Saturday, February 06, 2010

Footprints of the Eternal

Miracles revealed
the steps of God
footprints of the eternal
touching the lives of man

Love interacting
transforming the creation
in faith alone
bringing us closer to God


February 6, 2010
Matthew 1:23
Luke 1:34-38
Luke 1:37
and Day 145, “The Supernatural Event”, 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
read 2/6/10



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Nothing Impossible

Nothing impossible
creator of heaven and earth
immaculate conception
the parting of the seas
Dry bones in the desert
Jonah leaving the whale
Christ rising from the dead

All of these
for the God of creation
the God of love
nothing impossible
life, eternity


February 6, 2010
Matthew 1:23
Luke 1:34-38
Luke 1:37
and Day 145, “The Supernatural Event”, 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
read 2/6/10



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

As You Have Said

Mary’s loving response
to the words of the angel
Let it be
as you have said
formally accepting
the charge of her life
becoming a vessel
outpouring of God’s love


February 6, 2010
Matthew 1:23
Luke 1:34-38
Luke 1:37
and Day 145, “The Supernatural Event”, 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
read 2/6/10



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Believing in his promises

Those who believed
before faith had a name
even before there was a people
before the words written down

Acting, believing in his promises
the word of God worthy
a genealogy, a family history

Remembering the forefathers
the patriarchs, in their faith
setting an example for us
trusting in the Lord


February 6, 2010
Hebrews 11:1-16
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=6&year=2010
for February 6, 2010,
Hebrews 11:1-16
Hebrews 11:1
2 Corinthians 5:7
“Unfulfilled Promises”,
by Colette Willliams
read 2/6/2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Bringing Her Home

An early start
back by her side
hearing the good news
she was going home today

Packing her things
Bringing her home
back to our family
safe, sleeping in our bed
her kitten by her side.


February 6, 2010


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 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Leaving Her With Them

An act of faith
in them an in You
leaving her with them
knowing it is what I must do

Home without her here
so hard to let her go
unable to sleep
how I miss her so.



February 6, 2010
February 4, 2010 (7:30 to 23:30)



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 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Waiting for Her

Waiting
with other strangers
for the word to come

The doctor’s face
her smile, telling me
all had gone well

Waiting
with the others
that I could see her

Her face
her hand
resting in my own

Waiting
with her
now in her room

Time
to rest and heal
no longer alone

Waiting
until I had to leave
go home to the girls

Same as before
back at home
except she was not there

Waiting
to return to her
unable to sleep



February 6, 2010
February 4, 2010 (7:30 to 23:30)



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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Word of Hope

A Word of hope
to change our history
the world transformed
what happened on that day

The first disciples
on the sea, watching Christ preach
nets into other seas

Taking them with him
bringing in a mighty harvest
fish filling their holds

A word of hope,
come, follow me;
casting nets into other seas
oh God, bringing men to thee.


February 6, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
for February 6, 2010 (Luke 5:1-11)
&
Isaiah 6:1-8 – Isaiah in the throne room
Luke 5:1-11 – Peter, James, and John by Lake Galilee
Acts 9:1-9 – Saul/Paul on the Damascus Road
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 1, 2010
for February 2, 2010
for February 3, 2010
and for February 4, 2010


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 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Needing God

Bound by my humanity
unable to turn from my sin
needing God, Christ,
the spirit within me
to change from the world
to walk with the Lord
to turn my life
over to him


February 6, 2010
Genesis 2:8-9
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
Genesis 3:16-24
Psalm 33:3-9 (Call to Worship)
Ephesians 5:21-33
and preview of sermon,
“The Book of Genesis: What is This Thing Called Love”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Worship service after Our Family’s Table
Mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
on the meaning of “being made in the image of God”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 13, 2010
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4
(read responsively by the congregation,
speaking the words of God)
Psalm 19:1-13
Congregational Centering hymn:
“Let All Things Now Living”
Faith We Sing, #2008
Anthem: “The Time Between”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/music/timebetween-crider.pdf
by R. Frederick Crider, Jr. (Ps. 31:14-15)
and sermon, “The Book of Genesis: The Story of Our Beginning”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
based in part on Chapter One (Genesis 1:1-2:3),
of book, Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt and Joshua Horwitz
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 10, 2010
First Sunday in Epiphany
(Baptism of the Lord Sunday)
&
Psalm 8:4-5 (KJV)
“What is man, that thou art mindful of him? and the son of man, that thou visitest him? For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels, and hast crowned him with glory and honour.”


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 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friday, February 05, 2010

Mercy for the Stranger

The abject example
the lesson of the story
showing mercy for strangers
on the Jericho Road

The unclean stranger
helped by the other
not by his people
tied to ritual

Being love, in his action,
offering the stranger
mercy, assistance
just what he needed
as the Lord would want.

The teaching of our savior
in the answer to the lawyer
how to live righteously
by how we treat the stranger
offering what they need.



