Obeyed? 1-10-13

Here is another true story poem (summer 1934)

about my grandmother (Ida) and my mother (Ruth)

who traveled every day between their farm at North Clayton, Wisconsin

to to deliver cream to Soldier's Grove as told to me by my mother.

(Told in 'first person' from my mother's perspective...)

I had got on and sat upon our wagon load of goods.

all set to view the country hue on rustic road through woods.

But mom said no, I couldn't go.  I rarely ever stayed -

but this time did so down I slid.  I'm glad that I obeyed.

Our old wagon, always saggin' had rough, rugged boards -

but it did hold that precious load as she had started towards -

the creamery - a guarantee - of how we paid our bills -

in such a life, excessive strife - through vale against the hills.

She left that day on road of clay delivering with care -

four dusty mile - with grimaced smile - and cream that must get there.

Familiar sounds - some barking hounds, a crow up in a tree -

and tough routine, unlike a queen, that she would never see.

Out of the blue without a clue -around a curve and hill -

a drunken guy - flew passing by - like we were sitting still -

then ripped the side of Topsy's hide and threw mom off her seat.

She landed hard, but not too scarred, between the horses feet.

Though somewhat numb, she scrambled some from under hooves and wheels.

A bit perplexed, what happened next - she scrambled and did feel,

a massive rock where she took stock and hid as God provides.

Protected there in silent prayer from grace that never hides.

Some seconds spent, bewilderment, that held them there at bay -

so trampled not, she never got - before they ran away.

She tried to nurse ol' Topsy's curse.  Oh, why did God allow -

old Topsy's death with its last breath and further hardships now?

The wagon load could not be sold.  I thought that I would scream.

But mama taught that I ought not - to cry over spilled cream.

Is life not fair?  Does God not care?  Well, mama knew His way...

Obeyed was why - so safe was I.  She thanked the Lord that day.

I had got on and sat upon our wagon load of goods.

all set to view the country hue on rustic road through woods.

But mom said no, I couldn't go.  I rarely ever stayed -

but this time did so down I slid - and glad that I obeyed.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Evergreen Hope 6-21-12

Spectacular wonder, the view way out yonder,

from high on this mountain slope.

God's vast great creation brings glad adoration

to Jesus who offers us hope.

From just one small seed, a potential indeed,

once crushed, by mistake, underfoot.

I whispered a prayer and stepped over where

another small sapling took root.

And on that rock shelf I thought to myself,

"Oh, how can that seedling be grown,

up here where it toils in dry rocky soils,

in midst of more turmoils not known?"

Then over the years through blizzards and fears

rose doubts that had made me take pause,

"It sure hadn't thrived but had it survived?

Had it overcome nature's laws?"

Now several years later I found something greater

when I returned back to that tree.

I had to admire, it soared so much higher,

and grew so much taller than me.

It once had been crushed, but now I am hushed,

and humbled at what God had done.

One tiny example of something we trample

brings life from the tomb of His Son!

A long time ago under hail and snow,

despite its long discord and strife,

its tap root enlocked way down deep in a rock

that faithfully brought it to life!

Oh, why can't I be like that evergreen tree,

that grew up so high in the sky?

The greenest of green that I've ever seen,

oh tell me Lord, why cannot I?

Spectacular wonder, the view way out yonder,

from high on this mountain slope.

God's vast great creation brings glad adoration

to Jesus who offers me hope.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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David and Goliath 4-30-12

Do we, some 'giant' problems have -

a giant cross to bear?

Could we survive in David's day?

Would anybody dare?

Goliath was a giant one -

a man who got his way.

His enemies were frightened off

every single day.

Goliath was a bragger too,

a scoffer - he was mean!

And no one dared to challenge this

behemoth Philistine.

Goliath wore great armor while

his enemies would run.

So who could fight this giant?

Goliath always won...!

Now David was a youngster there,

whose job it was to keep -

wild animals from killing off

his small and frail sheep.

