BEHOLD! 12-30-05

All was still - and all was silent, pre dawn's dark was as a death.
In my walk I mumbled harshly, under each and every breath.
As I strolled along the pathway, stopping here and there to rest,
not a bird had started singing from inside their comfy nest.

Flowers bloom was ever hiding, from the darkness and its bath.
There was not a single color, from along my darkened path.
Then above the great horizon, sprang a special sort of hue,
as the dawn of day approached, and the sky began to blue.

As one bird began it’s singing, from behind its hidden nest,
a chorus grew in sounds behind the one that sang the best.
Lights turned on in several houses. Many lives began to buzz.
They ran around in circles, why? I guess - was just because...

Brightness chased away the darkness - began to show beyond the blue,
pushing light up ever higher on a world without a clue.
As my walk continued forward - busy ones, their beds would make.
A baby cried out in the distance - many roads, they all would take.

Then the round orange glow of sunshine began it’s mighty crest.
Colors shone in light around it - was like Heaven's colored vest.
Along the path, the flowers opened, revealing one big merry fest.
Colors bloomed in all their brilliance. I became their special guest.

Brightness poured then - all about me, and God showed His special Son.
The Light of truth was just too bright - oh, my God - what had I done?
Then I turned my eyes to Heaven - saw the Son who had to pay,
and behold, that dawning sunshine, shone so bright on me that day!

All is still and all is silent. There is no yesterday.
In my walk - I praise Him softly - as I go my merry way.
Life grows so, so very special, as the years all come and go,
as His Son, in all His brilliance, passes on His very glow.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
11You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.

Everything is Possible! 12-28-05

How can I define a tune, to all the deaf on earth?
Or find the nearest ocean, and walk its total girth?
Or explain a rainbow's color, to someone blind from birth?
Or begin to taste the smallest crumb of Gods tremendous worth?

Can I play ALL the instruments, and call myself a band?
Or count each and every grain, on a beach of endless sand?
Ah, paint a rainbow in the sky? I'll never understand,
But everything is possible, for a loving, nail-scarred hand.

God can shake the mountains, and throw them to the sea!
God can rule the wind to stop, or hurl it endlessly!
It's nothing for an awesome God, that used a simple tree,
And gave His Son - so we could live - with Him, eternally!

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

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Matthew 19:26 (NASB)
26And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."

In Full Control 12-21-05

My knowledge is complete, with educated bliss,
and the only thing I'm missing is humbleness, I guess.
I stand tall with shoulders back - my pride is mine to feel!
My countenance shines bright! My arrogance is real!

I scaled the steepest mountain - and clasped my hands up high!
And then - as if it gloated, a cloud went floating by....
I sent across the ocean, a boat that ran full clip -
but then it kissed an iceberg, and sank the mighty ship.

Then in boastful bragging, I send a plane up high.
It isn’t my malfunction, when many hundred die.
I dive for buried treasure, in ocean's deepest depth,
but yet on solid footing, I sometimes lose my step.

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Don't pull us off our pedestals, there’s more, which we can do -
and don't tell the world that we're a fake - they haven't any clue!
Now hurricanes are mighty winds! How can we slow them down?
In fact, it's even hard to calm - a breeze from making sound.

Volcanoes? Those we cannot cap, nor stop hot lava's flow,
Do we look a bit dumbfounded now - lying here below?
An ocean's wave we cannot rule, and floods we'll never stop,
even though it's just plain water - each a tiny, little drop.

Earthquakes topple buildings. They change things in a day,
and then when it's all finished - there is nothing more to say.
Earthquakes, floods and hurricanes - they always seem to know -
that God is way above the earth. It’s us who’s here below.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Isaiah 2:11 (NASB)
11The proud look of man will be abased And the loftiness of man will be humbled, And the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.

Sounds of a Snowflake 12-20-05

A children’s poem with a message for all…

Shhh! Little children. Gather 'round,
Hear the raindrops falling down?
Watch and listen, hear the sound?
-That pitter, patter all around?

However, should the moisture freeze,
Before it falls into the breeze;
And blows around your little feet,
You'll never know which ones will meet.

Stand real still and do not meddle,
Can you hear the snowflakes settle?
No you can't - and why's it so?
Where does the sound of a snowflake go?

They gather here, they gather there,
Each one different - no matching pair.
They settle in - as a marching band,
Yet quietly, contour the land.

We're all like snowflakes, each our own,
Some are small - some overgrown.
Under a heavy blanket of snow,
You'll find me there - somewhere below....

I'm but just one of many more.
I’m helping hold - the upper floor.
Let others bask out in the sun,
Get tossed around in wind with fun.

