From Where I Sit 8-3-12

Up on the high majestic hill,

stands one great mighty oak,

that seems to mimic something else -

a world of prideful folk.

Some think that sin is not so bad,

they think it's overblown -

but I can feel that screaming wind

from Satan's megaphone.

Oh, we all know man's clanging wars -

his taxed and tortured slaves -

his used, abused or beaten spouse -

the sinful life he paves -

that plows up God's great symphony

with Adam's clumsy ox -

and pummels us with angry words

or painful, sinful rocks.

But God's created orchestra -

all people, black and white -

all babies born (or soon to be)

and elders have a right -

a right to live on God's great earth

in peace and harmony.

But pride seeks greater powers and

rejects humility.

From where I sit, I always see

His beauty deep within,

His loving, graceful handiwork -

though plundered so, with sin.

God's handiwork from birds to fish

and mammals great and small -

still bless me with their beauty here.

I see His work in all.

And when I think my Loving God,

has nothing more to give -

He pours out love in greater grace,

so ready to forgive -

where even I, through heavy heart,

so tearfully repent -

and seek that perfect sacrifice,

who God already sent.

A rhythm rolls with springtime breeze

across this valley pass -

right over meadow here below

and through His humble grass.

In unison, harmonic notes

from orchestra below -

still wave to those on mighty hill,

to folks who need to know...

©2012 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!