Grace Awaits 5-20-12

A little child is hungry,

but mother's flying high -

illegal drugs and alcohol

as many beers go by.

A little child is beaten,

but no one hears his cry.

the beatings simply never quit

as many tears go by.

A little child is confused

by yet another guy,

with screaming, fights and arguments

as many fears go by.

A little child becomes a teen,

and sees his best friend die -

the only life the child knows

as many peers go by.

A little child grows in greed.

The world knows not why,

but he becomes quite popular

as many cheers go by.

Another child goes to church

in Sunday suit and tie.

Through love, correction, learns respect

as many jeers go by.

But God sees faith and righteousness

while others steal and lie -

yet grace awaits with patience as

the many years go by...

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Hearts 2-24-12

This world holds many prideful hearts

that pound like selfish drums,

and angry hearts that sting me so -

until great sorrow comes.

Some hearts are much too busy to

amass a caring thought.

There's some that think they know it all -

and they cannot be taught.

There are so many greedy hearts

that seldom weep or cry -

and people with a hardened heart,

will never even try.

Now that is when I'm really hurt

by those I could condemn,

but as God whispers soothing words -

it's then I pray for them.

Their hearts are mean and frigid -

and others, simply bad.

Some hearts grow very weary and,

some others are so sad.

Relationships will often die

before hearts carved in trees -

and only God can mend those hearts -

above two humbled knees.

Some hearts are very fragile -

as fine, thin window glass -

that break our friends to pieces when,

they see a loved one pass.

Their troubled hearts are shattered and -

some have been many years.

Those heavy hearts still only pump

up moisture into tears.

It seems that soft and tender hearts

hurt most when torn apart -

but it's okay God gave me one.

I'm blessed to have this heart.

And God once formed a special heart,

so lovingly and rare.

It is unique and that is why -

my mom's beyond compare.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

A Joyous Life 2-5-12

Burned alive, my soul was,
despite my swings and thrashes -
and I had been completely dead,
a filthy heap of ashes.

And Heaven, I forgot about
when living with the masses.
So futile there, my soul was -
and learned life quickly passes.

Excuses weren't accepted.
Results were very vile.
I had to stop and think a bit -
and cry for quite awhile.

But that was then and this is now.
I want you all to see -
that I had no one else to blame
except for 'little me'.

Then sought I Jesus, by and by,
above the clouds and birds.
His grace was free. Now so am I
to leave these loving words:

If you would simply just repent -
and let His Spirit free -
through faith, you'll find a joyous life
and so contented be.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Terror and Blessings 10-29-11

Terror on the rampage,

terror in the sky,

terror in the cities,

terror by and by -

with no concern and no remorse

with cold and callous sigh -

enjoyment from the children with

their most despondent cry.

Death is by the devil,

where hate and anger lie,

terrorizing innocent,

until they see them die.

Blessings by the number,

blessings by the score,

blessings from the Heavens,

blessings that outpour -

to each of God's creation,

yet then He gave us more -

a Son who came to save the lost,

with crown of thorns He wore.

With nails in His hands and feet,

from terrors' angry roar.

The greatest of all blessings,

though terror wanted more.

Spiritual life

to terror's death...

who took dust

and gave us breath?

No matter how dumb

or how naive -

no matter what man

still wants to believe -

earth is below

and Heaven's above -

God is love.

God is love.

God is love.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

When Jesus Holds 7-16-11

One day, when Jesus holds me tight,

will I forget the past?

Will I forget my every sin,

from first to very last?

One day, when Jesus holds me tight,

will I forget the pain?

Will I forget my memories that,

keep driving me insane?

One day, when Jesus holds me tight,

will I cry quite awhile -

then be so red and blurry eyed,

I miss His loving smile?

One day, when Jesus holds me tight,

will all my sins replay?

Or will He hold me close to Him,

and wipe my tears away?

One day, when Jesus holds me tight,

Will I begin to smile?

Will I be very thankful too

and joyous all the while?

One day, when Jesus holds me tight,

when I'll be loved the most -

will I remember anything,

as Jesus holds me close?

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

The Mighty Floodgates 5-29-11

Speared I am, right through the heart.

My soul awakes,

my pencil shakes,

my paper takes...

the thoughts I've never wrote before.

I don't know why,

my eyes were dry,

I couldn't cry.

My former heart was cold and hard -

I did not know,

the melting snow,

the sunset's glow...

and found, I too, a reservoir -

of many years,

a wall of tears,

as flooding nears.

