When the Scales are Balanced

At the end of the age
oh at the end of time
when the scales are balanced
when all is put to right

God judging, in the end simple.
The world, corrupted
as man has made it,
the garden spoiled
in sin we were rejected

God is perfect, God is love,
and God has conquered
sin and death forever
on the hill of Calvary.

Because Christ is risen,
we all can rise with Him.
Something already done, completed,
Good has triumphed over evil
forever and for all times.

God's grace alone,
not by our works
his redeeming love,
has saved us,
from the grave

So long as we can come to God
humbly, without guile
on our knees, humbly,
as a little child,

Letting go of all the layers
the layers of things
all of the stuff
the world puts onto us.
all that is in the way
keeping us from God.

October 23, 2010
Matthew 18:1-9
The Greatest
Matthew 17:14-20:34
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 14, 2010,
read partially October 21, 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 19,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Empty, Like Children

Empty, of our histories
not truly innocent
because we walk the earth
yet, empty, like children
able to be filled
mindful of our station
humble before our God

October 23, 2010
Matthew 18:1-9
The Greatest
Matthew 17:14-20:34
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 14, 2010,
read partially October 21, 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 19,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

when we listen to the wind

All of the tomorrows
that we never experience
all of the moments of grace
that never will be
how much we miss
failing to love our neighbors
how many steps we do not walk
with our creator, our God

When we listen to the wind
sinking in the waters
when its roar keeps us
sitting in the boat
the enemy laughing
that the message is hidden
our light remaining covered
hidden from the world

Only in acting
stepping onto the surface
walking on the waves
taking bold steps
only then fulfilling
living out His commission
to go and make disciples
to the ends of the earth

October 23, 2010
Matthew 14:22-33
Walking on Water
Matthew 14:13-17:13
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 13, 2010,
read October 21, 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 19,100+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Peeling away the Layers

Becoming like children
peeling away the layers
our experiences clouding
our vision of God

The lies of the world
layer upon layer
keeping us from truth
the simplicity of God

Love alone,
this is the message
all of the teachings
boiling down to this

The guile of those older
older than young children
trying to read more
into everything

God calling to us
come to me as a child
simple and humble
sit at my feet

The lesson of the greatest
in God’s heavenly kingdom
stripping away all pretense
coming to him humbly
humbly as a child

October 23, 2010
Matthew 18:1-9
The Greatest
Matthew 17:14-20:34
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 14, 2010,
read partially October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The World Calling

The World (the wind)
calling to us
softly or loudly
whichever it needs
pulling our focus
away from our savior
the cloud of human doubt
causing us to sink

Standing on the waters
leaving the boat
maybe not so hard
in that first act
harder the walking
trusting in tomorrow
walking on the waters
out into the world

October 23, 2010
Matthew 14:22-33
Walking on Water
Matthew 14:13-17:13
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 13, 2010,
read October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Winds Calling

The winds calling
ever blowing
needing to listen
only to God

Our feet would be steady
there on the waters
how much we miss
when we listen to the wind

October 23, 2010
Matthew 14:22-33
Walking on Water
Matthew 14:13-17:13
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 13, 2010,
read October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Sudden Wind

Distracting his focus
his eyes shifting
losing Christ
in that moment

Though the master was before him
standing on the waters
a sudden wind causing
him to sink

How quickly we doubt
fail to act boldly
how soon we let the world
pull us from You

If we could have faith
just as the mustard seed
mountains would move
at the sound of our voice

The winds calling
ever blowing
needing to listen
only to God

Our feet would be steady
there on the waters
how much we miss
when we listen to the wind

October 23, 2010
Matthew 14:22-33
Walking on Water
Matthew 14:13-17:13
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 13, 2010,
read October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to the callings of God’s heart

Hope unending
love enduring
ever and always
Your grace pouring down
raining down from heaven
drenching the earth

The musings of my spirit
in the midst of prayer
seeking Your message
to share with Your world
the echo back, that I would heed,
that I would follow, that I would listen
to the callings of Your heart oh God
that I would go where You would lead

October 23, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Lightly seasoned

Snow coming lightly
like salt lightly shaken
lightly seasoning the sky
coming slowly
falling from heaven
lightly seasoning the earth

October 22, 2010
snow falling
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 22, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Love is Eternal

