Circle Of Love 1-29-13

. . . . and bring our love around again in selfless peace that has no end -

as with a circle bright and true, is love of fam'ly, love of friend -

though some may laugh while others grieve, forgiveness we can sure achieve,

through God's vast blessings scattered 'round so those in need can hence receive -

the Son of God who's virgin born - through whip and nails and piercing thorn -

our sacrifice, the ultimate - a perfect Savior, bloody, torn -

because God loved and likewise we, bring certain hope that others see -

these blessings of a risen Lord so that they too could also be

in peace that's pure as snowy dove while singing praise to God above -

while standing faithful hand in hand in this, our circle filled with love . . . .

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Will The Circle Be Unbroken?
Lyrics
(written 1907 by Ada R. Habershon with music by Charles H. Gabriel)

There are loved ones in the glory
Whose dear forms you often miss.
When you close your earthly story,
Will you join them in their bliss?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?

In the joyous days of childhood
Oft they told of wondrous love
Pointed to the dying Saviour;
Now they dwell with Him above.
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


You remember songs of heaven
Which you sang with childish voice.
Do you love the hymns they taught you,
Or are songs of earth your choice?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


You can picture happy gath'rings
Round the fireside long ago,
And you think of tearful partings
When they left you here below.
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?


One by one their seats were emptied.
One by one they went away.
Now the family is parted.
Will it be complete one day?
(Chorus)
Will the circle be unbroken
By and by, by and by?
Is a better home awaiting
In the sky, in the sky?
---

Can The Circle Be Unbroken?
Lyrics
(`1935 - Carter family)

I was standing by my window
On one cold and cloudy day
And I saw the hearse come rolling
For to carry my mother away
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Oh, I told the undertaker
Undertaker, please drive slow
For this body you are hauling
How I hate to see her go
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Lord, I followed close beside her
Tried to hold up and be brave
But I could not hide my sorrow
When they laid her in the grave
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Went back home Lord, My home was lonely
Since my mother she had gone
All my brothers, sisters crying
What a home so sad and lone
(Chorus)
Can the circle be unbroken
Bye and bye, Lord, bye and bye
There's a better home a-waiting
In the sky, Lord, in the sky

Magic? 11-22-11

Please God, won't You listen,
to my most desperate need -
without Your final remedy,
to rid myself of greed?

I want a magic potion,
or one fantastic pill -
that gives me everything I want -
good health, success, a thrill.

Go look inside your magic hat.
What goodies are inside?
I know all things are possible,
so please let me decide...

Then let me win the lotto.
I've only just begun -
to think of great things I could do
for each poor, needy one.

I'm not a little, selfish child -
but want You to respond,
to help me fix my problems with,
Your great and magic wand.

I promise that I'll listen.
I promise to obey -
if only You would wave Your wand
to take my ills away...

---

Satanic hero-worship,
brainwashing little ones -
witchcraft spells and sorcery
beget the anger, guns.

Palm readings, stars and tarot cards,
or mystic crystal balls -
God but hears a 'song and dance'
each time the sinner calls.

We want for easy answers,
we grasp at every straw,
we wish for all our heart's desire -
but need our hearts to thaw.

When cities lay in ruin -
when we are all in tatters -
when hope hangs by a single thread -
then only God still matters.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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When Time Has Come 11-10-11

Our Father in Heaven, please hear this prayer,

and let each and every special child know we care.

There's often things they can't explain or even share,

but let these children know that You are always there.

Hope.

And comfort them in knowing, that I am with them too -

to understand the problems they all are going through.

And if, by chance, there's something more that You can do,

then let that great and special miracle rain down from You.

Grace.

Your Word proves that You love the very 'least of these',

so send - if it's Your will - just one more miracle please.

We need Your love to comfort like a gentle breeze -

to take away their pain and cure this bad disease.

Love.

You know the special care that we are speaking of -

and know if You are willing there from up above -

will let us see Your healing as a snow-white dove,

descending down from Heaven from our 'God of Love'.

Faith.

Thank you for all blessings that You've ever given.

