I LOVE AMERICA! 11-26-13

I don't love America because of its free economy.

I don't love America because of its strong military.

I don't love America because of its great inventions.

I don't love America because we can worship freely.

I don't love America because I can get my free stuff.

I don't love America because we care for one another.

I don't love America because I can make a ton of money.

I don't love America because my political party is in power.

I don't love America because we protect our interests around the world.

I don't love America because over a million innocent babies are killed each year
& I don't love America because we've replaced them with illegals jumping our borders.

No, I LOVE AMERICA because "WE, THE PEOPLE" can be a

God fearing, people helping,

infant holding, child rearing,

moral raising, disabled curing,

humble praying, Bible reading,

Jesus trusting, history teaching,

fact checking, truth telling,

pastor preaching, gospel breathing,

hard working, earth-moving,

family loving, elderly caring,

honest speaking, respect keeping,

humble swearing, fair sentencing,

environment respecting, heaven searching,

government limiting, bureaucrat checking,

conservative spending, tax repealing,

federal limiting, priority budgeting,

rights protecting, liberty voting,

forward focusing, Constitution defending,

veteran supporting, enemy defeating,

flag waving, freedom fighting,

always standing, never caving,

sometimes talking, always walking,

ever seeking, promise keeping,

UNITED PEOPLE once again.

(if we, but will fight for it).

From black to white,

from deaf to dumb,

E PLURIBUS UNUM.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Bounce Back Up! 11-25-13

Why do the people swiftly pass?

Do they not know they trample grass?

Pray tell me, is life ever fair

and really, does creation care?

Beneath the hidden sun at noon,

beneath the silent crescent moon,

beneath the dark and cloudy sky,

beneath it all, do we know why?

Beneath the laws and rampant crimes,

beneath the troubles of these times,

beneath the blizzards of all sins,

beneath the toil, God's work begins.

As with the sparrow in God's hand,

the truth of love will always stand.

And blessed with our Creator's touch,

our torment will not matter much.

Beneath the snow, beneath the sod,

beneath all things- we must trust God.

For God raised up His faithful One -

so don't forget His only Son.

Our prayers see answers all around

as snow starts melting from the ground.

In spring when ice is melted off,

the faithful stand to silence scoff.

One answer proves (though very small),

that God can save right through it all.

So should they stop and pause to pass

they'll find this single blade of grass.

For God created, God has made -

and faithful I, as single blade.

Forgive, I shall, their rushing on -

and bounce back up when trod upon.

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Taste God's Love Again! 11-13-13

Tall trees are swaying to and fro.

The stiffness of the breeze is such

that I can feel the frigid wind.

I try, but cannot see its touch.

My nose is nudged by autumn's breeze,

but what is really meant -

by fragrances that breezes send?

I try, but cannot see its scent.

There's rustling from some fallen leaves

that swirl around the ground.

They seem to try to speak to me.

I try, but cannot see their sound.

I savor flavor on my tongue,

that it not go to waste -

yet stomach yearns for sustenance.

I try, but cannot see its taste.

The feel or scent or sound or taste -

our eyes won't comprehend.

We, only by our eyes, believe.

On senses, we depend.

Accumulate, we do, so much.

We see the things we've stored.

We search all our possessions through.

We try, but cannot find the Lord.

If hands can't hold the truth of life,

if lungs can't breathe the thrill,

if ears can't hear His still small voice -

then taste our death, we will.

The purest blood may fill the vein

and freshest air, the lung -

but blind and dead we'll ever be -

if we but taste with tongue!

IF we touch only physical.

IF follow we, our nose.

IF hear we, only mortal words

we'll taste but earthly woes.

But feel, if we, the spiritual,

and peace can fill our lungs,

and truth can teach our selfish ears,

great joy can voice our tongues!

So feel it now - the Master's touch -

and breathe His blessings in -

and hear the music of God's grace -

and taste God's love again!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Jeremiah 5:21 (NASB)

21 21 

‘Now hear this, O foolish and senseless people,

Who have eyes but do not see;

Who have ears but do not hear.

Tears Of Joy 11-5-13

I'd worked and sacrificed and slaved with neverending toil -

and planted many seeds of doubt in rich, organic soil.

The cultivated soil that I, had worked down deep within,

was fertilized with years of pain that nourished all my sin.

Then when the ground that I had worked had watered all my seeds -

astonishing, the lesson learned - that I had planted weeds.

Depressed, I was and feeling low.  This isn't what I'd planned.

