Saturday, May 15, 2010

The Sprigs of Lilacs

The rose shears moving
quickly I gathered
the sprigs of lilacs
from all over the yard

Moving quickly
to gather the fragrances
bouquets to surprise her
when she got home

An avalanche of senses
the fragrant colors
each cascading
diving right into me

So much memory
in the specific layers of scent
the white, the purple
the softer hews yet


May 15, 2010
cuttings of lilacs
for bouquets for the house

-------------------

Blue, not Purple

The lilacs illumined
in the morning sun
hard to describe the color
so soft, finely spun

Blue, not purple
like faded blue jeans
softer than the morning sky
of a pastel azure blue

Fragrant so soft
like power on the air
a treasure of the morn
wish we all could be there


May 13, 2010
lilacs at Pembroke Village School
after Mr. Quinn commented on the
following poem, posted on Facebook
5/12/2010

------------

Lilac Air – reprise

A cloud of intoxication
slowing our steps
or mine at least
gathering in the nectar
breathing springtime in

The white and purple
different shades of scents
matching somehow the colors
richly, urgently, calling me
to linger in the dew of fragrance
falling down on me


May 11, 2010
written about our walks to school last week
because of the lilacs on the way
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH

--------
Lilac Air

Sweet, intoxicating, alluring
spreading out onto the playground
the bush changing the air
soft, subtle, a presence
lilac air at the side of the school
calling, enticing the passersby
to linger, to drink
aerosol nectar
sweet, lively spring perfume
a perfect fragrance,
rich with memory
under a cloudy blue sky
warm this Wednesday afternoon
Living bouquet,
a balance of purple, of green
set off against, before
red brick of the school

May 13, 2009
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH


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

Preparing the Way - 2

Mowing the path
preparing the way
making the road smooth
righting the stones
setting the boundaries
making the gate ready
for her steps

The steps she will make
the prayers she will lay down
between the stones
the way of the cross
the steps she will follow
in her walk with
our brother, our shepherd

The Lord, our savior
on the path of ministry
following his steps
in his journey
his eyes ever, fixed
on the cross, on Jerusalem
fulfilling God’s plan


May 15, 2010
mowing the labyrinth
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sermon - "We Are Spiritual Teachers", by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, May 9, 2010, Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH

Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 the Message Bible
Psalm 25:4-5 NIV Bible
Matthew 28:19 NIV Bible
Deuteronomy 4:9 NIV Bible
Proverbs 22:6 NIV Bible

“We Are Spiritual Teachers”

The Lord be with you
And also with you
Let us pray. . .
God of grace and love, we thank you that through your Son, Jesus Christ, we have the Advocate, the Teacher within us, the Holy Spirit. We ask this day that you would speak to us through that same spirit; that we would hear the message that you have for us today; that we would have the boldness to be doers and not just hearers of your Word. Teach us your ways O Lord, so that we might be your teachers of faith and redemption. Speak Lord; your children are listening. . .

Good Morning and Happy Mother’s Day. You know I really love being a mother. Even though at times it can be trying, I still wouldn’t change the fact that I am a mother for all the money in the world. Seeing Erica, Shyanne and Shanequa grow up has been a joy although a little scary at times. I remember the day that Shanequa announced “I am going to grow up, have a husband and five children, and I am going to be a pastor just like my mom.” Well. . . I thought to myself “great. . . now she wants to be a pastor just like me. How scary is that God? I hope that through your grace I don’t mess up on bringing her up. . . ” But seriously. . . I am so proud of the way they are growing in faith and understanding. I love to hear their prayers morph into something that is beautiful and heartfelt.

In the Bible, there are many stories of men and women of great faith. There is Moses, Aaron and Miriam, David, Solomon, Job, the disciples and many more. But the one that made me stop and think is the story about faith of Timothy, found in the New Testament. Paul even talks about his faith in 2 Timothy 1:3-7. It reads:

3-4Every time I say your name in prayer—which is practically all the time—I thank God for you, the God I worship with my whole life in the tradition of my ancestors. I miss you a lot, especially when I remember that last tearful good-bye and I look forward to a joy-packed reunion.

5-7That precious memory triggers another: your honest faith—and what a rich faith it is, handed down from your grandmother Lois to your mother Eunice, and now to you! And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.

