"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 23, 2018

Hay Ride 11-23-18


Goliath horses paired ahead
were harnessed tight in Christmas red.
They breathed out puffs of cloudy steam.
Excitement made the children scream.

My father lifted me on board.
A seat of straw was our reward.
The chilly air, the mountain peaks
brought smiles to our rosy cheeks.

Anticipation of the ride
had brought me goosebumps deep inside,
but air was frigid, maybe that
had made me pull down tight, my hat.

Afford, dad couldn't, warmer clothes.
Inside my boots were frozen toes.
I wiggled them as best I could.
I hugged my mom.  She understood.

It seemed too thick and seemed too wide
when scarf, around my neck, was tied.
My mittens too, were very thin.
but knew that soon, we would begin.

There were, on board, a lot of folks,
(while most were quiet, some told jokes),
yet there was room for ev'ryone
and with a jerk, we had begun.

With bumpy trail, I held on tight
with bushes veiled in frosty white.
As trees held high their snowy limbs,
in 'a cappella' we sang hymns.

With Christmas carols, young and old
had all ignored the bitter cold.
As we rode through the dips and swells
our voices chimed with harness bells.

The wagon groaned with heavy heart,
I thought it might just fall apart.
But it did not.  It never broke.
That wagon floor was solid oak.

Between those boards as we passed by
were horse hoof tracks that caught my eye
and puffs of grass above the snow
caressed the floor boards down below.

The snowy paths, those horses knew.
God's countryside held quite a view.
The sun went down.  I saw the stars.
Our praise was His.  His eve was ours.

Like life, the path was very rough -
and straw was not the softest stuff,
but through our love, much fun we had
with brother, sister, mom and dad.

The celebration of Christ's birth
was perfect as His life on earth -
from star above His manger bed
to thorns upon His grieving head.

It brought us joy and we had fun.
Too quickly though, the ride was done.
We couldn't stay.  We had to leave,
but I found Christ that Christmas Eve.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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November 10, 2018

In Jesus' Name 11-10-18


Dear Lord and Savior, hear my plea.
It's all of you and not of me.
Forgive me for the wrong I've done
and all my past I can't outrun.

Until I learn, do what it takes
to chasten me for my mistakes.
Please humble me so I can't brag,
for I am just one filthy rag.

Please help the ones I've sinned against.
I'll make amends.  I'll recompense.
You love the world so I can live.
I thank you Lord that You forgive.

Please help me not to money love,
but focus there on You above.
Please give me faith that's ever true.
Please help me love forever You.

Please give me strength to do your will
and heed Your Word 'til breath is still.
Please help the sick and heal the lame.
I pray this all in Jesus' name.

Amen.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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October 20, 2018

Mighty One, The 10-20-18


I sit and stare at water there,
beyond the palm where lake is calm
and try to write the words I'm thinking of.
But often times my words lack rhymes
as fingers shake and pencils break
while making sense of Christ's most precious love.

I don't know why I often cry
at such a price of sacrifice.
Though innocent, the Man of God obeyed.
With no remorse, He stayed the course
and took the tip of wicked whip,
then carried cross because He was betrayed.

He didn't quit.  He carried it
without restraint, without complaint,
up rugged path to hill where all would be.
And without fail, He took a nail -
another one.  They still weren't done...
And then was raised for all the world to see.

The pain was such it mattered much
and time was short for His escort -
those angels waiting anxiously to aid.
For all along, ten thousand strong 
were in His care and waiting there.
But it would be His call was never made.

From cross He heard another's word -
another soul that He made whole.
It mattered not, the next cross he was from.
So it would be that grace was free
if we believe and always cleave
to Him who knows our hearts and wants to come.

So much unsaid with Jesus dead.
Though buried deep, they couldn't keep
our Savior from yet one more miracle.
So off His toes, He then arose
despite our sin to live again -
above the clouds.  This wasn't typical.

I pictured sky in my mind's eye
and watched in awe at what I saw
and still envision how it all could be.
As I look back at all the flack
that Jesus took in God's Good Book
I just can't understand His love for me.

My stare is blank at water's bank,
beyond the fog I see a bog
as I forget all that I'm thinking of.
Now as before I tremble more.
In any case, I now erase
my empty words of Christ's most precious love.

My words are wrong.  They don't belong.
My ev'ry word just seems absurd!
They don't do justice for all He has done!
Thoughts disappear.  I shed a tear -
and say a prayer that isn't fair -
from little me - to God, the Mighty One.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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October 12, 2018

If You Can Interpret 10-12-18

If there's love in you still, please read if you will
so that you can understand fully -
the wisdom of God from the Heavens to sod,
from ants to the mammoth so woolly.

