If I were to put my feet,
into the sandals of the listeners,
the first audience for these stories,
I can imagine the response,
why they are called parables perhaps
explained by the response they would make.
“But, we wouldn’t do that.” Emphatically,
we wouldn’t leave our flock out in the wilderness,
no that wouldn’t be prudent at all,
we would husband our resources,
be good stewards of
the ninety-nine who remain
We couldn’t go out there, into the unknown
to find the hundredth, the lost sheep
What would happen to the rest, the loyal ones,
living by the law, the prophets even,
living by Exodus, Leviticus, by the Numbers.
Oh we wouldn’t go out there. We wouldn’t waste
money to find money, to burn our oil
to find the one coin. We would watch what we had
more closely, save out money, invest perhaps;
but oh we would not waste so.
And there is the point, the closed ears, the slow feet
stuck in place, missing the point of the parables,
that God’s energy, his compassion, his love
for each one of us is so strong,
each is worth searching for
must be found, whatever the cost
September 15, 2007 20:55
Luke 15:1-10
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Saturday, September 15, 2007
One Sinner Saved
One sinner saved,
one soul repentant,
one breach stitched shut,
to begin anew, to chart a different course
to be born again, to walk another
a brighter, loving path
What a choice, a turn,
a momentous day
on the road
blinded and given sight
once more
to see the work
he must do,
to undo the former call
to spread the news
to the sinners, the lost
like him, and beyond
because one sinner
was saved.
September 15, 2007 20:20
Luke 15:1-10 & I Timothy 1:12-17
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
one soul repentant,
one breach stitched shut,
to begin anew, to chart a different course
to be born again, to walk another
a brighter, loving path
What a choice, a turn,
a momentous day
on the road
blinded and given sight
once more
to see the work
he must do,
to undo the former call
to spread the news
to the sinners, the lost
like him, and beyond
because one sinner
was saved.
September 15, 2007 20:20
Luke 15:1-10 & I Timothy 1:12-17
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Lost Sheep
A world turned upside down
searching high and low, for one lost sheep,
for one lost coin, leaving others
to chance, to the wilderness
consuming energy, to find one
when others are in hand
Searching endlessly for the one
the one who needs to be found
saved from their lost state
brought home, into the flock,
into the fold once more
September 15, 2007 20:12
Luke 15:1-10
searching high and low, for one lost sheep,
for one lost coin, leaving others
to chance, to the wilderness
consuming energy, to find one
when others are in hand
Searching endlessly for the one
the one who needs to be found
saved from their lost state
brought home, into the flock,
into the fold once more
September 15, 2007 20:12
Luke 15:1-10
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Reach Out and Touch - Sermon by Ruth L. Foss, Sanbornville United Methodist Church, Sanbornville, NH, September 2, 2007
“Reach Out and Touch…”
Scripture: Hebrews 13: 1-8, 15-16
Sermon:
How many of you enjoy having people over just for the sake of having them over... I know I do. I like making a meal or a snack when I’ve invited someone over. I always ask what kinds of food do they like…what they don’t like…what they want to drink and other same types of questions. I want to make sure that they have a good time…feel relaxed…you know…at home. It is one of the biggest joys in life for me.
Sometimes…it’s just for fellowship not a meal (but then again I always ask if they are hungry when they get there). Having 3 small children at home…there are time when I am just dying for adult conversation. I enjoy having people over just to sit around, talk, find out what’s been going on in their lives since the last time we got together or talked. Just the fellowship alone is a great time of fun and laughter.
But there are also times…during our time together…I find out that they may be going through a bad time…a troubled time...in their life. During times like this…I listen and hear their story and ask if there is anything I can do to help. See…I am the type of person that really feels the pain with them…I cry and pray with them. It’s times like these that bring us into a closer relationship with each other…a closer fellowship. We bare each other’s burdens. I am showing hospitality.
The first sign that we are tuning away from Christian faith would likely be a “cooling” of brotherly love. We have a pretense that we do not need our brothers and sisters in Christ is the first step to boast that we do not need Christ. No I don’t know about you but I know that I am nothing without my brothers and sisters in Christ. They lift me up when I am down…they let me know that I am loved, that I am wanted, that I am accepted. They help remind me of the love of Christ.