This piece of scripture made me stop and reflect on my own faith journey. Where did my faith and spirituality begin? Who are the people in my life that taught me faith? Who are the people, by example, showed me what faith is all about? I remember my grandmother, who was a Methodist. She went to church every Sunday, she sang in the choir, she lived a life of love for those around her and never thought, even once, of not stopping to help someone in need. I remember my mom. She made sure we knew about God. She sent us to Parochial school so that we would learn even more about God and have a good education. She to this day talks about God’s goodness and how God has helped her in her life. I praise God for her on a daily basis. You see. . . I am who I am today because of them and many others that God has put in my life to teach me His ways. (It would take me days to talk about these men and women of faith and I am sure you don’t want to hear a sermon that long. . . )

You see. . . we all have a message to share. We all have a responsibility to show and teach others faith. Jesus went about teaching the Good News of the gospel to all who would listen. (Heck. . . He even tried to teach it to the religious leaders of his day but they wouldn’t listen.) He set an example for the people of His day and that example still lives on today. It lives on through you and through me. Jesus left us with the Great Commission, (found in Matthew 28:19)
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them (Did you hear that. . . teaching them) to obey everything I have commanded you.”
We are to teach those around us the ways of the Lord. We are spiritual teachers for those around us. . . especially children. Deuteronomy 4:9 says:

“Only be careful, and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them slip from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”

You see, there is a legacy that we leave only if we choose to take on the challenge and in this day and age it is a challenge for us as followers of Christ, we can leave something that lasts for more than just a moment but a life time. But our children (and society) are being bombarded by so many things that contradict Jesus’ teachings. We need to “Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not turn from it.” These children (and adults) are our future.

You may say to yourself “I can’t do that, I really have nothing to give. Isn’t it the “religious leaders” responsibility anyway?” Well I am here to tell you that yes you do have something to share, you have stories to share, and you have experience to share. One of missions, one of our ministries, in life, is to share our stories to encourage others. Our stories show them “faith that can move mountains”. We can teach our young ones by sharing the stories of the bible with them and talking to them about what the story is saying about God’s unending love. (Volunteering for VBS this summer can be a way to teach children the Good News) I have even started a journal for each of our daughters. The journals talk about my faith, my struggles, how God has moved in my life and also how I have seen God move in theirs. There is so much we can do if we but try.

Church. . . we are all Spiritual Teachers in so many ways. You don’t have to be a pastor. . . you don’t have to be a church leader. . . heck, you don’t even have to be “perfect” (it is our imperfection and Gods grace that really helps others see Gods grace to the world). A song comes to mind when I think about being a Spiritual Teacher. . . the song that goes “teach. . . your children well. . . ” I like to think of it as “teach. . . the children well. . . ”.Not just our children we may have brought into the world by the grace of God but ALL of GODS Children. My challenge to you is this. . . this week. . . I want you to talk with someone who may need to hear about God’s grace and if no one comes to mind. . . share it with a child (even if it is by just saying Jesus Love’s You) I challenge you to not only have the faith that can move mountains but to share that faith with others, to be doers and not just hearers of the Word of God.

AMEN


May 10, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter

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 39,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Friends with Our Brother

Changing the nature of the connection
people with the living God
a distance removed
intimacy, as a brother, a friend
his words just before
of the vine and the branches
that we are physically
connected with God
what a joy, what a victory

Giving his life for us
that we may walk with God
going to the cross
to wash away our sin
Leading where we cannot go
preparing a place for us
redemption through
the blood of the lamb
rising to heaven with him


May 15, 2010
after rereading poem below
posted to FaithWriters May 14, 2010

------------------------
Friends

not servants, no longer slaves
our prayer, before the sermon
changing the words,
from “speak Lord, your servants are listening”
to “your friends are listening”
A different way of thinking,
of our relationship with God
friends, through the one who came to earth
God in the flesh, walking as we do
with daily struggles, the way of life
made companions with the creator
through the servant king
giving his all,
in the journey to the cross
so that we may be friends of life
not slaves to death


May 17, 2009
Psalm 98:4-8 (Call to Worship)
1 John 5:1-5
John 15:11-15
Message for Children
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
sermon, “Friends”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
and final hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”,
United Methodist Hymnal #526
(Sanctifying Grace and Perfecting Grace section),
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 17, 2009


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

Innocence

Innocence at the beginning
the couple in the garden
walking with almighty God
unaware of their nakedness

Eating of the forbidden fruit
aware of their nakedness
shame entering into the world
sin from our arrogance


May 15, 2010
Genesis 2:15-3:13
Genesis 2:15-25
Genesis 3:1-13
1 John 4, 7, 9 (Call to Worship)
Unison Prayer,
Ephesians 5:20-33
and sermon,
“What is This Thing Called Love?”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
http://www.suncookumc.org/MessagePastorHuntley21410.dsp
based in part on book,
Wrestling With Angels: What Genesis Teaches Us About
Our Spiritual Identity, Sexuality and Personal Relationships,
by Naomi H. Rosenblatt (http://www.bnaibrith.org/lbureau/rosenblatt_naomi.cfm) and Joshua Horwitz (http://www.randomhouse.com/author/results.pperl?authorid=42725&view=full_sptlght )
http://www.amazon.com/Wrestling-Angels-Spiritual-Sexuality-Relationships/dp/0385313330
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 14, 2010
Transfiguration Sunday
&
Mark 9:2-9
&
Paragraph 103, Section 3 – Our Doctrinal Standards and General Rules:
The Articles of Religion of the Methodist Church, (generally Articles I to XII
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1817
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1649
http://archives.umc.org/interior.asp?ptid=1&mid=1650
and specifically:
Article II – “Of the Word, or Son of God, Who Was Made Very Man”;
Article VII – “Of Original or Birth Sin”;
Article VIII – “Of Free Will”),
http://www.cokesbury.com/forms/ProductDetail.aspx?pid=679753
The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, 2008 edition
&
Romans 5:12-21
1 Corinthians 15:22
&
Doctrine of Original Sin
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Original_sin
&
John Wesley’s sermon on Original Sin (sermon #44)
http://new.gbgm-umc.org/umhistory/wesley/sermons/44/
&
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.”


