LOVE 2-14-13

It simply is impossible and simply is absurd -

to think that love can be defined in ordinary word.

"For God so loved the world..." and too, He had amid -

the evil forces on the earth who tortured as they did.

To love someone who helped you is a simple thing to do -

but try to love the people who have great disdain for you.

Then let them whip you- up until the pain is so intense -

it makes one wonder, if in fact, you have no common sense.

And let them make you drag a big old heavy wooden cross -

until you're so exhausted [that the path] you fall across.

And let them nail you to the beams in most horrendous way -

then mock you as you hear each word the soldiers have to say.

And let them place a homemade crown of nothing but pure scorn

that seize your brow, while poking in, with long and piercing thorn.

And let them hang you there alone in pain and agony

for all the people gathered 'round- for all of them to see.

And let them have their evil way until the bitter end -

until you finally pass away for all who ever sinned.

It simply is impossible and simply is absurd -

to think that love can be defined in ordinary word.

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Why Angels Sing 2-8-13

The muscles tighten in my face

and tears come to my eyes -

each time I think of how you hurt

or hear your helpless cries.

You know if I could help you out,

I'd stop your pain today.

I'd use my little magic wand

to whisk them all away.

But if my magic wand was broke,

I'd buy them all with cash -

and then I'd torch each single one

and turn them into ash.

But if I couldn't burn them up

I'd open up your heart -

I'd take your sorrows- all of them -

and tear them all apart.

But if I couldn't tear them up

then I'd go to great length -

to throw your burdens off a cliff,

with every ounce of strength.

But if I wasn't strong enough

I'd haul them, height and breadth -

then watch them all splash overboard

into the ocean's depth.

But if your burdens didn't sink,

I'd work for many years -

right along beside you where

I'd kiss away your tears.

But if I couldn't dry your tears

I'd wish beyond degree -

that all your hurts would melt away

until you're bright with glee.

More tears go streaking down my cheeks.

I see you in great pain -

and now I've proven I can't help.

My work is all in vain.

Oh, how it saddens me to know

that I can't do a thing.

Yet God can heal your broken heart -

and that's why angels sing...

So smile awhile and lift your voice -

a voice so filled with love!

For those who hate will wallow here -

as you ascend above!

©2013 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Little Elf 11-20-12

Mischievous, the little one -

the selfish, little elf -

the one who looks and listens for

the things which help himself.

Though brilliant colors are defined,

I'm blind and cannot see.

Since birth my world was always dark.

I ask myself, "Why me?"

My doctor says there is no hope.

No music will there be.

My world is quiet.  I can't hear.

I ask myself, "Why me?"

I've worked my fingers to the bone.

I've paid each tax and fee.

But now the banks are taking all.

I ask myself, "Why me?"

My teachers say I'm special.

My friends and all agree.

Then mom tells me to make my bed.

I ask myself, "Why me?"

He fell to knees most fervently -

the place?  Gethsemane.

Though God did not 'remove His cup',

did Jesus ask, "Why me?"

So lazy, greedy, prideful, vain -

oh, how can I complain?

My prayers are simply mockeries

if I know not His pain.

Pain that He endures each time

that I think of myself -

for He's the Master Teacher - and

I'm the little 'elf'...

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Tears No Longer 3-20-12

Behind the doors of many homes,

no matter where you go -

a multitude of people weep.

Their tears forever flow...

I sat behind my mommy in

the back seat of our car.

My daddy did the driving, but

we didn't get too far.

My mom and I were talking,

and we were smiling wide,

but someone ran the traffic light

and hit us hard broad-side.

The truck came out of nowhere -

the driver, DUI.

And buckled in her seat belt, mom

had watched my daddy die.

I woke up in a hospital -

in pain for several days.

Our fragile world turned up-side-down

in many, many ways...

"Jesus, heal my broken heart.

I feel emotion's tug,

whenever mommy holds me tight

and gives me daddy's hug.

