Saturday, July 26, 2014

even if they are right – v2

even if they are right
that they must defend
that they must reclaim land
that their Iron Dome
is defensive, that there
is no other way than invasion
to defend their people
what about the cost
to the innocent children
those they put in the middle

pray for the children
for the Israeli people
that they may be safe
in their beds at night
just like their neighbors

even if they are right
that their home is a prison
that the Israelis are the jailers
pray for the children
pray for Gaza, the West Bank
for the Palestinian people
that they would have hope
in some just equitable future
safe without walls, restrictions
with no more shelling

pray for the martyrs
the children, the civilians,
for those caught in the middle
those who are driven
from their beds at night

pray for the parents
who must bury their children
where human shields
and hospitals are bombed
pray for all of them
caught in the middle
in this perfect storm
where ceasefire brings no peace
and it is all caught on tape
to be splashed round the world


=====
edited July 26, 2014
even if they are right – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/07/even-if-they-are-right-v2.html
edited July 26, 2014
even if they are right
(after the end of the 12-hour ceasefire)
edited July 18, 2014
pray for the children
after the ground invasion of Gaza
by Israeli forces
edited July 11, 2014
does it matter who started this
edited July 11, 2014
fish in a barrel, fish with weapons
edited July 10, 2014
Israel’s Future
post of child in rage about the Israeli’s bulldozing his home
in the Gaza Strip
7/10/2014
edited July 10, 2014
the battle foreordained – v2
new poem June 8, 2014
the battle foreordained
Daniel 7
and Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
June 8, 2014
&
edited March 16, 2014
“Innocent Blood – v5”
(editing version 3)
Edited November 26, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v4”
after rereading original inspiration for the poem
Edited November 23, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v3”
November 23, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v2”
after writing several poems on this topic
&
announcement of a cease fire
between Gaza (Hamas) and Israel
November 21, 2012
&
the tragedy of the fighting in Gaza and Israel
and the source of the conflict
in the division of Ishmael and Isaac
the sons of Abraham
&
original poem
January 14 and 15, 2009
“Innocent Blood”
Matthew 2:13-23
and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,
in his Partners in Ministry email
1/14/09,
    THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing.  Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza!  Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories.  Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"
       How can peace with justice be found?
       A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way.  "There can be no peace without reconciliation.  There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness.  There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday."  In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace.  Nations do it.  Families do it.  Churches do it.  Pray that we might all become peacemakers.  Pray for the land we call "holy."”

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 31,360+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

even if they are right

even if they are right
that they must defend
that they must reclaim land
that their Iron Dome
is defensive, that there
is no other way than invasion
to defend their people
what about the cost
to the innocent children

pray for the children
for the Israeli people
that they may be safe
in their beds at night

even if they are right
that their home is a prison
that the Israelis are the jailers
pray for the children
pray for Gaza, the West Bank
for the Palestinian people
that they would have hope
in some just equitable future
safe without walls, restrictions

pray for the martyrs
for those caught in the middle
those who are driven
from their beds at night

pray for the parents
who must bury their children
where human shields
and hospitals are bombed
pray for all of them
caught in the middle
in this perfect storm
where ceasefire brings no peace
and it is all caught on tape