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

Friday, May 14, 2010

Through the Legs of the Mosquito

My vision obscured
laughing in the moment
walking on my face
landing of the lens
my left eye blinded
for more than a moment
a mosquito hitching a ride
walking along with us

Through the legs of the mosquito
my vision obscured
walking along with Shanequa
through the tree farm
on we continued
out onto the road
the mosquito not moving
till she gave a big blow

Off it flew
on its translucent black wings
still low to the ground
in the wet air
down into the woods
the friend we met
on the road race
who would have thought



May 14, 2010
Pembroke Hill School
14th Annual Road Race
Pembroke, NH
May 14, 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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Nouns Verbs and Adjectives - Poetry Presentation - Pembroke Hill School - May 13, 2010

Raymond A. Foss
May 13, 2010
Mrs. Serafin’s class
Pembroke Hill School

Nouns Verbs and Adjectives

We added words, one by one
onto the blackboard
at the front of the classroom
little arms raised in the air
sometimes too excited to wait
words blurted out,
urgent important words

They were nouns, verbs, and adjectives
words of a walk in the woods
All are worthy, all valid
at least for him, for her
String together, communally
amid laughter, easy, fun
together writing a poem
before they wrote their own
with their own words
nouns, verbs, adjectives
and adverbs, daringly
-----------------
Baby Rose Petals

Cupped in her hand
offered for me
baby rose petals
from the remains of the bouquet
poured out
tumbling onto my desk
-------
Sand Castles

Molded and shaped
Specks of the rocks they once were
Packed and organized in the buckets
Like the seconds of our lives
Held together,
The stories of us

On the beach, in the sun
Working with the girls to create
A mighty fortress, regal and expansive
A myth
Thanks to Shanequa’s
Errant bucketful of destruction

Giggle and shriek
Splash, spill, dribble
Squander, linger
In the mote we created

Breached walls
A mirage of strength
Our handiwork flowing
Back to the water

August 17, 2005 9:03

---------
Sharing Berries

One for me
one for her (handfuls that is)
wild blueberries, picking from the bushes
high above my eyes, down by my knees
sharing berries with my baby
out on the island in the lake
like my island in that other lake
so long ago, a lifetime ago,
Warm ripe blueberries,
hot sun, blue sky,
late July

July 26, 2008
======

A Walk in the Woods

sitting at the end of the dinner
thinking of a walk in the woods
just before fall
not in the deep unfamiliar thick forest
no something familiar
suburban woods
looking for opportunities for discovery,
for moments of wonder
in simple things
curled leaves, a translucent leaf
from another season,
sprigs of checkerberries
princess pine
moss on the lee of the fallen oak
a chipmunk darting through leaf litter
a dragonfly disturbed
at the edge of the field
nearby

------------------------------------
Snail Tracks

Down by the water’s edge
in the space between the tides
tiny little roads for one
the furrowed rows
meandering to the sea
of the snails cast by the surf
up onto the beach
purposely fighting
to push their way
into the water
for dear life
Struggling but persevering
because they must
------------------------
Ribbons of Children

Amid the controlled chaos
the schoolyard, playground this morning
ribbons of children, running, skipping,
dancing over the blacktop,
being children, free, out in the open air
snaking their way, through the hopscotch
the jump rope, the tag and the banter
coursing, like ants to the nest
following a scent line in the dirt
no hands were held, but they moved
as if connected, giggling and
laughing all the way

August 29, 2008
Pembroke Village School
-------------------------------
The Crunch of the needles

Dry in the forest
before the first snowfall
the leaves of autumn
heavy on the ground

The barrenness of November
hastened by the cold windstorm
the rain staying south of us
watering another land

The crunch of the needles
the branches, the pine cones
the colored leaves of the woodlands
under my feet

The pitch sticking
soles of my boots heavy
a skin of needles
making them slippery
as I hike on the hidden trail


April 16, 2010
written in the school lobby
while waiting to be called in
for National Poetry Month presentation
Mrs. Forest’s 3rd grade class
Pembroke Hill School
Pembroke, NH
April 16, 2010
about a walk in the woods
in Claremont, NH, Fall 1977
(and my memory of other such walks)

