The Son, the Father, glorified
in the act of betrayal
betrayal by the Judas
His life transformed,
fulfillment of the prophesy
his life a sacrifice, turned over
brought before them
but glorified in his obedience
his living out that which was foretold
even the betrayal predestined
a part of his story
from the very start
April 19, 2008
John 13:31
John 13:31-36
John 13
Saturday, April 19, 2008
Intellectually Disabled
“Retard!” That was the cutting word
they would call him
Cut him to the quick
Different enough, without the words
mentally retarded, or so he has been known
A change in language,
not nearly enough
to heal his pain
Cruel words can break our hearts
more than sticks ever could
Words can hurt us
April 19, 2008
Change in the language from “mentally retarded”
to “intellectual disability” in NH law,
Senate Bill 529. Hopefully it will
make a real difference.
they would call him
Cut him to the quick
Different enough, without the words
mentally retarded, or so he has been known
A change in language,
not nearly enough
to heal his pain
Cruel words can break our hearts
more than sticks ever could
Words can hurt us
April 19, 2008
Change in the language from “mentally retarded”
to “intellectual disability” in NH law,
Senate Bill 529. Hopefully it will
make a real difference.
A Swimmer’s Hump
His most defining feature
a swimmer’s hump
years of the butterfly
practice after practice
supple muscle, an arch to his back
long after he left the water
April 19, 2008
a swimmer’s hump
years of the butterfly
practice after practice
supple muscle, an arch to his back
long after he left the water
April 19, 2008
A Bassett out the Window
An old valued friend, riding in the front seat
brown and white, chin turning grey
hanging out the black pickup
standing on the door’s window
catching the cool air
his ears each a sail in the wind
out for a drive with his human
aware of my gaze, smiling
coming through the crossroads
a commercial for Spring
April 19, 2008
brown and white, chin turning grey
hanging out the black pickup
standing on the door’s window
catching the cool air
his ears each a sail in the wind
out for a drive with his human
aware of my gaze, smiling
coming through the crossroads
a commercial for Spring
April 19, 2008
An Empty Field
Brown-yellow long grasses
rising again,
after the weight of the snow
gone away for another year
an empty fallow field
ringed by young white pine
standing still behind the fence by the road
a square of open space
between the houses
before the woods beyond
April 19, 2008
rising again,
after the weight of the snow
gone away for another year
an empty fallow field
ringed by young white pine
standing still behind the fence by the road
a square of open space
between the houses
before the woods beyond
April 19, 2008
Transparent Leaves
Skeletons, transparent leaves
of last season, still hanging
on the maple’s branches
soon to fall to earth
as buds burst into life
Echoes of the fall,
the winter just ended
soon they will fall
and renew the earth
April 19, 2008
of last season, still hanging
on the maple’s branches
soon to fall to earth
as buds burst into life
Echoes of the fall,
the winter just ended
soon they will fall
and renew the earth
April 19, 2008
A Clump of Daffodils
A clump of daffodils
cups of bright canary
atop their swaying stems
rising from the gray-brown mulch
green and yellow,
renewal of this spring morning
beside the parking lot, the road beyond
living spring, next to the blacktop
color and life, affirmation
rebirth in their rising
love in their presence
year after year
April 19, 2008
cups of bright canary
atop their swaying stems
rising from the gray-brown mulch
green and yellow,
renewal of this spring morning
beside the parking lot, the road beyond
living spring, next to the blacktop
color and life, affirmation
rebirth in their rising
love in their presence
year after year
April 19, 2008
Sudden Forsythia
Forsythia, yellow bush aflame
springtime bursting
into sudden bloom
Memories of my childhood home
the taste of the yellow petals
their feel on my tongue
cascade of thought, memory
a rush of my history
flooding in my mind
captured in these words,
inspired by sudden forsythia
April 19, 2008
springtime bursting
into sudden bloom
Memories of my childhood home
the taste of the yellow petals
their feel on my tongue
cascade of thought, memory
a rush of my history
flooding in my mind
captured in these words,
inspired by sudden forsythia
April 19, 2008