And David spent much time in prayer

while sheep were munching grass -

and practiced with his slingshot too

when he had time to pass.

Now David heard the challenge there -

for he was God's own choice -

to eliminate this giant man

with big and braggart voice.

Well David, funny, must have looked.

No armor did he bring.

His weapons? Simply five smooth stones,

a little stick and sling.

Imagine how Goliath scoffed

at David's homemade 'toy'...

and all who saw this 'match-up' of

Goliath and a boy!

But laughter came to sudden stop

when David, all alone -

had swung that little sling around

and flung one little stone.

It flew straight with precision and

hit squarely on his head.

The  ground shook with Goliath's fall

and giant lay there dead.

Were Goliath's soldiers silenced

when armor's echo ceased?

And had dust even settled when,

Goliath's head was seized?

As David watched his frail sheep,

God watched this youthful man.

God also watches over us...

and kill all giants, can.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Samuel 17

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Goliath’s Challenge
1 Now the Philistines gathered their armies for battle; and they were gathered at Socoh which belongs to Judah, and they camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. 2 Saul and the men of Israel were gathered and camped in the valley of Elah, and drew up in battle array to encounter the Philistines. 3 The Philistines stood on the mountain on one side while Israel stood on the mountain on the other side, with the valley between them. 4 Then a champion came out from the armies of the Philistines named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 He had a bronze helmet on his head, and he was clothed with scale-armor which weighed five thousand shekels of bronze. 6 He also had bronze greaves on his legs and a bronze javelin slung between his shoulders. 7 The shaft of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and the head of his spear weighed six hundred shekels of iron; his shield-carrier also walked before him. 8 He stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel and said to them, “Why do you come out to draw up in battle array? Am I not the Philistine and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and kill me, then we will become your servants; but if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall become our servants and serve us.” 10 Again the Philistine said, “I defy the ranks of Israel this day; give me a man that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard these words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid.

12 Now David was the son of the Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and he had eight sons. And Jesse was old in the days of Saul, advanced in years among men. 13 The three older sons of Jesse had gone after Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and the second to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 14 David was the youngest. Now the three oldest followed Saul, 15 but David went back and forth from Saul to tend his father’s flock at Bethlehem. 16 The Philistine came forward morning and evening for forty days and took his stand.

17 Then Jesse said to David his son, “Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves and run to the camp to your brothers. 18 Bring also these ten cuts of cheese to the commander of their thousand, and look into the welfare of your brothers, and bring back news of them. 19 For Saul and they and all the men of Israel are in the valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines.”
David Accepts the Challenge
20 So David arose early in the morning and left the flock with a keeper and took the supplies and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the circle of the camp while the army was going out in battle array shouting the war cry. 21 Israel and the Philistines drew up in battle array, army against army. 22 Then David left his baggage in the care of the baggage keeper, and ran to the battle line and entered in order to greet his brothers. 23 As he was talking with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine from Gath named Goliath, was coming up from the army of the Philistines, and he spoke these same words; and David heard them.

24 When all the men of Israel saw the man, they fled from him and were greatly afraid. 25 The men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who is coming up? Surely he is coming up to defy Israel. And it will be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.”

26 Then David spoke to the men who were standing by him, saying, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the reproach from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should taunt the armies of the living God?” 27 The people answered him in accord with this word, saying, “Thus it will be done for the man who kills him.”

