tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40655796823526370352024-03-13T02:45:29.005-05:00Gander Story PoemsFREE POETRY incl. over 200 story poems.
May God touch the pen that its message may touch the heart...Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.comBlogger754125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-48843303766507245092022-10-15T00:00:00.001-05:002022-10-15T00:00:00.174-05:00One Wee Mustard Seed 9-22-22 <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn30HSzHXINwjYBmMuj7K74rhH5MZwtQGQUQP5Tpr9jE5-LL7rY8PvpFsNo0BqWKGzHqWeZrdEAWhzkjfg5fRR3fFzDP6FmGxuN_TmkXdp_99dgIS3lKElS2ceTj5_oaMuOu_sxLzhyVB55wV4TnW1eB4Ricu0PR6A_ADQyGo6eiAj6_ftHOFBRDHQsw/s640/Mustard%20Seed.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn30HSzHXINwjYBmMuj7K74rhH5MZwtQGQUQP5Tpr9jE5-LL7rY8PvpFsNo0BqWKGzHqWeZrdEAWhzkjfg5fRR3fFzDP6FmGxuN_TmkXdp_99dgIS3lKElS2ceTj5_oaMuOu_sxLzhyVB55wV4TnW1eB4Ricu0PR6A_ADQyGo6eiAj6_ftHOFBRDHQsw/s320/Mustard%20Seed.png" width="320" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Did God not create all the stars in the sky -</div><div style="text-align: center;">and put them in motion, Did they not comply?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did God not create all the things of this earth,</div><div style="text-align: center;">from evenings to mornings, to growing from birth?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Are we so perplexed when we see Jesus still</div><div style="text-align: center;">the winds and the rains and the seas - all at will?</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">So why do we question what God can accomplish?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh, where is our seed of wee faith in His wish?</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Disciples and others, now off from the shore,</div><div style="text-align: center;">could not seem to handle the tempest's loud roar.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Would stiff winds and violent waves now condemn</div><div style="text-align: center;">as faith dissipated and fear overtook them?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We've faith in our keys that our cars will all start,</div><div style="text-align: center;">and faith in our chairs that they won't fall apart.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yet we can't trust God to grant one little need?</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, grant me the faith of one wee mustard seed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-73537522105833158982022-09-15T00:00:00.001-05:002022-09-19T20:56:15.245-05:00Lost Wealth & Health 9-19-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DwoQf3DQxZJ1-Pmb00-d6zrcBz8ZE2txSoTkJnOwWL8MlatQFpHjOHlJWyLENAC9qw2lK905QI5uGI8cXaPgIUERVU4C8lcOkJYv2pS1758wrUL0DIyUyEzCLj5YN39LaGFbPr-_0ll04lnMDG67Vf2l4D7qYhdSBkYcSj1n0Nz9fI1p_p6XuJTmig/s638/blessed.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="638" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_DwoQf3DQxZJ1-Pmb00-d6zrcBz8ZE2txSoTkJnOwWL8MlatQFpHjOHlJWyLENAC9qw2lK905QI5uGI8cXaPgIUERVU4C8lcOkJYv2pS1758wrUL0DIyUyEzCLj5YN39LaGFbPr-_0ll04lnMDG67Vf2l4D7qYhdSBkYcSj1n0Nz9fI1p_p6XuJTmig/s320/blessed.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Banks took my wealth,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Satan, my health,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I am not depressed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I shall not whine,</div><div style="text-align: center;">for nothing's mine -</div><div style="text-align: center;">yet I have been so blessed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just fathom Job.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Put on his robe.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Consider all he had.<br />There's no debate</div><div style="text-align: center;">that God is great<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">yet God had more to add.<br /><br />For through God's touch,<br />t'was twice as much<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">that Job had than before.</div><div style="text-align: center;">If patient be,</div><div style="text-align: center;">His gifts you'll see<br />and God will bless you more.<br /><br />But it's not wealth<br />nor my ill health<br />that matters to me now.<br />For Heaven's gate,</div><div style="text-align: center;">is where I wait.<br />Not here with dirt and plow.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/4065579682352637035/1232890416873653829#">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div><p></p></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-36569911995806198412022-09-10T00:00:00.006-05:002022-09-10T00:00:00.199-05:00My Prayer 9-10-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJN9nDvgsvRP9Pe5d9wN30rAHu80WDAM0996rAsxxpeob0-0gpVucj5kHzKzRJmMUSWxjAZD4qD0DHRUC0YBe4FA1oXDfy1TzlSKFbwjhr2FiIT4BMmUiCbmY1J77Yg8qLXJJ7QLaUsaQrNz3-EMBaR9Mlqx63WzMe85SnvGGLbq3f7iBivFZnnEioGQ/s750/praying%20hands.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJN9nDvgsvRP9Pe5d9wN30rAHu80WDAM0996rAsxxpeob0-0gpVucj5kHzKzRJmMUSWxjAZD4qD0DHRUC0YBe4FA1oXDfy1TzlSKFbwjhr2FiIT4BMmUiCbmY1J77Yg8qLXJJ7QLaUsaQrNz3-EMBaR9Mlqx63WzMe85SnvGGLbq3f7iBivFZnnEioGQ/s320/praying%20hands.png" width="273" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dear Lord,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep me honest. Keep me pure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Keep me humble and secure.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Should my wisdom, you increase,</div><div style="text-align: center;">give me strength and lasting peace.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My whole life I've lived in vain,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Through the cross, I gave You pain.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please forgive my evil ways.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will serve You all my days.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Draw attention? None to me,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but to You so others see.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Draw me to the spiritual,</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I can leave the physical.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Though I falter here and weep,</div><div style="text-align: center;">forgive me Lord. Grant me sleep.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Raise me up from here below</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I'm with You. Please make it so.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Amen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-30883848389534012112022-08-01T00:00:00.004-05:002022-08-01T00:00:00.173-05:00A Stubborn Lot 8-1-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpSxBpn4UQdKiRpH_Cb9gkakgPZ0Xu2RE_9NbDoPXuoEg9jsHJ9bv4k8YehwU1SiGYj4NaD5XKlQVXp791gCWi9L5QFvBTU5nAvhEXN6kgINJNHs7lxJNrCF-d6uY76ndLgEHpER8J6YwfL11tbrUZdO12Qx0jxpJQcrV8G4WW0y6HRQGtg1PD2wRxg/s640/Penny.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFpSxBpn4UQdKiRpH_Cb9gkakgPZ0Xu2RE_9NbDoPXuoEg9jsHJ9bv4k8YehwU1SiGYj4NaD5XKlQVXp791gCWi9L5QFvBTU5nAvhEXN6kgINJNHs7lxJNrCF-d6uY76ndLgEHpER8J6YwfL11tbrUZdO12Qx0jxpJQcrV8G4WW0y6HRQGtg1PD2wRxg/s320/Penny.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a penny buy a morsel of some dried unleavened bread?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a nickel have some meaning to apologies unsaid?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a dime hide a confession that we want to keep inside?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a quarter take the place of the regrets when we have lied?</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a dollar buy a drop of love from someone we have pained?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a ten buy us full freedom, though it's we ourselves we've chained?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a hundred cover up our sins so we can't be enslaved?</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a Million pay for all our sins so that we can then be saved?</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a Billion buy a sliver from the cross where Jesus died?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Can a Trillion buy a seat in Heav'n so we can't be denied?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">ALL the money in the world can't buy one SPECK of space</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">in Heaven where the God of Love bestows sufficient grace.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's loving dedication and full faithfulness we owe.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Our money is so worthless - yet we idolize it so.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are a spoiled people in our air conditioned cars.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We're over-entertained by our most fav'rite superstars.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We are a prideful people and we're such a stubborn lot -</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">but owe to Jesus EVERYTHING and EVERYTHING we've got.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-40053257798185190732022-07-28T01:27:00.000-05:002022-07-28T01:27:03.495-05:00Outside the Gates 7-28-22<div style="text-align: center;"><i>(Based on Luke 7:11-17)</i></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">So sick and dead - not in a trance,</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">nor by bad luck, nor by perchance.</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">With dying souls, our God awaits</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">before our graves outside the gates.