God is love
God is eternal
Love is eternal

October 22, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

At its heart love

All of our faith
what we believe in
the nature of God
in the creator, the savior
guiding our steps
leading us to heaven
at its heart love
love come alive
guiding the steps
the movement of nature
the healing of our souls
restoring us ever
to the rhythms of the spirit
the calling of God
grace abounding
never ending
love alive
living in us

October 22, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In Reds and Yellow

In reds and yellows
in greens and orange
God sharing autumn with us
in the colors of the leaves

So much of grace
of his love raining down
in the witness of the maples
and the other trees

All of creation singing
in the preparing for slumber
yet a promise in the dying
of the spring and the summer

Joy in this season
God’s love raining down
in the reds and the yellows singing
to the heavens, glory to our God

October 22, 2010
http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2010/10/preparing-for-sleep.html
“Preparing to Sleep”
October 20, 2010 posting on her blog,
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
A Handmaiden of the Lord
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
talk about different colors
of the leaves of autumn
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 21, 2010
&
written after posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
& sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/6/09


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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Like a Libation

The cup of salvation
pouring love into us
changing us from the inside
washing over us

Filling our empty hearts
replacing the world
making us wholly new
to walk in your presence

Children of the savior
sheep of us flock
pouring out a blessing
to the ends of the earth

Pouring out our gifts
life a libation
offering hope to the world
the joy of our salvation

October 22, 2010
based on comments on FB about poem,
“The Cup of Salvation”
&
on posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
& sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/6/09
&
Psalm 40:8-9 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“I am happy to do your will, O my God.”
Your teachings are deep within me.
I will announce the good news of righteousness
among those assembled for worship.
I will not close my lips. You know that, O LORD.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Awash in the Grace of the Lord

All of us offered
the same redeeming grace
none of us worthy
save for the love of the cross

Awash in the grace of the Lord
feeling his power in me
changing me, giving me words to speak
spilling like water out of me

October 22, 2010
on posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
& sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/6/09

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

The Grace of Maples

God’s grace
awash with color
showering down on us
even in their dying

The maples singing
all of creation alive
singing praises to the creator
in wonders to our eyes

God’s grace
apparent in this season
in the colors of nature
showering down on us

Love pouring from heaven
always with us
guiding if we would let him
in his warm embrace

God’s grace calling
in the singing of the maples
the bright colors of their dying
reminding us of him

His sacrifice complete
pure, while we were sinners
glorious in his dying
and grace in his rising
that we would see eternity

October 22, 2010
talk about different colors
of the leaves of autumn
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 21, 2010
&
written after posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
& sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/6/09

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Accepting His Grace

Ours to accept or to reject
the gift of God’s grace
we may answer when he knocks
or ignore his calling

Sad how the world
tells us to be on our own
lost in our own worlds
rather than in the one he created

Wanting to walk with us
again in his garden
to linger with us at twilight
at the coming of night

Calling to us ever
God never far from us
wishing we would accept
the grace he gave for us

October 22, 2010
on posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
& sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/6/09

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Opening the Gift of Grace

Like a child at Christmas
eyes filled with wonder
perhaps shaking the box
a time or two

Opening the gift of grace
a gift beyond measure
paid by the sacrifice
of our risen savior

Wanting us to open
when he knocks
to let him enter in
to fill our empty cup

The living waters of Jesus
the lamb, our shepherd
showering us with goodness
peace even in the storms

God wanting to find us
lost sheep in the woods
far from our master
needing to come home

Oh that all would open
the gift of grace he offers
that all would turn from the world
and come into God’s embrace

October 22, 2010
on posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
& sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/6/09

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Walking in Grace

Drenched by his waters
the living waters of God
guided by the Spirit
leading us home

Walking in grace
in the love of Christ
changed forever
by his holy sacrifice

Led me by the still waters
I will not fear the shadows
sharing your love with others
like living waters running over

Pouring from my cup
gifts I have been blessed with
sharing my savior
with everyone I meet

October 22, 2010
on posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
&
sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

9/6/09

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 22,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Fruits of His Grace

All that we do
the gifts we share
all that we are
when we are a good neighbor
All these are from love
the guiding of our hearts
all fruits of grace
paid for at the cross

October 22, 2010
on posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
&
sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

9/6/09

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 22,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Only by His Grace - 2

Standing before God
at the end of the age
only by his grace
to see the face of God
Unworthy sinners
made only of clay
the Spirit’s guiding only
showing us the way

October 22, 2010
on posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
& sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH

9/6/09

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 22,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

But for His Grace

The judgment coming
as it does for all
But for his grace
accepting his gift
the offering of love
we would be on the cross

October 22, 2010
on posting a series of poems
over several days
to www.FaithWriters.com
based on the following service:
James 2:1-10, 14-17
Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9
&sermon, “When I Was In Need, You Helped Me”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com

A Handmaiden of the Lord

http://pastorruth.posterous.com

http://www.suncookumc.org

Suncook United Methodist Church

http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965

Suncook, NH9/6/09

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 22,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Cup of Salvation

The cup of suffering
for our savior
The cup of salvation
for all of us.

