A Joyous Life 2-5-12

Burned alive, my soul was,
despite my swings and thrashes -
and I had been completely dead,
a filthy heap of ashes.

And Heaven, I forgot about
when living with the masses.
So futile there, my soul was -
and learned life quickly passes.

Excuses weren't accepted.
Results were very vile.
I had to stop and think a bit -
and cry for quite awhile.

But that was then and this is now.
I want you all to see -
that I had no one else to blame
except for 'little me'.

Then sought I Jesus, by and by,
above the clouds and birds.
His grace was free. Now so am I
to leave these loving words:

If you would simply just repent -
and let His Spirit free -
through faith, you'll find a joyous life
and so contented be.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Sin Still Stinks! 1-24-12

Based on a true story
during gooseberry picking season, 1934
as told to me by my mother, Ruth.

---

On our old North Clayton farmstead -
my brother, sister, I -
were picking berries with our mom,
when brother caught my eye.

In each our hands, a bucket with,
our minds on all our work.
We each were very diligent
'til brother went berserk.

Wisconsin's early summer brought us
many ripe gooseberries -
but never could we match what mom,
within her bucket carried.

God's trees stretched high above our heads,
His briers pulled our clothes -
yet creek ran faithful, east to west -
while heat, with sun, had rose.

You may not know our brother yet,
but all of us could tell,
that trouble followed him around
and knew him very well.

He said, "Look at this big kitten!"
He poked it with a stick -
but when it turned and raised its tail,
our mother shouted quick.

Although it wasn't humorous,
we giggled in our fun.
But when mom said it was a skunk -
we sure knew how to run!

Now sin can sure deceive us.
It's fun, this world thinks -
but it is not to play with so,
remember, sin still stinks!

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

The Little Kitten 1-19-12

A tiny little kitten

whose feet were very sore,

wandered through the drifting snow

and right up to my door.

The weak meowing stirred me,

and drew me when she cried.

I crossed my room with aging feet,

inviting her inside.

She shivered and was hungry,

was frightened, very weak.

Confused, she wasn't trusting,

her future somewhat bleak.

Now even though I loved her,

I saw a troubled sign.

I thought about it for a bit -

compared her life to mine...

As she warmed up to me a bit,

I let her eat and rest -

but ran, she did, if I came close -

afraid of me, I guessed.

Now I was like that kitten,

and it became quite clear -

that I was frightened, ran away,

when Jesus got too near.

Then as the days kept rolling by,

she finally did prefer -

to be around and close to me.

She found that I loved her.

Before I learned that God so loved,

my life was very grim.

And though He loved me very much,

I had no faith in Him.

Knowing that I love her so

and take good care of her -

knowing that I listen when

I hear her prayerful purr -

defines a word called "faithfulness",

defines a true belief -

not wandering out aimlessly

in blowing snow and grief.

So now you'll find her in my lap,

a tiny ball of fuzz -

but she had taught me faithfulness.

I know it's true because -

I roamed once like this kitten,

where snow and drifting harms,

but now I lie in pastures green,

with Jesus- in His arms.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

A Simple Frame 1-10-12

With Christmas season over,

and presents put away -

with most the decorations packed...

what's wrong with life today?

My dead tree still is standing -

that I have yet to cast -

but cannot help but wonder -

has Christmas spirit passed?

That single, empty, simple frame,

is dead inside and out -

and seems to cloak the truth of what

pure 'Christmas' is about.

Although some evidence remains

with dead tree standing there,

needles scattered on the floor...

there's something in the air.

There's something that I'm missing.

There's something not routine -

and somewhere in this old dead tree -

there's something I've not seen.

Could I derive from hint and clue

if pieced, I could, together -

in my head, I wonder if -

I wonder - wonder whether...

My tree once held the ornaments...

Another held a Man!

And long before mere presents came,

the gift of grace began!

A simple frame against the sky

in perfect silhouette -

a couple thousand years ago -

if we can see it yet...

see, by Jesus' sacrifice -

that all God's grace is free -

if we repent and humbly trust,

our Savior faithfully!

Last Christmas never ended,

as I walk along life's way -

I will forever, always -

live Christmas every day!