Embraced below Your sunsets

through visions of the wreck -

I know my mom is crying too.

Her tears run down my neck.

"She says we'll be in Heaven there.

It is her only prayer.

Daddy, mother, also I -

are in Your precious care.

Though she forgives the driver -

forget? She never will.

And though the years are passing by,

our tears are flowing still.

"But please forgive me Jesus -

I can't get on my knees.

Fun and laughter, drugs and beer

is all the world sees.

Is several years of crying worth

some stranger's day of fun?

'They know not what they do' You said.

Our tears forever run.

"You hear all my petitions

My deepest thoughts I share.

Your great omniscient presence

surrounds my wheel chair.

And I am not discouraged.

Through faith in You, I know -

in Heaven, we'll be together -

where tears no longer flow."

©2012 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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But Have I Loved? 9-25-11

I've read a Book that was read by millions.

I've seen a painting that was seen by millions.

I've sung a hymn that was sung my millions.

But have I loved?

For with LOVE comes sacrifice,

and with sacrifice comes much sorrow,

and with much sorrow comes many tears,

and with many tears comes vast emptiness,

and with vast emptiness comes more agony,

and with more agony comes horrid pain,

and with horrid pain comes suffering, 

and with suffering comes a cross.

A cross that PROVES love.

PROOF through an only begotten Son -

who sacrificed,

who forgave, 

who died,

who rose again,

who loves me more than ever,

who wants me to experience just one short inch in His sandals,

and take one faint breath on my humble cross,

so that I may also learn how to love.

I've not authored a book that was read by millions.

I've not painted a picture that was seen by millions.

I've not arranged a hymn that was sung my millions.

But have I Loved?

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Corinthians 13:13 (NASB)
But now faith, hope, love, abide these three;

but the greatest of these is love. 

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/

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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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The Last Whistle 8-23-10

The train is now ready on strong, sturdy tracks.
The engine stands idle, yet nothing it lacks.

So soon will depart this old world by and by -
and faithfully leave in a blink of an eye.

The tracks lay ahead - in parallel rails -
laid firmly on ties fastened tightly with nails.

The nails that hold each limb in its place,
painfully centered, reflected on face.

The roadsides are flowered where souls still mourn -
but not beside rails still bordered by thorn.

The narrow, so straight, is still railing in pain.
Though great are the treasures, so few receive gain.

The first whistle blows with full steam in the plume.
The time dwindles quickly. There's plenty of room.

Again - second whistle - recorded in Word.
The smoke starts to billow, with whistle unheard.

Is heart fully in it? Be sure, Heaven knows -
so who is on board as the last whistle blows?

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

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2 Peter 3:9 (KJV)
"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness;

but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish,

but that all should come to repentance."

Simple 3-24-10

The pain and weight that burdens bear
come haunting us from everywhere.

They pull us down and steal our minds -
emotions felt of every kind.

Hate and anger, guilt we know -
they own our travels as we go.

We can't go back. The time has run
as every circumstance is done.

Both good and bad, forever past
as if in concrete each is cast.

But God has spoken loud and clear
that love was given, grace is here.

Accepting is our only task.
It's simple if we only ask.

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

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Mark 4:20 (NASB) "And those are the ones on whom seed was sown on the good soil;

and they hear the word and accept it and bear fruit, thirty, sixty, and a hundredfold."

Rejected 12-15-09

My love is so abundant
but has no place to rest,
excessive pain shoots through me
and puts me to the test.

When I love someone deeply
but they reject my love,
from stomach's pit grows sourness
which builds and builds above.

When constant sadness lingers,
is this what God had planned?
When tears flow like a river,
won't someone understand?

With widely stretched out arms,
in all my horrid pain,
will someone answer kindly
so I don't scream in vain?

Vast sorrow holds me captive.
There's nothing worse it seems,
when left without an option,
I yell my final screams.

"HELP! HELP!"

---

Yet,

Love made the lame to walk again,
love made the blind to see -
though Jesus was rejected - and
rejected just like me.