Red over White
A hillside,
white birch, maples, poplar
red patina, wash
overlaid over the white, the gray
buds erupting, a hillside ablaze
in the awakening of Spring
April 19, 2008
white birch, maples, poplar
red patina, wash
overlaid over the white, the gray
buds erupting, a hillside ablaze
in the awakening of Spring
April 19, 2008
A Flock of Turkeys
Up on the ridge line
the farthest part of the hill
a flock of turkeys
eating in the grass
Out of place,
in the city, unexpected
Wild things, outside
the urban jungle
catching my eye,
my attention driving along
April 19, 2008
the farthest part of the hill
a flock of turkeys
eating in the grass
Out of place,
in the city, unexpected
Wild things, outside
the urban jungle
catching my eye,
my attention driving along
April 19, 2008
For Affect Alone
He took a quick puff
as he walked along
headphones on, a quick puff
not really breathing in
for affect alone
the cigarette hung by his side
a foreign element, out of place
incongruous, trying to look cool
for affect alone
April 19, 2008
as he walked along
headphones on, a quick puff
not really breathing in
for affect alone
the cigarette hung by his side
a foreign element, out of place
incongruous, trying to look cool
for affect alone
April 19, 2008
Everyday Gifts
Treasures of the king
given to us, without merit, not earned
gifts of grace, each day,
given to us by the creator
for our blessing, our cup running over
grace upon grace, heaped on our lives
Failing to see, to feel him with us;
there nonetheless, always present
waiting for us, our awareness
our turning to him
grace ready when we are
for our whole life long
the promise of eternity
with our brother, our God
April 19, 2008
Psalm 23, Exodus 3:5 and reflections on
Ann Weems’s poem, “Holy Ground”
given to us, without merit, not earned
gifts of grace, each day,
given to us by the creator
for our blessing, our cup running over
grace upon grace, heaped on our lives
Failing to see, to feel him with us;
there nonetheless, always present
waiting for us, our awareness
our turning to him
grace ready when we are
for our whole life long
the promise of eternity
with our brother, our God
April 19, 2008
Psalm 23, Exodus 3:5 and reflections on
Ann Weems’s poem, “Holy Ground”
Ordinary Grace
Each moment, each thought, each image before our eyes
magical seconds, instances of time
revelations of God’s grace
present now, all around us
swirling round our vision, our lives
Take the moments, the time to see them
feel God’s presence in the sights, the sounds,
the things of this earth, the sharing of our lives
the wonderful surprises, the moments
of ordinary grace, extraordinary
only because we fail to see
how much is heaped on us
each day, amid the clutter of our lives
April 19, 2008
Exodus 3:5 and reflections on
Ann Weems’s poem, “Holy Ground”
magical seconds, instances of time
revelations of God’s grace
present now, all around us
swirling round our vision, our lives
Take the moments, the time to see them
feel God’s presence in the sights, the sounds,
the things of this earth, the sharing of our lives
the wonderful surprises, the moments
of ordinary grace, extraordinary
only because we fail to see
how much is heaped on us
each day, amid the clutter of our lives
April 19, 2008
Exodus 3:5 and reflections on
Ann Weems’s poem, “Holy Ground”
Which is the Holy Ground
Which is the holy ground, when is the ground holy
a place to take off my sandals, to walk barefoot on holy ground
We miss so much, limiting ourselves
if we do not see the holy in our midst
everyday grace, ordinary, real, right before our eyes
All the ground is holy
feel the rich earth, the hard ground, the rock
beneath our bare feet. Walk, run, play, kneel
on the holy ground
all around us
a place to take off my sandals, to walk barefoot on holy ground
We miss so much, limiting ourselves
if we do not see the holy in our midst
everyday grace, ordinary, real, right before our eyes
All the ground is holy
feel the rich earth, the hard ground, the rock
beneath our bare feet. Walk, run, play, kneel
on the holy ground
all around us
====
edited
February 13, 2017
Which
is the Holy Ground – v4
(merging
edits to original and version 3)
edited
December 2, 2015
Which
is the Holy Ground – v3
(editing
original again)
edited
October 29, 2014
Which
is the Holy Ground – v2
April
19, 2008
Which
is the Holy Ground
Exodus
3:5 and reflections on
Ann
Weems’s poem, “Holy Ground”
