Kindness 1-18-14

(a true story)

A stranger asked if he could help.

I said, "...not going far."

(I'd tie this big old cab'net down

on top of my old car).

Insist, he did, that he should help.

He saw that I was stuck.

Twelve miles he drove out of his way.

He hauled it in his truck.

He backed up to my little shack.

He helped me take it out

and then said "God will bless you too"

without an ounce of doubt.

I said, "Thank you" repeatedly.

I had no cash that day -

but he just waved with widest smile

as he drove off, away.

When someone new in Christ is met

joy's tears begin to flow,

for kindness is the only gift

that some will ever know.

Aside from grace, his kindness was

the best that I've been given,

and pray again, another time

to thank him up in Heaven.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Flower Bud 1-15-14

(This poem is based on Jellee's true story in Liberia, Africa)

The child is very precious. She smiles and so enjoys

to play with sticks and little stones, because she has no toys.

She lives inside a little hut of thatch, palm leaves and mud.

Appreciates, she does, so much a little flower bud.

She tries to educate herself. She cannot spell or read.

She questions other villagers determined to succeed.

Her time is not eventful and a schedule, none to keep.

Each day is like the other ones until she goes to sleep.

The sounds at night are scary so she spends much time in prayer.

In Africa, it's not the same. There's terror everywhere.

The rebels have machetes and they do what they will.

Disgusting things and ugly things, they terrorize and kill.

And then one day it happened. They came with knives and guns.

And many had machetes, killed fathers, mothers, sons.

They even killed the little girls. How many, she's not sure.

They tortured, killed her parents while they were holding her.

She screamed and cried and screamed some more. They threw her to the ground.

but then this girl escaped them all with rebels standing 'round.

She did survive two bullet wounds (left ankle and right side),

but many, many, many more cried painfully and died.

Now only God protected her in coma for two weeks -

so she can tell the rest of us life's answers that we seek.

We often do not listen though- for ignorance is bliss,

but we are so mistaken. What matters most is this:

Please choose the day you change your wish to live a life of ease

to focus on our Lord's command to help the "least of these".

Do not forget that Jesus spilled, for us, his blood.

So choose the day and help another precious 'flower bud'.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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This is a condensed version.

I spoke to her again earlier this month.  She's been living in the US for a few years now..

The full poem is lengthier and called "Blooming From Roots" and can be seen here:

http://www.ganderpoems.org/2013/04/blooming-from-roots-4-10-13.html

Our Constitution Stands! 1-10-14

Down under our waving stars and stripes

and under our fallen men -

we continue to fight in ev'ry way,

preserving it all again.

Although foundation's truth is firm,

deception will always knock -

and tries to pry in every way

through its amendment's lock.

But there's no key to open it,

to thieves who will tarry there -

for it is safe, the truth's intent -

for everyone to share.

Down under the rule of politic
and ev'ry weapon's tool -

we challenge all other deceptive cults

under our court's firm rule.

We persevere through all the bombs

that ev'ry last foe can throw -

for love and truth shall shadow us

wherever we may go.

So firmly on the rights of all

and ev'ry last liberty -

our great Creator gives to us

our freedoms faithfully.

Support, we do, each other here.

We never will fight alone,

on nation's firm foundation now

which God has laid in stone.

With fond respect, defend we those,

on far and foreign sands -

but here in our own U S of A,

our Constitution stands!

Down under our waving stars and stripes

and under our fallen men -

we continue to fight in ev'ry way,

preserving it all again.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Beautiful Faces? 1-6-14

Oh, who's the fairest of them all?
Sometimes we think we are.
But there is one more beautiful
than any movie star.

One face is like a flower that,
survives a stormy gale;
exquisite until trampled on,
near wide and well-worn trail.

One face is like a landscape that
is powdered so much drier;
as if the flames had licked it up
right after forest fire.

One face is like a photograph,
so simple, black and white;
with dog-eared corners broken off
and faded from the light.

One face is like a masterpiece
so perfect, bright, awake;
no cracks or dusty framing but,
so counterfeit and fake.

One face is like a sunlit sky
with warming sunshine's ray;
until it's clouded up with 'self'
on dark and dreary day.

Another's like a sunset that,
without a single cloud;
can't throw its brilliant colors out,
nor draw a single crowd.

Still, I have yet to tell you of
the face that is the best;
(though some say I'm more beautiful,
much more than all the rest).
But sin continues aging us.
Our pride has pulled us down.
No matter all the makeup worn,
it covers not, the frown.

