His Hands 4-12-12

"I've cried my eyes out every day.

My burdens, I've out-poured

in never-ending prayers to You.

Why can't You hear me Lord?

"Oh Lord, the stinging hurts me so.

They smear my wounds with salt.

My mind is scarred and You know why.

These burdens aren't my fault.

"And physically, I'm also scarred.

Each hurts a different way.

So tell me... once again I ask,

'Do You hear what I say?'"

"As days go by, I cannot cope.

Will nothing ever change?

If there were different burdens Lord,

I'd happily exchange.

"I'd trade all mine for other ones.

This pain is just too great.

Please let me trade my burdens in,

if it is not too late."

And then I saw my Savior's hands,

cupped high above my head.

He slowly lowered them down to me,

and this is what He said.

"If you wish, then I will trade.

Your Savior understands.

I'll take each burden you don't want.

Just place them in my hands."

Collected I, my burdens all.

They numbered as the stars.

But just before I threw them in,

I saw those nail scars.

Instinctively, I held them back.

Now I was at a loss...

I cannot trade my burdens for

His day upon the cross.

"Oh come, my dear and troubled child -

come rest in my embrace.

Have faith that I will vanquish them

and I will show you grace."

But once again, still weak in trust,

and hesitant, I feared -

Yet one by one I set them in

as each one disappeared!

Now I have grace...  And burdens?  None!

No cross of any kind!

I gave to Jesus everything -

and now have peace of mind.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Good Samaritan 4-1-12

A doctor saw an angry mob -

and money they had stolen,

but then he passed the beaten man

now broke and cut and swollen.

A lawyer watched the boastful crowd

with sly and greedy grin.

He pondered many lawsuits but -

the man just wouldn't win.

A businessman was by the man

and picked up every stone.

A collector may pay hundreds

for each one they had thrown.

A priest was standing with the thieves.

He knew they needed teaching -

then gave the beaten man advice

with all his finest preaching.

Reporters interviewed the crowd

and printed many quotes.

A politician saw the group

and all their many votes.

He held a newborn baby and

he placed a tender kiss -

promised help for everyone -

ran for higher office.

At last, a good Samaritan

passed up the world's reward.

He cleaned his cuts and bandaged him

and paid for room and board.

Does money, fame or pride seize you -

through Satan's evil lies?

Then be 'a Good Samaritan'

and "go and do likewise."

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 10: 25-37

25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up, and tempted him,
saying, Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?
26 He said unto him, What is written in the law? how readest thou?
 27 And he answering said,
Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul,
and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.
28 And he said unto him, Thou hast answered right: this do, and thou shalt live.
29 But he, willing to justify himself, said unto Jesus, And who is my neighbour?
 30 And Jesus answering said,
A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves,
which stripped him of his raiment, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.
 31 And by chance there came down a certain priest that way:
and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side.
 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place,
came and looked on him, and passed by on the other side.
 33 But a certain Samaritan, as he journeyed, came where he was:
and when he saw him, he had compassion on him,
 34 And went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine,
and set him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him.
 35 And on the morrow when he departed,
he took out two pence, and gave them to the host, and said unto him,
Take care of him; and whatsoever thou spendest more, when I come again, I will repay thee.
36 Which now of these three, thinkest thou, was neighbour unto him that fell among the thieves?
37 And he said, He that shewed mercy on him.
Then said Jesus unto him, Go, and do thou likewise.

Are We There Yet? 3-28-12

Vacation! What a pleasure!

To relax, on beaches bask...

but seven blocks away from home,

my backseat driver asked,

Are we there yet?

Vacationing, we drive along -

just spending time together.

It seems that nothing goes our way,

and this time? Rainy weather!

Are we there yet?

Vacation, scenic landscapes.

Now is this all in vain?

Is this, the scenic way the best?

Should we have taken plane?

Are we there yet?

Vacation. What's the purpose -

the drive or destination?

And then distracted with my thoughts,

was handed a citation.

Are we there yet?

Oh, sometimes we are so confused

and so delirious -

living in a world of fun.

Are we too serious?

Are we there yet?

Vacation. Can we live one?

Restoring peace within...

Then broken from my deepest thoughts,

my youngest asks again,

Are we there yet?

So what's our destination

exposed behind each task?

Sweep, do we, sins under rug -

then have the shame to ask,

"Are we there yet?"

