in the eyes of God – v2

in the eyes of God
my sacrifice is finished,
every stain is washed away
I am clean, redeemed…
 
in the eyes of God
my broken flesh is worthy,
all of my sins are forgiven,
I have a new life in Christ…
 
in the eyes of God
I am as righteous as Jesus,
because of the cross
I have eternal life…
 
in the eyes of God
Christ’s choice saved me,
I no longer have to fear,
God’s wrath has been fulfilled…
 
in the eyes of God
there is no condemnation,
Christ paid the debt I couldn’t pay,
that I might live in Glory…

-----  
Edited May 23, 2025
in the eyes of God – v2
 
Based on #Psalm17
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, big group meeting
May 22, 2025
Because of the cross
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/because-of-cross.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, big group meeting
Edited May 22, 2025
Christ is my Ransom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/christ-is-my-ransom-v2.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 5
May 19, 2025
draw nigh to God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/draw-nigh-to-god.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 4
May 19, 2025
heirs through our hope
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/heirs-through-our-hope.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 3
May 19, 2025
Name Your Sins
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/name-your-sins.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 2
May 19, 2025
No Condemnation
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/no-condemnation.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 1
 
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, regeneration, salvation, Psalm 17,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #salvation

the fire of passion burning

love, fire captured,
in the rose petals,
urgency of now,
your look and touch…
 
the fire of passion burning
in the flesh of the roses,
ignited in bright colors,
a delicate bouquet…
 
rich red and oranges,
crimsons and textures,
rising with our passions,
our dreams come to life…
 
the fire of passion burning,
feathered cups of perfection,
loving being revealed,
within every bloom…

 
------------
May 22, 2025
the fire of passion burning
 
Edited December 31, 2023
Roses like parchment – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/12/roses-like-parchment-v2.html
Edited December 31, 2023
Roses of Crepe Paper – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2023/12/roses-of-crepe-paper-v3.html
February 27, 2021
Crepe Paper Roses
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2021/02/crepe-paper-roses.html
edited November 17, 2015
Rice Paper Blossoms – v14
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/11/rice-paper-blossoms-v14.html
edited June 24, 2019
Baby Rose Petals – v4
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/06/baby-rose-petals-v4.html 
edited June 30, 2014
Captive Roses – v2
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/06/captive-roses-v2.html
February 1, 2008
Captive Roses
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/02/captive-roses.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com )  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com  Poetry Where You Live.
 
------------
Poetry, roses, God, creation, beauty, fire, color, delicate,
#Roses #God #creation #beauty #fire #color #delicate

in the eyes of God

in the eyes of God
the sacrifice is finished,
every stain washed away
I am clean, redeemed…
 
in the eyes of God
just as righteous as Jesus,
because of the cross
I have eternal life…

-----  
May 22, 2025
in the eyes of God
 
Based on #Psalm17
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, big group meeting
May 22, 2025
Because of the cross
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/because-of-cross.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, big group meeting
Edited May 22, 2025
Christ is my Ransom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/christ-is-my-ransom-v2.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 5
May 19, 2025
draw nigh to God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/draw-nigh-to-god.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 4
May 19, 2025
heirs through our hope
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/heirs-through-our-hope.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 3
May 19, 2025
Name Your Sins
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/name-your-sins.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 2
May 19, 2025
No Condemnation
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/no-condemnation.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 1
 
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, regeneration, salvation, Psalm 17,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #salvation

Because of the cross

I can claim the words of the psalmist,
the ancient words of promise
of a life walking with God
humbly, forgiven…
 
Because of the cross,
Christ’s sacrifice for me,
I stand as righteous as Jesus
before God’s Judgement Seat…
 
My feet do not slip, stumble,
I stand on Christ, my foundation,
an eternity in heaven my reward,
because He gave me grace…

-----  
May 22, 2025
Because of the cross
 
Based on #Psalm17
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, big group meeting
Edited May 22, 2025
Christ is my Ransom – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/christ-is-my-ransom-v2.html
Based on #Colossian2:13-14
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 5
May 19, 2025
draw nigh to God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/draw-nigh-to-god.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 4
May 19, 2025
heirs through our hope
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/heirs-through-our-hope.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 3
May 19, 2025
Name Your Sins
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/name-your-sins.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 2
May 19, 2025
No Condemnation
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/no-condemnation.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 1
 
