Gander Poetry ~

The Little Kitten 1-19-12

2012-01-19T07:14:00.000-08:00

A tiny little kitten

whose feet were very sore,

wandered through the drifting snow

and right up to my door.

The weak meowing stirred me,

and drew me when she cried.

I crossed my room with aging feet,

inviting her inside.

She shivered and was hungry,

was frightened, very weak.

Confused, she wasn't trusting,

her future somewhat bleak.

Now even though I loved her,

I saw a troubled sign.

I thought about it for a bit -

compared her life to mine...

As she warmed up to me a bit,

I let her eat and rest -

but ran, she did, if I came close -

afraid of me, I guessed.

Now I was like that kitten,

and it became quite clear -

that I was frightened, ran away,

when Jesus got too near.

Then as the days kept rolling by,

she finally did prefer -

to be around and close to me.

She knew that I loved her.

Before I learned that God so loved,

my life was very grim.

And though He loved me very much,

I had no faith in Him.

Knowing that I love her so

and take good care of her -

knowing that I listen when

I hear her prayerful purr -

defines a word called "faithfulness",

defines a true belief -

not wandering out aimlessly

in blowing snow and grief.

So now you'll find her in my lap,

a tiny ball of fuzz -

but she had taught me faithfulness.

I know it's true because -

I once roamed like this kitten,

where snow and drifting harms,

but now I lie in pastures green -

with Jesus, in His arms.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Simple Frame 1-10-12

2012-01-10T12:05:00.000-08:00

With Christmas season over,

and presents put away -

with most the decorations packed...

what's wrong with life today?

My dead tree still is standing -

that I have yet to cast -

but cannot help but wonder -

has Christmas spirit passed?

That single, empty, simple frame,

is dead inside and out -

and seems to cloak the truth of what

pure 'Christmas' is about.

Although some evidence remains

with dead tree standing there,

needles scattered on the floor...

there's something in the air.

There's something that I'm missing.

There's something not routine -

and somewhere in this old dead tree -

there's something I've not seen.

Could I derive from hint and clue

if pieced, I could, together -

in my head, I wonder if -

I wonder - wonder whether...

My tree once held the ornaments...

Another held a Man!

And long before mere presents came,

the gift of grace began!

A simple frame against the sky

in perfect silhouette -

a couple thousand years ago -

if we can see it yet...

see, by Jesus' sacrifice -

that all God's grace is free -

if we confess and humbly trust,

our Savior faithfully!

Last Christmas never ended,

as I walk along life's way -

I will forever, always

live Christmas every day!

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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Sunday School Lessons 12-31-11

2011-12-31T02:45:00.000-08:00

We walked to school each Sunday morn.

Those unique belfry chimes,

rang old familiar gospel hymns

we sang so many times.

In full respect, wore Sunday best,

the women, fancy hats.

The preacher sounded serious -

then after church, the chats.

I never understood it then,

the meaning never came -

but now I fully comprehend

and nothing is the same.

There's reason in my conscience.

It's true - all I was taught.

There's purpose in my actions,

and good in every thought.

God alone receives my faith.

I hold within the ranks.

I wear Salvations armor

and win, though Satan flanks.

He tries to interrupt me,

deceive and lead astray -

telling me that life is good -

to live it my own way.

But life is just a vapor

that hovers near the ground -

that dissipates so slowly,

until we're not around -

when one day we are breathless,

and blood no longer flows -

when warmth escapes the body,

and with it, soul goes.

Those times I went to Sunday School,

have taught me very well.

I pray for Godly wisdom so,

that I, in turn, can tell -

others who are hurting,

with pain within their face -

those also needing Jesus

and everlasting grace.

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Jesus 12-22-11

2011-12-22T03:12:00.000-08:00

To the tune of:

"It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like Christmas"

It's beginning to look a lot like JESUS,
everywhere I go.
I still look at the virgin birth. Knowing Him here on earth -
still warms my heart and makes my spirit glow.
It's beginning to look a lot like JESUS,
miracles in store -
but the prettiest sight I'll see
is the baby that will be -
who I can't ignore.

