I Wander Yonder 1-31-13

I wander yonder over hills where those before me trod -

though aimlessly through wants and needs, yet find it somewhat odd.

I wander yonder guessing so and pay a heavy price -

by following some friends I have and words of ill-advice.

I wander yonder through my life and laugh along the way -

deceiving self, believing I am happy every day.

I wander yonder up until the day I get so old -

a speck of truth will be revealed that I had not been told.

I wander yonder 'til the time that I begin to ponder -

about God's good and loving Son, so full of grace and wonder.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Zombies 8-19-12

Banana pudding, apple pie,

who wants to leave this place -

with all their friends and family

and each familiar face?

Who wants to leave these comforts now

and change their status quo?

If comforts want no changes, there's

no other place to go...

unless through faith we so believe

in Someone who is more,

in Someone who has paid the price

in Someone to live for.

But woe is he, though wealthy be

if faith is naught, when dies -

for faith is the prerequisite

for life beyond the skies.

And God speaks not through megaphone

nor through a king or queen,

but rather through our faithfulness

from Heavens yet unseen.

A still, small voice will call our names.

Be ready to go home -

for faith knows our direction but

those zombies always roam.

If claim, you are, a zombie not,
 who wanders aimlessly,
 then follow quick that still, small voice
and Heaven you will see.

And if you're not a zombie
but follow God's own Son,
 then love your neighbor as yourself,
attest to everyone.

And if you're not a zombie,
just following the crowd,
then clap your hands and stomp your feet
and praise your Lord out loud!!

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Exodus 14:3

For Pharaoh will say of the sons of Israel, ‘They are wandering aimlessly in the land; the wilderness has shut them in.’

This Little Country Church 6-1-12

 So picturesque, the meadow

though breezes cut with knife,
but water whispers in the brook
as valley springs to life.
So beautiful, the hillside view
of pines, red oak and birch-
but nothing is so lovely as
this little country church.

It stands so straight and steadfast,
despite these many years,
unwavered by the storms of life,
and many heartfelt tears.
The mem'ries of a time long past
hold to a grim disguise,
as visions of my long lost friends
bring sadness to my eyes.

There's not a soul in eye-sight,
yet I'm accompanied.
My Jesus walks before me.
He throws salvation's seed.
The world, indeed, still wants to change-
a sinful earthly curse
and little church, long empty now,
not better, is for worse.

The birds, though, lift my spirits.
"Have faith!" they seem to say,
as chills from early springtime winds
now dry some tears away.
So somberly, through weathered door
I step in reverently.
A greater flood of mem'ries more
now pounce all over me.

They shake my senses silly
and pelt with bruising flack.
My eyes, though, rest on walnut pews
as mem'ries pull me back.
Hey Clem, hello!  Yes, Doris too-
and all my other friends...
I stand here frozen all the while
until remembrance ends.

With congregation absent,
(deceptions made them flee),
the root of evil holds them fast -
not prayer, not faith, nor me.
My love for mankind multiplies
as springtime wakes the seed,
but this old world will never find
the Savior that they need.

Our discipline was honored.
Respect was dignified.
Oh, how will children of today
see Jesus glorified?
Setting on a folding chair,
sets still, a dusty Book
and tears well up again as I
take yet a closer look.

Stepping out, the chilly winds
condemn my presence here,
but I will surely come again
My heart will hold no fear.
So beautiful, the hillside is
of pines, red oak and birch -
but nothing is so lovely as
this little country church.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Plugged In? 5-24-11

Are we a mere computer,
or have we skin and souls?
Have we hearts that often break -
with sometime mixed-up goals?

This world has seen some changes,
and many, not so good.
We often think of only 'self'
instead of what we should.

Maybe fault is not our own -
as when we are abused.
Eden's Garden, this is not -
when innocent are 'used'.

Can people be deleted?
Do friends no longer stay?
Are people simply 'products' that
some use - then throw away?

We plug in our computers
and we are 'plugged in' too -
but sometimes we will sit alone -
when real friends are few.

Computers do not have a heart,
and neither have they pain -
but people hurt from inside-out
and often times complain.

Brand new software will not work
when 'human' minds compute.
When control-alt-delete won't work,
we simply don't reboot.

When computers go awry -
we wipe the hard-drive clean -
but people cannot soon forget,
and must on shoulders lean.

Water kills computers,
and they don't cry in tears -
but people have the right to weep
to God who always hears.

FOR GOD knows every truth there is,
and pain He will erase -
if we will only seek His truth
and troubles squarely face.

We either love this life we have
on pathways we have trod -
or we can get unplugged from earth,
and get 'plugged in' to God!