October 22, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 22,230+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

10,000 posts

The last post represents the 10,000th post to this blog. Thank God for giving me these words and thank you to all who have been led to this site.

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Greatest

Oh ye of little faith
how little do we have
how great we claim to be
when we are a stumbling block

The greatest is the least
coming as a child
humble before our neighbor
humbly before God

So clearly aware
of our utter nakedness
our unworthiness to come
to come before our God

May we walk ever
with our eyes open
seeing the plank in our own
not the dust in our neighbor’s.

October 21, 2010
Matthew 18:1-9
Matthew 17:14-20:34
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 14, 2010,
read partially October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Filled with Grief

Not wanting to believe
wanting him with them
when he told them of his suffering
that he must die

So human their response
their shepherd, their brother
the teacher of the truth
the son of the living God

Filled with grief
we with the disciples
the awesome truth
of his suffering for us

God choosing death
that we would live
offering himself
how much more we should give

October 21, 2010
Matthew 17:22-23
Matthew 17:14-20:34
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 14, 2010,
read partially October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Yeast for the Dough

The world needing to hear
to taste the kingdom
more yeast to be added
more water, more flour
so that all would believe
Mixing the yeast
sharing more widely,
evenly, getting our hands dirty
working, kneading, lovingly
all through the dough

October 21, 2010
Matthew 13:33
Matthew 12:22-14:12
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 12, 2010,
read October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Dawning of that Morning

The veil of darkness lifted
the temple rebuilt
in the dawning of that morning
all of his words fulfilled

Only to ascend
after reassuring all of us
that he would be returning
in glory at the end

To bring us home, to the father
to the places he is preparing
each of us to live forever
bodies eternal,
in heaven with our king

October 21, 2010
Matthew 16:21
Matthew 14:13-17:13
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 13, 2010,
read October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Belly of the Earth

Like the story of Jonah
going to the dead
swallowed by the moment
in the belly of the earth

Rising in triumph
on the third day, Glory
shining like the sun
as in the Transfiguration

Christ alive today
just as on the morning of Easter
our Lord Risen
living with us still

October 21, 2010
Matthew 16:21
Matthew 14:13-17:13
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 13, 2010,
read October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Placed upon the Cobalt

The clouds, moving
perceptible in the moonlight
cutting through the dome
placed upon the cobalt
the arc of the dark
the night sky drawing me
up, up, to look

Too bright for the stars
washed by the moon
the cold snap of autumn
surely leading to doom
the cold of winter
all too nearby
the harvest moon cold
against the cobalt sky

October 21, 2010
on the drive from home to Rite Aid
about 19:45
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Misshapen Stone

I am a misshapen stone
gathered from the world
not fitting in its course
cast from the field

Gathered together
fitted to another
all part of the wall
each with a place
hemming in world

October 21, 2010
Stone walls and autumn
&
Annual Church Conference
Exodus 4:1-17
Exodus 4:2
“What do you have in your hand?”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Each One Has a Place

Like the farmers gathering stones
cleaning the fields, making them ready
for the planting, the sowing
the tending of the garden
the harvest in its season
The stones gathered
each with a purpose
a place in the wall
a place to belong
fitted to its neighbor
making the whole stronger
all part of the wall
fitted together
one stone to another
making the whole

October 21, 2010
Stone walls and autumn
&
Annual Church Conference
Exodus 4:1-17
Exodus 4:2
“What do you have in your hand?”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

State it Plain

State it plain
all who have voice
shout from the heavens
heed the master’s call
In service to our king
giving him our all

Our lamp shining
raising on high
above the pedestal
to the mountaintops
blazing for the nations
bearing the message to all
sharing with our neighbors
the majesty of God

