The Failure 11-2-05

Oh Lord, I have failed you.
Oh Lord, I have failed you.
Oh Lord, I have failed you.

I failed as a child.
I failed as a man.
I have failed as an old man.

Oh Lord, I have failed you.
Oh Lord, I have failed you.
Oh Lord, I have failed you.

I failed as a neighbor.
I failed as a father.
I failed as a husband.

Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

I failed the church.
I failed the pastor.
I failed You.

Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.
Oh Lord, have mercy on me.

I failed You yesterday.
I failed You today.
I fail tomorrow.

Oh Lord, forgive me.
Oh Lord, forgive me.
Oh Lord, forgive me.

I fail You when I think.
I fail You when I speak.
I fail You when I act.

Oh Lord, forgive me.
Oh Lord, forgive me.
Oh Lord, forgive me.

I fail You when I am happy.
I fail You when I am angry.
I fail You when I cry.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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2 Corinthians 12:9 (NASB)
9And He has said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness " Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.

Thanksgiving Prayer 10-25-05

There’s more to be thankful for than we sometimes realize…

Thank You Lord, for giant trees,
colorful leaves, crashing seas;
for everything that needed keys,
for getting stung, by honeybees.

Thank You Lord, for every grouse,
every elephant, every mouse;
all my children, special spouse,
-and giving us, our little house.

Thank You Lord, for all the years,
all the laughter, all the tears;
special grace, as Your face nears,
-for giving me trials, numerous fears.

Thank You Lord, Your patient pace,
your special timing, Your loving face;
and to everyone, the human race,
and the outpouring of Your grace.

I know I cheated, I know I'd peek,
while playing games, like hide and seek.
Now as they lay me, down to sleep,
You have my soul, I'm yours to keep.

For as they close, and seal the lid,
I'm ashamed dear Lord, for all I hid;
but thank You Lord for getting rid,
forgiving me fully, for all I did.

Thank You Lord, that I did see,
that you came here to earth for me.
Love, peace, and grace were always key,
so together now, we'll always be.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB)
in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

ol' Bore 10-14-05

As a group of boys chose two teams for kick ball,

a small boy stood in the midst of them all.

One by one they were called, one by one they were taken,

but with six on each team the last was forsaken.

The boys had the ball and with six on each team,

the one could not play – no matter his dream.

So he hung his head low - on the lawn took his seat,

with his head in his hands and tears on each cheek.

There was a building nearby and on the top floor,

sat a crippled old man that they all called "ol' Bore".

The old man looked out through his window up high,

seeing all of them play, but the little one cry.

He watched them all, having fun far below –

minus that one that felt ever so low.

But the sun shone bright in the evening sky –

exposing a glimmer in that little boys' eye.

It's a well-known fact that life isn't fair,

but nice it would be - if we could all share.

The boys all yelled except for that one –

as he sat all alone with shoestrings undone.

Yet up there in silence (except for some birds),

'ol Bore spoke a prayer in just a few words.

It didn't take long as he whispered that call,

so that maybe - just maybe - that boy could play ball.

As he pulled his head up and looked down below –

why, that boy was gone! Now where did he go?

He looked left and right, and then far and near –

"Where?" he asked, the answer unclear....

Now that is impossible! For this we all know,

that a boy can't disappear in thin air – its not so!

He could only see trees, a pup, and some sticks,

and the big group of boys that were having their kicks.

Then something caught his eye on the lawn there below.

Those two teams seemed different as they ran to and fro.

It seemed quite peculiar, as they would all run –

six on one team, same on the other.... -plus one?

Yes! There he was! Playing with all the boys –

filled with numerous, exuberant joys!!

Though he ran back and forth quite slow,

his eye was still lit with that peculiar glow.

He continued to hear the boys kick the ol' ball.

They played a long time - until the nightfall.

Then they started for home (and even the pup),

but the little boy stopped - then turned his head up.

Exhausted because he had run a good mile,

he raised his hand high, with a very big smile.

He waved it wide from his left to his right,

so the old man could see from his uppermost height.

Then the crippled old man smiled deep down inside,

and raised his hand up, waving right back in stride.

On each side of that window, a connection was nailed,

from a short simple prayer, and a God who's not failed.

Now how could a boy see a man way up there –

behind that high window with love in his prayer?

Maybe, just maybe, the crippled mans' cry,

was heard by that child with the shine in his eye.

Although a prayer is much more likely to be,

heard by a God that loves you and me.

He loves us all to our innermost core –

even a child with a prayer from "ol' Bore".

Will some day we learn (no matter how small) –

Our prayers can't be answered if we know it all?

'ol Bore didn't know as he waved goodbye,

that he prayed for a boy - with a shiny glass eye.

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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POSSESSIONS 8-28-05

This was written on Aug. 28th 2005, coincidently the day before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans.

Your house is big and beautiful.
It's filled with the very best treasures and antiques.
Your clothes stuff the closets.
Your food stuffs your shelves (and your mouth).
Your pictures prove your happy life.
Your furniture is tops.
Your yard is trimmed with the most beautiful white picket fence.
Your garage is filled with every toy imaginable.
Your car in the driveway is the envy of all the neighbors.
And just maybe your life is full of fun and more fun.
You have it made...
Today.

But of tomorrow you are unaware.

A hurricane or tornado carries it far away.
Or a flood floats it all away.
Or a fire devours it all.
Or an earthquake swallows it whole.
Or your heart stops.

God is in control of every breath we take.
And we deserve our medicine.
-But like an angry child.
WE get mad at HIM.

The echo carries on.
From 2,000 years ago.
Forgive them Father, for they know not what they do.

Man slows no tornado.
Man stops no flood.
Man quenches no volcanic fire.
Man cancels no earthquakes.
Man will not live forever.
Man is not God.

