Log Cabin Christmas 11-11-11

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.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Fuel 5-25-11

Whoa! I take a second look!

I turned my head and eyed -

the sleekness of the sporty lines.

Now that's a fancy ride!

Shiny chrome and glossy wheels,

style, impressive too.

So numerous, the gadgets -

great quality clear through.

The leather seats, the clock and cruise,

the 'cockpit' steals my soul,

the gauges, so exquisite -

I lose all self-control.

The engine starts. It comes to life -

and roars to the extreme.

It sucks the gas from finite tank

in non-stop, steady stream.

My focus and attention,

are drawn by things of men -

which lose me in a cloud of fog,

which seek another sin.

In many ways, we 'sin' in style -

by boat or plane or car.

Though man can reach to moon and Mars,

can only get so far...

There's limits to the spending,

there's limits to the days,

there's limits to the envies of,

man's many sinful ways...

Yet grace, the engine of man's soul -

is ready, always willing.

And God wills that we come to Him -

but gas tank still needs filling.

Just one alone, the fuel is,

if focused we will be.

Though greater is the mustard seed -

faith fuels men, like me.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Knocking at the Door 2-22-09

Can you believe it?? My team is up by ten!!
With this interception, we might just score again!!
This is so exciting - and now they'll run the clock -
but what was that? I heard a knock, knock, knock.

Probably a salesman. "Go away!" I yelled!
(I was MUCH too busy with the remote control I held).
Just one quarter more to go and then it's the division.
Knock, knock, knock I heard again - but I made my decision.

I snatched up popcorn in my fist and stuffed it in my mouth,
and should they win this final game - they will be headed south.
I grabbed a drink, opened it and chugged down half a can.
No one ever questioned it - that I'm their biggest fan!

Knock, knock, knock I heard again. Grrrrrr, "I don't want any!!!"
This is SO important. It's now third down and twenty.
UGH - they scoop a fumble, with a touchdown spike the ball -
now with only three points up, my team could finally fall.

Knock, knock, knock. Okay, that's it. This I won't forgive!
I got up off my special throne. I have advice to give!
I flung the door wide open - gazed with a deadly stare,
then poked my head out quickly - asked, "Is anybody there?"

Silence - 'cept for a neighbor, "Did you see who that was?"
I yelled back, "I do not care - and care less what he does!"
he called back, "Do not get mad - and certainly don't cuss!
The man you didn't answer to was none-other than Jesus."

Jesus? - (my thoughts ran wild) was knocking at MY door?
My priorities I straightened now, not worried 'bout the score.
"He's gone." I thought discouraged, "I didn't hear His voice.
That game was too important - and I had made my choice."

"Jesus!" I yelled out loud, "Come! I really care!"
But the neighborhood was silent, and Jesus wasn't there.
"Did I miss a chance?" I thought. An ambulance drove up.
Men ran through my open door and shocked a little pup.

I ran back to see it all - and I sure got a scare,
for there I was a-sittin' - dead in my special chair.
So my life is over (sobbing), give me one more chance!
That game was not important - as I fell into a trance....

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

Revelation 3:20 (NASB) "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me."

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Dust To Dust 1-26-09

From the ground with dust, formed man.
Oh, this world that God began.
He had only asked for 'trust'.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

And of the fruit, creation ate -
so plowed he fields, outside the gate.
Was from the garden thrown, unjust?
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Man confused, but thought so great -
so man, an idol did create -
which then decayed in rot and rust.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

So ascertain his final fate -
for man still thinks at this late date,
that knowledge proves he's so robust.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

The clock keeps ticking - marches on.
It's certain who we call upon.
Into the future we are thrust -
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

Close it now, the vast division,
God or self, it's your decision.
Life moves swiftly, dawn to dusk.
Ashes to ashes, dust to dust.

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

Hebrews 9:27 (KJV) And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment:

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