February 5, 2010
Luke 10:25-37
The Good Samaritan
&
Micah 6:8
and Day 136, “What the Lord Requires”, 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
read 2/2/10

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

What was so different

In the beginning, claiming Isaiah
something different,
about his ministry
in the asserting, the fulfillment
setting a course
a collision with authority

His mission, his purpose
stirring the waters
changing the understanding
the truth about God
the Messiah come
to set the people free



February 5, 2010
Luke 4:14-30
Isaiah 61:1
Luke 5:1-11
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 2, 2010



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 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Unlike the Others

Not like the scribes, the Pharisees,
speaking with power, with authority
not able to stay, to preach in his hometown
sent into the country
to share his message of God’s love
something different, unlike the others
drawing a crowd, everywhere he went
a powerful message, rich and profound
changing history, as the word got around



February 5, 2010
Luke 4:14-30
Luke 5:1-11
and Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 2, 2010



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 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Her Cross near My Heart

Before the surgery
taking off her jewelry
she put her cross, necklace
over my head
wearing this symbol
the nails into a cross
her cross near my heart
as I tried to sleep


February 5, 2010
Ruth’s cross


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 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, February 04, 2010

Not What We Do for God

Grace alone, by grace alone
not what we do for God
living by faith,
by him justified
In Christ we live again.

His walk up Calvary’s hill
ascending the cross
nothing I have done in his name
these are the means
of my new life
my acts alone in vain.



February 4, 2010
Habakkuk 2:4
and Day 139, “Living by Faith”, 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
read 2/4/10



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,700+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Calling to Write

Not oblique,
something unclear
not with words grandiose
a calling to write clear and terse

Poetry, beauty
in the straightforward
message from God
the words I hear in my heart

Called to share freely from him
to the ends of the earth
Comfort, hope, one truth revealed,
the love of Christ complete.

By his grace alone
we are made whole
our eternal lives restored.


=====
edited January 13, 2016
A Calling to Write – v4
(editing version 3)
edited November 4, 2015
A Calling to Write – v3
(editing version 2)
July 6, 2015
A Calling to Write – v2
August 30, 2011
Hearing Your Words
written after looking up the earlier poem,
“A Calling to Write”
February 4, 2010
A Calling to Write
Habakkuk 2:2
Habakkuk 1
Habakkuk 2:1-3
and Day 138, “Write the Revelation”, in
 “Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
read 2/4/10
&
==================
edited January 13, 2016
Inspiration Poetry – v6
(merging edits to version 3, version 4, and version 5)
(I know, this is part of the craft thing…)
edited  November 17, 2015
Inspiration Poetry – v5
(editing version 3)
edited  November 5, 2015
Inspiration Poetry – v4
(editing version 3)
edited November 4, 2015
Inspiration Poetry – v3
(merging version 2 and original)
Edited September 4, 2012
“Inspiration Poetry – v2”
May 24, 2009
“Inspiration Poetry”



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 40,650+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Spirit of Christ

The Counselor, here with us now
living within our hearts
the Spirit of Christ (not just of God)
understanding the trials of this life

As was promised
here, today, guiding our way
even in times of storm and strife
our rock, our fortress
right by our side
there when we call out to him



February 4, 2010
John 14:1-3, 12-18, 25-27
Psalm 46 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 23
and sermon, “When Your World Come Crashing Down”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
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
February 7, 2010



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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Fear Not in the Storm

Turning to our creator
the spirit living within
our strength from the generations
our refuge, our sanctuary in him

Fear not in the storm
God is by our side
going with us through the trials of life
a promise in his holy word



February 4, 2010
John 14:1-3, 12-18, 25-27
Psalm 46 (Call to Worship)
Psalm 23
and sermon, “When Your World Come Crashing Down”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
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
February 7, 2010

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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Walking Humbly with Our God

Aware of the distance
how far below the father
mere copies of God
made in his image alone

From this vantage
how can we claim sovereignty
control of our lives
when we are made of clay

Walking humbly with our God
grateful for all he does
answering his call
spreading his message of love
open and free for all.


February 4, 2010
Micah 6:8
and Day 136, “What the Lord Requires”, 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
read 2/2/10



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Loving Mercy for the Strangers

Like the story of the Good Samaritan
loving mercy for the stranger
for they are our neighbors
we have yet to meet

Our brothers, our sisters
children of our father
precious in his eyes
just as you and me

All of us equal
all part of the one body
brothers and sisters of Christ
all part of the family.



February 4, 2010
Micah 6:8
and Day 136, “What the Lord Requires”, 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
read 2/2/10



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Acting Justly with Our Neighbors

We are called
to truly live our faith
acting justly with our neighbors
treating others as we would want ourselves

The yardstick easy
if we could be behind the lens
seeing how we live
from the other side

The measure of our lives
the name we cherish
children of his flock
treating others with love.