October 21, 2010
Psalm 40:8-9 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“I am happy to do your will, O my God.”
Your teachings are deep within me.
I will announce the good news of righteousness
among those assembled for worship.
I will not close my lips. You know that, O LORD.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 21, 2010
& daily devotion on-line
and sign at St. John the Baptist Church
Allenstown, NH
“Aspire to Inspire before you Expire”
October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

More than the Others

The maples a palette
a range of colors
more than the others
the trees of autumn
offering witness
to the master’s artistry
the maples special
in every hue, offering something
a feast for every eye
the colors of autumn
alive for all to see

October 21, 2010
autumn in New England

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

With Some Green Remaining

The blazing yellow
offset against the white
the black outlines
the birch before its sleeping

With some green remaining
ribbing the yellow
the intricate lace of the edges
remaining to the end

Before the heavy oak leaves falling
dying in such grace
the princely birch waiting
for the maples to finish
to take the center stage

October 21, 2010
autumn in New England

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Leaves - haiku - 2

All the bright colors
autumn now in New England
Leaves reign supreme here

October 21, 2010
autumn in New England

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Afire

Ablaze with orange, with yellow
the tree afire
drenched in the sunset
through the thinning branches
dying in its splendor
a flame of eternity

October 21, 2010
autumn in New England

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Resetting the Stones

The old stones scattered
the walls, the foundation
needing resetting,
back to the beginning
its original purposes

Matching the rocks
placing the stones
together again
bound together
for their original purpose

Called together
shaking off the dirt
wiping them clean
resetting the stones
for a new purpose
supporting us all
and the work
we are all called to do

October 21, 2010
Stone walls and autumn
&
Annual Church Conference
Exodus 4:1-17
Exodus 4:2
“What do you have in your hand?”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Matched Stones

They once were even
matched to one another
the stones in their season
placed just so

Now lichen covered
years or wind and rain
snow and ice in their season
seeking to chip away

The rough-hewn granite
gathered from the fields
placed just so in another season
falling in this time

Needing hands
to lift the stones
matching them together
once more with a purpose
to be the measuring line

October 21, 2010
Stone walls and autumn
&
Annual Church Conference
Exodus 4:1-17
Exodus 4:2
“What do you have in your hand?”
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hidden boundaries

Soon the walls will be buried
the old stone walls
under the lichen, the leaves, the needles
buried under the snow

Now merely obscured
their straight edges muted
the boundaries merely hidden
under the weight of autumn

The leaves of this season added
to the litter on the ground
the nesting places for many
keeping warm under the layers

The straight lines marking
boundaries no longer with meaning
in another season
when others worked this land

October 21, 2010
Stone walls and autumn

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Translucent – Haiku

The ferns alive, clear
translucent before dying
almost like windows…

October 21, 2010
on the drive from home to Pembroke Academy
about 7:06
and again on Rte 28
about 9am
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Ferns – Haiku

Ferns near to the edge
the border, the field, the wood
the dappled shadow

October 21, 2010
on the drive from home to Pembroke Academy
about 7:06
and again on Rte 28
about 9am
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Because of the Hand of God

The painter a master
artistry sublime
each one different
though the same
A palette of autumn
dabbed on each
leaves of yellow, of red
orange and salmon
goldenrod and brown
Shining in their dying
because of the hand of God

October 21, 2010
talk about different colors
of the leaves of autumn
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Cut with safety scissors

The shape of the ferns
rounded, lobed edges
paper-bag-brown
damp in their drying
frost turning to vapor
rising in the sunlight
translucent, aglow

The rows of their planting
as if by some young hand
cut with safety scissors
placed just so
illumined for all to see
if we would slow down
or even get out and walk

Grace in the offering
to see our master’s hand
the field alive in autumn
a symphony of colors
revealing his artistry
the colors alive
before their dying

October 21, 2010
on the drive from home to Pembroke Academy
about 7:06
and again on Rte 28
about 9am
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rice Paper Fingers

The hands of the ferns
translucent in the melting
the frost bleeding to water
soon to be gone

Standing erect
hands like a peacock’s plumage
the ferns drying in the air
for all to see

Rice paper fingers
the hands of the fronds
a field of the ferns
aglow in the light

October 21, 2010
on the drive from home to Pembroke Academy
about 7:06
and again on Rte 28
about 9am
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 20, 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 21,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Translucent Ferns

The melting frost
ablaze in the warming
the wetness of the morning
changing the light

The ferns turned
from green to brown
from summer to autumn
but in the morning translucent
lit from behind

As the frost bleeds away
the lobes of the fern turned
warming in the light
of the autumn morning
as I rush on by