Oh, why was I so tired of life?  I didn't understand.

I dug them up, the big and small - those sins that tore me up -

and then confessed them to my Lord - who overflowed my cup.

So now when weeds of doubt arise, my God and I destroy -

and He replants my seeds to life, while I cry tears of joy.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Above My Bloody Fist 10-11-13

The waves would make, across the lake,

their way to other side.

I had a task, so I had asked

if I could hitch a ride.

"We are not fools.  We follow rules.

Just find a boat to rent."

So "No." they said, which turned me red,

in deep embarrassment.

The breezes blew.  I knew them too -

but could I fly away?

I know I'm old and not so bold -

and much too shy to say,

"Please do not fail to let me sail

up where the seabirds soar.

We'll get along.  I won't be long..."

then tried so, all the more.

In all the earth, have I no worth?

I wondered, "Was it true?"

I saw leaves dance and viewed my chance.

They seemed to beckon too...

But then they yelled, "Hey, duck your head -

for we are passing by!"

My eyes got red.  I bowed my head -

as tear came to my eye.

The places vast, the faces masked.

The people know me not.

And now today, I'm in their way -

Memories - all I've got.

To do what's right we had to fight.

There was no other way.

The heroes I had fought beside

had met their Lord that day.

With muddy gun, it was no fun -

not like a hand-held game.

The bombs were real and I could feel

the pain that always came.

There was a time when 'will' was mine

and I had much more hope.

It was a chore to take the shore

and scramble muddy slope.

The bullets flew, the booming grew -

when planted with a twist -

but colors loomed when wind resumed,

above my bloody fist.

Oh, how we fought!  The wounds we caught

as blood mixed with our sweat -

but showed the world when it unfurled,

the flag that we had set.

Though day has dawned, my friends are gone.

The waves march 'cross the lake.

Though friend or foe, no man can know

the liberties they take.

For if they knew what we went through

(where they were never sent) -

they'd not uproot, but would salute

our sacred monument.

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Bridge, The 10-6-13

A hungry crow soars high above where wicked winds doth blow

to see if there will be some scraps of tasty food below.

Our train is flying down the tracks.  On 'hope' and 'change', we go.

The bridge between the mountain's out, (but no one's in-the-know).

We're asked, while on our merry way, to pay what others owe -

in premiums.  Obamacare, it's good for 'so and so'.

Will we be forced to pay for it?  Will they take all our dough?

And soon extinct - 'good healthcare' gone - a thing of long ago.

The engineer had parts delayed, attempting to forego

a sure disaster for his friends, while doctors are in woe.

They scatter from their practices as lines for healthcare show.

We ask, "Oh, please negotiate" -but engineer screams, "No!

"Just shut down everything we have, from seas to rivers' flow,

from monuments for veterans to where sequoias grow!

Then shut down everything we do - except still stomp the toes

of all who disagree with me and hosts of their talk shows!"

Exemptions paid off union shops but no, not "plumber Joe" -

who rides with all us passengers and sees that starving crow -

which soars the highest mountain tops - peers canyon floor below.

As train is flying down the tracks, what halts a big ego?

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Where's the incentive to be responsible- if it's acceptable to be irresponsible?

Where's the incentive to save money- if others are required to pay our bills?

Where's the incentive to love others- if it's all about loving ourselves?

Where's the incentive to help others- if it's just all about us?

A soul, once dead, is not always lost -

but a Nation, once lost, is forever dead.

Ask Rome.

Soft Crosses 9-27-13

I'm under the leaves of tall coconut trees,

(on trunks that are warped in a curve).

They rustle up high in the oft windy sky.

Enjoying the shade, I observe...

...the Heavens above that are filled so with love

and grace only God can bestow -

from free virgin birth for the people on earth.

I ask, "Have I failed Him so?"

Am I like the leaves that everyone sees,

that wave to and fro in the wind,

drawing attention as if I'm important?

Could that, my dear friends, be a sin?

His sheep, under wool, must be fully faithful -

not warped as the coconut trees.

How is it fitting if I am still sitting -

not helping the poor "least of these"?

How disconcerted am I that Christ suffered?

I hold my small cross close to me.

Genteel, I'm living, but what am I giving?

Are soft crosses not meant to be?

Oh, should I be stunned if my cross isn't cushioned?

I'm carefree- and comforts I seek!

Is love, au contraire, to this cross that I bear

as others are hungry and weak?