February 4, 2010
Acting Justly with Our Neighbors
Micah 6:8
and Day 136, “What the Lord Requires”, in
 “Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
read 2/2/10

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 37,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Voice of God Speaking

In our calling, as with these others,
a personal message from our creator
the voice of God speaking
calling us to ministry
the work of our Lord

Telling the world
the truth about our maker
his love for his creation
wanting us to turn to him

Each of these stories
words of conversion
turning from their prior lives
into servants for our king

Going willingly
in that a lesson
trusting more in our God
answering with them,
“Here I am. Send me.”


February 4, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-8 – Isaiah in the throne room
Luke 5:1-11 – Peter, James, and John by Lake Galilee
Acts 9:1-9 – Saul/Paul on the Damascus Road
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 1, 2010
for February 2, 2010
for February 3, 2010
and for February 4, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

The Clearest Message

For the first disciples
standing on the seashore
hearing the words of Christ
come, follow me

The Christ before them
at the start of his ministry
calling them to him
come, follow me

We make life difficult
so many things in the way
our Lord with us, calling us also
come, follow me



February 4, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010
for February 4, 2010



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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Changing His Direction

The path of his life changed
completely reversing direction
in blinding light
going a different way

An epiphany on the road,
in the voice of Christ clarity
aware of his sin
the error of his way

Becoming a zealot
now of the truth, the Way
a saving by grace
by the love of the lamb

Repenting, changing
on the road preaching
an instrument of Christ
going where he was called.



February 4, 2010
Acts 9:1-9
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 3, 2010
read February 4, 2010



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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Nature of His Calling

For one a question,
who would be willing
for another, a command
come and follow me
and last, a voice from heaven
why are you persecuting me

Each of them different
the nature of their calling
yet all of them hearing
the voice of the living God

Calling them to service
to change their direction
willing servants of God
going and doing the master’s will



February 4, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-8
Luke 5:1-11
Acts 9:1-9
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 1, 2010
for February 2, 2010
for February 3, 2010
and for February 4, 2010




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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Question from God

A question, not a command from God
to which he was quick to answer
burned by the embers
made clean, able to speak

Offering his service
boldly answering
a question from God
“Here I am. Send me.”


edited September 5, 2015
A Question from God – v2
February 4, 2010
A Question from God
Isaiah 6:1-8
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 1, 2010
and for February 4, 2010


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 39,150+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Volunteering for Service

Standing before our maker
God, the Lord eternal
responding to the call of God
“Here I am. Send me.”

Volunteering for service
hard duty, judgment
a messenger of God
to a deaf, blind people
their hearts like the Pharaoh’s
hardened that his will be done

Speaking the word of God
that there would be hope in the future
the root beneath the stump
living in the ground
to sprout and grown once again


February 4, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-8
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 1, 2010
and for February 4, 2010




Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

If He Had Known What Would Be Asked on Him

Standing in the throne room
before the presence of God
the heavenly beings
singing praises to the Lord
ever mindful of his sin

Would he have been so quick to offer
to say, “Here I am. Send me,”
if he had known would have been asked of him
the judgment of the Lord
hardening the hearts of the people
that his will be done


February 4, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-13
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 1, 2010
and for February 4, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Surrounded by Light

On the road to Damascus
to capture those of the Way
his life changed,
turned around

Surrounded by light
a voice from above
called to account by Christ
the mission of his life

Blinded by that holy fire
dependent on others, to guide him
told to trust, to believe
in darkness he waited to be healed


February 4, 2010
Acts 9:1-9
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 3, 2010
read February 4, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

An Epiphany of Light

Not like the Magi
following a distant star
Saul changed forever
on the Damascus Road

Sent from the Temple
charged to kill the faithful
devoted to his mission
until his Epiphany of Light

Blinded in that instant
hearing Christ’s voice from heaven
calling him to change forever
the purpose of his life


February 4, 2010
Acts 9:1-9
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 3, 2010
read February 4, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

A Voice in the Light

Blind in that moment
but given new, perfect sight
Saul heard a voice in the light
calling him to repent of his way
to do what was right

A zealot for Jesus
showing all the way
faithful disciple
until his dying day

Transformed on the road
his life forever changed;
leading others to the savior
his work on earth reformed.


February 4, 2010
Acts 9:1-9
and
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for February 3, 2010
read February 4, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

His Creation

While we are stewards
living in the garden
walking on this earth
upon this mortal coil

This is His creation
made by the one true God
bound by his imagination
by his word spoken into being
by his love sustained

We are to love the world
to rule and to govern
ever mindful of our place
only tenants of the land
of this, God’s creation
in our time here below


February 4, 2010
Genesis 1:1-31
Psalm 24:1
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=4&year=2010
for February 4, 2010,
“Caretakers”,
by Joann Anderson
read 2/4/2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

A Caretaker of the Earth

Not the one sovereign
far less than God
the creator of heaven and earth
Humans he made
servants below
each of us a caretaker of the earth

Stewards of our master
loving the creation
tending the garden below
spreading the seeds of his message
that with his love
they may grow

Only here for a season
each of us in our time
caring for the garden
so others may enjoy
the wonders of his handiwork
all creation to behold