----------------------------------------
A Day at the Beach

Laughing, we ran on the hot sand
The damp beach under our feet
The glistening ocean before us
The girl did a backflip, landing
on her feet; Ta-Da, like a dolphin
We were playing with the beach balls
Volleying over an invisible net
The dry sand burns. Splash!
Swim in the water, watch
for seaweed, sponges, jellyfish
The wind, the rocks, sand blowing
Walk down looking for shells, for glass
Salty air, wet in my mouth
The buckets and shovels on my towel
Sand everywhere, in everything
Rambunctious gulls, scream not so beautifully
A pause in wonder, the small world
shining in the tide pool
Starfish and seahorses excited in play
sea urchins dancing in suspended animation
Hot lying on the beach
Time to go home


April 29, 2009; May 4, 2009
a poem written from the words listed below,
on the board, shouted out, as Mrs. Forest’s
Third Grade class and I found poetry
in a Day at the Beach
The bolded words are the ones I used
from the list of nouns, verbs and adjectives below
The italicized words are those I added.
Written in about 10 minutes,
as a fun exercise for National Poetry Month
Pembroke Hill School
Pembroke, NH

--------------------------
Glassworks

Mesmerized, watching
The skill, artistry
Effortlessness in the heat
Of the sweating craftsmen
In the beach air
On the Vineyard

Living,
Molten glass, clear
Droop on the shaft
Entering the
Orange maw
Mouth of the furnace

Glow yellow
from the warming
Glistening wet
Grow with the blow
Liquid and free

Spin and catch
Supple flesh
Add color and form
Enter again
Translucence now
Hot gases
Fill the space
Wipe brow
Enter again

Cool and gel
Cut from the pipe
Clutched like a robin’s egg
By a toddler’s wonder
Placed to firm and harden
Into permanent wonder
----------------------
Sausage

Forget the frank,
Give me the Fenway sausage.
Lansdowne or Yawkey,
Just give me the street, the crowds, the carts.
Sausage you shrug, you the reader
Of this trifle, this whimsy
What do I mean, me the storyteller
Read on.

Peppers and onions
Tease the tongue
Bun and hot mustard
Set the stage
The scorched and blackened piece of meat
Reminds me of every one
Eaten before

So much memory
Of family and fun
Of ballgames, tailgates, and the carnie
A cacophony of moments
Drip with grease
Do you smell it too on the smoky hot grill?

My lips curl with a smirk
Writing these lines
As I laugh to myself
Of the pleasures of excess
The lusty gluttony
Of another one.
----------------------------------
Red Sox Win

Red Sox win
Yankees lose
A story so big
It led the news

Bumped politics
Down the page
It may even reduce
New England road rage

A-Rod and Jeter
What can be sweeter
Oh look,
We caught a cheater

Taking two from them
In their park
Big Papi
Was our spark

Down and out
A three-oh slide
Not the end for this
Team with Pride

Red Sox Nation
Delirious
This whole World Series
Will be just as serious.

Reverse the Curse
All these ages
So this club’s history
Will fill more pages
----------------------
Nightfall

The sun drops behind the shore,
The sky aglow.
Nightfall on the water.
I pull and push
The canoe away from shore.
Longing for the warmth.

The great blue heron
Perched on the skeleton
Of the ancient pine,
Silhouetted on the
Oriole sky.

The skin of the lake
Ablaze in orange, yellow, and black.
Waves swelled and fell.
The canoe pitched and bobbed.
The paddle blade leaves
Bright eddies on my side.

Colored lights on a deck
Elvis on the stereo
Easy laughter from a porch.
Failing light, all in shadows.

Dark houses, silent waters
A beaver before me.
He slaps his tail and dives
Shallow near shore.
We cross again,
Repeating the dance.

A light from my window
Guides me home.
Dark around me
All is still.
---------------------
Moist, but not necessarily chewy

Asking for details
the chocolate already consumed
before allowing
more candy to be enjoyed

Two brownies was her answer
asking if they were chewy
Moist was her response

Moist, but not necessarily chewy
to her older sister’s consternation
enjoying a laugh on the way home
after the school’s Valentine’s Day
something for the memory books

February 12, 2010
Shanequa and Shyanne
Pembroke Hill School
Suncook, NH

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The New Zoo

The flyer at the store
a new zoo in town

I loaded up my monster truck
Almost ran over the Nascar loving fan
The desert hot that day
Entering the park; screeching to a stop

Running to the Cheetah cage
I heard a terrifying shout
Was it the smell of meat
That made them meow
Running into view

Nice kitty I heard them say
As the monkey went walking by
I wonder what he was thinking
Talking to himself

Sweating in the noisy zoo
Crushing a can under my foot
It was so fast, the scary lion
Leaping right in front of me

I was flying as I hit the gate
Man was that fun



Written with Mrs. Serafin’s Second Grade class
May 13, 2010
Pembroke Hill School
Pembroke, NH
“Nouns Verbs and Adjectives”
poetry presentation and exercise

Nouns:
cheetah
kitten
monster truck
Nascar
monkey
desert

Verbs:
screeching
running
sweating
meowing
thinking
walking
talking
loving
crushing
flying
leaping

Adjectives:
noisy
terrifying
scary
fast


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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Of the Spirit

Not of flesh alone
one body, of the earth
clay of the dust
destined to perish
made of greater stuff