One of the most urgent forms of this brotherly love was the ancient custom of “hospitality.” It is interesting to see how wide spread and deep are the religious roots of hospitality. In the case of the early Christians, some of the strangers would be itinerant evangelist; some would be refugees driven by persecution from their homes. But…even today…there are many who are fleeing from their homes…their family and friends…from their country…because of their belief in our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. You would think that after so many years…this would be a thing of the past.
What is “hospitality” anyway? How do we show hospitality to others? Well…the dictionary says the “entertainment of a stranger…sojourner…as a guest. It is recognized as a sacred duty throughout the Mediterranean” are the definitions of hospitality. Some synonyms for hospitality are friendliness, neighborliness, socialibility, openness, welcomeness, warmth, kind heartedness, gracious.
In the New Testament…Jesus is described as dependent on hospitality for His daily care and lodging. Matthew 8:20 tells us “and Jesus said to him “foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head.” Jesus relied on people around Him to for a roof over His head and for food to eat. It is also assumed the same was true in the sending forth of the Apostles. In Mark 6…Jesus tells the disciples to take nothing with them but the sandals on their feet and the tunic…only one…on their back. That was it…nothing else. They were told to enter a house and stay there until they left that place. Again they were to rely on others hospitality for their daily needs. Back then…Christians, in their travels, would seek out other Christians, partly for protection, but mainly to share fellowship and worship.
Today’s scripture from Hebrews 13…tells us to “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” in verses 1 and 2. How many of you have helped out a stranger…have held a door for a mom with their hands full with children and packages…have helped make a new person in the neighborhood feel welcome by stopping by to say hi and introduce yourself? Well my friends…you may have entertained angels unawares…just imagine the smile on God’s face because His child was acting out of kindness…out of concern…out of love for someone else.
I know how I feel when one of my daughters does a “random act of kindness.” I am never more proud of them. I think “they are getting it right!” I remember one time when we were at our church and we had a diner before our Committee meetings. My oldest daughter, Erica, finished her dinner and then proceeded to start clearing the tables and taking plates in the kitchen for others who had finished their meals. When I asked her about it…she just said “I just wanted to help.” No one asked her to do this…she just took it upon herself to help with the clean-up…a random act of kindness. Just imagine how God feels when His creation does the same.
Verse 16 of the Hebrews Epistle reading tells us “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” How many of you have shared a meal or have had too much of something and gave the extra to someone who needed it…no strings attached…you just give it “out of the goodness of your heart”? Oh how our Heavenly Father must smile to see His children act in kindness…act in friendliness…being kindhearted to others. I can hear Him now…up in heaven…saying “that’s my kid that did that”!
One of the sacrifices that pleases God is the sacrifice of sharing…the sacrifice of hospitality. It is said that “The man who owns no compassion, who works upon life as a cluster of grapes to be squeezed into his own cup and drained for his own enjoyment, thereby denies his God.” If our faith is to be true…then we are stewards, not owners of the good gifts of God. This is God’s answer to our economic crisis. We are to share our material possessions. We are to be hospitable to those around us in need. If we are to be good stewards…we are to share the blessings that God has given us with people in need.
We are all strangers…sojourners…in a foreign…unfamiliar land. Our home is not of this earth but of heaven. We are all here on a journey…doing our part…fulfilling our purpose…to heed God’s call in our life…to live out the “Great Commission.” It makes the journey that much easier…that much more bearable…knowing that we have brothers and sisters to help us along the way.
To reach out and touch some ones hand…we not only touch their hand…we touch their life…their heart. We can break down barriers…the walls…that have been put there by pain and sorrow…by a fallen world…by despair. By showing hospitality…we can bring people to and understanding that they matter in the world that tells them it doesn’t matter who you are but what you are. WE can reach out in love and let them know that they have eternal worth in our Lord Jesus.
It is said that touch is one of the powerful of our five senses. To me touching doesn’t always have to be a physical one. When you touch someone’s life…you can change that individual in ways that you can never imagine. You can open doors for them that have been locked and closed for years. You can be that one that makes the difference in their lives just by showing hospitality when they most need it. When you touch someone’s heart…you can melt away the ice…soften a hard heart that without that touch…would just shrivel up and die.