For I may not be king or queen,
Always heard - and always seen.
It's all okay.... I am content,
The rest can fight and circumvent.

But if you know, just what you'll be,
It matters not to an angry sea;
Go if you want and make some noise,
But remember this, you girls and boys:

Some climb the biggest, highest tree,
And yell out orders breathlessly;
But in the end, it's not to be.
It's all a waste – futility!

It's not the din we make at birth,
That gives us special rights on earth;
It's not about the clothes we wear,
Or the gossip we might share.

It's not about the ground we tilled,
Nor all about the wealth we build;
It's really what you leave behind,
And whether you were fair and kind.

Eventually, the warm wind breaks,
And melts the coldest, biggest flakes;
They travel ditches - travel streams,
Travel creeks - with no more dreams.

Most will melt - in torrents roar,
And while they melt, they're wanting more;
It's really all, just up to you,
Who you'll be, and what you'll do.

But don't take Satan's awful blow,
When life is over and the rapids flow;
Screaming in anxious, helpless woe, because -
That's where the sounds of a snowflake go.

Did we exist? Will history show?
Who we were - or where we'd go?
It matters not, to me, you see,
For I have God - eternity.

Content and peaceful you will be,
-If you're a snowflake just like me.
Before I see that pearly gate,
It's me, who'll quietly evaporate.

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

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James 4:14 (NASB)
14Yet you do not know what your life will be like tomorrow. You are just a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away.

Decisions, Decisions 12-20-05

Some decisions in my life are easy - black and white.
It doesn't take much to compare the sun from the black night.

I know what’s light and heavy. I know what’s short and long.
I know what’s hot and cold - but do I always know what's wrong?

Sometimes it seems impossible in life's big, endless fight;
and sometimes still, I ask myself, should I turn left or to my right?

Problems fill my mixed up head. My decisions seem so frail;
and sometimes I can do what's right - but often times I fail.

If the road we're on is winding, and leads back to you or me;
it's time we fully understand that it's all futility.

And if that isn't bad enough, Satan pulls our bending ear;
tells us what to do and think, makes us want and makes us fear.

He claims the world and all unrest, all hate and greed abound.
Sometimes it makes me wonder - if God is still around.

Not looking to the one, true God - that I hide on a shelf;
it's then my faith is failing – looking only to myself.

It’s also when I am most troubled. Nothing lights my way;
nor is there much that I can do, except to humbly pray.

So when I have no place to turn, surrounded by the sea;
I reach my hands to heaven, and grasp the golden key!

God will always tell me - and deep inside I know -
that I'm my biggest problem as I'm tossed to and fro.

So when I know not where to turn - from sin and shame I flee;
it's then that I can see the light, and follow faithfully.

For faithfully, His still, small voice, is now my every clue;
so I don’t focus on this earth, but out beyond the blue.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Isaiah 11:3-5 (NASB)
3And He will delight in the fear of the LORD, And He will not judge by what His eyes see, Nor make a decision by what His ears hear; 4But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked. 5Also righteousness will be the belt about His loins, And faithfulness the belt about His waist.

IF GOD CAN USE... 12-8-05

If God can use an old, old man, (Gen 6)
and send the rain for a month, He can;
then God can use animals, in pairs obey,
and follow Noah to the ark that day.

If God can use flooding on the earth, (Gen 7)
and lift the Ark with all it's worth;
then God can expose a little branch,
and promise us, our little ranch.

If God can use a little dove, (Gen 8)
and bring it back with all His love;
then God can use a passing cloud,
that shout with rainbows, right out loud.

If God can use an angry sea, (Matt 8)
to toss disciples helplessly;
then God can use just one command,
calm all the seas - to solid land.

If God can use a little child, (John 6)
for a growing crowd that's getting wild;
then God can use some fish and bread,
hungry souls, and thousands fed.

If God can use an empty tomb, (John 20)
a virgin Mary - an empty womb;
then God can use a little shed,
and just a manger for a bed;

If God can use a crown of thorn, (Matt 27)
and a veil - top to bottom torn;
then God can use the quaking earth,
and thundering skies for our new birth.

If God can use a final breath, (Matt 27)
a shortened life, a cruel death;
then God can use a borrowed grave,
a missing stone, an empty cave.

If God can use the loss of sight, (Acts 9)
for Saul, the man who loved to fight;
then God can use some simple prayers,
sending messengers - proof He cares.

If God can use the blind from birth, (John 9)
and a little dust from His big earth;
then God can use what's always right,
and asks of us, our focused sight.

If God sends demons into swine, (Matt 8)
and uses water - to make wine; (John 2)
then patient, loving He must be,
to use a sinner, saved - like me.

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

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Psalm 66:16 (NASB)
16Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul.

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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