Hope Soap! 5-12-09

Hope?

Bad hope?
Good hope?

What is hope?
And why hope?

Is hope for real?
Do hope we feel?

Is hoping smarter?
Does hope now differ?

When can we begin to cope?
When do we have real hope?

Hope for a reason?
Hope for a season?

Where is true hope?
What good is hope?

What's true hope?
Who's for hope?

Great hope?
Real hope?

Hope?

If nothing here is going wrong,
when everything is going strong -
Where's hope?

And if our days are so a'hurtin',
because in sin we are a'flirtin',
Where's hope?

Through streets, the serpent pulls and drags
as we become his filthy rags,
Where's hope?

And if, without humility
we know ourselves we can't cut free,
Where's hope?

We seek above the clouds for aid -
without repentence we still prayed,
Where's hope?

Faith in works does not suffice
but rather Christ who paid the price,
There's hope!

Grace can't clean unless we choose
faith in 'salvations soap' we use.
Hope Soap!

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Needed Change 5-11-09

Change -
something desired -
when troubled skies turn gray.

Change -
something wanted -
when we're in disarray.

Change -
something needed -
when money slips away.

Change -
something demanded -
so we seek a better way.

Yet 'change' is so misunderstood.
(it isn't always real 'good').
For true foundations always stand
when guided by Gods Holy hand.

Look at Job - change turned life bad,
though not his fault, lost all he had.
Skies were dark and not too sunny -
lost his children - all his money.

But give up? Job did not quit -
nor lose his faith? No, not one bit -
for God was there right by his side
and Job knew God would soon provide.

Our world falls in one big splat
to 'crisis' after 'desperate'.
Our courage runs from whim to whim
as we all scream, "Let's vote for him!"

Greed will always wear its frown
and turn our smiles up-side-down.
Oh, there's no doubt that we seek change
but where we look is really strange.

When blaming others for our seed,
we only have one real need.
Our sinful souls seek latitude -

but needed change is "attitude"!

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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JOB 42: (KJ)
"5 I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear: but now mine eye seeth thee.
6 Wherefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.
7 And it was so, that after the LORD had spoken these words unto Job, the LORD said to Eliphaz the Temanite, My wrath is kindled against thee, and against thy two friends: for ye have not spoken of me the thing that is right, as my servant Job hath.
8 Therefore take unto you now seven bullocks and seven rams, and go to my servant Job, and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering; and my servant Job shall pray for you: for him will I accept: lest I deal with you after your folly, in that ye have not spoken of me the thing which is right, like my servant Job.
9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went, and did according as the LORD commanded them: the LORD also accepted Job.
10 And the LORD turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the LORD gave Job twice as much as he had before.
11 Then came there unto him all his brethren, and all his sisters, and all they that had been of his acquaintance before, and did eat bread with him in his house: and they bemoaned him, and comforted him over all the evil that the LORD had brought upon him: every man also gave him a piece of money, and every one an earring of gold.
12 So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning..."

Nervous? 5-11-09

Are you nervous about classes,
a report card - or a test,
a landlord, an X-ray, a dentist,
professor - or the rest?

Why should we pay attention to
our little worldly worth -
and why are we so nervous 'bout
the finite things of earth?

Goodness flows through all of us
and evil is but frozen,
for we, with faith in Him above
are His, as He has chosen.

So walk in reverent footsteps of
our Lord and Savior, Jesus -
for God created, retains control,
and He is leading us!

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Romans 8:28 “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

For God So Loved 5-6-09

(same tune as: America the Beautiful)

O beautiful, our God above,
to those who seek His face,
as repentance and forgiveness
both share His loving grace!
For God so loved, He sent His Son!
then shed His blood for thee -
so focus towards
the Lord of Lords,
from sea to shining sea!

O beautiful, whose missions' feet
whose great steadfastened root,
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
across the world, fruit!
For God so loved - He sent His Son!
then died for you and me -
commanded us
that we profess,
to those across the sea!

O beautiful, His soldiers are
in liberating strife,
who more than self their Father love
and souls so more than life!
For God so loved - He sent His Son!
may God our wealth define -
now let us sing
to God our King,
and hold His Name divine!

O beautiful, salvation's dreams
beyond the 'here and now'
my alabaster Heaven gleams -
This world I disavow!
For God is love - He's coming back -
prepared a place for me...!
as I've confessed
in humbleness,
I give all praise to thee!

©2009 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org

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America the Beautiful

Words by Katharine Lee Bates,

Melody by Samuel Ward

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till souls wax fair as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till paths be wrought through
wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till selfish gain no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed his grace on thee
Till nobler men keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!