February 4, 2010
Genesis 1:1-31
Psalm 24:1
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=4&year=2010
for February 4, 2010,
“Caretakers”,
by Joann Anderson
read 2/4/2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

God Speaking Light

Into the darkness
when there was nothing else
no eyes to see
God speaking light
into the world
what wonders he revealed

The chaos reigned in
bounds for the darkness and light
the waters kept in their place
the sky, the dome
above the dry land
the world fashioned with love


February 4, 2010
Genesis 1:1-10


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Shaping Creation

No shape to creation
no heaven above
no sky, no earth below
only the Lord,
his breath on the deep
chaos, a void complete

Into the dark
God spoke the light
separating the day from the night
the waters above
the waters below
dry land to sustain life

The shape, order made,
by his voice made whole
all of creation part of his plan
by his power and love


February 4, 2010
Genesis 1:1-10


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

More than Silver, More than Gold

More than silver, more than gold
more precious than worldly gifts
healing was what he could offer
all that he could give

Using the name of the risen Christ
a balm for his body and soul
making him well, making him whole,
by the name of the Lord
far more than silver or gold


February 4, 2010
Acts 3:1-10
Acts 3:6
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=3&year=2010
for February 3, 2010,
“What is Needed”,
by Lena Kim
read 2/4/2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

What I have I give you

A beggar all his life
crippled and unclean
sitting, begging at the Beautiful Gate
unable to enter in

Peter having pity,
compassion for this man
more to offer him
than the request silver or gold

“What I have I give you”, said Peter,
invoking the name of the Lord
Arise and walk
he was made whole

Changed by this gift
in the name of the Christ
the one who came down to earth
the lame was made to walk



February 4, 2010
Acts 3:1-10
Acts 3:6
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=3&year=2010
for February 3, 2010,
“What is Needed”,
by Lena Kim
read 2/4/2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

He Has Never Left Me

Though I have been angry
selfish, rejecting my God,
going the way of the world

He has never left me
there by my side
waiting, hopeful
when I turned back from him
his loving arms opened wide

Waiting for me, to change my ways
to let go of my pride
to walk more humbly
my way conformed to him

Following his plan for my life
but he was never leaving
right by my side
when I turned back to him
his loving arms opened wide


February 4, 2010
Psalm 138
Psalm 138:8 (KJV)
“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
for February 3, 2010,
read February 4, 2010
and
Story of the Prodigal Son


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Never Quit on Me

Lord, never quit on me
though I am broken and weak
Lift me up on my feet
your presence is what I seek

Walk beside me Lord,
all of my days
let me be yoked to thee
my way easier
with you by my side
my rock, my comfort be.


February 4, 2010
Psalm 138
Psalm 138:8 (KJV)
“The LORD will perfect that which concerneth me: thy mercy, O LORD, endureth for ever: forsake not the works of thine own hands.”
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
for February 3, 2010,
read February 4, 2010



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Even in His Fading Memory

Even in his fading memory
serving the church that he loves

The dishes, the wiring
the work of his hands
serving this church with love

Available when the workmen come
opening up the church
making their way smoother
there while the work is done

Offering a helping hand
all of the effort worthy you see
in this his ministry


February 4, 2010
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
and
Psalm 138
Psalm 138:8
and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
for February 3, 2010,
read February 4, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Help Me to Be Humble

Lord, stay by my side
all of the days of my life
whether happy or sad

Needing you with me
on my walk on this earth
there for me in trouble,
when I feel your grace
even in pain.

Help me to be humble
not proud of my own abilities
aware of my iniquity
my need to trust in thee.


February 4, 2010
Psalm 138

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Fluff and Fold

Racing to her meeting
gulping down dinner
racing to the door
but she ran to the little room

To catch a glance in the mirror
to fluff and fold her new-found locks
before going out in the cold


February 4, 2010
Fluff and Fold
about 2/1/2010 before girl scouts

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 37,370+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Shadow of the Car

A perfect reflection
the dusting of the snow remaining
scraped like the rest
but never melting to black

In the shadow of my car
the lee of its standing
the white remaining on the tar
maybe a dusty gray


February 4, 2010
about 2/3/2010

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Blog - 6 years old

Poetry Where You Live is 6 years old today.



Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

Copyright template

To be more purposeful in documenting my claim of copyright on the poetry, all subsequent posts will have the template below, not just at the bottom of the blog's template

Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Taking Time for God

In the prayer request in the email
the verse to challenge me in another
taking time for God each day
in all we do and say
How easy to lose our focus on God
to follow the path of the world instead
taking time for God
remembering he is the center of our life
should be far easier than following the crowd
when they are lost like us


February 3, 2010

where God shines more fully

when we are not looking
not paying attention,
when we are blind
not seeking the Lord

that is when God shines more fully
in unlikely places
in faces where we would not expect
to see the face of God

there because he loves us
sent his only son
who promised to be with us
until our work here is done

going before us,
the father, spirit, son
a pillar of fire in the night
or maybe the person
at the grocery store