Yet beauty, God had seen somehow
before we were forgiven.
He gave His very Son for us
despite how we were livin'.
For God loves all creation.
Me just as much as them;
and He knows I am beautiful,
because He said I am.

In eye of the beholder, oh,
what did our Master see?
Christ died an awful, ugly death
because He first loved me.
I thought I was the 'fairest' - yes!
That's why He had to die;
with face so bloodstained ugly yet,
more beautiful than I.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 John 4:7-21 (NASB)

God Is Love

7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 The one who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 By this the love of God was manifested in us, that God has sent His only begotten Son into the world so that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.12 No one has seen God at any time; if we love one another, God abides in us, and His love is perfected in us. 13 By this we know that we abide in Him and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 We have seen and testify that the Father has sent the Son to be the Savior of the world.

15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God. 16 We have come to know and have believed the love which God has for us. God is love, and the one who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him. 17 By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.18 There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves punishment, and the one who fears is not perfected in love. 19 We love, because He first loved us. 20 If someone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen. 21 And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also.

Judgment Day 1-3-14

You float above your body,
ascending to the sky.
You hear the angels singing
but really not sure why.
You hear them a Cappella,
for just a song or two -
and then the instruments chime in
which take your breath from you.

Tall, massive sculptured columns
hold alabaster beams -
so high above your vantage point.
It, overwhelming, seems.
The granite steps are pure as glass
which reach the massive doors.
They open up, reveal in full,
the warmest parquet floors.

A light so bright just draws you in,
down through the polished halls.
You hear those massive doors go shut.
The hollow echo calls.
But you have done no walking here.
You simply float along -
until you enter room that holds
ten thousand angels strong.

With bulging eyes, your jaw now drops.
You hear a piercing "boom"!
Intimidated, you've become
in center of the room.
The ceiling seems a mile high,
with walls a mile wide!
There is no time to make amends.
There is no place to hide.

The gong still echoes in your ears -
You see God on the throne!
Possessions?  Not a single one.
You're naked there alone.
You knew that judgment day would come -
but why was it so soon?
Vacation days were not used up.
It wasn't even noon.

Your earthly life, you quick relive.
Oh, what did you achieve?
Exposed, you're feeling guilty now.
Just who did you believe?
Wide and open, hangs your mouth.
There's silence, not a squeak.
And then you start to wonder when
and if the Lord will speak.

Bright lightning cracks with thunder and
you think it all so odd -
but then you understand it all.
It is the voice of God!!
You knew this time would one day come.
You knew with certainty.
If only you had one more chance...
but it will never be.

---

How consequential is this world
which passes quickly by?
Are you prepared to see God now?
Are you prepared to die?
Does Jesus knock on your heart's door
or have you seized control?
Why not allow Him in right now
so He can make you whole?

For wide, the gate, that leads to death
because of selfish sin.
More difficult, the narrow gate
where few will enter in.
Not even you can be so bad
that love escaped your heart.
For Christ has died for everyone -
including you, so start.

Begin confessing all your sins,
Repent of every wrong -
and if it's not just all pretend
you'll cry out loud and long.
Then ask Him to forgive you too.
He will if you're sincere.
When you obey and humbly do,
your guilt will disappear.

Now God does not want someone who's
too proud to shed some tears.
So don't be like a 'macho' man
who thinks he's great, but fears -
that someone might poke fun of him -
that friends might think he's odd.
Don't put your popularity,
ahead of your own God.

God's grace is something you can't buy.
It's offered to you free -
but only if you put Him first
and follow faithfully.
Don't be dismayed if tears should come.
It's only natural -
to shed a tear for what you've done
(the pain and cross and all).

Two thousand, plus some years ago,
it took a real man
to sacrifice Himself for you.
Repent in tears.  You can.
You'll soon wake up on judgment day.
It's then, you'll really care.
Will it be Jesus or your friends
who stand up for you there?

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 24 (NASB)

10 At that time many will fall away and will betray one another and hate one another.
11 Many false prophets will arise and will mislead many.
12 Because lawlessness is increased, most people’s love will grow cold.
13 But the one who endures to the end, he will be saved.


James 1 (NASB)

11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass;

and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed;

so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.

12 Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial;

for once he has been approved,

he will receive the crown of life

which the Lord has promised

to those who love Him.

Harmony 12-29-13

Each one of us is special here -

individually -

with 'whites' in a majority

and 'blacks', minority.

But melody is harmonized

if peacefulness draws near,

if individual respect

is faithful and sincere.

It's true, we've only known the shoes

that we have grown up in -

but oftentimes these thoughts we think

are ugliness and sin.

But beautiful, the music is,

if we can see it through,

if we can lift the fall-board up

and know what we must do.