Born of the spirit
dwelling within
each of us walking
closer to God

Christ redeeming
giving us a future
changed forever
going on with him
into eternity



May 13, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

&
Day 232, “The Transformed Life”,
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 5/12/2010

&
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:22
Isaiah 40:26
and Day 114, “Renewing Our Strength”, 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


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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Blue, not Purple

The lilacs illumined
in the morning sun
hard to describe the color
so soft, finely spun

Blue, not purple
like faded blue jeans
softer than the morning sky
of a pastel azure blue

Fragrant so soft
like power on the air
a treasure of the morn
wish we all could be there



May 13, 2010
lilacs at Pembroke Village School
after Mr. Quinn commented on the
following poem, posted on Facebook
5/12/2010


------------

Lilac Air – reprise

A cloud of intoxication
slowing our steps
or mine at least
gathering in the nectar
breathing springtime in

The white and purple
different shades of scents
matching somehow the colors
richly, urgently, calling me
to linger in the dew of fragrance
falling down on me



May 11, 2010
written about our walks to school last week
because of the lilacs on the way
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH

--------
Lilac Air

Sweet, intoxicating, alluring
spreading out onto the playground
the bush changing the air
soft, subtle, a presence
lilac air at the side of the school
calling, enticing the passersby
to linger, to drink
aerosol nectar
sweet, lively spring perfume
a perfect fragrance,
rich with memory
under a cloudy blue sky
warm this Wednesday afternoon
Living bouquet,
a balance of purple, of green
set off against, before
red brick of the school


May 13, 2009
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

From His Lofty Throne

The word come down
descended to flesh
from his lofty throne
laid in a manger bed

Brought low, to the earth
God walking as man
humbling himself
becoming the lamb

Giving all he was
going to the cross
paying all for us
such an awesome cost

Responding we do
not because we must
offering ourselves
at the foot of your cross



May 13, 2010
2 Corinthians 8:9
2 Corinthians 8:8-9
2 Corinthians 8:1-15 (Christian Giving)

&
Day 233, “A Cameo of 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
read 5/13/2010


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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Making Our Tents

While making our tents
preaching the word
sharing the love of Jesus
until all have heard

Starting with our neighbors
then out into the world
in our work, our lives
our day to day

Faithful, committed
to our master’s work
common people sharing
the love of God for us



May 11, 2010 and May 13, 2010
Acts 18:1-4
Ephesians 2:10

& some from reading
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=5&day=11&year=2010
for May 11, 2010, read May 11, 2010
“Faithful Tentmakers”,
by John Blossom


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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Restoring Power

The awesome power of God
humbling our hearts
melting away our guile
our confidence in us

Restoring us to him
making our way straight
washed in his blood
baptized with his love

Changed like clay on the wheel
the land after a flood
turning to him in response
healed by his infinite love


May 12, 2010
Psalm 97

and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for May 10, 2010 to May 16, 2010,
“The Mystery of the Ascension”,
by Sam Purushotham
for May 12, 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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Restorative Power

God’s love working
restorative power for good
beyond comprehension
changing us from within

Walking with our savior
yoked eternally with him
steeled by his authority
the spirit guiding within

God’s power, in love
changing our hearts evermore
coming before him at the end of the age
in God is our treasure restored



May 12, 2010
Psalm 97

and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for May 10, 2010 to May 16, 2010,
“The Mystery of the Ascension”,
by Sam Purushotham
for May 12, 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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Out of the Chrysalis of the World

On new wings flying
out of the chrysalis of the world
changed by the love of Christ
utterly reborn

Not like I was before
conformed to the cross
walking with Christ
all the days of my life

Using the gifts I was given
to spread the good news
Jesus came to save,
the love of God revealed


May 12, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

&
Day 232, “The Transformed Life”,
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 5/12/2010

&
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:22
Isaiah 40:26
and Day 114, “Renewing Our Strength”, 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


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Entirely Changed

Not by increment or measure
in Christ entirely changed
from the darkness of the earth
to the light of heaven above

Washed entirely clean
our lives turned around
made utterly new
built up from the ground



May 12, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

&
Day 232, “The Transformed Life”,
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 5/12/2010

&
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:22
Isaiah 40:26
and Day 114, “Renewing Our Strength”, 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


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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Not tied to the earth

Like a butterfly, yet
totally different from the caterpillar
able to take wing and fly
like angels fitted with eagle’s wings
rising that we may soar

No longer tied to the earth
walking alone, this mortal coil
made to rise with Christ
transformed from within
redeemed forevermore

Our hearts change in an instant
when Jesus came in
salvation for each believer
his sheep evermore

Going as he was sent
to the work of God
empowered to spread the word
until everyone has heard.



