From A Lowly Manger 12-11-21

A manger is a feeding trough.  A manger is not clean.

But this is where the Baby laid and this is what was seen.

Why would the God of all Creation send His Son to lie

in such a crude, repulsive place with purpose still to die?

Just maybe it was just a hint on how we are to serve

unselfishly to others in a way they don't deserve.

No one deserves the sunshine or the growth from many rains.

And none deserve the better things, but rather chains and pains.

We live a life of comfort with such pills that kill the pain,

but yet we go on living lives that make us go insane.

For sin has bound us mentally and we have not a clue.

We think we live a perfect life but "know not what we do".

We say we go to church and pay a tithe each Sunday morn.

We say we judge our neighbors not and treat them without scorn.

But buy, we do, for us the best and still complain enough

that prices are too high on all the poor substandard stuff.

"Reward us not with newest cars for we deserve them not.

Nor house, dear Lord, that's much too large despite the 'toys' we've got."

If we could be as humble as the Lord that saved our souls,

then maybe we could learn a bit and set some Godly goals.

Our God of all creation knew exactly how to plan

a way of full salvation from a feeding trough to Man.

The Lord, from lowly darkened tomb, from sinful man would leave,

seen ascending through the clouds, yet most still don't believe.

From His life, don't be a stranger.  Hold His loving hands.

For coming from a lowly manger, Jesus understands.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Christmas Child, The 11-26-21

Don't be confused,

we're not excused.

Just who was born on Christmas Day?

Was Santa Claus?

Just take a pause.

Do we believe in Santa's sleigh?

If you are wild,

don't be defiled,

for Christ can bring you blessed peace.
Just lean on Him
and sing a hymn.

His love for all will never cease.

In days of old

it was foretold

That Jesus Christ would come to be.

And it was swell

Emmanuel

was someone folks could really see.

Would Star not show,

which way to go?

And did an angel speak to them?

The Wise Men knew.

The Shepherds too.

Who did they find in Bethlehem?

Was Joseph's skin,

so envy thin -

when traded inn for 'livestock zoo'?

Did Mary care

that sheep were there,

the oxen, goats and camels too?

They understood

that all was good,

despite beginnings humble there.

Not as tycoon,

but coming soon,

God's Son would help all in despair.

The present world

is being swirled

around commercializing tree.

Don't go adrift.

Accept God's gift:
The gift He has for us is free.

Because He lives

He still forgives,

so come ye meek and come ye wild;

for who did lay

in manger hay...?

None other than the Christmas Child!

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Thanksgiving, Then and Now 10-31-21

The food was very scarce there back in sixteen twenty one.

The old and young went hungry with no time for games and fun

The ship had brought them to a land of opportunities,

but food was somewhat diff'rent than the food from overseas.

And sixteen out of twenty women died one winter there,

but summer months thereafter brought a feast the rest would share.

The Wampanoag had welcomed them near shores of Plymouth Bay

with Chief, Massasoit, a man who lived in Godly way.

With both the treaty and the harvest all but fully done,

the feast that they partook of was a good and healthy one.

We can't compare their hardships to the ones we have today

so we should be most thankful for the food that's on display.

With table set so perfectly so we can all enjoy

a feast of great abundance and a feast for girl and boy.

For God gives us aplenty; things that we do not deserve.

so prayer of thanks is warranted with willingness to serve.

With turkey and the trimmings and the table full of food,

we should give many thanks to God before its fully chewed.

It's difficult to really put ourselves in Pilgrim's shoes

when here we sit among our friends on soft and comfy pews.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Without A Fear 10-1-21

While winds whisper

and storm cloud's scheme

with thunder's roar

and lightning's scream,

I sit alone.

My teeth I clench.

I think about

this old park bench.

It sets alone

here under tree,

a massive one

protecting me.

It's branches wide.

It's limbs so firm.

It's trunk is huge.

That I confirm.

But time has come

and death is near.