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">With rugged, jagged timbers crossed,</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">God's providence came with a cost -</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">where innocence had met pure guilt</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">through grace and love when blood was spilt.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">And then, BEHOLD, I saw His skies,</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">for Christ had opened up my eyes</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">outside the gates with spirit dead,</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">where I met Christ and life instead.</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><br /></span></div><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">With multitudes of people here -</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">the cries of mourning turned from tear -</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">for they had witnessed such a love</div></span><span face=""Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; font-size: small;"><div style="text-align: center;">that they would long be speaking of...</div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div><div><br /></div><div><i><b>Luke 7:11-17 (KJV)</b><br /><br />11 And it came to pass the day after, that he went into a city called Nain; and many of his disciples went with him, and much people.<br /><br />12 Now when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow: and much people of the city was with her.<br /><br />13 And when the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her, and said unto her, Weep not.<br /><br />14 And he came and touched the bier: and they that bare him stood still. And he said, Young man, I say unto thee, Arise.<br /><br />15 And he that was dead sat up, and began to speak. And he delivered him to his mother.<br /><br />16 And there came a fear on all: and they glorified God, saying, That a great prophet is risen up among us; and, That God hath visited his people.<br /><br />17 And this rumour of him went forth throughout all Judaea, and throughout all the region round about.</i></div><div><br /><div><br /><br /></div></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-50576373945971687692022-07-01T00:00:00.004-05:002022-07-27T23:12:29.307-05:00Your Spirit Lives 7-1-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k9S-HWX-REq1AvCPQjgPlbuDBI__OvT_bwA45DjGMgszQ00QeheIjJLeDoVXN90ddNvUUZ7LkapQYnplF_9wqaQfpFz5B6o3AS6qRfS404BCSw8dI0MV7twVog9omFiwEwrdb4rgHrEPEXm9dHhPXlxSBbawzed8jRSOHzGRIJQ3hXdOokr8ZtWbCg/s550/sunset.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="366" data-original-width="550" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5k9S-HWX-REq1AvCPQjgPlbuDBI__OvT_bwA45DjGMgszQ00QeheIjJLeDoVXN90ddNvUUZ7LkapQYnplF_9wqaQfpFz5B6o3AS6qRfS404BCSw8dI0MV7twVog9omFiwEwrdb4rgHrEPEXm9dHhPXlxSBbawzed8jRSOHzGRIJQ3hXdOokr8ZtWbCg/s320/sunset.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>So you have problems you can't fix and no one seems to listen.</div><div>You can't fight back. Things will not change and you're in bad position.</div><div>So where is God to fix these things that put you on your knees?</div><div>Just where is this amazing God who calmed the stormy seas?</div><div><br /></div><div>This earth is not like Heaven, for Heaven's free of sin.</div><div>No matter how we live our lives, our problem's deep within.</div><div>Our likes, our wants, our needs and cravings put us in this fix.</div><div>No matter what our burdens are, they're like ton of bricks.</div><div><br /></div><div>My body's having problems but I live within the Spirit</div><div>I stamp my feet and clap my hands and let the world hear it.</div><div>The body dies. I can't live there and that I must accept.</div><div>I live a life within God's will and that is where I'm kept.</div><div><br /></div><div>You cannot see the Spirit realm unless your eyes are closed.</div><div>You ears can't hear His still, small voice unless they're predisposed.</div><div>Do not seek God with earthly thoughts that tear you all apart.</div><div>If honestly you speak to Him, you'll find Him in your heart.</div><div><br /></div><div>So close your eyes and see God's light and hear His still, small voice.</div><div>Then shut your ears to earthly sounds for that is all your choice.</div><div>Our spirit lives in Heaven's realm where beauty is most stunning -</div><div>where struggles end with peace within and everybody's loving.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-43536226137895940062022-06-01T00:00:00.016-05:002022-06-01T00:00:00.187-05:00Vacation 6-1-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY2mGFTE99IBjj5A7GH2ZZbpWSXLM7Bn0SsdU40alskRgRKTAQX8pR8x56jPIGMo7KNbM5VBEuTXR1DyqoOcE9Zzsnzbua4c4urJrsGyJ0BEGMaStFV4NIVkhwX3s579CFZWSz-eGZVrUKsRXBQ7YHBn-KIAuSqUfikQaIGcryOPxU6fifeEZSY2drg/s640/Vacation.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="640" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMY2mGFTE99IBjj5A7GH2ZZbpWSXLM7Bn0SsdU40alskRgRKTAQX8pR8x56jPIGMo7KNbM5VBEuTXR1DyqoOcE9Zzsnzbua4c4urJrsGyJ0BEGMaStFV4NIVkhwX3s579CFZWSz-eGZVrUKsRXBQ7YHBn-KIAuSqUfikQaIGcryOPxU6fifeEZSY2drg/s320/Vacation.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">I'm going on vacation soon, alone or so it seems.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I won't do any packing or going to extremes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will not need my wallet, for everything is free.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And I won't need my brand new phone, for there's so much to see.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I will not take a big jet plane or ride a fancy bus,</div><div style="text-align: center;">yet I'll be meeting my best Friend. There's so much to discuss.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And all will meet Him one fine day - not many, but a few.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will not keep you in suspense, for you should know Him too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">---</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Now first I'll need to be in court. It's all or nothing there.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My Friend will be there for me too. I'll not be in despair.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">His Father is the highest judge of anyone around.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And quietly, I will stand there, in awe without a sound.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">My Friend is there to defend me. My faith in Him is strong.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">He sacrificed His everything. His grace blots out all wrong.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For those, through faith, believeth Him, His grace pours from above.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Judge will tap His gavel soft. His countenance shows love.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">AND THEN all Heaven will rejoice, in unison will sing-</div><div style="text-align: center;">as I enjoy this paradise, vast love and ev'rything.</div><div style="text-align: center;">---</div><div style="text-align: center;">Though body soon will turn to dust as earth can clearly see,</div><div style="text-align: center;">don't shed a single tear for me. I'm alive as I can be!</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The masses run through widest gate. The narrow allows few.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So many store up treasures here. Is gate too small for you?</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Possessions are not needed there- and yours won't leave this earth.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">For God prepared a place for us alone with immense worth.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">You, too, will see this paradise, at least I pray you do...</div><div style="text-align: center;">Yes, I'll be on vacation soon and I'll wait there for you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-25909728659932436232022-05-01T00:00:00.082-05:002022-05-09T13:55:51.294-05:00A Winning Poem 5-1-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTP0sXdo_0rIZ0SAiVC6lY0Hk65RU_vPiAJ70zRNVsh2G7n96wnRNaxhxaKKCKNQl6hCFcdZ4re5B6TjSjYCTONVPADfS-p64OMxuokiM7493Sqfo9l6F-fKDkd4scJAOH-7QuYZmY7CRbMkYB1YOBZ8gkoUW6A1csqB9sfaNKYGsNDQrOLL3qUWzRjQ/s640/Feather%20pen%20and%20ink.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="562" data-original-width="640" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTP0sXdo_0rIZ0SAiVC6lY0Hk65RU_vPiAJ70zRNVsh2G7n96wnRNaxhxaKKCKNQl6hCFcdZ4re5B6TjSjYCTONVPADfS-p64OMxuokiM7493Sqfo9l6F-fKDkd4scJAOH-7QuYZmY7CRbMkYB1YOBZ8gkoUW6A1csqB9sfaNKYGsNDQrOLL3qUWzRjQ/s320/Feather%20pen%20and%20ink.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sometimes my poem's a winner</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">but often times it's not.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And yet I spend a lot of time</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">to give it all I've got.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But one thing I will never do</div><div style="text-align: center;">because it's oh, so true.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I will not thank my hand because</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">God's hand is in it too.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No, never take the praise because</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">you write for God alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Take all your selfishness and pride</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">and clear your ev'ry bone.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Before you write, please thank the Lord.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Convey a sincere prayer,</div><div style="text-align: center;">that you will do your very best</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">and write with utmost care.