I would like to share with you a “random act of kindness” that happened to me. A bit of hospitality that was given to me that I will always remember. The ones that showed me this hospitality are right here within the Sanbornville UMC. When I came here for the first time to meet with your SPRC I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. This is my first appointment so I was thinking “would they like me…would they accept me…will they think I am good enough?” When I got here a wonderful thing happen that made me know that this is where God will have me be. I was met with such love and compassion it almost made me cry. I saw hospitality first hand from this church. Not only was the hospitality given to me but also my husband Ray who came with me. My call to Sanbornville was affirmed. We felt “part of the family” right at the onset of our time at Sanbornville. This is what I mean by touching someone’s heart as well as their life. I would like to personally thank you for the warm welcome my family and I have received.
Hospitality…it can be hard to show in a fallen world. But we are told to be in the world but not of the world. We have a choice to make…we can either be like to world and society and keep to our self and not reach out to those around us. We can worry about our self and our own comfort and let others worry about themselves. Or…we can follow the example of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ and reach out to those in need. We can share what we have with those around us. We can follow the example of the One who fed five thousand with two small loaves and five fishes.
AMEN
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Scripture: Hebrews 13: 1-8, 15-16
Sermon:
How many of you enjoy having people over just for the sake of having them over... I know I do. I like making a meal or a snack when I’ve invited someone over. I always ask what kinds of food do they like…what they don’t like…what they want to drink and other same types of questions. I want to make sure that they have a good time…feel relaxed…you know…at home. It is one of the biggest joys in life for me.
Sometimes…it’s just for fellowship not a meal (but then again I always ask if they are hungry when they get there). Having 3 small children at home…there are time when I am just dying for adult conversation. I enjoy having people over just to sit around, talk, find out what’s been going on in their lives since the last time we got together or talked. Just the fellowship alone is a great time of fun and laughter.
But there are also times…during our time together…I find out that they may be going through a bad time…a troubled time...in their life. During times like this…I listen and hear their story and ask if there is anything I can do to help. See…I am the type of person that really feels the pain with them…I cry and pray with them. It’s times like these that bring us into a closer relationship with each other…a closer fellowship. We bare each other’s burdens. I am showing hospitality.
The first sign that we are tuning away from Christian faith would likely be a “cooling” of brotherly love. We have a pretense that we do not need our brothers and sisters in Christ is the first step to boast that we do not need Christ. No I don’t know about you but I know that I am nothing without my brothers and sisters in Christ. They lift me up when I am down…they let me know that I am loved, that I am wanted, that I am accepted. They help remind me of the love of Christ.
One of the most urgent forms of this brotherly love was the ancient custom of “hospitality.” It is interesting to see how wide spread and deep are the religious roots of hospitality. In the case of the early Christians, some of the strangers would be itinerant evangelist; some would be refugees driven by persecution from their homes. But…even today…there are many who are fleeing from their homes…their family and friends…from their country…because of their belief in our Risen Lord Jesus Christ. You would think that after so many years…this would be a thing of the past.
What is “hospitality” anyway? How do we show hospitality to others? Well…the dictionary says the “entertainment of a stranger…sojourner…as a guest. It is recognized as a sacred duty throughout the Mediterranean” are the definitions of hospitality. Some synonyms for hospitality are friendliness, neighborliness, socialibility, openness, welcomeness, warmth, kind heartedness, gracious.
In the New Testament…Jesus is described as dependent on hospitality for His daily care and lodging. Matthew 8:20 tells us “and Jesus said to him “foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man has nowhere to lay His head.” Jesus relied on people around Him to for a roof over His head and for food to eat. It is also assumed the same was true in the sending forth of the Apostles. In Mark 6…Jesus tells the disciples to take nothing with them but the sandals on their feet and the tunic…only one…on their back. That was it…nothing else. They were told to enter a house and stay there until they left that place. Again they were to rely on others hospitality for their daily needs. Back then…Christians, in their travels, would seek out other Christians, partly for protection, but mainly to share fellowship and worship.