28 Now Eliab his oldest brother heard when he spoke to the men; and Eliab’s anger burned against David and he said, “Why have you come down? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your insolence and the wickedness of your heart; for you have come down in order to see the battle.” 29 But David said, “What have I done now? Was it not just a question?” 30 Then he turned away from him to another and said the same thing; and the people answered the same thing as before.
David Kills Goliath
31 When the words which David spoke were heard, they told them to Saul, and he sent for him. 32 David said to Saul, “Let no man’s heart fail on account of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 Then Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him; for you are but a youth while he has been a warrior from his youth.” 34 But David said to Saul, “Your servant was tending his father’s sheep. When a lion or a bear came and took a lamb from the flock, 35 I went out after him and attacked him, and rescued it from his mouth; and when he rose up against me, I seized him by his beard and struck him and killed him. 36 Your servant has killed both the lion and the bear; and this uncircumcised Philistine will be like one of them, since he has taunted the armies of the living God.” 37 And David said, “The LORD who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, He will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and may the LORD be with you.” 38 Then Saul clothed David with his garments and put a bronze helmet on his head, and he clothed him with armor. 39 David girded his sword over his armor and tried to walk, for he had not tested them. So David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” And David took them off. 40 He took his stick in his hand and chose for himself five smooth stones from the brook, and put them in the shepherd’s bag which he had, even in his pouch, and his sling was in his hand; and he approached the Philistine.

41 Then the Philistine came on and approached David, with the shield-bearer in front of him. 42 When the Philistine looked and saw David, he disdained him; for he was but a youth, and ruddy, with a handsome appearance. 43 The Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 The Philistine also said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the sky and the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword, a spear, and a javelin, but I come to you in the name of the LORD of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have taunted. 46 This day the LORD will deliver you up into my hands, and I will strike you down and remove your head from you. And I will give the dead bodies of the army of the Philistines this day to the birds of the sky and the wild beasts of the earth, that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel, 47 and that all this assembly may know that the LORD does not deliver by sword or by spear; for the battle is the LORD’S and He will give you into our hands.”

48 Then it happened when the Philistine rose and came and drew near to meet David, that David ran quickly toward the battle line to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand into his bag and took from it a stone and slung it, and struck the Philistine on his forehead. And the stone sank into his forehead, so that he fell on his face to the ground.

50 Thus David prevailed over the Philistine with a sling and a stone, and he struck the Philistine and killed him; but there was no sword in David’s hand. 51 Then David ran and stood over the Philistine and took his sword and drew it out of its sheath and killed him, and cut off his head with it. When the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 The men of Israel and Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley, and to the gates of Ekron. And the slain Philistines lay along the way to Shaaraim, even to Gath and Ekron. 53 The sons of Israel returned from chasing the Philistines and plundered their camps. 54 Then David took the Philistine’s head and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his weapons in his tent.

55 Now when Saul saw David going out against the Philistine, he said to Abner the commander of the army, “Abner, whose son is this young man?” And Abner said, “By your life, O king, I do not know.” 56 The king said, “You inquire whose son the youth is.” 57 So when David returned from killing the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the Philistine’s head in his hand. 58 Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.”

The Lions' Den 4-26-12

King Darious signed - and it became law.

Beware of the rulers.  Beware of their flaw.

Beware of their rule.  Beware of their claw.

Beware of their lion. Beware of their jaw.

---

"I tell you Daniel, he is king -

you must obey in everything!

Behind his seal, he signed in pen!

Beware of death in lions' den!

"I ask you Daniel, hear the din?

They know the house you're living in!

Bow down in public now and then!

Beware of vicious lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, what's the use?

Prayer every day is pure abuse!

You pray to God - again, again!

Beware, lest thrown in lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, what'd you do?

The fault - all yours, you got into!

You're not at all like other men!

Beware! You're now in lions' den!

"Now tell me Daniel, what's God doin' -

shutting jaws of every lion?

He stopped a feast that should have been!

A miracle in lions' den!

"Oh, tell me Daniel, could it be -

they took you out and now you're free?

We're so amazed, we scream 'AMEN!'

Beware of God and not the den!

"Please show us Daniel, how to pray

a humble prayer just like you say.

We'll pray sincerely every day

and follow God the faithful way!"