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">When you give God the glory first,<br />from the start to finish,</div><div style="text-align: center;">you'll receive His blessings so your</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">work will not diminish.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">For we're around a world of sin</div><div style="text-align: center;">while He is up above.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">So give Him full and total praise</div><div style="text-align: center;">and show Him all your love.<br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Use a thesaurus if you must</div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">when you can't find the words.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Make your poem flow off tongues</div><div style="text-align: center;">with all your nouns and verbs.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Then go right back and pray again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The poem's His, not yours.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">And work it over perfectly</div><div style="text-align: center;">so poem long endures.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------<br /></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-25053147684011623702022-04-02T00:00:00.004-05:002022-04-12T19:31:17.472-05:00But Should Have Been 4-2-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_AnJeNiaoYMr0_Z8zMTZclM2Kqa2YrYXeB0F7aq-pdKKEAzfw-877ml2ACGZ4Vt-MwAr5v060Ft5xDS72Lpzcb6qVsSVo9bp3U4rKafEms2b4SM6G0DAOKwW4gBtbz_Y42QshxpeBkRc/s1024/cross_rugged.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS_AnJeNiaoYMr0_Z8zMTZclM2Kqa2YrYXeB0F7aq-pdKKEAzfw-877ml2ACGZ4Vt-MwAr5v060Ft5xDS72Lpzcb6qVsSVo9bp3U4rKafEms2b4SM6G0DAOKwW4gBtbz_Y42QshxpeBkRc/s320/cross_rugged.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">They slept and slept with weary eyes</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">while Jesus prayed with teary eyes.<br />He prayed in earnest while they slept,</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">but answered faithful. He'd accept.<br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">It wasn't me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">The night was looking mighty grim.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Then came, they, and arrested Him.</span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">The charge was simple: blasphemy.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">He didn't plead nor disagree.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">It wasn't me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">And this is how the story goes:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">They stripped Him of His humble clothes.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #1d2228; font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">With bone-tipped violence He was whipped</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">and ev'ry time His skin was ripped.</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">It wasn't me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">It wasn't something He could toss.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">He dropped that very heavy cross.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">None could stop them, stop them now</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">as sweat poured off His heavy brow.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">It wasn't me.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">They mocked Him with a crown of thorns.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">The hate, the words, the sword, the scorns.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #1d2228; font-family: helvetica; text-align: left;">It's hard to fathom these details,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">then sore, He bore barbaric nails.</span></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">It wasn't me.</span></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">His sacrifice was perfect love</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">both here on earth and Heav'n above.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">It could have been a total loss</span></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #1d2228; text-align: left;">but Christ, Himself, endured that cross</span>.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">It wasn't me.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">God's solemn will would then prevail,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">and tore from top to bottom, veil.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3; font-family: helvetica;">Yes, Christ was hung for my sins then.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It wasn't me... </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">but should have been.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">©2022 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/"><span style="font-family: arial;">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</span></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;">-------</span></div></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-22687998070787910702022-03-01T00:00:00.000-06:002022-03-01T00:00:00.193-06:00He Too Was In-between 3-1-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFtwoDIAydKWmAlm0sNB7j65QkI6dWC0P7zkpymX1oZt3pawNZvPlv2fwq8VgDmBhJQilkyUKI30R7RylKS2upubD37STTaeqYQlNLiRae32UweArUR2sIvwSjlXmHSntxCexXoRxYyV3/s700/rock.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="463" data-original-width="700" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSFtwoDIAydKWmAlm0sNB7j65QkI6dWC0P7zkpymX1oZt3pawNZvPlv2fwq8VgDmBhJQilkyUKI30R7RylKS2upubD37STTaeqYQlNLiRae32UweArUR2sIvwSjlXmHSntxCexXoRxYyV3/s320/rock.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It isn't seen</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">when you're between</div><div style="text-align: center;">a hard place and a rock.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">May be unfair.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who put you there?</div><div style="text-align: center;">The time goes slow, tick tock.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Though you may shout</div><div style="text-align: center;">there's no way out.<br />It overwhelms the mind.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Yet on your own</div><div style="text-align: center;">it can't be known,</div><div style="text-align: center;">so answer, you must find.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Did you eclipse</div><div style="text-align: center;">relationships?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Or could it be your debt?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Was it your fault</div><div style="text-align: center;">or some assault?</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">You wish you could forget.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But here you are -</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">can't travel far -</div><div style="text-align: center;">for blocking you are sins.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">If you stay here</div><div style="text-align: center;">in all your fear,</div><div style="text-align: center;">please tell me now, who wins?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So to escape</div><div style="text-align: center;">you must reshape</div><div style="text-align: center;">your mind. Don't think it odd.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Won't help to fuss,</div><div style="text-align: center;">it's up to us</div><div style="text-align: center;">to call upon our God.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The answer's still</div><div style="text-align: center;">upon the hill</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">at our Lord's final task.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The answer's clear,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the answer's near,</div><div style="text-align: center;">if only we would ask.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God never fails.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Christ bore the nails.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Did Jesus intervene?</div><div style="text-align: center;">Because of grace</div><div style="text-align: center;">He took our place.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">He, too, was in-between.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">It takes a toll</div><div style="text-align: center;">on your poor soul</div><div style="text-align: center;">if you're too proud to pray.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So fold your hands</div><div style="text-align: center;">and understand</div><div style="text-align: center;">there comes a brighter day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-58027624697977134842022-02-16T17:35:00.000-06:002022-02-16T17:35:02.335-06:00Bright Twilight Summers 2-16-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdJf3I2J0s_zv3KMLcKonw-13NsIcevZvK7wNz7fN5UQp4K6Vkm6-KIHs-l-LcaOXohJSZkS0xpkzpCJQo1V6eSP3Qi72Kx1UNQxFi7tLH9EWplAd_IM6488yM8g7xHlRhtAakGBg_S_4H-wv90fQ3TLEpNjDMLGYoVmeUSDN3DSS6ylUrGQJRnMguLA=s598" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="336" data-original-width="598" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdJf3I2J0s_zv3KMLcKonw-13NsIcevZvK7wNz7fN5UQp4K6Vkm6-KIHs-l-LcaOXohJSZkS0xpkzpCJQo1V6eSP3Qi72Kx1UNQxFi7tLH9EWplAd_IM6488yM8g7xHlRhtAakGBg_S_4H-wv90fQ3TLEpNjDMLGYoVmeUSDN3DSS6ylUrGQJRnMguLA=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Betty is sad because friends will all tease her.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Jimmy is mad at his new 4th grade teacher.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Joseph is crying. His allowance is paltry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Ruth screams loud because her corn is too salty.