"I want to thank all those who come from around the world and read the poetry that God has inspired me with to make the world a more pleasant and peaceful place. This site shall always be totally free for everyone with no tracking, pop-up ads & videos or other distractions." ~louis gander

November 24, 2008

Shattered Glass 11-24-08


A gold fish swam inside the bowl.
It's tail fin made the water stir -
against the glass. It peered beyond
but it could swim no further.

I reached out too - but couldn't through.
That invisible glass prevented me -
but living in our little worlds
just isn't meant to be.

We have our eyes but what deceives?
For everything will come to pass -
this side of the present tense,
and out beyond the solid glass.

Sins law, like glass, invisible.
It's nothing but a deadly lie.
I reached but couldn't feel His touch.
It held between my God and I.

For I was deep in waters sin,
within there is no air.
There is no grace inside the law -
and faith cannot live there.

But then one night some time ago,
in quietness, the world heard -
a star shone bright above a babe.
Something big on earth occurred.

Reputed, He, our wisdom there.
His death on earth did pass,
but heard before that quiet night -
the shout that shattered glass....

Yes, "Abba, Father" shattered it.
Sin's law shattered everywhere -
forgotten, forgiven, gone.
Grace unlocked us from despair.

Hope washed us ever closer then.
Free from circling without breath,
free from sinful bondage where,
the wages of sin is death.

Some day we'll occupy our graves -
yet sin no longer holds us slaves.
The glass is broken. Make no waves -
just tell the world that Jesus saves!

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 6:23 (KJV) For the wages of sin is death;
but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

November 22, 2008

Armor's Yoke 11-22-08

.
(Ephesians 6)

I STAND FIRM in
the armor of God. (vs. 13)
and in gospel's PEACE
my feet are shod. (vs. 15)

I STAND FIRM -
will not transgress. (vs. 14)
Wearing my breastplate
of RIGHTEOUSNESS, (vs. 14)

From each crevasse
in the world, (vs. 16)
fly flaming arrows
at me - hurled. (vs. 16)

I'm not slack
and will not yield - (vs. 16)
but raise up high
my FAITH, my shield. (vs. 16)

And with the belt
of TRUTH I'm gird. (vs. 14)
I seize the sword
which is His WORD. (vs. 17)

Darkness, wickedness -
I'll not allow. (vs. 12)
SALVATION'S helmet,
I take now. (vs. 17)

If perseverance
stays alert, (vs. 18)
I'll Pray and fast,
and won't get hurt. (vs. 18)

When I believe
and do what's right,
His Yoke is easy,
His burden, light. (Matt. 11:30)

©2008 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
www.ganderpoems.org

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November 20, 2008

Wheelbarrow Christian 11-20-08



I pulled you hard from deep within,
from a trash heap dead in sin.
From your true and certain peril -
I lifted you - a wheelbarrow.

You long outlasted rusty peers
and persevered for many years.
Diligent, you worked all day -
never asked an ounce of pay.

Your tire worn - you didn't care.
At times you'd need a little air.
Your wooden sides were warped and bowed
but never once, refused a load.

Working streets or fields of clover
you, at times, would tip right over.
Though humbled there, one might expect,
you hadn't any disrespect.

So willing you, without excuse -
would faithful take all sins abuse.
Whether weeds or rocks contained,
you never, ever once complained.

And burdened down with dirt or stone,
you never once had worked alone -
for I was there - I pushed a bit,
because I knew you'd never quit.

I gave you every push and shove -
but did it all in Godly love.
Yes, you surpassed the near and far,
and you, my faithful servant are.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org//

2 Peter 1:4-8 (NASB)
4 For by these He has granted to us His precious and magnificent promises, so that by them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world by lust.

5 Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge,

6 and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance, godliness,

7 and in your godliness, brotherly kindness, and in your brotherly kindness, love.

8 For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they render you neither useless nor unfruitful in the true knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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November 19, 2008

Think About It.... 11-19-08

.
There's a fork in the road.
I'm looking for a new career.
I choose one or the other,
Now where do I go from here?

There's a rock in my path.
I must make it clear.
I work hard to roll it off,
Now where do I go from here?

There's brush on the trail.
I really must persevere.
I work a lot to clear it,
Now where do I go from here?