Can you understand of the rock and the sand -
a foundation as in white and black?
If so, you will master the words of your pastor
and find that you're on the right track.

So don't be discouraged but be ye encouraged
if you can interpret these words.
Avoid your destruction and heed this instruction,
removing yourself from the herds.

For many will perish because they won't cherish
the grace from the Father above.
and willingly selfish, they cannot embellish
a life that is full of His love.

Deny yourself firstly before you'll be thirsty
for kinship that's second to none.
If you lend Him your ear you will certainly hear
the truth from our God's only Son.

So don't read this poem if you cannot know Him
as you will be wasting your time.
For this poem's of love of our God up above,
if you can interpret its rhyme.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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September 28, 2018

Proud To Follow 9-28-18


Some are quite embarrassed when
their pride gets in the way.
They can't defend a hero who
is still brushed off today.

So tell me, what is wrong with Him,
...a Man who healed the blind?
...a Man who healed a withered hand?
...a Man who was so kind?

I'm proud to be a follower
of He who loved so much,
of He who sacrificed for me -
whose hands I'll one day touch.

I'll hold those strong and loving hands
when I am rid of earth -
for He has given me new life
through this, my second birth.

He died so I might live again
and never more in sin.
That's right.  A new creation here.
I have been 'born again'!

So go ahead, if that's your wish -
just joke and laugh and sneer -
but I know where I'm headed now.
I'm getting out of here!

I gave my life to Jesus, all -
escaping sin's great chain.
I'm free as I could ever be.
In Him I will remain.

Though at times this world is harsh,
I sing when life is grim.
I'm thankful that He saved my soul
and proud to follow Him!

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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September 22, 2018

That Special Boy 9-22-18


This poem's for that little boy
who I met in the store;
just helping grandma groc'ry shop
as he had done before.

This poem's for that patient boy.
While we began to chat;
attentively he listened too.
I was impressed with that.

This poem's for that quiet boy -
a little hard to gauge;
polite and rev'rent standing there,
mature for his young age.

This poem's for that humble boy
who's good and never sways,
who knows what's right and knows what's wrong,
who faithfully obeys.

This poem's for that precious boy
who grandma deeply loves;
there standing by her wheelchair
who she was speaking of.

This poem's for that pauper boy
whose grandma nodded "yes" -
when offered I, a loving sum.
She smiled and said "God bless".

This poem's for that speechless boy.
I turned to walk away
before the tears flowed from my eyes.
Then I began to pray.

This poem's for that special boy
I'll never see again;
but faithfully still pray for him...
before I say "Amen".

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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September 16, 2018

It's Irrefutable! 9-16-18


I may be very quiet
and gentler than a lamb -
but I'm a rose unopened
and just a bud, I am.
So therefore, you're loved more than me
'cause I'm not beautiful.
It's so unfair, unfair to me!
It's irrefutable!
---
I may be very quiet
and gentler than a lamb.
But now you see me open.
So beautiful, I am.
It is quite fair, quite fair to me
'cause I am beautiful.
Now I am loved much more than you.
It's irrefutable!
---
I may be very quiet
and gentler than a lamb -
but now I'm old and wilted,
ugly again, I am.
It's so unfair, unfair to me
'cause I'm not beautiful.
Once more you're loved much more than me!
It's irrefutable!
---
I may be very quiet
and gentler than a lamb -
but I'm a rose that's guilty.
Repenting now, I am.
It's so unfair, unfair to God.
It's He who's beautiful!
For I'm the one who blamed my God!
It's irrefutable!

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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August 18, 2018

Oh To Be A Butterfly 8-18-18


Oh to be a butterfly.
Cocoon would pave the way.
Arise, I would, from dark of death
to see the light of day.

Oh to be a butterfly -
to rise above the dead,
to spread my multi-colored wings
of orange, green, blue and red.

Oh to be a butterfly
with brilliant-colored wing,
that I would stretch and open wide -
and I could beauty bring.

Oh to be a butterfly
whose wings bring ne'er a sound.
reflecting brightly in the sun -
the prettiest around.

Oh to be a butterfly,
to float on easy breeze,
and softly drift to other fields
where flowers meet the bees.

Oh to be a butterfly
upon a little hill
and set atop a milkweed plant
where I'd be resting still.

