When Burdens Weigh 10-01-10

We reach so high,
and often try -
to touch the Master's hand.
Outstretched we cry,
yet wonder why -
His distant Promised Land...

His people ran
as they began -
to see the waters part.
Fulfilled God's plan,
a humble man -
from deep within his heart.

We raise hands far,
with feet in tar -
we try so, even higher.
Yet still we are,
so plainly par -
in circumstances dire.

Still true today,
let come what may -
and every trial too.
When burdens weigh,
just humbly pray -
so God can come to you.

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

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Lonely Acorn 9-10-10

Lonely is the acorn
from way atop the oak -
tumbling fast through branches,
down past all other folk.

Lonely, not the squirrel
emerging from its hut -
and storing safe for winter,
that lowly, little nut.

Lonely is the acorn,
buried in the ground -
who once survived in sadness,
where truth was seldom found.

Lonely, not the the hunter
who stands behind his gun,
who aims at his next target,
who shoots it on the run.

Lonely is the tap root
that grows down in so deep,
drawing up the moisture,
so life itself, can keep.

The hunters haunt the hunted
with minds so twisted, twirled -
and satisfied will never be,
in this defining world.

Not useful as a mortal nut,
no longer living free -
so bury it, if that's the wish,
but some day it will be...

...a mighty tree in stature,
where truth still grows it more,
and though it very lonely,
has acorns by the score.

A tree that feeds the hunted
and hunters faithfully -
but tree still very lonely,
if that's how life must be.

Lonely are the fragile,
and lonely are the weak -
so lonely are the trampled,
and lonely too, the meek.

Popular the answers taste,
for queries others feed -
and hunger pangs will linger on,
until all truth is freed.

But springs of living water,
is where God's truth is found -
so count it as a blessing,
when buried in the ground.

Numerous and popular
are lies that pass the tooth -
but lonely still, the acorn,
and lonely too, the truth.

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

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Deuteronomy 6:14 (NASB)
"You shall not follow other gods,

any of the gods of the peoples who surround you..."

John 4:10 (KJV)
Jesus answered and said unto her,

If thou knewest the gift of God,

and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink;

thou wouldest have asked of him,

and he would have given thee living water.

The Last Whistle 8-23-10

The train is now ready on strong, sturdy tracks.
The engine stands idle, yet nothing it lacks.

So soon will depart this old world by and by -
and faithfully leave in a blink of an eye.

The tracks lay ahead - in parallel rails -
laid firmly on ties fastened tightly with nails.

The nails that hold each limb in its place,
painfully centered, reflected on face.

The roadsides are flowered where souls still mourn -
but not beside rails still bordered by thorn.

The narrow, so straight, is still railing in pain.
Though great are the treasures, so few receive gain.

The first whistle blows with full steam in the plume.
The time dwindles quickly. There's plenty of room.

Again - second whistle - recorded in Word.
The smoke starts to billow, with whistle unheard.

Is heart fully in it? Be sure, Heaven knows -
so who is on board as the last whistle blows?

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

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2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish,

but that all should come to repentance."

The Old Model T 8-6-10

Way back when, in nineteen twelve
a Model T was born.
It rolled past a tumble weed
and field of planted corn.

It traveled several old dirt roads.
It traveled very far.
Its horn played every gospel tune,
on strings, with its guitar.

Then one day it fell in love.
The grille turned up a grin.
It found a younger Cadillac -
her horn, a mandolin.

Each week they'd do their gospel sing,
then park in their garage.
And after 'while, five new cars -
their faithful entourage.

It beat me playing horse shoes.
Its 'ringers' made a 'cling'.
It fixed up several houses
and did most everything.

It's need, at times, an oil change,
that slowed it down a bit -
but motor strong, would always purr,
and never, ever quit.

But time did get the best of it -
I think it so unjust -
that this great antique auto
could tarnish, peel and rust.

Suspensions seemed to weaken,
It creaked some here and there.
It'd sometimes blow a gasket
and need one more repair.

Mechanics kept it going
with reasons of 'because'.
It would, at times, need greasin' -
but active, always was.

Many other newer cars
would have an 'accident'.
Disgarded, they were totalled -
and to a junkyard sent.

But this one kept on singing
through every single week -
despite some old parts missing
and battery still weak.

Then slowing to a snails crawl -
for it was not as quick -
I noticed headlights dim a bit.
To 'LOW' it moved the stick.

Oil pools were sometimes found
from places still unknown -
but not a grinding gear you'd hear,
complainings or a groan.

Upholstery did get moldy,
dried and wrinkled, thin -
but gasoline was in its tank.
Some spark was still within.

