Heaven Bound 12-29-14

In one quick flash, I hear a splash,

The trouble some get in!

They scream and shout and then yell out,

"Please help me from this sin!"

The selfishness of those God blessed!

May lightning strike them down!

They misbehave.  Let Jesus save -

or let them sink and drown.

Life guard, to be, is hard you see,

and I'm a nervous wreck.

To help someone?  I'd rather run

than risk my precious neck.

I disappear in church right here

with friends, safely on shore -

and say on cue, "I'll pray for you"

then keep track of the score.

It really stinks when someone thinks

the obligation's mine.

Though sin assault, it is their fault!

And that's the bottom line!

Am selfish, I, if I don't try?

I'm just one lone observer.

I have my place.  I have my grace.

I have my 'life preserver'.

By now you've guessed that I've been blessed 

and Heaven-bound indeed!

So don't be blue.  They'll rescue you

and other folks in need.

Who cares 'bout sin - and things within

that dark and angry sea?

Why should I care who's thrown in there?

(unless, of course, it's me).

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Through His Love 12-28-14

I can't speak true of single hue

nor can I write hereof -

for there's a bright and vivid white

that glistens through His love.

---

There's no more green, but view's serene -

with frost on valley vast.

Through winter hills, my God fulfills

with blessings unsurpassed.

Yet, so hungry, some love money.

Satan always lurks.

And God, so great, they can't relate

to all His awesome works.

Each frosted plant, God has enhanced

and all should understand -

we're not to cease His Christmas peace,

in this, His wonderland.

The shepherds came.  They learned his name.

And Jesus was that boy.

Though light was dim, they stayed with Him

and all were filled with joy.

Below that star, directed far,

three wise men bearing gifts -

with gold and myrrh.  In awe they were,

for spirit, Jesus lifts.

Are we too old?  Are we too cold -

to see His loving face?

Are we too blind?  Is Christ too kind -

that we can't know His grace?

Already sent if we repent.

Eternity is near!

Still offers choice, that still, small voice,

upon the humble ear.

Though few can hear, it does endear.

It's free and there's no cost.

Untouchable, yet visible,

His sunlight off the frost.

His faith is sure and sparkling pure

on landscape so endowed.

He floods His grace upon this place.

Emotion screams out loud.

---

I can't speak true of single hue

nor can I write hereof -

for there's a bright and vivid white

that glistens through His love.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Stars, Friends & Blessings 12-22-14

The midnight stars were very bright.

"But many small" said I,
"and are not fit to take up space
in God's majestic sky."

Hence, I removed them.  But some more

were smaller than the rest.

So I disposed of those as well -

a little bit obsessed.

Then after my accomplishments,

I looked at all God had.

But now the sky was very dark -

my good intentions bad.

---

My friends were like the midnight sky,

"But many small" said I;

so small, so insignificant.

I snatched them from the sky.

I threw out all the "lesser ones",

believe me, I can tell.

And all those friends of little use?

I threw them out as well.

Had only they'd been there for me.

It really was a shame.

But then upon completion of -

so lonely, I became.

---

My blessings?  There were many,

"But many small" said I -

so many insignificant

that I plucked from the sky.

Those things, some think are blessings,
I thought were nothing much -
I wanted more excitement and
a lot less of His touch.

Now here I am in dire straights.

Have I not been forgiven?

If only God had understood!

Oh, why did God not listen!?

---

A dark and lonely life I'd lived.

No blessings, friends or stars...
My life - oh, who had understood
my self-inflicted scars?

But Christ forgives!  So why my scars!?
I did not understand!
And why did Jesus not erase
the scars on His own hands?

I must forgive as Jesus did
to understand His sky,
to understand true friendships and
His blessings.  That is why.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Galatians 6:7 (NASB)
Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, this he will also reap.

Virgin Pure 12-14-14

(from a woman's perspective for those hurt, abused and broken)

One time a horrid thing occurred, but I'll keep that unspoken -

except to tell you how I felt - so sad, depressed and broken.

