perseverance produces character

we fight through the struggle

because God is with us

the Spirit strengthening our hearts

knowing perseverance produces character

our lives guided, we are led

by the Spirit, abiding

knowing the love of God

sure of our future

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

suffering produces perseverance

we do not complain

we trust in God

because He is with us

the Spirit within

God can comfort

uplift and steel us

we know God will provide

all of our needs

suffering produces perseverance

sticking through, to finish

the race set before us

the path of our lives

God here with us

the Spirit abiding

safe in God’s loving arms

peace in the storms

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we rejoice in our suffering

we do not weep with sorrow

we do not curse God

we rejoice in our suffering

trusting in the Lord

God will provide

God’s Spirit abiding

we can count on the promise

we shall surely live

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God

we rejoice, are joyful

in the hope of the glory of God

to walk in the garden one day

our hope to be restored

we rejoice, sing God’s praises

for the coming of the Son

for the Spirit guiding, within us

leading us safely home

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we stand on that grace

in the light of God

in the love divine

we stand on that grace

on the gift of Christ

dying for us

rising from the grave

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we stand in this grace

we stand in this grace

in the love of God

for we could not stand on our works

in the judgment, the storm

we stand in this grace

in the love of God

healing our brokenness

in God we are restored

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

gained access by faith

we have gained access by faith

able to approach God

healed by Christ’s sacrifice

restored by his love

we come to the Lord

assured of Christ’s victory

the Spirit guiding our steps

in our journey of faith

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

peace with God through Christ

nothing I can do as a human

my clay too weak

we are at peace with God

through Jesus, the Christ

He alone was faithful

abiding by God’s law

yet he became our sacrifice

giving us his all

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Justified through Faith

we are justified through faith

our belief in the Christ

who suffered and died

who rose from the dead

by faith, not by works,

we are brought close to God

through the curtain of Christ

we are raised, reborn

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

engender hope

raise your voices

engender hope

in others in the faith

in those who would follow

lives downstream from us

looking to us, older

those who have gone before

as we do to the disciples

who stood long ago

------

May 25, 2013

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 25, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Romans 5:1-5

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 24, 2013

read May 25, 2013

&

Psalm 8

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

May 20, 2013 to May 26, 2013

“God’s Wisdom, Hope, and Promise”

by Laurence Hull Stookey

for May 23, 2013

read May 23, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,390+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

June Morning – v2

Dawn on my lake

The world is still.

Water like a mirror.

Land and water blur.

Bold bright colors in morning light.

Steam rises from the still surface

In wisps and swirls, gossamer

Soon to evaporate in the warming air.

Birds and I stir

Ready to face a new day.

Above a chorus

Joins my world.

A flock of Canadian geese

A squadron of at least

Twenty-five land off the point.

A great splash,

Squawking and trumpeting

Their arrival.

Tea on the porch

Soaking it in,

wonder of God’s creation.

Oops, time for work.

===============

edited January 7, 2016

June Morning – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/01/june-morning-v3.html

(merging edits to original and version 2)

Edited May 25, 2013

“June Morning – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/june-morning-v2.html

posted 2/17/04

written June 8, 2000 9:53pm

“June Morning”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2004/02/june-morning.html

about morning in the summer of 2000

Swains Lake

Barrington, NH

All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,550+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Place Where We Belong – v2

We needing that community

that sense of family, welcome;

we all need that comfort

a place where we belong

We are ever seeking

but God is right by our side;

He is our place of safety

the rock where we are secure

In God, in community,

in the faith we share here;

all of us are welcome,

all of us family

Edited May 25, 2013

“A Place Where We Belong – v2”

January 29, 2011

“A Place Where We Belong”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/01/place-where-we-belong.html

John 14:1-3 (The Message Bible)

Posting: “Welcome One and All”

http://ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com/2011/01/welcome-one-and-all.html