October 21, 2010
on the drive from home to Pembroke Academy
about 7:06
and again on Rte 28
about 9am
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Speak as we are able

God inside us
the Spirit indwelling
Christ came down
living in our hearts

Speak as we are able
sharing the love inside
offering grace to our neighbors
God’s love poured out

Like candles sharing
the light not diminished
all of us worthy
by the sacrifice on the cross

October 21, 2010
Psalm 40:8-9 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“I am happy to do your will, O my God.”
Your teachings are deep within me.
I will announce the good news of righteousness
among those assembled for worship.
I will not close my lips. You know that, O LORD.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Speak out Loud

Never to be hidden
let it all out
Speak of God
shout it out loud
Share to the world
the hope of all time
the joy in your word
your promise to all
Offering us salvation
if we stand on the rock
leaving the world
and trust in you Lord
Guiding our feet
giving us words to speak
Speak out loud
all who are called to speak

October 21, 2010
Psalm 40:8-9 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“I am happy to do your will, O my God.”
Your teachings are deep within me.
I will announce the good news of righteousness
among those assembled for worship.
I will not close my lips. You know that, O LORD.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 21, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Restore My Heart

Take it from me
make it anew
restore my heart
focused on You

Heal me Lord
make me whole
bring me to you
that I may be yours

October 21, 2010
Psalm 51:12 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Frost on the Fields

Frost on the fields
draped on the weeds
the milkweed, the bramble
the vines, the reeds
casting shadows
in the morning
bringing on the thawing
warming in the sunlight
melting the gossamer dew

October 21, 2010
on the drive from home to Pembroke Academy
about 7:06
and again on Rte 28
about 9am
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Like Cotton Bolls Bursting

The frost, alive in white
aglow on the milkweeds
erupting in flight
in the bright autumn sun
ablaze in glory
like cotton bolls bursting
alive in the beauty
of their harvest
before the sowing
of their seeds of life

October 21, 2010
on the drive from home to Pembroke Academy
about 7:06
and again on Rte 28
about 9am
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 20, 2010

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

A Heart to Obey

Turn me around
away from the world
redeem me Lord
that I may live

Teach me your ways
guide me in my life
a heart to obey
to submit to your will

Leading me on
that I may give
the fruits of your gifts
poured out on me

To serve my neighbors
humbly in your name
to go where you lead me
each and every day

October 20, 2010
Psalm 51:12 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Heal My Heart

Oh Lord I pray
that You would enter in
heal my heart
that I may truly live

October 20, 2010
Psalm 51:12 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Unburden My Heart

Let me soar
free of all else
unburden my heart
letting go of the rest

October 20, 2010
Psalm 51:12 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Give Me Joy

Lord, in my prayer
deep in my soul
I cry out
Give me joy, Oh Lord
in the walk of my days
ever may I submit
to the guiding of your ways

October 20, 2010
Psalm 51:12 (God’s Word Translation)
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Restore the joy of your salvation to me,
and provide me with a spirit of willing obedience.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 20, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rising from the Fields

Not so much as water
steam, fog rising
from waters still
in the warming of the morning

From frost rising
becoming an aerosol
barely visible, vapor only
rising from the fields

October 20, 2010
on the drive from home to Pembroke Academy
about 7:06
and again on Rte 28
about 9am
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
Allenstown, NH
October 20, 2010

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

Delight in God

Enchanted in some ways
to delight in God
sinking into the thought
drenched with love
feeling your warm embrace
a smile upon my face
no fear in this place
in the loving arms of God
with him ever
as a way of life
walking with the creator
all of my days
remembering his promises
all that have been fulfilled
luxuriating in his goodness
pouring out on me

October 19, 2010
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Psalm 37:1-40
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

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

October 19, 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 21,420+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Revel in God

Revel in God
delight in him
our creator and our savior
the maker of all there is
all there will ever be

Right beside us all of our days
guiding our path to heaven
leading us in the brighter paths
there with us in the shadows

He showers us with grace
wraps us in his love
the desires of our hearts pouring
raining from heaven above

October 19, 2010
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Psalm 37:1-40
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 19, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Joy in God’s Embrace

Stop and feel his love
joy in God’s embrace
warm in his loving arms
in the warmth of his grace

We lose focus
our sight on the world
failing the feel the wonder
of the creator’s touch

His presence all around us
living in a cloud of grace
love abounding
we can see his face

