.
It's his train and he decides when it leaves the station.
The wheels spin and spin, faster and faster -
the engine chugs and puffs, toward the colorful setting of the sun.

Many blackened souls are lost, just as dollars slip through fingers.
They continue to stand by, lingering in the shadows.
They watch as the train begins to leave the station - unable to repent, or forgive.
Pride holds fast throughout eternity. Many can only listen as the whistle blows.

'Father time' carries us, you and I on this train.
Our memories of each other don't flow through our fingers.
Oh no. Memories may fade but we fold our hands, thankful for each special time -
those joyous, precious memories, not forgotten, but remembered - lingers.

And we smile -
as we travel with Jesus -
with great respect for our Engineer.
Who will jump on board with us?

Respect time. Come out from the shadows now!
Come back to a culture long ago forgotten. Do not let yourself be bound.
Come with me and get lost - on the memory train - to remember together,
another time and place, love in grace, peace and harmony - forever found -

by the Engineer,
our precious Lord,
we welcome you...
All aboard!

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

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Ecclesiastes 12:1 (NASB)
Remember God in Your Youth
"Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, "I have no delight in them"

Faith, Fruit, Teach, Preach 9-29-09

FAITH. Did God 'create' it long ago -
Have we endurance as we go? / James 1:2-4
Are we so deaf we cannot hear? / Micah 7:16
What proves our fruit from year to year? / Matt 7:15,16

FRUIT. Did God 'create' it long ago -
Have we endurance as we grow? / Matt 7:17-19
Are we so blind we cannot see, / Isaiah 42:18
and why "so little faith," have we? / Matt 6:30

TEACH. Does God 'create' it as we learn -
and produce it, do we, as we yearn? / Luke 12:11,12
Are we so dumb we cannot reach? / John 20:27
Are we so weak that we can't preach? / Heb 11:32-34

PREACH. Does God 'create' it as we learn -
and produce it, do we, as we burn? / Rom 10:1
With humbleness and sincere speech, / Titus 2:7,8
do us ourselves, we also teach? / Rom 2:21

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

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James 1:2-4 (NASB) 2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

Micah 7:16 (NASB) Nations will see and be ashamed
Of all their might
They will put their hand on their mouth,
Their ears will be deaf.

Matthew 7:15,16 (NASB) 15 "Beware of the false prophets, who come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly are ravenous wolves. 16 "You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?

Matthew 7:17-19 (NASB) 17 "So every good tree bears good fruit, but the bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 "A good tree cannot produce bad fruit, nor can a bad tree produce good fruit. 19 "Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.

Isaiah 42:18 (NASB) 18 Hear, you deaf!
And look, you blind, that you may see.

Matthew 6:30 (NASB) "But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith!

Luke 12:11,12 (NASB) 11 "When they bring you before the synagogues and the rulers and the authorities, do not worry about how or what you are to speak in your defense, or what you are to say; 12 for the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

John 20:27 (NASB) Then He said to Thomas, "Reach here with your finger, and see My hands; and reach here your hand and put it into My side; and do not be unbelieving, but believing."

Hebrews 11:32-34 (NASB) 32And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets, 33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.

Romans 10:1 (NASB) Brethren, my heart's desire and my prayer to God for them is for their salvation.

Titus 2:7,8 (NASB) 7 in all things show yourself to be an example of good deeds, with purity in doctrine, dignified, 8 sound in speech which is beyond reproach, so that the opponent will be put to shame, having nothing bad to say about us.

Romans 2:21 (NASB) you, therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself? You who preach that one shall not steal, do you steal?

Angel Girl 9-28-09

There she was - a pretty thing,
as pure as any angel wing.
Face aglow with halo's light,
and beautiful - oh, what a sight!

Her brunette hair was perfect laid.
Her pretty dress was perfect made.
Her lips were rosy, soft and pink.
Her smile had made me stop to think.

I fell in love, right there, right then
and looked at her - again, again.
I stood, approached her cautiously.

I hoped she felt the same for me.

I held her thin and fragile hand,
hugged her close, please understand.
She was a special girl for sure,
and I was humbled next to her.

In this world, there's too much hate,
but we can change - it's not too late.
Let's not all judge what others do -
but rather love each other too.

I held the door (for I was there)
and helped her with her wheelchair.
I pray to God - but not for me,
"Please cure muscular dystrophy".

This angel girl I came across -
puts much more meaning in the cross.
I put my judgement under lid
and try to love as Jesus did.

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

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James 4:11-12 (NASB) 11 "Do not speak against one another, brethren He who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks against the law and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge of it.
12 "There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor?"

Desert Sand 9-24-09

One small tiny grain of sand
is not as bad as dirt.
It's just a little sin I said.
Now what can one grain hurt?

As life grew harder every day,
they started piling up.
And even though I got my way -
so empty was my cup.

Futility! I looked around -
no hills, the desert flat.
I thought I was so very good,
but this, could not combat.

Sandy dust blew in my eyes -
and stung where’re I looked.
The sun so high up overhead.
It really, really cooked.

No roads or paths, just emptiness -
in land that didn't care.
My feet were burning in the sand.
Suns wrath was everywhere.

I ran that I might save me.
I worked horizons line.
The waves of heat were rising.
I thought I'd saw a sign.

Those far deceptions seized me
with waves of heat thereon.
Those fun mirages fooled me
and kept me moving on.

But salty sweat stung open sores
though that was not the worst -
mirages never satisfied
nor ever quenched my thirst.

My muscles ached from head to toe -
but stop, I didn't dare.
I plodded on for days and days -
Not getting anywhere.

Finally, I stopped and dropped
and others I condemned.
Those tiny grains had bested me
and I collapsed on them.

For hours I lay there helpless -
prayed selfishly for rain -
then fell asleep exhausted -
done in by tiny grain.

Then I awoke quite suddenly -
with sand still on my face.
Showers blessings pelted me -
and that, my friend, was grace.

I thanked the Lord profusely -
this selfish, evil man.
I turned my faith to heaven then.
I knew that this God can.

Just one tiny grain of sand,
held innocently in hand.
Once a tiny sin I said,
but now I understand.

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

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Revelation 7:16 (NASB) "They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat..."