Gander Story Poems

May 25, 2011

My Fuel 5-25-11

Whoa! I take a second look!

I turned my head and eyed -

the sleekness of the sporty lines.

Now that's a fancy ride!

Shiny chrome and glossy wheels,

style, impressive too.

So numerous, the gadgets -

great quality clear through.

The leather seats, the clock and cruise,

the 'cockpit' steals my soul,

the gauges, so exquisite -

I lose all self-control.

The engine starts. It comes to life -

and roars to the extreme.

It sucks the gas from finite tank

in non-stop, steady stream.

My focus and attention,

are drawn by things of men -

which lose me in a cloud of fog,

which seek another sin.

In many ways, we 'sin' in style -

by boat or plane or car.

Though man can reach to moon and Mars,

can only get so far...

There's limits to the spending,

there's limits to the days,

there's limits to the envies of,

man's many sinful ways...

Yet grace, the engine of man's soul -

is ready, always willing.

And God wills that we come to Him -

but gas tank still needs filling.

Just one alone, the fuel is,

if focused we will be.

Though greater is the mustard seed -

faith fuels men, like me.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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May 24, 2011

Are we a mere computer,
or have we skin and souls?
Have we hearts that often break -
with sometime mixed-up goals?

This world has seen some changes,
and many, not so good.
We often think of only 'self'
instead of what we should.

Maybe fault is not our own -
as when we are abused.
Eden's Garden, this is not -
when innocent are 'used'.

Can people be deleted?
Do friends no longer stay?
Are people simply 'products' that
some use - then throw away?

We plug in our computers
and we are 'plugged in' too -
but sometimes we will sit alone -
when real friends are few.

Computers do not have a heart,
and neither have they pain -
but people hurt from inside-out
and often times complain.

Brand new software will not work
when 'human' minds compute.
When control-alt-delete won't work,
we simply don't reboot.

When computers go awry -
we wipe the hard-drive clean -
but people cannot soon forget,
and must on shoulders lean.

Water kills computers,
and they don't cry in tears -
but people have the right to weep
to God who always hears.

FOR GOD knows every truth there is,
and pain He will erase -
if we will only seek His truth
and troubles squarely face.

We either love this life we have
on pathways we have trod -
or we can get unplugged from earth,
and get 'plugged in' to God!

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May 21, 2011

How Dare You! 5-21-11

How dare you tell me what to do -
you little Christian man!
You hide inside your little world -
I'll do just what I can.

How dare you tell me what to do -
you talk big - then you quit!
You claim to help the poor and meek,
but you're a hypocrite.

How dare you tell me what to do -
it's legal... gambling, booze.
So keep your morals off of me,
I'll do just what I choose.

How dare you tell me what to do!
Send me a little food!
I spent a bit on 'joints' and stuff.
I'm in depressive mood.

How dare you tell me what to do!
You know it's how life goes.
Don't leave me to the elements,
but buy me newer clothes.

How dare you tell me what to do -
in comforts of your home.
Basic shelter is a need -
yet, place to place, I roam.

How dare you tell me what to do!
Your morals, keep off me!
Just find a cure for my disease -
and happy I will be.

How dare you tell me what to do!
My rights? My needs and wants!
Health care costs are through the roof -
so pay all my insurance.

How dare you pray to your great God.
He made me down to lie,
He led me by still waters and,
He made me want to cry.

Just leave me be. Ignore me -
until some future date.
Just let me live the way I want -
until it is too late.

These may not be the words you said.
Don't be offended so...
"How dare you!" were the words I said,
so many years ago.

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2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.

Psalm 23 (NASB)

1 The LORD is my shepherd,
I shall not want.
2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside quiet waters.
3 He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I fear no evil, for You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You have anointed my head with oil;
My cup overflows.
6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

May 19, 2011

Apron Strings 5-19-11

When I was young,

I often clung,

to many little things.

I'd reach up high,

again retie,

my mama's apron strings.

I sometimes did,

what mom forbid,

although she'd make it clear.

Thoughts still linger.

I remember,

through each fleeting year.

Acquainted still,

her stories thrill,

with many left untold.

I can't go back,

though mem'ries track,

to years I'd rather hold.

I'm lost in thought,

it can't be caught,

despite my futile search -

mama singing,

mama bringing,

this small boy to church.

Though I was touched,

and changed so much,

through Christ, the perfect One -

I cannot stay,

time slips away,

from all that she had done.

I try to grasp,

and hands I clasp,

around those many things -

but mem-ry strands,

slip through my hands -

just like those apron strings.

