Saturday, December 05, 2009

Joseph’s Choice

His betrothed,
with child
how can this be
what shall he do

Send her away
quietly, with respect

But an angel shared a vision
the holy spirit the means
the virgin still she remains
fulfilling the prophecy of old

But, what to do, still the same
now the child
shall be the Son of God;
oh boy!

Another father
with unlimited visitation rights
such a job;
the step-father of God!


December 5, 2009
Matthew 1:18-25
Isaiah 7:14
Isaiah 7:13-17

Tended with Love

As if a garden, our lives
the joy, love, relationship
connection with God, our families,
our friends, neighbors, even strangers
tended with love, a daily practice
of our walk, daily, seeking God’s will
his model, of living as a servant,
as Christ, his example, our brother
offering such love, in coming to the earth
fulfillment of prophecy, and more
the disciplines of his life, or prayer
meditation, time in corporate worship
all of these, ways to model
to live our lives as Christ
nurturing, watering, weeding
tending the garden of our lives
a harvest for the Lord


edited December 18, 2015
Tended with Love – v2

December 5, 2009
Tended with Love
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
Philippians 1:9-11
for December 5, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.


All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,400+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Walking to Heaven

A journey, a path
walking to heaven
the way of holiness
that we travel on
this life here on earth

Following the shepherd’s call
the word of God
speaking from within
his voice guiding our way
yoked with our brother, our king

Traveling the way of the cross
all the days of our lives
leading us to salvation
walking to heaven
a new life to begin



December 5, 2009
Isaiah 35:8a
and Day 112, “The Way of Holiness”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
& Isaiah 35:8

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

He Will Restore

The work of the potter
never fully done
going in to be reformed
restored, over the days of our lives
working out our salvation
seeking perfection in your hands
restoring us, our broken vessels
to the original plan he has for us
if we but seek his loving care
all the days of our lives



December 5, 2009
Philippians 2:12-13 and
book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
http://www.parable.com/parable/item.Walking-with-Christ-Every-Day-for-Men-Devotional.9781583344774.htm
Day 3339, “Energized for Life”
read 12/5/09
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, December 04, 2009

The Potter and the Clay

From the dust, the earth
living waters, a wet lump of clay
spinning on the potter’s wheel
a shapeless form, inert
Given breath, life
our spirits, creation
turned, molding, given shape
made by the potter
according to his plan
each unique, yet
in his image made



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html


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 20,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Working the Imperfections

Lovingly, working the imperfections
the bubbles, the things that don’t belong
refining, moldings, changing
starting anew, the potter at the wheel
Reshaping, touching the clay
his hands guiding, the dance of creation
the vessel forming, turning
becoming itself, what was hidden within
Glazed, fired, given the quickening of life
the breath of the potter onto, into the clay
the shine of the finish, reflecting his face
each in the image of God



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html


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 20,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Coaxed from the Clay

our beings, not just our forms
coaxed from the clay,
by the hands of the potter
the breath of God alive
spirit given and the stuff of the earth
each given personality, uniqueness
each of our a treasure, a vessel
worthy of God



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Hands of God

What the hands of God be
to craft the wings of butterflies,
the gossamer of clouds
the clay of human life
all about to be formed
transformed, created
from his mind’s eye
each putty, conjured
by God’s loving hands



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Loving the Work

With joy, a song in his heart
the potter shaping the clay
inert stuff of the earth
molded in his hands
a worthy vessel
beautiful to behold
strong to withstand the fires
the trials, what life has to hold
loving the world of creation
his skill beyond our imagination
each one a treasure
a wonder to behold



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html
&
Luke 15:11-32
Parable of the Prodigal Son


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Going back on the potter’s wheel

Understanding the father,
perhaps in a different way
the creator, our savior
gathering us in
his arms open wide
taking in our brokenness
placing us
back on the potter’s wheel
changing us
molding us
new clay may we be
able to move, to flow anew
shaped by the potter once again



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html
&
Luke 15:11-32
Parable of the Prodigal Son


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 20,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Remaining new clay

After the molding, the shaping
the creation of our lives
the potter still there
the firings, the heat,
the flames and trials
our struggles, our growth
ever by our side