Our God sits above and He fills us with love.

We're blessed with His soft, gentle breeze -

on tropical islands with soft, idle hands,

enjoying a lifetime of ease.

I'm under the leaves of tall coconut trees,

(on trunks that are warped in a curve).

They rustle up high in the oft windy sky.

Enjoying the shade, I observe...

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 6:24 (KJV)

"No man can serve two masters:

for either he will hate the one, and love the other;

or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other.

Ye cannot serve God and mammon."

Grandpa's Wisdom 9-24-13

Homer 1896-1991

Before the jets, before the planes,

before the cars and traffic lanes,

before genetics changed our corn,

before the IRS was even born,

before CD's and movie stars,

before the rover got to mars -

was born a man, a little tot,

who endured much, but learned a lot.

His life saw many swinging doors

including two hard world wars.

Depression great.  Its pain would gnaw -

and many other things he saw.

I knew him well and we were close.

At times he'd offer me a dose -

of wisdom gained along his way.

I'd listen close to what he'd say.

The years passed by as he grew old

but many truths he had foretold -

respect would lack, expensive gas...

It seems it all has came to pass.

Now, it's not hard to peer beyond

a lack of faithful family bond -

where babies know their father not -

and debt would bury quite a lot.

Where morals lack, great pain will be

and little things called bankruptcy -

yet we can wipe our whole slate clean

and make it so it's never seen.

But when amiss at what we're taught,

when our responsibilities are naught,

when we're in need of steak or ham

we'll ask for more from Uncle Sam.

It seems we do not want to pay
for all the things we have today -
nor want to ever pay, when due,
the moral debt we're going through.

But unlike others 'on the lamb’,

my grandpa was a faithful man -

who read his Bible inside-out

and knew what life was all about.

Oh, one day man will find it out,

(make no mistake and have no doubt),

after kings have misbehaved,

after money buys their slaves,

after parents kill and die,

after homeless babies cry,

after we've lived life our way -

and after death on judgement day.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

(if you enjoyed this poem, you may enjoy reading more about 'Homer' here):
http://www.ganderpoems.org/2009/05/homer-5-16-09.html

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Revelation 21:8 (KJV)

8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers,

and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars,

shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone:

which is the second death.

Morning Light 9-15-13

From ancient times, the church bells chimed

to open up our eyes,

with predawn light from Heaven's might,

to bold and brighter skies.

Above the crops and mountain tops

and score of evergreen -

this fleeting night sees hints of light -

though sun is not yet seen.

On baby blue an amber hue

now glows on fringe of clouds.

So few will glean this wondrous scene

throughout earth's massive crowds.

And here, in flaw, I stand in awe

as I stretch high my hands!

I want to touch - I do, so much -

but life has such demands.

I need some clothes, yet glad for those

who need be highly viewed -

and scarcely live that I might give

so others have some food.

My insides ache, for goodness sake,

for those who have to cope.

Oh, there's no gain from earthly pain

for those who have no hope.

I never knew what I could do -

for I am just a man.

But it's not strange that God can change

the heart that He began.

So now today, I see a ray

as clouds bright edges glisten.

A still, small voice is still the choice

if only we would listen.

Through fervent tears, beyond my years,

I see the birds are singing.

I harmonize now ears and eyes

as church bells keep on ringing.

From ancient times, the church bells chimed

to bold and brighter skies.

Now morning light from Heaven's might,

has opened up my eyes...

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Those Nail Scars 9-12-13

Must we see it to believe it?
Must we ask the Lord if we
may touch His prints to get some hints
of what has come to be?

A 'doubting one' had seen God's Son.

He saw our Master's hands.

Did Thomas learn and then discern

mere facts to understand?

Are we to seek and take a peek
for proof so we might know?
Are we remiss within our bliss

that our faith fails to grow?

Those nail scars were never ours.

Pure sin had seized those crowds.

But in the end, Christ did ascend

up through the yielding clouds.

So many view, but there are few

who understand 'the fall'.

Through burdens' weight, our Lord was great -

then rose above it all!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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One More Day 9-9-13

My life is not worth one red cent
for I was never innocent.
I chose to live my selfish way -
and lived it every single day.
So soon prepared, rectangle hole.
They'll close the casket on my soul.
"For all have sinned" and it will be
that I had wished I'd lived for thee.