We've ignored them not, nor have we forgotten.

And forgiven too, our enemies - seventy times seven -

and ready for a journey, to a perfect land called Heaven.

In perfect peace, Amen.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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My Little Boat 5-2-11

Is 'faith' an easy word to say?
Climb in my little boat.
It's not too much to look at but,
was built, so it could float.

Now hold on tight! We're sailing,
across this mighty sea!
And don't look back like Lot's wife did -
it's just You, God and me.

We know the storm clouds darken.
We know the sea is rough.
We see the storms approaching.
We know it will be tough.

Raging tempests circling in
this blinding, windy squall -
the typhoon winds are deafening -
blowing horizontal.

The wind picks up around us -
life has its surprises -
despite our frantic bailing, the
water level rises...

The breaking waves crash over us,
our future starts to dim.
Our work is less than futile but,
our hope resides in Him.

Rain freezes, pelting bullets -
keep stabbing like a knife.
Grasping tight to what we can -
we hold on fast to life.

Pulled muscles, cuts and aching joints -
now steal away attention.
We lose, while tossing, sea-sick, stunned -
all sense of direction.

We cower ever lower then.
Some refuge? There is none.
Our prayers drown in the breaking waves.
Our words lost, every one.

Now most give in about this time -
high hopes, the world sees.
Their dreams are carried off in winds,
their souls to sinful seas.

In life, we've often sacrificed -
but our lives, never gave.
We just get blown around a bit -
and tossed from wave to wave.

So all alone, we shiver -
and drenched so thorough, wet.
We see, though stunned to speechless a
familiar silhouette.

Saving us from certain death,
with grace for all who sinned -
and walking on the water now,
He calms the sea and wind.

Life's futile ocean's much too wide -
for tiny boat and I -
but God gives grace to everyone -
whose faith is not a lie.

Is 'faith' an easy word to say?
Climb in my little boat.
It's not too much to look at but,
with faith, still stays afloat...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Psalm 107 (KJV)

23 Those who go down to the sea in ships,

Who do business on great waters;

24 They have seen the works of the LORD,

And His wonders in the deep.

25 For He spoke and raised up a stormy wind,

Which lifted up the waves of the sea.

26 They rose up to the heavens, they went down to the depths;

Their soul melted away in their misery.

27 They reeled and staggered like a drunken man,

And were at their wits' end.

28 Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble,

And He brought them out of their distresses.

29 He caused the storm to be still,

So that the waves of the sea were hushed.

30 Then they were glad because they were quiet,

So He guided them to their desired haven.

31 Let them give thanks to the LORD for His lovingkindness,

And for His wonders to the sons of men!

Hope 3-10-11

In despair,

we'll sometimes be.

At these times can we cope?

Yet always free,

if we can see

the One who offers hope.

©2011 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/ 

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Seek Ye First 8-8-09

The greed of man from that first tree!
How selfish can His people be?
The Almighty, we don't fear.
Can man not seek?
Can man not hear?

Creating gods from whither star,
how foolish all God's people are!
The lessons of all history past -
Can man not seek?
Can man not last?

With singers, actors in disguise,
do we, our hero's idolize?
When entertainment cannot give -
can man not seek?
Can man not live?

Then rulers of our very land -
apply their pressures on demand.
Agendas lie beneath the sea -
can man not seek?
Can man not see?

And then when profits rule the skies,
the poor are stripped. We hear the cries.
So obvious, greed will reveal -
can man not seek?
Can man not feel?

We'll vote for change at any cost -
when answers, here on earth exhaust.
When hope is spent, we'll look above -
where man will find
that perfect Love....

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

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Matthew 6:33 (KJV) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.

Foundation's Truth 8-1-09

So proud and tall she stands today,
for she had understood the way -
the importance of her humble job
while surrounded with such disarray.

Lest our nation backward slide,
never once we cussed or lied,
but now through 'hope' and true 'belief'
we're safely home and here abide.

She had noticed through the years
so many 'wet behind the ears'.
For they had taken it for granted -
a right that easily disappears.