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, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See
all 43,200 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Ann
Weems, Christ, creator, earth, Exodus 3, eyes, Faith, feet, God, grace, hope,
Methodist, Nature, NEUMC, play, poem, poetry, rock, sandals, senses, walking,
Moses,
#Christ
#creator #earth #Exodus3 #eyes #Faith #God #grace #hope #Nature #UMC #poem
#poetry #senses #Moses
The Road was Holy Ground
That road, holy ground
where they walked with the risen savior
our Lord, our brother, the stranger
In his presence, with the father, the son
walking on holy ground
on a journey, a pilgrimage
the road to Emmaus,
holy ground, walking with the Lord
April 19, 2008
Exodus 3:5
Luke 24:13-35
where they walked with the risen savior
our Lord, our brother, the stranger
In his presence, with the father, the son
walking on holy ground
on a journey, a pilgrimage
the road to Emmaus,
holy ground, walking with the Lord
April 19, 2008
Exodus 3:5
Luke 24:13-35
Holy Ground
The Lord called
where he walked holy ground
But all the ground is holy,
where we each walk
oh take off your sandals,
feel the earth under your feet
walk barefoot on holy ground
April 19, 2008
Exodus 3:5
where he walked holy ground
But all the ground is holy,
where we each walk
oh take off your sandals,
feel the earth under your feet
walk barefoot on holy ground
April 19, 2008
Exodus 3:5
Rahab and the Wall
She hid the spies
and the walls came down
Down around the city
the people lost
but she was saved
for she helped them
believed in them
Oh the walls
came tumbling down
April 19, 2008
Joshua 2:1-6:27
and the walls came down
Down around the city
the people lost
but she was saved
for she helped them
believed in them
Oh the walls
came tumbling down
April 19, 2008
Joshua 2:1-6:27
He is the Way
The narrow gate, the doorway, the portal
He is the means, through him
we see the Father, none but through him
he is the way to redemption, reconciliation
the way to the father, through the son
our faith, the creed of us all
April 19, 2008
John 14:1-14
He is the means, through him
we see the Father, none but through him
he is the way to redemption, reconciliation
the way to the father, through the son
our faith, the creed of us all
April 19, 2008
John 14:1-14
Stones for the Kingdom
Each of us, irregular stones,
living stones, for the kingdom
each with a place, a part to place
to build up the foundations, the walls
the body of Christ, revealed, proclaimed
living in the church, in each of us together
quartz and sandstone, onyx and sapphire
clay and coal, diamonds and granite
Everyone has a niche, a spot
in the wall, the building
the living stones,
brothers and
sisters of
the cornerstone
our Lord Jesus,
the rock
on which we stand
April 19, 2008
1 Peter 2:2-10
living stones, for the kingdom
each with a place, a part to place
to build up the foundations, the walls
the body of Christ, revealed, proclaimed
living in the church, in each of us together
quartz and sandstone, onyx and sapphire
clay and coal, diamonds and granite
Everyone has a niche, a spot
in the wall, the building
the living stones,
brothers and
sisters of
the cornerstone
our Lord Jesus,
the rock
on which we stand
April 19, 2008
1 Peter 2:2-10
Living Angels
The little pieces, bits of grace
some which could easily go unnoticed
people, living angels, helping us
making our days a little easier
our path a little straighter
They lift us up, watch our ways
Help us to rise up, to fly
to navigate the struggles, the challenges
of this life; who share our joys
our love, in unexpected ways
Living angels that cross our path
and make our lives better
in so many ways
April 19, 2008
Psalm 91 and
Upper Room daily devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=4&day=19&year=2008&x=107&y=6
some which could easily go unnoticed
people, living angels, helping us
making our days a little easier
our path a little straighter
They lift us up, watch our ways
Help us to rise up, to fly
to navigate the struggles, the challenges
of this life; who share our joys
our love, in unexpected ways
Living angels that cross our path
and make our lives better
in so many ways
April 19, 2008
Psalm 91 and
Upper Room daily devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=4&day=19&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Tucked in the Blanket
The moon, three-quarters full
shining in the afternoon blue
she and I walking along
“Where does the rest of the moon go?”