Sometimes parked in home museums,
folks would gather 'round -
to hear those old, old stories.
I'd hear horns toot the sound.

Then one day this Model T
'tween fenders, under hood -
sputtered some - its engine coughed
with filter plugged up good.

Yet many years, I know not how
it kept on coming back.
I think its little secret was
that big ol' Cadillac.

Ninety eight long years went by,
with memories by the score -
but finally that old motor quit.
It couldn't run no more.

That Cadillac was by his side
'ere since they 'tied the knot',
She never left him in the cold -
she never had forgot.

My memories fade, but never die.
This car, through visions see,
but all great stories have to end -
as with this Model T.

Gaylord K. Gander
May 1, 1912 - Aug. 6, 2010
(my father)

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

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Picnic 7-3-10

Under a large and shady oak
and over the clover green,
spread on a soft and checkered sheet
of red and white was seen -
carrots and beans and corn on the cob,
melons, sandwiches, pink lemonade -
wrapped so in nature and beauty around,
I closed tight my eyes, and simply prayed -

"Your sunshine brings warmth
on these countryside hills,
relaxes my muscles
and takes away chills.
I don't have each 'want'
but I have every 'need -
so thank you for every
miraculous seed.
Seeds that are tiny,
so simple and crude -
yet live by a faith
that provides all this food -
food from the bushes,
the fields, the hive -
so thank You for seeds
that keep me alive."

Nature seemed lighter,
more vivid and bright -
when I opened my eyes
and thought,
"God is alright."

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

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Matthew 6:11 (KJV)
"Give us this day our daily bread..."

Classmates 6-20-10

Oh, those times that I recall
so many years ago,
I remember many things
within the sunsets glow...

Oh, the places I recall
so many years ago -
the teachers and the classrooms,
our desks made up each row.

Oh, the voices I recall
so many years ago -
I can hear those words again
each time spring waters flow.

Oh, the faces I recall
so many years ago -
I can see those friends again
within the sunlights glow.

Oh, the friendships I recall
so many years ago.
I remember friendships' bloom
and saw the flowers grow.

Oh, those hopes from yester-year
and through my heartfelt cheer -
In my eye that cries each tear,
from classmates I held dear.

Oh, the classmates I recall -
the time runs quick and sure.
Tears flow freely from my eyes -
as memories still stir.

Oh, those times that I recall
so many years ago,
I remember this and more
within the sunsets glow...

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

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How Little Love 6-19-10

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Another child molested,
while we live unaware.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Abused and battered mothers -
but leave - they wouldn't dare.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
A mother and her daughter -
now homeless, in despair.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
They've no place with little food
and nothing much to wear.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Then a fellow takes them in -
another plight they share.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Tell yourself that they're okay -
it's not so bad out there.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Go about your business and
convince yourself it's rare.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Faithful always, our routine
with comfort in the air.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
It doesn't really matter.
It's happening elsewhere.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
We'd rather do the talking
from our most favorite chair.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Pray a few more minutes and
convince your God you care.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
Tell God about your troubles -
then see if He's unfair.

Goodnight my Christian brother.
Please say a little prayer.
'Common folk' to billionaire,
how little love we share.

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

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Matthew 25 (NASB)

42 '...for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat;
I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
43 I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in;
naked, and you did not clothe Me;
sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'

The Miracle 6-17-10

My heart is very special,
and though it weighs a ton,
I'm careful as it's fragile -
for I have only one.

Though God is love and offers me
the great life I can live -
I first must ask forgiveness
before He will forgive.

However, if I'm hardened
and fail at all to feel -
certainly my tears won't fall
and bring my heart to heal.

So if my heart is harder,
I'll find I cannot cry.
But oh, to shed a single tear -
I'll give it one more try.

I won't despair and cry a lot -
it isn't God's intent,
but if guilt still has season here,
I'll prayerfully repent.

And then perhaps, if flood gates fall,
and tears like rivers flow -
through the valley, shadow's death,
in humbleness, I'll grow.

Jesus loves me, this I know -
throughout these many years -
and on the cross He proved it so -
through all His many tears.

And if my heart I give Him,
while I am torn apart -
He will cup His holy hands
and hold my broken heart.

Peace will grow inside me
as angels soar aloft -
but I won't see the miracle
unless my heart is soft.

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

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Mark 6:5 (NASB) And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

A Greater Love 6-2-10

The stars shine brightly, they are there,
above the stormy skies.
They softly glow with greater love
than clouds from hate and lies.

When torment grips my soul and me
with sin from cities' crowds -
there softly glows this greater love
above the stormy clouds.