A cross with no handles, with no pair of sandals,
He carried it right up until -
our actions horrendous with weight so tremendous -
He fell halfway up the hill.
The soldier men so full of sin, just wanted to torture and kill.

It's beginning to look a lot like JESUS,
faithful as before -
and we Christians must always be, like the Jesus that we see -
through a world at war...

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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So Far To Go 11-27-11

2011-11-27T15:41:00.000-08:00

The year, I'm told, is eighteen-ten.

The weather's dry and hot.

I 'reckon dad knows where to go.

The horses do not trot.

We're tired and very thirsty,

with rations, water low.

The wagon trails' a long one and,

we have so far to go.

The wagon cover's full of holes

and leaks each time it rains.

The mud strains both the horses.

Our perseverance wanes.

But persevere, we can and must.

That's what mere patience proves -

while breathing in the trail dust

behind the horses hooves.

Supplies? ...almost depleted.

Before I go to sleep,

I lay awake, my stomach hurts,

I hear my mother weep.

The bread, she trims the mold from -

it helps my hunger pangs.

A line is stretched above my head.

Our dripping laundry hangs.

I'm not the wisest western child

I don't know very much.

I'm not quite sure how 'blessings' work,

and 'thankfulness' and such.

But Jesus, we are so obliged -

for shoes that fit our feet,

safety from the wolves and snakes,

and berries we can eat.

I'm sorry that I think of corn,

potatoes, peas or fish -

but if I lived in different times,

or place - that'd be my wish.

I'd eat just like a gentleman.

I'd eat my last string bean.

I'd eat what others did not want -

then lick their dishes clean.

Sometimes... my mom, I'll see a tear.

She hides it pretty good.

But Jesus, I know mother -

she'd help me if she could.

She stays up nights when I am sick.

I hear her prayers to You.

She shows her love to everyone

and knows just what to do.

So answer, Jesus, my small prayer...

I ask it for our Nation -

that it would always thankful be -

bent not unto temptation.

I wonder if Americans

will ever truly know -

this wagon trails' a long one and,

we have so far to go.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Magic? 11-22-11

2011-11-22T02:50:00.000-08:00

Please God, won't You listen,
to my most desperate need -
without Your final remedy,
to rid myself of greed?

I want a magic potion,
or one fantastic pill -
that gives me everything I want -
good health, success, a thrill.

Go look inside your magic hat.
What goodies are inside?
I know all things are possible,
so please let me decide...

Then let me win the lotto.
I've only just begun -
to think of great things I could do
for each poor, needy one.

I'm not a little, selfish child -
but want You to respond,
to help me fix my problems with,
Your great and magic wand.

I promise that I'll listen.
I promise to obey -
if only You would wave Your wand
to take my ills away...

---

Satanic hero-worship,
brainwashing little ones -
witchcraft spells and sorcery
beget the anger, guns.

Palm readings, stars and tarot cards,
or mystic crystal balls -
God but hears a 'song and dance'
each time the sinner calls.

We want for easy answers,
we grasp at every straw,
we wish for all our heart's desire -
but need our hearts to thaw.

When cities lay in ruin -
when we are all in tatters -
when hope hangs by a single thread -
then only God still matters.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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This Single Tree 11-17-11

2011-11-17T02:25:00.000-08:00

I want to change the whole wide world

and show God's loving touch.

I know the great commission.

I want to do so much...

---

A brilliant yellow daffodil -

with color bright and full...

but how, if I have never seen -

can know how beautiful?

A peach - so juicy, succulent -

with taste that I can savor...

but how, if I have never ate -

can know its unique flavor?

A sonata in D-minor -

with music so profound...

but how, if I have never heard -

can truly know its sound?

Jesus - so perfect, wonderful -

who loves me without end...

but how, if I so stingy loved -

can know Him as a friend?

If head, I pull, from clouds above,

one day I'll understand -

this world is like a forest and,

this tree, just like a man.

Proclaim, I how, God's love to all -

and in the forest be -

when I know not the blessing 'cause

I stand in way of me?

