Thank You! 2-23-12

I felt I was trampled by thousand-cow herd -

and hoped I could write it in poetic word -

but first I sat down and I started to pray,

and saw God's creation so all I could say,

was "Thank You!"

My eyes rose up high to a picturesque sky -

while thoughts ran off rampant to years gone by -

where burdens had settled on one special day,

that flooded my soul - so all I could say,

was "Thank you!"

Though breezes blow storm clouds around to and fro -

and every so often still trouble me so -

the sun always shines above all the fray,

dispersing the storm clouds - so all I can say,

is "Thank You!"

A rainbow appears over the rugged cross -

a cross much more painful than my finite loss.

A sacrifice, perfect - but that was God's way.

And now tears are falling and all I can pray,

is "Thank You!"

"Thank You for mangers, Your great humbleness.

Thank You for crosses and all who You bless.

Thank You for being the God that You are.

Thank You for wearing those great many scar.

"Thank You for grace that's so endlessly pure.

Thank You for strength that will always endure.

Thank You for showing me a new perspective.

Thank You for faith and a brand new directive.

"Thank You for children who make my heart glow.

Thank You for loving them now as they grow.

Thank You for teaching them how to respect.

Thank You for blessings despite my neglect.

"Thank You for lifting me out of sins' hole.

Thank You for Pastors who challenge my soul.

Thank You for churches, all joined at the hip -

and thank you for friends and the great fellowship."

So now when I'm trampled and my life is blurred -

I open my Bible - God's great living Word.

It's then I see clearly, it's then I can pray -

and though I'm tore open, it's all I can say.

"Oh, Thank You!"

©2012 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Believe 4-25-08

Father, thank You for transportation.
Cruise control, comfy seats, air conditioning, of course heat....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for my feet.

Father, thank You for employment.
Exercise, break time, five o'clock, pay checks, insurance plans....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for my hands.

Father, thank You for knowledge.
Ears to hear, education, understanding seas and skies....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for my eyes.

Father, thank You for exploration.
Vacations, airline travel - so many things to find....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for my mind.

Father, thank You for entertainment.
Games, puzzles, hobbies, sports, carnivals, recreation, fun -
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for Your Son.

Father, thank You for all beauty.
Mountain streams, meadows, fish in oceans, flying geese above...
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for Your love.

Father, thank You for all creation.
Newborn babies, mothers, grandmothers, people of every race....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
thank You for Your grace.

Father, thank You for government.
Great people, great battles, great nations - many down You hurled....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
that You so loved Your world.

Father, thank You for tribulation.
Temptations, separation, disease, pain and even death....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
for choosing us by faith.

Father, thank You for Your awesome power.
Hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes, the forgiveness we receive....
but thank You, Father, most of all -
for helping me believe.

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Thanksgiving Prayer 10-25-05

There’s more to be thankful for than we sometimes realize…

Thank You Lord, for giant trees,
colorful leaves, crashing seas;
for everything that needed keys,
for getting stung, by honeybees.

Thank You Lord, for every grouse,
every elephant, every mouse;
all my children, special spouse,
-and giving us, our little house.

Thank You Lord, for all the years,
all the laughter, all the tears;
special grace, as Your face nears,
-for giving me trials, numerous fears.

Thank You Lord, Your patient pace,
your special timing, Your loving face;
and to everyone, the human race,
and the outpouring of Your grace.

I know I cheated, I know I'd peek,
while playing games, like hide and seek.
Now as they lay me, down to sleep,
You have my soul, I'm yours to keep.

For as they close, and seal the lid,
I'm ashamed dear Lord, for all I hid;
but thank You Lord for getting rid,
forgiving me fully, for all I did.

Thank You Lord, that I did see,
that you came here to earth for me.
Love, peace, and grace were always key,
so together now, we'll always be.

©2005 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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1 Thessalonians 5:18 (NASB)
in everything give thanks; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.