Still there, but lonely, she still stands,
(no music, pomp or marching bands) -
Her usefulness has gone, expired -
as 'greater good' today demands.

Our freedom's 'right' - none can erase,
but most give up in any case.
She stands so ready, though alone -
next to a corrupt voting place.

When blinded by bad policy,
can she still fly our flag freely?
If one by one our 'rights' are stripped -
can this, a mighty nation be?

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

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HOMER 5-16-09

I am taking the liberty of not posting a poem this time.

This is a true story that I felt compelled to post.

It's true - as I witnessed it personally.

I pray that you enjoy 'HOMER'.

-

Homer.
A 'special' person?
Successful?

Few would call him that today.
He was not an 'important' elected official.
He was not a 'well-known' celebrity.
He was not a 'CEO',
nor did it seem he was even 'needed'.

In the mid 50's
after heart trouble
needing a warmer climate

and wanting to do mission work-
he moved to Texas - Weslaco, Texas.
He knew no one there.
And of course,
Mexico was just across the river.

The Mexicans were very poor.
I suppose most of us knew that -
but few really noticed.

I visited him once.
He drove me around
and showed me places -
and I remember seeing
a very young girl playing
naked in front of
a small square shack (her home).

Homer saw a need -
but few noticed.

Homer lived in a trailer.
He didn't have heat
and it got cold at night -
but few noticed.

The border patrol got to know Homer.
They trusted him.
They knew him
as they saw how he lived,
and the work he was doing.
We crossed the border
into Mexico and back,
easily -
without being checked.
He prayed, then delivered food.
He prayed, then delivered clothes.
He prayed, then delivered hope.
He prayed, then delivered change -
to their lives.

For years he delivered their needs
and the Good Word -
but few noticed.

He didn't pastor a big church.
He didn't pastor a small church.
He didn't pastor any church -
but I remember once
at a Wednesday night prayer meeting -
(during one of those rare times
he returned to Wisconsin)
several men stood up
and gave their testimonies.
I can't remember
what any of them said.
But then Homer stood up.
He didn't say anything spectacular.
He just told of how poor his 'new friends' were
and how he was trying to help them.
He spoke for awhile and asked if
we might be able to share or donate anything -
clothes, food...
and then started to sit back down.
But everyone wanted to hear more
- so he continued.
He spoke for the full service.

There was no "prayer meeting" that evening.
No one left early.
The pastor never spoke either -
but few noticed. 

His faith was big
but he did small things.

Few noticed.

Decades later

as he got older,
he moved in with us -
back in Wisconsin.
I owned a few rentals
and charged him nothing.
He insisted on paying, though -

so he did,
$40 per month
which covered the utilities.
He could afford that.
He stayed in that small lower unit
a number of years.
I learned a lot -
as I saw him daily.
I was not a benefit to him,
but rather, he was a benefit to me.
You might say that we
were one, big happy family.
We seldom knocked.

I remember once
walking in on him
and saw him in his bedroom
on the floor
on his knees
at his bedside,
praying.
He didn't hear me
or see me
so I quietly backed out.
He was a man of prayer.

He read his Bible continuously.
We spoke often.
He carried his Bible everywhere -
and rarely left home without it.
He walked to the other end of town and back
twice a day, for exercise.
He loved Gods world -
but few noticed.

He continued his normal routine,
his daily Christian walk -
but few noticed.

One day
as I was driving down main street,
on the far sidewalk,
I saw him.
As I stopped for a red light,
there he was - up ahead,
walking the same direction as I.
Who could forget that distinctive walk?
A little hunched over,
but a deliberate walk -
as if he always knew
exactly where he was headed.
Few noticed.

As I got closer -
as I looked closer -
of course, at his side,
under his arm,
in his hand
was that same familiar Bible.
He didn't see me.
I didn't sound my horn to wave.
I just looked ahead
and smiled, thinking...
'that's Homer'.

On the sidewalk
were other passers by.
I wondered if they, too, saw his Bible.
Few noticed.

