And Now I Understand 1-12-10

Though life's unjust, in God I trust,
He knows me as we talk.
Though Satan stalk, I onward walk,
as bodies turn to dust.

Despite the chill, I trust Him still,
He knows my every fault.
Though sin assault, I must be salt,
I follow fast His will.

In pastures green, on Him I lean,
my cup does overflow.
As waters glow, my faith can grow,
He leads by waters clean.

And as God planned, He holds my hand,
He knows all pain I bear.
He answers prayer, in Heaven there,
and now I understand.

He makes me lie, in pastures high,
His grace He freely gives.
As He forgives, we'll always live,
My Master, God and I.

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 23 (1-6)(KJV)
The LORD is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Who Whispers? 1-11-10

Who whispers with the sunrise to a bright new day?
Who whispers when work calls and my troubles weigh?

Who whispers when snow settles on the contoured landscape?
Who whispers when a flower grows and takes its shape?

Who whispers when the waters in all the streams speak?
Who whispers day after day and week after week?

Who whispers when winter surrenders to the spring?
Who whispers when breezes make the leaves sing?

Who whispers when all the roses bloom?
Who whispers even in mothers womb?

Who whispers when a loved one dies?
Who whispers when my sad heart cries?

Who whispers in a waterfall?
Who whispers when I can't recall?

Who whispers promise in each rainbow?
Who whispers when the waters flow?

Who whispers when I'm happy or in fear?
Who whispers each month, year after year?

Who whispers in colorful clouds with setting sun?
Who whispers horizons silhouette when the day is done?

Who whispers in a still, small voice at every start?
Who answers my prayers direct from my heart?

Who answers in grace from way up in Heaven?
Who answers forgiveness, seventy times seven?

Who answers the whisper, when it has begun,
and then cries, "My God, oh what have I done?"

Who answers humbly - that still, small voice?
Who answers sincerely, with great rejoice?

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Kings 19:12 (KJV) "And after the earthquake a fire; but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice."

Where Jesus Waits 1-10-10

The path of least resistance
is popular and wide.
It's trampled by the simple
until they all have died.

The wind tears homes to pieces
and kills without remorse.
The path of least resistance
will have its way, of course.

But running wise with purpose,
I'm braced against the wind.
I fight the lies that bellow on
the path where all have sinned.

And water flows so freely
while cutting out with force -
the path of least resistance,
while winding its own course.

I swim against the current
and seek the truth upstream,
ignoring cries from foolish
and sin's deceptions dream.

Yes, steadfast I have journeyed -
escaped both wind and flood -
I hold my sights on footsteps
that follow drops of blood.

So follow in the footsteps,
on straight and narrow path -
escape deceptions of this world
where death is sure - and wrath.

Yes, paths of least resistance
are popular and wide.
They carry off the simple
until they all have died.

The wide and easy path is trod
where foolish still discuss -
but walk the straight and narrow one
where Jesus waits for us.

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew (NASB) 13 "Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the way is broad that leads to destruction, and there are many who enter through it.
14 "For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it."

Angel Seeds 12-26-09

Is there, not one angel, in Heaven I ask
who has a most difficult, uneasy task -
to this lonely person on earth here who needs
an angel from Heaven to mend his misdeeds?

Have all of you angels come down from above
to tackle the tasks that you keep abreast of -
while noises in churches sound much like a yelp
still come from those 'saints' much too busy to help?

Now are you an angel still waiting in line
to help this poor soul and who can't see the 'sign'?
Then step from that line - if you must, all alone
and help this poor soul to believe the unknown.

Now if, in my tunnel, you see hopeful light
to help even me who must find what is right -
then "angel" you are who can know even me
and conquor those tasks which can make this man free.

So go plant the seeds to produce more good fruit
in every lost soul with such futile pursuit -
who can't be forgiven through Heaven above -
....unless, as an angel, you show them God's love.

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

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Matthew 28: (KJV)

17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.

18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:

20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Merry Christmas! Merry Christmas! 12-25-09

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, good words I love to hear,
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, sing tidings of good cheer,
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, a special time of year.
So let's shout out Merry Christmas! - a very special day.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, the winds can really blow,
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, see glitter in the snow,
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, the stars in Heaven glow.
So let's shout out Merry Christmas! - He slept upon the hay.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, the lights are shining bright,
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, let's sing throughout the night,
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, when everything is right.
So let's shout out Merry Christmas! - for Christ was born this day.

Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, not just a holiday,
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, without a fancy sleigh,
Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas, for Christ was born this day.
So let's shout out Merry Christmas! - in a very special way!

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

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Isaiah 9:6 (KJV) For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

First Day of School 12-24-09

While in the bathroom dressing
with recollections slow -
I thought about a four year old
I'd known so long ago....

There standing, oh so proper,
in aura, rigid, straight -
so patiently he waited as
his school bus was late.

Excitement reigned a little,
though he was insecure -
but halo's light surrounded him.
His innocence was pure.

His shoes were shined and glowing,
suit pressed with cute bow tie.
So proudly his dear mother felt
that something made her cry.

First day of school's excitement,
with teacher's rigid plan -
while he stood still and proper with
her bouquet firm in hand.

She took those special flowers
right from his sweaty palm -
and as she placed them in a vase
she wondered of his mom.

So where's that little child -
that four year old boy -
who waited for the school bus
with bouquet, suit and joy?

So accurate my memories,
my mirror reflects truth -
the innocence has long since passed
this boy had in his youth.

But someone loves these children -
forever helps them grow -
and mom had also known this fact -
that God has loved us so.

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

(and I still remember that day)
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Philippians 2:14-16 (KJV)

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

The Christmas Tree Story 12-20-09

If Jesus told a story
about a Christmas tree,
would Christmas lights be mentioned
in ways that we could see?

Would He describe the garland
or other fancy things -
like mistletoe and sparkles
and pretty angel wings?

Oh, would He mention ornaments
in colorful designs -
or explain the many colors -
and present wrapping's shine?

Or would He paint a picture
of something more oblique -
of something more descriptive -
of something more unique?

Would His tree not have needles, but
be rather ghostly grim?
Would His tree not have branches -
except two solid limbs?

Would ornaments be mentioned
or dropped from His details?
Would He, Himself replace them with
some hard and cruel nails?

Would thorns replace the angel -
that's perched way up on top?
Would love surround that very tree
in blood, from every drop?

Would He describe the lighting then,
that turned so very dark?
And would the mountains echo on -
with His final remark?

His tree was seen by many folk,
remembered their own way -
but it was very different and
it's priceless still today.

If Jesus told the story
about His Christmas tree -
would it have any impact
on folks like you and me?

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

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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."