---

Indeed, I want to change the world,

and show God's loving touch.

But change, I how, the forest when -

this single tree's too much?

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Log Cabin Christmas 11-11-11

2011-11-11T04:04:00.001-08:00

You ask about this picture

that hangs here on my wall?

Many thoughts come to my mind.

I can't recall them all.

It's of our old log cabin

that stood along a stream -

nestled in a heavy woods

with weather most extreme.

The summer heat, unbearable,

preceded autumn hues -

and winter brought the heavy snow

which drooped the many yews.

Our hard work filled the wood box.

Much colder times, there'd be.

I'd follow dad's familiar tracks -

to seek a Christmas tree.

A chair set by the window,

sat I, upon the chair -

peering down our old dirt road

with grandpa not yet there.

The sunrise and the sunset

was all the clock we had -

so hours I would be on watch

with brother, mom and dad.

So patiently the snowfall

would cling to window sill.

Serene and quiet were those days -

snow blanketing each hill.

Then at last his carriage came,

bouncing up the drive.

Anticipation answered,

and Christmas came alive.

The planks beneath dad's footsteps

sounded from the floor.

He gave a pat as he walked by,

then answered our front door.

The gift that I received that day

came in a homemade box.

I opened it and once again -

long underwear and socks.

Toys were quite a rarity.

I thought it not unfair -

for on those chilly winter nights,

I didn't really care.

The fire dancing in the hearth

was better than fine art -

and love was not for brand new toys -

but rather from the heart.

The inconvenient hardships

were really not so bad.

Grandpa and my family,

were really all I had.

Sunday was our day of rest

that I enjoyed the most -

when father parked our wagon near

the church's hitching post.

Patience filled our earnest souls,

charity, the mind -

and my most precious presents now,

are memories, every kind.

We bore so many crosses

with work and suffering -

but they bound us together and,

I wouldn't change a thing.

If now an opportunity

brought back 'the good old days',

I'd trade todays conveniences

for more rewarding ways.

I don't regret my childhood.

I would not trade the years.

Now please, you must forgive me for

my sentimental tears...

Oh goodness, my - how time does fly!

It's almost half-past seven!

But stories more, you'll hear some day

when we meet up in Heaven.

So that's my picture on my wall,

reminding me of Christmas -

a world of true tranquility -

where I found love for Jesus.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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When Time Has Come 11-10-11

2011-11-10T03:02:00.001-08:00

Our Father in Heaven, please hear this prayer,

and let each and every special child know we care.

There's often things they can't explain or even share,

but let these children know that You are always there.

Hope.

And comfort them in knowing, that I am with them too -

to understand the problems they all are going through.

And if, by chance, there's something more that You can do,

then let that great and special miracle rain down from You.

Grace.

Your Word proves that You love the very 'least of these',

so send - if it's Your will - just one more miracle please.

We need Your love to comfort like a gentle breeze -

to take away their pain and cure this bad disease.

Love.

You know the special care that we are speaking of -

and know if You are willing there from up above -

will let us see Your healing as a snow-white dove,

descending down from Heaven from our 'God of Love'.

Faith.

Thank you for all blessings that You've ever given.

We've ignored them not, nor have we forgotten.

And forgiven too, our enemies - seventy times seven -

and ready for a journey, to a perfect land called Heaven.

In perfect peace, Amen.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Letter To Mommy 11-6-11

2011-11-05T22:07:00.001-07:00

Dear Mommy,

did I let you down?

Please mommy - tell me how.

I never tried to make mistakes,

Please tell me mommy - now.

I never caused an accident,

or broke your favorite vase,

or spilled my milk at dinner time,

or made a naughty face.

So mommy, were you mad at me?

I'd really like to know...

And yes, indeed, I kicked a bit -

but hardly hurt you so.

At meal time, I never whined.

I ate all I was given.

And though you mentioned God a lot,

I'm sure you were forgiven.

I hope I never hurt you -

if so, forgive me please.

Tell me - was I really loved?

I was the least of these.

At first, I was a bit confused -

but now my thoughts are sorted.

...Mommy, I'd have hugged you if,

I hadn't been aborted.