Now maybe Homer
was not a 'special' person in our world,
but he was a special person to me -
and a very 'special' person to God.
A great believer,
A 'special' person for sure -
though few noticed.

Are we 'special' to those around us?
How will people remember us?
And more importantly,
how will God remember us?

Homer passed away in 1991
at the age of 95.
A few people in Weslaco, TX
or in Mexico
might still remember "the nice man".
The children that he fed and clothed then
should be in their 40s or 50s now.

Homer McDermott
1896-1991
He died poor -
but few noticed.

If every American
in this nation -
prayed as hard as he did -
worked as hard as he did -
gave as hard as he did....
if every American
in this nation -
proved their love as he did -
to our neighbors here,
and around the world -
then America, once again, would be
that "shining city on a hill"
Reagan spoke of in Dallas in 1984.

And God would be defined to the world
through pure Christian living -
not through theology books
sold in bookstores,
or by
(allow me to say it this way)
"make-believers".

Homer didn't "make-believe".
Homer didn't 'act' like a Christian.
Homer was a Christian -
though few noticed.

Homer never worked for his salvation,
nor did he worry about his salvation,
nor did he charge
for his Christian service -
and few noticed.

Few people knew Homer -
but God did.
Few people noticed Homer -
but I did.

Tears pour from my eyes
when I think of how far I fall short
of Homer's great love and faith -
in life,
for others,
for God.

Homer -
a very 'special' person?
I guess that's for each one of us to decide,
depending on our goals in life -
but as for me - yes, absolutely.

Homer McDermott,
a most humble man -
a man of faith -
a man of most unselfish love,
with the greatest, most worthy testimony.

And though few noticed
my grandfather, I did.

~louis gander

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

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Angel Wings 4-27-09

(for my cousin, Louise, who was always smiling, 1955-2009)

When life seems empty, it's no fun.
When everything's hopeless, what can be done?
When all life's work goes down the drain...
when I look back, it's all insane.

What if I knew that few people care,
and where are the answers from government there?
What can I do when I've lost earthly hope?
Oh, what can I do at the end of my rope?

Let go, let God,
with wink and nod.
For it's worthwhile.
to smile awhile.

With faith I just
rely on trust.
I feel so free.
Don't cry for me.

From all earths harms,
I'll drop in arms,
against His chest -
for I'm His guest.

In graveyard no,
don't look below,
but up should look,
for me He took.

When life looks bleak,
give God a peek,
You'll find Him too
with life anew.

Trust has no strings,
an angel sings,
when Jesus brings
us angel wings...

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

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Shattered Glass 11-24-08

A gold fish swam to the glass.
It's tail fin made the water stir,
against the glass. It peered beyond,
but it could swim no further.

I reached too - but couldn't through.
That invisible glass prevented me.
Surviving in our own little worlds
isn't always meant to be.

We have eyes but what deceives?
For everything will come to pass -
this side of the present tense,
and out beyond the solid glass.

Sins law, like glass, invisible.
It's nothing but a deadly lie.
I reached but couldn't feel His touch.
It held between my God and I.

I was deep in waters sin.
Within there is no air.
There is no grace inside the law -
and faith cannot live there.

But then one night some time ago,
in quiet stillness, the world heard,
A star shone bright above a babe.
Something big on earth occurred.

He reputed worldly wisdom -
His death on earth did pass,
but heard before that quiet night -
the shout that shattered glass....

"Abba, Father" shattered it.
Sin's law in pieces, everywhere -
forgotten, forgiven, gone.
Grace unlocked us from despair.

Hope washed us ever closer.
Free from circling without breath,
free from sinful bondage where,
the wages of sin is death.

Some day soon we'll see our graves -
yet sin no longer holds us slaves.
The glass is broken. Make no waves -
just tell the world that Jesus saves!

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

Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

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The Solid Rock 4-20-08

.

Because of God, there is creation.

Because of creation, there is truth.

Because of truth, there is love.

Because of love, there is grace.

Because of grace, there is Christ.

