IF 4-29-07

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IF, for someone that I love, I do for them some good,
How should I feel afterward - if I’m misunderstood?

IF, for someone that's a friend, I lend a helping hand,
How would I feel afterward - if more they would command?

IF, for someone that I know, I encourage and advise,
How would I feel afterward - if they screamed selfish cries?

IF, for strangers I should meet, and their anger wished my head,
How would I feel afterward - would I love them all instead?

IF, for enemies that I see, as I save their life, am maimed,
How would I feel afterward - if for their bruises, I were blamed?

How do I feel toward God Almighty - who gave His only Son?
Do I really thank Him for His gift - or do I wallow in my fun?

Do I misunderstand, command of Him, or blame when things go wrong?
Or love another as He so loved - as His witness all life long?

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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God Loves Me 4-25-07

When I was just a little child, so many years ago,
joy and gladness filled my face wherever I would go.
I never had to worry. I had no earthly cares.
I'd play all day and then that night, I'd say my evening prayers.

But then, as I grew older, some pain had filled my face,
I'd scrape my knees and elbows - once broke mom's pretty vase.
Then passing through my teenage years and though I learned so much,
opinions got the best of me and stole the Masters touch.

Years had passed - and decades too - in my tenacious life.
Oh, I had pounded my own drum and blew my little fife.
Like a tree with trunk and limbs - I knew each branch, their twigs.
I grew in all directions - in twisted zags and zigs.

As God exposed His beauty - in me, in every leaf,
I soaked up all that certainty, with faith in my belief.
One by one leaves opened, full proof for all to see -
but I forgot about my roots and what God's plan might be.

One day while sitting on my throne - in educated bliss....
I wondered (Bible in my hands) what secret did I miss?
I panted in my studies. I prayed in earnest pleas....
It hit me like a ton of bricks - and crushed me to my knees.

My mighty tree had crashed in vain. It timbered from the sky....
Yes, only God knows everything – every truth and lie.
God found that long lost child once more as tears poured down my cheeks,
and I found His great joy again. I listen when He speaks.

I follow in His footsteps. I let his Spirit heal -
and once again, as long before, the Master's touch I feel.
In faith I lay me down to sleep - my deathbed He can see,
and nothing really matters now, except that God loves me.

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

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I'd Better Think Some More 4-7-07

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I'm made each day to go to work beyond my comfy door;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I'm made to watch my neighbors with possessions by the score;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I'm made to get down on my knees to clean a dirty floor;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I'm made to lie awake at night and know my spouse can snore;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I'm made to cross the farmyard to work another chore;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I'm made to wait both hand and foot, my child I so adore;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I'm made to turn the other cheek. From cruelty I'm sore;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I'm made to cross the ocean shore to fight another war;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I've worked my fingers to the bone and built up my rapport;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I donate sacrificially - more offerings are in store;

But if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

I've still no flawless sacrifice. No works I can outpour;

And if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more.

My God had sent His Perfect One - and that I can't ignore.

So if I think I've sacrificed, I'd better think some more....

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org 

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God Never Fails 4-5-07

When it rains it pours, but God never fails....

The world crashes down when my trials abound -

the winds could fill the sails...

When it rains it pours, but God never fails....

The world crashes down when my trials abound -

as breezes turn into gales...

When it rains it pours, but God never fails....

The world crashes down when my trials abound -

when I think it's over, it hails...

When it rains it pours, but God never fails....

When they took Him down and removed His crown –

who cared about the old nails?

So who cares when it pours? My effort fails!

Now when I’m down, I turn over my frown -

as my storm in comparison pales…

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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In the Clouds 3-25-07

You ask why I am crying. So let me tell you why.
I was so very angry as I stared into the sky.

I lost my special mother and tears had filled my eyes.
I looked to God for answers but moisture blurred the skies.

I had only asked for answers - an emotional free ride.
I wanted Him to hold me - and keep me near His side.

I didn’t see the sunshine. Dark clouds hung over me.
I couldn’t feel His presence. I couldn’t begin to see….

But when I wiped away my tears, my thoughts were held in awe -
It held me captive for some time - for this is what I saw:

So clear and simple in the clouds - I now know why she died....
The sight of Jesus on the cross – in love, His arms held wide.

You ask why I am crying. I’m crying ‘cuz I’m glad –
I knew that she was everything - and thought was all I had.

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

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Walk The Talk 3-22-07

Love is a tough word for men made of steel.
Some cannot say it - despite how they feel.
And way down inside, you'll find at the core,
that few love much higher than ostriches soar.

Some utter their love in flowers and smiles.
There are many words and so many styles.
Some share their feelings with tears in one eye,
while others share thoughts in endless supply....

But talk is so shallow - it's easier said,
than walking the talk, and giving instead.
When we're confronted with our simple trials,
do we drag our cross - and for how many miles?

A cross is a menace that scoffs in our ear.
We wish every time it would just disappear;
but if our love's real - and fills us inside,
A cross surely conquers when we are denied.

For there was a Man who lived long ago,
that gave so much more - than we'll ever know.
He shared with the children, women and men,
and taught us all how - to love once again

There wasn't a record of “fanciful” talk,
but rather, instead, of unselfish walk.
While prayers were sincere to His Father above,
mere words didn't finish His dutiful love.

He spoke not a word - defending His own,
and faithfully walked each step all alone.
We cannot imagine the pain He endured,
and from the soldiers, the scoffing He heard.