Today’s scripture from Hebrews 13…tells us to “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” in verses 1 and 2. How many of you have helped out a stranger…have held a door for a mom with their hands full with children and packages…have helped make a new person in the neighborhood feel welcome by stopping by to say hi and introduce yourself? Well my friends…you may have entertained angels unawares…just imagine the smile on God’s face because His child was acting out of kindness…out of concern…out of love for someone else.
I know how I feel when one of my daughters does a “random act of kindness.” I am never more proud of them. I think “they are getting it right!” I remember one time when we were at our church and we had a diner before our Committee meetings. My oldest daughter, Erica, finished her dinner and then proceeded to start clearing the tables and taking plates in the kitchen for others who had finished their meals. When I asked her about it…she just said “I just wanted to help.” No one asked her to do this…she just took it upon herself to help with the clean-up…a random act of kindness. Just imagine how God feels when His creation does the same.
Verse 16 of the Hebrews Epistle reading tells us “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” How many of you have shared a meal or have had too much of something and gave the extra to someone who needed it…no strings attached…you just give it “out of the goodness of your heart”? Oh how our Heavenly Father must smile to see His children act in kindness…act in friendliness…being kindhearted to others. I can hear Him now…up in heaven…saying “that’s my kid that did that”!
One of the sacrifices that pleases God is the sacrifice of sharing…the sacrifice of hospitality. It is said that “The man who owns no compassion, who works upon life as a cluster of grapes to be squeezed into his own cup and drained for his own enjoyment, thereby denies his God.” If our faith is to be true…then we are stewards, not owners of the good gifts of God. This is God’s answer to our economic crisis. We are to share our material possessions. We are to be hospitable to those around us in need. If we are to be good stewards…we are to share the blessings that God has given us with people in need.
We are all strangers…sojourners…in a foreign…unfamiliar land. Our home is not of this earth but of heaven. We are all here on a journey…doing our part…fulfilling our purpose…to heed God’s call in our life…to live out the “Great Commission.” It makes the journey that much easier…that much more bearable…knowing that we have brothers and sisters to help us along the way.
To reach out and touch some ones hand…we not only touch their hand…we touch their life…their heart. We can break down barriers…the walls…that have been put there by pain and sorrow…by a fallen world…by despair. By showing hospitality…we can bring people to and understanding that they matter in the world that tells them it doesn’t matter who you are but what you are. WE can reach out in love and let them know that they have eternal worth in our Lord Jesus.
It is said that touch is one of the powerful of our five senses. To me touching doesn’t always have to be a physical one. When you touch someone’s life…you can change that individual in ways that you can never imagine. You can open doors for them that have been locked and closed for years. You can be that one that makes the difference in their lives just by showing hospitality when they most need it. When you touch someone’s heart…you can melt away the ice…soften a hard heart that without that touch…would just shrivel up and die.
I would like to share with you a “random act of kindness” that happened to me. A bit of hospitality that was given to me that I will always remember. The ones that showed me this hospitality are right here within the Sanbornville UMC. When I came here for the first time to meet with your SPRC I was nervous. I didn’t know what to expect. This is my first appointment so I was thinking “would they like me…would they accept me…will they think I am good enough?” When I got here a wonderful thing happen that made me know that this is where God will have me be. I was met with such love and compassion it almost made me cry. I saw hospitality first hand from this church. Not only was the hospitality given to me but also my husband Ray who came with me. My call to Sanbornville was affirmed. We felt “part of the family” right at the onset of our time at Sanbornville. This is what I mean by touching someone’s heart as well as their life. I would like to personally thank you for the warm welcome my family and I have received.
Hospitality…it can be hard to show in a fallen world. But we are told to be in the world but not of the world. We have a choice to make…we can either be like to world and society and keep to our self and not reach out to those around us. We can worry about our self and our own comfort and let others worry about themselves. Or…we can follow the example of our Risen Lord Jesus Christ and reach out to those in need. We can share what we have with those around us. We can follow the example of the One who fed five thousand with two small loaves and five fishes.