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Mary's self centered, says her penniless spouse.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And David is sick of repairing his house.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">John still simply envies his neighbor's new car</div><div style="text-align: center;">as Suzie complains that the store is too far.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">But Katie has joy despite her bone cancer.</div><div style="text-align: center;">How she loves Jesus who holds ev'ry answer.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">God hears those complaining when things don't go right,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">but He loves His children content in their fight.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever the challenge, whatever the test,</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">remember that Jesus knows hardships the best.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">So many see crosses on ev'ry small thing...</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">and they miss the best of what life has to bring.<br /><br />And don't get wrapped up in the drama of others,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Live God's warm colors of bright twilight summers.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-12328904168736538292022-02-01T00:00:00.029-06:002022-02-01T00:00:00.207-06:00That Old Deep Well 2-1-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFygC7xK_SRSqH64G1495DzdyiQ5kyynssMnkRAyI3csy4ZbSOumj_Dh90_OlitjyGWH9RrFO-y92GvtEfB1YrZfTMBVJks2brOgkqQZhbVY1dSjep-hmf0XQJh36loeKs7sgN1_JkIUt/s750/Old+Well.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBFygC7xK_SRSqH64G1495DzdyiQ5kyynssMnkRAyI3csy4ZbSOumj_Dh90_OlitjyGWH9RrFO-y92GvtEfB1YrZfTMBVJks2brOgkqQZhbVY1dSjep-hmf0XQJh36loeKs7sgN1_JkIUt/s320/Old+Well.png" width="213" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">That old deep well</div><div style="text-align: center;">could not repel</div><div style="text-align: center;">the thoughts that came to mind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It had a job.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I did not sob</div><div style="text-align: center;">but sought what I might find.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I could not run</div><div style="text-align: center;">in this hot sun</div><div style="text-align: center;">and had a healthy thirst.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't deny</div><div style="text-align: center;">my mouth was dry</div><div style="text-align: center;">so I put myself first.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I stepped on plank,</div><div style="text-align: center;">turned hard the crank,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but it seemed to refuse.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">It didn't care</div><div style="text-align: center;">that life's not fair</div><div style="text-align: center;">but I'm not one to lose.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I had hope</div><div style="text-align: center;">in that old rope</div><div style="text-align: center;">to lift that bucket full.</div><div style="text-align: center;">With all my might</div><div style="text-align: center;">I grabbed rope tight</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then commenced to pull.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">To fill tin cup,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">the rope wound up.</div><div style="text-align: center;">around that rustic log.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">On weathered board</div><div style="text-align: center;">I questioned Lord.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Then barked, my lazy dog.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Sometimes I think</div><div>to get a drink</div><div>that I must- on my own-</div><div>work very hard</div><div>with disregard</div><div>for what I should have known.</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Now I might think</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">refreshing drink</div><div style="text-align: center;">should cure my ev'ry ill,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but it does not</div><div style="text-align: center;">though God forgot</div><div style="text-align: center;">those sins that hurt me still.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Did woman at</div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;">the well react</div><div style="text-align: center;">to her specific need?</div></div><div>To sin no more,</div><div>I think it's for</div><div>the rest of us to heed.</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>God does forgive</div><div>the way we live</div><div>like woman at the well:</div><div>But she had grasped</div><div>what Jesus asked,</div><div>so others she could tell.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My old tin cup<br />can't measure up</div><div style="text-align: center;">to God's tremendous flood.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We'll never thirst</div><div style="text-align: center;">when God is first,</div><div style="text-align: center;">for Christ had spilled His blood.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Our water chills.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">God's water fills</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">displacing all our strife.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We must begin</div><div style="text-align: center;">to offer Him</div><div style="text-align: center;">our dedicated life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">John 4:7-14</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Woman of Samaria</div><br />7 A woman of Samaria *came to draw water. Jesus *said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food. 9 So the Samaritan woman *said to Him, “How is it that You, though You are a Jew, are asking me for a drink, though I am a Samaritan woman?” (For Jews do not associate with Samaritans.) 10 Jesus replied to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who is saying to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 She *said to Him, “[<a href="https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+4&version=NASB#fen-NASB-26161c">c</a>]Sir, You have no bucket and the well is deep; where then do You get this living water? 12 You are not greater than our father Jacob, are You, who gave us the well and drank of it himself, and his sons and his cattle?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again; 14 but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never be thirsty; but the water that I will give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up to eternal life.”Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-43527968174042713612022-01-01T01:00:00.015-06:002022-01-01T01:00:00.212-06:00Should Time Be Up 1-1-22<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspp1CVMC-Q0xveaE3F-suhp3EaBrDdcDHjE7_ep2W7Mt2s84FKGISKPUqos4hHn50mpam395WSK_IsNSqtcCJH8oUSwkAv3yWn1uWTe4bz9_aSxc-lIPWs4IqXXe5zhVPUpyg9GfQ_DXu/s550/clock.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="368" data-original-width="550" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspp1CVMC-Q0xveaE3F-suhp3EaBrDdcDHjE7_ep2W7Mt2s84FKGISKPUqos4hHn50mpam395WSK_IsNSqtcCJH8oUSwkAv3yWn1uWTe4bz9_aSxc-lIPWs4IqXXe5zhVPUpyg9GfQ_DXu/s320/clock.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I bow my head and fold my hands.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My faithful Father understands</div><div style="text-align: center;">the depths of my great sorrows.</div><div style="text-align: center;">With my heart's cord</div><div style="text-align: center;">I beg the Lord</div><div style="text-align: center;">to fix all my tomorrows.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He knows it's bad.</div><div style="text-align: center;">His heart is sad.</div><div style="text-align: center;">All Heaven mourns for me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But if God's will</div><div style="text-align: center;">is that I'm ill,</div><div style="text-align: center;">then it was meant to be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Some do attest</div><div style="text-align: center;">God takes the best</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">away from evil earth.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But problem's this:</div><div style="text-align: center;">that I will miss</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">my child's tremendous worth.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We all will die</div><div style="text-align: center;">and so I cry,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but through storms, I still bow.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Should time be up,</div><div style="text-align: center;">Lord, take my cup.</div><div style="text-align: center;">in peace, for You know how.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>You've let me stay</div><div>another day</div><div>to spend with my dear child.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">And that is why</div><div style="text-align: center;">now tears are dry.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Through blessings - I have smiled.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But if Your will</div><div style="text-align: center;">should take me still</div><div style="text-align: center;">then I will gladly go;</div><div style="text-align: center;">no more to roam,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll be at home</div><div style="text-align: center;">with You, who loves me so.