A Wondrous Story 2-2-13

I'd love to be a poet - a real one, you know -

so I could write man's world off allowing God's to glow.

I'd write a wondrous story, that we could all take part

and live it in reality - each one with perfect heart.

I'd think outside my circle, with paper, ink and pen -

and think outside my flimsy box to live in peace again -

in gardens filled with blossoms - all colors full and bold -

that I could sweep my arms across and many flowers hold.

I'd jump inside my story with animals and birds,

living in His nature and camouflaged with words -

that whisper as the breezes in true harmonic cord,

that bring us lives so unsurpassed when living with our Lord.

I'd peer up to the mountains, at several waterfalls,

that rain grace down from Heaven where every angel calls -

to show to us a perfect world where He can overwhelm -

where man rejects but God perfects His great creation's realm.

I'd never hide inside my world, but fully would expect -

that men would treat each other with a solemn, deep respect -

that women dress with modesty and also could endow -

that girls learn to curtsy slow and boys would learn to bow.

I'd stroll inside my poem free from envy, sin and hate -

and walk beside still waters where 'the way' is always straight.

And I shall keep on writing true for many, many years -

until I see no longer through my sad and yearning tears.

I'd love to be a poet - a real one, you know -

so I could write man's world off allowing God's to glow.

I'd write a wondrous story, that we could all take part

and live it in reality - each one with perfect heart.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Beyond My Weathered Window 10-8-11

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.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Too Many Flowers? 9-15-11

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...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Genesis 1:1 (KJV)

"In the beginning, God created..." 

The Christmas Tree Story 12-20-09

If Jesus told a story
about a Christmas tree,
would Christmas lights be mentioned
in ways that we could see?

Would He describe the garland
or other fancy things -
like mistletoe and sparkles
and pretty angel wings?

Would He mention ornaments
in colorful designs?
Would He explain the colors -
and present wrapping shine?

Or would He paint a picture
of something more oblique -
of something more descriptive -
of something more unique?

Would His tree not have needles -
but rather be quite grim?
Would His tree not have branches -
except a couple limbs?

Would ornaments be mentioned
or dropped from His details?
Would He, Himself replace them -
along with cruel nails?

Would thorns replace the angel -
that's perched way up on top?
Would love surround that very tree
in blood from every drop?

Would He describe the lighting
that turned so very dark?
And would the mountains echo
His final last remark?

His tree was seen by many folk,
remembered their own way -
but it was very different.
It's priceless still today.

If Jesus told the story
about His Christmas tree -
would it have any impact
on folks today, like me?

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

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Puzzled? 6-10-09

Is something in life missing?
Do you always bear the cost?
Do you feel somewhat empty?
Do you feel that something's lost?

Are you feeling down and out?
Is life so very bad?
Are you looking for an answer?
Are you puzzled - very sad?

Sometimes, in life, the pieces
don't always seem to fit -
it's then we feel so empty
and really want to quit.

As with me, I'd focus
on life's tremendous wealth.
I thought I saw the picture of -
its riches and good health.

At first I worked the border.
The colors I'd assess -
and then I'd push another in,
and thought I'd found success.

Searching, searching, searching more,
I'd find another clue -
and as the larger picture cleared,
I'd get a clearer view.

So then in greater diligence
I'd press more pieces in -
but as the picture took its shape,
I found myself in sin.

There were some pieces missing -
and many questions raised -
but as it came apparent, I
sat speechless and amazed.

That puzzle seemed much brighter
than any fairest weather.
The less I strained to see it,
the more it came together!

The sky exquisite, stunning -
with deepest, bluest blues -
and buildings never seen before -
were fascinating hues.

Tall alabaster columns,
reflected spectrum's light -
and set apart from specks of dust -
appeared so pure and bright.

The lines between the pieces
just seemed to disappear -
and as I saw that picture,
my head began to clear.

The puzzle - nearly finished -
as life had sought out fun,
the center of my hearts own work
was missing that last one.

The missing piece was at my door -
years, waiting to come in -
I never heard the knocking though -
for I was dead in sin.

I felt lost, inadequate -
compelled to see it then.
This speck of dust broke down on knees,
I sought that piece again.