I miss her so.

Emotions show.

There's moistness in my eyes.

I can't withhold,

though I am old,

my oft guilt-ridden cries.

But it's not bad,

for I am glad,

whenever I think of -

my mama's cares,

my mama's prayers,

and her most precious love.

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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May 10, 2011

Coconuts 5-10-11

God made every coconut -

and each day many fall.

There's many 'round about us but,

they never heard His call,

and...

God is ignored.

Walking through a park one day, I

willed not to succumb...

to be a coconut that lacked a speck,

of any Godly wisdom,

but...

God was ignored.

I bent down and picked one up -

much heavier than thought,

(just like the burdens on our backs,

when we are overwrought)

and...

God was ignored.

Still holding that old coconut -

my conscious thoughts had blurred.

As I walked out upon a pier,

I wished God could be heard,

but...

God was ignored.

I wondered just how big of splash

that coconut could make -

so then in fervor, threw that nut -

a great splash in the lake,

and...

God was ignored.

My feet got wet, I shook my head -

and quickly walked away.

It seems as though the world wins.

What more can my God say?

and...

God was ignored.

Curiously, I looked back.

As if it had been gloating,

there bobbing on the little waves,

the coconut was floating.

and...

God was ignored.

Throughout this world, the zombies walk -

in sinful, futile ruts -

and burdens weigh on shoulders as

their hard old coconuts,

and...

God is ignored.

God alone redeems the nut,

and let me tell you what -

that I was just like all the rest -

a stubborn coconut...

but no longer...
was God ignored.

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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May 7, 2011

If Days Could Talk 5-7-11

If days could talk,

what would they say?

What wisdom could we seek?

Listen to each one of them - Day by Day...

Monday says, "Get out of bed!"

as it gives you a jerk.

"Wipe that 'sleep' out of your eyes -

I'm putting you to work!"

Tuesday says, "All is okay.

You've been through this before.

If you could handle yesterday -

then you can handle more."

Wednesday says, "You're halfway done.

You've been through this day too.

Remember all the work you've done,

Reward is up to you.

Thursday says, "Let's plan to have -

an evening of some fun!

Go out and party Friday night.

Have fun with everyone!"

Friday says, "I've got you now -

wrapped around my finger.

Exciting times are just ahead -

so let temptations linger..."

Saturday? Well, here's the truth.

You slept through half the day.

"You did not heed the warning,"

you finally heard it say.

Mistakes were made. You know it.

The fault? Not always yours.

But now, some things will never change.

There are not always cures.

The world really does not care,

if anyone is hurt -

So live each day like Sunday so

May 2, 2011

My Little Boat 5-2-11

Is 'faith' an easy word to say? Climb in my little boat.
It's not too much to look at but, was built so it could float.

Now hold on tight! We're sailing, across this mighty sea!
And don't look back like Lot's wife did - it's just You, God and me.

We know the storm clouds darken now. We know the sea is rough.
We see the storms approaching us. We know it will be tough.

The raging tempests circle in this blinding, windy squall -
the typhoon winds are deafening. They're blowing horizontal.

The wind picks up around us and life's boat has great surprises -
despite our frantic bailing here, the water level rises...

More breaking waves crash over us. Our future starts to dim.
Our work is less than futile but, our hope resides in Him.

Freezing rain like 'pelting bullets' stab us like a knife.
Grasping tight to what we can - we hold on fast to life.

Pulled muscles, cuts and aching joints now steal away attention.
We lose, while tossing sick and stunned, sense of all direction.

We cower ever lower then. Some refuge? There is none.
Our prayers drown in the breaking waves. Our words lost, every one.

Now most give in about this time. High hopes, the world sees.
Their dreams are carried off in winds and souls to sinful seas.

In life, we've often sacrificed - but our lives, never gave.
We just get blown around a bit - and tossed from wave to wave.

So all alone, we shiver here - and drenched so thorough, wet.
We see, though stunned to speechless a familiar silhouette.

Now saving us from certain death, with grace for all who sinned -
and walking on the water, Jesus calms the sea and wind.

Life's futile ocean's much too wide for tiny boat and I -
but God gives grace to everyone whose faith is not a lie.

Is 'faith' an easy word to say? Climb in my little boat.
It's not too much to look at but, with faith, still stays afloat...

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 107 (KJV)

23 Those who go down to the sea in ships,

Who do business on great waters;

24 They have seen the works of the LORD,

And His wonders in the deep.

25 For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind,

Which lifted up the waves of the sea.