=====
edited February 14, 2015
even if they are right – v3
edited July 26, 2014
even if they are right – v2
edited July 26, 2014
even if they are right
(after the end of the 12-hour ceasefire)
edited July 18, 2014
pray for the children
after the ground invasion of Gaza
by Israeli forces
edited July 11, 2014
does it matter who started this
edited July 11, 2014
fish in a barrel, fish with weapons
edited July 10, 2014
Israel’s Future
post of child in rage about the Israeli’s bulldozing his home
in the Gaza Strip
7/10/2014
edited July 10, 2014
the battle foreordained – v2
new poem June 8, 2014
the battle foreordained
Daniel 7
and Men’s Bible Study
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
June 8, 2014
&
edited March 16, 2014
“Innocent Blood – v5”
(editing version 3)
Edited November 26, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v4”
after rereading original inspiration for the poem
Edited November 23, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v3”
November 23, 2012
“Innocent Blood – v2”
after writing several poems on this topic
&
announcement of a cease fire
between Gaza (Hamas) and Israel
November 21, 2012
&
the tragedy of the fighting in Gaza and Israel
and the source of the conflict
in the division of Ishmael and Isaac
the sons of Abraham
&
original poem
January 14 and 15, 2009
“Innocent Blood”
Matthew 2:13-23
and words of Bishop Peter Weaver,
in his Partners in Ministry email
1/14/09,
    THE TERRIBLE VIOLENCE IN THE GAZA STRIP is deeply disturbing.  Hundreds of innocent civilians, including children are being caught in the crossfire. Last week, after we celebrated Epiphany (Jan. 6, the magi visiting Bethlehem) I thought about the rest of Matthew 2 where Herod sets out to kill all the "innocents" under two and Mary, Joseph and Jesus head for Egypt....probably through Gaza!  Both the Palestinians and Israelis fear and react to violence from the other side and to a long history of threats and actions that are indelibly etched in their memories.  Tragically, every additional death and injustice etches new memories in new generations who will grow up with even more hatred and determination to "win", no matter what the means of terrorism or oppression. "An eye for an eye, leaves everyone blind"
       How can peace with justice be found?
       A Quaker saying, based in the Gospel, points the way.  "There can be no peace without reconciliation.  There can be no reconciliation without forgiveness.  There can be no forgiveness without giving up the hope of a better yesterday."  In other words, holding on to the deeply etched bitterness of the past prevents us from embracing a new future of peace.  Nations do it.  Families do it.  Churches do it.  Pray that we might all become peacemakers.  Pray for the land we call "holy."”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 35,900+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

on the swings

on the swings
the jungle gyms
walking on the edge of the sandbox
running across the field
enjoying the great outdoors
God gifts us creation
God wants us joyful
within the boundaries He created
His will for our lives
Each of us different
where we find the most pleasure
for some the swing set
for others the sandbox
but neither is a bad choice
so long as they are within the boundary
the safe God has created
His plan for our lives.     

 ------
July 26, 2014
on the swings

Devozine for July 21, 2014 to July 27, 2014
“+making choices”
&
“Making Choices Weekend!”
“you choose”
devotion by Tom Arthur
pastor of Sycamore Creek Church
for July 26, 2014
read July 26, 2014
&
Isaiah 12:6 (NIV)
“Imagining a Choice”
devotion by Ekaterina Hristova
&
5-second prayer
“God be with us and help us to make good choices”
for July 25, 2014
read July 26, 2014
&
Matthew 6:31-33
“A New Direction”
devotion by Rachel Starr Thomson
for July 24, 2014
read July 24, 2014
&
Psalm 119:5-6 (NIV)
“Don’t Get Trapped”
devotion by Rebecca Gertner
for July 23, 2014
read July 23, 2014
&
John 8:8-9 (CEV)
“Make Every Minute Count”
devotion by Tom Doenges
&
“Seek Wisdom for the Journey”
devotion by Richard Woodard
for July 22, 2014
read July 22, 2014
&
Matthew 5:48 (NIV)
“Perfection?”
devotion by Alina Kanaski
Philippians 4:13 (NRSV)
for July 21, 2014
read July 21, 2014
&
Patten Methodist Youth Group
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME

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 31,350+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

to understand them

part of what we go through
our experiences, our trials
to steel us for the journey
what next may come
some so we will show compassion
so will understand others
what they are going through
because we have go there before.    

------
July 26, 2014
to understand them

John 1:14 (NIV)
Hebrews 4:14-16
devotion “No One Understands”
Upper Room Daily Devotional    
by Jason Ponzio
for July 26, 2014
read July 26, 2014
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for July and August 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 31,350+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I wonder if I should pray aloud

I know God knows my thoughts
my prayers before they are born
He knows the number of my days
the Spirit dwelling within me
fills in the words
when words won’t come

I wonder if I should pray aloud
if to God it is singing
the melody of our prayer
the libretto of our petitions

Does God long to hear us
the words out loud
the prayers to him spoken
our hope in His answer
in the promise of God.