Grace brought it all together -
through faith life sure is sweet.
Until He placed that final piece -
my life was incomplete.

You know your life is fleeting.
you know your life will cease.
So just allow God's only Son
to place your final piece.

I could not put it in myself,
for humbleness is key -
but now that missing puzzle piece
is locked in there for me.

So when in life, discouraged,
and you want to call it quits -
just pray out loud to Jesus.
His puzzle piece still fits.

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

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A Blind Man 2-11-09

It's a privilege to see all the colors abound,
a rainbow of colors of things all around.
My empathy cries out for those who can't see,
and dreading the thought if it happened to me.

I'm thankful for God and His infinite love,
from flowers below and the rainbow above,
but this man was blind from birth until now,
before Jesus came and then healed him how?

He lived in full darkness. No light he had seen.
Can you just imagine location and scene?
Can you imagine the thought of it all?
Spitting in dust, making clay they recall.

And of all days on Sabbath - believe it or not,
the Pharasee's angry. They argued a lot.
They questioned the blind man and his parents too.
They heard all the facts but still hadn't a clue.

He told them the truth but they didn't believe.
They asked him again and then told him to leave.
Those who had eyes were so totally blind,
but Jesus took blindness, rekindled the mind.

It's a privilege to see all the colors abound,
the rainbow of colors of things all around.
My empathy cries out for those who aren't free,
so have faith in Jesus and make yourself see!!

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

John 9 - Healing the Man Born Blind

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A Rainbow Life 1-29-09

No matter how earth's breezes blow,
just seek the promise, God's rainbow.
For Noah's faith was always sure,
never failing - always pure.

A rainbow I can see, not touch -
but really does not matter much.
God holds it fast, as He holds me.
Bright colors of His rainbow see.

So close, God's armor I will wear -
the world can't fill me with despair.
The storm clouds of the world seize,
when touched, I am, with Spirit's breeze.

I won't be a doubting 'Thomas' -
standing fast in Jesus' promise.
God parts the dark clouds of man's sin,
and brings full light of life within.

Before God's spectrum kisses ground,
I know His promise will be found.
I gaze - awed at His universe -
singing praise - each word and verse.

If joy is violet and indigo,
patience pink and peace yellow,
if kindness orange and goodness gold,
then all good fruit of His I'll hold.

If grace is blue and love is white,
and prayer is green and God is light,
the world's sin won't overwhelm,
for I'm in Him - another realm.

If life's a footrace, death blood red,
Jesus is rainbows of colors ahead.
If we're resurrected from sin and strife,
God's gives to us - a Rainbow Life.

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

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BEHOLD! 12-30-05

All was still - and all was silent, pre dawn's dark was as a death.
In my walk I mumbled harshly, under each and every breath.
As I strolled along the pathway, stopping here and there to rest,
not a bird had started singing from inside their comfy nest.

Flowers bloom was ever hiding, from the darkness and its bath.
There was not a single color, from along my darkened path.
Then above the great horizon, sprang a special sort of hue,
as the dawn of day approached, and the sky began to blue.

As one bird began it’s singing, from behind its hidden nest,
a chorus grew in sounds behind the one that sang the best.
Lights turned on in several houses. Many lives began to buzz.
They ran around in circles, why? I guess - was just because...

Brightness chased away the darkness - began to show beyond the blue,
pushing light up ever higher on a world without a clue.
As my walk continued forward - busy ones, their beds would make.
A baby cried out in the distance - many roads, they all would take.

Then the round orange glow of sunshine began it’s mighty crest.
Colors shone in light around it - was like Heaven's colored vest.
Along the path, the flowers opened, revealing one big merry fest.
Colors bloomed in all their brilliance. I became their special guest.

Brightness poured then - all about me, and God showed His special Son.
The Light of truth was just too bright - oh, my God - what had I done?
Then I turned my eyes to Heaven - saw the Son who had to pay,
and behold, that dawning sunshine, shone so bright on me that day!

All is still and all is silent. There is no yesterday.
In my walk - I praise Him softly - as I go my merry way.
Life grows so, so very special, as the years all come and go,
as His Son, in all His brilliance, passes on His very glow.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 16:11 (NASB)
11You will make known to me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.