And when they lay me down to sleep -
they'll dig that hole and dig it deep.
Lost soul, forever, under sod
who lived for 'self' instead of God.
If I had known grace can't be bought,
if I had given life more thought...
If God would grant me one more day,
I'll be sincere and this I'll pray:

"Please humble me, I quote the hymn,
"without one plea...", "just as I am..."
Please grant me faith instead of grief
and save me as you did the thief
who humbled self, who was a man,
who did repent as I, too, can.
Forgive my debts, forgive my sins,
then help me boldly tell my friends."

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Know It All 9-5-13

While robins sing, alarm clocks ring -

and our whole day is planned.

Birds perch steady.  We get ready.

We settle in quicksand.

The leopard lurks while we're at work.

It seeks its fragile prey.

Important though, our Savior know -

yet we still fail to pray.

Forgetting cross, we please our boss,

while truth is right at hand.

God's loving face and lasting grace -

yet we don't understand.

Do you know what?  Our minds are shut,

when we hear Jesus call.

A life of ease - and then Hades.

We think we know it all.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Your Word 8-31-13

Why can't I write one poem, Lord,

that gathers people 'round,

that opens eyes and opens hearts

to all Your truths I've found -

among the pages of Your Book,

which tells me how to live -

which tells life's truths, both good and bad -

and how I should forgive?

Why can't I write one poem, Lord,

that brings the people 'round,

and opens hearts so they forgive

so that Your peace is found -

Your peace of dulcet harmony

which flows from day to day,

which brings us closer to Your Word -

and shows us how to pray?

Why can't I write one poem, Lord,

that calls all wicked, wild,

the selfish men, bad women too -

and every sinful child -

who desecrate Your garden, Lord,

who desecrate Your laws,

who desecrate Your truth and love...

and then wait for applause?

Why can't I write one poem, Lord,

that brings the people 'round,

so they'd forgive the other folks

and hopefully be found -

sitting on the many pews

inside these hallowed halls,

inside our humble churches where -

a still, small voice still calls?

Lord, You are much greater than

my sorted words can brag,

coming from this shaky hand

attached to this old rag.

But maybe this reminder here

can make us humbly look -

at not a bunch of rhyming words,

but rather at Your Book?

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Beheaded 8-22-13

What could it be?  They tortured me

as others stood around.

They seized me tight.  There was no fight.

They threw me to the ground.

There was no ease, down on my knees.

And then I overheard,

Kill him!  Kill him!  It was grim.

They shoved my head forward.

Through their disgust, I tasted dust -

my face against the dirt.

I felt the weight of all their hate

and then I heard them blurt,

Deny! Deny! - or you will die!

With that, one raised his sword.

In dampened eyes I shared my cries,

"Oh, please forgive them Lord!"

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The war against those who love others continues.

There is violence against many loving Christians

who have never hurt anyone- but only helped others-

the sick, the elderly, the children.

The killings and church burnings continue.

We, the people, either stand up for

the peaceful, the meek, the humble and the innocent,

or we stand against them.

There is no in-between.

There is no 'sitting on the fence'. (Rev. 3:16).

Educate yourself,

then pray, then help, then vote.

Every minute matters.

If, indeed, you love others,

please give to your local church missions,

print this out and pass it on...

Thank you!

The Straight and Narrow 8-20-13

Celestial grace pours down on me.

Your love has filled my heart.

Rejoice, I do, when I'm with You,

but life tears me apart.

I pray, "Dear Lord, please give me strength.

Sometimes I can't go on...

Does Your sparrow not have shelter

from things it comes upon?

"Yea, though I walk through the valley,

where evil so abounds,

I did not know that Your path Lord,

would have such 'ups and downs'.

They take my house, possessions too,

but You say 'follow me'.

So faithfully, I stumble on.

Was this all meant to be?

"Yea, though I walk the shadow through,

which covers all the grounds...

I did not know that Your path Lord,

would have such 'ups and downs'.

The future's dark, so go, how I?

Oh, what am I to do?

I often find it slippery

as I reach out to You.

"Yea, though I walk through horrid death,

I hear its helpless sounds...

I did not know that Your path Lord,

would have such 'ups and downs'."

---

His way is seldom easy,

and downright serious -

but yet I know it's not as hard

as nails that held Jesus.

His way is met with 'ups and downs'.

It's often slippery.

Sometimes I feel incapable -

and tempted so, to flee.

But it is then that I recall

that He protects the sparrow -

so faithfully I drag my cross

here on the straight and narrow.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Matthew 7:13-14 (KJV)

13 Enter ye in at the strait gate:

for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction,

and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life,

and few there be that find it.