I would have kissed you on the cheek,

We could have laughed and smiled -

but none of these are mem'ries now...

except for one,

-Your child.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Moon 10-30-11

2011-10-30T11:32:00.001-07:00

I look up to the Heavens,

this clear and starry night.

Though I am insignificant,

the moon is quite a sight.

I think I'd like to be the moon,

for it is often seen -

shining high above the earth,

with purpose in-between.

I wouldn't miss a single night,

so I could catch the gaze -

of every person of the earth,

that sees my every phase.

It wouldn't matter if some laughed

or poked me full of holes -

for craters, I'd already have.

No one could quash my goals...

I'd have one single, special goal -

it's here for what it's worth:

"to reflect love from God's own Son,

to all down here on earth."

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Door, The 10-30-11

2011-10-30T06:24:00.001-07:00

Oh Lord,

There's a door that most mankind will never find -

a special door that opens like no other kind.

So many do not realize their whole life through,

that it's a door that stands between both them and You.

But Lord, there's hope!

It only takes a single ear to hear Your knock,

and takes - but a simple key - to turn the lock,

but many are too fearful so they run and hide,

and they insist on wearing their most selfish pride.

And Lord, it pains.

It pains whenever I hold my 'someone' dear,

but then they turn away with their most selfish ear.

It hurts, although I ask in earnest prayer and try -

until my heart grows dim with no more tears to cry.

Oh Lord, it hurts!

Our problems, whether great or small, You diagnose -

as You're the One who holds the troubled sparrow close.

Though once my tears were heavy and had wet the floor,

You hold my pool of tears and comfort me once more.

My Lord, that's love!

Allow both faith and knowledge of my Savior grow,

inside my precious loved ones so that they will know -

our special Savior holds the truth that He demands -

in love that's cupped inside both of His nail-scarred hands.

So Lord, grant faith!

I know enduring grace is here for all to see,

for others, on their deathbeds, who are just like me -

so if You could, please answer my most special prayer -

so You will always keep my children in Your care.

Dear Lord, in grace.

For You had showed humility there on the cross,

now show them great futility in pleasure's loss.

Show Your loving hands and feet - then show them more -

to help them find the faith to open their heart's door!

Please Lord! Amen.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Mosquitoes 10-30-11

2011-10-30T03:49:00.001-07:00

On a lesson-learning evening,

about a'half-past nine -

some pesky small mosquitoes,

wanted quick, to dine.

But trapped, they were, within a space,

between the screen and glass -

imprisoned in their little world

from which they could not pass.

Against the screen, I could have heard

a tiny little thud -

but safely I, on other side,

kept every drop of blood.

My world was way off limits,

and I, they could not bite.

The only thing that they could do?

Take wing in futile flight.

Continuing in vain attempts,

they tried and tried and tried.

But in the end they shriveled up,

breathed their last, and died.

This poem's end? No, it is not -

for God had sent His Son -

and placed Him too, in our small world -

a sacrifice of 'one'.

We're not a'one bit different,

for we are just like those -

who found a Man in our own world

and 'ate' Him like mosquitoes.

Don't let confusion linger,

or lack of understanding -

for 'blood' was the whole subject on,

this lesson-learning evening.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Terror and Blessings 10-29-11

2011-10-29T19:12:00.001-07:00

Terror on the rampage,

terror in the sky,

terror in the cities,

terror by and by -

with no concern and no remorse

with cold and callous sigh -

enjoyment from the children with

their most despondent cry.

Death is by the devil,

where hate and anger lie,

terrorizing innocent,

until they see them die.

Blessings by the number,

blessings by the score,

blessings from the Heavens,

blessings that outpour -

to each of God's creation,

yet then He gave us more -

a Son who came to save the lost,

with crown of thorns He wore.

With nails in His hands and feet,

from terrors' angry roar.

The greatest of all blessings,

though terror wanted more.

Spiritual life

to terror's death...

who took dust

and gave us breath?