---

There's evil all throughout this world that eyes may never see,

but we can feel results of sin - and that, I guarantee.

So many have endured the pain, the torture, wounds and strife -

but hidden is satanic stains that steal away the life.

No soap and water cleans up sin.  There's no 'work' we can do.

It's principalities we fight and faith will pull us through.

It took me years to realize that it's all in God's hand,

but let me tell my story first - so you may understand.

---

The fault was certainly not mine.  I tried to just pretend

that others understood my pain about what really happened.

But like a vault, that pain was locked down deep inside my head.

Those reoccurring nightmares came each time I went to bed.

My mind was haunted day and night.  Those nightmares?  They were true!

I bathed and showered.  Nothing worked!  ...t'was nothing I could do.

Oh, how I tried!  I used good soap, used all the soap I could,

but nothing washed away that sin.  It wasn't any good.

Was I so blind for remedy, that I just couldn't see -

the answer?  Then I realized, that it was not of me.

No, there was nothing I could do, but search and search and search,

but that's when I discovered Him.  The answer was in church.

God's house.  That's where He was.  God sent His only Son.

Dark, sinful nightmares went away when His love had begun.

Once nightmares kept me up all night.  I'd roll and turn and toss.

But then I thought, "Did Jesus sin when He was nailed to cross?"

Christ, like me, was innocent!  It wasn't my Lord's fault!

Though Satan locks those horrors in, God opens tomb and vault!

No tomb could ever hold Him there!  Sin can't imprison lives!

No vault can lock us up again when Jesus Christ arrives!

HIS LOVE has made me whole again and wasn't that my goal?

Yes, that my friends, brings me to tears.  He cleanses mind and soul.

The joy I have, now fills my heart.  The problem's not with skin.

He wiped away those horrors and He brought me peace within!

So everytime those thoughts come back - those things that are no more,

it's then that I remind myself that Christ wins every war.

Despicable, their ugly sin and blacker still, than coal,

but Christ gives peace of mind from sin. God cleansed my very soul.

No, baths and showers do not work and there's no other cure -

but Jesus, born of Mary, is.  He made me virgin pure.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

There are many 'crisis centers' around the United States.

So seek help and support, but remember:

Only Jesus truly understands.

Seek Him.  Pray.  Heal.

Then serve Him!

Help others!

Be there

for them

and live again!

Jesus lives & Jesus saves!

Harold & Steve 12-11-14

Out hanging, two icicles born on an eve.

Now one was named Harold; the other one, Steve.

Well, Harold was jealous and you would be too

for Steve had an awesome, spectacular view.

But hanging 'round corner, ten shingles or so,

was poor, lonely Harold and wouldn't you know -

that Harold, if his, would have made different plans.

Instead he was stuck over two garbage cans.

The stench and the odor was too much to bear

while Steve was out front there enjoying fresh air.

Oh, fair? It was not and it made Harold mad,

so angry, despondent, depressed and so sad.

And wouldn't you know that Steve had grown quicker,

had grown so much stronger, bigger and thicker.

But Harold was just a wee bit of a thing -

not much to look at and not interesting.

You know, children grow up, but icicles down

and Harold grew lower with saddest of frown.

And that is why Steve had made fun of his friend.

His bullying never, seemed never to end.

He gloated that he was too solid to break.

He boasted that he could see sunsets, the lake.

And this had gone on through the long winter days

but Harold, one day changed his sad lonely ways.

He sang Christmas hymns of when Jesus was born;

continued it non-stop each ev'ning 'til morn.

So Steve, you might guess, was a bit envious.

Bewildered he was, that Harold was joyous.

Though droplets of water, off Harold, would splash

on top of that putrid and stinky old trash -

dear Harold accepted the life that God gave him -

no matter how boring or troubled or grim.

He knew that God's love was unprecedented

and that made him happy, joyous, contented.