And though we cannot always see
those stars that shine above -
the clouds that sometimes frighten us
can't stop agape love.

Crowds' boastful, selfish ways abound.
Their futile acts bring grief.
They send out storms that fill the sky
without the true belief....

They try to cover up the truth,
they think we cannot see -
but faith surpasses every storm
for God will always be.

When faith finds favor over fray,
to truth that shines above -
and miracles shine through a bit,
it proves our Savior's love.

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

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

Every Great Decision 6-7-10

Every tough decision is always hard to make -
and consequences don't precede the actions that we take.
If consequences had a voice in wisdom's veto power -
decisions would be much improved with every passing hour.
The very best decisions are absent or are rare -
but every great decision is, preceded first in prayer.

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

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Matthew 6:6 (KJV)

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet, and when thou hast shut thy door, pray to thy Father which is in secret; and thy Father which seeth in secret shall reward thee openly."

The Least Of These 5-23-10

Well, have I made a difference
or held to some indifference -
for children still in need?

And tell me who I comfort
with many in discomfort -
and who have I to lead?

And what's my information
or worse, misinformation -
when only words I plead?

Or do I have a passion
for these, a great compassion -
and does my soul bleed?

So tell me, what's my mission
this one and great commission -
whose actions of mine seed?

And is there rich nutrition
or is there malnutrition -
and will my harvest feed?

And what is God's solution
to my new resolution -
and will His Word I heed?

And if correct decision
can trump my indecision -
He'll harvest souls indeed!

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

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Matthew 25:40 (KJV)
And the King shall answer and say unto them,
Verily I say unto you,
Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren,
ye have done it unto me.

With Greatest Joy 5-22-10

Through my glasses,
through the blinds,
I see life
of every kind.
I see dogs,
a squirrel too,
see some trees,
but flowers few.

Through His grace,
when I so blind,
God saw me -
and knew my mind -
gave His Word
and gave His truths,
gave His Son,
so I could choose.

Choose a life
that few have seen -
few have known,
yet so serene.
A life for all,
each girl and boy -
a life of love
with greatest joy.

So baptize body,
head to feet.

Live a life
that's true, complete.
Complete with faith
in God's own Son,
complete in peace -
forever 'one'.

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

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John 14 (KJV)

6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:
no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.
7 If ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also:
and from henceforth ye know him, and have seen him.

Complete 5-5-10

How can I live without Jesus?
What can I learn with lies?
Can I believe the unbridled facts -
with wool pulled over my eyes?

Empty my ways without the truth,
as death draws near below sod.
Lonely the ways without my Lord -
and futile, days without God.

My life is nailed tight to the truth.
My cup overfills the brim.
Jesus, my firm and faithful rock.
My life is complete in Him.

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

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Jeremiah 48:30
"I know his fury," declares the LORD,
"But it is futile;
His idle boasts have accomplished nothing.

Every Swaying Palm 4-24-10

There's a dim red sky this morning
so will we heed the warning
while breezes start to blow?
Or do our big decisions
with various delusions
deceive us as we go?

The palm will never warn us -
as it can only focus
on current trends instead.
Just watch the dancing leaves
and see what man believes
despite what lies ahead.

The truth, so soon surpasses
the numbers of the masses
as storms will surely come.
God will hit with greater wrath
while pelting every evil path
until we all succumb.

Can we agree, can we concur -
except for greed, so popular -
while it's serene and calm?
There's always something we can miss
for ignorance is always bliss -
with every swaying palm.

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

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Rev. 22:12 (NASB)

"Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me,

to render to every man according to what he has done."

Sufficient Grace 4-4-10

There's rumbling in the Heavens.
There's anger in the sky.
There's tears of wrath upon us.
yet we can't answer why.

There's something in the question,
as we stand drenching wet -
and wallow with the prideful,
as we don't get it yet.

The storms that hover 'round us -
which soak us to the bone,
are simply there to prod us -
to reach our Heaven's home.

The Bible, if we read it,
will lead us to the light -
will lead us to His promise -
and rainbow shining bright.

Full color in His radiance,
the glow about His face -
and if we fully do believe -
will find sufficient grace.

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

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2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)

And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness."

Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses,

so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

The Sand Castle 3-24-10

Yes, the boy continued working

as people ran on by -

kicking up the sun-dried sand

which stung his little eye.

The beach was full of castles,

sand castles great and tall.

The artists had great patience as

the crowd was held in awe.

Now some were very stately

and some were built quite lean -

but artists built their castles

where they could be well seen.

Castles grand and beautiful –

some poised to win a place –

detailed touches serious

from top down to the base.