We need to turn
to look inward, to our creator
walking with us all of our days
he is our Lord and savior

October 19, 2010
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Psalm 37:1-40
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 19, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Following His Path

Do not worry about others
the path they choose to walk
focus on our savior
and the way of the cross

Heed his commandments
his command to love
to serve only our creator
a servant here on earth

Following his path
delighting in his presence
seeking only justice
in our walk these days

Going together
walking with our savior
a reward of eternity
awaits each faithful heart

October 19, 2010
Psalm 37:4 (NIV)
Psalm 37:1-40
(posted on Ruth’s office door)
“Delight yourself in the LORD
and he will give you the desires of your heart.”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss, of
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 19, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Under the White

Wondering, sitting here
warm in my office
the garden still
in the cold
under the white

The leaves around
some degree of shelter
but the frost heavy today
bringing this to an end

A harvest today
what I am able
gathering in the rest
of the summer fruits

Maybe too late
for some of the produce
some of it to be eaten today
before it turns to mush

October 19, 2010
Looking out toward the garden
from my office window
Suncook, NH
Pembroke, NH
October 19, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Leaving the Dead

The mission to the living
to those who would hear
to go out into the world
because the kingdom is near

The time is now
to spread the message
leaving the dead
to tend for the dead

Ours is a purpose
a ministry to share
hope to the nations
to all who would hear

Going out
leaving our comfort
sharing the witness
of God’s love for the world

October 19, 2010
Matthew 8:18-22
Matthew 8:1-10:15
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 10, 2010,
read October 19, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Without Hesitation

Going now
without hesitation
committing our lives
to the calling of the Lord

No security, no promises
going as we are called
following our master
out into the world

October 19, 2010
Matthew 8:18-22
Matthew 8:1-10:15
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 10, 2010,
read October 19, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Urgency of the Moment

No time to wait
the consequences severe
the choice to follow
something very clear

In the urgency of the moment
leaving all behind
going when we are called
to the shepherd’s voice cleaving

Leaving into a future
no place to rest your head
leaving all behind
letting the dead bury the dead

October 19, 2010
Matthew 8:18-22
Matthew 8:1-10:15
http://www.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/reading.cgi?plan=straight&ver=NAS
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 10, 2010,
read October 19, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Crystals of White

Too many to number
yet each cast with precision
crystals of white
blanketing the earth
The fields shimmering
even as the dawning
the world alive
under crystals of white

October 19, 2010
frost on drives to school
Pembroke, NH
October 19, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When the Numbers Don’t Rise

So on edge
not knowing what to do
hard to be patient
wanting a change
into the safe range
when the numbers don’t rise
when the slide is on
the numbers crashing
her face showing
the carbs not enough
hard to be patient
when it is someone you love

October 18, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Glowing Carpet of Ferns

Ablaze in the low sun
before their dying
translucent yellow
thin brown page
standing at attention
catching the light just right
casting living shadows
atop the pine litter
the coming of winter
soon enough slumber
before the blanket of snow

October 18, 2010
drive to Three Rivers School
Pembroke, NH
October 18, 2010
&
Facebook status of
the Reverend Doctor David Abbott
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=1265235435
“I am in awe of how in the final days of their existence,
the bright colors of leaves create a glow amongst
the gray of the morning. hmmmm, something to think about.”
October 15, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Yellow Canopy

Rounding the corner
under the azure sky
the space aglow
under the thinning maple
a yellow canopy
rising, held in place
the scaffolding living
holding up the tent

October 18, 2010
walk to Pembroke Village School
after school
Prospect Street
Pembroke, NH
October 18, 2010
&
Facebook status of
the Reverend Doctor David Abbott
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/profile.php?id=1265235435
“I am in awe of how in the final days of their existence,
the bright colors of leaves create a glow amongst
the gray of the morning. hmmmm, something to think about.”
October 15, 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Like a painting on a sheet of glass

The geese moving
not so much with effort
like a painting moving overhead
on a sheet of glass
moving, silently, without effort
by an invisible hand
through the dense fog of morning
above the playground

October 18, 2010
Pembroke Village School
Pembroke, NH
October 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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Guiding My Steps

The beacon of your word
your love poured down
sharing the story of grace
my cup overflowing

Only when I walk
standing in your light
only when I let the word
guide my trembling feet

My life makes sense
seeming to have purpose
only when I walk with thee
in the light of your morning

At peace in the storms
the struggle of my days
only when I conform my feet
to the way of your servant