Oh to be a butterfly,
to never worry why -
the oceans depths seem much too deep
or clouds seem much too high.

Oh to be a butterfly,
creation's grand rebirth -
inside of God's great masterpiece
and handiwork on Earth.

Oh to be a butterfly
in flight and fully free -
and then to be in peace again
at rest on Jesus' knee.

Oh to be a butterfly
emerging from cocoon,
unfolding vibrant colors bright
on Sunday afternoon.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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August 3, 2018

Walkin' On Water 8-3-18


Floatin' on water, lightning's flash!
Floatin' on water, raindrops splash.
Floatin' on water, pouring rain!
Walkin' on water?  So insane.

Floatin' on water, leave my boat?
Floatin' on water.  Will it float?
Floatin' on water, don't capsize!
Walkin' on water is unwise!

Floatin' on water here hiding.
Floatin' on water deciding.
Floatin' on water hearing voice.
Walkin' on water is a choice.

Floatin' on water in the storm.
Walkin' on water's not the norm.
Floatin' on water still in fear?
Walkin' on water, volunteer?

Floatin' on water, who succumbs?
Walkin' on water, Jesus comes!
Floatin' on water, Jesus see -
walkin' on water calming sea.

Floatin' on water, no more waves.
Walkin' on water, Jesus saves!
Floatin' on water does enslave!
Walkin' on water's not your grave!

Walkin' on water?  Can't conceive?
Walkin' on water?  Just believe!
Walkin' on water, I am too!
Walkin' on water, how 'bout you?

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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July 13, 2018

A Beautiful Rose 7-13-18


My love still continues to bloom like the rose -
for roses are lovely as everyone knows.
My heart strings keep humming like strumming guitar.
She's perfect as nature and finer by far -
than rose most exquisite, than rose without thorn,
than crisp, cooling air near a lake in the morn,
than cottony clouds floating high with great ease,
than soft meadow grasses.  She is more than these.

But memories trample as conscience awakes.
It's then I'm reminded of all my mistakes.
Regrets, I have many.  They give me great pain.
They pelt me like hail and they drive me insane.
If only the future could remake the past,
where I could relive it much diff'rent than cast -
in stone where it's buried and cannot breakout,
I'd free it most quickly and change it, no doubt.

For pain's overwhelming when past can't reverse.
From pit in my stomach, it couldn't be worse.
Though Jesus can heal all the greatest of pains -
He won't let it happen if I'm tied down with chains
in guilt-ridden prison where I can't accept
forgiveness from actions when I was inept.
Grace breaks ev'ry chain so that I can't destroy
this beautiful rose of unspeakable joy.

If God could change hist'ry, if God made it so,
I'd treat her much diff'rent and clearly would know
that God's grace is priceless and made for such love
for all still in waiting and not there above.
Because she's not with me, there isn't a cure,
so pain grows beyond all that I can endure.
I'm sorry I hurt you and this I must share -
while Heaven awaits you, you're in ev'ry prayer.

So love still continues to bloom like the rose -
for roses are lovely as everyone knows.
My heart strings keep humming like strumming guitar.
She's perfect as nature and finer by far -
than rose most exquisite, than rose without thorn,
than crisp, cooling air near a lake in the morn,
than cottony clouds floating high with great ease,
than soft meadow grasses.  She is more than these.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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July 7, 2018

My Cheap & Paltry Skies 7-7-18


While I was thinking I was good,
in church while singing hymn -
my Lord was getting tortured so,
as they were whipping Him.

While boss was just not being fair
and I held righteous wrath -
my precious Lord lugged heavy cross
barefoot on stony path.

While I was wishing for a house
and dreaming how it'd be -
my Lord was tied and nailed tight
to hard and rugged tree.

While I stared at the deep blue sea
then wanted boat instead -
my Lord endured more agony
by thorns forced on His head.

While I had found a car for sale,
a nice and perfect ride -
my Lord cried out in gruesome pain
long hours before He died.

While in anticipated dreams,
a playoff game begins.
My Lord, though, wasn't in the game,
but took away my sins.

While I was taking selfies here
and holding high, my phone -
the people thought they buried Him
behind one heavy stone.

I'm now regretting sinful ways,
collapsing in my cries.
My Lord has paid and rose above
my cheap and paltry skies.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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July 1, 2018

Tell Me Why (2) 7-1-18


What charms my heart to butterflies?
What charms my heart to fly?
What charms my heart to loudly sing?
And can you tell me why?

What lures me to the water's edge?
What lures me to the lie?
What lures me to the ocean's depth?
And can you tell me why?