May 12, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:17
2 Corinthians 5:17-21
2 Corinthians 5:16-21

&
Day 232, “The Transformed Life”,
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 5/12/2010

&
Isaiah 40:31
Isaiah 40:22
Isaiah 40:26
and Day 114, “Renewing Our Strength”, 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

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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Witness to the Ascension

Sharing our faith
the joy of his fulfillment
a witness to the ascension
singing praises to God

His rising, defeating death
made whole when he ascended
from the toils of this earth
sitting at the right hand of God

Singing praises,
joyously going
his message of life
in the love of God

Sharing until we join him
when he returns in victory
raised with him to glory
at the end of the present age



May 12, 2010
Psalm 47
Psalm 47:1-9

and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for May 10, 2010 to May 16, 2010,
“The Mystery of the Ascension”,
by Sam Purushotham
for May 11, 2010, read May 11, 2010

&
Luke 24:44-53
Acts 1:1-11

and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for May 10, 2010 to May 16, 2010,
“The Mystery of the Ascension”,
by Sam Purushotham
for May 10, 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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Gathering the Fallen Nest

The gleanings of the pruning
that the trees would be more fruitful
a sprig of apple limbs
fallen to the ground

A tiny nest, on the branch
smaller than my daughter’s fist
resting on the hay

Gathering the fallen nest
nestled in my hands
to share with the girls when I get home
I can’t wait to see her face



May 12, 2010
nest I found at Walk to Emmaus
training weekend
April 2009
Alfred, ME
which Shyanne took to school recently



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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Video using my poem - Comfort Food

http://blsciblogs.baruch.cuny.edu/happiness2010/2010/05/12/raymond-a-foss-comfort-food-by-jeong-yoon-brandon-ryu/


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Baby Rose Petals

Cupped in her hand
offered for me
baby rose petals
from the remains of the bouquet
poured out
tumbling onto my desk



May 12, 2010
from Shyanne this morning
6:53am


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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Joined in One Death

Christ’s sacrifice
becoming our sin
all of us dying
on the cross with him

Joined in one death
rising on the third day
baptized with Christ
walking ever with him

All the days of our lives
spreading his message of love
telling the whole world
redeemed by his precious blood



May 11, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:15
2 Corinthians 5:11-15
2 Corinthians 5:11-21


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

For All Dying

For all dying
climbing the rugged cross
giving his own life for us
that we would be reconciled to God

Going to the grave
in him all dying
rising with him
on the third day
able to face God in glory

Responding in love
following his command
making disciples
of all the nations

Spreading the good news
of God’s steadfast love
until we too, like him,
ascend to glory



May 11, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:15
2 Corinthians 5:11-15
2 Corinthians 5:11-21

&
Day 231, “By Love Compelled”,
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 5/11/2010

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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Encouraging Others

Our charge, our commission
encouraging others in the faith
lifting up the young ones
that they would know God

Teaching from our belief
from our experience in life
lifting up the church
the living body of Christ

All our days to model
to witness our true faith
following our savior
in everything we do

Going to the ends of the earth
spreading his message of love
until the whole world
knows the grace of God



May 11, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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 18,710+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Lilac Air – reprise

A cloud of intoxication
slowing our steps
or mine at least
gathering in the nectar
breathing springtime in

The white and purple
different shades of scents
matching somehow the colors
richly, urgently, calling me
to linger in the dew of fragrance
falling down on me



May 11, 2010
written about our walks to school last week
because of the lilacs on the way
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH

--------
Lilac Air

Sweet, intoxicating, alluring
spreading out onto the playground
the bush changing the air
soft, subtle, a presence
lilac air at the side of the school
calling, enticing the passersby
to linger, to drink
aerosol nectar
sweet, lively spring perfume
a perfect fragrance,
rich with memory
under a cloudy blue sky
warm this Wednesday afternoon
Living bouquet,
a balance of purple, of green
set off against, before
red brick of the school


May 13, 2009
Pembroke Village School
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Teaching the Children

A sacred trust
the young lives before us
given, needing direction
teaching the children
guiding them
in the way of faith
what is right and wrong
what we believe
the joy we share
the gifts given
God’s grace poured out
resting upon us
ours to teach
especially the children
bringing them up
in the way of the Lord


May 10, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

The Voice of the Teacher

The voice of the teacher
the helper to guide us
speaking from within
a message for our lives

Our shepherd within us
walking with us
there all the day
of our lives here on earth

Going before us
our brother our savior
into heaven
his eternal reward

Sending the spirit
the teacher, the helper
guiding us in the way
to live for God


May 10, 2010
The Voice of the Teacher
edited September 1, 2015
Spiritual Teachers – v2
May 9, 2010
Spiritual Teachers
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter

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 39,720+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, Faith, God, grace, love, Methodist, Raymond A. Foss, family, mother, children, Pastor Ruth L. Foss, 2 Timothy 1, hope, Psalm 25, Poetry Where You Live, Pastor Ruth Foss,


#Christ #Faith #God #grace #love #Methodist #family #mother #children #2Timothy1 #hope #Psalm25

In Gratitude

Each day walking
mindful of my gifts
the love that is shared
given to me
freely, unearned
in my path, this life

Needing to be humble
grateful, joyful
walking in gratitude
expressed, reflected
shared with others
and with our God too.