February 3, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-13
for February 2, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
read 2/2/2010
&
Exodus 13:20-22 (God in towering cloud and pillar of fire)
Exodus 16:1-5 (God’s promise of quail and manna)
Matthew 28:20b (Jesus saying he would be with us to the end of the age)
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=2&year=2010
for February 2, 2010,
“Through the Wilderness”,
by Ted De Hass
read 2/2/2010

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 20,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God in Unlikely Places

Not like Isaiah
in the throne room of God
he comes to us here below
God found in unlikely places
where we do not know

Coming to us
in the faces we meet
strangers often to us
unexpected moments of grace
when we are open to them


February 3, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-13
for February 2, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
read 2/2/2010

God Revealed as an Infant

God descended from heaven
onto this mortal plane
revealed as an infant
to suffer and die in pain

But more than that one moment
that time when Christ walked the earth
God revealed in moments
coincidences we cannot explain

One such time for me happening
when I was far from home on a trip
on the waters of the Allagash
reminded of his providence

The man who I asked about the found paddle
lying abandoned in the brush
was the contractor working
on the bank where my uncle worked

Hundred miles from either of our homes
from different directions we had come
but God revealed to me
now in my memory
how close we all are together
what a comfort in his providence


February 3, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-13
for February 2, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
read 2/2/2010
&
memory from 1976
the bank was in Westfield, MA
and I lived in Claremont, NH.
The Allagash was 500 miles from home
and 400 miles from the bank

Coming Not as a King

Christ, God, love
came into the world
not as a king upon his throne

As a baby in the humble manger
the man dying on the cross

Love came down from heaven
to wear a thorny crown
offering love as a sacrifice
that we may live again


February 3, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-13
for February 2, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
read 2/2/2010

His Presence Before Me

Seeking the face of God
his walking next to me
feeling his presence beside
before me, on this mortal trail
Going like a pillar of fire
through the dark of this world
sensing God in the grace he shared
in this creation all around
My way made easier
when I cleave to my Lord
walking with my God
every single day



February 3, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-13
for February 2, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
read 2/2/2010

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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Living in Epiphany

Living in Epiphany
time on this earth
not just in one season
worshipping our savior’s birth
Seeking the Christ
our God where we are
loving our neighbor
seeing the face of God



February 3, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-13
for February 2, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
read 2/2/2010

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 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Seeking God

In the season, Epiphany
ever seeking
trying to find God
the Christ
everywhere we go

Looking for the babe
the king, ascending
hoping to find the face of God
in everyone we meet
Seeking God
in this, his creation
hoping to find
his grace, his mercy
in this troubled place


February 3, 2010
Isaiah 6:1-13
for February 2, 2010
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010,
“Epiphanies”,
by V.H. “Sonnye” Dixon, Jr
read 2/2/2010

Leading, Following

Leading us when we let him
following with us in the wilderness
God, beside us
walking with us
all of our days

God’s promise to Moses in the desert
the same as the promise of Christ
as he left this earthly plane
Our master with us
his presence ever
providing for us
with us on our way


February 3, 2010
Exodus 13:20-22 (God in towering cloud and pillar of fire)
Exodus 16:1-5 (God’s promise of quail and manna)
Matthew 28:20b (Jesus saying he would be with us to the end of the age)
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=2&year=2010
for February 2, 2010,
“Through the Wilderness”,
by Ted De Hass
read 2/2/2010

Through Our Wilderness

God’s promise, to always be with us
to provide for our needs
wherever we may go
There with us in whatever wilderness
protecting and guiding us
all of our days
We must only be faithful
believing our creator
our savior with us
right by our side



February 3, 2010
Exodus 13:20-22 (God in towering cloud and pillar of fire)
Exodus 16:1-5 (God’s promise of quail and manna)
Matthew 28:20b (Jesus saying he would be with us to the end of the age)
and
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=2&day=2&year=2010
for February 2, 2010,
“Through the Wilderness”,
by Ted De Hass
read 2/2/2010

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 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Message Repeating

The message repeating
all through scripture
from the beginning of the bible
to the end of the age

All about living
humbly, as a servant
loving our neighbor
and walking with God

So much lost through our folly
our arrogance, trying to play God
that we somehow were better
than our neighbor
that being made in the image
made us like God

So far from perfect,
loving as Christ did
all of us stumbling
heavy feet made of clay

But the message repeating
all through scripture
the words of the prophet
here is summary
God wanting us
to do what is right
to love our neighbor
and to walk humbly
before almighty God



February 3, 2010
Micah 6:8
Micah 6:6-7
Micah 6:1-16
and Day 136, “What the Lord Requires”, 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
read 2/2/10

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Love an Actor

Love an actor
moving within us
God, being love
moving under our skin
His spirit living
indwelling within us
in this we are made
worthy before God

We are unable,
ourselves to be made perfect
perfection a journey
walking with Christ
our answer in scripture
over and over
the way to walk
loving our neighbors
humbly with our God