Once at our destination,

may judgment not be grave -

when God asks if we've lived for us

or all to Jesus gave...

Are we there yet?

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Tears No Longer 3-20-12

Behind the doors of many homes,

no matter where you go -

a multitude of people weep.

Their tears forever flow...

I sat behind my mommy in

the back seat of our car.

My daddy did the driving, but

we didn't get too far.

My mom and I were talking,

and we were smiling wide,

but someone ran the traffic light

and hit us hard broad-side.

The truck came out of nowhere -

the driver, DUI.

And buckled in her seat belt, mom

had watched my daddy die.

I woke up in a hospital -

in pain for several days.

Our fragile world turned up-side-down

in many, many ways...

"Jesus, heal my broken heart.

I feel emotion's tug,

whenever mommy holds me tight

and gives me daddy's hug.
Embraced below Your sunsets

through visions of the wreck -

I know my mom is crying too.

Her tears run down my neck.

"She says we'll be in Heaven there.

It is her only prayer.

Daddy, mother, also I -

are in Your precious care.

Though she forgives the driver -

forget? She never will.

And though the years are passing by,

our tears are flowing still.

"But please forgive me Jesus -

I can't get on my knees.

Fun and laughter, drugs and beer

is all the world sees.

Is several years of crying worth

some stranger's day of fun?

'They know not what they do' You said.

Our tears forever run.

"You hear all my petitions

My deepest thoughts I share.

Your great omniscient presence

surrounds my wheel chair.

And I am not discouraged.

Through faith in You, I know -

in Heaven, we'll be together -

where tears no longer flow."

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Lighthouse 3-11-12

What draws the eye to the lighthouse?

Oh say, what could it be?

Now how could a light on a mighty 'Rock'

forgive lost souls at sea?

There are no ropes to pull them in,

no maps of where to go -

and we hear cries from crashing waves -

under the beacon's glow.

Relentlessly, the wind blows now -

the noise, as a million drum!

The angry sea will swallow scores,

as the weak in faith succumb.

Through rain and hail and deadly fog,

sins weather strangely mixed -

a faint, but 'Guiding Light' shines through -

if eyes are firmly fixed.

The lighthouse sounds its foghorn out,

proclaiming, "Christ is King".

Our voices chime in harmony

as we rejoice and sing!

We find all comfort in the 'Rock'

as the faithful lighthouse calls.

It's then that storms surrender and

receding darkness falls,

What draws the eye to the lighthouse?

Oh say, now what could it be?

How can a Man on an old rugged cross,

help souls still lost at sea?

Secure in the 'Rock', we understand -

as the beacon lights the sky.

And as long as we see the halo -

forgive. "They know not why."

And tell them,

tell them if you dare!

Tell them when they're troubled.

Tell them with a prayer.

Tell them Christ is waiting.

Tell them God is fair.

Tell them Jesus loves them.

Tell them if you care.

Tell them God still loves the world.

Now go, and gospel share.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Adrift! 3-8-12

The waves were crashing everywhere -

port, starboard, forward, aft...

My troubles kept on pouring in,

upon my humble raft.

The typhoon winds of pain whipped up -

first one way, then the other.

My earthly troubles slashed about -

another and another.

Adrift on troubled waters vast,

but where? I did not know!

And here out on the stormy seas -

there was dark death below.

The shark infested waters there

that I remember still -

snapped temptations fangs at me

and broke my fragile will.

And then on top of everything,

it couldn't get much worse -

when wet, dense fog surrounded me -

my little faith, a curse.

I screamed from my position there,

"Do something! Please... You must!"

My fist shook at the Heavens.

I lacked sufficient trust.

I threw my hands up in the air

and wondered, "What's the use?"

Now isn't this the way life goes?

Then sodden ropes let loose!

The wicked waves tore at the logs.

My raft began to split.

Apart, my hopes had scattered off.

What could I do, but quit?

And then when giving up on life -

I saw - but could it be??

Walking troubled waters there -

my Lord had came toward me!

But my raft finished breaking up.

The waves were just too great...

My groping arms flung out to Him -

but He was just too late...

With remnants of my raft adrift -

this Jesus disappeared!

Out in the fog He vaporized -

a sick mirage, I feared.

The gift of life is special, but -

eternal life much more.

For Jesus was my sacrifice,

and who that cross was for.

Were hope and faith both obsolete

as waves crashed on my back?

