Beyond All Chalk 9-15-09

At a campsite recently,
from river to the sky,
we both enjoyed creation,
just my girl and I.

At rivers edge, my baby girl -
can Jesus understand?
Yes, He knows our circumstance
as we stand hand in hand.

Right there along this river
that flows along the shore.
It carries every burden
as we feel something more.

The water flows so gently -
the grasses lush and green -
the birds take full advantage
of God's tremendous scene.

While some trees upward tower,
a few are very small -
but here they live together
and there is room for all.

A hint of truth we notice
from glitters off the waves -
and there beyond the twilight
we know that Jesus saves.

A cool breeze enfolds us -
nearby flowers we can smell.
Except for God's begotten Son,
Wendy's very special.

There's no one who is greater
than this, my little one -
for she has taught forgiveness
and made our lives so fun.

No sweeter joy God's offered -
my spirit, Wendy lifts!
What greater things are given
than all her special gifts?

Man thinks that he's so special
but can he 'walk the talk'?
As nothing can surpass God's truth -
exposed beyond all chalk.

As darkness comes across us
still standing on that shore,
we'll one day see more vividly -
God's promise offers more.

For God so loved my Wendy,
He gave her special charms -
and one day she'll be resting in
her Master's precious arms.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Peter 4:10 (NASB) As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.

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Learn more about Wendy Davis at http://www.chalkartist.com/daughter/daughter.htm

Learn more about her father and chalk artist Randy Davis http://www.chalkartist.com/index.html

Out Of The Rut 9-5-07

.
His yoke is easy. His burden is light.
until we come in and say we are right.
Just like the Pharisee’s that had the right answer,
deceiving them selves like death from a cancer.

There are songs about Jesus. Many more of His love,
but to us are meaningless - if not looking above.
There are songs about God. Many more of His grace.
Again, all are meaningless - if we can't see His face.

We dig our rut in knowledge and follow it for years.
The answers few - but dig we do - as questions bring more tears.
We plow down deep for meaning and sing our merry song,
confused - and not amusing - for us who are so wrong.

But we continue digging, with blinders on our head,
plodding forward fervently - with selfish want unfed.
We dig and dig from college on. We earn a new degree,
but can't believe, nor have that faith, without humility.

Opinions and beliefs are ours - the former to the latter.
We believe what ‘ere we want. All else just doesn't matter.
After all, we know it all. We've learned it all in college....
but nothing replaces a childlike faith. That God will acknowledge.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Matthew 11:25 [ Rest for the Weary ] At that time Jesus said,
"I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children."

Matthew 18: 2) He called a little child and had him stand among them.
3) And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children,
you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
4) Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
5) And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."

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It's all up to Him 5-30-06

.
In all I had eyed, and all I had tried –
and all I had done;
in following herds, relying on words –
I couldn't have won.

For I was fleeing, with all my being –
but I was jailed.
All words I had said - were empty instead –
as He was nailed.

He gave it all up, His one only cup –
He surrendered all.
Then came the rejoice - In His still, small voice,
as I heard His call.

From way up above, in all of His Love,
free grace was given;
and now for my prize, through faith I can rise,
as He had risen.

He faithfully feeds, my wants and my needs,
indeed, everything;
to Him I now call, for He is my all,
and to Him I cling.

When burdens break in, I'll put on a grin –
and I'll sing a hymn!
I know not quite how... but He has them now.
It's all up to Him.

©2006 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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The Answer To My Prayers (summer 2004)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I should have prayed less selfishly and should have looked above;
I could have prayed more reverently and could have felt His love.

I would have heard His answer and would have known He cares;
so now I humbly look to Heaven. He's the answer to my prayers!

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

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Isaiah 30 (NASB)

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