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, regeneration, salvation, Psalm 17,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #salvation

Honoring their dead – v2

So unlike their enemy, Russia:
A nation of serfs, of Dead Souls,
blind slaves, vassals to the Madman,
the dictator hiding in the bunker,
no thought of human life,
launching meat assault,
killing wounded comrades,
soldiers left in foreign lands
even denying their deaths…
 
This brave people are so different:
Honoring their dead, every fallen hero,
standing at attention in silence, at 9am,
kneeling for every funeral procession,
paying honor with their time, the calendar,
faces on each tombstone, their mourning,
their solemn tributes, their flags waving,
united in their pain, in their memory,
for all they hold most dear, Ukraine…
 
----------
Edited May 22, 2025
Honoring their dead – v2
 
Edited May 22, 2025
You hold each of them so closely – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/you-hold-each-of-them-so-closely-v2.html
Edited May 22, 2025
Gutted, empty, hollow – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/gutted-empty-hollow-v2.html
Edited April 14, 2025
Screaming into the Void – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/screaming-into-void-v3.html
Revised April 11, 2025
Kryvyi Rih – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/kryvyi-rih-v2-kryvyi-rih-not-just.html
Edited January 13, 2025
Sacred Days – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/sacred-days-v3.html
Their best sons and daughters – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/their-best-sons-and-daughters-v3.html
Edited September 6, 2024
Flying from every flagpole – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/flying-from-every-flagpole-v2.html
Edited August 30, 2024
The dead do not yet rest in peace – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/the-dead-do-not-yet-rest-in-peace-v2.html
Edited August 1, 2024
Resolve personified – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/08/resolve-personified-v3.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
-------------
poetry, Ukraine, God, prayer, Ukrainians, honor, heroes, bravery, reverence, defenders, legacy, culture, Glory to the Heroes, Stand With Ukraine, spirit, identity, victory, peace, unity, love,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #God #prayer #Ukrainians #honor #heroes #bravery #reverence #StandWithUkraine #defenders #GlorytotheHeroes #legacy #spirit #culture #identity #victory #peace #unity #love

Gutted, empty, hollow – v2

Gutted, empty, hollow,
like so many others in Ukraine,
flesh scooped from a melon,
her body wracked in pain
numb now in this moment,
literally falling in on herself
while the world watches,
her vigil, her honor, silent,
days after they stood beside her
in the moment of her anguish
today, now, totally alone…
 
Why is the world silent,
when we see the bombings,
we move on too quickly,
their genocide daily, terror,
horror too fast to process,
before the next news cycle,
her moment of abject pain,
numbed to the carnage,
emptiness before the altar,
holding onto him longer, silent,
sitting in shiva, to his memory…
 
----------  
Edited May 22, 2025
Gutted, empty, hollow – v2
 
The image of the girlfriend of murdered 17-year old
Danylo Khudi (Danylo Khudeya)
His whole family was killed on April 24, 2025 in Kyiv
Edited April 14, 2025
Screaming into the Void – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/screaming-into-void-v3.html
Palm Sunday massacre in Sumy, Ukraine
Revised April 11, 2025
Kryvyi Rih – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/kryvyi-rih-v2-kryvyi-rih-not-just.html
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 202 2022, 2023, and 2024. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
poetry, Ukraine, God, war, terror, genocide, Russia, murder, premediated, Kharkiv, Kyiv, Kryvyi Rih, Odesa, Kherson, Sumy, Stand With Ukraine,
 
#poetry #Ukraine #KryvyiRih #Russia #murder #genocide #terror #premeditated #war #Sumy #StandWithUkraine #DefeatRussia

You hold each of them so closely – v2

I see your deep love for one another,
for each one of your fallen, your comrades,
they are alive in you, so real, so precious,
a part of each one of you, present with you,
gathering your honored dead to you, lovingly,
ever present, today, now, alive, as close as breath…
 
They are part of you, your fabric, your identity,
part of you in each moment, in every breath,
alive with you now in the present, your fallen
as threads woven in a vyshyvanka, your culture,
hand to heart, to linen, washed in precious blood,
in their sacrifice for their homeland, your country
they are forever one, Ukraine…
 