Matthew 10:30-32 (KJV)

30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.

31 Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows.

32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men,

him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.

Much More Courage 8-15-13

I got no dad that I know of.

My mama's scarcely seen.

My aunt takes care of all of us.

Her boyfriend's really mean.

There's danger on my city street,

there's danger in my school,

there's danger at my local store -

if I'm not lookin' cool.

I've come too far to turn back now,

I've come too far to change.

I've come too far inside the gang -

you prob'ly think I'm strange.

If I don't have the tattoo'd marks

with gang I'm runnin' in -

If I don't have my gun and knife,

there's no way I will win.

I've learned my lesson, know it well.

and if I have to chance -

I'll use my gun if there's a need.

The fittest will romance -

and start the cycle once again

to bring another child

into the war zone I'm in now

where hate and anger's wild.

Ya' think God's Ten Commandments here

will do us any good?

Our culture isn't going to change

from here within 'the hood'.

"Thou shalt not kill", "thou shalt not steal" -

Who listens to them words?

And even your Supreme Court said

those words are 'for the birds'.

No, I grew up in culture where

there is no safe escape -

where sirens fill the midnight skies

and morning finds bright tape -

surrounding yet another scene

where one more body lay -

where each one has an answer for -

...but has nothing to say.

I cried when I saw sister there -

my little flower bud -

her smiling face, forever gone

inside her pool of blood.

It's not a 'group' that must be saved,

but individuals -

and I pray now that God would shake

their thick and stubborn skulls.

Some good old-fashioned discipline

is needed once again.

Respect is needed - and despite

the color of the skin.

And every individual

must learn it from God's Son.

It takes a real man to love.

It starts with only one.

Am I the one to lead this gang

that they be real men -

where we can live in full respect

and humbleness again?

Some think they're tough when they can hold

a gun to garner fear -

but now I know it takes more guts

to shed one loving tear.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

--------

(This poem was written not to judge but rather to save lives and souls.

It involves ALL cultures to some degree or another because
we all have sinned and have fallen short of the glory of God.

The culture is obvious to all of us.  The 'fault' is not to argue.

America's "melting pot" MUST have ingredients that melt and God MUST be in that mix.
The ONLY solution to gang violence is our confession, our repentance,
our forgiveness and our faithfulness through God's grace.

If respect is lost, there is no obedience to the parents, the teachers or the law.
REAL discipline does not embarrass the child in public (find a quiet place),
nor does it hit, slap, yell, denigrate the child or show disrespect -
but rather understands, uplifts, reasons, educates, loves and is most always mixed with tears.)

Splash! 8-12-13

Oh, splash!  Your feet in puddle went - and there, without a doubt,

how blissful 'twas, to be a kid, as water splashed about.

Your life was fun and easy then.  You lived a life of ease.

And very far and few between, responsibilities.

And how you've learned your every right as those truths went to seed.

Although you didn't know it then, you grew up under greed.

You've made demands for 'this and that'. You've voted your own way.

and you gave little thought - that one day someone has to pay.

No love can rid the kids of hate.  That anger's deep within -

but don't say 'God' or pray in schools - for that would be a sin.

You hate the Ten Commandments, (you know, don't steal or kill).

It only matters - you're not shot as morals go downhill.

Now it's no fault of criminals.  You'd best just run off quick.

They have the right to stand their ground.  You hear the door locks click.

And when they break into your house, be glad that you're 'gun free'.

Just make a call to 9-1-1.  They'll come, just wait and see...

You terrorize Conservatives from Detroit's ghostly town.

You're getting high on cannabis while Rome is burning down.

You hate it when some seek the truth, exposing every cronie -

but they've convinced you followers that everything is phoney.

The IRS, the NSA - they 'plead the fifth' and lie -

but if you owe a dollar more, they'll make you want to cry.

Benghazi - "What's it matter?"  They said it wasn't true.

There's nothing you should care about - unless it affects you.

They talk you into circles while they throw you into mazes.

You're voting for your pocketbooks.  They're voting for their raises.

You thought your perfect job secure.  You've been there many years -

but as employment dissipates, you'll soon be left in tears.

Do not expect full raises and - to cut your spending, (half).

Get trained to flip a burger now.  Diplomas are a laugh.

Oh sure, you've stepped on other folks - and yes, there is no doubt -

you've trampled each last liberty.  Now freedoms you're without.