AMEN
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
A Leaf on the Ground
A spasm, a burst, a splash
clear, discrete, jarring color
contrast of red on green
before the slide fully
into fall, harbingers
the rain of color to come
lush red, pure color
against the wet moss,
green leafs
grass and plantain
edge of the sidewalk
early tableau of red maple
leaves of color on the ground
September 13, 2007 11:25
clear, discrete, jarring color
contrast of red on green
before the slide fully
into fall, harbingers
the rain of color to come
lush red, pure color
against the wet moss,
green leafs
grass and plantain
edge of the sidewalk
early tableau of red maple
leaves of color on the ground
September 13, 2007 11:25
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Lord We Thank You
Lord, We thank you for this day,
for the joy of the morning,
the love of this family, waking from slumber
in this house, this home you have provided,
going out into the world, to college, to school,
to work, into the world, not of this world,
for you have touched our hearts and our lives,
have cleaned some of the grime of this life,
some of our scar tissue, to give us peace.
Grant us peace this day Lord, watch over us
be with us on the path you have laid before us
this day we pray our creator and sustainer
help us focus on what we must do today,
help us be satisfied, gratified, with what we do
in your name today Lord.
Give us strength for today and rest tonight Lord
so we may do your will and your work
today and the rest of our lives as individuals
as a family in your name
Amen
September 13, 2007 10:52
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
for the joy of the morning,
the love of this family, waking from slumber
in this house, this home you have provided,
going out into the world, to college, to school,
to work, into the world, not of this world,
for you have touched our hearts and our lives,
have cleaned some of the grime of this life,
some of our scar tissue, to give us peace.
Grant us peace this day Lord, watch over us
be with us on the path you have laid before us
this day we pray our creator and sustainer
help us focus on what we must do today,
help us be satisfied, gratified, with what we do
in your name today Lord.
Give us strength for today and rest tonight Lord
so we may do your will and your work
today and the rest of our lives as individuals
as a family in your name
Amen
September 13, 2007 10:52
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
In a Twinkling of an Eye
In a twinkling of an eye,
they have grown, become older,
more mature, little ladies,
not just the girls I met
not so long ago,
little ladies,
in more grown up clothes,
going off to school
to learn and grow some more
so quickly they have changed
in height, in poise
in presence, each of them.
Careful not to turn away
for they will be grown up
all too soon.
September 12, 2007 20:05
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
they have grown, become older,
more mature, little ladies,
not just the girls I met
not so long ago,
little ladies,
in more grown up clothes,
going off to school
to learn and grow some more
so quickly they have changed
in height, in poise
in presence, each of them.
Careful not to turn away
for they will be grown up
all too soon.
September 12, 2007 20:05
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Master’s Palette
A blue sky of autumn
Red maple leaves,
frost on the window
rust on the tractor
left too long in the field
sparkles in the sun,
reflecting off the pond
a cascade of color
in the sunset
amber glass
amethyst too
deep red roses
green jade flowers
frozen in vivid opening
green eyes, hazel eyes
brown pools to drink in
mocha skin, cool to the touch
yellow hurt your eyes sun
these are a taste
of the master’s palette
September 12, 2007 18:55
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Red maple leaves,
frost on the window
rust on the tractor
left too long in the field
sparkles in the sun,
reflecting off the pond
a cascade of color
in the sunset
amber glass
amethyst too
deep red roses
green jade flowers
frozen in vivid opening
green eyes, hazel eyes
brown pools to drink in
mocha skin, cool to the touch
yellow hurt your eyes sun
these are a taste
of the master’s palette
September 12, 2007 18:55
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Gathering the Good Stuff
Rolling in the pollen,
gathering the nectar
a bumblebee at work, on the job
capturing in my viewfinder,
discovered again in the picture
a busy bee, yellow and black
in the soft colors of the flower
the bloom in the church’s
garden. Spreading the pollen,
germinating, making the flower
seed, spreading the color
filling the gaps in the garden
with color, with the fruits
of the bee’s labor, those of its fellows
buzzing in the garden
September 12, 2007 16:49
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
gathering the nectar
a bumblebee at work, on the job
capturing in my viewfinder,
discovered again in the picture
a busy bee, yellow and black
in the soft colors of the flower
the bloom in the church’s