No matter how dumb

or how naive -

no matter what man

still wants to believe -

earth is below

and Heaven's above -

God is love.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Prayer Of Love 10-23-11

2011-10-22T21:03:00.001-07:00

Dear Lord and Savior, hear my prayer -

help me comprehend and share...

...please touch my eyes, that I might view -

in ways a blind man might see You...

...please touch my ears, that I might learn -

in ways a deaf man might discern...

...please touch my nose, that I might smell -

Your perfumes where Your flowers dwell...

...please touch my lips, so I can speak -

so bravely bold, yet also meek...

...please touch my feet, without delay -

so I can walk - what others say...

...then touch my hands, that I might show -

Your awesome works to souls below.

...and touch my heart, from there above -

so I can give, and others love.

Amen.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Speechless 10-16-11

2011-10-16T04:54:00.001-07:00

The interview was nearly done,

my destiny unknown.

I touted my accomplishments -

just God and I alone.

"Emergency." said Jesus then,

and brought a girl in.

"Suzy, she's a special one.

I wiped away her sin."

"The cancer took its toll on her

so Suzy's now with us.

There's nothing that she needs to say,

there's nothing to discuss."

Suzy had the cutest smile.

Her age was six or seven.

And Jesus held her in His arms

as we all stood in Heaven.

I saw the scars on each His hands

as He held close, her head -

His arms hugged her securely -

as He looked down and said,

"Forever, always, you will be

with me in paradise.

For God so loved your little world

and I have paid the price."

I was a bit bewildered

with all that had occurred,

for Suzy, held securely -

had never said a word.

Not one small tear was in her eye.

They showed the greatest care -

but then God turned, looked back at me,

as I stood speechless there.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)

39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

Beyond My Weathered Window 10-8-11

2011-10-08T20:44:00.001-07:00

Beyond my weathered window,

beyond my little view -

I see one from my rocker and,

I pray you see one too -

see one on each hillside,

see one on your way,

see one in each valley,

see one every day.

The moon shines on the water,

the sea reflects the light.

Boats pass through this painting,

with sails of halo white.

A sea bird glides in silhouette,

above the sails masts,

above the ropes and bollards,

as breezes travel past.

Final work arrives at dusk

before reflections cease -

on piers I've known since childhood

on this, God's masterpiece.

But few have seen this sunset,

and fewer wonder why -

God's bright and vivid colors

still wash across the sky.

And people race His colors -

oblivious and blind -

as God continues painting

so generously kind.

Wide brush strokes still continue,

with colors bold and lush.

Though 'man' has stole the meanings,

God still holds the brush.

Beyond my weathered window,

beyond my little view -

I watch Him from my rocker and,

I pray you see Him too -

see Him in the sunsets,

see Him in your prayers,

see Him in the life you live,

and see Him everywhere.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Searching? 9-3-11

2011-09-26T08:20:00.001-07:00

Searching near and searching far,

but only for the things that are,

still searching...

Searching highs and searching lows,

but only where the world goes,

still searching...

Searching for a miracle,

but only in the physical,

still searching...

Searching life more wonderful,

but not a life more meaningful,

still searching...

Searching for the real things,

but only through life's sinful stings,

still searching...

Searching for a sacrifice,

but only at a cheaper price,

still searching...

Searching for it still today,

but only for the easy way,

still searching...

Searching leaven or unleavened,

but only selfishly for Heaven,

still searching...

Searching for His Holy ground,

searching always, never found,

still searching...

Searching? We can anyplace -

but only God still offers grace.

Stop searching.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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But Have I Loved? 9-25-11

2011-09-25T04:47:00.001-07:00

I've read a Book that was read by millions.

I've seen a painting that was seen by millions.

I've sung a hymn that was sung my millions.

But have I loved?

For with LOVE comes sacrifice,

and with sacrifice comes much sorrow,

and with much sorrow comes many tears,

and with many tears comes vast emptiness,

and with vast emptiness comes more agony,

and with more agony comes horrid pain,

and with horrid pain comes suffering,

and with suffering comes a cross.

A cross that PROVES love.