I pray the Lord

still holds me dear.

I don't deserve

His precious grace,

but pray for this:

to see His face.

But rain now falls

and falls quite free,

while I sit dry

here under tree.

Like God, this tree

protects me now.

I am not soaked.

I do avow.

The rain is like

the sin of man,

but God protects.

We know He can.

And He forgives

both me and you.

He keeps us dry

and cleanses too.

The wind has hushed.

Clouds quickly fade,

with thunder too,

for Christ has paid.

I sit so dry

protected here,

without a care,

without a fear.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Knock, Knock 9-1-21

There was a knock on the old door,

but knew not who that knock was for.

That steady knock was very hard

so it, I could not disregard.

The knocking was so persistent

but I was very resistant.

I placed my ear against the door

and voice I heard, could not ignore.

I opened slow as hinges creaked.

and through the opening I peeked.

I knew straightway of all my sin,

I humbly bowed and let Him in.

Joy overflowed my cup's dry rim

when I gave all my life to Him.

He knocked on my heart's door because

my doorbell's broke.  It doesn't buzz.

Yes, Christ loves you and me, He does.

©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Atop A Silly Post 8-1-21

Two places at one time; can I

reside in such a place?

It just may be impossible

to live in such a space.

A fence post, can I sit atop

and balance there alone?

A post between two worlds,

on post that's all my own.

On one side of the fence I crave

the things that draw my eyes.

I yearn for boat or brand new car,

I want for grand surprise.

But that side's so deceptive

I become completely blind.

I cannot see the other side,

the side with peace of mind.

Now if, in faith, I travel there

and seek the real life,

away will be the blindness

and long gone too, the strife.

Can I see past the physical

and open up my eyes?

Can my eyes see reality

before my body dies?

Can I live in the spiritual

so I'm not living blind?

Can I live in the spiritual

the way I was designed?

Designed by my Creator,

designed by God above,

designed to live by faith alone,

designed to live in love.

The next time I am found to be

atop a silly post.

I'll only jump with Godly faith

to Him who loves me most.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Revelation 3:16

King James Version

16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

Sailing On! 7-1-21

"Why is it...
...when stormy seas toss me about,

I call on You, with distressed shout?

I do not pray when things are cool,

but call on You when out of fuel.

"Decisions, mine.  I'm on my own,

don't do Your will, I sail alone.

And so at times I miss Your docks

and run my ship up on the rocks.

"When seas are choppy, I'm annoyed,

but when it's calm, it is enjoyed.

That's why, when seas are peaceful, still,

I do my own, and not Your will.

"But bilge is full of water now.

I don't know why.  I don't know how.

The pump is on but it's behind.

Another fix, I cannot find.

My best was just not good enough!

My sins now make my life so rough.

And now I'm lost!  I'm going down,

through dark abyss, deserve to drown!

"I can't let go.  Loosen my grip!
Pilot my hopes, my needs, my ship!

You are my breath, my life, my all.

On You, Lord, I'll forever call.

"It's full of leaks and on the brink!

Please intercede!  Don't let me sink!
Lord, take the helm!  I do believe!

Please stay aboard and never leave!

"We now sail peacefully.  It's grand!

I pray you ships will understand.
When Him, you finally call upon,
you'll safely too, be sailing on!"

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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And Christian Be 6-1-21

It's hard to write through intense pain,

but this I know- it's not in vain.

For God so loves.  He offers grace-

while selfish man still turns his face.

So I will write my prayer today

that man will turn from wicked way.

My numbered days, I cannot view

and doctors say I may have few.

So I will change and will not wait

to share His love at this late date.

Please humbly love and then confess

and then repent and He will bless.

For ALL have sinned against His will,

yet grace abounds.  Yes, even still.

There's nothing more I'd rather see

than you accept, and Christian be.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I love you all.

Simple Poem 5-19-21

This simple poem is just to say

that we are so caressed.

Through God's agape love and grace,

our souls are richly blessed.