Last remnants of my raft dispersed -

and everything went black.

Engulfed by churning breakers then,

my feet touched solid stone...

God's precious love threw me to shore!

I never was alone!

I'm thankful God broke up my raft.

Could I have asked for more?

That raft was really nothing with -

my Jesus on the shore!

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 23:4
 "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."

As God Whispers 03-02-12

Don't give me a brand new computer

to type all the words on my mind -

just give me an old scrap of paper

and maybe some words I can find -

to write with my old, stubby pencil,

a poem or two I think of,

to soften the hardest of hardened hearts -

and write a few words of God's love.

And no, I do not have erasures.

I used them up long, long ago -

for mine was the worst of all wicked hearts -

and lowest of all of the low...

I tried to erase every one of my sins,

that I scribbled for years on my heart -

but only a cross where Jesus shed blood

could give me a "born-again" start.

Though I am not better than anyone else

no matter how I have been livin'...

There's only one thing that has set us apart -

and that is, through faith, I'm forgiven.

So please give an old scrap of paper,

to someone contented to be -

writing, as God whispers breezes,

in shade of this old willow tree.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hearts 2-24-12

This world has many prideful hearts

that pound like selfish drums,

and angry hearts that sting me so -

until great sorrow comes.

Some hearts are much too busy to

amass a caring thought.

So many think they know it all -

and they cannot be taught.

There are so many greedy hearts

that seldom weep or cry -

and people with a hardened heart,

will never even try.

Now that is when I'm really hurt

by those I could condemn,

but as God whispers soothing words -

it's then I pray for them.

Their hearts are mean and frigid -

and others, simply bad.

Some hearts grow very weary and,

some others are so sad.

Relationships will often die

before hearts carved in trees -

and only God can mend those hearts -

above two humbled knees.

Some hearts are very fragile -

as fine, thin window glass -

that break our friends to pieces when,

they see a loved one pass.

Their troubled hearts are shattered and -

some have been many years.

Those heavy hearts still only pump

up moisture into tears.

It seems that soft and tender hearts

hurt most when torn apart -

but it's okay God gave me one.

I'm blessed to have this heart.

And God once formed a special heart,

so lovingly and rare.

It is unique and that is why -

my mom's beyond compare.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Thank You! 2-23-12

I felt I was trampled by thousand-cow herd -

and hoped I could write it in poetic word -

but first I sat down and I started to pray,

and saw God's creation so all I could say,

was "Thank You!"

My eyes rose up high to a picturesque sky -

while thoughts ran off rampant to years gone by -

where burdens all settled on one special day,

that flooded my soul - so all I could say,

was "Thank you!"

Though breezes blow storm clouds around to and fro -

and every so often still trouble me so -

the sun always shines above all the fray,

dispersing the storm clouds - so all I can say,

is "Thank You!"

A rainbow appears o'er the old rugged cross -

a cross much more painful than my finite loss.

A sacrifice, perfect - but that was God's way.

And now tears are falling and all I can pray,

is "Thank You!"

"Thank You for mangers, Your great humbleness.

Thank You for crosses and all who You bless.

Thank You for being the God that You are.

Thank You for wearing those great many scar.

"Thank You for grace that's so endlessly pure.

Thank You for strength that will always endure.

Thank You for showing a new perspective.

Thank You for faith and a brand new directive.

"Thank You for children who make my heart glow.

Thank You for loving them now as they grow.

Thank You for teaching them how to respect.

Thank You for blessings despite my neglect.

"Thank You for lifting me out of sins' hole.

Thank You for Pastors who challenge my soul.

Thank You for churches, all joined at the hip -

and thank you for friends and the great fellowship."

So now when I'm trampled and my life is blurred -

I open my Bible - God's great living Word.

It's then I see clearly, it's then I can pray -

and though I'm tore open, it's all I can say.

"Oh, Thank You!"

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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One Exceptional Word 2-22-12

For hours and hours I lay in my bed

as thoughts of new poetry enter my head.

I want to help others - so many abused -

and wonder if one special word could be used...

With each crying mother, child or dad -

what one perfect word can stop making them sad?

Can there be some comfort with something inferred?

...or maybe there is one exceptional word.

One single word that forgets all our past -

one single word that brings peace at last.

One single word that is really worthwhile -

replacing our tears into our biggest smiles!