So sought I tear, where soft and warm -

among the weak,

among the meek,

on Jesus' cheek...

where it dripped down upon the ground -

where there was loss,

and there was dross,

beneath the cross.

So now it's soft, my broken heart -

a world stain,

a greater pain,

is greater gain -

and the mighty floodgates opened -

and now know why,

my eyes aren't dry,

and I can cry.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Welcome Home! 5-28-11

The prodigal son,

took his share and run.

The world revolves around Rome?

Provisions ran out,

as he ran about -

but his father said, "Welcome Home!"

Decorations done,

another war won.

The world revolves around Rome?

With Serviceman's grin,

he entered therein,

then heard them all shout, "Welcome Home!"

Once under clover,

all will be over.

The world revolves around Rome?

In blink of an eye,

I know I will cry,

when Jesus proclaims, "Welcome Home!"

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

How Dare You! 5-21-11

How dare you tell me what to do -
you little Christian man!
You hide inside your little world -
I'll do just what I can.

How dare you tell me what to do -
you talk big - then you quit!
You claim to help the poor and meek,
but you're a hypocrite.

How dare you tell me what to do -
it's legal... gambling, booze.
So keep your morals off of me,
I'll do just what I choose.

How dare you tell me what to do!
Send me a little food!
I spent a bit on 'joints' and stuff.
I'm in depressive mood.

How dare you tell me what to do!
You know it's how life goes.
Don't leave me to the elements,
but buy me newer clothes.

How dare you tell me what to do -
in comforts of your home.
Basic shelter is a need -
yet, place to place, I roam.

How dare you tell me what to do!
Your morals, keep off me!
Just find a cure for my disease -
and happy I will be.

How dare you tell me what to do!
My rights? My needs and wants!
Health care costs are through the roof -
so pay all my insurance.

How dare you pray to your great God.
He made me down to lie,
He led me by still waters and,
He made me want to cry.

Just leave me be. Ignore me -
until some future date.
Just let me live the way I want -
until it is too late.

These may not be the words you said.
Don't be offended so...
"How dare you!" were the words I said,
so many years ago.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

------- 

2 Corinthians 5:17 (NASB)
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
  

Psalm 23 (NASB)

 1 The LORD is my shepherd,
  I shall not want. 
  2 He makes me lie down in green pastures;
  He leads me beside quiet waters. 
  3 He restores my soul;
  He guides me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
  4 Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
  I fear no evil, for You are with me;
  Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 
  5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
  You have anointed my head with oil;
  My cup overflows. 
  6 Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life,
  And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

Too Little, Too Late 11-27-10

A homeless mom - some food can't buy,
she looks for work - but I don't cry.
I've my career, white shirt and tie.
I have my job. I cannot cry.

A thirsty boy, with mouth so dry.
The streets are hot - but I don't cry.
Don't questions ask, and don't ask 'why'.
I have my bills. I cannot cry.

Handicapped girl, about to die,
she goes unseen - so I don't cry.
That I don't care - please don't imply.
I'm much too rushed. I cannot cry.

The sermons heard week after week -
but still no tear runs down my cheek.
But I will try, as days go by -
some day I'll care and surely cry.

How many suffered is unclear.
Was selfish I, year after year?
One day [before my God] I'll stand -
when it's too late to understand.

For God shall hear another cry.
He'll see another infant die.
And then He'll hear and see me try -
to bring a tear to my dry eye...

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

-------

Luke 11:40-42 (NASB)

40 "You foolish ones, did not He who made the outside make the inside also?
41 "But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.
42 "But woe to you Pharisees!

For you pay tithe of mint and rue and every kind of garden herb,

and yet disregard justice and the love of God;

but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others...."

When Burdens Weigh 10-01-10

We reach so high,
and often try -
to touch the Master's hand.
Outstretched we cry,
yet wonder why -
His distant Promised Land...

His people ran
as they began -
to see the waters part.
Fulfilled God's plan,
a humble man -
from deep within his heart.

We raise hands far,
with feet in tar -
we try so, even higher.
Yet still we are,
so plainly par -
in circumstances dire.

Still true today,
let come what may -
and every trial too.
When burdens weigh,
just humbly pray -
so God can come to you.

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

-------

The Miracle 6-17-10

My heart is very special,
and though it weighs a ton,
I'm careful as it's fragile -
for I have only one.

Though God is love and offers me
the great life I can live -
I first must ask forgiveness
before He will forgive.