26 They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths;

Their soul melted away in their misery.

27 They reeled and staggered like a drunken man,

And were at their wits' end.

28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,

And He brought them out of their distresses.

29 He caused the storm to be still,

So that the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 Then they were glad because they were quiet,

So He guided them to their desired haven.

31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,

And for His wonders to the sons of men!

April 20, 2011

Noise, Noise, Noise! 4-20-11

More autos, planes, computer games and toys, toys, toys...
...is this what life is all about - the noise, noise, noise?

If man said He could cut the noise in half, half, half -
I'd not believe. I'm sorry, but I'd laugh, laugh, laugh!

Transparent man - I laugh so hard, I cry, cry, cry...
all it seems we want to do is buy, buy, buy.

God creates, commands and we will see, see, see -
that man has pride - he's foolish as can be, be, be.

Don't let a quiet corner be too rare, rare, rare -
get on your knees and whisper up a prayer, prayer, prayer.

And use your ears - you really have a choice, choice, choice -
to spend some time and listen for His still, small, voice. (1 Kings 19:12)

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Kings 19:11,12 (KJV)

11 And he said, Go forth,

and stand upon the mount before the LORD.
And, behold, the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind rent the mountains,

and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD;
but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake;
but the LORD was not in the earthquake: 12 And after the earthquake a fire;
but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

April 18, 2011

Nothing More To Fear 4-18-11

It's greener on the other side,

in wanting, we will go -

the other side of the mountain,

or over the great rainbow...

to eye-catching colored places,

to fun and friends galore -

to shopping malls and diners -

to parties, clubs and more.

We watch our favorite movies,

we know each actor's name -

we talk about our sports team -

we play our favorite game.

We pick and choose our pathways,

we hide in our own way -

we talk until life's over when

there's nothing else to say.

In nakedness, we stand alone,

in all our filth and pride -

with lack of faithfulness exposed,

there's no more place to hide.

God sits alone on His great throne

when over, are the games -

and fair and just the truth will be -

green pastures or the flames...

Be fruitful as you live your day.

Be faithful in your walk.

Be diligent in all you do.

Be humble in your talk.

As long as God still gives us breath,

as long as we're sincere -

as long as we repent of all -

there's nothing more to fear.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Isaiah 35:4 (KJV)

Say to those with anxious heart, "Take courage, fear not Behold, your God will come with vengeance; The recompense of God will come, But He will save you."

April 3, 2011

SPEED! 4-3-11

The hare runs very swiftly,

for ten years he can go -

but patient, walks the turtle for

a hundred years or so...

---

Rounding curves, squealing with a

couple hundred horses -

stretched out over lawful edge,

anticipating forces.

Sporty style and glossy paint -

surpassing every class -

clean and polished, buffed and waxed,

with tinted window glass.

Transmissions humming through the gears,

bring screeching to the tires -

and then the booming drowns the streets -

huge speakers strung with wires.

Flying off at green lights hue,

with pedals under lead -

wasting gas, polluting air,

to break at every red...

The pedals crush the metal flat

with heavy laden feet -

yet idle through the drive ups then,

for food that's good to eat.

Running full in circles wide,

while rushing far and near -

important is the coffee cup,

some cigarettes or beer.

Another day, another laugh,

for fun is not a crime!

Let's get the guys together 'cause -

it's almost party time!

Then sharp, the sirens pierce the night,

and everything goes wrong...

A child wandered in the street.

The doctors take too long.

So many people crying,

so many people sad -

so many people blaming God,

so many people mad.

This poem's not about a car,

a cycle, or a van -

but oh, about the drivers there,

the much impatient man...

---

Now God created turtles,

and God created hares -

but then created patient man,

if patient are his prayers.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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PLEASE DRIVE SAFELY - ALWAYS!

Galations 5:18-23 (NASB)
18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law.

19 Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality,
20 idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions,
21 envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.
22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,
23 gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

March 29, 2011

He So Loved 3-29-11

Each morn, another sunrise,
on this, I can rely.
A simple thing, so beautiful -
though I do not know why.

Each day, another painting,
as every cloud floats by.
A living art, so beautiful -
though I do not know why.

Each eve, another sunset,
I see the colored sky.
A special sight, so beautiful -
though I do not know why.

Each loving gift, so beautiful,
yet one still makes me cry...
that He so loved a worm as me -
though I do not know why.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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March 20, 2011

Grocery Cart, The 3-20-11

I saw a grocery cart today,

and overflowed, it was, I'd say.