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2022 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-78134733313623549342021-12-21T00:00:00.050-06:002021-12-21T02:58:14.105-06:00Christmas Program 12-21-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ufIOcp9Xs_OFEYeB3v211swtagK1jV3bhZMuy9y2aXMhwuJ7cHFrOjiGS0arfsH5oC-Ns7UMrF-VQecPCOCQ9d1n0h95D4AHgyz-Are3uFBT5hfpsqb4-coU5UKxvNa6bTI5f0PpHgkv/s496/nativity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="496" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ufIOcp9Xs_OFEYeB3v211swtagK1jV3bhZMuy9y2aXMhwuJ7cHFrOjiGS0arfsH5oC-Ns7UMrF-VQecPCOCQ9d1n0h95D4AHgyz-Are3uFBT5hfpsqb4-coU5UKxvNa6bTI5f0PpHgkv/s320/nativity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Christmas Program show begins</div><div style="text-align: center;">with children singing Christmas hymns</div><div style="text-align: center;">below the shining star.</div><div style="text-align: center;">From 1 year old's to upper teens,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they bring alive those Christmas scenes.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">How cute those children are!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">---</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Memorized lines,</div></div><div>each face still shines.</div><div>The donkey even smiled.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's good to know</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">those children show</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">a love for manger child.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div><div style="text-align: center;">They had such fun.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Program was done.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">And so, was time to go.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Through many years,</div><div style="text-align: center;">through many fears,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I watched those children grow.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Through God above</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I show my love.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I've little else to give.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>They grow so fast</div><div>and hugs are past.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">They have their lives to live.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">My prayers are such,</div><div style="text-align: center;">they are worth much,</div></div><div>much more than earthly things.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>For lost, a shame</div><div>each day's the same...</div><div>Joy is what Christmas brings.</div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>Those memories,</div><div>they come to please.<br />Such love has grown for years.<br />Then much more love<br />pours from above<br />that brings me to my tears.</div><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">Though great or small,</div><div style="text-align: center;">forgiveness all,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God's gift, forever gives.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Love's in my eye.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">For kids, I cry.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Yet Christmas Program lives.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-59192090472107212812021-12-16T03:00:00.009-06:002021-12-19T17:32:16.285-06:00The Smallest Ornament 12-16-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhayq56x_yYlWgNuU4z3pcGrnimEEplaLTqgV9_jVSMZq_Ei9UUFSUJtEdKm5DDFKJ1Y-HmIRc2xpyHQ8AstUIXtbMSpaGlks-BrxZ_o9OcqX6Ud2X-ZlC12VVj2A7fHUGCfg9MEV6KqHP7be-J0aqx_Qmv13nH7mQA2hUTWWsjqzCALFsTllWlDKLxKQ=s653" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="653" data-original-width="640" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhayq56x_yYlWgNuU4z3pcGrnimEEplaLTqgV9_jVSMZq_Ei9UUFSUJtEdKm5DDFKJ1Y-HmIRc2xpyHQ8AstUIXtbMSpaGlks-BrxZ_o9OcqX6Ud2X-ZlC12VVj2A7fHUGCfg9MEV6KqHP7be-J0aqx_Qmv13nH7mQA2hUTWWsjqzCALFsTllWlDKLxKQ=s320" width="314" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>I'm just a little ornament here hanging on the tree.</div><div>They put me in the very back and I can hardly see.</div><div><br /></div><div>The wall is here right next to me and I don't have a view.</div><div>My paint has faded quite a bit and some has flaked off too.</div><div><br /></div><div>So no, I'm not the prettiest, nor biggest one on here.</div><div>This big ol' tree does not need me and my last days are near.</div><div><br /></div><div>This just might be the last time you will see my faded shine.</div><div>I'm just too old to show to you my obsolete design.</div><div><br /></div><div>For days and weeks I'm stuck back here. The time goes by so slow.</div><div>I wish I was quite different - to have something to show.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also have a crack or two but they are very small.</div><div>I wish I was the wiser so that I could hang, not fall.</div><div><br /></div><div>My confidence would come back strong and courage would be mine!</div><div>I'd show them I could be the best. I'd show this big ol' pine!</div><div><br /></div><div>But reflection in another ornament, I could see.</div><div>I saw my true unvarnished face and it was really me..</div><div><br /></div><div>Decided I, to give all up. For it was time to quit.</div><div>My pity-party started as I childishly had a fit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Just then I heard a tender voice. A child, I'm sure because,</div><div>the voice was of an angel. A girl of nine, she was.</div><div><br /></div><div>She carefully had took me down and placed me in her hand.</div><div>At first, I was quite fearful but soon, I'd understand.</div><div><br /></div><div>She set me on a table and she glued each little crack.</div><div>And then she took such special care to clean me front to back.</div><div><br /></div><div>She painted me with special paints that made the glitter shine.</div><div>She made me look like I was new with such a grand design.</div><div><br /></div><div>And then she placed me on the tree- but not next to the wall.</div><div>She placed me right in front where I could greet you, one and all. </div><div><br /></div><div>I felt like I had life anew and it sure gave me joy!</div><div>I smiled each time they looked at me- ev'ry girl and boy.</div><div><br /></div><div>That little girl had loved me so and her, I can't repay.</div><div>Now too, I have that special love to show in ev'ry way.</div><div><br /></div><div>Yes, Jesus does for you just what the girl had done for me.</div><div>He cleans you up, forgives your sins and makes you wholly free.</div><div><br /></div><div>The next time you walk past a lovely, big ol' Christmas tree,</div><div>look for the smallest ornament ...and you might find it's me.</div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>1 Corinthians 13:13</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"But now faith, hope, and love remain, these three; but the greatest of these is love."</i></div><div><br /><br /></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-17654741396671779072021-12-15T05:00:00.013-06:002021-12-28T22:44:28.412-06:00This Fragile Snowflake 12-15-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOLW-idiSlD3DNG3k-r9HZsH-tTIdri_TH9HHtHQme1AZDKmbL5N0uk2dQuVhGTTDcaBaThlRSU7khtrWgrhCSEd6S_SirKXh675S8fW9PmrysqiUNF4sn58duzZHL72CBCWdKgsBoazX99cI-2f8Z54ki31727SfoROgxdx0EDKMHYlBqjErcqddBeQ=s2560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1707" data-original-width="2560" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOLW-idiSlD3DNG3k-r9HZsH-tTIdri_TH9HHtHQme1AZDKmbL5N0uk2dQuVhGTTDcaBaThlRSU7khtrWgrhCSEd6S_SirKXh675S8fW9PmrysqiUNF4sn58duzZHL72CBCWdKgsBoazX99cI-2f8Z54ki31727SfoROgxdx0EDKMHYlBqjErcqddBeQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>"Ouch!" had screamed this fragile snowflake, on sad and frightful day.</div><div>I wanted so, to cry sad tears, but knew I'd melt away.</div><div>So stayed, I did, pressed right between some others who were crushed</div><div>under heel of rubber boot that stomped through snow's upper crust.</div><div><br /></div><div>Complaining started one by one among this doom and gloom.</div><div>Complaints crescendoed even more, "Move over! Give me room!"</div><div>But prayed I did so quietly ignoring all who screamed.</div><div>Then anger overtook them all, I prayed for days, it seemed.</div><div><br /></div><div>I knew that rubber boot had started this whole wickedness,</div><div>but also knew that we, now one, began to coalesce.</div><div>They then supported one another, each and everyone,</div><div>but I, a loner, kept my place until they all were done.</div><div><br /></div><div>We froze together into one thick block of solid ice.</div><div>But then the snow around us now was not so very nice.</div><div>They scoffed and laughed and scoffed and laughed at all us frozen here,</div><div>laughed and pointed fingers at- and then would cruelly sneer.</div><div><br /></div><div>Harassment, we call it. Certainly, harassment it was.</div><div>However, this snowflake ignored it. And maybe just because</div><div>my Savior lived through suffering- and so much more than this.</div><div>So I enjoyed His sunshine, His radiance and the bliss.</div><div><br /></div><div>The day had turned to nighttime, then nighttime again to day</div><div>and this is what then happened- happened this ironic way.</div><div>The sun got hotter- and while melting the defenseless snow,</div><div>we were iced tightly together and weathered it so slow.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now we, iced together, were pointing and laughing at them!</div><div>And all we would do was to angerly judge and condemn.</div><div>But I didn't bother. I simply prayed and prayed and prayed,</div><div>that we would soon learn forgiveness, just as Jesus displayed.</div><div><br /></div><div>Did God send that wicked boot- to ice us all together</div><div>so we would not succumb to the sun's bright, warmer weather?