Reminiscing 1-12-13

Something way down deep inside

my lost and lonely soul -

had eaten me until I died

of all my self-control.

Someone special lent a hand

that I did not deserve -

and touched an inner fragile strand -

a close and tender nerve.

I knew not what to make of it -

that kind, unselfish act.

My knees got weak and I admit -

was thankful.  That's a fact.

And then I sensed a flicker as

a flame on candle waves -

and saw their bumper sticker

that read, "Smile!  Jesus Saves!"

Then something in my reddened eyes

had made it hard to see -

choked up, I was, and all my cries

came pouring out of me.

So stunned in awe, I stopped to think

of all I'm guilty of.

I know my sin - once set in ink -

was wiped away with love.

Now, reminiscing has a way

to judge my many years -
so hymns in church on Sunday's now -
still well my eyes with tears.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Born Again 12-11-12

Oh, how I thought I knew it all when I was in my youth -

but as I turn in circles now I find an ugly truth -

that time had shut a door on each decision I had made

and now I have to suffer from the high price I have paid.

Now Jesus led me as a youth but I had vainly went

the stubborn way I wanted to. My whole life I had spent -

going my own selfish way through each and every door -

and thinking that each new one was much better than before.

But then I looked around me as the final door slammed shut.

So stunned, I was - completely - as it echoed in my gut.

I walked through each door willingly to get to where I am -

and now my soul is naked as I stand in front of Him.

But then my God allowed me there to reach back with my hand

and open up that final door. I didn't understand...

I stepped back through and found myself where I had been last week -

and then I saw another door so took another peek.

It too, had opened up for me - so I stepped through again -

and there I was two weeks ago right back where I had been.

So on and on I went through doors as fast as I could run -

until I was a child again - then back where I'd begun.

Now this time I will have no pride and this time I won't fight.

I'll follow in His footsteps and I'll follow Him just right.

Now each door that God opens makes us one close happy team -

and everything goes perfect 'til I wake up from my dream.

---

I only had one lonely chance to live an upright way -

but I messed up. I put me here. There is no more to say...

except that Jesus pulls me from my putrid, sinful grime -

and gives me one more final chance to get it right this time.

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

See Me Through 9-21-12

I'm ragged and I'm hungry.

My needs I can't afford.

My debts are huge and piling up.

Please lift me through it Lord.

I've served my country, served it well,

I've fought the gun and sword.

Though I survived, it's difficult -

please help me through it Lord.

An accident has left me lame,

I cannot be restored -

'cept through a gracious miracle.

Please walk me through it Lord.

I've lost my dear and loving spouse,

and I'm so lonely, bored.

Please speak to me with scripture now

and hold me through it Lord.

I was so blind in all my sin.

Your grace I had ignored.

Now through Your love and sacrifice,

please save me through it Lord.

Finally on my deathbed, I'm

about to get on-board -

a ship that takes me there to You.

Please see me through it Lord.

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Complete 5-10-10

How can I live without Jesus?
What can I learn with lies?
Can I believe the unbridled facts -
with wool pulled over my eyes?

Empty my ways without the truth,
as death draws near below sod.
Lonely the ways without my Lord -
and futile, days without God.

My life is nailed tight to the truth.
My cup overfills the brim.
Jesus, my firm and faithful rock.
My life is complete in Him.

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

-------

Jeremiah 48:30
"I know his fury," declares the LORD,
"But it is futile;
His idle boasts have accomplished nothing.

Gone But Not Forgotten 8-27-09

Again I do not have a choice -
none seem to understand,
that I will never hear your voice,
nor hold your velvet hand.

Those little things I'll cherish,
your favorite coffee mug,
your habits and your special wish,
that firm and steady hug.

Now I weep when lonely,
for granted, you I took.
Too many times I thought of me,
I miss that special look.

I cannot change the past and no,
this future cannot change -
for you are gone forever past
an endless mountain range.