Ever remaining new clay
alive, malleable, in
the potter’s hands
even our shards giving,
able to be whole again
as new clay, back
upon the potter’s wheel



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html


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 20,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The urgings of the potter

molded, transformed
our form taking shape
the push, the tug, the calling out
the urgings of the potter
his will, his hands, his artistry
shaping us, preparing us
worthy vessels, out into
the kiln, the crucible
the challenges of the world
ever ready to repair, to heal
to renew our brokenness
there when we are chipped
shattered, able
to make us whole once more



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Messy Work

The hands of the potter
drenched with our clay
the dust of the earth
coming to life in his hands



December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our Gathered Shards

The brokenness, the piece of our cracked
shattered vessels, the clay dropped
by our own hands
The potter, still, when we come to him
falling on our knees, running to our father
humbly, as a child, as a servant
The potter gathering our shards
the broken vessel, put upon the wheel
living waters, the potter’s tears
bringing us to life once more,
made knew, molded again
into the plan God has for us
once more new, shaped
by the potter’s loving hands


December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html

Even after we have been fired

our clay, ever open
ever wet, able to be changed
transformed by the creator
the potter, our master
even after we have been fired
baked hard in the kiln, the crucible
the trials of our lives
our wayward paths
able still to be gathered up
even broken shards
made malleable once more
able to be shaped by the potter
made whole, worthy once more
by his loving hands


December 4, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,
http://carolchil.blogspot.com/
and see: http://carolchil.blogspot.com/2009/12/for-everything-there-is-season.html

The Truth of Christ

Not the expectation only,
the experience of the fulfillment
the birth, the life,
the truth of Christ
come into the world
alive, proving covenant
steadfast love of God
prophecy fulfilled,
the names of Christ claimed
in the babe in the manger,
the lamb upon the cross
and the king on his throne
Worthy is the name of Christ
our king, may he reign!


December 4, 2009
Isaiah 9:6
and Day 110, “Prince of Peace”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
& Jeremiah 33:14-16
and Day 107, “Wonderful Counselor”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and Day 108, “Mighty God”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and Day 109, “The Eternal Christ”, in
“Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

as we await the Christ

as we await the Christ
the coming of God
the one created by the Spirit
born of human flesh

We pray your coming
this year, this year
would change our world anew
conscious of the meaning
all you say and do

The covenants, the promises
all fulfilled by your loving word
the righteous branch of Jesse
come heal us we pray



December 4, 2009
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009 to December 6, 2009
&
Jeremiah 33:14-16
Luke 1:68-79


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A time of waiting

For you Lord, your coming
a time of waiting
for your return
into the world, come
Lord, come into your creation
into each beating heart
the joy of your presence
sung from each of our lips
into this season of waiting
the wonder of the coming Christ child
alive, anew, each blessed year
come



December 4, 2009
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009 to December 3, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
&
for December 4, 2009
“Waiting Between Time and Space”
by James Schwarzlose

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

As Refugees Waiting

Waiting in this present age
refugees in this time and space
birthed into this world
but of another place

Walking on our dusty path
learning to trust in him
traveling with our brother
the Christ, our savior, the king

Not knowing the time of the end
our lives of this earthly age
only waiting, our faith sustaining
until we come to heaven’s gate

Waiting, not of this world
placed within it alone
wandering, spreading
the good news of Christ
until our days here are done.



December 4, 2009
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009 to December 3, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
&
for December 4, 2009
“Waiting Between Time and Space”
by James Schwarzlose


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hollow Praise

In the telling in Luke
the list of the powerful
the important
and of John
long going into the wilderness
claiming this place, holy ground
to proclaim the coming
the king on the earth
to prepare the way
for the Christ
to make his way straight

Hollow praise for the king
from the powerful,
those with much to lose
called to account by John
at the water’s edge
named vipers to their face
So it is in our time too
the rich men unable
to offer all to the Lord
holding onto their power



December 4, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Luke 3:1-6
for December 3, 2009
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Luke 1:57-80
&
Luke 3:2-6
&
Luke 3:1-20
&
Isaiah 40:3-6