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Daniel 6 New American Standard Bible (NASB)

Daniel Serves Darius

1 It seemed good to Darius to appoint 120 satraps over the kingdom, that they would be in charge of the whole kingdom, 2 and over them three commissioners (of whom Daniel was one), that these satraps might be accountable to them, and that the king might not suffer loss. 3 Then this Daniel began distinguishing himself among the commissioners and satraps because he possessed an extraordinary spirit, and the king planned to appoint him over the entire kingdom. 4 Then the commissioners and satraps began trying to find a ground of accusation against Daniel in regard to government affairs; but they could find no ground of accusation or evidence of corruption, inasmuch as he was faithful, and no negligence or corruption was to be found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We will not find any ground of accusation against this Daniel unless we find it against him with regard to the law of his God.”

6 Then these commissioners and satraps came by agreement to the king and spoke to him as follows: “King Darius, live forever! 7 All the commissioners of the kingdom, the prefects and the satraps, the high officials and the governors have consulted together that the king should establish a statute and enforce an injunction that anyone who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, shall be cast into the lions’ den. 8 Now, O king, establish the injunction and sign the document so that it may not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the document, that is, the injunction.

10 Now when Daniel knew that the document was signed, he entered his house (now in his roof chamber he had windows open toward Jerusalem); and he continued kneeling on his knees three times a day, praying and giving thanks before his God, as he had been doing previously. 11 Then these men came by agreement and found Daniel making petition and supplication before his God. 12 Then they approached and spoke before the king about the king’s injunction, “Did you not sign an injunction that any man who makes a petition to any god or man besides you, O king, for thirty days, is to be cast into the lions’ den?” The king replied, “The statement is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which may not be revoked.” 13 Then they answered and spoke before the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, O king, or to the injunction which you signed, but keeps making his petition three times a day.”

14 Then, as soon as the king heard this statement, he was deeply distressed and set his mind on delivering Daniel; and even until sunset he kept exerting himself to rescue him. 15 Then these men came by agreement to the king and said to the king, “Recognize, O king, that it is a law of the Medes and Persians that no injunction or statute which the king establishes may be changed.”
Daniel in the Lions’ Den
16 Then the king gave orders, and Daniel was brought in and cast into the lions’ den. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God whom you constantly serve will Himself deliver you.” 17 A stone was brought and laid over the mouth of the den; and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the signet rings of his nobles, so that nothing would be changed in regard to Daniel. 18 Then the king went off to his palace and spent the night fasting, and no entertainment was brought before him; and his sleep fled from him.

19 Then the king arose at dawn, at the break of day, and went in haste to the lions’ den. 20 When he had come near the den to Daniel, he cried out with a troubled voice. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you constantly serve, been able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel spoke to the king, “O king, live forever! 22 My God sent His angel and shut the lions’ mouths and they have not harmed me, inasmuch as I was found innocent before Him; and also toward you, O king, I have committed no crime.” 23 Then the king was very pleased and gave orders for Daniel to be taken up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up out of the den and no injury whatever was found on him, because he had trusted in his God. 24 The king then gave orders, and they brought those men who had maliciously accused Daniel, and they cast them, their children and their wives into the lions’ den; and they had not reached the bottom of the den before the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

25 Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations and men of every language who were living in all the land: “May your peace abound! 26 I make a decree that in all the dominion of my kingdom men are to fear and tremble before the God of Daniel;

For He is the living God and enduring forever,
And His kingdom is one which will not be destroyed,
And His dominion will be forever.
27 “He delivers and rescues and performs signs and wonders
In heaven and on earth,
Who has also delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.”

28 So this Daniel enjoyed success in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Tears No Longer 3-20-12

Behind the doors of many homes,

no matter where you go -

a multitude of people weep.

Their tears forever flow...

I sat behind my mommy in

the back seat of our car.

My daddy did the driving, but

we didn't get too far.

My mom and I were talking,

and we were smiling wide,

but someone ran the traffic light

and hit us hard broad-side.

The truck came out of nowhere -

the driver, DUI.

And buckled in her seat belt, mom

had watched my daddy die.

I woke up in a hospital -

in pain for several days.