Though some still try to group the white,

acknowledge not, the black -

and others try to group the black

to fill a money sack -

the moral of the story here

is not to follow these -

but rather the fine melody -

the music we can't see.

Now look at the piano keys.

Do you see black and white?

Yet beautiful the music is,

performed together right.

For God so loved this very world -

and everyone we see -

but yet created harmony -

as it was meant to be.

©2013 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Brightest Light 12-22-13

Community, they were as one,
the trimmings on the tree,
but boasted, of their beauty, all,
as each could plainly see.
The Christmas lights were arguing,
the red ones and the blue,
but then the green lights got involved,
the orange and yellow too.

Their vain ambitions drew the eye,
as others looked at them.
They craved it all and each had thought,
"I'm such a precious gem."
So all the lights and ornaments
with all the tinsel too,
continued with their arguments
on who was 'besting' who.

Then shaking all, a booming voice,
was heard from very top
and it had brought the bickering
to prompt and sudden stop.
Yes, way atop the Christmas tree
and higher than the rest,
this star had boasted he, by far,
was brightest and the best.

Crescendo'ed then, because of this
intimidating sight,
Applause arose for brilliant star-
indeed, the brightest light.
Contented they had seemed to be,
to look to such a thing,
but then the lowest, weakest light
saw something int'resting...

She yelled up through the branches, "Please!
Oh, this we must discuss!"
She said, "From here, I plainly see
a 'stand' is holding us."
Black pupils drooped in every eye
as low as they could go -
but all the rest were just too high
to see so far below.

And star, the farthest from the floor,
no, couldn't see from there,
so up on top of his own world
he glanced out in a glare,
"Are some of you believing her?
Why think you're going to fall?
Who shines the greatest in this room?
Trust me.  I'm over all!"

So then, in unison they sang,
in perfect harmony,
"We don't believe in anything
if it, we cannot see."
That saddened, then, the lowest light.
Again she tried to shout -
but all she did was flicker some -
and then, at last, burned out.

The 'stand' was doing all he could,
with all his muscled might -
but finally he lost his grip
to keep that tree upright.
So timbered it, the tree and all.
It fell so hard and far.
And all was shattered into bits
with bright and mighty star.

The moral of this story is:
Seek truth and do not fight.
Let others see you differently
within your little light.
Be humble.  Do not crave mere fame
when shining on this earth -
but glory, rather, give to God
and Jesus' precious birth.

Merry Christmas!

©2013 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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On who do we stand?

No Cookies From Grandma 12-20-13

No one was to blame but it wasn't the same

without fireplace or a flickering flame.

No stockings to see and no cider or tea,

not even a little ol' Christmas tree.

No raking the leaves, no lights strung on eves,

no lock on the handle to deter the thieves.

No wreath on the door and no presents galore,

no records on turntables played there before.

No mistletoe hung for the old and the young,

no cookies from grandma to sweeten the tongue.

No brownies were found nor was snow on the ground.

No lit decorations were scattered around.

No bell's ding-a-ling, no voice caroling-ing,

no joyous old hymns and no people out singing.

No bright, shiny wrapping, nobody was clapping

'cause one little child was tired and napping.

No pine needles fell but there sure was a smell,

yet everything happened as planned.  All was well.

Rejoice it.  Discuss, for it all was for us -

the wonderful birth of our savior, Jesus!

Merry Christmas!  Merry Christmas!

©2013 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas, In Silence 12-16-13

The house now is lifeless with rooms plain and bare.

Though silence is eerie, does anyone care?

Remember, I do, our tree sure looked good -

but corner's now empty where it had once stood.

I sat for awhile on the cool, dusty floor -

reflecting on failures.  Could I have done more?

I know I have no one - have no one to blame -

but with mom and dad gone, it isn't the same.

The cupboards are barren - and too, every shelf.

The emptiness here now resembles myself.

Time marches on by - like it's tethered to sin!

Oh, to have Christmas with fam'ly again!

Such colorful lights had once brightened this place -

but visions of mom now bring tears to my face.

Our hopes and our dreams seemed to lift spirits high,

but now with house vacant, tears come ...and don't die.

My steps sound so hollow and echo in rhyme -

but mock me out loud for the very last time.

Spend time with your parents.  Please figure out how -

to get all your work done and visit them now.

---

Sin separates us from the joys of creation.

Without Christmas day there's no hope of salvation!

So celebrate Christmas!  Do not be afraid!

Kneel humbly to Christ... who, in manger, once laid.

Kneel humbly to Christ...

Kneel humbly...

Kneel...