It proudly wore the biggest smile -

pushed along in latest style.

Wow! Every type of food I saw -

from T-bone steaks to carrots, raw.

Until unto the checkout came -

it didn't seem to look the same.

Now this is what it was about -

when all the food was lifted out...

but don't we understand it still -

that God has overflowed our fill?

Unless sincere and broken are,

grace resides at farthest star.

If faith is absent, there's no grace

outside the walls of Heaven's space.

Wear humbleness and faithful be,

with fruitfulness that's as the sea -

and diligence we must maintain,

for if we're lost - life's all in vain.

And though that cart was quite a sight -

received it not, one single bite.

So don't be like that grocery cart -

that's stuffed with grace, but has no heart.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hebrews 5 (NASB)

13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness,

for he is an infant.
14 But solid food is for the mature

who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

March 16, 2011

True Love 3-16-11

So many things in body / soul

are empty, undefined -

but read this poem carefully,

and answers you may find.

The knowledge of the Love of God,

comes through in loving stages -

so see if you can find a clue -

within this couple's ages...

.......

The couple faced each other close,

while standing toe to toe.

The clear new day was very young.

They had no place to go.

His right hand held her left hand and,

His left hand held her right.

He slid a daisy through her hair.

She was a pretty sight.

The springtime breezes did not quell

the sun's most warmest rays.

As ocean waves kept rolling in,

they held the longest gaze.

Her face was like a sunshine's glow.

Her toes sank in the sand.

Her hair flipped in the open breeze.

Her fingers squeezed his hand.

Some folks had paused and stared a bit

when softly came the kiss -

but never would a moment pass,

a moment quite like this.

And with these two, that special time

would never go away -

for faithful is that one true love.

There is no better way.

So scenic was the sandy beach,

so beautiful, the pair -

yet only God creates true love

that I saw perfect there.

.......

Now just in case you're wondering,

what ages they could be...

Well, she's but two years younger than

his age of eighty-three.

So if assumptions, you had made -

in story told above -

you may have also missed the mark,

of true Agape Love.

Therefore, question all the writings,

discovered here and there,

that often miss the God of Love -

the hearer of each prayer.

And don't have shallow notions or,

wear blinders to 'believe' -

or come to some conclusion that

some well-known 'experts' weave.

Sometimes we think we know it all,

when all the facts we weigh -

but we do not create the God

who loves us every day.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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March 10, 2011

Hope 3-10-11

In despair,

we'll sometimes be.

At these times can we cope?

Yet always free,

if we can see

the One who offers hope.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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February 20, 2011

To Heaven's Doors 2-20-11

What is music to the deaf?

What are rainbows to the blind?

What are shoes worn by the lame?

What mere words can so define...

a special Son,

sent to a cross,

in a world,

forever lost?

What are dollars to a horse?

What are needles without thread?

What are tears without our grief?

What are Bibles to the dead?

Our ears must hear.

Our eyes must see.

Beyond the graves

our faith must be.

His loving grace,

forever pours -

draws walking faith,

to Heaven's doors.

Words are pathways,

nothing more.

There's Someone we

must cry out for.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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January 27, 2011

Knocks And Locks 1-23-11

How can we expect our God

to open Heaven's locks -

when we ignore His Son who stands

at our heart's door and knocks?

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Revelation 3:19-21 (KJV)

¹⁹As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.

²⁰Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

²¹To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.

January 23, 2011

One And Only 1-23-11

One day soon we'll leave this world -

this world of wicked sin -

so where's the key to Heaven's Gate,

that we may step right in?

It isn't found in idols,

in silver, gold or wood -

It isn't found inside a prayer,

nor through intentions, good.

It isn't found in our career,

nor through some unclaimed perk -

It isn't found by our own hands,

nor through our greatest work.

It isn't found in churches,

or found inside a hymn.

It isn't found in human thoughts

nor through our newest whim.

It's not found in theology,

nor through man's greatest book.

It's found in yet another place -

...if only we would look.

God created just one key,

to fit in locks designed,

to hold the gate to Heaven shut -

and it's the one to find.

Heaven's gate accepts one key -

and it's the only one -

forged by grace and turned with faith

in His begotten Son.

Heaven's gate, forever locked

and firmly shut, will be -

unless within our heart we hold

that one and only key.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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January 17, 2011

Joyful Tears 1-17-11

In quantities, our teardrops fall,

they drip off sorry faces -

resulting from our broken hearts.

We save them in our vases -

for yet another lofty dream -

another selfish rose.