------
July 26, 2014
I wonder if I should pray aloud

1 Chronicles 16:11 (NIV)
Psalm 145:17-19
devotion “Connecting But Not Communicating”
Upper Room Daily Devotional    
by Kathleen Armentano
for July 25, 2014
read July 26, 2014
Upper Room Daily Devotional
for July and August 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 31,350+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

bumpy, crooked roads – v2

bumpy, crooked roads
crevasses, caverns
switchbacks and dead ends
dark places, valleys;
yet these are safe to travel
the journey, the path
because God is with us
on each step

even on the dark roads
where no one else can join us
God there with us
on our journey of life;
there to guide us
to lead us on the path
through the shadows, the detours
the straight path to life


====
edited July 26, 2014
bumpy, crooked roads – v2

January 25, 2012
bumpy, crooked roads
&
Psalm 33:30-22
Psalm 25:1-3
Romans 8:30-32
Matthew 11:28-30
Sermon 3 of “All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”
Summer Sermon Series on Prayer
Bumpy Bead – Letting Go
children’s message by Pastor Ruth Foss
-          a broken set of prayer beads -  God can make something beautiful
of all the broken pieces: Dad can you fix this? Yes I can…
and sermon, “In the Letting Go We Find”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
July 13, 2014
&
June 29, 2014
Psalm 105:1-6 Common English Bible
Exodus 15:1-3 The Living Bible
Psalm 89:1-18 The Message Bible
Closing Hymn – “As the Deer”
Sermon 2 of “All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”
Summer Sermon Series on Prayer
children’s message by Pastor Ruth Foss
-          Sabbath rest, time with God outdoors, in nature
and sermon, “All My Adoration. . . !”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
June 29, 2014
&
June 22, 2014
Matthew 6:5-14
“Jesus Teaches About Prayer” (NCV)
(including Lord’s Prayer)
Romans 12:12
Ephesians 6:11-18
Sermon 1 of “All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”
Summer Sermon Series on Prayer
children’s message by Ray Foss
-          God fills in the words we pray
based on Upper Room Daily Devotional for June 9, 2014
Romans 8:26 (NRSV)
Romans 8:22-27
Upper Room Daily Devotional
“Guided by the Spirit”
by Milly Ibanda
for March and April 2014
-          spontaneous prayer, wait for God’s answer
(based on Shanequa’s prayer for a puppy July 21, 2006)
opening and welcome by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon, “Stop, Look and Listen”
by Sally Drew
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
June 22, 2014
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 11, 2012

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 31,350+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

That redemption – v2

that redemption
that new life
relationship with You
life, everlasting
at the end of this life

only because of You
Your one sacrifice
high priest and lamb
Messiah and king

only You, Brother
that redemption
life evermore
in heaven
only in You


----
edited July 26, 2014
That redemption – v2

January 25, 2012
That redemption
&
Psalm 33:30-22
Psalm 25:1-3
Romans 8:30-32
Matthew 11:28-30
Sermon 3 of “All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”
Summer Sermon Series on Prayer
Bumpy Bead – Letting Go
children’s message by Pastor Ruth Foss
-          a broken set of prayer beads -  God can make something beautiful
of all the broken pieces: Dad can you fix this? Yes I can…
and sermon, “In the Letting Go We Find”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
July 13, 2014
&
June 29, 2014
Psalm 105:1-6 Common English Bible
Exodus 15:1-3 The Living Bible
Psalm 89:1-18 The Message Bible
Closing Hymn – “As the Deer”
Sermon 2 of “All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”
Summer Sermon Series on Prayer
children’s message by Pastor Ruth Foss
-          Sabbath rest, time with God outdoors, in nature
and sermon, “All My Adoration. . . !”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
June 29, 2014
&
June 22, 2014
Matthew 6:5-14
“Jesus Teaches About Prayer” (NCV)
(including Lord’s Prayer)
Romans 12:12
Ephesians 6:11-18
Sermon 1 of “All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”
Summer Sermon Series on Prayer
children’s message by Ray Foss
-          God fills in the words we pray
based on Upper Room Daily Devotional for June 9, 2014
Romans 8:26 (NRSV)
Romans 8:22-27
Upper Room Daily Devotional
“Guided by the Spirit”
by Milly Ibanda
for March and April 2014
-          spontaneous prayer, wait for God’s answer
(based on Shanequa’s prayer for a puppy July 21, 2006)
opening and welcome by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon, “Stop, Look and Listen”
by Sally Drew
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
June 22, 2014
&
Wednesday evening worship
Second of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
Second Sunday: Bumpy Bead
1 John 4:7-21
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 25, 2012
&
Wednesday evening worship
start of series on prayer,
inspired by Marcia McFee,
“All My Days: A Summer of Prayer”,
First Sunday: God
Psalm 105:1-6
Isaiah 56:1-8
Acts 17:22-32
poem, “Pied Beauty”,
by Gerard Manley Hopkins
and meditation
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
January 11, 2012

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 31,350+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.