---

This world throws the wrapping - with big, greedy eyes

but Christmas, in stillness, is joyously wise.

Such great revelations do not shout with pride -

but rather reveal, through whispers, our Guide.

The house now is lifeless with rooms plain and bare.

Though silence is eerie, does anyone care?

©2013 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Merry Christmas! 12-14-13

A privilege, my rights aren't.  They come straight from God.

I find it offensive, I find it quite odd -

I can't say "Christ Jesus" whom God did exalt?

If someone's offended, it isn't my fault.

I am not offended when someone tells me -

they worship to baal on their bended knee.

I say, "Merry Christmas!"  I say it out loud.

I dare someone tell me it isn't allowed.

So say, "Merry Christmas!" and say it to all -

yell it from rooftops but gently in mall -

for this is the season that we all take part.

Just say it sincerely and deep from your heart.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Something Tugged Me 12-12-13

The stars sparkled brightly above frigid sky

and then something tugged me.  I didn't know why.

In fresh-fallen snow at the end of the day

were parallel tracks from a horse-driven sleigh -

which led down the road to the center of town.

I followed those tracks and I looked all around.

Nativity scenes were all scattered about,

but one seemed quite diff'rent.  It seemed to reach out.

And there, sure enough, the closer I trod,

I saw a few movements which seemed somewhat odd.

On one side, a lamb laid - on other, stood goat -

and Joseph and Mary were wearing a coat.

The babe was a doll and was there in between.

Yes, this was a living Nativity scene!

My eyes took this in as my thoughts had explored.

The "stable" was built out of painted cardboard.

And though it was made kind of flimsy and cheap,

the shepherds were there with the "baby" asleep.

The wise men held presents with paper and bow

as colorful lighting reflected off snow.

The cold was quite icy.  The dark dampened air

had frozen my cheeks as I tarried out there.

The genuine smiles on faces were real.

The spirit of Christmas was something to feel.

Then Mary's eyes twinkled - and with wink and nod,

she mouthed the words slowly, "Yes, the Son of God."

This Christ child would give of Himself and then die.

So question that came to me was...  How could I?

Oh, how could I love those who hated me so?

And how could I die for sins I didn't owe?

The stars sparkled brightly above frigid sky

and then something tugged me.  And now I know why.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Tell Me Why 12-7-13

The lady... she was weeping.

It saddened me to see -

that she was drawn within herself

and just as sad as me.

I asked if she was hungry.

I asked if she was late.

I asked her if she had a home.

I asked her if she ate.

She shook her head at each of these

short questions that I asked.

I knew I had to help her though.

I knew this was my task.

I also knew I had no cash -

and all this made me sad.

For I was just as homeless too.

I lost the job I had.

To find a place for her to live

and put food on her shelf -

oh, how could I do just one thing -

when I can't help myself?

All I could do was wish her well.

I had no more to say.

My stomach soured and I wept 

as I had walked away.

Some children laughed and giggled with

their mother from a store.

Ignored, the old and lonely ones

that my heart bleeds out for.

And then I prayed.  Oh, how I prayed -

that time would hasten by.

It hurts the most at Christmas time.

Please, someone, tell me why.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Her Old Rocker 11-29-13

I quietly sat in her rocker -

a squeaky and rickety chair.

With paint almost gone, it had weathered -

but no, I did not even care.

The folks in the yard were all browsing.

The yard sale was going quite well.

As people were searching through items,

a man came and asked if I'd sell.

He asked if I'd sell her old rocker.

He asked me what I'd sell it for.

He gave a most generous offer -

then said he could pay a bit more.

I answered, "Her chair's not for sale.

My grandmother used it a lot.

She held me as we both rocked gently

right here in this very same spot.

I turned back the years to my childhood -

It seemed it was just yesterday.

Through planting and summer and harvest,

she whispered in music this way,

"I love you just like Jesus loves you.

I'll hold you as long as I live.

And if you have faith in me darling,

I promise to always forgive."

The man smiled sincerely and stated,

"I can't afford one quite like that.

Your rocker there surely is priceless."

He left with a tip of his hat.

I smiled yet my eyes became watered -

as visions of grandma came back.

She sat in this very same rocker -

when she had her last heart attack.

In Heaven she has a new rocker -

without all the paint worn away.

She holds a young child without mother

and whispers the very same way...

"She loves you just like Jesus loves you.

Regretting her choice, she'd relive.

But pray that she's trusting the Father -

He's faithful and sure to forgive."

I quietly sat in her rocker -

a squeaky and rickety chair.

With paint almost gone, it had weathered -

but no, I did not even care.

2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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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."