PROOF through an only begotten Son -

who sacrificed,

who forgave,

who died,

who rose again,

who loves me more than ever,

who wants me to experience just one short inch in His sandals,

and take one faint breath on my humble cross,

so that I may also learn how to love.

I've not authored a book that was read by millions.

I've not painted a picture that was seen by millions.

I've not arranged a hymn that was sung my millions.

But have I Loved?

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Corinthians 13:13 (NASB)
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three;

but the greatest of these is love.

Heather 9-21-11

2011-09-21T08:27:00.001-07:00

The wedding went so perfect,

despite the plans and rush.

Her wedding gown, exquisite,

so elegant and plush.

Heather was so beautiful -

her hair, so perfect set.

And he, the perfect gentleman.

My thoughts... of when they met.

Each other, they respected.

They were the perfect pair.

And none could break these two apart -

each others lives they'd share.

They love each other deeply.

Their prayers ascend above -

Their children? Little angels!

And they have all my love.

...

But then my dream had shattered

as I lay in my bed.

I live not in a fairy tale -

but the real world instead.

My Heather had no children -

and that, I know because -

she wasn't ever married.

Her husband never was.

No, Heather had no wedding -

She never had a choice.

My Heather was aborted.

I never heard her voice.

So please allow my wisdom

for just a moment more -

I live with my decision -

a choice I so deplore.

This memory that I live with,

still pains me yet today.

A life that God created,

I chose to take away.

(written for the mother and moms who can still love their baby)

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Too Many Flowers? 9-15-11

2011-09-15T19:14:00.001-07:00

As God creates more flowers,

reflecting Heaven's love,

mere words cannot explain it all -

the beauty I speak of...

In fields of perfect flowers,

perfume and nose, we meet.

I find myself among them as

they all surround my feet.

My thoughts were drawn among them.

My eyes saw every kind.

Now vivid colors capture me

like photos in my mind.

I spy a single flower.

I take a closer peek.

I find that every flower here

is special and unique.

I turn around to walk away.

I'm torn at what I see.

I've stepped on many flowers and

they will no longer be.

No longer to be cherished,

no longer to be smelled,

no longer to be photographed,

no longer to be held.

Again I spy a single one -

this trampled one instead.

I know that it will always be -

forever lost and dead.

But I excused my clumsy feet

which trampled every kind -

Oh, how could I avoid them all -

with all that's on my mind?

Are there too many flowers?

Are those I trampled missed?

Are there too many babies?

Are those aborted kissed?

As God creates more flowers,

reflecting Heaven's love,

mere words cannot explain it all -

the beauty I speak of...

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Genesis 1:1 (KJV)

"In the beginning, God created..."

Pauper, King or I 9-14-11

2011-09-14T07:56:00.001-07:00

From New York, Cairo or Beijing,

and whether pauper, me or king -

You can find us when we're lost -

and You don't charge - there is no cost.

I cannot look You in the eye -

for oh, so little faith, have I.

All jumbled with mistakes today,

I struggle for some words to say.

The paupers beg and get their bread -

their stomachs speak until their fed.

The servants jump when their king calls

as his word echoes through the halls.

Yes, paupers beg and Kings decree -

but who can hear my words, but me?

I'm so confused and so resigned -

Your answers, I can't seem to find.

I try to listen with both ears,

pray Your answers calm my fears.

I need Your wisdom, need Your aid,

I'm so distraught and so afraid.

I stumble through life's desert sand -

that's dry and hot. Please hold my hand.

My life is mixed up, a montage -

is this a dream, a mere mirage?

I wait for Your most tender tug.

I need a special, loving hug.

Though even with a sincere kiss,

I yet again would fall amiss.

Although I study, work and learn -

I really have no place to turn.

So stumble I, the narrow, straight,

until arriving at Your gate.

Your grace has triumphed over foe,

and why You listened, I don't know -

for You have seen the way I live,

so why, Lord, do you still forgive?

---

What 'lot' in life that we are giv'n,
matters not with grace from Heaven -
so whether pauper, king or I -
"For God so loved..." and that is why.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 3:16 (KJV)

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.