The word calling me
to turn from the world
to go the way of the cross
to the ends of the earth

October 18, 2010
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Light for My Steps

The graphic words of scripture
a mirror to my walk
light shining in the darkness
that I may be led

A light for my steps
guiding my feet
taking me away from my self
to where the master would lead

October 18, 2010
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Revealed Each Day

The little things
a way to serve
to share time together
pieces of our lives
a witness to God’s presence
His grace in our days
enriching us ever
with God’s love
not something of the earth
in this is our treasure

Revealed each day
if our eyes were only open
sharing the changes of our lives
in humble submission
Happy in the present
walking with our Lord
walking with our shepherd
on this journey of grace
all the way to heaven

October 18, 2010
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1


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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tether Us to Truth

Bind to us on our leaving
our being sent into the world
the remnant of your blessing
the rock of your word

Tether us to truth
lash our lives to you
send us as we are able
to boldly do your work

Never wavering in our discipline
conforming our walk to you
going to the ends of the earth
as we are called to do

Being the hands and feet
the messengers of God
sharing his love to all we meet
going where we are led

October 18, 2010
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
and Benediction, by Mark Cioffi
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Centered on Thanks

Not in response
to something done
not in an expectation
of what is to be
Centered on thanks
on living life thanking God
always, throughout the day
as if breathing, as important
to the creator, to God,
the loving Father,
not for something
or for something more
just for the grace of being
love forevermore

October 18, 2010
Psalm 92:1a
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord”
Psalm 92:1-4
meditation by Pastor Huntley Halvorson
Hymn Sing
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

October 17, 2010
&
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
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
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1


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 21,090+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How Good. . .

How good, in itself
without embellishment
for no other reason
than because he is Lord
that we exist at all
this alone enough
How good it is to give thanks
to our lord and maker

October 18, 2010
Psalm 92:1a
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord”
Psalm 92:1-4
meditation by Pastor Huntley Halvorson
Hymn Sing
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
&
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1


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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Nine Precious Words

A reminder in scripture
in the songbook of the people
how we are to remember
the majesty of God

Nine precious words
each important
centering our very lives
around the majesty of God

Not for anything,
not an antecedent
standing alone as a prayer
our giving thanks to God

Not for a season
not for a reward
thanking God itself important
an attitude of grace
of remembering
how precious is the creator
the maker of heaven and earth

October 18, 2010
Psalm 92:1a
“It is good to give thanks to the Lord”
Psalm 92:1-4
meditation by Pastor Huntley Halvorson
Hymn Sing
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
&
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Coming Together (2)

Gathering in worship
coming together
bright sounds of children
hugs all around

Wishing for your presence
centering our spirits
coming into worship
to sit at your feet

Oh come Holy Spirit
descend upon us
fall down from heaven
to be in our midst

Hear the cries of your children
the sheep here in the flock
the prayers for the people
outside, in the dark

Steel our hearts
assuage our fears
give us feet to go
out into the world

Bearing the message
the words written
your promise engraved
on the tablets of our hearts

October 17, 2010
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To encourage our care for each other

We sit with our neighbors
our sisters, our brothers
some who are just like us
some different from us

Gathered together
lifting up our burdens
our sorrows and joys
our challenges in this life

Sharing together, in the congregation
to encourage our care for each other
loving our neighbors
as we have been called

Reaching out further
because more are suffering
calling us to go
out into the world

So much hurt
so much struggle
needing God’s love
just to survive

So much hope
joy in this place
needing to be shared
offering his amazing grace

October 17, 2010
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

To reassure us of His love

The whispers of the Spirit
God calling to us
our spirits stirring
gathering together
the sheep of his flock

Bearing witness
singing to the heavens
joyfully being filled
that we may be poured out

October 17, 2010
Call to Worship
“God calls us together as his children
to reassure us of his love, to encourage
our care for each other, to remind us
of our responsibilities, and to send us out
as people who bear his name,
Come, let us worship him!”
2 Timothy 3:14-4:5
Psalm 119:105-112 (Common English Bible)
Worship Theme: “We Are the Church”
and message sharing by:
Dick Lombard, “Grace Happens”,
Ray Foss (poem “Preparing is Worship”),
Vicki Kneeland, “Changes”, and
Mary Ann Cioffi, “Reality”
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=136632035559
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 17, 2010
Laity Sunday
http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=102293516495911&index=1

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 19,110+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.