Saturday, August 23, 2014

my cracks evident – v2

a broken vessel
my body damaged
my spirit weighed down
by many tears
only by Jesus
able to hold water
my vessel empty
made worthy
my scars visible
cracks in my vessel
water would be leaking
but for Jesus
filling the gaps
the sins forgiven
the scars remaining
but I am redeemed


------
edited August 23, 2014
my cracks evident – v2

new poem February 7, 2014
my cracks evident
new poem February 7, 2014
my scars visible
February 7, 2014
in the light
2 Corinthians 5:17
“You Are Defined by Your Father”
by Phil Robertson
for February 1, 2014
read February 1, 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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

my clay still wet – v2

ever may I be able to proclaim
my clay still wet, moving
still sitting on the potter’s wheel
feeling the touch of His hands
the drawing me out
pulled higher, fuller
shaping me, molding me
crafting me for His purpose
ever pliable, changing
following the Master’s will


------
edited January 31, 2015
my clay still wet – v5
(merging edits to version 4 and version 2 and original)
edited January 27, 2015
my clay still wet – v4
(editing version 3)
edited December 29, 2014
my clay still wet – v3
edited August 23, 2014
my clay still wet – v2
April 3, 2010
my clay still wet
on reading the earlier poem
posted to Christianpoetry today
-----
My Clay

Praying, in the quiet of my heart
my clay, giving myself
my heart, my all
becoming a vessel
worthy for God’s purposes
filled with God’s love
His living water
pure, refreshing
waters for the soul
Let me pour them out,
sharing them, my clay still wet
dripping with the waters of your love


====
September 19, 2009
My Clay
Alive Now daily reflection for September 17, 2009,
the poem, “A Vessel”, by Roberta Porter
and the prayer for the week
and suggested scripture,
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Psalm 1:1-6
Luke 9:57-62
Acts 9:1-9
and
Romans 5:1-12
Romans 5:1-5
Jeremiah 2:1-13
Jeremiah 2:13
Call to Worship
Unison Prayer
&
sermon, “Human Limitations and Unlimited Grace”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/13/09


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 35,600+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

my clay stiffened – v2

over the course of my life
pulling away from God
my clay stiffened
filled with pride

my heart hardened in time
needing God’s touch
the Spirit within
to give new life to my clay

slowly changing
living water
making the way
my clay bending
to your touch


----
edited August 23, 2014
my clay stiffened – v2

August 24, 2011
my clay stiffened
Bible study with Jean Anocibar August 23, 2011
John 5:1-15
The Healing at the Pool
John 5:16-30
Life Through the Son
John 5:31-47
Testimonies about Jesus
&
John 10
the Good Shepherd
&
Jeremiah 18
the Potter’s House
&
Job
remaining humble

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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

My Clay Changed – v2

In the coming of the Spirit
the flames as on Pentecost
the stuff of me different
my clay changed, to be used
fired by the Spirit
no longer malleable
fired by God’s love

Made a vessel
from the stuff of clay
a bowl, a goblet
common flesh, sacred worth
holding the Spirit’s love
burning brightly within me
that I may do my Savior’s work

Spreading the message of Christ
the light burning within us
changing the world as He can
as his hands and feet
going to the ends of the earth
doing all we can
in this time and place


----
edited August 23, 2014
My Clay Changed – v2

May 21, 2010
My Clay Changed
Luke 7:18-22
Acts 2:1-8
Worship Theme: “Doing a Dangerous Thing”
and sermon, “A Lesson From a Motorcycle Shop”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
May 23, 2010
Pentecost Sunday
&
and quote attributed to Corrie ten Bloom,
“I have a glove here in my hand.  The glove cannot do anything by itself, but when my hand is in it, it can do many things.  True, it is not the glove, but my hand in the glove that acts.  We are gloves.  It is the Holy Spirit in us who is the hand, who does the job.  We have to make room for the hand so that every finger is filled.”
&
Genesis 1:1-2:4a
Genesis 2:4b-25
the tension between the two traditions
giving us two creation stories
Ecclesiastes 12:7
Jeremiah 18:1-4
&
via email conversation 12/4/09
with artist and teacher
Carol Childress,
author of blog, “Choosing Joy”,

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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

My Clay – v2

Praying, in the quiet of my heart
my clay, giving myself
my heart, my all
to you, oh God
Becoming a vessel
worthy for God’s purposes
filled with God’s love

His living water
washing over me
pure, refreshing
waters for the soul
Let me pour them out,
sharing them, my clay still wet
dripping with the waters of your love


===
edited August 23, 2014
My Clay – v2

September 19, 2009
My Clay
Alive Now daily reflection for September 17, 2009,
the poem, “A Vessel”, by Roberta Porter
and the prayer for the week
and suggested scripture,
Deuteronomy 6:4-9
Psalm 1:1-6
Luke 9:57-62
Acts 9:1-9
and
Romans 5:1-12
Romans 5:1-5
Jeremiah 2:1-13
Jeremiah 2:13
Call to Worship
Unison Prayer
& sermon, “Human Limitations and Unlimited Grace”
Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
9/13/09