My Mom 5-3-09

My Mom,
who hugged me after painful birth,
who loved me more than all this earth,
who tucked me in when I was cold,
who, though crying, she would hold,

who stayed up nights, looked over me,
who put me first, instead of 'she',
who didn't sleep - rocked me instead,
who kissed my tiny, warm forehead,

who proved her love time and again,
who never quit through thick and thin,
who, for days, awake would keep,
who held me 'til I'd fall asleep.

who fed me, bathed me, clothed me too,
who taught me, spanked me 'til I grew,
who knew my treasures on my shelf,
who knew me more than me, myself,

who told me, "Don't your brother taunt."
who gave advice I didn't want,
who knew behind my ears was dirt,
who gave instruction 'til it hurt.

Mom won't make our history book,
but if she did, no one would look.
Though she knew scripture inside-out,
there's nothing I could write about.

Was Mom so special? Not to you,
for she had me - then followed through.
Moms fall short of explanation -
but they built this very nation.

Mom, I love you -
(and all Moms everywhere....)

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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The Greatest Of Poems! 4-29-09

If I could write
the greatest of poems
which opened all sinners eyes,
I'd soar in a plane,
drop leaflets like rain
from way up here in the skies!

I'd scream from the hilltops,
yell across plains -
although some might think me insane -
I'd holler right out,
with every loud shout,
for silence I could not contain!

Yes, this very poem
if it, I could write,
I'd sing from each mountain top -
the highest of height,
from morning to night,
until, exhausted, I'd drop.

But what if I couldn't
write such a poem?
And what if my poem should fail?
Well, here's the great sting,
of not even trying -
that Satan, for sure, would prevail.

Now this is the reason
it cannot be done:
I'd be speaking in English to birds...
But they have a choice

with God's still, small voice -
without my vain efforts in words.

Birds can't speak English,
God made them that way.
We're only to go and plant seed.
Then while on the ground
they peck all around
until they find Jesus indeed!

So print this mere poem,

a 'seed' not the greatest

and tell all your friends that it's true.

Please let them all know,

that God loves them so -

then mention that we love them too.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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God's Lawn 4-28-09

Feeling down and feeling out?
Feeling angry? Want to shout?
This morning at the crack of dawn
I saw my Fathers perfect lawn.

A perfect lawn that all could see,
but tell me this, how could it be -
when not a single blade of grass
could live up to perfections class?

As I view each single blade,
I know for certain God had made -
I feel, at times, so out of touch -

and do not measure up so much.

So often others seem remiss,
as they forget this blade exists.
In all these blades, it takes so many -
if I'm pulled, would it change any?

Notice ALL the blades imperfect?
If all were pulled I would expect,
that this whole perfect lawn of green
could soon become one ugly scene.

No one's perfect, make that clear -
here nor there nor any year -
but God had planned this all along -
for perfect lawn: imperfect throng.

So all lost souls can see His face,
I'll make His lawn a lusher place.
Through ALL life's storms I'll trust His ways
and in His lawn, I give Him praise!

So when I feel down and out,
I'll remember, there's no doubt -
that I'm not here for worldly gain.
So Lord, drench fully, me in rain.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Angel Wings 4-27-09

(for my cousin, Louise, who was always smiling, 1955-2009)

When life seems empty, it's no fun.
When everything's hopeless, what can be done?
When all life's work goes down the drain...
when I look back, it's all insane.

What if I knew that few people care,
and where are the answers from government there?
What can I do when I've lost earthly hope?
Oh, what can I do at the end of my rope?

Let go, let God,
with wink and nod.
For it's worthwhile.
to smile awhile.

With faith I just
rely on trust.
I feel so free.
Don't cry for me.

From all earths harms,
I'll drop in arms,
against His chest -
for I'm His guest.

In graveyard no,
don't look below,
but up should look,
for me He took.

When life looks bleak,
give God a peek,
You'll find Him too
with life anew.

Trust has no strings,
an angel sings,
when Jesus brings
us angel wings...

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Tears (of living water) 4-26-09

I pray across this blessed land -
and sit here now, with pen in hand.
Truth is not just for the birds,
so seek ye truth among these words...

There was a tree along my drive
appearing very much alive.
Others lived there all around -
but this one grew on shallow ground.

That tree had basked out in the sun,
and from the birds it didn't run.
Yet its roots did not reach down
and soon its leaves were turning brown.

Receiving moisture, as the rest,
but didn't drink despite its quest.
It didn't draw from nature's love -
was lacking nurture from above.

Though it rained all summer long
and though I nursed it all along -
truth revealed no life ahead,
so that tree stood completely dead.

I gave it time - another year,
but it was dead and that was clear.
Though it stood there so straight and tall -
I pulled it out. Yes, roots and all.