she asked, wondered, daydreamed
“it is tucked up under the blanket”
was my answer, that thought
and so the eye attests
the cool white reflected light
tucked up under the blue
a blanket of the dome
the moon nestled
under the covers
April 19, 2008
shining in the afternoon blue
she and I walking along
“Where does the rest of the moon go?”
she asked, wondered, daydreamed
“it is tucked up under the blanket”
was my answer, that thought
and so the eye attests
the cool white reflected light
tucked up under the blue
a blanket of the dome
the moon nestled
under the covers
April 19, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Bread and Wine
In remembrance, bread and wine
your sacrifice, of your life for all of ours
your body broken for the sins of man
the creator becoming the savior
the shepherd the sheep
obedience to the master’s voice
going even to death, because of the master
his faith strong enough, despite awareness
knowledge before the passion
We break the bread we share the cup
so we can see Jesus, as Cleopas and the other did
sharing with Christ the holy meal
Bread and wine, simple food
blessed are we when we share
April 16, 2008
Psalm 23
Luke 24:13-35
your sacrifice, of your life for all of ours
your body broken for the sins of man
the creator becoming the savior
the shepherd the sheep
obedience to the master’s voice
going even to death, because of the master
his faith strong enough, despite awareness
knowledge before the passion
We break the bread we share the cup
so we can see Jesus, as Cleopas and the other did
sharing with Christ the holy meal
Bread and wine, simple food
blessed are we when we share
April 16, 2008
Psalm 23
Luke 24:13-35
Stephen’s Prayer
Like our Lord, Stephen’s prayer
was for the leaders
the scribes, the Pharisees,
the chosen people, stoning him
while they were killing him
praying for their forgiveness
for their blindness, for their deaf ears
that they would see Christ
would know as he does, that He is Lord,
the Messiah the prophets foretold
Echoing Jesus’ prayer,
a reflection of the savior
his faith, even in martyrdom
April 15, 2008
Acts 7:55-60
Acts 6:1-8:3
was for the leaders
the scribes, the Pharisees,
the chosen people, stoning him
while they were killing him
praying for their forgiveness
for their blindness, for their deaf ears
that they would see Christ
would know as he does, that He is Lord,
the Messiah the prophets foretold
Echoing Jesus’ prayer,
a reflection of the savior
his faith, even in martyrdom
April 15, 2008
Acts 7:55-60
Acts 6:1-8:3
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
The Easter Message
Our days, all of our days,
to spread the Easter message
the singular day, reclaiming us all
rising from the dead
we rise with Him
we are no longer captives
set free to live
He came, he died
to wipe away our stain
But He rose
so we may live
Tell the world, the good news
He is risen; Christ is risen indeed!
April 15, 2008
to spread the Easter message
the singular day, reclaiming us all
rising from the dead
we rise with Him
we are no longer captives
set free to live
He came, he died
to wipe away our stain
But He rose
so we may live
Tell the world, the good news
He is risen; Christ is risen indeed!