Then one day, dear Harold, had heard a loud splat -

and he never heard from ol' Steve after that.

---

The moral to poem here simply increases -

each time you hear bullies are falling to pieces.

Someone please tell me if this life has mattered,

when our hopes are lost and our goals are shattered.

And Harold, you ask? What has happened to him?

Well, he was still singing an old gospel hymn,

as angels had seen him and anxiously stated,

"All Heaven rejoice! He evaporated."

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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King Garland 12-4-14

Oh, once upon a selfish time

King Garland had his reign,

but he had planned an evil scheme

that no one could contain.

Before the holidays arrived

his men would decorate.

Besieged with colored lighting grand,

while subjects would await.

Bright lights were hung and garland strung

from pillars through the halls,

but never was there quite enough

for old King Garland's walls.

He called his servants, gave to them

decree that he had signed,

to confiscate all garland 'round -

each piece that they could find.

So all his men went out that day

collecting all they could.

They entered every store and home

and left their walls bare wood.

They brought back all their garland, lights

and even decorations -

in hopes that they'd impress the king,

(win his admiration).

Well, mothers wept and children cried.

Oh, what were they to do?

Have Christmas without colored lights?

Their deep frustrations grew.

They came from every shop and home -

from even desert sand,

to protest theft of Christmastime

from all across their land.

They gathered at the castle walls.

The protesters would scream.

The king had fin'lly heard enough

and thought them most extreme.

Concocted, he, pathetic lies -

some great deceptive lines...

He'd either calm the crowd a bit,

or threaten them with fines.

But on his way to balcony,

we witnessed quite a sight.

At top of stairs, his crown got snagged

on just one garland's light.

He quickly grasped his priceless crown

so it would not fall off...

(the queen had started laughing but

she hid it with a cough).

From that point on it went downhill.

On garland, he had stumbled.

And then the laughter opened up

when we saw how he tumbled...

...bouncing down the stairway toward

the great, grand balcony

where ev'ryone was gathered 'round,

where ev'ryone could see.

Well, how it happened, we're not sure

but crowd was quite aghast.

The king, himself, embarrassed.

It happened all so fast.

With garland tangled 'round his foot

the crowd let out a cheer -

for king was swinging up-side-down

below the chandelier!

T'was then the king decided that,

(because of his bad fall),

that ev'ry single Christmas should

be lived by one and all.

So handed back, was ev'ry piece

of garland that he stole.

The people had their Christmas back -

while king had gotten coal.

The moral of this poem?

Do not be some pathetic fool

who let's greed have its way.

You cannot steal the Spirit from

the folk on Christmas day.

Treat others, not as subjects, but

respect them all instead.

If selfish, ever, you become,

may blood rush to your head.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Precious Memories 12-2-14

As I sit in my rocker,

here looking at our tree,

the Christmas lights and ornaments

are shining back on me.

Oh those precious mem'ries

of places long ago.

Oh, those precious mem'ries,

a-sledding in the snow!

We wiggled as we giggled and

our faces were aglow!

Oh those precious mem'ries -

a-bouncing down we'd go!

As I sit in my rocker

just looking at your face,

your eyes reflect the sparkling

of flames in fireplace.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

of trudging up the hill.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

We sledded down until -

you tipped the sled right over and

it gave us both a thrill!

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

That snow gave us a chill.

As I sit in my rocker.

and you sit there in yours,

I realize we're holding hands

as faithfulness endures.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

Again, we'd get a shove.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

Remember your lost glove?

Remember way atop the hill

that seemed so far above?

Oh, those precious mem'ries -

the day we fell in love.

As we sit in our rockers,

and you begin to snore -

I realize that every day

I love you more and more.

Oh, those precious mem'ries.

Oh, those precious mem'ries..

Oh, those precious mem'ries...

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Did I Forget 11-26-14

If heart is hard, my eyes are dry.

Have I forgotten how to cry?

Can I still weep? Do I know how?

Where are my tears? Where are they now?