Holding fast to 'here and now',
do I drink milk, forget the cow?
Thinking of each choice I make,
can I still pray, "my soul to take"?

Do we so love our good Creator -
or do we, His creation more?
Many still, reject His grace
as tears of sadness, soak His face.

Now this, for me, is ample proof -
His teardrops pour upon my roof.
Through the window - what a scene!
My grassy yard is turning green.

With her doll, she always cuddles,
jumping in abundant puddles.
Playing, I can see my daughter -
we're so blessed with living water.

Now here I pause, with pen and ink,
I ponder this. It makes me think,
if I reject the truth I see -
then I, just like that tree will be.

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Respect 4-23-09

Where's respect we used to have,
among each other, great?
And where's concern for other folks
in love. How do we rate?

We used to clean up, comb our hair,
when taking off for town,
but now we think it's 'oh, so cool'
when pants are sliding down.

Baggy pants are not the cause
respect is nearly dead.
It starts before the pants are made.
The 'cause' is in our head.

Just look and see the jogging shorts
at any grocery store.
And how can we still wonder why
our crime rates upward soar?

With dirty, ragged, torn tee-shirts,
what does it say to others?
And can we see this disrespect
for even, yes, our mothers?

We are so full of gracious love -
but only for ourselves.
They've lost their love for others as
they watch out for themselves.

And even now in government,
without the least regard -
they tax and spend (their sacred cause).
Belligerence is hard.

We think we have the answers -
but have we gone insane,
with pay-offs by the trillions -
paid back with waves of grain?

Respect those purple mountains.
Respect our fruited plains.
Tell me why we're tightly wrapped -
and bound with our own chains?

What happened to America -
and to those spacious skies?
What happened to our families?
Who's focused in our eyes?

Where's respect for brotherhood?
Let's do some deep research.
Let's open up our Bibles now
in office, homes and church.

It's way past time we get on track
and rid ourselves of pride -
for if we don't, our country's in
for one last bumpy ride....

Foundations are not built on air -
and faith cannot be bought.
Don't listen to the here and now,
but what our grandpa's taught.

Strength cannot come from within,
when feet aren't on the ground.
The strength we get is from above
where truth is always found.

Respect for flag and country
can one day come again -
but only if we humbly ask,
forgiveness from our sin.

Where is respect for country?
Are God's commandments wrong?
I ask you now, "What can replace
these ten to make us strong?"

©2009 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
http://www.ganderpoems.org/

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Exodus 20 (KJV)
The Ten Commandments
1 And God spoke all these words:
2 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt, out of the land of slavery.
3 "You shall have no other gods before me.
4 "You shall not make for yourself an idol in the form of anything in heaven above or on the earth beneath or in the waters below.
5 You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, punishing the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me,
6 but showing love to a thousand {generations} of those who love me and keep my commandments.
7 "You shall not misuse the name of the LORD your God, for the LORD will not hold anyone guiltless who misuses his name.
8 "Remember the Sabbath day by keeping it holy.
9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work,
10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the LORD your God. On it you shall not do any work, neither you, nor your son or daughter, nor your manservant or maidservant, nor your animals, nor the alien within your gates.
11 For in six days the LORD made the heavens and the earth, the sea, and all that is in them, but he rested on the seventh day. Therefore the LORD blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy.
12 "Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you.
13 "You shall not murder.
14 "You shall not commit adultery.
15 "You shall not steal.
16 "You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.
17 "You shall not covet your neighbor's house. You shall not covet your neighbor's wife, or his manservant or maidservant, his ox or donkey, or anything that belongs to your neighbor."

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America the Beautiful
Words by Katharine Lee Bates, 1895, 1904, 1913
Melody by Samuel Ward

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good
with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassioned stress
A thoroughfare of freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God mend thine every flaw,
Confirm thy soul
in self-control,
Thy liberty in law!

O beautiful for heroes proved
In liberating strife.
Who more than self their country loved
And mercy more than life!
America! America!
May God thy gold refine
Till all success
be nobleness
And every gain divine!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
And crown thy good
with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!

O beautiful for halcyon skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the enameled plain!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till souls wax fair
as earth and air
And music-hearted sea!

O beautiful for pilgrims feet,
Whose stem impassioned stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till paths be wrought
through wilds of thought
By pilgrim foot and knee!

O beautiful for glory-tale
Of liberating strife
When once and twice,
for man's avail
Men lavished precious life!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till selfish gain
no longer stain
The banner of the free!

O beautiful for patriot dream
That sees beyond the years
Thine alabaster cities gleam
Undimmed by human tears!
America! America!
God shed His grace on thee
Till nobler men
keep once again
Thy whiter jubilee!