Troubles are a way of life
and never disappear.
I've tried to fix all my troubles,
Now where do I go from here?

When I am on my deathbed,
and life is in the rear.
What do I look forward to,
And where do I go from here?

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Hebrews 9:27 (KJV)
 And as it is appointed unto men once to die,
but after this the judgment:

November 18, 2008

That Trampled Rose 11-18-08


I so remember long ago
a Fair had came to town.
People talked for many weeks
and came from miles around.

Now there were several contests.
Two roses were compared.
It seemed like only yesterday
the way the people stared....

A mass of people circled.
Around the roses, stood.
But sitting in my wheelchair,
I couldn't see too good.

One received the highest prize,
the other one was tossed -
as people cheered the winner and,
ignored the one that lost.

Now for the rose that lost its case,
the judge just cast aside.
It then was trampled under feet.
Its owner nearly cried.

The winning rose was held up high
for all the world to see.
The people crammed around it close,
and oh, they did agree.

For better look, the crowd in back
stood high on their tiptoes.
They shifted 'round for greater view,
and trampled on that rose.

Then finally, a little boy
'bout three for four years old,
picked that trampled flower up
and gave to me to hold.

It's stem was crushed quite thoroughly.
It wasn't very long -
now hardly recognizable
with most it's petals gone.

I wanted nothing of it -
to see the other rose!
But I sat in my wheelchair.
That's how this story goes.

The boy stood right beside me.
He thought he'd done me good.
He never said a single word -
he just misunderstood.

There on my lap it laid until
I got back to my room.
I tossed it in the trash can as -
it would not ever bloom.

But then a few days later,
the County Fair had passed;
when all excitement dwindled,
when people left at last...

I unburied that dead rose,
and pressed it in a book.
Now when I'm most discouraged,
I take another look.

Pressed deep within the pages
of Psalms One-hundred-three;
I often think of that small boy -
the love he showed to me.

The winning rose has long since passed
and gone, its worldly shine.
Though others long for other things,
that trampled rose is mine.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Psalm 103 (NASB)
Praise for the LORD'S Mercies.
A Psalm of David.
1"Bless the LORD, O my soul,
And all that is within me, bless His holy name."

November 15, 2008

BEWARE 11-15-08

.
Walk the straight and narrow. (Matt. 7:14)
God protects the sparrow, (Matt. 10:31)
BEWARE! Don't tread on streets of dung.

A wise man is prudent. (Prov. 16:21)
The foolish - ignorant. (Psalm 73:22)
BEWARE of sin, the foolish young.

Do not betray the truth. (Mark 14:11)
better now a broken tooth. (Prov. 25:19)
BEWARE of promise - Judas hung.

Do not be deceived. (Jeremiah 9:5)
Can truth be retrieved? (Matt. 24:43)
BEWARE of sweetness when lies are sung.

Watch for the blitz (Mark 15:13)
from all hypocrites. (Matt. 22:18)
BEWARE - hot air from anyone's lung.

Whether from man, (Luke 2:1)
or the great satan; (Gen. 3:4)
BEWARE of the one with the silver tongue.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
ganderpoems.org

Genesis 3:4 (KJV)
"And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:"

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November 13, 2008

UNWANTED 11-13-08


Why do some complain so much, when they've so much to gain;
and others weep so bitterly? I think they're all insane.

I would have smelled the roses, ignored those thorny stems;
and gladly traded places, with anyone of them.

I wasn't ever wanted, by mother or by dad;
and not to even have a right to live - was really sad.

Birth certificate? Oh no - for I got all the blame;
and I was too unwanted - to even get a name.

Tossed into a trash can - was found among the muck;
survived that botched abortion. Some would call that "luck".

Yes, an angel found me, washed me with her tears;
wrapped me in a towel, soothed my many fears.

Rocking very patiently, she knew what was in store;
but hugged me tightly in her arms, for she could do no more.

Many rights protect us, from beatings and abuse;
but "life" just doesn't matter now, if one decides to choose.

I had no right to ask for help - even if I could.
She had to let me fade away - for no one understood.

Rights are very twisted things, Some get them. I did not;
so go about your duties now, for I am best forgot.

Why do some complain so much? Let's make this very plain.
It all comes down to money - when wisdom's down the drain.