If we think we deserve His love,

then we're completely wrong.

For Jesus hung on wicked cross

where really, we belong.

We don't deserve one bless-ed thing

that God has given us.

And that's my simple poem now.

There's no more to discuss.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 3:16

"For God so loved the world,

that He gave His only begotten Son,

that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish,

but have everlasting life."

Pain For Peace 5-1-21

Pain's misery is haunting.  Good health is best to keep.

This cancer is unbearable, it keeps me from my sleep.

I've been so many months with pain, I don't know what it's like

to break free from these awful pains; to walk, to jog, to bike.

I don't remember what it's like to live without this pain

and it continues stabbing me.  I'm going now, insane.

Now God still holds the miracle and God is still in power
and God can take all pain away in these, each precious hour.

I pray, "Dear Lord, deliver me, if it is in Your will,

and take this awful pain away that I'm enduring still.

I do not have the answers and I do not have the voice.

I do not have the fortitude and do not have the choice.

I don't deserve forgiveness and I don't deserve Your love,

for I have sinned against Your will and Heaven there above.

But grace has set me free from sin.  You've healed me spiritually,

so if Your will is so inclined, please heal me physically."

So many care. So many pray.  So many read my words,

but I would give it all away to fly among the birds.

The blue skies seem so endless up above the tallest tree.

Birds seem to be so free of pain and soar above so free.

I'd praise my Lord with ev'ry song, with ev'ry line and verse.

And could it be, long life on earth, is just a wicked curse?

But if God wills, I'll stay on earth where pain may never cease.

Yet should He will to take this 'cup', I'll trade this pain for peace.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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NOTE:  A day or two after I wrote this poem the pain left me.
God does answer prayers and I thank all who have prayed for me.
May these words praise His name, (not the author).
Thank you Jesus!

Heaven's Gates 4-18-21

"Thy Will be done" is how I pray

but how do I start out my day?

Does God come first or is it rare

that I reach first to Him in prayer?

Alarm clock rings.  I've got to run.

It's long before the rising sun.

The world awaits as Heaven parts,

but I'm on time as 'chemo' starts.

Questions many, but answers few.

And prayer to God is overdue.

Again, again, I sin, I sin.

I've failed to do God's will again.

My best is never good enough

while grace forgives my selfish stuff.

I recommit myself each day

to live according to His way.

It's sobering to see life's end.

I miss family, miss my friends.

My best friend though?  Christ still awaits,

so patiently at Heaven's gates.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Eternal Life 4-17-21

It wasn't what I expected and I didn't like the answer,

when the doctor walked in and said, "I'm sorry.  You have cancer."

I froze with no emotion.  I never said a word.

Questions rose inside my head, now how had this occurred?

The next few days were but a blur...

drawing blood, testing, biopsies... yet no cure.

I never smoked, I never drank, I never used a drug.

How could this have happened?  The doctor merely shrugged.

Physically, the cancer kills.  Spiritually, sin does.

Sin kills like a cancer.  It does so deep because -

it fights the 'spirit' body.  It just does not belong,

deceiving like the 'Evil One' that we all know is wrong.

To say that it's a little lie, not black, not gray, but white,

deceives us into thinking that it isn't wrong, but right.

But let it take ahold of us and let it spread awhile,

and we will find it's Satan's way of saying, "You can smile."

Before we see, before we know, before we realize,

our heart is hard, our spirit's dead and we've been paralyzed.

And only God can heal us then through love and grace and pow'r.

And just like cancer, He can heal before your final hour.

So yes, I have a cancer, a cancer physical.

That's not as bad as other kinds, those cancers spiritual.

Now God can save us from them both, for He is in control.

He can cure both cancers and can also save the soul.

So I can't die.  I am alive, alive as I can be.

Because God gives me life anew, a life inside of me.

I'm glad I'm not forever here, cursed with a sin internal,

because Christ lives within me now and it's a life eternal.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I was informed on March 29, 2021 that I had advanced pancreatic cancer.
May "God's Will" (not mine) be done with regard to my physical health.
Thank you for your prayers.