While all the crowd was standing 'round

still watching and amazed -

the judge looked ever critical

with eyebrow often raised.

But then a storm came blowing by

collapsing every wall.

The crowd was stunned – wave after wave

had toppled one and all...

except for one sand castle

which stood above the rest.

It was not much to look at but –

withstood the final test.

Away from wicked, stormy seas

it stood back from the shore.

Though storm had sent its wicked waves

it could have handled more.

Yes, every great sand castle

was crushed and so outdone -

all tested hard with crashing waves

that could not reach this one.

Its walls were not the straightest -

but safely from the sea -

t'was built alone so humbly

and stood there faithfully.

That young boy sat beside it

not really that obsessed –

when someone started yelling, "Hey!

This one beats the rest!”

The crowd all pushed and gathered ‘round -

saw that castle standing.

They stood there so astonished, but

said not anything.

The judge pushed ever closer -

then saw the little boy -

who humbly built his castle where

the waves could not destroy.

He roared loud his announcement,

“This is the perfect size!”

and then he leaned right over and

awarded him First Prize.

But the boy continued working

as people ran on by -

kicking up the sun-dried sand

which stung his little eye.

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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James 1:12 (NASB)

Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial;

for once he has been approved,

he will receive the crown of life

which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Simple 3-24-10

The pain and weight that burdens bear
come haunting us from everywhere.

They pull us down and steal our minds -
emotions felt of every kind.

Hate and anger, guilt we know -
they own our travels as we go.

We can't go back. The time has run
as every circumstance is done.

Both good and bad, forever past
as if in concrete each is cast.

But God has spoken loud and clear
that love was given, grace is here.

Accepting is our only task.
It's simple if we only ask.

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

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Mark 4:20 (NASB) "And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil;

and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."

When In Doubt 2-28-10

When friends and family disappear -
when pride and courage turn to fear -
when all is gone and all seems lost -
when spirit dies, then what's the cost?

When at a loss and don't know why -
when all we do is cry and cry.
When time goes on, but we cannot -
what if, about us, God forgot?

When sin controls and we're pitch black -
what happens if God turns His back?
Oh, what if God just didn't care
and let us fall in deep despair?

Should we give up and lose all hope -
when there's no way in life to cope?
No. God is faithful, God is just -
and in Him only, we can trust.

For God so loved - and sent His Son -
who did not quit - 'til He was done.
So when in doubt, just say a prayer -
Remember God is always there.

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

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1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Through Blurry Tears 2-21-10

So angered by their lies, I felled,
with raging hate that I had held -
livid by the wrongs that gripped,
and trying to escape, I yelled!

I sought a place so far away -
where I could go, forever stay -
from evil, sinful, wicked men -
I quickly left, without delay.

Then on a park bench feeling low -
my tears began to really flow.
Dark and dreary was that eve -
I had no place to really go.

"WHY me, dear God," I asked down in,
"allowed you why, man's evil sin -
to break me down in pieces so -
and bring me torture deep within?"

I lost my job - have You no clue?
I lost my car and savings too -
I lost all love for other folk.
Your answer God, is overdue."

Heard I, a voice that caught my ears -
his age, at most, was ten short years.
Embarrassed I, so hid them quick -
my lonely, sorry, selfish tears.

I could not look him in the eye -
nor let him see this old man cry.
I stared down at the ground is all.
"Hello" I said, but was a lie.

He had few words, but gave support -
oh, no one could my problems sort.
And least of all this tiny boy,
who's lived a life so very short.

But there, he listened patiently
and took his time to talk to me.
He seemed to understand my pain -
and somehow we could just agree.

The minutes spent seemed very few,
our little friendship grew and grew.
"Just ask me any question, son -
and maybe I can help you too."

I felt some sorrow in the air,
when he asked me, "Why's life unfair?"
So I looked up through blurry tears,
and noticed then, his wheel chair.

I sat there stunned and never moved -
and problems mine, were not removed -
but lesson learned, I'll not forget,
"And now, my God, a life I'll prove."

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

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Revelation 22: (KJV)
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Valentine's Day 2-7-10

"Love our dear Valentine" we always say,
whenever we think of Valentine's Day.

Big hugs and kisses and also some fun -
is love's expression for our 'special one'.
Flowers, dinner, and maybe some wine -
as we treat our 'sweethearts' especially fine.

But oh, long ago on one fateful day -
when we threw our greatest of loves away -

Hatred surpassed all the love we had won -
as hugs were not there when the nailing begun.
Thorns replaced flowers, and then sour wine -
and that's how we treated our Lord divine.

"Love our dear Valentine" we always say,
but how do we love the Savior today?

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

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