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Sunday School Lessons 12-31-11

We walked to school each Sunday morn.

Those unique belfry chimes,

rang old familiar gospel hymns

we sang so many times.

In full respect, wore Sunday best,

the women, fancy hats.

The preacher sounded serious -

then after church, the chats.

I never understood it then,

the meaning never came -

but now I fully comprehend

and nothing is the same.

There's reason in my conscience.

It's true - all I was taught.

There's purpose in my actions,

and good in every thought.

God alone receives my faith.

I hold within the ranks.

I wear Salvations armor

and win, though Satan flanks.

He tries to interrupt me,

deceive and lead astray -

telling me that life is good -

to live it my own way.

But life is just a vapor

that hovers near the ground -

with dissipating subtlety,

until we're not around -

when one day we are breathless,

and blood no longer flows -

when warmth escapes the body,

and with it, soul goes.

Those times I went to Sunday School,

have taught me very well.

I pray for Godly wisdom so,

that I, in turn, can tell -

others who are hurting,

with pain within their face -

those also needing Jesus

and everlasting grace.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Jesus 12-22-11

To the tune of:

"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"

It's beginning to look a lot like JESUS,
everywhere I go.
I still look at the virgin birth.  Knowing Him here on earth -
still warms my heart and makes my spirit glow.
It's beginning to look a lot like JESUS,
miracles in store -
but the prettiest sight I'll see
is the baby that will be -
who I can't ignore.

A cross with no handles, with no pair of sandals,
He carried it right up until -
our actions horrendous with weight so tremendous -
He fell halfway up the hill.
The soldier men so full of sin, just wanted to torture and kill.

It's beginning to look a lot like JESUS,
faithful as before -
and we Christians must always be, like the Jesus that we see -
through a world at war...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

So Far To Go 11-27-11

The year, I'm told, is eighteen-ten.

The weather's dry and hot.

I 'reckon dad knows where to go.

The horses do not trot.

We're tired and very thirsty,

with rations, water low.

The wagon trails' a long one and,

we have so far to go.

The wagon cover's full of holes

and leaks each time it rains.

The mud strains both the horses.

Our perseverance wanes.

But persevere, we can and must.

That's what mere patience proves -

while breathing in the trail dust

behind the horses hooves.

Supplies? ...almost depleted.

Before I go to sleep,

I lay awake, my stomach hurts,

I hear my mother weep.

The bread, she trims the mold from

sure helps my hunger pangs.

A line is stretched above my head

where dripping laundry hangs.

I'm not the wisest western child

I don't know very much.

I'm not quite sure how 'blessings' work,

and 'thankfulness' and such.

But Jesus, we are so obliged

for shoes that fit our feet,

safety from the wolves and snakes

and berries we can eat.

I'm sorry that I think of corn,

potatoes, peas or fish -

but if I lived in different times,

or place - that'd be my wish.

I'd eat just like a gentleman.

I'd eat my last string bean.

I'd eat what others did not want -

then lick their dishes clean.

Sometimes... my mom, I'll see a tear.

She hides it pretty good.

But Jesus, I know mother -

she'd help me if she could.

She stays up nights when I am sick.

I hear her prayers to You.

She shows her love to everyone

and knows just what to do.

So answer, Jesus, my small prayer...

I ask it for our Nation -

that it would always thankful be -

bent not unto temptation.

I wonder if Americans

will ever truly know -

this wagon trails' a long one and,

we have so far to go.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Magic? 11-22-11

Please God, won't You listen,
to my most desperate need -
without Your final remedy,
to rid myself of greed?

I want a magic potion,
or one fantastic pill -
that gives me everything I want -
good health, success, a thrill.

Go look inside your magic hat.
What goodies are inside?
I know all things are possible,
so please let me decide...

Then let me win the lotto.
I've only just begun -
to think of great things I could do
for each poor, needy one.

I'm not a little, selfish child -
but want You to respond,
to help me fix my problems with,
Your great and magic wand.

I promise that I'll listen.
I promise to obey -
if only You would wave Your wand
to take my ills away...

---

Satanic hero-worship,
brainwashing little ones -
witchcraft spells and sorcery
beget the anger, guns.