April 15, 2008
Sunday, April 13, 2008
Her Walk With Christ
I pray she finds him
by her side
walking that dusty road
With the disciples
on the road to Emmaus
Walking with our Savior
feeling his presence
hearing the story of his grace
as if for the first time
The love of God
wrapping around you
like a prayer shawl
Your life changed forever
by the walk with Christ
April 10, 2008
by her side
walking that dusty road
With the disciples
on the road to Emmaus
Walking with our Savior
feeling his presence
hearing the story of his grace
as if for the first time
The love of God
wrapping around you
like a prayer shawl
Your life changed forever
by the walk with Christ
April 10, 2008
I am Hers
How easy it is to say,
“I am hers”;
but it is true
My life makes sense
because of her
Her smile starts my day
Her love makes the doubts fade
Her faith in me my strength
Her joy melts my fears
Her arms hold me tight
her body close to mine
as I fall asleep at night
April 10, 2008
“I am hers”;
but it is true
My life makes sense
because of her
Her smile starts my day
Her love makes the doubts fade
Her faith in me my strength
Her joy melts my fears
Her arms hold me tight
her body close to mine
as I fall asleep at night
April 10, 2008
Our Girls
So much a part of us, of our lives
our life together, with each other, with them
Constant reminds, gifts from our father
to add sparkle and joy to our days
Challenges aplenty, but joy abounds
sharing our lives together
with the Mighty Tiny Titans
April 10, 2008
our life together, with each other, with them
Constant reminds, gifts from our father
to add sparkle and joy to our days
Challenges aplenty, but joy abounds
sharing our lives together
with the Mighty Tiny Titans
April 10, 2008
A New Beginning
I feel the rumble just beyond
the far horizon line
change is coming
to our family, to your ministry
something is about to happen
a new beginning
Somewhere else to plant our roots
another field to sow the seeds
to water and to prune
to grow in another season.
April 10, 2008
the far horizon line
change is coming
to our family, to your ministry
something is about to happen
a new beginning
Somewhere else to plant our roots
another field to sow the seeds
to water and to prune
to grow in another season.
April 10, 2008
Living in His House All Our Days
Welcoming the savior into our house,
into our hearts, after the long journey
the walk to Emmaus, the story of his life
We open the door to the father’s house
to his offer of grace, when we let him in
a joining, a baptism, of the spirit, in the offer
the acceptance of love, of grace
Living in his house, all of our days
receiving the gift of grace
over and over
on the journey of faith
our ministry to the world
sharing Christ in all we do
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
into our hearts, after the long journey
the walk to Emmaus, the story of his life
We open the door to the father’s house
to his offer of grace, when we let him in
a joining, a baptism, of the spirit, in the offer
the acceptance of love, of grace
Living in his house, all of our days
receiving the gift of grace
over and over
on the journey of faith
our ministry to the world
sharing Christ in all we do
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Open the Door
Open the door, step through the threshold
enter the house of the father
accepting his gift of grace
his reconciliation, relationship once more
saying yes to the father, living in his grace
confession and repentance
becoming his sheep, his disciple
being the hands and feet, the voice
of the savior, the living Christ
for the world
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
enter the house of the father
accepting his gift of grace
his reconciliation, relationship once more
saying yes to the father, living in his grace
confession and repentance
becoming his sheep, his disciple
being the hands and feet, the voice
of the savior, the living Christ
for the world
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Walk to Emmaus
On the walk, the journey
the road to Emmaus
they learned from the master
the story of his life, his ministry
the fulfillment of all the prophets
in the living of his days
Sharing an afternoon with them
but so much more
Changing their lives
in the instant of awareness
the stranger the Christ
discovered in his holy sacrifice
remembered in the blessing,
in the bread, the wine,
just as we do when we share
when we partake of that holy meal
When we share the memory
of his saving grace
And, like Cleopas and the other,
we must tell the good news
proclaim it; Christ is risen!
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
the road to Emmaus
they learned from the master
the story of his life, his ministry
the fulfillment of all the prophets
in the living of his days
Sharing an afternoon with them
but so much more
Changing their lives
in the instant of awareness
the stranger the Christ
discovered in his holy sacrifice
remembered in the blessing,
in the bread, the wine,
just as we do when we share
when we partake of that holy meal
When we share the memory
of his saving grace
And, like Cleopas and the other,
we must tell the good news
proclaim it; Christ is risen!