May 10, 2010
Luke 17:11-19
1 Thessalonians 8:16-18

&
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=5&day=10&year=2010
for May 10, 2010, read May 10, 2010
“The Other Nine”,
by Julie Jefimtsuk

&
Luke 17:11-19
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Insights: “Thank You”


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thankful

Too busy, cluttered
our lives filled to the rim
needing to slow down
to be thankful today

Called to another way
seeing the gifts we receive
healed on our walk
needing to be thankful today


May 10, 2010
Luke 17:11-19
1 Thessalonians 8:16-18

&
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=5&day=10&year=2010
for May 10, 2010, read May 10, 2010
“The Other Nine”,
by Julie Jefimtsuk

&
Luke 17:11-19
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Insights: “Thank You”


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

Freeing the Jailer

God’s mercy, his goodness
nothing to stop it
working good
no matter where we are

Needing to be faithful
no matter the costs
speaking the word of God
that all may know his love

Shaking the foundations
their chains released
Yet this moment
freed the jailer too

Only in believing
turning from the world
his whole house saved
becoming servants of God


May 10, 2010
Acts 16:16-34

Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-may-10-16/
for May 10, 2010 to May 16, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for May 10, 2010

&
Acts 16:34
“Dad's Bible: The Father's Plan”
by Robert Wolgemuth
– “Passing It On: “A Dad’s Faith, His Family’s Joy”


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

Calling Out the Demons

Without guile or exception
calling out the demons
speaking truth
even in the face of power

Each of us called
in our walk to be faithful
not judging yet speaking
that God’s love may be known



May 10, 2010
Acts 16:16-34

Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-may-10-16/
for May 10, 2010 to May 16, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for May 10, 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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tears in the Circle

Tears in the circle
one portion now broken
a link in the chain of our lives
taken from our midst

A heart too young
ceasing its beating
lives of the children
needing to be gathered in

Tears in the circle
yet resolve from the center
errands to run
before she can rest


May 10, 2010
words of Michele Ortega
at the funeral of her son Pedro Ortega,
May 8, 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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Stepping into Eternity

Jesus walking
there with the disciples
in the days after he rose
risen from the dead

Telling them more,
opening their minds
revealing mysteries
about God’s love

Preparing them
for the work, their ministry
witnesses of all this
to the ends of the earth

Rising from their presence
stepping into eternity
a risen man, the son
rising to the right hand of God



May 10, 2010
Luke 24:44-53
Acts 1:1-11

and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for May 10, 2010 to May 16, 2010,
“The Mystery of the Ascension”,
by Sam Purushotham


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Final Step

In calling the disciples
all the believers
a final step
his ascension to heaven

Proving, before their eyes
his awesome divinity
rising to sit
at the right hand of God

All they had heard
all he had taught them
preparing them
to carry on his work

Telling them to wait
the coming of the spirit
to baptize them
with authority from above



May 10, 2010
Luke 24:44-53
Acts 1:1-11

and
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=
Upper Room Disciplines for 2010
for May 10, 2010 to May 16, 2010,
“The Mystery of the Ascension”,
by Sam Purushotham


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sunday, May 09, 2010

More than Sentries

More than sentries
guarding our hearts
waiting on the Lord
trusting only in him

In the darkest struggles
even in the shadow of death
God walking beside me
every step of the way



May 9, 2010
Psalm 130:1-8
Psalm 23:4

&
Upper Room Daily Devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/default.asp?month=5&day=9&year=2010
for May 9, 2010, read May 9, 2010
“I am with you”,
by Sue Constantinides


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When we meet God

A promise of salvation
for those who walk faithfully
humbly before God

Loving our neighbors
caring for the little ones
that all would know he lives

Hopeful, in his promise
when we stand in the courts
when we meet God
face to face

Judgment coming
at the end of the age
standing before the creator
and the lamb who set us free



May 9, 2010
2 Corinthians 5:10
2 Corinthians 5:6-10
Matthew 25:31-46
2 Corinthians 6:2
Amos 4:12

&
Day 229, “Judgment Day”,
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 5/9/2010


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Imperfect Teachers

If we are authentic
honestly sharing our faith
effective witnesses
imperfect teachers
teaching of God’s love
through the way
God has acted
in our lives



May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
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
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

As Teachers Commissioned

Not just witnesses
to what we believe
teachers of the word
our task to spread the news
the love of God for man

At teachers we are commissioned
sent to the ends of the earth
to bring the children up
in the ways of God

Not our own children alone,
all who cross our path
lifting up the next generation
to have the faith of old
to know God face to face



May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
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
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sharing Our Faith

In the great commission
the calling of Christ
as he left the earth
how we should live
in this life

To make disciples
peoples of every nation
sharing our faith
our stories, our lives
that all would know him

Constantly in worship
in each day of our lives
going as he did before us
to do the master’s work



May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
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
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Spiritual Teachers

Not reserved for the pastors
as if they could carry the load
all of us spiritual teachers
called, commissioned by the Lord