Palm readings, stars and tarot cards,
or mystic crystal balls -
God but hears a 'song and dance'
each time the sinner calls.

We want for easy answers,
we grasp at every straw,
we wish for all our heart's desire -
but need our hearts to thaw.

When cities lay in ruin -
when we are all in tatters -
when hope hangs by a single thread -
then only God still matters.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

This Single Tree 11-17-11

I want to change the whole wide world

and show God's loving touch.

I know the great commission.

I want to do so much...

---

A brilliant yellow daffodil -

with color bright and full...

but how, if I have never seen -

can know how beautiful?

A peach - so juicy, succulent -

with taste that I can savor...

but how, if I have never ate -

can know its unique flavor?

A sonata in D-minor -

with music so profound...

but how, if I have never heard -

can truly know its sound?

Jesus - so perfect, wonderful -

who loves me without end...

but how, if I so stingy loved -

can know Him as a friend?

If head, I pull, from clouds above,

one day I'll understand -

this world is like a forest and,

this tree, just like a man.

Proclaim, I how, God's love to all -

and in the forest be -

when I know not the blessing 'cause

I stand in way of me?

---

Indeed, I want to change the world,

and show God's loving touch.

But change, I how, the forest when -

this single tree's too much?

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Log Cabin Christmas 11-11-11

You ask about this picture

that hangs here on my wall?

Many thoughts come to my mind.

I can't recall them all.

It's of our old log cabin

that stood along a stream -

nestled in a heavy woods

with weather most extreme.

The summer heat, unbearable,

preceded autumn hues -

and winter brought the heavy snow

which drooped the many yews.

Our hard work filled the wood box.

Much colder times, there'd be.

I'd follow dad's familiar tracks -

to seek a Christmas tree.

A chair set by the window,

sat I, upon the chair -

peering down our old dirt road

with grandpa not yet there.

The sunrise and the sunset

was all the clock we had -

so hours I would be on watch

with brother, mom and dad.

So patiently the snowfall

would cling to window sill.

Serene and quiet were those days -

snow blanketing each hill.

Then at last his carriage came,

bouncing up the drive.

Anticipation answered,

and Christmas came alive.

The planks beneath dad's footsteps

sounded from the floor.

He gave a pat as he walked by,

then answered our front door.

The gift that I received that day

came in a homemade box.

I opened it and once again -

long underwear and socks.

Toys were quite a rarity.

I thought it not unfair -

for on those chilly winter nights,

I didn't really care.

The fire dancing in the hearth

was better than fine art -

and love was not for brand new toys -

but rather from the heart.

The inconvenient hardships

were really not so bad.

Grandpa and my family,

were really all I had.

Sunday was our day of rest

that I enjoyed the most -

when father parked our wagon near

the church's hitching post.

Patience filled our earnest souls,

charity, the mind -

and my most precious presents now,

are memories, every kind.

We bore so many crosses

with work and suffering -

but they bound us together and,

I wouldn't change a thing.

If now an opportunity

brought back 'the good old days',

I'd trade todays conveniences

for more rewarding ways.

I don't regret my childhood.

I would not trade the years.

Now please, you must forgive me for

my sentimental tears...

Oh goodness, my - how time does fly!

It's almost half-past seven!

But stories more, you'll hear some day

when we meet up in Heaven.

So that's my picture on my wall,

reminding me of Christmas -

a world of true tranquility -

where I found love for Jesus.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

When Time Has Come 11-10-11

Our Father who art in Heaven, please hear this prayer,

and let each and every special child know that we all care.

There's often things they can't explain or that they even share,

but let these children know that You are always, always there.

Hope.

And comfort them in knowing, that I am with them too -

to understand the problems that they all are going through.

And if, by chance, there's something more that You have willed to do,

then let Your special blessing rain in miracles right from You.

Grace.

Your Word proves that You love the weak and very 'least of these',

so send - if it's Your will - just one more miracle here please.

We need Your love to comfort like a gentle summer breeze -

to take away their pain and cure this terrible disease.

Love.

You know the special care that we all are speaking of -

and know if You are willing there from Heaven up above -

will let us see Your healing as a blessed snow-white dove,

descending down from Heaven from our great big 'God of Love'.