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http:/www.ganderpoems.org/

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God Knows 10-31-10

When churches fall away from God,
when theology is focused cause,
when government turns back on you,
when they create acidic laws,

when business can't get any worse,
when banks and vendors receive bail,
when bills aren't paid and debts go up,
when you, though innocent, will fail,

when even friends have gone astray,
when each mistake is yours to claim,
when heavy skies come crushing down,
when you take every speck of blame,

when children do not talk to you,
when arms are present, not the hug,
when spouse seems very distant too,
when deep in every hole dug,

when rain comes down, in buckets pour,
when clouds are whipped and tempest tossed,
when friendly wagging tail stops,
when even your best dog is lost,

when all seems dead and all seems grave,
when all you've done has been a curse,
when none can help, though say they care,
when all goes sour, bad to worse,

when life proves fragile, hopeless too,
when everything gets out of hand -
remember, God knows every truth,
and will, forever, understand.

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

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Matthew 19:28-30 (NASB)

28 And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.

29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name's sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.

30 "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first."

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/

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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.

Horizon's Path 1-12-10

When all the richest people rest in graveyards,
before their grand possessions rot and rust,
I turn my eyes and humbly look to Heaven,
for Jesus is the only one I trust.

When all the famous celeb's rest in graveyards,
and all their loyal fans find other 'stars',
I turn my eyes and humbly look to Heaven,
for Jesus is my friend who holds the scars.

When all the greatest rulers rest in graveyards,
down underneath their oxen and their plows,
I turn my eyes and humbly look to Heaven,
for I have life which only God allows.

When all the folks around me fall to pieces,
solutions sought - but they can find them not -
I shake my head in wonder with the Heavens,
for I have Him whom they have all forgot.

When all the world can wonder why I'm happy -
and simple minds can't seem to understand,
I simply trust God's promises in Heaven,
continuing to hold His loving hand.

When friends and family wonder why I journey,
to places in my thoughts they'll never know -
horizons of my faith still kiss the Heavens,
as that's the path I'm traveling below.

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

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Job 23 (NASB)
10 "But He knows the way I take;
When He has tried me, I shall come forth as gold.
11"My foot has held fast to His path;
I have kept His way and not turned aside.
12"I have not departed from the command of His lips;
I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.

Special Day 12-7-09

For God so loved the world that
He gave to us a special day -
though we were in such disarray -
He loved this world anyway.

So many search both high and low,
both east and west - and worldwide -
for anything that they decide,
can fill their emptiness inside.

We cut our trees, then water them -
and decorate with balls and bow.
We hang up lights with colored glow
and then we hang the mistletoe.

We wish to feel a special way -
spend time with friends and family.
But if we loved, we too could see
that humbleness still holds the key.

With decorations 'round the globe -
with music filled with lovely sound -
this special day is so profound -
so why has Jesus not been found?

Now do not search your hearts or minds
and don't be timid, don't be weak.
The wise men came with gifts unique.
And tell me, who did shepherds seek?

For God so loved the world that
He gave to all this special day -
not just another 'holiday' -
so shout out loud, these words today:

Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas!

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

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Luke 1:14 (KJV) And thou shalt have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.

Dead Broke 3-24-09

I bought a house I so adored -

my friends all cheered in great accord.

I borrowed funds on every board

and now my payments, can't afford.

Though every call from bank ignored

I want my credit all restored -

so I can keep my great reward -

so I can buy and not be bored.

High water, I can sometimes ford

and if I could, I'd get on board,

but soon I'll break this final chord -

so loan me patience quickly Lord!

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Hallowed Be Thy Name 3-12-09

Our Father, who art in Heaven,
hallowed be Thy name,
because you first, so loved the world -
we're changed and not the same.

We once were so dispicable,
like soiled, dirty rags,
but now we wait as loyal friends,
as a puppy's tail wags.

They say that dogs are man's best friend -
trusting pure and true,
so faithfully we follow -
our faith is all in You.

There's nothing we can turn to,
nothing that we own,
nothing we can build upon -
except Your corner stone.

We wait on Your great wisdom,
we live on Your great strength,
and then as faithful servants,
we serve to greater length.

We cannot hold Your love inside.
We cannot live the same -
we must shine bright and tell the world!
Hallowed be Thy name.

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

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Flip The Coin 3-1-09

Wouldn't it be nice if we
learned from history?
Really there's no problem -
it is no mystery.

And what if we could learn
from anothers' bad mistakes?
Wouldn't that be helpful?
Tell me for goodness sakes.

What if we can't even learn
from mistakes - our very own?
And what if we ignore our friends -
now shouldn't we have known?

Wouldn't it be nice if we
learned from experience?
Really, what's the problem?
Ah, beginning to make sense?

Now flip the coin right over and
I'll tell you what I see...
Jesus died for OUR mistakes -
now explain why that should be.

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

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