What makes a son do crazy things?
What makes a mom to die?
What makes a father distant so?
And can you tell me why?

What draws me to the pastures green?
What draws me to the sky?
What draws me to His loving arms?
And can you tell me why?

What drives my soul to worship Him?
What drives my eyes to cry?
What drives my love to do His will?
Please, can you tell me why?

What pulls my thoughts to greater thoughts?
What pulls emotions nigh?
What pulls my soul so Heavenward?
Now can you tell me why?

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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June 23, 2018

If I Were Jesus 6-23-18


Here's something we might think about
and something to discuss -
if born, we were, in Zero Year
and grew up as Jesus...
---
If I were Jesus would I heal
the blind so they could see?
Or would I joke when stumbled they
and would I laughing be?

If I were Jesus would I heal
a crippled, withered hand?
Or would I buy some sandals new
and brand new clothes demand?

If I were Jesus would I feed
five thousand; fish and bread?
Or would I scold them, call them fools
and stuff myself instead?

If I were Jesus would I pray
for each and every one?
Or would I brag and boast a lot
of all that I had done?

If I were Jesus would I die
on cross set up for me?
Or would I show them who I was
and walk away painfree?

If I were Jesus would I rise
to Heaven up above?
Or would I store up treasures here
because I money love?

If I were Jesus would I care
for people still today?
Or would I care for only me?
What would I do and say?

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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June 9, 2018

The Lion & God's Nature 6-9-18


The Lion and God's nature seemed to be at odds one day.
Was it all depressing?  First, the lion had his say...
---
"I hate the freezing morning!
I just shiver by the river!
I am so depressed."
The river's flow was somewhat slow.
Back its whisper, it was chipper,
"I am ever blessed."

The Lion roared, "My stomach needs
a meal with some appeal!
I am so depressed."
One little hare seemed not to care.
Through the meadow was the echo,
"I am ever blessed."

The Lion roared, "The sun is up and it's so hot!
I'm sweating and I'm thirsting!
I am so depressed."
A little chick with outstretched wing was heard to always sing,
"It's so adoring, sunshine's warming.
I am ever blessed."

The Lion roared, "This rocky ledge has windy edge!
Insufferable, I'm uncomfortable!
I am so depressed."
Sung through the leaves with autumn's breeze,
 though not with word, the Willow's heard,
"I am ever blessed..."

Then finally the Lion roared,
"Again I frown.  The sun is down!
Though rain is done, it wasn't fun!
I am so depressed."
But painted twilight sky was bright
in rainbow's hallowed spectrum's glow.
"I am ever blessed."
---
The Lion and God's nature seemed to be at odds that day.
Was it all a blessing?  Lastly, nature had its say.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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May 12, 2018

At Weakest Point 5-12-18


My precious little children
grew up so very fast.
Oh, why does time keep fighting me
and stealing all my past?
My little girl was precious,
a vibrant little flower.
So why has time come to a stop -
in this, my darkest hour?

My photos and mementos
have faded very fast.
Oh, why does time keep fighting me
and stealing all my past?
My keepsakes, lost forever,
have turned my stomach sour.
So why has time come to a stop -
in this, my darkest hour?

I worked hard for my family.
I built my business fast.
Oh, why does time keep fighting me
and stealing all my past?
My business, lost forever
and gone, my tallest tower.
So why has time come to a stop -
in this, my darkest hour?

All is gone and all is lost.
My life is fading fast.
Oh, why does time keep fighting me
and stealing all my past?
In fetal pose, you watch me now.
I fear, I shake, I cower.
So why has time come to a stop -
in this my darkest hour?

I find myself afloat on tears
that flow so very fast -
ignoring God who could have been
in all my sorry past.
At weakest point, He lifts me now
with His creative power!
And now I know why time has stopped -
in this, God's finest hour.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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April 20, 2018

Jesus Blessed 4-20-18


An ear of corn was bragging so
with kernels bright and gold.
"Just look at me!  Just look at me!"
he shouted loud and bold.

Well, this provoked the big, tall stalks
that stood there proud and tall.
"Without us you'd be rotting in
the field dirt, one and all.

The dirt felt somewhat slighted then
and said the bragging hurt.
You'd both be short and sickly if
not nourished by us dirt.

The water spoke up then to say
"There's something you should know.
Without the moisture from the rain
not one of you could grow."

The sun kept right on shining as
he heard the others boast.
He warmed the ground and ears of corn.
He knew what helped the most.

