Twenty Angels 12-16-12

Pure evil smashed through fragile doors
at lives misunderstood -
fought cowardly in anger -
with twenty Angels, good.

Then hero's lives were sacrificed
as many children hid.
We cannot make the pieces fit -
but twenty Angels did.

So now there's something in my eyes
there's dampness on my cheek -
and I can feel the echo when
those twenty Angels speak.

The question that I struggle with -
is, "Where do Angels go?"
I'm not sure of the answer, but
our twenty Angels know.

In memory of the 20 children and 6 adults killed
at Sandy Hook School in Newtown, CT


©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

The Ceiling Fan 5-30-12

I felt just like a ceiling fan -

just spinning 'round and 'round,

running, circling, whirling,

not making any sound.

Endlessly, I spun and spun.

I knew life wasn't fair!

I was going through the motions,

not getting anywhere!

I knew I, much more worthy, was,

should I'd been called upon,

but stuck here on the ceiling, I

was merely hanging on...

The weeks and months had turned to years

but who was I to kid?

I'd done the same thing every day

and that was all I did.

Now one day when my chain was pulled

I simply was too tired.

I don't know what came over me,

I thought I was still wired.

My owner came and took me down.

I finally got a ride!

I saw new sights!  My dreams came true!

My eyes grew very wide!

I wanted so, to travel -

but this was not the way!

Oh, I was heading to the dump!

I want another day!

I promised I would spin around.

I promised I would try!

I said, "Do not give up on me,

for I'm too young to die!"

But I was not so lucky.

All my hopes were dashed.

He threw me in a dumpster with,

the hot and putrid trash.

I sat there quite awhile and

I prayed so hard and long.

I gave up on a miracle -

until 'He' came along.

He carried me back to his house

and then He took me in.

He held me very gentle, then

He fixed up all my sin.

Oh yes, I'm still a ceiling fan,

and spinning endlessly -

and though I know life isn't fair,

I'll ever happy, be!

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Romans 6:4 (NASB)

 Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death,

so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father,

so we too might walk in newness of life.

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/

-------

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/

-------

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...."

Insignificant? 11-7-09

Are we so blind in our own little world -
can't see our own ship's demise -
and feel deep down an emptiness
with insignificant eyes?
Yet do we love life's dangers,
and into the tempests lean -
with all our focused attention on
this world's corrupted scene?

Are we so deaf in our own little world,
when waters send warning tears -
that we can't discern the crashing waves
with insignificant ears?
And do we love life's dangers
which envies of sins enjoy -
with all of our selfish actions,
with insignificant noise?

Are we so wrapped in our own little world,
balled up as some yarn and strings -
yet hanging from a single thread,
with insignificant things?
Oh, the storms that God allows
as we tighten ourselves in our chains -
we cannot break free from the greed and lust
with insignificant brains.

When temptations storms keep tossing
our ships on the mighty sea,
are we so lost in our own little world -
we can only think about "me"?
When waters keep breaking and crashing
our ships on the angry waves -
will cries be heard in Heaven to
this Jesus who truely saves?

Would God send His Son with His infinite love,
with such insignificant goals -
then have Him die on an old rugged cross
for insignificant souls?
Certainly not! We're meaningful -
we faithful sons and daughters.
Grace is sufficient against all storms.
Let Jesus calm Life's waters.

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

-------

Galatians 3:26 (NASB) For you are all sons of God through faith in Christ Jesus.

Desert Sand 9-24-09

One small tiny grain of sand
is not as bad as dirt.
It's just a little sin I said.
Now what can one grain hurt?

As life grew harder every day,
they started piling up.
And even though I got my way -
so empty was my cup.

Futility! I looked around -
no hills, the desert flat.
I thought I was so very good,
but this, could not combat.

Sandy dust blew in my eyes -
and stung where’re I looked.
The sun so high up overhead.
It really, really cooked.

No roads or paths, just emptiness -
in land that didn't care.
My feet were burning in the sand.
Suns wrath was everywhere.

I ran that I might save me.
I worked horizons line.
The waves of heat were rising.
I thought I'd saw a sign.

Those far deceptions seized me
with waves of heat thereon.
Those fun mirages fooled me
and kept me moving on.

But salty sweat stung open sores
though that was not the worst -
mirages never satisfied
nor ever quenched my thirst.

My muscles ached from head to toe -
but stop, I didn't dare.
I plodded on for days and days -
Not getting anywhere.

Finally, I stopped and dropped
and others I condemned.
Those tiny grains had bested me
and I collapsed on them.

For hours I lay there helpless -
prayed selfishly for rain -
then fell asleep exhausted -
done in by tiny grain.

Then I awoke quite suddenly -
with sand still on my face.
Showers blessings pelted me -
and that, my friend, was grace.

I thanked the Lord profusely -
this selfish, evil man.
I turned my faith to heaven then.
I knew that this God can.

