This Little Country Church 6-1-12

 So picturesque, the meadow

though breezes cut with knife,
but water whispers in the brook
as valley springs to life.
So beautiful, the hillside view
of pines, red oak and birch-
but nothing is so lovely as
this little country church.

It stands so straight and steadfast,
despite these many years,
unwavered by the storms of life,
and many heartfelt tears.
The mem'ries of a time long past
hold to a grim disguise,
as visions of my long lost friends
bring sadness to my eyes.

There's not a soul in eye-sight,
yet I'm accompanied.
My Jesus walks before me.
He throws salvation's seed.
The world, indeed, still wants to change-
a sinful earthly curse
and little church, long empty now,
not better, is for worse.

The birds, though, lift my spirits.
"Have faith!" they seem to say,
as chills from early springtime winds
now dry some tears away.
So somberly, through weathered door
I step in reverently.
A greater flood of mem'ries more
now pounce all over me.

They shake my senses silly
and pelt with bruising flack.
My eyes, though, rest on walnut pews
as mem'ries pull me back.
Hey Clem, hello!  Yes, Doris too-
and all my other friends...
I stand here frozen all the while
until remembrance ends.

With congregation absent,
(deceptions made them flee),
the root of evil holds them fast -
not prayer, not faith, nor me.
My love for mankind multiplies
as springtime wakes the seed,
but this old world will never find
the Savior that they need.

Our discipline was honored.
Respect was dignified.
Oh, how will children of today
see Jesus glorified?
Setting on a folding chair,
sets still, a dusty Book
and tears well up again as I
take yet a closer look.

Stepping out, the chilly winds
condemn my presence here,
but I will surely come again
My heart will hold no fear.
So beautiful, the hillside is
of pines, red oak and birch -
but nothing is so lovely as
this little country church.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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God Knows 10-31-10

When churches fall away from God,
when theology is focused cause,
when government turns back on you,
when they create acidic laws,

when business can't get any worse,
when banks and vendors receive bail,
when bills aren't paid and debts go up,
when you, though innocent, will fail,

when even friends have gone astray,
when each mistake is yours to claim,
when heavy skies come crushing down,
when you take every speck of blame,

when children do not talk to you,
when arms are present, not the hug,
when spouse seems very distant too,
when deep in every hole dug,

when rain comes down, in buckets pour,
when clouds are whipped and tempest tossed,
when friendly wagging tail stops,
when even your best dog is lost,

when all seems dead and all seems grave,
when all you've done has been a curse,
when none can help, though say they care,
when all goes sour, bad to worse,

when life proves fragile, hopeless too,
when everything gets out of hand -
remember, God knows every truth,
and will, forever, understand.

©2010 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Matthew 19:28-30 (NASB)

28 And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.

30 "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first."

Complaints Heard Here 1-27-09

We get so excited with weddings and births,
or other great things which are part of the earth's -
like parties and joking, and all of the sports,
hobbies, vacations and games of all sorts.

But then when our lives take a turn for the worse,
with unfair disasters which carry a curse,
we'll complain when things don't go our way -

and our chance will come. We're one heartbeat away.

I wonder if God hears a thanks or a grumble,
whenever our hearts are a little less humble?
Will all our complaining spill over the brim,
when soon we'll be standing - in front of Him?

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

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