Humility was lacking, but
the truth the sun could see -
that all must work together long
before the corn could be.

The sun knew that not one of them
was better than the rest.
And each of them in their own way
was really 'Jesus blessed'.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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April 8, 2018

It's So Unfair 4-8-18


My mom was simply wonderful.
She had a magic touch.
And mother loved my father too.
She loved him very much.

I never heard mom say a word
when dad would spend the funds -
though mom had many stressful days
to feed her hungry sons.

Recalling often all the ways
that she conceived a meal -
concoctions never mixed before,
ingredients unreal.

One bite would be like chewing foam,
the next so leather tough -
while I and brothers sitting there
would have to eat the stuff.

But weight upon the shoulders from
abuse is very great.
I think I have much empathy
but how can I relate?

I heard the whimpering at times.
I sometimes saw the tears.
It's so unfair to have such love
and then to persevere.

So many things are left unsaid.
What more must I explain?
Have I hurt someone like my mom?
Have I caused someone pain?

Who loves me more than mom loved dad?
What else is there to know?
How many tears does Christ still shed
because He loves me so?

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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March 25, 2018

Seasons 3-25-18


DEATH is the winter of sin and shame,
of pride and blame,
of guilty name,

of danger's ice,
of bad advice,
of heavy price.

LIFE is the springtime of seeds that toss,
of logs across,
of Christ on cross,

of blooming earth,
of our rebirth,
of valued worth.

WORK is the summer of fresh, clean rain,
of sweat and pain,
of growth and grain,

of appetites,
of peaceful nights,
of what excites.

LOVE is the autumn of harvesting,
of lauded sing,
of Thanksgiving,

of Heaven's grace,
of special place
and Jesus' face.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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March 3, 2018

With Life Anew 3-3-18


Like Eden's garden, park was still.
A perfect place right up until -
the selfish played.

The lake was smooth, as smooth as glass -
but then a breeze came rolling past -
as they all played.

A dark cloud seemed to push the breeze
that whispered firmly to the leaves -
while they had played.

Then all the grasses wiggled too
and seemed to toy with breeze that blew -
as they had played.

A couple squirrels in a tree.
First I saw two, then I found three -
and they had played.

A couple toads jumped stone to stone.
Together, they were not alone -
and they had played.

Some floating leaves rose with each wave.
First up, then down, they'd misbehave -
as they had played.

We all endured the passing wind
that we had felt while others sinned -
when they had played.

And when the winds had caught my ear,
the storms of certain wrath were near -
while they had played.

The wrath of God was imminent
but habits fixed, were like cement -
so they still played.

The storm clouds, close, were now a threat -
but not a drop had fallen yet -
so still they played.

Then suddenly, a lightning blast -
brought thunder's roar and down-burst fast! -
so wet they played.

Unfaithful ones, now surely stuck,
were washed away in mudslide's muck.
T'was overdue...

But faithful ones above the sod
had found down-pouring grace from God
...with life anew.

©2018 louis gander ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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February 24, 2018

Rev. Billy Graham 2-24-18


One-half a century ago,
a day about routine,
became one quite spectacular
for boy about thirteen...

A faithful black and white TeeVee
had doors that opened wide,
inviting all to sit a'spell
and watch what was inside.

Once on, dad had to turn a knob
for vertical control.
And then the horizontal one
in that tube-filled console.

A strong determined voice was heard
by boy and everyone.
Then picture tube came into view
with all fine-tuning done.

And what he saw astonished him -
so many people there.
Packed full, a football stadium.
He saw no empty chair.

"Evangelist", dad said he was.
He was straightforward, bold -
and not ashamed to preach the Word.
A 'someone' to behold.

A well-read Bible always would
lay open in his hand.
Not like today where gadgets live
and kids don't understand.

But why did people love this man?
What caused his flock to grow?
What special thing did this man have?
At first, he didn't know.

But when the cam'ra zoomed, he saw
a tear run down his face -
while speaking of the love of God
and His amazing grace.

Embarrassed, he was not at all.
He loved those people there.
He cared about their fragile souls
A man like that is rare.

"Just As I Am" was always sung
as invitation song.
A score of people always came
with lines to alter, long.

That little boy had learned a lot
in front of that TeeVee.
He gave his life to Jesus too
and God had set him free!

Before this story poem ends
there's one more thing to know -
I still remember that young boy
so many years ago.

©2018 louis gander - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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"One day you will hear that Billy Graham has died. Don't believe it.
On that day I will be more alive than I ever will be.". -Billy Graham.