To go to the ends of the earth
spreading our savior’s love
teaching them about the word
the story of God’s love

Especially to the children,
those new to the faith
teaching them by our example
the way we walk on the earth

Humbly, as a servant
following the example of Christ
going as our master
to do the savior’s work


May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter



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

Making Disciples

Mindful as parents
as part of the community
our charge, our commission
directly from the Lord

Making disciples
not merely growing
in our own faith

Going out into the world
teaching about Christ
the loving grace of God
the way to live our lives

Conformed to God’s will
heeding the spirit within
going as he was sent
to do our master’s work



May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
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
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a life of love

All of us smiling
just as she was today
thinking of mothers
and grandmothers
those who have blessed us
along the way

Such a nice turn of phrase
to describe them
walking in the faith
a life of love
to those they meet
so much in that to teach

In turn, our time as parents
as elders on their path
sharing with the young
our faith, what we believe
lovingly sharing the word


May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

Our Faith Handed Down

We, in the community
blessed as was Timothy
our faith handed down
from one generation
to the next

Lives as disciples
lived out of their love
joyous about the gifts from God
from our savior,
risen, above

Teaching us
in the way of their lives
by what they do and say
showing us a glimpse of God
in how they walk each day


May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

Teaching Our Faith

Our parents, and grandparents
perhaps more than all others
teaching us our faith
the core of what we believe

In their living,
lessons with their witness
what they did more important
than what they said to us

Teaching our faith
growing seeds of the spirit
living, indwelling
within our beating hearts

The example of our savior
mirrored in their own lives
our teachers of what they believe
in the witness of their lives


May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

The Spirit Connecting

All of our lives joined
connect to our savior
our creator
the spirit connecting
joining us with eternity
by the spirit dwelling within
teaching us Christ’s lessons
over and over
the love of God shown
in the life he lived on earth


May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

The Teacher Within Us

The guiding of the spirit
the teacher within us
speaking Christ’s message
through the words on the page

Christ’s life, his story
his example of service
all of these together
guiding our steps upon the earth


May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter



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

Teach Me Your Paths

In all of my days Lord
teach me your path
how I would live
as a servant of God

Humbly, may I learn
your lessons for me
help me to share
that all may know you



May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7 (the Message Bible)
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Matthew 28:19
Deuteronomy 4:9
Proverbs 22:6
John 14:23-29
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
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
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

with my whole life

This phrase leaping from the text
Paul’s affirmation of worship
not in the church, the temple
in his reading of scripture
with his whole life instead

Every moment, every action
every though conjured within
all part of my worship
if I walked yoked to God

A life of worship
given, in service
using my gifts, my talents
ever, always for the Lord



May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
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
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All of Us Teachers

Each of us called
from the words of scripture
all of us teachers
in our time and place

Each of us gifted
from the spirit
things we may do
to build up the church

In all of our lives
living as worship
able to teach
through all that we do

Living as servants
conformed to our master
living in the world
but faithful to God


May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

Always in Worship

Ever in worship
with our whole lives
needing to be mindful
loving guiding our steps
conforming our walk
to the callings of God

Honoring Christ’s sacrifice
his infinite love
always in worship
living, praising God
in every aspect of our lives


May 9, 2010
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

Errands to Keep

Before she is able to rest
back in his arms again
the son she brought into this world
waiting in the next for her

Errands to keep
in this life
children to raise
no time for sleep

Ready for the work to end
to be with him once again
but mindful as a mother is
the errands to keep
before she herself can rest


May 9, 2010
words of Michele Ortega
at the funeral of her son Pedro Ortega,
May 8, 2010

&
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

Work to Do

Work to do
here on this earth
not in heaven above
to care for the children
of her dear son
the one she truly loves

A promise to him
before the gathered congregation
and before our God
work to do
here on this earth
before her days here
are through


May 9, 2010
words of Michele Ortega
at the funeral of her son Pedro Ortega,
May 8, 2010

&
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter



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

A Mother’s Voice Rising

Out of her anguish
out of her pain
a mother’s voice rising
determined, resolute
making a promise to him

Joy of her life
her only son
gone far too soon
work to do on this earth
before they will meet again

A son and two daughters
pledging her loving care
errands to do
before she may rest
into his arms again

May 9, 2010
words of Michele Ortega
at the funeral of her son Pedro Ortega,
May 8, 2010

&
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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

Errands to Run

Errands to run
a promise to keep
before her work is done

Caring for the children
of her dear son
here on earth below

Wanting to be with him
even here and now
knowing that is not part of God’s plan

Errands to run
before her work is done
a promise she made to him


May 9, 2010
words of Michele Ortega
at the funeral of her son Pedro Ortega,
May 8, 2010

&
2 Timothy 1:3-7
Psalm 25:4-5
Psalm 103 and Psalm 138 (Call to Worship)
Worship Theme: “Where does our Spirituality come from?”
and sermon, “We Are Spiritual Teachers”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 9, 2010
Mother’s Day
Fifth Sunday After Easter


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