Our fragile world turned up-side-down

in many, many ways...

"Jesus, heal my broken heart.

I feel emotion's tug,

whenever mommy holds me tight

and gives me daddy's hug.

Embraced below Your sunsets

through visions of the wreck -

I know my mom is crying too.

Her tears run down my neck.

"She says we'll be in Heaven there.

It is her only prayer.

Daddy, mother, also I -

are in Your precious care.

Though she forgives the driver -

forget? She never will.

And though the years are passing by,

our tears are flowing still.

"But please forgive me Jesus -

I can't get on my knees.

Fun and laughter, drugs and beer

is all the world sees.

Is several years of crying worth

some stranger's day of fun?

'They know not what they do' You said.

Our tears forever run.

"You hear all my petitions

My deepest thoughts I share.

Your great omniscient presence

surrounds my wheel chair.

And I am not discouraged.

Through faith in You, I know -

in Heaven, we'll be together -

where tears no longer flow."

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Prayer Of Love 10-23-11

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.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Commonality 8-14-11

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...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Noise, Noise, Noise! 4-20-11

More autos, planes, computer games and toys, toys, toys...
...is this what life is all about - the noise, noise, noise?

If man said He could cut the noise in half, half, half -
I'd not believe. I'm sorry, but I'd laugh, laugh, laugh!

Transparent man - I laugh so hard, I cry, cry, cry...
all it seems we want to do is buy, buy, buy.

God creates, commands and we will see, see, see -
that man has pride - he's foolish as can be, be, be.

Don't let a quiet corner be too rare, rare, rare -
get on your knees and whisper up a prayer, prayer, prayer.

And use your ears - you really have a choice, choice, choice -
to spend some time and listen for His still, small, voice. (1 Kings 19:12)

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Kings 19:11,12 (KJV)

11 And he said, Go forth,

 and stand upon the mount before the LORD.
 And, behold, the LORD passed by,

and a great and strong wind rent the mountains,

 and brake in pieces the rocks before the LORD;
but the LORD was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake;
 but the LORD was not in the earthquake:  12 And after the earthquake a fire;
 but the LORD was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

One And Only 1-23-11

One day soon we'll leave this world -

this world of wicked sin -

so where's the key to Heaven's Gate,

that we may step right in?

It isn't found in idols,

the silver, gold or wood -

It isn't found inside a prayer,

nor through intentions, good.

It isn't found in our career,

nor through some unclaimed perk -

It isn't found by our own hands,

nor through our greatest work.

It isn't found in churches,

or found inside a hymn.

It isn't found in human thoughts

nor through our newest whim.

It's not found in theology,

nor through man's greatest book.

It's found in yet another place -

...if only we would look.

God created just one key,

to fit in locks designed,

to hold the gate to Heaven shut -

and it's the one to find.

Heaven's gate accepts one key -

and it's the only one -

forged by grace and turned with faith

in His begotten Son.

Heaven's gate, forever locked

and firmly shut, will be -

unless within our heart we hold

that one and only key.

©2011 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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I'm Rich! 5-30-09

I feel your pain, I do declare,
I know life isn't fair.
You work hard and sacrifice -
I know you've paid the higher price.

I cry for you, and say a prayer.
I know life isn't fair.
You still run in circles and
will never, ever understand.

I feel for you. You're in despair.
I know life isn't fair.
You're poor beyond all measure -
but listen closely, there's a cure.

You're bound to gold, yet unaware.
You're lost - yet in my prayer.
It seems you can't let go of -
an idol which - can never love.

But God so loved - and told us so,
If we choose Him, we'll never owe.
I have all my hearts desires -
while you'll be poor when life expires.

The first is last - so don't succumb,
for rich reward is God's Kingdom.
You're a slave to futile greed -
but I am His - and rich indeed.

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

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Weekend Worship 3-7-09

Have a great weekend!

The weekend I praise!

It sure makes me free!

Though bowing to Friday -

is it about "me"?

