Saturday, May 24, 2014

written in our minds

spoken to our hearts
written in our minds
the teachings of God
not a mystery
God sharing His love
Christ here with us
teaching us how to love
as fully as He did
love, unconditionally
loving all we meet
as God first loves us


------
May 23, 2014
Romans 3:22 (NIV)
Hebrews 10:16-23
Jeremiah 31:33
Jeremiah 31:34
Mark 10:18 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Upper Room Daily Devotional
“Righteousness”
by Lisa Stackpole
for May 24, 2014
read May 24, 2014
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for March and April 2014

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the water of his blood - 2

we have been washed clean
drenched in his blood
the water of his blood
no more sacrifice
able to enter in
to walk with God
washed clean of our sin
by the water of his blood


------
May 23, 2014
the water of his blood - 2
Romans 3:22 (NIV)
Hebrews 10:16-23
Jeremiah 31:33
Jeremiah 31:34
Mark 10:18 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Upper Room Daily Devotional
“Righteousness”
by Lisa Stackpole
for May 24, 2014
read May 24, 2014
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for March and April 2014

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

more than a mask, a shroud

more than a mask
of Christ, a shroud
over our bodies
God sees Christ
when God looks upon us
washed clean by his blood
walking with him
                  

------
May 23, 2014
Romans 3:22 (NIV)
Hebrews 10:16-23
Jeremiah 31:33
Jeremiah 31:34
Mark 10:18 (NRSV)
2 Corinthians 5:21 (NIV)
Upper Room Daily Devotional
“Righteousness”
by Lisa Stackpole
for May 24, 2014
read May 24, 2014
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for March and April 2014

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thank you for your service – v3

Thank you for your service
simple words, appropriate
on this day, all year
Going where I would not go
standing for our freedoms
out in the dark world

Thank you for your service
to each veteran, at their gravesites
for your answer to our call
Serving nobly, bravely
giving us your all

Thank you for your service
simple words, appropriate
on this day, all year
It is the least we can say
for, because of you,
we share freedoms every day


====
edited May 24, 2014
Thank you for your service – v3
Edited November 13, 2012
Thank you for your service – v2
November 11, 2012
Thank you for your service
Veterans’ Day
&
Worship Theme: Laity Sunday
John 13:35
Mark 12:38-44
1 Kings 17:8-16
Call to Worship
Unison Prayer
Prayer of Dedication
and sermon – “Building a Caring Church”
by Richard Fleury
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
November 11, 2012
Laity 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Because they served – v2

Remember them always
those who went for us
into harm’s way
to guard, to protect us,
Because they served
we have life, liberty

Happiness inside
what we make of it
our hope, our dream
as a people as a nation,
Because they served
and sacrificed for us


----
edited May 24, 2014
Because they served – v2
November 11, 2010
Because they served
Veteran’s Day
----  
edited May 24, 2014
“Thanking a Veteran – v4”
Edited May 27, 2013
“Thanking a Veteran – v3”
Edited November 5, 2012
“Thanking a Veteran – v2”
Edited September 11, 2012
new poem, “Thanking a Veteran”
&
All of my Veteran’s Day poems
&
All of my Memorial Day poems
& earlier poem:
November 11, 2010
“In the Rain, in that Place”
Veteran’s Day 2010
and remembering being
at the Vietnam Memorial
during the 10th anniversary
Veteran’s Day 1992

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

stop hiding from God

God knows our nakedness
our sins, our rebellion
God wants relationship
that we would know Him
God calls to us
to come back to Him
God woos us
to walk with Him
conforming our steps
to Jesus, to our Savior
so stop hiding from Him
God knows our sin, our rebellion
but God has put us here on purpose
God wants relationship
God wants us with Him.


====
May 24, 2014
Genesis 3:8
“A God of Relationship”
devotion by John Godwin
for May 24, 2014
read May 24, 2014
Duck Commander Daily Devotional
compiled by Alan Robertson

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

No Peace with Oppression – v3

We prayed that God would enable us
to make no peace with oppression
no appeasement to the easy way
for the way of the world
for our comfort, our past
no accommodation for evil
no matter where it lives
no matter what it costs

A calling to our nation
and to our congregation
for the love of Christ
the will of God for our lives
reconciliation with our neighbors
to begin with equality, with love
no peace with those who oppress others
no matter what it costs



edited May 24, 2014
No Peace with Oppression – v3
Edited October 20, 2013
No Peace with Oppression – v2
May 24, 2009
No Peace with Oppression
Unison Prayer
“Eternal God, who created us in your own image.
Enable us to fearlessly contend against evil and to
make no peace with oppression.
May we use our freedom with reverence, and
for the establishment of justice to the glory of
your holy name; through Jesus Christ our Savior.”
The Epistle Reading
Ephesians 3:7-13
Gospel Reading
Mark 4:30-32
and sermon by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
“God Has Big Plans For You”
Suncook United Methodist Church
May 24, 2009
Ascension Sunday
and the Sunday before Memorial Day

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thanking a Veteran – v4

In the winter, in the summer
wherever we see the stars and stripes,
those who have bravely served,
those who went into battle
those who fought and died for us.