Faith.

Thank you for all blessings that You graciously have given.

We've ignored them not, nor will they ever be forgotten.

And we forgive our enemies - each one seventy times seven -

and Yours are ready for this journey, to a perfect land called Heaven.

In perfect peace, Amen.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Letter To Mommy 11-6-11

Dear Mommy,

did I let you down?

Please mommy - tell me how.

I never tried to make mistakes,

Please tell me mommy - now.

I never caused an accident,

or broke your favorite vase,

or spilled my milk at dinner time,

or made a naughty face.

So mommy, were you mad at me?

I'd really like to know...

And yes, indeed, I kicked a bit -

but hardly hurt you so.

At meal time, I never whined.

I ate all I was given.

And though you mentioned God a lot,

I'm sure you were forgiven.

I hope I never hurt you -

if so, forgive me please.

Tell me - was I really loved?

Was I the least of these?

At first, I was a bit confused -

but now my thoughts are sorted.

...Mommy, I'd have hugged you if,

I hadn't been aborted.

I would have kissed you on the cheek,

We could have laughed and smiled -

but none of these are mem'ries now...

except for one,

-Your child.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

The Moon 10-30-11

I look up to the Heavens,

this clear and starry night.

Though I am insignificant,

the moon is quite a sight.

I think I'd like to be the moon,

for it is often seen -

shining high above the earth,

with purpose in-between.

I wouldn't miss a single night,

so I could catch the gaze -

of every person of the earth,

that sees my every phase.

It wouldn't matter if some laughed

or poked me full of holes -

for craters, I'd already have.

No one could quash my goals...

I'd have one single, special goal -

it's here for what it's worth:

"to reflect love from God's own Son,

to all down here on earth."

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Door, The 10-30-11

Oh Lord,

There's a door that most mankind will never find -

a special door that opens like no other kind.

So many do not realize their whole life through,

that it's a door that stands between both them and You.

But Lord, there's hope!

It only takes a single ear to hear Your knock,

and takes - but a simple key - to turn the lock,

but many are too fearful so they run and hide,

and they insist on wearing their most selfish pride.

And Lord, it pains.

It pains whenever I hold my 'someone' dear,

but then they turn away with their most selfish ear.

It hurts, although I ask in earnest prayer and try -

until my heart grows dim with no more tears to cry.

Oh Lord, it hurts!

Our problems, whether great or small, You diagnose -

as You're the One who holds the troubled sparrow close.

Though once my tears were heavy and had wet the floor,

You hold my pool of tears and comfort me once more.

My Lord, that's love!

Allow both faith and knowledge of my Savior grow,

inside my precious loved ones so that they will know -

our special Savior holds the truth that He demands -

in love that's cupped inside both of His nail-scarred hands.

So Lord, grant faith!

I know enduring grace is here for all to see,

for others, on their deathbeds, who are just like me -

so if You could, please answer my most special prayer -

so You will always keep my children in Your care.

Dear Lord, in grace.

For You had showed humility there on the cross,

now show them great futility in pleasure's loss.

Show Your loving hands and feet - then show them more -

to help them find the faith to open their heart's door!

Please Lord! Amen.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Mosquitoes 10-30-11

On a lesson-learning evening,

about a'half-past nine -

some pesky small mosquitoes,

wanted quick, to dine.

But trapped, they were, within a space,

between the screen and glass -

imprisoned in their little world

from which they could not pass.

Against the screen, I thought I heard

a tiny little thud -

but safely I, on other side,

kept every drop of blood.

My world was way off limits,

and I, they could not bite.

The only thing that they could do?

Take wing in futile flight.

Continuing in vain attempts,

they tried and tried and tried.

But in the end they shriveled up,

breathed their last, and died.

This poem's end? No, it is not -

for God had sent His Son -

and placed Him too, in our small world -

a sacrifice of 'one'.

We're not a'one bit different,

for we are just like those -

who found a Man in our own world

and 'ate' Him like mosquitoes.