Did I forget the virgin birth,

that Jesus healed, of Jesus' worth?

Did I forget when Jesus prayed,

before arrest, was then betrayed?

Did I forget that they abused,

beat, mocked and whipped - and then accused?

Did I forget the gross details,

the crown of thorns, the piercing nails?

Did I forget He paid the price?

Did I forget His sacrifice?

Did I forget down through the years -

of Jesus' blood, of Jesus' tears?

Did I forget while knowing this -

I lived a life of ease and bliss

...my roof above, my car, my shoes,

that I have food, the clothes I choose?

If heart is hard, my eyes are dry.

Have I forgotten how to cry?

Can I still weep? Do I know how?

Where are my tears? Where are they now?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 12 (NASB)

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

3 For through the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think more highly of himself than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has allotted to each a measure of faith. 4 For just as we have many members in one body and all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, who are many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: ifprophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; 7 if service, in his serving; or he whoteaches, in his teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, in his exhortation; he who gives, withliberality; he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.

9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; 11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; 12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, 13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation. 17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men. 19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 “But if your enemy is hungry, feed him, and if he is thirsty, give him a drink; for in so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Laying Bricks 11-22-14

My life, I'd built with heavy bricks -

each day set on another.

When mortared in with selfishness

I stacked them with another.

So proud I was of what I'd built,

a life of great success -

that I had so convinced myself

that God would surely bless.

But lies, deceit had ruined me

by devious elite!

My bricks came tumbling down one day

and crumbled 'round my feet.

Self pity drew long tears for years,

my future looked so dim.

No longer good for me to hold,

I gave those bricks to Him.

When He accepted all those bricks

I had no place to hide -

so humbleness came over me

and vanquished all my pride.

Oh, why had Jesus taken them -

those bricks that gave me loss?

My sins, my burdens, all those bricks

had nailed Him to the cross!

More tears began to soak my cheeks.

The floodgates opened wide.

Then Jesus took those very bricks

and set them all aside.

He soaked them in His loving grace,

then paved long streets of gold.

And then prepared, He more of them,

much greater to behold.

If we could only look beyond

our selfish, little wall,

we'd catch a glimpse of miracle,

the greatest of them all.

It rises up through wonderment,

past clouds of earthly lies,

to castle built with bricks of grace,

that reach the highest skies.

My tears no longer need to wash -

my selfish bricks away -

for I'm inside His castle now,

"forgiven" you might say.

Content and happy I am now

to know He's given me -

a life to prove my faithfulness,

through pure sincerity.

Yes, living in this castle that's

awash in loving hues -

awash in grace above it all,

a place 'the lost' can choose.

I look outside its window now

down to the busy street,

at people who are like I was -

where Christ, they too could meet.

But Jesus sees them walking by -

as they're too blind to see -

too blind by their distracting walls,

with lives that are not free...

...not free from selfish, sinful bricks

so mortared tight with pride,

they cannot see beyond their walls

to Christ on other side.

At times I see an infant child.

For 'wants' they had been sold.

But Jesus takes them in His arms,

though motionless and cold...

...and there on streets now paved with gold

where sin can be undone,

in loving hands, He breathes new life

into each little one.

Please tell me, can you shed some tears

to wash away your bricks -

your bricks of futile, selfish days

that only Christ can fix?

Please tell me, can you shed some tears

to wash away your days -

your days of labor laying bricks

for lighter, joyous ways?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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When Under Knife 11-17-14

If Tom, the turkey, you had been -

what would you tell the Butcher when

he raised his knife Thanksgiving Day?

Well, listen to what 'Tom' would say:

---

"Remember children, love your mom.

Respect her as you did this 'tom'.

Oh, don't be selfish.  Don't be mean

and don't be giddy or obscene.

There's something I must let them do

and some day you may need to too.

You'll know, one day, what it's about

but do not fear and do not pout.

We sacrifice for those we love

as Jesus did once up above

when He was hung upon that tree

for people all around you see.