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Furtively Waiting

I wonder how they prepared
those who John would chastise
those whom he would chide
calling them vipers
in the wilderness
how were they waiting
for the coming Christ child
were they expectantly anticipating
waiting for the coming
the king, so long prophesied
or furtively waiting
what would be of their false idols
their power, authority
when God came to earth
to claim his rightful place



December 4, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Luke 3:1-6
for December 3, 2009
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Luke 1:57-80
&
Luke 3:2-6
&
Luke 3:1-20
&
Isaiah 40:3-6


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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In a Time of Vipers

In a time of vipers
reading the words
John’s words, preaching
claiming the prophecy
the words of Isaiah
his father’s words too
when he began to speak
his role laid out

The path before him
speaking truth to the leaders
to the peoples of his age

So much like then
this modern age
all of us, Christians,
in the wilderness
standing in our rivers
in the desert places
voices crying out
in a time of vipers



December 4, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Luke 3:1-6
for December 3, 2009
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Luke 1:57-80
&
Luke 3:2-6
&
Luke 3:1-20
&
Isaiah 40:3-6

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Way of John

Like John, we are sent
to make straight the way of the Lord
to speak in the wilderness
to plan seeds of his love
going before the Lord
out into the world

Sharing the message
God’s grace alone will save
forgiveness of sin
paid by babe
when he climbed
the rugged cross
for each one of us


December 4, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Luke 3:1-6
for December 3, 2009
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Luke 1:57-80
&
Luke 3:2-6
&
Luke 3:1-20
&
Isaiah 40:3-6

A Good Work in Us

A way of living
of caring for our brothers,
our sisters, in these words

Paul’s prayer for us all
all who have found
our faith in Christ

A good work, a seed planted
the work of the gospel, good news
a good work begun in each of us

Supporting one another
even a stranger in our midst
offering help, a hand, in their time of need

A way of living
being Christ to a hurting world
hope in the work begun, fruit in the Son


Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
for December 3, 2009
Philippians 1:3-8
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
Luke 1:76-79

Advent – haiku – 3

season of waiting
Christ coming into the world
new again each year

December 3, 2009

Advent – haiku – 4

Expectantly wait
for the return, the Christ child
laid in the manger

December 3, 2009

Advent – haiku – 5

the life of the Christ
From the manger to the cross
ending in glory

December 3, 2009

Thursday, December 03, 2009

Like a Ballet

Like a ballet
turned upward
spinning, round and round
our form taking shape
upon the potter’s wheel
while in the womb,
our lives before us
from the stuff of dust
the clay comes to life
our breath, from God
taken, drawn inward
his breath giving us life
until we return to the earth


December 3, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4

The Dry Dust

The dry dust sitting
upon the good earth
picked up by the creator
given new birth
His hands creating
his image coming to life
with living water
the dust becoming clay
molded and turned
the clay on the wheel
His touch revealing our form
but dust still, clay
that is all we are
until the breath of life
is given by God


December 3, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4

Animating the Dust

The dust combined
the potter molding
living waters, his hands
coming into sight
the breath, God’s spirit
giving us life
animating the dust
creating each one, man
In his image defined
given dominion over creation
a sacred trust
while we have the breath
God within us
until we return
to the dust of earth


December 3, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wet Feet

Out of the boat
onto the waters
feeling the call of the Lord
to believe

We are his servants
the clay of the potter’s wheel
like Peter called,
to follow,
to believe

Out of our comfort
even on the tossing seas
the boat seemingly firm
only what we know
out onto the waters
called by our savior
if only we believe

Wet feet, on the waves
the waters touching our skin
our eyes on Christ
for the winds are howling
the devil calling us
to lose our focus
to doubt, in unbelief and
sink beneath the waves

We are called
by our loving savior
over the gunnels
out onto the waves
calling us to him
to walk beside him
yoked with him
is we but belief


December 3, 2009
Matthew 14:22-33

Clay Balloons (revised/completed)

Talking of the creator
God, in creating,
active and hands on
touching us, our dirt,
within the potter’s hands
adding living water
the clay of our forms
giving us life by his breath
able to fill even
clay balloons
able to fly by his breath
his spirit, life, animating the clay
until we return to the dust
from which we came
Our spirits freed
to rise to God
once more



December 3, 2009 (revised)
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4

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 20,540+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Clay Balloons