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Run to Jerusalem
Run to Jerusalem
to the eleven, the apostles
tell his disciples the good news
the Lord is risen, he walked with us
on the road home, revealed in the blessing,
the bread and wine, the savior risen
alive with us on the road
sharing all the scripture, the prophets
his story told to us proof by proof
our hearts burning within us
joy walked with us
his grace heaped upon us
on the road to Emmaus
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
to the eleven, the apostles
tell his disciples the good news
the Lord is risen, he walked with us
on the road home, revealed in the blessing,
the bread and wine, the savior risen
alive with us on the road
sharing all the scripture, the prophets
his story told to us proof by proof
our hearts burning within us
joy walked with us
his grace heaped upon us
on the road to Emmaus
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Breaking Their Bread
It was his act of sharing, this honored guest
a stranger revealed as the savior
the risen messiah, breaking their bread
welcomed into their home, sharing the sacrifice
the saving of his grace, his gift
disciples whose eyes were opened
the pilgrims on the road home
learning directly from the master
but made to see in his communion
his sharing of the bread and wine
with them in their home
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
a stranger revealed as the savior
the risen messiah, breaking their bread
welcomed into their home, sharing the sacrifice
the saving of his grace, his gift
disciples whose eyes were opened
the pilgrims on the road home
learning directly from the master
but made to see in his communion
his sharing of the bread and wine
with them in their home
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Their Eyes Were Opened
His blessing, his act of sacrifice
revealed his identity
to the shocked disciples
they who had walked the road to Emmaus
with the stranger that day
Suddenly aware of the savior
in that split second of realization
before he disappeared from their presence
Tell the eleven! The savior lives!
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
revealed his identity
to the shocked disciples
they who had walked the road to Emmaus
with the stranger that day
Suddenly aware of the savior
in that split second of realization
before he disappeared from their presence
Tell the eleven! The savior lives!
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
A Stranger Unknown to Them
He was for them,
a stranger, unknown to them
this man, joining them on the road home
Lost in pain, in doubt, confusion
they walked the dusty trail
He fell into their gait, walking with them
asking questions, probing questions
Sharing scripture, his story
burning hearts within them,
in the telling of the story,
reclaiming, renewing their spirits
In the breaking of the bread, the blessing,
the cup of salvation, awareness, joy
a stranger no more, our savior revealed
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
a stranger, unknown to them
this man, joining them on the road home
Lost in pain, in doubt, confusion
they walked the dusty trail
He fell into their gait, walking with them
asking questions, probing questions
Sharing scripture, his story
burning hearts within them,
in the telling of the story,
reclaiming, renewing their spirits
In the breaking of the bread, the blessing,
the cup of salvation, awareness, joy
a stranger no more, our savior revealed
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Entering into Their House
As they did, calling him, asking him in
we call Christ, into our homes, into our hearts
to dwell in us, with us, to be in communion
to share our lives, our days; hot, tired from the road
they begged him to stay a while longer
to enter their house, to bless them with his presence
Entering in, they saw the risen Christ
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
we call Christ, into our homes, into our hearts
to dwell in us, with us, to be in communion
to share our lives, our days; hot, tired from the road
they begged him to stay a while longer
to enter their house, to bless them with his presence
Entering in, they saw the risen Christ
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Walk with Jesus
We too must be aware
hear the message there is for us
to walk with Jesus, as God intended
to share the road, the journey with him
walking the path of life, following the shepherd
the master’s call for us; feeling his presence
on the way with him
We are free to choose,
to accept the offer of grace
always there, always ready
constantly new, arms wide open
Walk with Jesus, be his disciple
so the rest of the world
will know his saving grace
and come home to the Father
each one of us a prodigal child
Each one wanted by the father
each one valued, very good
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
hear the message there is for us