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

before I found Jesus – v2

so many years since youth group
since I went to a church I called home
wandering out in the world
a hesitant Prodigal Son
before I found Jesus
at home in the filth
before I opened Your Word
so many things I regret

my life unfiltered
following the way of the flesh
my own vision,
believing in myself
the path I was walking
blind to the evil
(though I knew it was wrong)
the sin in my choices

Redeemed by God’s grace
His hand on my life
raised from the darkness
into Your light.
Wanting to share boldly
but my history haunts me
hearing your forgiveness
but slow to drop my chains.


====
edited August 23, 2014
before I found Jesus – v2

August 23, 2014
before I found Jesus
Devozine for August 18, 2014 to August 24, 2014
“+sexual struggles”
&
“Sexual Struggles Weekend”
 “Next Day Stretch”
devotion: “Our Brokenness Can Be Redeemed By Grace”
devotion by Aidan Gscheidle
part of group, “The Blarney Stones”
for August 24, 2014
read August 24, 2014
&
“Sexual Struggles Weekend”
devotion: “porn. . . It Distorts God’s Image in Us”
devotion by Sarah Martindell
and
devotion: “It’s Not Just a Guy Thing”
devotion by April Oberholtzer
for August 23, 2014
read August 23, 2014
&
1 John 4:11-12
devotion: “Welcoming Everyone”
devotion by Joey Lopez
and Trevor Project
Trevor Project Hotline
866-488-7386
for August 22, 2014
read August 22, 2014
&
1 Timothy 2:22 (NRSV)
devotion: “You Are Not Alone”
devotion by Anonymous
and Reflect on 1 Corinthians 10:13
for August 21, 2014
read August 21, 2014
&
Song of Solomon 6:3a (NRSV)
devotion: “The Gift of Sexuality”
devotion by Katy Steele
for August 20, 2014
read August 20, 2014
&
Habakkuk 3:1 (GNT)
devotion: “Sexual Abuse”
national abuse hotline
1-800-656-4673
devotion by Kerri Voegeli
for August 19, 2014
read August 19, 2014
&
Colossians 3:12 (NIV)
devotion: “Modesty”
about bathing suit designer Jessica Rey
devotion by Raeann Dalton
“Take a Stand for Modesty”
1 Peter 3:3-4
for August 18, 2014
read August 18, 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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

very early in the morning – v2

very early in the morning
while it was still dark out
Jesus awaking quietly
not disturbing the others
letting them all sleep
so He could spend time with God
in the peace, uninterrupted
Jesus stealing away
in the darkness, in the quiet
early in the morning
while it was still dark
to spend time with God
Jesus was alone with God
separated from the disciples
needing the alone time
to drink the living waters
to speak directly to God.           


------
edited August 23, 2014
very early in the morning – v2

August 21, 2014 and August 22, 2014
very early in the morning
Mark 1:35
“Alone Time with God”
devotion by Kay Robertson
for August 21, 2014
read August 21, 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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

more rocks – v2

we see service
we don’t look at the pile
not wanting to say know
to lifting up our neighbors
for helping them out
we add more rocks
saying yes too quickly
not discerning the tasks
which are a calling of God
saying yes without question
more rocks for the journey
as if more rocks will earn us
a place in heaven


====
edited August 23, 2014

July 29, 2014
more rocks
edited July 29, 2014
Their stones
edited July 29, 2014
in our wagon
edited July 29, 2014
not ours to carry
July 29, 2014
stones that are not ours
Chapter 4: “The Cure”
Luke 10:41-42
James 1:5 (NIV)
Chapter 3: “The Diagnosis”
Luke 10:41
 “Martha you are worried
about many things.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (NIV)
Chapter 2: “Lord, Do You Care?”
Luke 10:40
Psalm 62:8
Chapter 1: “A Tale of Two Sisters”
Luke 10:38-42
Matthew 11:28
Matthew 11:28-30
Matthew 11:25-30
Revelations 3:20 (NKJV)
introductory video and session one of
Having a Mary Heart in a Martha World
by Joanna Weaver
pastor spouse to John Weaver
Hamilton Assembly of God
&
Spirit Study
led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

gasping for air – v2

out of breath, tired
worn out from struggle
trying to be faithful
but hearing the earth’s song
the memory of the past
a legacy behind me
stalking my days
in pain, struggling
gasping for breath.