Stop and thank them,
the veterans, our neighbors
for they stood in the breach;
standing up for our freedoms
because freedom isn’t free.

Acknowledge their sacrifice,
for some never came back,
left in a foreign grave
others still wounded in ways
only they can comprehend.

Stop and thank them, the veterans,
whether of this generation or the last;
all of them chose to serve
in dark places of the world,
to serve when our nation called.


----  
edited May 24, 2014
“Thanking a Veteran – v4”
Edited May 27, 2013
“Thanking a Veteran – v3”
Edited November 5, 2012
“Thanking a Veteran – v2”
Edited September 11, 2012
new poem, “Thanking a Veteran”
&
All of my Veteran’s Day poems
&
All of my Memorial Day poems
& earlier poem:
November 11, 2010
“In the Rain, in that Place”
Veteran’s Day 2010
and remembering being
at the Vietnam Memorial
during the 10th anniversary
Veteran’s Day 1992

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Because of their service – v2

Because of their service
carrying their cross
their burden
choosing to serve
paying an awful cost

The pain of their scars
sometimes within
of what they have seen
some going to the grave
that we may truly live


----
edited May 24, 2014
Because of their service – v2
November 11, 2010
Because of their service
Veteran’s Day
&
the sacrifice of Jesus Christ

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,890+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Standing When They Passed – v3

The girls and I
like the others
on the parade route
seated on the curb,
some in lawn chairs
as the bands marched by

Standing when they passed
the ones who fought for us
carrying our country’s colors
for which so many paid the price

Stopping to honor
those who fought and died
buried in some foreign grave
for our freedoms still
those who came home again
and those fighting for us now.


edited May 24, 2014
Standing When They Passed – v3

edited May 30, 2011
Standing When They Passed – v2
Memorial Day 2011
May 31, 2010
Standing When They Passed

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hearing the martyrs, the heroes – v4

In the cadence of their marching
echoes coming, in time
The flow of the celebration
in the stillness within me
Hearing the martyrs
the heroes who sacrificed
Those who went on to glory
to defend our beliefs.

Listen we must
to the whispers of the fallen
Teaching us much
of how to walk in this life
Something grander, important,
more meaningful than consumption
Sacrifice for our nations
for what we all hold dear.


====
edited May 24, 2014
“Hearing the martyrs, the heroes – v4”
(editing original again)
edited May 24, 2014
“Hearing the martyrs, the heroes – v3”
(editing version 2)
Edited May 27, 2013
“Hearing the martyrs, the heroes – v2
Memorial Day
&
May 30, 2011
“Hearing the martyrs, the heroes”
Manchester, NH Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hearing the martyrs, the heroes – v3

In the cadence of their marching
the flow of our celebration
pausing, for the fallen,
in the stillness within me
our history calls to us, “remember”.

Hearing the martyrs
their whispers to us
heroes who sacrificed
who went on to glory
to defend our beliefs

Listen we must, eternally,
to the whispers of the fallen
begging us to remember
teaching us much
of how to walk in this life

Something grander
more meaningful than consumption
this day set aside to remember
their sacrifice for our nation
for what we all hold dear.


edited May 24, 2014
“Hearing the martyrs, the heroes – v3”
(editing version 2)
Edited May 27, 2013
“Hearing the martyrs, the heroes – v2
Memorial Day
&
May 30, 2011
“Hearing the martyrs, the heroes”
Manchester, NH Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hearing their whispers – v4

Even under this bright sky
rousing anthems of the brass bands
Applause of this community
as our veterans marched by

Hearing their whispers
those who died for our freedoms
Their prayers that we would be faithful
to the beliefs we share inside

Knowing they are watching
sensing them here within this congregation
Watching down over us
as they have always done


====
edited May 24, 2014
Hearing their whispers – v4
(editing version 2)
edited May 24, 2014
Hearing the whispers – v3
 (editing original again)
Edited May 27, 2013
“Hearing their whispers – v2”
Memorial Day
&
May 30, 2011
“Hearing their whispers”
Manchester, NH Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hearing their whispers – v3

Even under the bright sky
the anthems of the brass bands
The applause of this community
as our Veterans marched by

Hearing their whispers
those have died for our freedoms
Their prayer that we would be faithful
to the beliefs we share together