So could it be 'faithful' or could it be 'grace' -

or maybe it's 'love', if even a trace...

Maybe 'forgiveness' or maybe 'confessed' -

or maybe it's 'thankful' or maybe it's 'blessed'.

It might be 'repentance' or even 'salvation' -

or maybe its 'Bible' or 'sanctification'.

It still could be 'cross' if anyone cares...

or maybe, just maybe, it's in all our 'prayers'...

So here in my bed, I've laid hours and hours -

some day to replace it with casket and flowers.

Oh, how will I say it and will it be heard -

when lips utter, 'Jesus' - my very first word?

Yes,

that 'word' - just a 'name' - but it happens to be,

the Name above all names. He cares about me.

He cares for you too so get down on your knees -

(even if one of the 'least of these')...

'Jesus' - the word that belongs to God's Son -

'Jesus' - the Name who still 'loves' everyone.

Jesus 'forgets' everything in our 'past' -

Jesus, our Savior, who grants 'peace' at last.

Physical, emotional pain - all there is...

He takes all our scars - and He puts them on His.

Soon, we will forget all our fears and our tears -

when living with Jesus, eternity's years.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Feel The Breeze? 2-14-12

See the waves?

Hear the seas?

Smell the shore?

Feel the breeze?

WAVES of sin; Virgin birth;

God so loved; Walked the earth.

Healed the sick; Raised the dead;

Calmed the storms; Thousands fed.

SEAS of hate; "Crucify!"

Bloody Cross, standing high.

In my place, Jesus died;

God in flesh; Crucified.

SHORE of death; Crossed alone;

Buried deep; Sealed in stone.

God's command; Christ arose.

Death is dead; Hell exposed.

BREEZE of God, graces dawn.

Spirit fills; sin is gone.

Feed His sheep; Break His bread;

Drink His wine; Spirit fed.

See the waves?

Hear the seas?

Smell the shore?

Feel the breeze...?

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Gun Fight! 2-11-12

The sun was rising in the east
behind some hitching posts -
and weathered boards, on buildings old,
had nothing left to boast.

But I wore fancy cowboy duds,
I was a handsome sight.
A crowd of people gathered 'round
to watch this old gun fight.

The street was dead and empty
except for sin and I.
I somehow ended up out here.
I'm really not sure why.

A bullet? Very perilous
if we've no self-control -
and sin is much more dangerous,
because it kills the soul.

Now noon met with humidity.
The sun was dry and hot.
Some beads of sweat rolled down my face -
my stomach, in a knot.

But no, I wasn't nervous -
though duel had begun.
I counted out ten paces -
then turned and drew my gun.

But sin is faster, furious -
much quicker than the eye.
Oh please! Dear Lord and Saviour -
I do not want to die!

And then... in just an instant,
I dropped down to my knees.
I fell as peace passed over me
and felt the gentle breeze.

But something stood in front of me.
Its shadow crossed my face.
I then saw Jesus on that cross.
He took my very place.

Ashamed, I dropped my pistol.
My pride was killed that day -
as I pulled off my fancy boots
and flung my hat away.

Now humbled on the dusty street
with crowded eyes on me -
my every pride had vanished as
I learned humility.

In faithfulness, I stood again,
though I was at a loss...
Oh, how could Jesus love me so
from that old rugged cross?

The sun was setting in the west
behind some hitching posts.
And weathered boards, on buildings old,
had nothing left to boast.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Brand New Start 2-8-12

In the beginning God had made

foundation's rock where I have laid -

all my troubles, all my lies -

all my heartaches, all my cries -

all my burdens, all my sin -

all my heartaches here within.

But now, a Christian, I ride seas,

ride His oceans, ride His breeze -

ride His clouds where angels live -

optimistic, positive -

high on grace and high on love -

high on Jesus, free above!

A God of love, a God of peace,

a God of hope where sorrows cease -

where I have gained and hold no loss

because of Jesus and the cross -

because of grace that pardoned me -

because of faith that sets me free!

And all that my dear Savior knows,

my Comforter and Spirit shows -

in the Heavens, where God built -

a place where flowers will not wilt -

a place where Angels sing in voice -

a place where Christians will rejoice!

So pray for father, sister, mother,

brother, friends and one another,

fellow workers, enemies -

and ne'er forget the 'least of these'.

For those who give a broken heart -

will then receive a brand new start.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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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/

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