So do not think about yourselves.

Protect those eggs there on the shelves.

And live a life that God can bless,

a life of love and faithfulness."

---

At that, the butcher raised his knife

and ended then, a fulfilled life

that blessed the hungry, cold and weak.

When under knife, how would you speak?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Path Beyond Trees, The 11-13-14

Do you only believe what's in front of your eyes,

not gravity ever - or winds that arise?

Are you blind to the truth
because of one tree?

Oh, where is the forest
that you cannot see?

And where is your faith when filled with temptation?

Do you trust mere eyes that see only creation?

Some worship mere trees
or shallow, lost sects

while some think they're priv'leged,
who God elects.

Yes, many are lost from Creator they seek,

the forest of truth is unknown and looks bleak.

They love themselves
instead of "these".
They can't see forest
because of the trees.

They think they know salvation.  They don't.
They think they'll see Jesus.  They won't.

They love their lives
and things on shelves.
They love attention,
and themselves.

Your faith is the key!  Unlock forest's door!

The path beyond trees finds grace and much more!

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 7:22, 23 (NASB)
22 "Many will say to Me on that day,
'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name,
and in Your name cast out demons,
and in Your name perform many miracles?'
23 "And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you;
DEPART FROM ME, YOU WHO PRACTICE LAWLESSNESS.'

With His Remaining Breath 11-8-14

He overflows his plate with food,

anticipating taste.

He overflows his closets too

not caring of the waste.

He has to have the finest car

with leather seats and 'air'.

His bank accounts are just for him.

For poor?  He doesn't care.

Huge profits fill his bank accounts.

His profiting is fun.

He'd sell his soul to profit more.

He'd sell to anyone.

His home, he fills with furniture,

the finest he can find.

He then enjoys his fav'rite game

to ease his guilty mind.

He fills his days with everything

and his most latest whim.

And this 'enjoyment' fills his life.

He fills his life with him.

I pity such a person who

has no room in his heart -

for God or love or charity -

who fin'lly falls apart.

How guilty, lonely he will be

just days before his death.

Oh, he'll recall his life of 'self'

with his remaining breath.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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We Have A Choice 10-15-14

My friends and I just hung around

in places one might find profound -

on maples, oaks and other trees -

because, you see, we were mere leaves.

The autumn winds, oh how they blew.

They made us dance and wiggle too.

Deception's lie rode in the wind

had made us 'want' and we had sinned.

The bees were buzzing in their hive.

It wasn't fair they were alive.

It wasn't fair that we weren't free

for we were stuck here on this tree.

But then my friends had found, one day,

just how to ride a special way.

They laughed and giggled by and by

upon the wind.  How they could fly!

So gaily and so selfishly,

they joked around so carelessly.

Exciting times, it seemed they had.

They thought it funny they were bad.

"Come join the party we will throw."

They taunted me and screamed, "Let go!"

My friends had left me one by one,

but wicked winds are never done.

The windy, frigid swirling air

had tortured me.  It didn't care.

Except for me, the tree was bare

and I was so alone up there.

Oh yes, temptation had its grip -

but I held on despite the whip

of winds that howled around the limbs.

For I had faith and gospel hymns.

I prayed and prayed to God above,

for He had shown me so much love.

My friends had fallen, didn't know

they now were buried under snow.

The moral of the story here?

Don't be deceived by friend or peer.

Just listen to God's still, small voice.

He gave His Son.  We have a choice.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 7:13-14 (NASB)

The Narrow and Wide Gates

13 “Enter through the narrow gate;

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

and there are many who enter through it.

14 For the gate is small and the way is narrow that leads to life,

and there are few who find it.

Reach Out In Love 10-12-14

Each lonely tear ran down a cheek

not caring of another.

And each absorbed in selfish woe

did not know of the other.

Oh, how can we be any good

just thinking of ourselves?

And how can we become like Christ,

if locked inside our shells?