Talking of the creator
active and hands on
touching us, our dirt,
the clay of our forms
giving us life by his breath
able to fill even
clay balloons
able to fly by his breath
his spirit animating the clay
until we return to the dust
from which we came
Our spirits freed
to rise to God
once more



December 3, 2009
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

One Candle Glowing

The first candle,
one candle glowing,
beginning the season
waiting for the Christ

Sharing the flame
faint but burning
preparing our hearts
light come into the world

The wreath, a circle
endless, eternal
four point on the compass
around the center

Each candle waiting,
their turn for glory
to come to life
to prepare for his arrival


December 2, 2009
Jeremiah 33:14-16
service after
http://www.suncookumc.org/OurFamilysTable.dsp
Our Family’s Table
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH

Coming Again

Coming again
into our consciousness
the wonder of his star
the simplicity of the crèche
and the story of Mary, of Joseph
the shepherds, the wise men
our journey with them
to Bethlehem, to his birth

Coming again, the word
alive before creation
into the world, as a man
our king, our savior
the humble lamb
sacrificing himself
obedient servant
the altar of the cross

Coming again,
another prophecy fulfilled
into our hearts, into the world
now, in this season
with us on the journey
expectantly awaiting Advent
hopeful, waiting
for his coming again
at the end of the age



December 2, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for December 1, 2009


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Gifts of Hope

The Christ, coming again
the babe in the manger
balance to the excess
the falseness of this age
Bringing, offering
gifts of hope
to the thirsty, the hungry
all those in need

Triumphant king,
entering hearts open
those who are humble
aware of the meaning
his coming again
God as man into the world
the babe in the manger

Holy Spirit, with us now
guides us back to God
so we may open
gifts of hope
so freely given
offered by Christ
obedient to God’s will
going to the cross
that we may live


December 2, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for December 1, 2009

Brush Strokes in the Heavens

thin, fine, airy, lines only
brush strokes in the heavens
ribbons, painted, effortlessly
mascara lashes, vertically written
as if on angels’ eyes
suspended in the December sky
there beside the interchange
visible from many angles
precise brush strokes of the master
written on the wind



December 2, 2009 and December 3, 2009
Concord, NH
by Exit 14 on Route 93
December 2, 2009


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 27,160+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Sermon - "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH 11/29/09

Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
November 29, 2009
Isaiah 2:1-4 ESV Bible

The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray…
Creator God in heaven, it happens every year. We think that this will be the year that we will have a reflective Advent. We look forward to today and this new season, Jesus. But all around us are the signs rushing us to Christmas and some kind of celebration that equates spending with love. We need your help. We want to slow our world down. This year, more than ever, we need Advent, these weeks of reflection and longing for hope in the darkness. This year, help us to have that longing. Help us to feel it in our hearts and be aware of the hunger and thirst in our own soul. Be with us…guide us in these weeks to what you want to show us this Advent. Amen
(Adapted from “Praying Advent-http://onlineministries.creighton.edu/CollaborativeMinistry/Advent/)

Ray and I were discussing the other day when does Advent, pre-Christmas time, begin. Does it begin the Monday before Advent Sunday when he started reading the lectionary for this Sunday or does it begin on the first Sunday of Advent which is today? Well…I think we figured it out…we have solved the mystery…it begins on the day of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade, when Santa comes down the road in his sleigh. At least that’s what the world around us would say…I was also listening to the radio the other day and heard an interesting commercial. It takes place with the 3 Wise Men talking…making sure they had all the gifts for the trip to Bethlehem and so they were talking about the gifts…they had the Frankincense and Myrrh. The next gift was the one that made me stop and think…this next gift made them tell the 3rd king that he was going to show them up…the best gift for the King of Kings and Lord of Lords was Dunkin Donuts Coffee. You know…”America runs on Dunkins”. What is this world coming to? Even on Google they have put shopping right next to the News…it is just as important as News…in the short cuts at the top.

Today, we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent…that time when we begin to prepare for the celebration of the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. We are also beginning our Sermon Series “the Advent Conspiracy” when we will be looking at the Nativity story in a new and hopefully exciting way. Our prayer is that we will see the story of the babe in the manger in a way that will give us new eyes to see the world around us.