Is anyone the wiser?

Tell me no one knows.

And here, our vases set alone,

still filled with empty dreams.

Oh, everybody has them -

it's just the way, it seems.

It's popularity for some -

for others; riches, gold.

But when it's over, said and done,

their rose is dead and cold.

The tears we shed are endless,

and from our souls drawn.

We water every selfish want -

then later wish them gone.

We hold our very special vase -

we think of only 'me' -

but rather where still waters are -

our tears of joy should be.

Do roses last forever?

There is a day they die -

then scattered are the pieces of

the heart that happened by.

Lost pieces, scattered everywhere -

forever, broken are -

and at the end of shattered dreams,

there's one eternal scar.

When in, our earthly dreams, we live,

regret is always sure -

for when we grow our selfish rose,

it simply won't endure.

I often wonder why we work,

and waste away the years -

accomplishing so little with

such lonely, painful tears.

So walk beside still waters.

Through joyful tears you'll see -

a love that never wavers and,

a grace that's always free.

And if your faith is watered

and grows from day to day -

there's really nothing more to do -

for joyful is the way!

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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January 11, 2011

The Strongest Man 1-11-11

When we are asked, "Who's stronger?"

we think so 'physical'.

We often think of Sampson -

not strength within the skull.

The strongest Man who ever lived -

had not a fist fight won -

but He had conquered challenges

and never quit 'til done.

He handled every mocking

and hateful, slimy spit.

He handled every whipping

while skin from scourging split.

Stronger was the 'weaker' Man,

who walked a lonely road.

Wearing thorns, they mocked Him and,

collapsed He, under load.

Huge nails set His hands and feet,

while teeth were tightly grit -

but never had He wavered.

He never once had quit.

Screams may echo over hills,

against the stormy skies -

but stronger is the faithful Man -

despite His painful cries.

Many brag and pound their chest -

their muscles, we can see -

but where you hear the loudest cry,

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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December 24, 2010

Footprints Found 12-24-10

From birth, thrown in a frightful scene,
as life unveils its scroll.
We travel to and fro until
a pathway finds our soul.
Our days are dark and dreary.
Our nights are long and cold.
But here on earth we break our trail -
until we all grow old.

...

I broke my lonely pathway.
I traveled all alone -
and it, a unique pathway -
none else had ever known.
I traveled my own pathway.
I'd everything to lose.
But no one knew my pathway and -
no one wore my shoes.

One day I happened on a trail
aside from sin and hate -
but few were drawn onto it -
so narrow and so straight.
And on it I saw footprints,
that wavered, not the least.
I followed them most carefully
though problems never ceased.

That pathway found no safety -
and I had questioned 'why?'.
I heard the growling animals.
Black vultures circled high.
A lion jumped in front of me.
I froze - my faith devoid.
My goal, career and future were
virtually destroyed.

I heard loud screams from others -
more painful shrieks and cries -
and yes, I still was frightened -
not cloaked from sin and lies.
A jungled mess of selfishness,
a shadowed woods misguided -
drove the anger ever close.
My fear had not subsided.

Yet... steady still, those footprints.
They wavered not a bit.
They never once had faltered.
That 'someone' never quit.
I stopped and rested quite awhile,
then carried on again.
Faith had urged me onward so -
to flee from evils sin.

Still wavered not, those footprints,
still spaced the same apart -
this 'Someone' had a purpose,
this 'Someone' had a heart.
They led straight to a clearing.
It was so peaceful there.
I stopped and saw a beauty, to
which nothing could compare.

My mouth fell open, as to speak.
Mere words were at a loss.
I saw those faithful footprints aim -
directly to a cross.
Then clumsily, I stumbled -
I grasped that mighty tree.
My 'little faith' reached for support,
until grace lifted me.

'Born again', I was that day,
when I was made complete.
I hugged that bloody, splintered cross -
'til back upon my feet.
And yes, my eyes were opened.
Spilt blood had left the hint.
For clearly seen in crimson was -
His faithful, final print.

...

God sees us run in circles as,
we leave prints deep in clay.
He sees our every footprint as -
we're lost along the way;
Our path is never narrow,
nor straightway Heaven-bound -
and feet are either on our paths -
or in His footprints found.

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

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Matthew 7:14 (King James Version)
Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way,

which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.

May 25, 2011

May 24, 2011

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May 10, 2011

May 7, 2011

May 2, 2011

April 20, 2011

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Revelation 3:19-21 (KJV)

January 23, 2011

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December 24, 2010

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