You've forfeited and voided each and every Bill of Right.

Your ignorance, embarrassing, but claim your future's bright.

The 'land of opportunity'?  About it, do not think.

Elitists burned the Constitution.  It is now extinct.

You're slaves, but they've convinced you that they work on your behalf.

The poor get poorer, rich get richer - ohhh, but they can laugh!

Who cares that they get richer now?  Just pass another beer!

Celebrate, you liberals - your socialism's here!

You kill a healthy pregnancy - then ask you're treated fair -

and mandate others are insured to pay for your health care.

 They will watch your every move and make sure you don't cheat -

and wait 'til they put limits on the food that you will eat.

You get your way in everything.  You think you know it all.

You voiced your hard opinions loud. Your arrogance stands tall.

And so you worship your own 'god' as you invent your cult.

You've lost your soul and liberties - but it was Bush's fault.

Yes, splash!  Your feet on freedoms go - and now, without a doubt,

you think it's bliss to be naive - but you will thrash about.

You've made their lives so easy now as they live lives of ease -

as they exempt themselves from all... responsibilities.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Everything To God 8-3-13

For God so loves the 'least of these'.

He knows you love them too.

And though they're very needy, they

are always watching you.

Though you are very special,

you're always very poor.

Though ample, your possessions here,

there's nothing you've worked for.

You work so hard.  Accomplishments?

There's nothing on your list.

You're nothing to this sinful world.

To them, you just exist.

Your works are but a filthy rag.

Deep wrinkles fill your face.

But unlike many people here

you have accepted grace.

You pray for ALL your enemies.

You love instead of hate.

Oh, you are very special -

but do not think you're great.

Your faithfulness just seems to grow -

yet you seem unfulfilled.

You think you're going nowhere fast...

Your busy days are filled.

And that's how Satan tears you down.

The masses think you're odd.

You're nothing to this sinful world...

but everything to God!

For God so loves the 'least of these'.

He knows you love them too.

And though they're very needy, they

are always watching you.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Twenty Third Psalm 7-15-13

"The Lord is my Shepherd"

who I will heed.

"I shall not want."

I shall not 'need'.

"He maketh me to lie down in green pastures."

He brings me peace.

I shall not want.

All burdens cease.

"He leadeth me beside the still waters."

For He calmed them.

I shall not want.

How loved I am.

"He restoreth my soul."

I now can see.

I shall not want

He graces me.

"He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name's sake."

- straight and narrow.

I shall not want.

He lights shadows.

"Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,"

I fear nothing.

I shall not want

for anything.

"For thou art with me,"

my Protector.

I shall not want.

I had before.

"Thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me,"

They soothe my soul.

I shall not want.

He's in control.

"Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies."

I shall not hate.

I shall not want.

My God is great.

"Thou anointest my head with oil, my cup runneth over,"

His blessings last.

I shall not want.

His love is vast.

"Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life;"

even in prison.

I shall not want

for Christ is risen.

"and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

I am in awe.

I shall not want.

Hallelujah! Hallelujah!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 23 King James Version (KJV)

1 The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.

3 He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.

4 Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil: for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

5 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life:

and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

Who Am I? 7-14-13

One's a doctor, one's a nurse,

both are focused, both diverse.

They work hard for common good

and always did the best they could.

But who will listen to my cry?

Oh say, dear Jesus, who am I?

Now politics is quite a fight,

one is left-wing, one is right.

Deception knows each shifty smile

and bribing voters seems worthwhile.

But who will listen to my cry?

Oh say, dear Jesus, who am I?

One's in business, one is not

one's paid little, one a lot.

Now they have bills to pay, of course -

and money is a driving force.

But who will listen to my cry?

Oh say, dear Jesus, who am I?

One's a pastor, one's a priest -

one's out west and one's out east.

They're on TV with caring looks

while selling DVD's and books.

But who will listen to my cries?

Oh say, dear Jesus, who am I?

One is sick and one is broke

and one is mute when something's spoke.

Now these are me, myself and I.

"Please listen, Jesus, to my cry!

Oh, answer Jesus, if you please..."

He promptly said, "The least of these."

His words had flowed as if in rhyme,

for He had spoken one more time.

"Now when you cry but no one hears,

just pray to me.  I'll dry your tears.

For you're the branch and I'm the vine,

you bear good fruit because you're mine."

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 15:5 (NASB)

"I am the vine, you are the branches;

he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit,

for apart from Me you can do nothing."