February 3, 2010
Micah 6:8
Micah 6:6-7
Micah 6:1-16
and Day 136, “What the Lord Requires”, 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
read 2/2/10

Not the Desert of Sinai

God declaring
through the words of the prophet
not the desert of Sinai
sacrifices burned on the altar
instead the truth of our worship
faithful devotion
in the living of our lives
how we walk day to day

Loving our neighbors,
caring for even strangers
reverently walking,
humbly with our God
Letting the creator lead us
the still voice speaking
leading us to mercy
sharing our lives with them

Nothing so much
giving in offering
than the way we carry
ourselves through the day
Love a verb moving
into the world with us
manifest love of God
in how we love one another and
in how we approach his throne



February 3, 2010
Micah 6:8
Micah 6:6-7
Micah 6:1-16
and Day 136, “What the Lord Requires”, 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
read 2/2/10

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Called Up Again

Not what was expected,
our country continuing
a long drawn out war
in the lands so far away

Called up again,
his unit going
deployed once again
to the heat of the desert

Going, faithful,
servants of their country
following their orders
the call to go and stand

On point in the wilderness
hoping to serve us with courage
standing in the breach
between chaos and life

Doing their duty
faithful, with honor
praying that all of them
will come back safe from harm


February 3, 2010
on 3rd deployment of Adam Doucette,
member of Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,410+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Throne of Calvary

In the story, the cross looming
the death of our savior
taking on our sin
to set us free from death

Redeeming us with his offering
his sacrifice on the altar
choose to climb
the throne of Calvary

Changing history
all humans worthy
by the blood of the Christ
spilled on the altar
of God’s love



February 3, 2010

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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Very Good – haiku

Creator naming
man, creation very good
in his image made



February 3, 2010
day 6 of creation
Genesis


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 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Leading

The sign of the migration
the seasons changing
the geese calling
coming together
a giant V in the sky
leading, at the apex
one and then another
taking turns
so the flock may make its way
together, in unison
spelling one another
all taking turns
that all make be safe



February 3, 2010

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 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tuesday, February 02, 2010

Coneflowers in the Snow

Sentries, standing tall, erect
waiting for spring
the coneflowers in the snow
frozen in place
green long gone,
the brown turning to gray
the seeds still there
save for those the birds picked
standing with the flocks,
the other garden plants,
tall above the snow



February 2, 2010

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 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

email of 2/2/2010 from General Board of Church and Society, The United Methodist Church

Join the Feb. 7 Day of Prayer for Criminal Justice Reform!!

Dear Raymond,

I want to invite you to join with people of faith throughout the United States on Feb. 7 to pray for criminal justice reform. We are asking churches to take part or all of their prayer time in this Sunday's service to lift up the prayer items that follow. Please e-mail me and tell me the name of your church and the city and state where you are located, if you do lift up these prayers.
Facts to consider and share with your congregation:

With 5% of the world’s population, the United States holds 25% of the world’s incarcerated.

In the United States, 1 in every 100 people is incarcerated and 2/3 of those in prison are black or Latino.

Black men serving senten.es account for 4,618 per 100,000; Hispanic males 1,747, and Anglo males 773. This means that black males were 6 times more likely, and Hispanic males twice as likely as Anglos to be held in custody.

There are more than 8,000 reported incidents of sexual assault in prisons each year.
The number of unreported incidents cannot be estimated.

In 2007, 82.7% of crack cocaine defendants were African-American despite the fact that only 18% of crack cocaine users in the U.S. are African-Americans.

Every year across the U.S., 200,000 youths are tried, sentenced or incarcerated as adults and on any given day, nearly 7,500 youths are locked up in adult jails, and 2,600 are locked up in adult prisons.

These are just some of the reasons we know the current system is broken.

Therefore, we must pray for reform of the criminal justice system, for empowerment of faith communities to advocate for reforms, and for moral and accountable leadership by our elected leaders to bring about just and humane reform.

Please e-mail me and let me know your church is participating and the city and state where you are located and share this with everyone else you know who might be interested:

bmefford@umc-gbcs.org.

All you need to do is have your church spend part or all of the prayer time during its worship service lifting up these specific prayer needs:

A fair criminal justice system based on restorative principles that do not sentence people to unjustly long sentences or target certain racial groups, so that the families of the incarcerated can be strengthened and local communities safely restored.

Empowerment of churches to serve those directly affected by the criminal justice system, by caring for victims of crime, providing necessary programs for ex-offenders seeking to reenter society, supporting families affected by crime, and advocating for reform of the criminal justice system.

The moral leadership and accountability of elected leaders to support legislation that reflects the values of restorative justice and will care for victims of crime, eliminate unjust and unsafe treatment in the criminal justice system, and provide for in-prison, reentry and prevention programs to avert future crimes.