With Wisp of Wing 4-1-21

Now most don't see and most don't learn.

They search for something grand.

They cannot hear God's still small voice

or just don't understand.

---

Some whisper like the hummingbird

that's beautiful in flight,

but most screech like the vulture in

a mean and ugly fight.

They push and peck the others with

emotions that explode.

They fight for dirty scraps of food

that lay dead in the road.

And most are proud to be that bird.

They're powerful indeed,

controlling everything in sight

to satisfy their greed.

But futile is the vulture's life
by men who made that choice,

while God lifts up the hummingbird

in pen through still small voice.

So as for me, I'm blessed to be

that hummingbird in flight.

With wisp of wing, He whispers words

in everything I write.
---

Yes, most don't see and most don't learn.

They search for something grand.

They cannot hear His still small voice,

or just don't understand.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Kings 19:11,12 (NASB)

"11 And he said, Go forth, and stand upon the mount before the Lord. And, behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind rent the mountains, and brake in pieces the rocks before the Lord; but the Lord was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake;

but the Lord was not in the earthquake:

12 And after the earthquake a fire; but the Lord was not in the fire: and after the fire

a still small voice."

What A Story! 3-1-21

This gentle breeze puts me at ease.
Envision, if you will;
Stars, each with spark, lake in a park,

and trees beside the hill.

As if in trance, the leaves still dance

attached to tiny twigs.

From up atop, the acorns drop.

Nearby a squirrel digs.

A dancing willow bending low

has kissed the water's face.

Then drake I find, with hen behind,

and ducklings in a race.

But 5AM, a flower stem

is bent under great weight.

It's gravity's audacity!

It hampers it from straight!

OR should we know, (as stories go),

for every one, two sides?

So could it be that we can't see

the burden bloom provides?

Is bloom at fault, that it exalt,

the beauty it bestows?

And fragrance too, what would we do

without our tempting nose?

Or would it hurt to blame the dirt...

or bees?  There's much to tell.

And could we blame, that moisture came

and watered it too well?

SO, we could claim, they're ALL to blame,

but sunrise here is near.

When sunlight peeks, our Father speaks,

and burdens disappear.
Does blame turn in... to angry sin?

Does sin drive us to hate?

Are we not taught that evil thought

will burden us with weight?

When it's of God, it isn't odd

that nature's love forgives.

Here by the lake, there's no mistake

that His creation lives.

Can we still claim that we're the same

as nature?  Do we live?

I think instead, that we are dead

when we do not forgive.

As dawning breaks, our dark mistakes

have brought us to this time.
But don't dismay, God has a way.

It's not an uphill climb.

There's no debate with stem now straight

and flower standing tall.
What a story of God's glory!
He loves us, one and all!

This gentle breeze puts me at ease.
Envision, if you will;
Stars, each with spark, lake in a park,

and trees beside the hill.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In Full Conceit 2-1-21

A little ant was working hard

atop his little mound,

and thought that he was taller

than anything around.

A weasel saw that little ant

but didn't make a sound,

and thought that he was taller

than anything around.

A groundhog saw that weasel near

his home there in the ground,

and thought that he was taller

than anything around.

My dog was not the least amazed

and for them, he was bound.

He knew that he was taller still

than anything around.

I was the man who saw them all.

I shook with scoffing laugh.

In full conceit I stood there tall.

Behind me?  A giraffe.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Unfurl Our Flag Again 1-1-21

I pledged full allegiance when I, in school,
would dress with respect and live 'golden rule'.
Respecting the elders without a smirk,
I studied for quizzes, did my homework,
I didn't drink beer and I didn't smoke
and didn't laugh when I heard dirty joke.
This "churchy-boy" bullied to the extreme,
so often I cried with crushed self-esteem.