Knowing They are watching
sensing them here with those assembled
Watching down over us
as They have always done


====
edited May 24, 2014
Hearing the whispers – v3
(editing original again)
Edited May 27, 2013
“Hearing their whispers – v2”
Memorial Day
&
May 30, 2011
“Hearing their whispers”
Manchester, NH Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In the Arms of Our Savior – v2

Oh Lord, I pray
oh let them be
each of the valiant
that paid for our freedom
the brave who have fallen
may they be, ever,
in the arms of our Savior
at peace, at rest,
throughout eternity


----
edited May 24, 2014
In the Arms of Our Savior – v2
May 30, 2011
In the Arms of Our Savior
Memorial Day 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That We May Be Worthy – v2

A prayer for our nation
that we would be worthy
for those who have fought for us
that have died for our freedom

a prayer that we would live
by our sacred creed
Never standing
for the cause of repression

always speaking out
for the cause of freedom
Resolute in our policies
the aims of our leaders

never wavering, steadfast
that we may be worthy
ever true to these heroes
to the values we hold dear



edited May 24, 2014
That We May Be Worthy – v2
May 30, 2011
That We May Be Worthy
Manchester, NH Memorial Day Parade
Memorial Day 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

For those who have died – v2

Honoring those who have served
who are serving for us now
in this standing for those
for those who have died

Standing in solemn prayer,
our hearts in our throats
thinking of those
who paid the cost for us

For those who have died
a day set aside
to stop us, to pause
to remember the cost

Standing in solemn prayer,
our hearts in our throats
remembering those
who paid the cost for us


----
edited May 24, 2014
For those who have died – v2
May 30, 2011
For those who have died
Memorial Day 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

under the sod and dew – v2

the refrain, the meter
the solemnity, the tribute
a balanced meditation
praying for Memorial Day
for those who are buried
who fought for our country
so many in the ground
under the sod and dew
so many of our best, our youth
too soon for the tomb


----
edited May 24, 2014
under the sod and dew – v2
typed September 7, 2013
under the sod and dew
inspired by poems read, including:
poem, “Black and White”, by Shirley Vezina
poem, “Love”, by George Herbert”
poem “Spring Rain”, by Chip Bergeron
and several others (21 read in all)
June 4, 2013
inspired by readings at Poets’ Corner
monthly poetry reading,
at the Suncook Senior Center
June 3, 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Do I know the way – v3

In the darkness
when I am uncertain
asking these words
wanting to be faithful

do I know Jesus
really, truly
walking with Him
all of these years

do I really believe
do I have eyes to see
do I know the way
Jesus has laid for me

do I have God’s heart
does Christ guide my steps
do I feel the Spirit within me
leading me on this walk

In the sunlight
walking with Jesus
feeling Him with me
on the journey

praying I know Him
that I see Jesus
that I share Jesus
in my life, on my walk.


----
edited May 24, 2014
Do I know the way – v3
edited May 20, 2014
Do I know the way – v2
May 19, 2014
Do I know the way
John 14:1-14
Upper Room Disciplines for 2014
for May 18, 2014
read May 18, 2014
&
May 12, 2014 to May 12, 2014
“Trust in God
by Luis F. Reyes
&
overview page
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Do I know Jesus – v3

I know them so well
these words from scripture
a feedback loop in mind
an echo, returning,
weighing on my heart
Philip’s words hanging
heavy, like Christ’s response

do I know Jesus
do I feel Him in my walk
do I know my Savior
present with me
in my journey of life

do I know Jesus
my brother, my Savior
the path continuing
the call to each one of us
to go and do His work
sharing the journey with Him
my brother, my God.


===
edited May 24, 2014
Do I know Jesus – v3
edited May 20, 2014
Do I know Jesus – v2
May 17, 2014
Do I know Jesus
John 14:6-14
Upper Room Disciplines for 2014
for May 16, 2014
read May 16, 2014
&
May 12, 2014 to May 12, 2014
“Trust in God
by Luis F. Reyes
&
overview page
Acts 7:55-60
Psalm 31:1-5, 15-16
1 Peter 2:2-10
John 14:1-14

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,880+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

pausing to thank God

even in simple blessing
our day to day lives
pausing to thank God
for presence, for life
seemingly so busy
filling our days
needing too to be mindful
to ever sing Your praise.
                  

------
May 23, 2014
Isaiah 12:3 (NRSV)
Isaiah 12:1-6
“A Song of Praise to God” (NCV)
Upper Room Daily Devotional
“Still Enjoying Life”
by Bill McDermet
for May 23, 2014
read May 23, 2014
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for March and April 2014

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 29,870+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.