to walk with Jesus, as God intended
to share the road, the journey with him
walking the path of life, following the shepherd
the master’s call for us; feeling his presence
on the way with him
We are free to choose,
to accept the offer of grace
always there, always ready
constantly new, arms wide open
Walk with Jesus, be his disciple
so the rest of the world
will know his saving grace
and come home to the Father
each one of us a prodigal child
Each one wanted by the father
each one valued, very good
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Dust on Our Feet
If we are ready, prepared to enter into the house
our father’s house, into the rooms with our names
we have dust on our feet, with the disciples,
walking the ancient road home
walking with our Lord, our savior,
our shepherd, following his footsteps
hearing his story anew for us
offering him welcome in our homes
recognizing him in the breaking of the bread
the drinking of the wine
just as they did that Easter day
Feeling their joy
in that moment of awareness
when their blindness was transformed
into joy; He is risen indeed
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
our father’s house, into the rooms with our names
we have dust on our feet, with the disciples,
walking the ancient road home
walking with our Lord, our savior,
our shepherd, following his footsteps
hearing his story anew for us
offering him welcome in our homes
recognizing him in the breaking of the bread
the drinking of the wine
just as they did that Easter day
Feeling their joy
in that moment of awareness
when their blindness was transformed
into joy; He is risen indeed
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Not Merely Studying
Living history, living ministry
the story of the walk to Emmaus
the disciples on the road,
real for me, in the truth
their blindness real to me
the failure to see Christ
in the stranger walking with them
that Easter day, their hearts too heavy
to know the joy beside them
immersed in the story,
the steps they walked
not merely studying the words
walking the road with Cleopas,
with his companion
and with our risen savior
joining them on the journey of grace
all the days of our lives to come
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
the story of the walk to Emmaus
the disciples on the road,
real for me, in the truth
their blindness real to me
the failure to see Christ
in the stranger walking with them
that Easter day, their hearts too heavy
to know the joy beside them
immersed in the story,
the steps they walked
not merely studying the words
walking the road with Cleopas,
with his companion
and with our risen savior
joining them on the journey of grace
all the days of our lives to come
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Being There With Them
On the walk, we are there, with them
on the road with our savior
feeling his story, his message
real and alive for us
hearing the words of his life
his mission, ours now
in new and right ways
Feeling the presence
of our Lord,
our hearts burning as theirs were
so long ago, on the road to Emmaus
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
on the road with our savior
feeling his story, his message
real and alive for us
hearing the words of his life
his mission, ours now
in new and right ways
Feeling the presence
of our Lord,
our hearts burning as theirs were
so long ago, on the road to Emmaus
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Squatter's Rights
By grace, we enter in,
into our Father’s house
We have squatter’s rights
immediately given, by grace
living in our Father’s house
day by day learning, growing
knowing more of the treasures there
the hidden rooms, the joys
of living there, day by day
growing in grace
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
into our Father’s house
We have squatter’s rights
immediately given, by grace
living in our Father’s house
day by day learning, growing
knowing more of the treasures there
the hidden rooms, the joys
of living there, day by day
growing in grace
April 13, 2008
Luke 24:13-35, the Walk to Emmaus,
and the sermon by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Seven Miles to Eternity: Recognized Him”,
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Psalms 23
In our Middle High Sunday School today, April 13, 2008
we read 8 different versions of Psalm 23, from The Message,
the New Jerusalem Bible, the Revised Standard Version,
the New Revised Standard Bible, the New International Version,
the Good News Bible, the King James Bible, and “A psalm for learners”.
We then each wrote our own psalm, using a template of:
God is my . . .
God leads me . . .
God restores . . .
Even when . . . I will not . . . for God . . .
God sets . . .
Surely . . .
And I will . . . my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Erica
God is my savior; he saves me from sin.
God leads me through the valley of sin and death.