Is Saturday sacred?

Am I unaware?

Is sporting important -

with no time for prayer?

Do I enjoy Sunday,
or is worship dull?
Do I go my own way? Am
I my own idol?

My weekend? A gem -

we perfectly rhyme!

And finish this poem?

I haven't the time...

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Where Are You God? 1-17-09

Early mornings, I talk to You.
I pray until the sky is blue.
Faithfully I do my chores -
for You are mine and I am Yours.

I read the Bible, every verse -
but yet the world grows worse and worse.
So where's the bounty? Where's the fruit?
Did You get lost along our route?

Tell me now - where are you God?
You should be here. This is quite odd.
Do You just sit there on Your throne,
and leave me down here all alone?

A mustard seed - my faith exceeds.
I live a Godly life indeed.
I pour out Christian love each day -
spreading seed along my way.

So tell me why You're way up there.
and leave me here in such despair?
Please tell me, why are we apart?
Could I have followed my own heart?

Could it be, I followed me -
I never listened, couldn't see?
Yes, maybe I had took a turn,
because I didn't want to learn...

You are there and I am here -
but now I'll follow and not fear.
Early mornings, I'll hear You -
so guide me Lord, and lead me through.

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

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Psalm 23: (KJ)
1The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
6Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
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God Loves Me 4-25-07

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When I was just a little child, so many years ago,
joy and gladness filled my face wherever I would go.
I never had to worry. I had no earthly care.
I'd play all day and then that night, I'd say my evening prayer.

But then, as I grew older, some pain would fill my face,
I'd scrape my knees and elbows - once broke mom's pretty vase.
Then passing through my teenage years, I learned so very much,
but opinions got the best of me and stole the Masters touch.

Years had passed - and decades too - in my tenacious life.
Oh, I had pounded my own drum and blew my little fife.
Like a tree with trunk and limbs - I knew each branch, their twigs.
I grew in all directions - in twisted zags and zigs.

As God exposed His beauty - in me, in every leaf,
I soaked up all that certainty, with faith in my belief.
One by one leaves opened, full proof for all to see -
but I forgot about my roots and what God's plan might be.

One day while sitting on my throne - in educated bliss....
I wondered (Bible in my hands) what secret did I miss?
I panted in my studies. I prayed in earnest pleas....
It hit me like a ton of bricks - and crushed me to my knees.

My mighty tree had crashed in vain. It timbered from the sky....
Yes, only God knows everything – every truth and lie.
God found that long lost child once more as tears poured down my cheeks,
and I found that special joy again. I listen when He speaks.

I follow in His footsteps. I let his Spirit heal -
and once again, as long before, the Master's touch I feel.
In faith I lay me down to sleep - my deathbed He can see,
and nothing really matters now, except that God loves me.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org

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Faith 1-10-07

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At first my faith was in my mother, and her two loving hands.
But then I had faith in my father, in his wisdom, work and plans.

Then I put faith in the whole wide world, it's size so large and immense;
But then when I learned of its problems, I built up my little fence.

So then I put faith in someone else, I'd know and always agree;
Faith that I had in abundance - was in honest, trustworthy me.

But I couldn't find all the answers, so in others I'd confer;
Because two heads are better than one, we all then should concur.

So I put my faith in our Church, for I started long ago;
And I spent my time in fellowship, but I didn't seem to grow.

As I circled in deep despair, lost in my lonely, selfish groans;
Determined to find something; to heal my ever, fragile bones.

I put my faith in all my works, for without it, faith is dead;
But again I failed in all my works, so looked to grace instead.

And I put all my faith in grace alone - which was the final blow;
As I sat back expecting - but never once prepared to grow.

It never seems to cross my mind, that my chair might soon collapse;
But yet I question God in prayer. Do I trust Him? Well, perhaps....

Age and wisdom has surely proved that I can't do it on my own.
I've always had faith in something else, but now it's in God alone.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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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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