However, if I'm hardened
and fail at all to feel -
certainly my tears won't fall
and bring my heart to heal.

So if my heart is harder,
I'll find I cannot cry.
But oh, to shed a single tear -
I'll give it one more try.

I won't despair and cry a lot -
it isn't God's intent,
but if guilt still has season here,
I'll prayerfully repent.

And then perhaps, if flood gates fall,
and tears like rivers flow -
through the valley, shadow's death,
in humbleness, I'll grow.

Jesus loves me, this I know -
throughout these many years -
and on the cross He proved it so -
through all His many tears.

And if my heart I give Him,
while I am torn apart -
He will cup His holy hands
and hold my broken heart.

Peace will grow inside me
as angels soar aloft -
but I won't see the miracle
unless my heart is soft.

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

-------

Mark 6:5 (NASB) And He could do no miracle there except that He laid His hands on a few sick people and healed them.

When In Doubt 2-28-10

When friends and family disappear -
when pride and courage turn to fear -
when all is gone and all seems lost -
when spirit dies, then what's the cost?

When at a loss and don't know why -
when all we do is cry and cry.
When time goes on, but we cannot -
what if, about us, God forgot?

When sin controls and we're pitch black -
what happens if God turns His back?
Oh, what if God just didn't care
and let us fall in deep despair?

Should we give up and lose all hope -
when there's no way in life to cope?
No. God is faithful, God is just -
and in Him only, we can trust.

For God so loved - and sent His Son -
who did not quit - 'til He was done.
So when in doubt, just say a prayer -
Remember God is always there.

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

-------

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (NASB)
16 Rejoice always;
17 pray without ceasing;
18 in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.

Through Blurry Tears 2-21-10

So angered by their lies, I felled,
with raging hate that I had held -
livid by the wrongs that gripped,
and trying to escape, I yelled!

I sought a place so far away -
where I could go, forever stay -
from evil, sinful, wicked men -
I quickly left, without delay.

Then on a park bench feeling low -
my tears began to really flow.
Dark and dreary was that eve -
I had no place to really go.

"WHY me, dear God," I asked down in,
"allowed you why, man's evil sin -
to break me down in pieces so -
and bring me torture deep within?"

I lost my job - have You no clue?
I lost my car and savings too -
I lost all love for other folk.
Your answer God, is overdue."

Heard I, a voice that caught my ears -
his age, at most, was ten short years.
Embarrassed I, so hid them quick -
my lonely, sorry, selfish tears.

I could not look him in the eye -
nor let him see this old man cry.
I stared down at the ground is all.
"Hello" I said, but was a lie.

He had few words, but gave support -
oh, no one could my problems sort.
And least of all this tiny boy,
who's lived a life so very short.

But there, he listened patiently
and took his time to talk to me.
He seemed to understand my pain -
and somehow we could just agree.

The minutes spent seemed very few,
our little friendship grew and grew.
"Just ask me any question, son -
and maybe I can help you too."

I felt some sorrow in the air,
when he asked me, "Why's life unfair?"
So I looked up through blurry tears,
and noticed then, his wheel chair.

I sat there stunned and never moved -
and problems mine, were not removed -
but lesson learned, I'll not forget,
"And now, my God, a life I'll prove."

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

-------

Revelation 22: (KJV)
11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.
12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

First Day of School 12-24-09

While in the bathroom dressing
with recollections slow -
I thought about a four year old
I'd known so long ago....

There standing, oh so proper,
in aura, rigid, straight -
so patiently he waited as
his school bus was late.

Excitement reigned a little,
though he was insecure -
but halo's light surrounded him.
His innocence was pure.

His shoes were shined and glowing,
suit pressed with cute bow tie.
So proudly his dear mother felt
that something made her cry.

First day of schools excitement,
with teachers' rigid plan -
while he stood still and proper with
her bouquet firm in hand.

She took those special flowers
right from his sweaty palm -
and as she placed them in a vase
she wondered of his mom.

So where's that little child -
that four year old boy -
who waited for the school bus
with bouquet, suit and joy?

So accurate my memories,
my mirror reflects truth -
the innocence has long since passed
this boy had in his youth.

But someone loves the little -
forever helps them grow -
and mom had known this very fact -
that God has loved us so.

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

-------

Philippians 2:14-16 (KJV)

14 Do all things without murmurings and disputings:
15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
16 Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Much More Than I 08-25-09

Do I claim allegiance as my faith grows,
or deceive myself before the cock crows?