As always, as you participate in the Day of Prayer, please let me know the name of your church, and the city and state in which you are located: bmefford@umc-gbcs.org.
The United Methodist Church’s position on the criminal justice system is:

In the love of Christ, who came to save those who are lost and vulnerable, we urge the creation of a genuinely new system for the care and restoration of victims, offenders, criminal justice officials, and the community as a whole. Restorative justice grows out of biblical authority, which emphasizes a right relationship with God, self and community. When such relationships are violated or broken through crime, opportunities are created to make things right. (Social Principles, ¶164H)

A genuinely new system can only come through people of faith coming together and prayerfully working towards reform. Feb. 7 for some of us will begin that journey and for many others will be another step. But let’s walk this together.

Please have your church participate on Feb. 7 and recruit others to join as well. And please let me know as you do.

Thank you for your faithfulness!

In Christ,

Bill Mefford
Director, Civil and Human Rights

The General Board of Church and Society
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002202-488-5600
FAX 202-488-5619
Order Resources
1-800-967-7000
www.umc-gbcs.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 20,610+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Away from Shore

Creating a space
separation from the crowd
going a short distance away from shore
giving him room to cast his nets

Jesus teaching a lesson
not just for those on shore
those in the boats with him

Fishing can be for other
than their usual catch
teaching them
to cast for men instead


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Standing on the Beach

Standing with the crowd
on the beach, the Sea of Galilee
under the bright sun
listening to Jesus preach from the boat
wanting to be closer to him

Such hope in his message
what power, authority
if only to touch the hem of his robe
to be by his side

What a difference
hearing him speak of God
of love, coming back to him
not like the priests, the scholars
in the synagogue
authentic, real
he seems to be


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

On the Earthen Ground

Down into their basement one day
treasures there abound
a collection of life kept safe
on the bare earthen ground

China of family long gone from this earth
beautiful in boxes packed
some of this now part of my home
a piece of them carried on

So many things,
the stuff of our lives
handed down from age to age
kept because of the memory
the connection with them
but things alone nonetheless


February 2, 2010

The Shape of the Stone

Turning the soil
out in the garden
out beyond the yard

The shape of a stone
a perfect valentine
as if etched by
a craftsman’s hands
buried in the soil
so I may find the stone
and place it
in her prayer labyrinth

Sometimes I ponder
to think about these things
wondering how much
God is at play
offering grace
in so many ways
finding it every day



February 2, 2010


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.

Opening the Candle

In the moment, the instance
opening the candle
so much of her
her favorite scent
her bridal bouquet
growing in her backyard too

An image of her face
come to life
a smile in that memory
for this scent special
all of her days
so delicate, so new

February 2, 2010

Different Nets

Different quarry
different nets
using tools
right for the task

The words of Jesus
the love that he shared
designed for the hearts of men
bringing God to the crowd
to bring them back to him

Casting sturdy nets
into the crowd
reaping a harvest of souls
men for the nets to bring the catch in
so they each were called

Able for the work
knowing what it would take
the callouses on their hands testified
going out into the land
to fish for hearts instead


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

The Shore Like the Sea

In the preaching from the water
a different fisherman
reversing directions
changing perspective
his words the nets
and the land, the sea

The crowd the fish,
the catch he was seeking
the words the net, the bait
casting them into the crowd of people
hope, love, an offering
reaping a different harvest
a catch, fishing for people instead


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Humble before Jesus

Approached by the master
using his boat
unlike the crowd upon the shore
seeking Jesus out

Humble before Jesus
aware how far from him he was
telling the master to leave from his side
knowing his own state of sin

Not a bad start
each one of us
becoming his disciples
only when we begin

Knowing his holiness
our need for his saving grace
humble before Jesus
heeding his knocking
asking him to enter in



February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010


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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Aware He was Holy

In the way they spoke to Jesus
humble as Simon was
somehow aware he was holy
different from the rest

Anointed by the spirit
speaking with power instead
spreading a message they could believe in
coming straight from God

Acting differently with him
the rough fisherman polite
knowing the distance from him
trying to send him away

And in his calling to them
answering it immediately
leaving their nets on the seashore
following him right away


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Casting Nets into Other Seas

Were they watching the shore
or were they watching his face
as he preached to the crowd
from the sea that day
did they understand his call

Casting nets into other seas
the land their waters now
fishing for men upon the shore
catching their hearts with his words

Leaving the sea, their way of life
all that they had known
going when the master called
walking away from family, their boats
leaving all behind


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

What Did He Mean

(to fish for people)

The Lord, speaking to them
after his teaching,
after their catch swamped their boats
calling them from the sea
to fish for mean instead

What did he really mean
this is not made clear
but they followed at his command
leaving all behind

Going when they were called
changing their lives that day
answering the master’s call
his disciples they became


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

A Change of Profession

Handing in their resignations
leaving their tools on the shore
the catch in the hold of their boats
everything left behind

A change of profession
seeking other fruits
leaving their nets on the shore
becoming fishers of men instead


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

At His Feet, While He Preached

Unlike the crowd that followed him
the ones to whom he came
the fishermen, like Simon
coming out with him

Set apart, on the waves
sitting in the boat with him
at the master’s feet
while he preached
hearing the power in his speech