Oh, I am so wrong in this up-side-down world,
where God is removed and freedoms are furled;
where truth becomes myth, if someone hates it,
with standards all lost- Hell's bottomless pit;
where lies become truth if said many times;
where chaos breaks out with killings and crimes.
With ethics abandoned, the innocent die.
Can someone please tell me- why, why, why, why?

The standards I live by, they were not forced,
but from those clean morals, they had divorced.
For fame they had bribed naive voting blocks,
but they were exposed with clicking of clocks.
Nuclear proliferation, dead schools,
riots, looting, killings- they changed the rules.
Pushing boundaries to see the truth bend,
was it not them who hurt fam'ly and friend?

Because they're elected and hence empowered,
they think this 'churchy-boy' can be devoured.
So many times now, their lies we have heard,
but the precepts of peace are in God's Word.
Lies will be buried with them under sod.
Unfurl our flag again. We Trust In God.
They thought they were smart and thought we were dumb,
but we know our God will one day soon come.

©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Don't Read This 12-12-20

Children,

I told you not to read this but you're reading anyway,

and do you disobey when Satan tells you it's okay?

Are you enticed by cunning words that sound like violins

that sing so sweetly to your wants they tempt you into sins?

Do your eager ears tickle when you hear of something odd

and make you disobey when you aren't list'ning to your God?

Do you think you are stronger and that you can break the chains

of sins that claim they're better than the God who gave you brains?

If not, then when you see temptation lurking at your door,

just tell yourself it's wrong and you won't give in anymore.

Do not be that old dog that only chases sins of sticks,

because it learned bad habits and no longer learns new tricks.

So many men thought they could change at anytime they wished,

but sin got full control of them and they got fully squished.

So don't read this and don't obey if you are smarter than

the selfish, grumpy, lying cuss who's now a crass old man.

For God so loved the world that He has given you His Son

and Comforter to guide you through the life that you've begun.

I pray that you will live your life in good and special way,

so everyone around you will see sunshine ev'ry day!

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Memories 11-14-20

Oh, to remember walks in parks,

ocean sands and ocean mists.

Oh, to remember holding hands,

sharing thoughts, giving gifts.

Oh, to remember wedding day,

lacy dress, church and cross,

Oh, to remember sharing vows, 

placing ring and bouquet toss.

Oh, to remember children's pains,

children's laughs and children's fears.

Oh, to remember fun and games,

silly times and laughter's tears.

Oh to remember that last touch,

that last hug, that last kiss.

Oh, to remember pretty face,

my true love I really miss.

Oh, the mem'ries I hold dear,

all those mem'ries... ever sweet.

Oh, to remember precious times.

If good times only could repeat.

What's better than those memories?

Please don't misunderstand.

Just don't compare to yesterday,

tomorrow's Heavenland!

Oh, to meet each other there!

With Jesus, we will stay!

Oh, to share that wonderment

forever and a day!

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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His Holy Name 10-31-20

Completely crushed, my fragile heart.

So lonely then, I fell apart.

My life was incomplete.

Of all the poems 'round the world,

this simple one, in wind, was twirled

and landed at my feet.

I'll live the life that God gave me

and do His will so free, gladly.

This life, I live for Him.

I took this poem at my feet,

inhaled the words without defeat,

then sang my fav'rite hymn.

For joy now fills my empty soul.
God simply touched and made me whole.

On knees, to Him I came.

I hold this poem that's so dear

and lift my hands without a fear

to praise His Holy Name.

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Through All Eternity 9-10-20

Can eyes appreciate the smell of fresh-cut grass;

or nose appreciate the woodwinds and the brass;

or ears appreciate a chip in fav'rite dip;

or tongue appreciate a handy workmanship;

or hands appreciate the footsteps to a cross;

or feet appreciate the torture and the loss;

or brain appreciate the message of His love;

or heart appreciate such grace from God above?

While body can't appreciate all that there is to be,

salvation makes the soul rejoice through all eternity.

©2020 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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