Do I always admit, when I am dead wrong?
Have I always stood, where I belong?

Have I always held, ill thoughts from my tongue?
Have I always served, the meek and young?

Have I always loved, or my temper lost?
Have I always forgave, at any cost?

Have I always kept, that special diet?
Have I known truth, but - then kept quiet?

Have I always thought to say the word please?
Have I always helped the least of these?

Have I ever made, the least little fuss?
If so, where's my faith, to follow Jesus?

If I can't correct the littlest things -
then how can I claim the King of all Kings?

If I can't improve a few little flaws -
then how can I live, for greater cause?

Oh, would my faith weaken and die inside -
if burned at the stake, or crucified?

I must remember - should I ever cry -
that He suffered more, much more than I.

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

-------

Will We Learn? 6-28-09

As wars break out, hurt innocent,
through torture, hate and lie.
To see these deaths, it saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When schools teach our children
that God we can deny -
with morals low, it saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When churches want to compromise,
compassioned speech supply -
When truth is dead, it saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When parents through their anger
will see their children cry.
This child abuse so saddens me -
and words are hard to come by....

When judges, with our documents,
our wants, through law imply -
abortion deaths, they sadden me -
and words are hard to come by....

Oh, sin on earth grows daily -
hate escalates so high.
When sinful actions sadden me -
the words are hard to come by....

Point your finger, pass the buck.
Actions speak - so hear them cry.
Their louder voices sadden me,
and words are hard to come by....

So if you must - accuse me quick -
if truth refuse to buy.
Oh, will we learn on judgment day -
that words are hard to come by...?

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

-------

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/

-------

In His Hands 4-5-09

I just heard the tragic news
but I can't fit in your own shoes.
Some times I try to comfort some
but hugging you doesn't take you from
all of the heartache and all of the pain.
My words can't even begin to explain....

My stomach winds up in a giant knot
and after I leave I cry a lot.
When losing a friend that I hold dear
and having known them year after year,
I cry out "God, it just isn't fair"
and wonder often - does He not care?

Then I think, Matthew ten, twenty nine -
recalling the sparrow is not even mine.
God only knows (though worth half a cent)
its final day, its final descent.
For God is sovereign. It fits in His plans
that even the sparrow rests in His hands.

I know that I've made so many mistakes
and I can't feel all the pain and aches -
but God holds the answer, for He sent His Son
and knows of the burdens - as sin weighed a ton.
Our sins Jesus took. Our sins He forgave
and buried them all down deep in the cave.

I guess once again, He graced a few days
to share love together in our special ways.
Just sitting together with tears in our eyes,
helps us weather these very dark skies.
I stumble with thoughts. My words are a few -
but all I can say is - I love you....

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

--------

Thoughts 3-27-09

When Jesus walked this earthly land
and when He healed the withered hand,
did Jesus smile?
When Jesus turned the tables down
and scattered money all around,
was it worthwhile?

When Jesus calmed the wind and sea -
explained to them that faith was free,
did Jesus sigh?
When Jesus took sins mighty loss,
with thorns, the nails, the rugged cross,
did Jesus die?

Did He postpone that awful death
or did He take His final breath?
Do we know why?
Does God [a Christian walk] still see
as He looks deep inside of me?
Does Jesus cry?

2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Matt. 12: 13
Matt. 21: 12
Matt. 8: 26

GOD and MAN 1-14-09

(one mustard seed)

---

God creates
while man destroys.
God sustains
while man enjoys.

God forgives
while man awaits.
God is love
while man still hates.

God is peace.
Man is brutal.
God is life.
Man's is futile.

---

God returned,
Eden entered -
knowing man be-
came self-centered.

Yet God loved,
He offered grace,
and put His Son
in our due place.

Heaven is
our Lord's reply -
so can we truly,
humbly cry?

---

Or has my past
become so scarred,
that my own heart
becomes too hard?

And has my faith
become a weed,
that I can't see
the mustard seed?

It's up to me
to be Christ-like,
when faith endures
another spike.

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

When problems arise - when life is unfair - when the cruel, angry world takes the heavy stone of selfishness and greed - and begins to pound, pound, pound, bang, bang, bang another sinful spike into your happy, fun-loving life, does your faith endure?

John 14 (KJ) 1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.
2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.
5 Thomas saith unto him, Lord, we know not whither thou goest; and how can we know the way?
6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

-------