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Listening to His Preaching

Stopping what they were doing
the fishermen on the shore
the crowds coming to him
to hear what he would say

Listening to his preaching
those upon the shore
the fishermen, Simon
sitting in the boat

A different kind of teaching
from those they had heard
power, authority dripping with every word

Something special
in the truth that he shared
the love of God come down
“listen to him”,
the Lord would come to say
but the people knew somehow
this was a special day


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Leaving Their Catch

Unlike any fishermen
I have ever heard of
leaving their catch
in the boat to rot on shore

So much effort
they had expended
to haul the fish
into their boats

But the master called them,
“come, follow”, and
they left their lives
their catch right on the shore


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Calling Him Master

Before their calling
after his preaching
carrying him out onto the water
to teach the people on the shore

Calling him master
though not yet his followers
the fisherman by their boats
nets on the shore

Going out with him
at his feet during his sermon
listening intently
to the words he had to share

Following his commands
out to deeper waters
gathering in more fish
than they could lift alone

His followers only after
called from the seashore
calling him master
before they became fishers of men


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Nets Breaking

Where they had spent the night
the fishermen alone on the waters
unable to catch anything
nothing at all

After his preaching
to the crowds from the waters
going out to the deep
where he said to cast their nets

So many fish now,
their nets breaking
calling for others
to help bring in the catch

But at the shore
this didn’t matter
the reward in his calling
leaving the fish, their livelihood
to follow the Lord


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

The Crowd on the Shore

The crowd on the store
trying to reach Jesus
coming so close
to hear the master speak

Not like the others
teachers of the law
knowing somehow he was different
preaching from the heart

Trying to reach him
to be right beside him
He went out onto the waters
to share his message to all

Casting the nets
the love of his words given
gathering in hearts
as he pulled in his nets


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Following His Commands

Speaking with authority
power, conviction
His words with passion
demanding to be heard

The fishermen doing
following his commands
before they were called to follow
to become fishers of men


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Rotten Fish - 2

Rotten fish on the seashore
utterly abandoned
left where they landed
when the Christ called them to him

He said, “come, follow me”,
and away they departed
leaving their nets, their catch,
their lives beside the sea

Traveling ever,
going with their master
learning to catch, to fish,
for the hearts of men

Going with him,
through the countryside
watching, listening
as the master healed and taught


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Preaching from Their Boats

Moving from the shoreline
the crowd pressing
going out onto the waters
to cast his net for men

Preaching the waters
the fishing boat laden
the fishermen and nets
out onto the seas

Teaching the fishermen
those he would call as disciples
how to cast their nets
into the sea of living hearts


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Outside the Lectionary

So many years, studying the bible
the words of scripture
what meaning they hold
reading in measured
prescribed passages
following the lectionary
A, B, C years

Starting at the beginning
to read the whole bible
one month in,
what mysteries remain
as I read day by day

Reading serially
ordered differently
starting at the beginning
heading to the end

Outside the lectionary
reading completely
the detailed stories
the laws the complete
word of God


February 2, 2010

Under the Galilean Sun

Jesus there on the shoreline
the crowd pressing
trying ever, to get closer to him

Going out, onto the waters
the crowd hushed
to hear the words from him

Under the Galilean sun
the water alive, shimmering,
his words igniting

Each one of our hearts
eager for the message of Jesus
like a mirage in the desert
an oasis of love

Water he was offering
there on the seashore
not the brackish sea
by living waters of hope

Each of us transformed
under that bright sun
Jesus preaching
a message of love


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

Inside the Boat

Pushing from shore
the crowds pressing
trying to get close
to touch the cloak of Jesus
to be near to him

Inside the boat
at the feet of Jesus
amazed at the words
pouring from his lips

Not like the others
the scribes, the teachers
in the synagogues preaching
hollow words to me

This man different
speaking with authority
the crowds on the shore
and me, trying to believe

Amazing this man standing
in the boat with me
calling me to deep waters
to cast my nets for fish

More than we can handle
a wealth of fish to capture
calling my partners
to help me with the catch

But leaving all behind us
the full boats on the seaside
following Jesus
when he called us to his side


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

His Voice Echoing

Standing on the seashore
my Lord preaching
sharing with us lessons
on the love of God

His voice echoing
across the waters
the dust of the earth
blowing in the breeze

The warm sun over
the seashore glistening
almost hard to see Jesus
under the shimmering sun


February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

His Voice across the Waves

His voice across the waves
no longer bound by the seaside
able to reach the people
all standing on the shore

His voice across the waves
reaching each person
God’s love revealed
from the voice of God himself

His voice across the waves
at the beginning of his ministry
the time he walked the earth
speaking directly to man

His voice across the waves
soon to call disciples
teaching even fishermen
how to catch more fish



February 2, 2010
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-february-1-7/
for February 1, 2010 to February 7, 2010
by Nancy Fergusons (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
Luke 5:1-11 for February 2, 2010

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 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.