They screamed, "Give us Barabbas!"
They yelled it right out loud.
Yes, Jesus loved as I did when
rejected by the crowd.

Consider every piercing thorn,
consider feet were nailed,
consider every painful word -
yet Jesus never failed.

Consider every scourging lash,
which tore into His back.
Consider that His hands were nailed
when everything went black.

Jesus loved so very much.
It pained Him. Can't we see?
Does rejection come from other folk -
or does it come from me?

With rejection's weight upon me
and there's no place to run,
it's time to read these words again -
but this time of God's Son....

---

His love is so abundant
but has no place to rest,
excessive pain shot through Him
and put Him to the test.

When He so loves me deeply
but I reject that love,
from stomach's pit grows sourness
which builds and builds above.

When constant sadness lingers,
is this what God had planned?
When tears flow like a river,
will then I understand?

With widely stretched out arms,
in all His horrid pain,
will I now answer kindly
so He won't scream in vain?

Vast sorrow held Him captive -
was nothing worse it seemed.
When left without an option,
this is what He screamed....

"It is finished!!"

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

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Luke 22:44
John 19:29
John 11:35
Acts 2:23,24
Isaiah 53:3
John 19:30

Luke 10:16 (NASB) "The one who listens to you listens to Me, and the one who rejects you rejects Me; and he who rejects Me rejects the One who sent Me."

Hanging On 6-8-09

You looked to Me - why stay lukewarm?
Temptations always bring a storm.
Although My truth is flowing free,
why cast your heavy doubts on Me?

Still to that cross, I'm hanging on,
so tell me who you look upon?
Although My Spirit's flowing free,
why, so oft', can you not see?

Still nailed to mine, as suffering soared.
I did not leave - but took the sword.
You know My grace is flowing free,
so why, such little faith, have ye?

I did not leave - but did you, yours?
-despite the pain, despite the sores?
And while My wrath is flowing free,
why (holds pride) your rigid knee?

As trials come... You hanging on?
Now tell me who you call upon!
Although My love is flowing free,
why no prayers? -but now blame Me?

My work is done. Father commands.
Just take a look at both my hands.
Don't look at self - but look to me,
and all temptations lies will flee.

Sufficient is Our perfect grace -
but faith must focus on My face.
So don't forget My rugged tree -
and safe in arms you'll always be.

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

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Final Walk 4-13-09

Now forty lashes - minus one
The torture, anguish has begun.
Thirty-nine lashes, horrid pain,
I can't endure - but won't complain.

A crown of thorn cuts in so deep,
Energy gone, I've got to sleep.
But on my back, a timber placed -
it weighs a ton, blood/sweat I taste.

I feel the cross beside my face
I cannot walk a faster pace.
Skin rips open - each time I slip,
so tighter, I must keep my grip.

Each step I take is harder still
when trudging up this cruel hill.
The slivers pierce me as I trod,
both big and small - oh, help me God.

Please give me strength - for Heaven sakes
for every muscle in me aches.
With that huge cross along my back,
my knees buckle.  My legs go slack.

Exhausted, I can hardly crawl
and then I drop it as I fall.
My shoulder hurts, the pain intense.
They all stare in awed suspense.

I can't hold it any more
yet I know next, what is in store.
My lungs hurt so, I've lost my breath -
but give me strength before my death.

Finally, at the top I rest -
but now this cross, my final test.
I love you all - am faithful still,
right here on top of Calvary's hill.

All the pain endured thus far

cannot erase the sins that are.

Sacrifice, death - wages of sin -

demands the pain on the cross begin.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Picture Frames 2-18-09

Picture frames sure vary so,
whether big or small.
They all have work they need to do,
whether wide or tall.

Picture frames are so unique,
maple, oak or pine -
but focus not on picture frames -
they're merely for design.

Frames can border a photo.
Frames can border a place.
Frames can border a work of art
or frames can border a face.