Believe in yourself, or believe in God.
It is your freedom of choice.

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Nothing 8-28-05

There is nothing.

I have nothing.

I eat nothing.

I drink nothing.

I own nothing.

I do nothing.

I see nothing.

I hear nothing.

I feel nothing.

I smell nothing.

I taste nothing.

I know nothing.

I am nothing -

except that God makes it so....

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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LIFE and DEATH 8-28-05

A gentle breeze,

a flowing stream;

the trees of green,

a pleasant dream.

Food I'd waste,

in hurried haste;

for all I faced,

in that rat race.

Why stood me here,

hand to my ear;

want for a cheer,

to come each year?

Accomplishments,

were not by me;

but all was He,

who lived in me.

There is no song,

now that I'm gone;

plant under lawn,

I say, "So long".

Sweat-less my brow,

no matter now;

not horse or cow;

my final bow.

This is increase,

I have my lease;

so let me cease,

and rest in peace.

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

Life's Crossroads 2-9-05

Have you wandered, through the woods, with underbrush so thick,
and seemed to know which way to go, but then got lost so quick?
There are trails you can find - in life, both here and there -
and where they lead, we often go, completely unaware.

Your life's journey lies ahead - you should not look confused.
There is a way that you should walk but one that you will choose.
Years ago I walked a path, along with mom and dad,
It sometimes made me happy - and sometimes made me sad.

One day I saw a trail. The way seemed to entice.
With trees and flowers so pretty, it seemed so very nice.
Rays of sunlight shone on down and lit up spots of ground.
Red and yellow wild flowers shone bright there all around.

My life was very special then. My travels had begun....
I watched some others on the path - as they were having fun.
I didn't wander far - from the path I knew was true,
but I followed them a little while, as soothing breezes blew.

The way was free and easy. I loved that path I took.
The fun and beauty took me in - so back I didn't look.
I walked on down my chosen way. Some hiked along the ledge,
but when the trail got rougher - some slipped off the edge.

I knew better. I knew well - for I was in control.
I'd fight along this rougher path. It now became my goal.
The path I broke was now all mine - and I was my own guide.
That little corner of my world, I owned with all my pride.

The way became much tougher. Branches blocked my way.
Thorns and nettles poked my face. The sky had turned to gray.
Problems covered me like leaves - that carpeted the ground.
Sin's tight grip had hold of me. Through habits I was bound.

So wildly I pushed and shoved - with all my strength inside,
-shoving anyone in my path. I very often lied.
Suddenly my feet gave way. Sharp rocks - they slit my hand.
I tumbled down a rocky slope, and hit the sinking sand.

I don't know - it happened quick. My feet – they sunk right in -
I tried with all my might to not be swallowed up by sin.
Start again? Who can do that? I can't go back in time -
nor could I pull myself back up - I had no strength to climb.

I chose the path that I had trod, I played the Devil's game.
I did not know which way to turn - I'd no one else to blame.
Sin pulled me down. I wanted out. I wished I could go back,
but sank below the surface then, and everything went black.

That's the way the story ends for many that we see,
but thanks to God's most precious gift, it happened not to me.
For long ago, God cleared a trail - a very narrow path,
so I would not be burdened or - receive His righteous wrath.

For all have sinned -we all fall short. Our way is certain death,
but Jesus chose the path of love right to His dying breath.
Faithful walk the straight and narrow. Just listen to His voice.
We all stand at the crossroads now. Our path is still our choice.

©2005 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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GOD CARES, DO YOU? 12-14-04

God knows your neighbors. Some are far and some are near.
Some are strangers. Some are dear.

He knows they're hungry. He knows they thirst.
He knows they need Him. He knows they're cursed.

God cares deeply for not just a few;
God cares for all of them. How about you?

©2004 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 25 (NASB)

40"The King will answer and say to them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers of Mine, even the least of them, you did it to Me.'
41"Then He will also say to those on His left, 'Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels;
42for I was hungry, and you gave Me nothing to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me nothing to drink;
43I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.'
44"Then they themselves also will answer, 'Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?'
45"Then He will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.'
46"These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."

The Answer To My Prayers (summer 2004)

I was walking down the road, in the autumn of my years;
the leaves were brilliant colors, though my eyes were red with tears.

My pain was ever mounting. Death was always surely near -
my troubles and my heartache held me tight in cold, dark fear.

I prayed to Jesus every day. Every burden I could name;
but He never seemed to answer. Every day was still the same.

Life is so unfair I pled, that I should bear this awful pain;
and then without a warning, there I stood in pouring rain.

It came down heavy. The wind blew hard;
the mud was slick, and caught me off-guard.

Embarrassed on the cold ground - increasing anger taking hold -
I'm just too good of person. You so loved me, I was told.

I screamed again, "Life's so unfair - And getting worse!" I hissed,
and with my energy exhausted, I raised an angry fist.

Then something shook my soul. It thundered from the sky-
and then in lightning flashes, two trees had caught my eye.

One bent down across the other, which stood along beside;
it curved if humbly bowing and exposed my selfish pride.

Were my troubles overwhelming- because I was at a loss?
Did my pains need me to stumble to see this simple cross?

So then the prayer I uttered, was something like those trees-
with one bowed low and humbly, as I knelt there on my knees.

The whole of vast unfairness, in life that I had earned;
just couldn't hold a candle, to what I’d finally learned.

Did I deserve some comfort? No bird would dare to sing!
Had I worn a thorn? I thought, endured a nail or anything?

No. My life was easy. My burden unfairly light-
for Jesus seized that evil death, so I could be set right.

Yes, I know that life's unfair, though not to me you see;
but rather to the Lamb of God, His sacrifice for me!

©2004 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Isaiah 30 (NASB)

19O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.