garden. Spreading the pollen,
germinating, making the flower
seed, spreading the color
filling the gaps in the garden
with color, with the fruits
of the bee’s labor, those of its fellows
buzzing in the garden
September 12, 2007 16:49
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Cold Snap
Air a bit cooler,
a bit clearer
brighter blue in the sky
more defined clouds, white
shadows longer
Full oak leaves, blowing in the
fall air, laden with ripe fruit
acorns falling, gathered by the squirrels,
heavy with the summer easy pickings
School back in session,
girls growing up,
quieter days at the house
until the gathering mid-afternoon
Red insinuating
within the green
in the maple
in the side yard
just a few, teasing
A change in the weather
before the Indian Summer
before the leaves really change
for their fall fashion show
September 12, 2007 16:40
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a bit clearer
brighter blue in the sky
more defined clouds, white
shadows longer
Full oak leaves, blowing in the
fall air, laden with ripe fruit
acorns falling, gathered by the squirrels,
heavy with the summer easy pickings
School back in session,
girls growing up,
quieter days at the house
until the gathering mid-afternoon
Red insinuating
within the green
in the maple
in the side yard
just a few, teasing
A change in the weather
before the Indian Summer
before the leaves really change
for their fall fashion show
September 12, 2007 16:40
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Nature photo site
Check out the nature photos at:
http://davids-pics.blogspot.com/
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
http://davids-pics.blogspot.com/
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,720+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Where Will They Attack
Would that I had the crystal ball
to answer her quaking question
a day or two before the anniversary
of the attacks in her brother’s home town
To assuage her sudden fears,
casual sharing of a presidential candidate’s
positions, the flier in her lap,
to discussions of terrorists,
that they wouldn’t strike here,
in our quiet city; but in
the same kinds of places;
but “that is where my brother lives…”
“Where will they strike?”
Truth that I don’t know, that we
do not know where the next attack
will come, when it will come;
but truth too that if we change our lives,
if we fear and let that freeze us,
focus our thoughts too long there,
they have won, as surely as when
the attacks will come
Resolve to continue on
to live our lives, perhaps more humbly;
but live our lives fully
without fearing what
the madmen may do or
where they may attack
September 11, 2007 10:43AM
to answer her quaking question
a day or two before the anniversary
of the attacks in her brother’s home town
To assuage her sudden fears,
casual sharing of a presidential candidate’s
positions, the flier in her lap,
to discussions of terrorists,
that they wouldn’t strike here,
in our quiet city; but in
the same kinds of places;
but “that is where my brother lives…”
“Where will they strike?”
Truth that I don’t know, that we
do not know where the next attack
will come, when it will come;
but truth too that if we change our lives,
if we fear and let that freeze us,
focus our thoughts too long there,
they have won, as surely as when
the attacks will come
Resolve to continue on
to live our lives, perhaps more humbly;
but live our lives fully
without fearing what
the madmen may do or
where they may attack
September 11, 2007 10:43AM
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted
by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at
Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 41,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, September 09, 2007
Riding on His Shoulders
I am a sheep, who loses his way
Gets mislead, lead astray
In my life’s journey
Fell out of the company
Fellow believers, members of the flock
I was carried back, lovingly
Brought back, on the strong,
The broad shoulders
Of the shepherd,
Returned to the green pastures
The safety of the fold
A wayward member,
Lost for a time
But home once more
Heeding, as best I can
The instructions of the shepherd
The wisdom of the spirit
Cleaving to the love
Of the creator
September 9, 2007 21:18
Luke 15:1-10,
Especially Luke 15:1-7
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Gets mislead, lead astray
In my life’s journey
Fell out of the company
Fellow believers, members of the flock
I was carried back, lovingly
Brought back, on the strong,
The broad shoulders
Of the shepherd,
Returned to the green pastures
The safety of the fold
A wayward member,
Lost for a time
But home once more
Heeding, as best I can
The instructions of the shepherd
The wisdom of the spirit
Cleaving to the love
Of the creator
September 9, 2007 21:18
Luke 15:1-10,
Especially Luke 15:1-7
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Love that Teacher
Love that Teacher
Like a bird loves to sing
I said I love that teacher
Like a bird loves to sing
I like to call him in the morning
I love to call him
“Hey there teacher.’’