Just one tiny grain of sand,
held innocently in hand.
Once a tiny sin I said,
but now I understand.

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

-------

Revelation 7:16 (NASB) "They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore; nor will the sun beat down on them, nor any heat..."

The Way To The Cross 2-28-09

So you want directions?
You're at a loss?
You want me to point
your way to the cross?

Well, it's not a "direction",
and not about speed -
but get there, you're able -
you sure can, indeed.

You can't go by auto,
nor by a plane,
A rocket won't help you -
nor will a train.

You can't use your eyes
to see your way there,
You can't use your ears
or recite a prayer.

But close your eyes, listen -
to that still, small voice,
which draws you in closer.
God gives you a choice.

To choose a direction
would tear you apart,
but listen, you're closer
to your very heart.

To find that old cross,
don't look through the trees.
Just humble yourself
and fall on your knees.

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

-------

Time Flies 2-15-09

As I lay down and close my eyes,
God shows me just how fast time flies.
I'm not a child anymore,
those days are past - beyond my door.

Recalling house and first bedroom,
remember fathers old push broom,
mother, always in the kitchen,
the "weird taste" we'd never mention.

My report card, teachers face,
my first car and my first race,
my first love and my first kiss -
but nothing matters except this:

Another day, another week,
another year, it's all oblique.
Resembling any passing weed,
days are never guaranteed.

Jesus gives us each tomorrow,
every day from God we borrow,
and if tonight He chooses me,
very soon His face I'll see.

And when I'm standing at the throne,
I'll be exposed and all alone.
We don't live the past somehow,
for God gives life - right here, right now.

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

-------

Z 2-22-08

‘Z’ is last - but not in this poem!
Letters take thought and patience to grow 'em.

‘A’ seems reserved for its special space,
and may have tantrums if not in first place.

Twenty-five letters still have to be passed,
to find that lone ‘Z’ which was meant to be last.

I ponder the meaning of last and not first,
and wonder at one point if ‘Z’ had been cursed.

But ‘Z’, in this poem has gotten first place.
Hopefully that puts a smile on its face!

The day will soon come where first will be last,
the last will be first and won’t be surpassed.

Now here is a secret so keep your eyes peeled,
and maybe you’ll find every letter revealed.

It was quite a chore to mix letters this way,
but this time - in last place - you'll find letter ‘A’.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Mark 9:(NASB)
34 But they kept silent, for on the way they had discussed with one another which of them was the greatest.
35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and said to them, "If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all."
36 Taking a child, He set him before them, and taking him in His arms, He said to them,
37 "Whoever receives one child like this in My name receives Me; and whoever receives Me does not receive Me, but Him who sent Me."

--------

In The Clouds 3-25-07

You ask why I am crying. So let me tell you why.
I was so very angry as I stared into the sky.

I lost my special mother and tears had filled my eyes.
I looked to God for answers but moisture blurred the skies.

I had only asked for answers - an emotional free ride.
I wanted Him to hold me - and keep me near His side.

I didn’t see the sunshine. Dark clouds hung over me.
I couldn’t feel His presence. I couldn’t begin to see….

But when I wiped away my tears, my thoughts were held in awe -
It held me captive for some time - for this is what I saw:

So clear and simple in the clouds - I now know why she died....
The sight of Jesus on the cross – in love, His arms held wide.

You ask why I am crying. I’m crying ‘cuz I’m glad –
I knew that she was everything - and thought was all I had.

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

-------

Follow Me 1-29-07

I stood out on a sandy beach - waves crashing on the shore,
I wondered why I was alone. The waves hit with a roar,
I knew the fish kept close in schools, way out there in the sea -
and then I heard a still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

I wandered by our big, old oak. Its branches, breezes sway.
I wondered why I was alone. I heard birds chirp away.
I knew that birds stayed closely by, protected in that tree -
and then I heard a still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

I sat there by my window – heard noises that were made..
I wondered why I was alone as all the children played.
I knew that children in their way, stayed close and played so free -
and then I heard a still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

My teary eyes were buried in my favorite chair, so soft.
I wondered why I was alone as prayers floated aloft.
I prayed. My trembling hands clasp tight - was blind, it couldn't be -
and then I heard a still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

I waited for an answer but my patience had run out.
I wondered why I was alone. Proof verified all doubt.
Jesus, just before the cross, was denied His final plea -
again, I heard that still small voice, "Have faith, and you will see..."

I'm gone, but not so much alone. I'm here with Heaven's King.
Our Savior sits beside Him! Can you hear the angels sing?
My hands I hold up, way up high! Heaven's riches I now see!
So listen to His still small voice, "Have faith, come follow me."

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

------- 

Psalm 23:4 (KJ) “Yea, 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.”

Rev. 2:10 (KJ) “Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."