Mere words were spoken and all had seemed lost,
but actions spoke louder than two timbers crossed.
And love didn't lose to the cross in that war -
because Jesus yet lives and that cross is no more.

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

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Depressions' Book 3-20-07

Are you feeling really cheery -

just like the men of old?

Or are you filled with sin's debris?

Just how's your story told?

Who writes the story of your life?

Who maps your many miles?

Who slashed your insides with a knife?

Who brings you down with trials?

It's always someone else's fault -

It's never ours to claim.

So go on curse - and then assault.

Your friends must be to blame....

Your life is in such disarray.

At times you're feeling blue.

Because you chose your selfish way,

blame must be placed on you.

With deep despair and sinful strife,

your insides churn and burn.

Is that the story of your life -

and you've no place to turn?

So many think they know it all,

they answer every whim.

But those who conquer big and small

have put their faith in Him.

Your whole life's story, who will write?

Who'll map your many miles?

Give God your pen, it's quite alright -

He'll bring you many smiles....

Several people read your book,

each day more print occurs -

so do you know the path you took?

Was roadway, His or yours?

It's your story, it's disclosed,

and every day it's read -

but when God flips the cover closed,

you'll be completely dead.

©2007 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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What's so special? 3-08-07

What's so special about a tree, without bright flowering buds to see?

What if it reached up to the sky - but imparted no beauty to the eye?

What's so special about a tree, without small birds chirping songs for me?

What if it had no living cells - nor rendered scents of unique smells?

What's so special about a tree, without any roots? Is that not key?

What if it had a trunk so tall - but yielded no juicy fruit each fall?

What's so special about a tree, that stands there dead for all to see?

What if the sunshine took its aim, but the shadow proved its simple frame?

What's so special about a tree, without ornaments' glistening spree?

What if it had no tinsel gold - and stood unparalleled, barren, cold?

What's so special about a tree, that held a life and saw it flee?

What if it held no life down in - but yet it held through thick and thin?

What's so special about a tree, that held One captive for you and me?

What if it charged the highest price - for the only, perfect sacrifice?

What's so special about a tree - so long ago lost? Say, what could it be?

Everything! For it had given - Jesus the place, where all sins were forgiven.

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Grandma 2-12-07

Grownups seem so funny. They never seem to change.
‘Specially my ol’ grandma. She always acted strange.
Peculiar smells escaped out when she opened up her door.
And as I stepped into her house - heard creaking in the floor.

She seemed a bit hunched over. She wasn't very thin.
Her teeth would sometimes chatter when she moved her double chin.
She decorated very nice. A corner held the broom.
She'd have her nylon stockings hangin' ‘round the living room....

But God made grandma special. Her cooking, Heaven sent.
She hadn't much to offer but she really was content.
And she was always cooking with her hair back in a bun.
She always had her apron on – had little time for fun.

Sometimes I got in trouble taking cookies from her jar....
The crumbs would seem to mark my sin. I didn't get too far.
One day we had a party. She cried when she was glad.
She cried when she was happy too and cried when she was sad.

Once she claimed I was in sin. I asked her what she meant,
So she opened up her Bible and read a whole event.
I had so many questions that she took me by the hand,
She had so many answers that I couldn't understand.

She said God loved so deeply and - death held the only key,
So back behind the bloodstains Jesus had to die for me.
Maybe sin is so disgusting that - love has to be unfair,
And maybe that's why grandma cried - when she knelt down in prayer.

When I got hurt, she kissed it well. She was the "best-est" nurse,
Then she said, "Be careful" quoting yet another verse.
She often looked so busy. She sometimes looked quite weak;
But when I left, she always had the time to kiss my cheek.

I miss my grandma very much. She died some time ago.
But when she spoke of Jesus, oh, her face was all aglow.
Now when I close my eyes I see that same familiar face,
Reminding me of Jesus and God's everlasting grace.

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

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Works 2-11-07

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I'm so weary I can't stand
to fight it anymore.
My face - I bury in my hands.
I fall flat on the floor.

All truthfulness is in Your court.
My arguments all fail.
I work hard but fall so short -
touching your Holy Grail.

I worked my fingers to the bone.
You did not grant my wish.
And without water on flat stones,
I flop just like a fish.

I tried to earn it, sun to sun.
My tasks would not apply.
A tear, from every job I'd done,
I caused there in Your eye.

Tasks that came I did not shun.
In fact, I didn't brag,
but every work that I had done -
was but a filthy rag.

Sometimes I thought I felt that crown,
and pulled myself way up,
but as I looked, I had to frown,
I could not hold Your cup.

I fasted, sacrificed some more,
and lay in massive pain.
My clothes I tore. I lost the war,
my works were all in vain.

So now I weep, fall on my face
in desperation, misery....
and on the ground I take my place
and cry my prayer to thee....

"Our Father who art in Heaven,
God of grace and mercy,
You knew this soul was lost back when,
I fell so far from thee....

Your love melts the coldest ice,
You're always in control.
You sent the perfect sacrifice
so save this poor lambs soul.

Dear Shepherd, You are very strong.
Help me - I'm am weak.
For years I've been so very wrong.
I'm humbled. Hear me speak....

Forgive me Lord, for thinking I
could work my way to You.
You knew back then - I couldn't buy,
the work You came to do.

My sins, my work will not erase.
My life, I cannot gloss.
And all my work will not replace,
Your grace there on the cross."

©2007 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

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