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

“God’s Whisper” blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

January 28, 2011

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Fragrance of their colors – v2

pungent, sweet, decay

giving up their color,

an aerosol of autumn

deep, rich aroma

maples leaves fallen

almost like ripe tomatoes

their colors dripping, urgent

giving off fragrance

in the wet fall morning

offering up for our pleasure

in their appointed season;

a whisper of springtime

of our planting in the soil

Edited May 25, 2013

“Fragrance of their colors – v2”

October 14, 2011

“Fragrance of their colors”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2011/10/fragrance-of-their-colors.html

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

filled with the Spirit - 2

Peter almost spitting the words

alive, vibrating, emboldened

changed as we all were

filled with the Spirit

give heavenly power

We stood with him

alive as he was now

wanting to shout,

to gather them in

that they would know the Lord

new poem May 25, 2013

“filled with the Spirit”

May 25, 2013

“spoke with bold urgency”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/05/spoke-out-with-bold-urgency.html

Pentecost Sunday

Worship Theme: “Holy Spirit”

Acts 2:1-21

Joel 2:28-32

John 14:15-17 (CEB)

Romans 8:14-17 (CEB)

Call to Worship (Psalm 104:33-34 (CEB))

Unison Prayer (Prayer to the Holy Spirit (UMH 329))

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2013 Acts 2:1-21)

Message for Children

and sermon “Flame On!”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

“God’s Whisper” blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

May 19, 2013

Eighth Sunday of Easter

Pentecost Sunday

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

listen carefully

this is life or death

the Spirit moving within me

leading me to speak

listen carefully

all you who believe

God have imparted upon me

the prophet’s ancient word

the time have come for fulfillment

Joel’s words of grace

God living among us

changing the world within

the heaven will proclaim

our sons and daughters will prophesy

the day of the Lord coming

is soon, it is nigh

May 25, 2013

Pentecost Sunday

Worship Theme: “Holy Spirit”

Acts 2:1-21

Joel 2:28-32

John 14:15-17 (CEB)

Romans 8:14-17 (CEB)

Call to Worship (Psalm 104:33-34 (CEB))

Unison Prayer (Prayer to the Holy Spirit (UMH 329))

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2013 Acts 2:1-21)

Message for Children

and sermon “Flame On!”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

“God’s Whisper” blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

May 19, 2013

Eighth Sunday of Easter

Pentecost Sunday

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,380+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

spoke out with bold urgency

the Spirit filling their lungs, their lives

steeled for the work to come

standing before them

the gathering throng

speaking with power

Peter spoke with bold urgency

the words of the ancient prophets

the time soon to begin

when the prophet’s words come to life

the day of the Lord’s return

the waiting, in expectancy

the hope welling up within

feeling the urgency of the moment

to turn the hearts of men

May 25, 2013

Pentecost Sunday

Worship Theme: “Holy Spirit”

Acts 2:1-21

Joel 2:28-32

John 14:15-17 (CEB)

Romans 8:14-17 (CEB)

Call to Worship (Psalm 104:33-34 (CEB))

Unison Prayer (Prayer to the Holy Spirit (UMH 329))

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2013 Acts 2:1-21)

Message for Children

and sermon “Flame On!”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

“God’s Whisper” blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

May 19, 2013

Eighth Sunday of Easter

Pentecost Sunday

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Before the Day of the Lord arrives

we will see wonders,

we will see signs

we will prophesy,

we will dream

the Spirit empowering

giving us sight

life in the journey

heading for life

May 25, 2013

Pentecost Sunday

Worship Theme: “Holy Spirit”

Acts 2:1-21

Joel 2:28-32

John 14:15-17 (CEB)

Romans 8:14-17 (CEB)

Call to Worship (Psalm 104:33-34 (CEB))

Unison Prayer (Prayer to the Holy Spirit (UMH 329))

Prayer of Dedication (GBOD 2013 Acts 2:1-21)

Message for Children

and sermon “Flame On!”

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

“God’s Whisper” blog

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH

May 19, 2013

Eighth Sunday of Easter

Pentecost Sunday

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 23,370+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.