Well let’s start by looking back in time…to the time when Jesus was born. The people were looking for a savior, someone who would free them from the enemies around them. They were looking for someone to come in and take the world by storm, someone who would be a mighty warrior for them, someone who would make things right. In Isaiah, we see a description of that very person (one of many descriptions found in the Hebrew Bible). It is found in the 2nd chapter verses 1-4 and it reads (And I’m reading from the ESV version of the Bible):

Isaiah 2: 1-4 ESV
The Mountain of the LORD
“ 1The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
2It shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be lifted up above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, 3and many peoples shall come, and say:"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob, that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths." For out of Zion shall go the law, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.4He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples;
and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.”

But the Savior of the world was not born in some castle, he was not of noble birth, he was not found among the elite. The story of the Savior began in a lowly stable and the news of His birth did not come to the kings of that time or even to the royal court. The news of his birth came to shepherds in a field…to commoners like you and me.’

And here we are now, over two thousand years later. We are celebrating the birth of a King, of a Savior, the One who came into the world and turned it upside down. But somewhere along the line things got mixed up for some people. Instead of waiting expectantly for the day we celebrate His birth, they fill our lives with the “Business of the season”. Instead of looking towards the star they are looking towards the next sale. Instead of spending time with family and friends they are spending time with strangers in a line. Instead of remembering the reason for the season they are trying to remember what they bought Uncle John last year so they don’t get the same this year. They are busy making their list and checking it twice. Oh what blessings they are missing out on because of their priorities. Their priorities, unfortunately, are temporal not eternal.

I would like to end my sermon with a few questions for us to ponder (and some of them are from the Advent Conspiracy

1. What if this year we spend more time with our families instead of time shopping?
2. What if we made gifts with family instead of spending the money in stores?
3. What if we used the extra money to help those without?
4. What if we got back to the true meaning of Christmas?

It’s not about the parades
It’s not about the gifts under the tree
It’s not even about the decorations
It’s about the gift that was given so long ago, in a manger
It’s about a tiny baby that came to change the world, to change how we think and act, to change how we see our brother and sister.

5. What if we changed what was on our Christmas list this year?

(Play “Grown up Christmas List”)

Amen

Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy


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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 39,230+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Spoke Time Into Existence

God, by his will,
by his voice
creating light
into the darkness
beginning, day, night
bound by God’s word
the waters separated,
the dry land, appearing;
God, spoke time into existence,
life, light, waters,
the creation begun
all by God’s word, his voice
all that is, that was, that will yet be
by his power alone


December 2, 2009
part of video from Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1137883230?bctid=1509297822

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

Link to NRCAT's Agenda for 2009 and list of accomplishments (received via email 11/30/09)

Thank you, thank you, thank you for your efforts over the past few years. You've helped us halt the use of torture in detainee interrogations and close secret prisons - see (http://www.nrcat.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=285&Itemid=202) NRCAT's agenda for 2009 and our accomplishments during the year. Now we need to make sure that U.S.-sponsored torture never happens again.

Together we need to:

Establish a Commission of Inquiry on U.S.-sponsored torture since 9/11, so that we understand what we did, learn what safeguards are needed and develop a moral consensus to never let it happen again. A statement calling for a Commission of Inquiry has been signed by thousands of people of faith and almost sixty religious organizations including the General Convention of the Episcopal Church, the Islamic Society of North America and the General Assembly of the Unitarian Universalist Association of Congregations.

Build among people of faith a large majority who believe torture is always wrong, without exception. Polls show that too many people of faith believe torture is acceptable. We need to change that through education and outreach. NRCAT is currently working on the "300 in 30" project in which 300 congregations will view and discuss our video "Ending U.S.-Sponsored Torture Forever."

Put into law the key elements of the Executive Order ending U.S.-sponsored torture. An executive order is not permanent law; a new President can repeal it. We need to put into law the provisions of the Executive Order.

You can help us do this important work by donating just $25. If each person receiving this email donates just $25 to NRCAT, we can carry out our program; your $25 gift to NRCAT is tax-deductible. Please take a minute now to contribute online. You may also send a check to the National Religious Campaign Against Torture, 110 Maryland Ave. NE, Suite 502, Washington, DC 20002.