His Painting 9-5-11

2011-09-04T21:39:00.001-07:00

Alone, the sun rises

over people unknown.

Although they ignore it,

its sunlight is thrown,

over the river and

through the faint fog,

like lone little flowers

on top a dead log,

growing so freely,

so gentle, so bright -

as God's great creation

is seen from His light.

Some hovering noises

seem somewhat bizarre,

trespassing nature

in places afar -

while God, the Great Artist
keeps painting His way -

another day passes

just like yesterday.

A bright colored sunset

surrounds a lone loon.

Reflected on water

His bright crescent moon.

Now stars hold God's canvas

while brush strokes so grand,

paint vivid colors

with love's perfect hand.

And God - although we

cannot even imagine -

prepares us a place, in

His painting called 'Heaven'.

So things we see here

will seem dreary and gray,

compared to this painting
that'll 'blow us away'!

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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John 14:2 (KJV)

In my Father's house are many mansions:

if it were not so, I would have told you.

I go to prepare a place for you.

Hands 8-18-11

2011-08-18T19:30:00.001-07:00

Selfish hands and idle hands

are rotten to the core.

Loving hands and humble hands -

are needed even more.

Not famous hands or jealous hands -

but hands that do God's will.

Eager hands and fearless hands -

enduring hands as well.

Patient and obedient,

or busy as a bee -

clammy too or clumsy,

or unknown they may be.

Feeble hands or age old hands,

or hands that hug a lot -

rugged hands or wrinkled hands,

great many hands or not.

All hands on deck - please listen,

and every faithful hand -

as we go into this dark world

and visit every land.

Share the never failing hands -

His hands - as He prevails.

His hands, that carry us away,

are hands that held the nails.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Old Tattered Book 8-16-11

2011-08-18T12:33:00.001-07:00

It always has been with me.

The Good Book, it is not.

My book is old and tattered,

and its been read a lot.

I'm very much familiar with

this ragged, weathered book -

I'll hide it not from you because,

I know you'll want to look.

My life is like an open book,

and here for all to see.

Interpret every facet there,

or read it differently.

Folks from different walks of life

have formulated ways -

to gather vast opinions and -

to scrutinize my days.

Now you may disagree with them,

or you might fall in line -

with those who do the gossiping,

and group me with the swine.

I see my 'dog-eared' corners,

the grime and stains throughout.

Forget, I would, some pages -

if I could tear them out -

because I'm very much ashamed

of sinful burdens there -

of sins that I cannot forget -

that Jesus had to bear.

And guilt, at times, still haunts me,

and though forgiveness cures,

I'm very glad you've read my book.

Now take a look at yours.

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 7:3 (NASB)
Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye,

but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?

Commonality 8-14-11

2011-08-14T04:21:00.001-07:00

Everything in this whole world
has one great flaw in common.

Large, small, very light, or

heavier than a ton.

Some are solid, others not,

and some we hear a lot,

some are just a vision,

while others, cold or hot.

Coffee smells, alarm clocks,

computers, highway signs -

family, long vacations -

schedules, meetings, deadlines.

Tell me, what's in common here -

say, what could it be?

Cookie jars to fancy cars,

curved rainbows, scenery...

And there are many other things,

too numerous to list -

scary masks of Halloween,

to pretty morning mists.

Just ponder for a minute

the commonality -

and what effect these things have had

to others, you and me.

Just think for just a minute,

on all these things I list -

and all else you can think of -

and all else that I've missed...

So try, you just might find it -

if not, reread again -

for every thing is common here

for children, women, men.

Now if you have not found it yet,

the answer, if you care -

is that they steal attention and -

take time away from prayer...

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Tender Tears 8-8-11

2011-08-08T05:15:00.001-07:00

Be positive and confident,

and joyous all the while -

and you can be a great success

while wearing your great smile.

Success will bring you riches,

such fun, excitement too -

so do not let this world slip by -

revolve it around you.

Oh, there will be some hurting -

a child without his dad -

and though he may shed many tears

don't let him make you sad.

Just keep on smiling broadly,

and remember, others can -

show their deep compassion.

Don't interrupt your plan.