Written by Erica Berberena, 9/9/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Like a bird loves to sing
I said I love that teacher
Like a bird loves to sing
I like to call him in the morning
I love to call him
“Hey there teacher.’’
Written by Erica Berberena, 9/9/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
One Lost Sheep
We are each a precious member
The flock of the shepherd,
One who knows the Master’s voice
Who comes when called
When we are lost, the Shepherd
Seeks us out, finds us, as we are
Carries us, lovingly, back into the fold
Back to the flock, to the safety
The nurturing, the growing
Within the community
Fellow members, fellow followers
At great cost, the shepherd
Leaves the flock
To save one lost sheep
September 9, 2007 19:12
Luke 15:1-10,
Especially Luke 15:1-7
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The flock of the shepherd,
One who knows the Master’s voice
Who comes when called
When we are lost, the Shepherd
Seeks us out, finds us, as we are
Carries us, lovingly, back into the fold
Back to the flock, to the safety
The nurturing, the growing
Within the community
Fellow members, fellow followers
At great cost, the shepherd
Leaves the flock
To save one lost sheep
September 9, 2007 19:12
Luke 15:1-10,
Especially Luke 15:1-7
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Depth of Love
The words of the savior
So poignantly describe
The Father, the reconciliation
So amply desired,
In the words of the Son
The Father revealed
Ready to drop everything
To risk those already in the fold
To tear the house apart
To open wide His arms,
As the next story tells,
Ready to love
To search for,
To invest in
The lost sheep,
The lost coin,
Each prodigal child
Each one of us
September 9, 2007 17:10
Luke 15:1-10
Luke 15:11-31
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
So poignantly describe
The Father, the reconciliation
So amply desired,
In the words of the Son
The Father revealed
Ready to drop everything
To risk those already in the fold
To tear the house apart
To open wide His arms,
As the next story tells,
Ready to love
To search for,
To invest in
The lost sheep,
The lost coin,
Each prodigal child
Each one of us
September 9, 2007 17:10
Luke 15:1-10
Luke 15:11-31
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Lost Penny Found
The parable made flesh
The words given meaning
In the person of the repentant Saul
The one who was found
Who received mercy
From the Son, while yet he was
Persecuting him, his believers,
A lost coin found on the road,
Cleaned and carried close to the vest
A coin of great value,
Well worth the sacrifice
The special effort
One coin to find
September 9, 2007 16:56
Luke 15:1-10 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The words given meaning
In the person of the repentant Saul
The one who was found
Who received mercy
From the Son, while yet he was
Persecuting him, his believers,
A lost coin found on the road,
Cleaned and carried close to the vest
A coin of great value,
Well worth the sacrifice
The special effort
One coin to find
September 9, 2007 16:56
Luke 15:1-10 and 1 Timothy 1:12-17
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,770+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Returning Home
A start of a new year,
After the distance, the falling away
Of the summer days, together again
Singing, praying, listening
A stronger voice than a year ago
Reaching deeper, speaking clearer,
More tested, more sure, of the audience
A larger gathering, a greater unity
Of the congregation, in gathering
In returning home today
Old friends, new family,
Wrapping arms in greeting,
in catching up with one another
in fellowship again
This Sunday morning
September 9, 2007 16:47
Homecoming Sunday, September 09, 2007
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,740+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
After the distance, the falling away
Of the summer days, together again
Singing, praying, listening
A stronger voice than a year ago
Reaching deeper, speaking clearer,
More tested, more sure, of the audience
A larger gathering, a greater unity
Of the congregation, in gathering
In returning home today
Old friends, new family,
Wrapping arms in greeting,
in catching up with one another
in fellowship again
This Sunday morning
September 9, 2007 16:47
Homecoming Sunday, September 09, 2007
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,740+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
No Pressure Here
A restless group of teens
Gathered around a large circle
Listening to me read the scripture
Nodding at the intent of the writer.
To get the result he wanted.
The epistle, the business letter,
The prodding and the pleading,
The guilting, shaming, the reader,
The recipient, to act.