God restores me with his words of live
Even when I have hatred in my heart
I will not leave him for God is
my salvation
God sets a pace for him to pace me.
Surely he will lead me home
And I will listen and love him with
my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Sara
God is my sense of direction
God leads me along the path right to take
God restores my soul and my confidence
Even when I start to stray
I will not be disobedient for God is love.
God sets the pace
Surely he will lead the way
And I will follow him
my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Ian
God is my chef
God leads me to the dinner table
God restores my stomach to a state of happiness
Even when there are brussel sprouts
I will not lament for God will
replace them with green beans
God sets my place with lots of good food
Surely I will never miss a meal
And I will eat well my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Ryan
God is my guardian who helps me when I need help
God leads me to believe what is true.
God restores my want to learn
Even when I lose all hope
I will not fail for God is on my side
God sets challenges for me in every new experience
And I will keep an open mind on how to get through
these challenges my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Jessica
God is my shepherd
God leads me home when lost
God restores hope
Even when feeling down
I will not hate for God is my God
God sets a path for me
Surely he loves me
And I will always love him
my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Ray
God is my master, the guide for my life
God leads me through the trials and joys of my days
God restores my troubled spirit
when I am afraid or unsure
Even though I seem to lose my way
I will not despair for God is
always with me
God sets a table for me, my daily bread
Surely he will use me for his purposes
And I will walk with my savior
my whole life long.
April 13, 2008
we read 8 different versions of Psalm 23, from The Message,
the New Jerusalem Bible, the Revised Standard Version,
the New Revised Standard Bible, the New International Version,
the Good News Bible, the King James Bible, and “A psalm for learners”.
We then each wrote our own psalm, using a template of:
God is my . . .
God leads me . . .
God restores . . .
Even when . . . I will not . . . for God . . .
God sets . . .
Surely . . .
And I will . . . my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Erica
God is my savior; he saves me from sin.
God leads me through the valley of sin and death.
God restores me with his words of live
Even when I have hatred in my heart
I will not leave him for God is
my salvation
God sets a pace for him to pace me.
Surely he will lead me home
And I will listen and love him with
my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Sara
God is my sense of direction
God leads me along the path right to take
God restores my soul and my confidence
Even when I start to stray
I will not be disobedient for God is love.
God sets the pace
Surely he will lead the way
And I will follow him
my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Ian
God is my chef
God leads me to the dinner table
God restores my stomach to a state of happiness
Even when there are brussel sprouts
I will not lament for God will
replace them with green beans
God sets my place with lots of good food
Surely I will never miss a meal
And I will eat well my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Ryan
God is my guardian who helps me when I need help
God leads me to believe what is true.
God restores my want to learn
Even when I lose all hope
I will not fail for God is on my side
God sets challenges for me in every new experience
And I will keep an open mind on how to get through
these challenges my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Jessica
God is my shepherd
God leads me home when lost
God restores hope
Even when feeling down
I will not hate for God is my God
God sets a path for me
Surely he loves me
And I will always love him
my whole life long.
Psalm 23 – by Ray
God is my master, the guide for my life
God leads me through the trials and joys of my days
God restores my troubled spirit
when I am afraid or unsure
Even though I seem to lose my way
I will not despair for God is
always with me
God sets a table for me, my daily bread
Surely he will use me for his purposes
And I will walk with my savior
my whole life long.
April 13, 2008
Psalm 23
God is my master, the guide for my life
God leads me through the trials and joys of my days
God restores my troubled spirit
when I am afraid or unsure
Even though I seem to lose my way
I will not despair for God is
always with me
God sets a table for me, my daily bread
Surely he will use me for his purposes
And I will walk with my savior
my whole life long.
April 13, 2008
God leads me through the trials and joys of my days
God restores my troubled spirit
when I am afraid or unsure
Even though I seem to lose my way
I will not despair for God is
always with me
God sets a table for me, my daily bread
Surely he will use me for his purposes
And I will walk with my savior
my whole life long.
April 13, 2008
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