</div><div>Most snowflakes don't know of God's blessings. They don't have a clue.</div><div>But this fragile snowflake sees His greatest gift. I sure do.</div><div><br /></div><div>©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>http://www.ganderpoems.org/</div><div><br /></div><div>-------</div><div><br /></div><div>Luke 23:34</div><div>“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do..."</div><div><br /></div><div>-------</div><div><br /></div><div>This fragile snowflake will soon be gone,</div><div>but we all knew this all along.</div><div>There's a time to live and a time to die.</div><div>It's in God's plan and He knows why.</div><div><br /></div><div>So pray that God's Will, will be done,</div><div>from night to night and sun to sun.</div><div>Enjoy each day that God has giv'n</div><div>until we meet again in Heav'n.</div><div><br /></div><div>~louis gander ©2021</div></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-31781612773697694872021-12-15T04:10:00.001-06:002021-12-15T18:02:55.716-06:00Until We Meet Again 12-15-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZXj1rAnwRgF8QhdocMmYeBRicMddOnxN_kCPg3MO6q2uMf5m0MH3pC9OFaIIHYvX6XmmauoTHZM-kX6kNvf9Y7xLe7bKoGvsbvrqpfw3oaUdKEH9qV2kIIqOdPDTy3H4R08TUS95XGKaMeth5AZObT0aPFVER0CfwBWdiHBFvU-CkqFk7gulODqZ2rQ=s640" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZXj1rAnwRgF8QhdocMmYeBRicMddOnxN_kCPg3MO6q2uMf5m0MH3pC9OFaIIHYvX6XmmauoTHZM-kX6kNvf9Y7xLe7bKoGvsbvrqpfw3oaUdKEH9qV2kIIqOdPDTy3H4R08TUS95XGKaMeth5AZObT0aPFVER0CfwBWdiHBFvU-CkqFk7gulODqZ2rQ=s320" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">This fragile snowflake will soon be gone,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but we had known this all along.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There's a time to live and a time to die.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's in God's plan and He knows why.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So pray that God's Will, will be done,</div><div style="text-align: center;">from night to night and sun to sun.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Enjoy each day that God has giv'n</div><div style="text-align: center;">until we meet again in Heav'n.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>ECCLESIASTES 3</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>"1There is an appointed time for everything.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>And there is a time for every event under heaven—</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>2A time to give birth and a time to die;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>3A time to kill and a time to heal;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A time to tear down and a time to build up.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>4A time to weep and a time to laugh;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A time to mourn and a time to dance.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>5A time to throw stones and a time to gather stones;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A time to embrace and a time to shun embracing.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>6A time to search and a time to give up as lost;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A time to keep and a time to throw away.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>7A time to tear apart and a time to sew together;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A time to be silent and a time to speak.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>8A time to love and a time to hate;</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>A time for war and a time for peace...."</i></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-73772635643584637242021-12-11T04:37:00.000-06:002021-12-11T04:37:05.891-06:00From A Lowly Manger 12-11-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAtzSboZC0csr1cyOmPsGhEx4IMe4kltBTkS8UxmUJRd7m9PhIncldwpP737P5PAikG3BtM_kirDNOGxRGfISu727-wuOvctperVJeMbMteMOLCnch_y-pfYeoNFEsn4hGVMaJaTjEoG-/s320/nativity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="97" data-original-width="320" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirAtzSboZC0csr1cyOmPsGhEx4IMe4kltBTkS8UxmUJRd7m9PhIncldwpP737P5PAikG3BtM_kirDNOGxRGfISu727-wuOvctperVJeMbMteMOLCnch_y-pfYeoNFEsn4hGVMaJaTjEoG-/s0/nativity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">A manger is a feeding trough. A manger is not clean.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">But this is where the Baby laid and this is what was seen.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Why would the God of <i>all</i> Creation send His Son to lie</div><div style="text-align: center;">in such a crude, repulsive place with purpose still to die?</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Just maybe it was just a hint on how we are to serve</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">unselfishly to others in a way they don't deserve.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">No one deserves the sunshine or the growth from many rains.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And none deserve the better things, but rather chains and pains.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;">We live a life of comfort with such pills that kill the pain,</div></div><div style="text-align: start;"><div style="text-align: center;">but yet we go on living lives that make us go insane.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">For sin has bound us mentally and we have not a clue.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We think we live a perfect life but "know not what we do".</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We say we go to church and pay a tithe each Sunday morn.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We say we judge our neighbors not and treat them without scorn.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But buy, we do, for us the best and still complain enough</div><div style="text-align: center;">that prices are too high on all the poor substandard stuff.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Reward us not with newest cars for we deserve them not.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Nor house, dear Lord, that's much too large despite the 'toys' we've got."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">If we could be as humble as the Lord that saved our souls,</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">then maybe we could learn a bit and set some Godly goals.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">Our God of all creation knew exactly how to plan</div><div style="text-align: center;">a way of full salvation from a feeding trough to Man.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Lord, from lowly darkened tomb, from sinful man would leave,</div><div style="text-align: center;">seen ascending through the clouds, yet most still don't believe.<br /><br /><div>From His life, don't be a stranger. Hold His loving hands.</div><div>For coming from a lowly manger, Jesus understands.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-59879423499534280662021-11-26T00:00:00.006-06:002021-11-26T00:00:00.180-06:00Christmas Child, The 11-26-21<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ufIOcp9Xs_OFEYeB3v211swtagK1jV3bhZMuy9y2aXMhwuJ7cHFrOjiGS0arfsH5oC-Ns7UMrF-VQecPCOCQ9d1n0h95D4AHgyz-Are3uFBT5hfpsqb4-coU5UKxvNa6bTI5f0PpHgkv/s496/nativity.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="150" data-original-width="496" height="97" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5ufIOcp9Xs_OFEYeB3v211swtagK1jV3bhZMuy9y2aXMhwuJ7cHFrOjiGS0arfsH5oC-Ns7UMrF-VQecPCOCQ9d1n0h95D4AHgyz-Are3uFBT5hfpsqb4-coU5UKxvNa6bTI5f0PpHgkv/s320/nativity.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't be confused,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">we're not excused.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just who was born on Christmas Day?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Was Santa Claus?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Just take a pause.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Do we believe in Santa's sleigh?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">If you are wild,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">don't be defiled,<br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">for Christ can bring you blessed peace.<br />Just lean on Him<br />and sing a hymn.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">His love for all will never cease.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">In days of old</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">it was foretold</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">That Jesus Christ would come to be.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And it was swell</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Emmanuel</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">was someone folks could really see.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Would Star not show,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">which way to go?</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">And did an angel speak to them?</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The Wise Men knew.</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">The Shepherds too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Who did they find in Bethlehem?</div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Was Joseph's skin,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">so envy thin -</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">when traded inn for 'livestock zoo'?</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Did Mary care</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">that sheep were there,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">the oxen, goats and camels too?