"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 11, 2011

Log Cabin Christmas 11-11-11


You ask about this picture
that hangs here on my wall?
Many thoughts come to my mind.
I can't recall them all.

It's of our old log cabin
that stood along a stream -
nestled in a heavy woods
with weather most extreme.

The summer heat, unbearable,
preceded autumn hues -
and winter brought the heavy snow
which drooped the many yews.

Our hard work filled the wood box.
Much colder times, there'd be.
I'd follow dad's familiar tracks -
to seek a Christmas tree.

A chair set by the window,
sat I, upon the chair -
peering down our old dirt road
with grandpa not yet there.

The sunrise and the sunset
was all the clock we had -
so hours I would be on watch
with brother, mom and dad.

So patiently the snowfall
would cling to window sill.
Serene and quiet were those days -
snow blanketing each hill.

Then at last his carriage came,
bouncing up the drive.
Anticipation answered,
and Christmas came alive.

The planks beneath dad's footsteps
sounded from the floor.
He gave a pat as he walked by,
then answered our front door.

The gift that I received that day
came in a homemade box.
I opened it and once again -
long underwear and socks.

Toys were quite a rarity.
I thought it not unfair -
for on those chilly winter nights,
I didn't really care.

The fire dancing in the hearth
was better than fine art -
and love was not for brand new toys -
but rather from the heart.

The inconvenient hardships
were really not so bad.
Grandpa and my family,
were really all I had.

Sunday was our day of rest
that I enjoyed the most -
when father parked our wagon near
the church's hitching post.

Patience filled our earnest souls,
charity, the mind -
and my most precious presents now,
are memories, every kind.

We bore so many crosses
with work and suffering -
but they bound us together and,
I wouldn't change a thing.

If now an opportunity
brought back 'the good old days',
I'd trade todays conveniences
for more rewarding ways.

I don't regret my childhood.
I would not trade the years.
Now please, you must forgive me for
my sentimental tears...

Oh goodness, my - how time does fly!
It's almost half-past seven!
But stories more, you'll hear some day
when we meet up in Heaven.

So that's my picture on my wall,
reminding me of Christmas -
a world of true tranquility -
where I found love for Jesus.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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November 10, 2011

When Time Has Come 11-10-11


Our Father who art in Heaven, please hear this prayer,
and let each and every special child know that we all care.
There's often things they can't explain or that they even share,
but let these children know that You are always, always there.
Hope.

And comfort them in knowing, that I am with them too -
to understand the problems that they all are going through.
And if, by chance, there's something more that You have willed to do,
then let Your special blessing rain in miracles right from You.
Grace.

Your Word proves that You love the weak and very 'least of these',
so send - if it's Your will - just one more miracle here please.
We need Your love to comfort like a gentle summer breeze -
to take away their pain and cure this terrible disease.
Love.

You know the special care that we all are speaking of -
and know if You are willing there from Heaven up above -
will let us see Your healing as a blessed snow-white dove,
descending down from Heaven from our great big 'God of Love'.
Faith.

Thank you for all blessings that You graciously have given.
We've ignored them not, nor will they ever be forgotten.
And we forgive our enemies - each one seventy times seven -
and Yours are ready for this journey, to a perfect land called Heaven.
In perfect peace, Amen.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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November 6, 2011

Letter To Mommy 11-6-11


Dear Mommy,

did I let you down?
Please mommy - tell me how.
I never tried to make mistakes,
Please tell me mommy - now.

I never caused an accident,
or broke your favorite vase,
or spilled my milk at dinner time,
or made a naughty face.

So mommy, were you mad at me?
I'd really like to know...
And yes, indeed, I kicked a bit -
but hardly hurt you so.

At meal time, I never whined.
I ate all I was given.
And though you mentioned God a lot,
I'm sure you were forgiven.

I hope I never hurt you -
if so, forgive me please.
Tell me - was I really loved?
Was I the least of these?

At first, I was a bit confused -
but now my thoughts are sorted.
...Mommy, I'd have hugged you if,
I hadn't been aborted.

I would have kissed you on the cheek,
We could have laughed and smiled -
but none of these are mem'ries now...
except for one,

-Your child.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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October 30, 2011

The Moon 10-30-11


I look up to the Heavens,
this clear and starry night.
Though I am insignificant,
the moon is quite a sight.

I think I'd like to be the moon,
for it is often seen -
shining high above the earth,
with purpose in-between.

I wouldn't miss a single night,
so I could catch the gaze -
of every person of the earth,
that sees my every phase.

It wouldn't matter if some laughed
or poked me full of holes -
for craters, I'd already have.
No one could quash my goals...

I'd have one single, special goal -
it's here for what it's worth:
"to reflect love from God's own Son,
to all down here on earth."

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Door, The 10-30-11


Oh Lord,

There's a door that most mankind will never find -
a special door that opens like no other kind.
So many do not realize their whole life through,
that it's a door that stands between both them and You.
But Lord, there's hope!

It only takes a single ear to hear Your knock,
and takes - but a simple key - to turn the lock,
but many are too fearful so they run and hide,
and they insist on wearing their most selfish pride.
And Lord, it pains.

It pains whenever I hold my 'someone' dear,
but then they turn away with their most selfish ear.
It hurts, although I ask in earnest prayer and try -
until my heart grows dim with no more tears to cry.
Oh Lord, it hurts!

Our problems, whether great or small, You diagnose -
as You're the One who holds the troubled sparrow close.
Though once my tears were heavy and had wet the floor,
You hold my pool of tears and comfort me once more.
My Lord, that's love!