Because of Christ, there is virgin birth.
Because of virgin birth, there is perfection.
Because of perfection, there is sacrifice.

Because of sacrifice, there is crucifixion.

Because of crucifixion, there is blood.

Because of blood, there is forgiveness.

Because of forgiveness, there is death.

Because of death, there is resurrection.

Because of resurrection, there is life.

Because of life, there is joy.

Because of joy, there is peace.

Because of peace, there is hope.

Because of hope, there is belief.

Because of belief, there is faith.

Because of faith, there is study.

Because of study, there is knowledge.

Because of knowledge, there is understanding.

Because of understanding, there is duty.

Because of duty, I tell you.

On Christ the solid rock I stand, protected by His nail-scarred hand.

He leads me by the waters blue, He's everything I think and do.

My life complete - is full and free, for I rest in Him faithfully.

And certainly, some day I'll die - but in His arms I will not cry.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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A Little Lesson 11-18-07

Do we attempt to “create” our own God? because we think we know what He should be doing or what is best for us or our “religion”? With all the mistakes I make, I’m glad God doesn’t always answer my prayers the way I think they should be answered….

---

I learned a little lesson. Let me share it with you now.
I should have told you years ago but didn't know quite how.

God is like the sunshine that blesses us for years,
Jesus, like the ocean breeze that dries our several tears.

God is faithful to us all. He doesn't fail or stray
He is like the morning sun that rises every day.

Jesus knows our troubles. He knows our every hope.
He knows which crosses we can bear. He knows that we can cope.

While death is like the darkness with troubles everywhere.
Life is like the sunshine - its brightness we all share.

This little lesson I had learned before my final day -
that I am not the 'Potter' - and God is not the clay.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

Isaiah 29: 15-16 (NASB)
15Woe to those who deeply hide their plans from the LORD, And whose deeds are done in a dark place, And they say, "Who sees us?" or "Who knows us?"
16You turn things around! Shall the potter be considered as equal with the clay,
That what is made would say to its maker, "He did not make me"; Or what is formed say to him who formed it, "He has no understanding"

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Forgive Me 10-28-07

I give you this - because I'm sorry,
for something that I've done.
I'm no angel. I'm not God,
nor perfect like His Son.

I am sorry. Please forgive me.
There's nothing I can pray.
Please believe me, I am sorry.
There's nothing more to say.

So many times - I've made mistakes.
And I've hurt you a lot.
From this I ask forgiveness from -
though I deserve it not.

I turn my eyes, on Jesus now,
I feel His loving grace.
Beneath the crown, between the nails,
I see His precious face.

My only hope?  You'll see in me,
what Jesus saw in you,
as He prayed "Father, forgive them for
they know not what they do."

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

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A Loving Kiss 11-27-06

There sits a mom - without her baby,
hands clasp and trembling in her lap alone;
She still ponders how it could have happened,
and now can't hold the girl she could have known,

There sits a dad crying deep inside,
the girl who 'could have been' is but a blur.
Torments endless curses keep him hanging,
on absent memories that just never were.

There's a child who never saw her parents -
was not allowed a single hug to give;
Nor allowed to say, "I love you mommy."
She had no rights - not even just to live....

Forever lost - a life of innocence -
receiving, not one speck of human love!
Yes, pain and sorrow is all around us,
but God’s in control. He waits there up above.

We fall short and fail - believe it's over.
Sadness ruptures the heart of every size.
Heartache spawns yet more excessive sorrow,
all caused by deaths dark cold, black, evil lies.

Understand one thing - that we aren't perfect.
Nowhere can we turn our vain and evil face!
There's no hope to quell one sin within us,
except by faith in Him who showers grace.

Our possessions will rot and turn to dust,
but forgiveness comes - from the God of peace!
Persevere through faith - your full trust in Him.
His love is full and it will never cease.

There's a child who never saw her mother,
but forever, we must remember this;
That God, in love, reached down and took her -
and gave her, in His arms, a loving kiss.

©2006 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

1 Timothy 1:5 (NASB)
“But the goal of our instruction is love from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”

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