</span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">They understood</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">that all was good,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">despite beginnings humble there.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Not as tycoon,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">but coming soon,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">God's Son would help all in despair.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><div><span style="font-size: medium;">The present world</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">is being swirled</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">around commercializing tree.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Don't go adrift.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Accept God's gift:<br />The gift He has for us is free.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Because He lives</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">He still forgives,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">so come ye meek and come ye wild;</span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">for who did lay</span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">in manger hay...?</div></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">None other than the Christmas Child!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></span></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-10781467634106959852021-10-31T00:00:00.008-05:002021-10-31T04:49:15.498-05:00Thanksgiving, Then and Now 10-31-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBtgowIXD_MrWlvkSlWqnEPyByqOv5_fG0oOhPhCX8o_CEXRI0Ge95Ea9_JpZm-E9Csp7PAPVvq2nJ74ugtSMRg1bhtcFS8khHzwjcHeK3E9CkpOkeBvmskXRRTpyZW47BTF7IG6K9rxP/s640/Thanksgiving.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="640" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBtgowIXD_MrWlvkSlWqnEPyByqOv5_fG0oOhPhCX8o_CEXRI0Ge95Ea9_JpZm-E9Csp7PAPVvq2nJ74ugtSMRg1bhtcFS8khHzwjcHeK3E9CkpOkeBvmskXRRTpyZW47BTF7IG6K9rxP/s320/Thanksgiving.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The food was very scarce there back in sixteen twenty one.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The old and young went hungry with no time for games and fun</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The ship had brought them to a land of opportunities,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but food was somewhat diff'rent than the food from overseas.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And sixteen out of twenty women died one winter there,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but summer months thereafter brought a feast the rest would share.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The Wampanoag had welcomed them near shores of Plymouth Bay</div><div style="text-align: center;">with Chief, Massasoit, a man who lived in Godly way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With both the treaty and the harvest all but fully done,</div><div style="text-align: center;">the feast that they partook of was a good and healthy one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We can't compare their hardships to the ones we have today</div><div style="text-align: center;">so we should be most thankful for the food that's on display.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With table set so perfectly so we can all enjoy</div><div style="text-align: center;">a feast of great abundance and a feast for girl and boy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For God gives us aplenty; things that we do not deserve.</div><div style="text-align: center;">so prayer of thanks is warranted with willingness to serve.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">With turkey and the trimmings and the table full of food,</div><div style="text-align: center;">we should give many thanks to God before its fully chewed.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's difficult to really put ourselves in Pilgrim's shoes</div><div style="text-align: center;">when here we sit among our friends on soft and comfy pews.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/#">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-61730162728826776402021-10-01T00:00:00.001-05:002021-10-02T06:45:28.301-05:00Without A Fear 10-1-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BAygOe32Yf09hyphenhyphenIAsAHFrZ0Iuv6xFE9qqTNyocP7Qte5O8Dm5xh2CvBTj5YeFyiGSbw6kewt3I3uzCjHYWqzCEXj2SdNWxHev1r4FTpTHIMSdlS70YP4ZsxI7Nx0RXs00h6xzpOrF8Qu/s300/weeping+willow+tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="300" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BAygOe32Yf09hyphenhyphenIAsAHFrZ0Iuv6xFE9qqTNyocP7Qte5O8Dm5xh2CvBTj5YeFyiGSbw6kewt3I3uzCjHYWqzCEXj2SdNWxHev1r4FTpTHIMSdlS70YP4ZsxI7Nx0RXs00h6xzpOrF8Qu/s0/weeping+willow+tree.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">While winds whisper</div><div style="text-align: center;">and storm cloud's scheme</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">with thunder's roar</div><div style="text-align: center;">and lightning's scream,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I sit alone.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My teeth I clench.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I think about</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">this old park bench.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It sets alone</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">here under tree,</div><div style="text-align: center;">a massive one</div><div style="text-align: center;">protecting me.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's branches wide.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">It's limbs so firm.</div><div style="text-align: center;">It's trunk is huge.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">That I confirm.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But time has come</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">and death is near.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I pray the Lord</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">still holds me dear.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't deserve</div><div style="text-align: center;">His precious grace,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but pray for this:</div><div style="text-align: center;">to see His face.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But rain now falls</div><div style="text-align: center;">and falls quite free,</div><div style="text-align: center;">while I sit dry</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">here under tree.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Like God, this tree</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">protects me now.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I am not soaked.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do avow.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The rain is like</div><div style="text-align: center;">the sin of man,</div></div><div style="text-align: center;">but God protects.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">We know He can.</div><div style="text-align: center;">And He forgives</div><div style="text-align: center;">both me and you.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">He keeps us dry</div><div style="text-align: center;">and cleanses too.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">The wind has hushed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Clouds quickly fade,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">with thunder too,</div><div style="text-align: center;">for Christ has paid.</div></div></div></div></div><div style="text-align: center;">I sit so dry</div><div style="text-align: center;">protected here,</div><div style="text-align: center;">without a care,</div><div style="text-align: center;">without a fear.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-20116629387750359762021-09-01T00:00:00.017-05:002021-09-20T08:24:59.815-05:00Knock, Knock 9-1-21<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf4VrFvCv_KaL1Bi5mTkDxkOaIEE2ffJWzJqwZsSHW3y6tjMzl0lg-uvmMrpgt4P0Exy6zCY5ydXV9x8F9O6EmbzMVpUtRLG7MbGLXWYPivb5au3A25npc8GGpVJrMspfKrl87BWEYu0l/s1050/knock%252C+knock%252C+knock+-+door.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="700" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLf4VrFvCv_KaL1Bi5mTkDxkOaIEE2ffJWzJqwZsSHW3y6tjMzl0lg-uvmMrpgt4P0Exy6zCY5ydXV9x8F9O6EmbzMVpUtRLG7MbGLXWYPivb5au3A25npc8GGpVJrMspfKrl87BWEYu0l/s320/knock%252C+knock%252C+knock+-+door.png" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was a knock on the old door,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but knew not who that knock was for.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
That steady knock was very hard</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
so it, I could not disregard.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The knocking was so persistent</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
but I was very resistant.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I placed my ear against the door</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and voice I heard, could not ignore.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I opened slow as hinges creaked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and through the opening I peeked.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I knew straightway of all my sin,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I humbly bowed and let Him in.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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Joy overflowed my cup's dry rim</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
when I gave all my life to Him.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
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He knocked on my heart's door because</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