Don't be afraid to break your shell.

Give sacrificially.

Reach out in love with both your arms

and live life faithfully.

Each lonely tear ran down a cheek

not caring of another.

And each absorbed in selfish woe

did not know of the other.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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One Fibber's Lies 9-19-14

Oh yes, those fibs that he had told,

repeated were, 'til they got old -

by his czars and Congress too.

But those who questioned?  Very few.

He promised 'hope' and promised 'change' -

but what we got was really strange.

Yes!  Keep your doctor, keep your nurse!

Sure!  Keep your wallet and your purse...

Began in Senate, tax bill was,

but care what's legal?  Why, because -

what, promised he, was better than

our current "bad" insurance plan.

So then he took his phone and pen -

and offered bribes again, again,

He offered things that weren't legit -

until it passed (to learn what's in it).

His fibs were sold, retold and cooked -

and oh, the folks who came to look!

His spite, spewed he, among the classes...

festered hate between the masses.

One more fiasco, his 'Exchange'.

Two dozen times his law would change

without the Congress or a bill -

but as a king there on 'the hill'.

Rates too high?  Forget your troubles!

The big surprise?  Deductibles!

 "Affordable", the biggest lie -

now we, the people cry and die.

Yes, some bought in to 'plan' they praised -

then lost their savings to his ways.

Death Panels spy the old and youth.

But some weren't duped.  We knew the truth.

Now 'we the people' scream and shout

until good 'change' will come about.

Protest it in each language spoken:

"You can't fix what isn't broken!"

You lied and lied but cannot force -

Americans to pay, of course -

to corporate greed and CEOs -

whose morals dropped to record lows.*

When selfishness and profits meet,

health care takes the driver's seat.

Deceiving minds of God's creation,

they love money - not the Nation.

Now it's okay they have huge clout

but really, what's it all about?

...health care or huge salaries?

Fair?  Tell us if you please.

It really eats inside my craw

they're living high on mandate's law.

If others pay my health care bill,

responsibilities we'll kill.

From elderly to babe's in cribs,

good health care lost to liar's fibs.

And who will count each one who dies -

because of just one fibber's lies?

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Timothy 6:10 (KJV)
"For the love of money is the root of all evil:
which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith,
and pierced themselves through with many sorrows."

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*http://www.healthcare-now.org/health-insurance-ceo-pay-skyrockets-in-2013

In Our Uncertain World 09-09-14

So blessed we are to live a life apart from evil gun -

where worshiping and liberty are free for everyone.

Please don't be so uncaring here with all our ease and fun -

and give in love abundantly - for we have much.  Them?  None.

---

Am I too poor to pray to God?  Too young to ask for aid?

I feel a bit inadequate and I was so afraid.

My story's not exciting but, here are the cruel facts:

Deny our true and living God or pay their heavy tax.

Their's isn't a religion - but a twisted, evil cult.

And most don't understand it all, so hence here's the result:

We now live in a little tent not far from evil guns.

Uprooted from our home, we were - and lost all our possessions.

My parents cry and pray a lot.  My brothers, sister too -

but evil sin is powerful, so what are we to do?

I'm certain you are thankful that you're not a refugee.

I'm living with my parents here because I am Iraqi.

I walk around our little tent on dry and sandy sod

and wonder when we'll all be saved by our almighty God.

I'm not quite sure how many weeks or months we can survive

but I have faith and thank my God that we are still alive.

There isn't any grocery store to buy some food and drink.

Oh, why have we been banished here?  My hunger makes me think.

And though our hunger hurts us so, we still have many fears.

Will we be safe another night protected by our tears?

Our God could strike the enemies of love, respect and hope.

With prayer, our only weapon, we survive and learn to cope.

We thank those nations everywhere who have their flags unfurled

in charity for all of us in this uncertain world.

---

So blessed we are to live a life apart from evil gun -

where worshiping and liberty are free for everyone.