Allow both faith and knowledge of my Savior grow,
inside my precious loved ones so that they will know -
our special Savior holds the truth that He demands -
in love that's cupped inside both of His nail-scarred hands.
So Lord, grant faith!

I know enduring grace is here for all to see,
for others, on their deathbeds, who are just like me -
so if You could, please answer my most special prayer -
so You will always keep my children in Your care.
Dear Lord, in grace.

For You had showed humility there on the cross,
now show them great futility in pleasure's loss.
Show Your loving hands and feet - then show them more -
to help them find the faith to open their heart's door!
Please Lord! Amen.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Mosquitoes 10-30-11


On a lesson-learning evening,
about a'half-past nine -
some pesky small mosquitoes,
wanted quick, to dine.

But trapped, they were, within a space,
between the screen and glass -
imprisoned in their little world
from which they could not pass.

Against the screen, I thought I heard
a tiny little thud -
but safely I, on other side,
kept every drop of blood.

My world was way off limits,
and I, they could not bite.
The only thing that they could do?
Take wing in futile flight.

Continuing in vain attempts,
they tried and tried and tried.
But in the end they shriveled up,
breathed their last, and died.

This poem's end? No, it is not -
for God had sent His Son -
and placed Him too, in our small world -
a sacrifice of 'one'.

We're not a'one bit different,
for we are just like those -
who found a Man in our own world
and 'ate' Him like mosquitoes.

Don't let confusion linger,
or lack of understanding -
for 'blood' was the whole subject on,
this lesson-learning evening.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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October 29, 2011

Terror and Blessings 10-29-11



Terror on the rampage,
terror in the sky,
terror in the cities,
terror by and by -
with no concern and no remorse
with cold and callous sigh -
enjoyment from the children with
their most despondent cry.
Death is by the devil,
where hate and anger lie,
terrorizing innocent,
until they see them die.

Blessings by the number,
blessings by the score,
blessings from the Heavens,
blessings that outpour -
to each of God's creation,
yet then He gave us more -
a Son who came to save the lost,
with crown of thorns He wore.
With nails in His hands and feet,
from terrors' angry roar.
The greatest of all blessings,
though terror wanted more.

Spiritual life
to terror's death...
who took dust
and gave us breath?
No matter how dumb
or how naive -
no matter what man
still wants to believe -
earth is below
and Heaven's above -
God is love.
God is love.
God is love.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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October 22, 2011

Prayer Of Love 10-23-11


Dear Lord and Savior, hear my prayer -
and help me comprehend and share...

...please touch my eyes, that I might view -
in ways a blind man might see You...

...please touch my ears, that I might learn -
in ways a deaf man might discern...

...please touch my nose, that I might smell -
Your perfumes where Your flowers dwell...

...please touch my lips, so I can speak -
so bravely bold, yet ever meek...

...please touch my hands, that I might show -
Your awesome works to souls below.

...please touch my feet, without delay -
so I can walk - what others say...

...then touch my heart, from there above,
so I can give - and others love.

Amen.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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October 16, 2011

Speechless 10-16-11


The interview was nearly done,
my destiny unknown.
I touted my accomplishments -
just God and I alone.

"Emergency." said Jesus then,
and brought a girl in.
"Suzy, she's a special one.
I wiped away her sin."

"The cancer took its toll on her
so Suzy's now with us.
There's nothing that she needs to say,
there's nothing to discuss."

Suzy had the cutest smile.
Her age was six or seven.
And Jesus held her in His arms
as we all stood in Heaven.

I saw the scars on each His hands
as He held close, her head -
His arms hugged her securely as -
He looked at her and said,

"Forever, always, you will be
with me in paradise.
For God so loved your little world
and I have paid the price."

I was a bit bewildered
with all that had occurred,
for Suzy, held securely -
had never said a word.

Not one small tear was in her eye.
They showed the greatest care -
but then God turned, looked back at me,
as I stood speechless there.

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Luke 23:39-43 (NASB)
39 One of the criminals who were hanged there was hurling abuse at Him, saying, “Are You not the Christ? Save Yourself and us!” 40 But the other answered, and rebuking him said, “Do you not even fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed are suffering justly, for we are receiving what we deserve for our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he was saying, “Jesus, remember me when You come in Your kingdom!” 43 And He said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in Paradise.”

October 8, 2011

Beyond My Weathered Window 10-8-11


Out beyond my weathered window,
out beyond my little view -
I see one from my rocker and,
I pray you see one too -
see one on each hillside,
see one on your way,
see one in each valley,
see one every day.

While the moon shines on the water,
and the sea reflects the light -
several boats pass through His painting,
with sails of halo white.

A sea bird glides in silhouette,
way above the sails masts -
way above the ropes and bollards,
the breezes travel past.

Man's final work arrives at dusk
before the reflections cease -
near piers I have known since childhood
on this, God's masterpiece.

Yet few have known that sunset orange,
and so fewer wonder why -
God's bright and vivid colors keep
on splashing though the sky.

And people race His vivid hues -
so oblivious and blind -
as God continues painting on
so generously kind.

Wide brush strokes still continue so -
with colors stark, bold and lush.
Though 'man' has stole the meanings -
our God still holds the brush.

Out beyond my weathered window,
out beyond my little view -
I watch Him from my rocker and,
I pray you see Him too -
see Him in the sunsets,
see Him everywhere,
see Him in the life you live -
and see Him in your prayer...

©2011 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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