Don't let confusion linger,

or lack of understanding -

for 'blood' was the whole subject on,

this lesson-learning evening.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Terror and Blessings 10-29-11

Terror on the rampage,

terror in the sky,

terror in the cities,

terror by and by -

with no concern and no remorse

with cold and callous sigh -

enjoyment from the children with

their most despondent cry.

Death is by the devil,

where hate and anger lie,

terrorizing innocent,

until they see them die.

Blessings by the number,

blessings by the score,

blessings from the Heavens,

blessings that outpour -

to each of God's creation,

yet then He gave us more -

a Son who came to save the lost,

with crown of thorns He wore.

With nails in His hands and feet,

from terrors' angry roar.

The greatest of all blessings,

though terror wanted more.

Spiritual life

to terror's death...

who took dust

and gave us breath?

No matter how dumb

or how naive -

no matter what man

still wants to believe -

earth is below

and Heaven's above -

God is love.

God is love.

God is love.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Prayer Of Love 10-23-11

Dear Lord and Savior, hear my prayer -

and help me comprehend and share...

...please touch my eyes, that I might view -

in ways a blind man might see You...

...please touch my ears, that I might learn -

in ways a deaf man might discern...

...please touch my nose, that I might smell -

Your perfumes where Your flowers dwell...

...please touch my lips, so I can speak -

so bravely bold, yet ever meek...

...please touch my hands, that I might show -

Your awesome works to souls below.

...please touch my feet, without delay -

so I can walk - what others say...

...then touch my heart, from there above,

so I can give - and others love.

Amen.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Speechless 10-16-11

The interview was nearly done,

my destiny unknown.

I touted my accomplishments -

just God and I alone.

"Emergency." said Jesus then,

and brought a girl in.

"Suzy, she's a special one.

I wiped away her sin."

"The cancer took its toll on her

so Suzy's now with us.

There's nothing that she needs to say,

there's nothing to discuss."

Suzy had the cutest smile.

Her age was six or seven.

And Jesus held her in His arms

as we all stood in Heaven.

I saw the scars on each His hands

as He held close, her head -

His arms hugged her securely as -

He looked at her and said,

"Forever, always, you will be

with me in paradise.

For God so loved your little world

and I have paid the price."

I was a bit bewildered

with all that had occurred,

for Suzy, held securely -

had never said a word.

Not one small tear was in her eye.

They showed the greatest care -

but then God turned, looked back at me,

as I stood speechless there.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)

39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Beyond My Weathered Window 10-8-11

Out beyond my weathered window,

out beyond my little view -

I see one from my rocker and,

I pray you see one too -

see one on each hillside,

see one on your way,

see one in each valley,

see one every day.

While the moon shines on the water,

and the sea reflects the light -

several boats pass through His painting,

with sails of halo white.

A sea bird glides in silhouette,

way above the sails masts -

way above the ropes and bollards,

the breezes travel past.

Man's final work arrives at dusk

before the reflections cease -

near piers I have known since childhood

on this, God's masterpiece.

Yet few have known that sunset orange,

and so fewer wonder why -

God's bright and vivid colors keep
on splashing though the sky.

And people race His vivid hues -

so oblivious and blind -

as God continues painting on

so generously kind.

Wide brush strokes still continue so -

with colors stark, bold and lush.

Though 'man' has stole the meanings -

our God still holds the brush.

Out beyond my weathered window,

out beyond my little view -

I watch Him from my rocker and,

I pray you see Him too -

see Him in the sunsets,
see Him everywhere,

see Him in the life you live -

and see Him in your prayer...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Searching? 9-3-11

Searching near and searching far,

but only for the things that are,

still searching...

Searching highs and searching lows,

but only where the world goes,

still searching...

Searching for a miracle,

but only in the physical,

still searching...

Searching life more wonderful,

but not a life more meaningful,

still searching...

Searching for the real things,

but only through life's sinful stings,

still searching...

Searching for a sacrifice,

but only at a cheaper price,

still searching...

Searching for it still today,

but only for the easy way,

still searching...

Searching leaven or unleavened,

but only selfishly for Heaven,

still searching...

Searching for His Holy ground,

searching always, never found,

still searching...

Searching? We can anyplace -

but only God still offers grace.

Stop searching.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------