Now I'm held in Jesus' arms, within His warm embrace;
"Lord please, for this kind angel, reserve a special place...."

"a special place right next to me, to cry and hug again.
where we can share eternity, together, please. Amen." 

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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True story from Oak Lawn, IL on a failed abortion (1999).  The child was left for dead but lived for 45 minutes.  A nurse (Jill Stanek) held the child until his last breath.  No medical help was attempted and none permitted.  The nurse was fired (2001).  We called ourselves 'civilized'...

Matt: 25:40 (KJV)
And the King shall answer and say unto them, "Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me."

November 10, 2008

Now That's Christmas!! 11-10-08

.
Sending the gifts to place under the tree -
or
sending His Son - in place of me?

Presents all wrapped under colorful bows -
or
a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes?

Watching a tree, its flashing star -
or
watching three wise men come from afar?

Seeing a horse pull a grand open sleigh -
or
seeing a babe fast asleep on the hay?

Knowing that children are still waking up -
or
knowing that Jesus must drink from the cup?

Children all screaming at presents galore -
or
people all screaming, their anger outpour?

Children who struggled with patient surprise -
or
Jesus who struggled with tears in His eyes?

Proof there was chocolate I got with a whiff -
or
proof that God loves us with His special Gift?

Gifts from our mother and father we love -
or
gifts of blessings from our Father above?

Sharing the truth with each, one another -
or
sharing Jesus to our sister and brother?

A warm embrace -
or
His matchless grace?

Giving -
or
forgiving?

Now that's Christmas!
The greatest gift!

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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November 8, 2008

Mother 11-8-08



If a picture's worth a thousand words,
each word, a pound of letters -
then mother tops the sunsets
and pounds of gold from debtors.

Mere words describe so many things,
each one beside another -
and words explain those many things
but can't describe my mother.

A million smiles can't match her worth.
She carries loving scars.
Her gifts surpass bright rainbows' arcs.
Her worth exceeds the stars.

My mother's very special and
the only one I'll get -
and I'm the one she could afford.
I love her quite a bit.

So what explains my mother now?
What in my vast report?
And what describes my mother when
my many words fall short?

We shared so many memories,
our hearts shared many years -
so what describes my mother is -
the love within my tears...

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Proverbs 31:(KJV)
10"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.
11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.
12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.
13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.
14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.
15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.
16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.
17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.
18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.
19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.
20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.
22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.
23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.
24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.
25Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.
26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.
27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.
28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.
29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.
30Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised."

World's Apart 11-8-08


EVERY DAY, God shows us our imperfection -
by giving us an imperfect world.

Men with pride, and a world of governments.
Men with deception, and a world of ways to fall off high mountains.
Men with anger, and a world of volcano's.
Men with tempers, and a world of earthquakes.
Men with confusion, and a world of thick, dark rain forests.
Men with hate, and a world of hurricanes and tornado's.
Men with lust, and a world of deserts.
Men with greed, and a world of floods.
Men who are wild, and a world of wild animals.
Men who get drunk, and a world of waters for drowning.

Yes, EVERY DAY, God shows us our imperfection -
by giving us an imperfect world.
However.... INSIDE this imperfect world is yet another world -
of perfection and of beauty and of miracles.

The perfection of an atom.
-of a dry seed planted.
-of the balance of the heavens.

The beauty of a rose.
-of a hummingbird.
-of a sunset.

The miracle of life.
-of healing.
-of the cross.

Only God creates.
Only God heals.
Only God can.

Yes, INSIDE this imperfect world is yet another world -
of perfection and of beauty and of miracles.

Isn't God showing us something?
Do we have eyes?
Isn't God telling us something?
Do we have ears?
Hasn't God proved something?
Do we really know?

Imperfection to show perfection.
Imperfection to understand perfection.
Imperfection to prove perfection.

Can we see the picture here?
Do we hear the message?
Will we ever understand?

Imperfection to perfection.
Outer flesh to the inner heart.
By grace through faith.

Man blames God - but God is Love.
Man sends big earth movers - but God sent Jesus.
Man yearns - but God holds.

The outside world of flesh - to the "heart" of perfection.
Hell and damnation - to everlasting life....
World's Apart.

©2008 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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