This awful grief tears inside-out,
It hurts more than they know.
I feel lonely, I must shout!
I feel so very low.

Oh, if over, I could live,
somehow I'd do it different.
I'd cherish you and always give
and follow - where you went.

So foolish I, when younger,
correct - or so it seemed,
but oh, the joy you gave me -
I could have never dreamed.

You were wise and right on track,
and you I'll always miss.
I look back - remember now
and miss your special kiss.

You're gone but not forgotten
for I still hold our love -
yet none will ever understand
this bond that I speak of.

You proved your love with unique charm.
I cry for quite awhile -
until reminded, in His arms -
you're there, so I can smile.

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

-------

Ephesians 5:25 (NASB) "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her..."

Cross On Over 2-28-09

Do you know in this world that there's no guarantee?
Cross on over to Calvary.

If you're lonely right now to such a degree...
Cross on over to Calvary.

Strip all pride away that keeps you from Me.
Cross on over to Calvary.

You may be confused, but do not flee.
Cross on over to Calvary.

I am the bridge that you can see.
Cross on over to Calvary.

Leave your troubles, world debris.
Cross on over to Calvary.

Grace is yours, always free.
Cross on over to Calvary.

See Calvary's tree.
Cross on over to Calvary.

Your faith is key.
Cross on over to Calvary.

There's no fee.
Cross on over to Calvary.

You, Me.
Cross on over to Calvary.

We.
Cross on over to Calvary.

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

-----

John 14:6 (NASB) Jesus said to him, "I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me."

If I Were God.... 1-19-2009

Bad things happen every day,

on waves and solid sod -

This world is in such disarray -

but not if I were God.

People fall off mountains -

People fall in ditches -

People fall for anything -

but not if I were God.

People will get greedy -

People will get sad -

People will get lonely -

but not if I were God.

People get diseases -

People get depressed.

People get so bothered -

but not if I were God.

People hurt so often -

People hurt so much -

People hurt each other -

but not if I were God.

No, if I were God,

there'd be no mountains.

there'd be no valleys,

lakes or drinking fountains.

No one would fall off of,

fall into, or drown.

No, if I were God,

you'd never, ever frown.

If I were God,

there'd be 'garden of Eden',

all would be happy,

with nobody leavin'.

If I were God,

you could do what you please,

there wouldn't be plagues,

locusts or fleas.

Yes, if I were God,

you'd sing la-la-la,

because I'd create

utopia.

Don't worry that you'd never be challenged.

Don't worry that you'd get a bit bored.

Don't worry that you'd be a robot -

with brains as dense as a board.

So did God have other intentions?

Does 'free will' mean much at all?

Did Jesus give us a challenge?

And are we to answer His call?

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------

Matthew 9:37 (KJV)

Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few;

Reflection 6-12-07

.

Feeling sad and lonely?

Do wrinkles own your face?

Does guilt still stalk your sinful past -

temptations big disgrace?

Focus on our Father as

He puts us in this place.

He knows what He is doing.

So faithful, His embrace.

Lets walk along together -

just imagine you and I,

strolling past His quiet stream -

below His rich, blue sky...

His grasses and flowers seem

to bow as we go by.

Along His stream

His huge trees stand -

leaves curtsy way up high.

God never changes. God never fails

in Heaven or here below.

All nature exposes God above,

today as long ago.

He opens all His beauty, since

the beginning, so we know -

and looking back down to His stream,

we’ll see His waters flow.

It trickles over rocks and stones

down to an open pass,

to a pond so still and tranquil -

that no man could surpass.

As a mirror proves all truth -

His sky, His trees, His grass -

there it all rests quietly,

this pond as smooth as glass.

Carefully lean over and

smile without a fuss.

Take a look at God's creation -

there's nothing to discuss....

Peer upon the water,

don't trust the two of us.

If our faith and love is strong,

our smile reflects Jesus.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

-------