Please don't be so uncaring here with all our ease and fun -

and give in love abundantly - for we have much.  Them?  None.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Apple Butter 9-7-14

So many things just disappeared

forever with my mother.

Mom's apple butter's almost gone

and there won't be another.

But I can taste it.  Sure, I can!
It's not like any other.
Except for grandma, no one made it
quite as good as mother.

But now a silence fills her room.

Oh, how can I rejoice -

with not a hymn to listen to

nor her familiar voice?

All gone, her clothes and furniture.

No fragrance greets my nose.

No flower pots or nature's bloom.

At last, her door I close.

I close it on so many things

I'll never again see.

And apple butter, now all gone,

is just a memory...
So I sit back and close my eyes
here in my fav'rite chair -
where I can see her making more,
more apple butter there...

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Meant To Be (song lyrics) 8-26-14

(lyrics set to Hymn To Hope)

Selfish, was I?

I want-ed my own way.

and wanted it - to stay, that, way,

so I could life - enjoy...

But then the skies - poured - down -

and threw me to - the, mud-dy, ground

so then I tried - to run and hide

where I could not be - found.

Again - the skies - poured - down

and threw me to the muddy ground

so there, I - stayed, and prayed  

where sin could not - destroy. 

--- (short interlude / change of key)

Selfish?

I tried to close my eyes.

No matter how I tried and tried,

I couldn't hold my cries...

Selfish, was I?  Oh, why -

I shut, so tight, my wear-y - eyes.

No matter how I tried - and tried

I could-n't - hold my cries.

The tears - poured out - of - me

My life was blurred.  I could-n't see

the words my mother spoke -

that pain was meant to be.

The tears poured out - of - me.

My heart was blurred.  I could-n't see -

the cross where Jesus died -

(fade) that love was meant to - be...

(continue fade) ...that love was meant to be...

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Two Special Plaques 8-24-14

(A true story as told to me by my Aunt Luella at North Clayton, WI

until they (my mom, aunts and uncles) moved from the house on 3-1-1937)

The wind blew high, our barnyard dirt,

so cleaning was a must -

but after chores and after we

were cleaned of country dust.

Our farm house was quite simple and

our painted walls were bare -

except for those two special plaques

I still remember there.

The Ten Commandments took its place
above the other one.
It hung on wall with window and
it shared the setting sun.
I thought about their meanings each,
the words and every line -
and read and reread many times -
up through the age of nine.
Though we had moved, those words sunk in
I saw there on the wall,
with no TV or radio,
I'd memorized them all.

The second plaque, just seven words.

No picture or a frame.

But I remember to this day,

its message still the same.

It hung below the other there

and it, I too, still see.

Embossed down deep within my soul

its words still follow me.

Oh, "not My will but Thine be done."

So powerful the thought -

if Christ could give His very life

then I'd do what I ought.

I often looked at those two plaques.

What else was there to do?

I'm pleased to have remembered them

to share them now with you.

Our farm house was quite simple and

our painted walls were bare -

except for those two special plaques

I still remember there.

©2014 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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New Life Begins 8-21-14

Among bright bloom,

among good friends,

among our thoughts,

new life begins...

...begins with hope,

...begins with Thee,

...begins with grace,

eternally.

From breath of birth to end of day,

Come, Jesus, come -

and come what may.

The sun moves quickly through the sky.

Come, Jesus, come -

for we know why.

As brightness dims and all seems lost -

Come, Jesus, Come -

two timbers crossed.

It dims, the more and death we face.

Come, Jesus, Come -

You offer grace.

Repentance peaks as darkness looms.

Come, Jesus, Come -

Forgiveness blooms.

The sun surrenders to the west.

Come, Jesus, Come -

when laid to rest.

But Heaven calls bright morning sun-

Come, Jesus, Come -

to live as one.

Among bright bloom,

among good friends,

among our thoughts,

new life begins...

...begins with hope,

...begins with Thee,

...begins with grace,

eternally.

©2014 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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