There's way too many people -

and all, you cannot do -

and after all - it's when you smile,

the world will smile with you.

Spread laughter, joy into this world -

put smiles on all the poor -

and if you still feel guilty,

donate a little more.

Ignore the child crying,

ignore her ragged clothes,

ignore the troubles, not your own

for it is how life goes.

Crack a joke on your success,

and brag on all you gave.

Jest and smile and live it up!

Die laughing to the grave...

And then, when you see Jesus,
and your world disappears -
will you get Him to laugh with you
behind His tender tears?

One Not Worthy 8-5-11

2011-08-05T06:19:00.002-07:00

If I was Jesus, could I take -

the blame that wasn't my mistake?

If I was Jesus, could I hear -

the name 'Barabbas' in my ear?

If I was Jesus, could I see -

the multitudes surrounding me?

If I was Jesus, could I wear -

a crown of thorns set on my hair?

If I was Jesus, could I feel -

the rugged nails through hand and heel?

If I was Jesus, could I smell -

the stench of sweat and blood that fell?

If I was Jesus, could I taste -

when sour wine on lips was placed?

If I was Jesus, could I give -

could I be strong, could I forgive?

If I was Jesus, could I die -

for one not worthy, such as I?

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Fragile Fog 8-3-11

2011-08-03T04:23:00.002-07:00

Dawn breaks clear and breeze begins -

leans the many grasses -

rolling knolls, valleys green -

moving, it amasses -

moisture up from silent pond,

a vapor freely born -

confusing fogs of dampness, there's -

another one to warn -

of world's prideful ignorance,

of want and selfish greed.

Another one oblivious

to warnings he should heed.

Slow and patient hovering,

brings truth so plain to see -

but blindness seizes evil hearts

and there will never be -

changes to the inner soul

that lingers ever past.

Then fades away, the temperate fog -

as time has fleeted fast.

God creates, then man destroys

a life, so visible -

but Jesus comes to heal the sick,

the body, spiritual.

Jesus given for our souls,

our Father still awaits -

while life is like the fragile fog

which quickly dissipates.

Earth, or all eternity -
two choices we must weigh -
before the fog has lifted and
life vanishes away.

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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James 4:14 (NASB)
Yet 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.

Plant The Seed 7-28-11

2011-07-28T17:52:00.002-07:00

Some smoking cigs,
and drinking beer -
or walking streets
in total fear.

Some loving fights,
or reading smut -
some overweight
in gambling rut.

Some driving drunk
and smoking crack -
small screaming kids,
good morals lack.

A land of grace,
in land of sin?
Please let me know
what world I'm in.

Now up-side-down
this world is not -
so say the folks,
who have a lot.

But God still knows
the evil heart -
each evil soul,
that falls apart.

And die, they will,
so 'drunk in rum'.
I wish it not,
but day will come.

And come it will,
when all time stops -
when wrath begins
and ruling drops.

Death eternal.
Life eternal.
God external,
or internal?

So hate the sin
but love the man.
Let's plant the seed.
You know we can!

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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Touched? 7-26-11

2011-07-26T20:46:00.001-07:00

When all goes well, you do not call,

you do not whisper prayers at all.

but when you're sick or feeling bad,

I hear a prayer that makes Me sad.

You pray that I should comfort you,

and tell Me all that I should do -

but then when you are well again,

your prayers are empty, hollow, thin.

So where's your trust when you are well?

I need your faith so I can tell -

you're not a fake or hypocrite,

but sincere friend who can commit.

Commit to church, commit to Me,

commit to friends and family.

Until that day, you're torn apart,

torn in two, straight through your heart.

So pray when things are going grand

so I can tell right where you stand.

Not lukewarm, but hot or cold -

for lukewarm souls, I will not hold.

For I so love this world too -

the worst of men, including you.

I will save you from your sin -

but you must first, invite Me in.

So patiently, at your hearts door,

I stand and knock to offer more.

For from this world, you'll soon depart,

so let me touch your broken heart.

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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When Jesus Holds 7-16-11

2011-07-16T21:10:00.002-07:00