---

When I was just a little boy,
(and though I was quite small),
a picture I remember well
was hanging on the hall.

I know my father put it there -
its place for many years.
There it was throughout my teens -
showed sorrow, pain and tears.

That picture was of Jesus
bowed lowly on His knees -
at a huge and solid rock,
near branches from some trees.

His hands were neatly folded.
Love flowed from both His eyes.
His head was tilted way, way back -
His face gazed at the skies.

Dark clouds had covered most the sky.
Moonlight rays had lit His face,
and seemed to put a glow around
this humble Man of grace.

For years, that picture on our wall
drew thoughts within my mind...
God sent on down, His only Son,
to sinful men, unkind.

I remember well, that picture.
I don't recall the frame.
So let us frame, that others see,
that they might know His name.

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

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LOST? 10-13-08

Are you listening? Are you troubled? Is anybody there?

Does anybody know your pain? Does anybody care?

I guess you can't be hopeful for the world to understand -

that pain is so immense when clay is formed with potters' hand.

I know affliction pained the God who sent His Son to die,

for us, who spent our time in ways - that lent to Satan's lie.

In seconds, minutes, hours - in years, months, weeks and days,

We've locked up so much precious time - in all our selfish ways.

I know He understands you and - He knows your every pain -

because He's pulled this very clay from each and every chain.

Chains that seemed so innocent and chains that seemed so right,

but chains that I locked on myself and chains that I clasped tight.

Are you listening? Are you troubled? Is anybody there?

Does anybody know your pain? Does anybody care?

We do - your family. I do. Though just a Christian friend,

I know that grace trumps judgment - where guilt and suffering end.

He understands you fully. Its you He wants to heal.

Jesus went before you and He knows just how you feel.

Creations' GOD still cries out loud when molding you because,

the God of Love (who had to send - His Son here) surely does.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Our Crossroad 1-28-07

I'm always at a crossroad. Decisions make it so.
My head spins in circles but - I choose which way I go.
The world flies past every day. They race both to and fro.
They seem to know just what they want, but do they really know?

They push, and shove, and like a bull - they charge with all their hate,
-Struggling on mountains - and in valleys under weight.
Then they pull around sharp corners - their rocky burdens great.
They lie, steal and murder - but to that I can't relate.

Many times it's their entire fault. The edge they like to skirt.
They lean way out but want to be - protected from all hurt.
At times they work through dinner but their work still tastes like dirt,
And when it comes to getting paid, demand their full dessert.

Each road leads to other burdens as all had led to Rome.
Ways deceive with wealth and pleasure. Through deserts some will comb.
But no matter which way they turn, we know they'll always roam.
And carrying their burdens on - they'll never find their home.

Some don't find an answer so - decisions they won't make,
Yet doing nothing is but a - decision of mistake.
They cannot sleep through heartache and - they cannot take a break,
For each and every morning problems greet when they awake.

Once I crawled inside of me, collapsing in my skin,
Yet couldn't push the world out as I crawled back deep within.
The answers not inside of us, so now we must begin,
For what is our direction when our pity draws us in?

All three hundred sixty degrees, our decisions are no joke.
From our hub of life we see and test our every spoke.
Although the way is not so clear because of lies and smoke,
There’s One who will cut through it all. He does for honest folk.

We must pray and then step up to face our flaming arrow.
He leads us by still waters as we walk the straight and narrow.
I look down on one side - to streams of pain and sorrow.
Way up the other, burdens' rocks - yet He protects the sparrow.

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

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In His Sandals 1-20-07

I cannot serve two masters. I serve, but only one,
for if I love some sinfulness, I hate God's only Son.
Could I walk in His sandals? Do I really understand?
Of what would it encompass? Of what would it demand?

Could I put up with some abuse, and could I humbly be,
a whipping board of insults, for all to scoff at me?
Could I withstand a whipping? Tell me, would I know,
the pain down in my open wounds, torn flesh from every blow?