We look forward to working with all of you as we take these critical next steps.

Thank you.
Sincerely,

Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard L. Killmer, Executive Director

Monday, November 30, 2009

Prophecy Fulfilled

Proclaiming, filled with the holy spirit
the prophecy fulfilled
Christ, the Messiah come
to save us, to fulfill the promise
the root, the shoot
God creating a righteous branch
from David’s holy line
Divine man, Christ
born a lowly birth
His son, given as Samuel
to be a servant of the Lord
Together preparing the way
the Way of life revealed
the prophecy of old fulfilled
just as God said he would


November 30, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Given us a Savior

Not sometime in the future
not a prophesy of another time
Zechariah speaking, filled with the spirit
for God has given us a savior
come to save the world
knowing he is come
though he was still in the womb
the son of Mary, the cousin
of his own child
ready to enter the world
God as man, alive
Here to fulfill the ancient scriptures
of Isaiah and the rest
come to bring us back to God
oh eternal happiness


November 30, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

Faithful, though we are not

Signs, prophesies, promises
fulfilled, God faithful
though we are not
when we break the covenants
stray from the law, from God
his love remains
steadfast, constant
returning us to the father
throughout the stories
the people of the book
ultimately leading
the fulfillment of the promise
the coming of Christ
the Messiah, God, love,
walking on the earth
coming as the babe in the manger
reconciling us to God
through his life, his death
on the cross, sacrificing
his life for us all



November 30, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Loving Us

God, prophesy complete
loving us, even when we doubt
even when we turn from his ways
giving us his son
to guide us back to him
John’s father speaking
the words of power
to the one who was mute
speaking of the day now come
the father sending his son
to heal the brokenness of earth
just as had been foretold



November 30, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

His Promise Alive

the words of God
the covenants of old
written in the prophets
the words of scripture
His promise alive
heralded into the world
by the priest, the mute
given voice
Spirit filled, words to proclaim
the dawn of a new age
Christ entering into the world;
make the way straight for the Lord



November 30, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/


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 19,810+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

given Voice

the mute given voice
ready to speak, to prophesy
to the one who was to come
come now, into the world
fulfilling the promise of God

another, born of his line
to be the one to make the way
to prepare the way for the Lord
leading us to him
offering us a way to enter in
out of the wilderness



November 30, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/


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 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.



Filled

Given voice, filled with the Spirit
after months with no ability to speak
proclaiming the son of God
come to save the earth
his son a harbinger
the one to go before the Lord
crying out in the wilderness
prepare the way of the king



November 30, 2009
Luke 1:68-79
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-november-30-december-6/
for November 30, 2009
&
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Prophesied about his Son

In the instant, his silence removed
praising God
for the fulfillment of the word
the son of God
come to earth
in the naming of his son
his future, his mission revealed
prophesied about his son
he too part of God’s plan
the one who would prepare
the way for the holy one
preaching the wilderness
the one, the voice
crying out



November 30, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
Luke 1:76-79
for December 3, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Before He was Born

The Priest prophesied
while He was yet in the womb,
the king of kings
the Messiah already come
come into the world to save
out of his silence
a wellspring of words
the promise of God fulfilled



November 30, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Messengers – haiku - 1

the heralds of God
messengers sent from heaven
prophets of the word



November 30, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Messengers – haiku – 2

harbingers, heralds
speaking the truth of God’s love
his word for people



November 30, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord


Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 42,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Zechariah

Entering the holy of holies
the priest struck dumb by his disbelief
given voice upon his birth
a messenger, a prophet of God
proclaiming the arrival of Christ
before his son
a voice crying out
in the wilderness



November 30, 2009
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
Malachi 3:1
for November 30, 2009
Malachi 3:2-4
for December 1, 2009
Luke 1:68-75
for December 2, 2009
by F. Douglas Powe, Jr.
&
Isaiah 2:1-4
Jeremiah 33:14-15
Luke 1:46-50 (Call to Worship) and
sermon, “It’s Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
November 29, 2009
First Sunday of Advent
part of a series of sermons,
using the Advent Conspiracy
http://www.adventconspiracy.org/

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 42,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.