He wasn’t coerced, pressured,
Not much!
September 9, 2007
Philemon 1:1-21 & verse 22…
Paul asks a favor, and reminds Philemon,
That “I saved you!”
Middle High Sunday School, 9/9/07
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Gathered around a large circle
Listening to me read the scripture
Nodding at the intent of the writer.
To get the result he wanted.
The epistle, the business letter,
The prodding and the pleading,
The guilting, shaming, the reader,
The recipient, to act.
He wasn’t coerced, pressured,
Not much!
September 9, 2007
Philemon 1:1-21 & verse 22…
Paul asks a favor, and reminds Philemon,
That “I saved you!”
Middle High Sunday School, 9/9/07
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Putty in His Hands
They were like putty
In his hands, transfixed
Watching intently,
The movement of his hands,
Manipulating, molding, changing,
Rechanging the shape
The modeling clay in his hands
Telling the story of God’s love
The patient potter, forgiving,
Renewing, reclaiming, reshaping
Each of us, never hardening the forms
In permanent shapes
Hoping, offering, waiting
For the vessel to take final shape
Pleasing to the potter
September 9, 2007 16:12
Based on Jeremiah 18:1-11 and
the children’s sermon
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 09/09/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
In his hands, transfixed
Watching intently,
The movement of his hands,
Manipulating, molding, changing,
Rechanging the shape
The modeling clay in his hands
Telling the story of God’s love
The patient potter, forgiving,
Renewing, reclaiming, reshaping
Each of us, never hardening the forms
In permanent shapes
Hoping, offering, waiting
For the vessel to take final shape
Pleasing to the potter
September 9, 2007 16:12
Based on Jeremiah 18:1-11 and
the children’s sermon
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 09/09/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Silly
Sometimes I’m just plain silly,
Just like a big willy-nilly,
I have foolish styles,
And I have silly smiles,
And sometimes I’ll shake out my sillies.
Poem by Erica Berberena, 9/9/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Just like a big willy-nilly,
I have foolish styles,
And I have silly smiles,
And sometimes I’ll shake out my sillies.
Poem by Erica Berberena, 9/9/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Love that puppy
Love that puppy,
Like a puppy loves to play,
I said love that puppy,
Like a puppy loves to play,
Love to call her in the morning
Love to call her
“Hey there, May.”Poem by Erica Berberena, 9/9/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Thud and a Squish
The pastor had them enthralled,
And us too, describing the
Shaping of each of us,
Using the words of the prophet
And more visceral, more childish language
To inform the congregation
Of the love, the constant love
Of the potter for each creation,
For the loving correction, the loving
Restarting of the vessel,
The renewing of the malleable clay
Into something useful, wonderful
Beautiful to the potter.
September 9, 2007
Based on Jeremiah 18:1-11 and
the sermon, “The Potter and the Clay”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 09/09/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
And us too, describing the
Shaping of each of us,
Using the words of the prophet
And more visceral, more childish language
To inform the congregation
Of the love, the constant love
Of the potter for each creation,
For the loving correction, the loving
Restarting of the vessel,
The renewing of the malleable clay
Into something useful, wonderful
Beautiful to the potter.
September 9, 2007
Based on Jeremiah 18:1-11 and
the sermon, “The Potter and the Clay”,
by the Reverend Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 09/09/07
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Wet Lump of Clay
Clay, the stuff of the potter,
Kept wet throughout,
To be molded, shaped,
Starting over, again and again,
By the potter’s hands
Until it is finished,
The die never cast,
The final curtain
waiting until the end
Able to be shaped and reshaped,
Pliable and compliant
To the end
September 9, 2007
Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/09/wet-lump-of-clay.html
Kept wet throughout,
To be molded, shaped,
Starting over, again and again,
By the potter’s hands
Until it is finished,
The die never cast,
The final curtain
waiting until the end
Able to be shaped and reshaped,
Pliable and compliant
To the end
September 9, 2007
Jeremiah 18:1-11, Psalm 139
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/09/wet-lump-of-clay.html
All of my
poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,
2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray
Foss for usage. See all 31,520+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
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