====
edited August 23, 2014
gasping for air – v2

August 13, 2014
gasping for air
Devozine for July 28, 2014 to August 3, 2014
“+wilderness”
&
5-second prayer, “God, see us through the wilderness. Amen”
&
Jeremiah 15:18a
“A Wilderness of Suffering”
devotion by Salina Sheard
and listen to song:
“Jesus Paid It All”
for July 31, 2014
read July 31, 2014
&
James 4:14 (NRSV)
“Tomorrow”
devotion by Melinda Perry
&
“Reflect”
by Elizabeth Mann
for July 30, 2014
read July 30, 2014
&
Deuteronomy 32:10 (CEB)
Genesis 21:8-21
Exodus 13:17-22
Matthew 4:1-11
“In the Wilderness”
devotion by Erin Burke
&
Pray Psalm 136:3a, 15 (NRSV)
&
Listen to Hillsong’s “Desert Song”
(not precisely the same lyrics as the live performance above)
for July 29, 2014
read July 29, 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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God is most important – v2

What would we say
if put in the same position
if we had to defend God
if we had to choose our path

Her challenge to him
testing his faith further
a moment in a movie
but part of real life

His answer to her
to her a surprise,
turning from the world
not what she expected

The moment when calling
was right in his eyes
God is most important
within his life

The challenge to us
to stand tall in our faith
to choose as he did
God over all.


====
edited August 23, 2014
God is most important – v2

August 22, 2014
God is most important
August 22, 2014
Be ready to witness
1 Peter 3:15
Matthew 10:32-22
Matthew 12:48
&
watching God’s Not Dead Movie
watching God’s Not Dead Video
posts to:
-          Facebook
-          Twitter
-          Blogger
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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sharing Answers – v2

God speaking to me
in the words of scripture
Sharing answers
for my life, my journey,
the messages gifted
the answers to my prayers
each day, each reading
the Spirit in there
the God who speaks
to me, through me,
gifting me through these words
a message for my heart
a message to share
the hope within me
God’s Spirit in there.


====
edited August 23, 2014
Sharing Answers – v2

August 23, 2014
Sharing Answers
reflecting on daily bible study time
as answer to prayer

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 31,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

speak your hope – v2

don’t be timid
speak your hope
don’t keep it hidden
to someone, somewhere
to be the face of Christ
speak your hope
don’t keep it hidden
your joy eternal
don’t shy away
from a divine appointment
you have something to preach
to shout, to lift up your neighbors
speak your hope
In Jesus the Christ
our assurance of salvation
in God’s own Son.

====
edited August 23, 2014
speak your hope – v2

August 19, 2014
speak your hope
======
Worship in the Park
======
Psalm 133
Psalm 84:5
Revelations 4:11
Revelations 5
Deuteronomy 5:16
Leviticus 19
John 4
1 Peter 3:15
Jeremiah 29:11
Hebrews
Romans 15:13
praise music led by
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church Praise Team
Director, Chuck Loucka
&
opening prayer, prayer over offering, benediction
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
&
Prayers of the People and Pastoral Prayer
and songs of praise over the offering
by Pastor Franklin Randall, Jr.
Patten Pentecostal Church
&
message by Pastor Rodney Lord
Pastor, Freedom Gate Church
Pastor, Valley Harvest Church
August 10, 2014
Patten Academy Park
Patten, ME
======
“A Night to Shine”
======
-       6:30 Community Praise & Worship, featuring Chuck Loucka on piano and special performances by special people to benefit Resting Arms Ministry.
-       A Love Offering was taken.
the 5th Annual Prayer Chain for the Addicted on the West side of Main St.
-       The church bells rang for a half hour and
-       John Birmingham played and sang on the Historical Society Porch.
-       We ended with The Lord's Prayer TOGETHER!
-       a night to Stand with your neighbor and pray for healing.
-       LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE!
sponsored by Jeremiah’s Corner
Jeremiah 29:11
led by Ellen Alward Dickinson
&
Music by Praise Team
led by Chuck Loucka
&
opening prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
August 7, 2014
======
Worship in the Park, 2013
======
Worship Service in the Park – 8/11/2013
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (NIV)
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Habakkuk+3%3A17-19&version=NIV
17 
Though the fig tree does not bud
    and there are no grapes on the vines,
though the olive crop fails
    and the fields produce no food,
though there are no sheep in the pen
    and no cattle in the stalls,
18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord,
    I will be joyful in God my Savior.
19 The Sovereign Lord is my strength;
    he makes my feet like the feet of a deer,
    he enables me to tread on the heights.”
and sermon “There Is Hope In Community”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
&
Habakkuk 3:17-19 (rewritten by me, one version)
17 Though the mills may be shuttered
and the forests are empty,
though the fields do not provide
their bounty, their harvest,
though the young are departing
for greener pastures,
18 yet I rejoice in my God
I will be joyful in Christ my Savior.
19 The Creator of the universe is my rock
I am like the deer, its hooves
steady on the Mountain.
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
August 11, 2013
&
=======
Jeremiah’s Corner
========
Jeremiah 29:11
led by Ellen Alward Dickinson
presentation:
“The Power of Making Good Choices”
by Lois Flewelling
from Empowering Life Ministries
&
opening prayer by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
August 5, 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 31,850+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.