Could I, but bear the privilege - to be a king renowned,
my face stained in bloody streaks from such a thorny crown?
Would I know the cost of love, and God's most precious grace,
or would I simply think of me, and hate the human race?

Could I endure the anguish, as ropes bind hands and feet,
knotted up so tightly that - I'd give in to defeat?
There on my back, could I stare at - a spike set on my skin,
then watch them take a heavy stone, and slam it deep within?

Oh, I’d know what's coming next - I'd clench my other fist.
Could I endure another nail - or would I just resist?
Then tortured even further, could pain be so complete,
when to the cross I'm nailed with - another through my feet?

Slowly ropes raise cross and I. The base slides in the hole.
Then in ghastly, horrid pain, would that jerk shake my soul?
And there I'd hang, alone up high - for all to mock and hate.
Could I endure the anguish then? Can I, to that relate?

Could I survive for hours, in pain and endless shame?
Would I ask Gods forgiveness - for those that I could blame?
Could I die for ALL the world - their sinful sacrifice -
and know that few would love me? Would that, for me, suffice?

Would my final miracle call for a heavenly host?
Or would I yield to Father's will and then give up the ghost?
Hate and anger would not end - the sword would pierce my side....
Oh, would I slip away and hide? Which way would I decide?

His sandals are too large to fill. His time, so long ago,
and Heaven - much too far away, while I'm down here below.
But could I wear His sandals - if I was called upon,
and are my trials greater that - I'd gladly put His on?

He demands my little faith. He holds no speck of wrath,
when He's a lamp unto my feet - a light unto my path.
Yes, I wear His sandals - for I've been called upon,
and faithful every morning I – slip them boldly on.

This poem may explain it - but who truly understands?
For every sin that we commit puts nails through Jesus' hands....
We cannot serve two masters. We serve, but only one.
We have to hate all sinfulness, to love God's only Son.

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

Luke 16:10 (NASB) "He who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much; and he who is unrighteous in a very little thing is unrighteous also in much.”

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The Answer To My Prayers (summer 2004)

I was walking down the road, in the autumn of my years;
the leaves were brilliant colors, though my eyes were red with tears.

My pain was ever mounting. Death was always surely near -
my troubles and my heartache held me tight in cold, dark fear.

I prayed to Jesus every day. Every burden I could name;
but He never seemed to answer. Every day was still the same.

Life is so unfair I pled, that I should bear this awful pain;
and then without a warning, there I stood - in pouring rain.

It came down heavy. The wind blew hard;
the mud was slick, and caught me off-guard.

Embarrassed on the cold ground - increasing anger taking hold -
I'm just too good of person. You so loved me, I was told.

I screamed again, "Life's so unfair - And getting worse!" I hissed,
and with my energy exhausted, I raised an angry fist.

Then something shook my soul. It thundered from the sky -
and then in lightning flashes, two trees had caught my eye.

One bent down across the other, (which stood along beside);
it curved if humbly bowing and exposed my selfish pride.

Were my troubles overwhelming - because I was at a loss?
Did my pains need me to stumble to see this simple cross?

So then the prayer I uttered, was something like those trees -
with one bowed low and humbly, as I knelt there on my knees.

For all the vast unfairness, in life that I had earned;
just couldn't hold a candle, to what I’d finally learned.

Did I deserve some comfort? No bird would dare to sing!
"Had I worn a thorn?" I thought, "endured a nail - or anything?"

No. My life was very easy. My burden unfairly light -
for Jesus seized that evil death, so that I could be set right.

Yes, I know that life's unfair, though not to me you see;
but rather to the Lamb of God, and His sacrifice for me!

I should have prayed less selfishly and should have looked above;
I could have prayed more reverently and could have felt His love.

I would have heard His answer and would have known He cares;
so now I humbly look to Heaven. He's the answer to my prayers!

©2004 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Isaiah 30 (NASB)

19O people in Zion, inhabitant in Jerusalem, you will weep no longer He will surely be gracious to you at the sound of your cry; when He hears it, He will answer you.