my doorbell's broke. It doesn't buzz.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">Yes, Christ loves you and me, He does.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
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©2021 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div>
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<br /></div>
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-------</div>
Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-39913752852569240952021-08-01T00:00:00.020-05:002021-08-01T04:33:07.870-05:00Atop A Silly Post 8-1-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo2DUiWBqqvvYIKQOqpu8urxbjUXBghUytnaYvQGZ8cCHrAUGUXPhzShD7MUCqlxaxOL6TvA0vjEUBLhyaAtfmUzg3u7kotJ0C6ZlTwW_PWTfMTTzCMfRdzsPZ5xui3ooCe2DMIBiaGDR/s590/Atop+A+Silly+Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="590" data-original-width="387" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvo2DUiWBqqvvYIKQOqpu8urxbjUXBghUytnaYvQGZ8cCHrAUGUXPhzShD7MUCqlxaxOL6TvA0vjEUBLhyaAtfmUzg3u7kotJ0C6ZlTwW_PWTfMTTzCMfRdzsPZ5xui3ooCe2DMIBiaGDR/s320/Atop+A+Silly+Post.png" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Two places at one time; can I</span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">reside in such a place?</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">It just may be impossible</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">to live in such a space.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">A fence post, can I sit atop</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">and balance there alone?</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">A post between two worlds,</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">on post that's all my own.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">On one side of the fence I crave</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">the things that draw my eyes.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I yearn for boat or brand new car,</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I want for grand surprise.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">But that side's so deceptive</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I become completely blind.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I cannot see the other side,</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">the side with peace of mind.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Now if, in faith, I travel there</span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">and seek the real life,<br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">away will be the blindness</span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">and long gone too, the strife.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Can I see past the physical</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">and open up my eyes?</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Can my eyes see reality</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">before my body dies?</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Can I live in the spiritual</span></div></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">so I'm not living blind?</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Can I live in the spiritual</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">the way I was designed?</span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Designed by my Creator,</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">designed by God above,</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">designed to live by faith alone,</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">designed to live in love.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">The next time I am found to be</span></div><div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">atop a silly post.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">I'll only jump with Godly faith</span></div></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">to Him who loves me most.</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</span></div><div><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: #cfe2f3; color: #196ad4;" target="_blank">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">-------</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">Revelation 3:16</span></div><div><span style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">King James Version</span></div><div><i style="background-color: #cfe2f3;">16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.</i></div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-10164299190531677892021-07-01T00:00:00.148-05:002022-05-08T14:51:42.710-05:00Sailing On! 7-1-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcUKfugFDhe8Xv3NSYB5PPZANNFqEWH99TCmnXhh_CzrTdVpIEnw3ooOH7nxuvxVlhgVAr4nQiSM3BVMBIvQpDT-br_KNanXyADectU7yNddT_s5rSIaBgrs-Xh_uHUzJSS8AKY68T5H2/s640/Sailing+On.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYcUKfugFDhe8Xv3NSYB5PPZANNFqEWH99TCmnXhh_CzrTdVpIEnw3ooOH7nxuvxVlhgVAr4nQiSM3BVMBIvQpDT-br_KNanXyADectU7yNddT_s5rSIaBgrs-Xh_uHUzJSS8AKY68T5H2/s320/Sailing+On.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Why is it...<br />...when stormy seas toss me about,</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I call on You, with distressed shout?</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do not pray when things are cool,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but call on You when out of fuel.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>"Decisions, mine. I'm on my own,</div><div>don't do Your will, I sail alone.</div><div><div>And so at times I miss Your docks</div><div>and run my ship up on the rocks.</div><div><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">"When seas are choppy, I'm annoyed,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but when it's calm, it is enjoyed.</div><div style="text-align: center;">That's why, when seas are peaceful, still,</div><div style="text-align: center;">I do my own, and not Your will.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>"But bilge is full of water now.</div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know why. I don't know how.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The pump is on but it's behind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Another fix, I cannot find.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My best was just not good enough!</div><div style="text-align: center;">My sins now make my life so rough.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><div>And now I'm lost! I'm going down,</div><div>through dark abyss, deserve to drown!</div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">"I can't let go. Loosen my grip!<br />Pilot my hopes, my needs, my ship!</div><div style="text-align: center;">You are my breath, my life, my all.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">On You, Lord, I'll forever call.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">"It's full of leaks and on the brink!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Please intercede! Don't let me sink!<br />Lord, take the helm! I do believe!</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;">Please stay aboard and never leave!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div></div></div></div><div><div style="text-align: center;">"We now sail peacefully. It's grand!<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I pray you ships will understand.<br />When Him, you finally call upon,<br />you'll safely too, be sailing on!"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4065579682352637035.post-65579236462455992632021-06-01T00:00:00.007-05:002021-06-01T00:00:00.242-05:00And Christian Be 6-1-21<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQww9XVjuU6WkXtVZMST6Rv4YPYtJHqhQK3WgD7Dkc0LKaHPEeuxWBxhbSqWvcgqSliOoawHQsXgy7sug49e0QwF5FUF_rpnqhP3AnYxC1XLa-bV6-pDwdUXt2MNU7tC-v84kSw0JT6m5/s640/And+Christian+Be.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="325" data-original-width="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQww9XVjuU6WkXtVZMST6Rv4YPYtJHqhQK3WgD7Dkc0LKaHPEeuxWBxhbSqWvcgqSliOoawHQsXgy7sug49e0QwF5FUF_rpnqhP3AnYxC1XLa-bV6-pDwdUXt2MNU7tC-v84kSw0JT6m5/s320/And+Christian+Be.png" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">It's hard to write through intense pain,</div><div style="text-align: center;">but this I know- it's not in vain.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For God so loves. He offers grace-</div><div style="text-align: center;">while selfish man still turns his face.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I will write my prayer today</div><div style="text-align: center;">that man will turn from wicked way.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My numbered days, I cannot view</div><div style="text-align: center;">and doctors say I may have few.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So I will change and will not wait</div><div style="text-align: center;">to share His love at this late date.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Please humbly love and then confess</div><div style="text-align: center;">and then repent and He will bless.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">For ALL have sinned against His will,</div><div style="text-align: center;">yet grace abounds. Yes, even still.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">There's nothing more I'd rather see</div><div><div style="text-align: center;">than you accept, and Christian be.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">©2021 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.ganderpoems.org/">http://www.ganderpoems.org/</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">-------</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I love you all.</div>Louis Ganderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02879506486843192263noreply@blogger.com0