I see how you honor them, in each moment,
In time standing still, in remembrance, each day,
in a continuous procession, rituals of memory, touching,
sacred days woven into your collective lives, together,
how you hold them to you, to your hearts, forever,
ever present, today, now, alive, as close as breath…
 
You hold each of them closely, forever, present,
you do not forget your fallen, your comrades,
holding each one of them as close as breath,
their legacy of love, of sacrifice, a bond sustaining,
your honored dead with you, present, living, alive,
in their sacrifice for their homeland, for your country,
they are forever one, Ukraine…
 
-------
Edited May 22, 2025
You hold each of them so closely – v2
 
March 24, 2025 posts on X:
“The acts of Ukrainians, like kneeling as a funeral procession passes for fallen defenders or the Moment of Honor every morning at 9:00am, or the photographs on gravestones of those lost in this war, all show how love is part of the Ukrainian culture.  
 
Today, I saw a video (https://www.instagram.com/p/DHlbX7MtEjg/) of Ukrainians women defenders making Ukrainians Easter eggs with a picture of their fallen comrade, combat medic Iryna "Cheka" Tsybukh on the table. Iryna’s mother, Oksana led them in the master class, making the eggs.
 
All of these are proof Ukraine never was Russia. Their cultures are entirely different. 
 
I commented, “Humanity could learn a lot from Ukraine and Ukrainians on how you keep all of your countrymen and women present today even when they have been lost in this war. It isn't just memory, it is presence, real and current. It is awe inspiring, truly.”
 
As one defender has said, "I hope most countries could adopt the culture of love..." “
&
Watch the heartwarming video by Arm Women Now, if you are able... It gives wind to our spirits, if you know Cheka's story. Khrystyna Boychuk is there, who spoke of Cheka at the World Economic Forum at Davos. The time was led by Cheka's mother Oksana... so special, so life-affirming...in the face of war.
&
As their text says,
"Yesterday, we were all united again by Irynka "Cheka". In her memory, in her spirit, in what was important to her ❤️‍🩹
 
Irynka's mother, Mrs. Oksana, @tsibukhoksana gathered her sisters for a master class in Easter egg making. Because Easter egg making is continuity. It is a connection of generations that comes to life in the warmth of palms, in the thin lines of patterns, in the light that never fades.
 
It is a skill that came to her family from her grandmother, preserved over the years, to now become part of memory. A part of the great history that Irynka cherished, and which we now cherish.
 
About a year ago, before Easter, they painted Easter eggs together in Verkhovyna. Then it was a master class for the wives of the fallen. At that time, no one knew that it would be Irynka's last.
 
But she always said that important things do not disappear if there is someone to protect them. Therefore, this tradition will live on, will continue - in every new drawing, in every stroke, in every touch of warm hands.
 
Irynka left us not only memory. She left us light. And as long as we pass it on, it will not fade away! 🙏🏼"
&
Edited April 4, 2025
sisters in arms – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/04/sisters-in-arms-v3.html
written after reading post by defender of Ukraine
about serving as a woman in the army,
for International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025
&
February 27, 2025
touching bleeding flesh
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-defender.html
(written by a decorated medic on the front lines in Ukraine)
Edited February 26, 2025
touching bleeding flesh – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/touching-bleeding-flesh-v2.html
"The present memory of that day" is both 2/24/2022 for Ukraine and Ukrainians
and 2/14/1991 for me personally. I am using my experience of detailed visceral
images of lifting the blood and brains of my father to give even a touch of
authenticity to this poem, merging my conversation with one defender and
the words of that other defender yesterday to write "touching bleeding flesh "
&
Edited February 26, 2025
The present memory of that day – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/the-present-memory-of-that-day-v2.html
February 25, 2025
Memory of February 24, 2022
as described by defender of Ukraine 
&
edited February 15, 2025
Three years of terror, of genocide – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/02/three-years-of-terror-genocide-v2.html
Edited January 13, 2025
Sacred Days – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/01/sacred-days-v3.html
Edited December 8, 2024
Stealing his identity – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/stealing-his-identity-v2.html
Edited December 2, 2024
Stealing History – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/12/stealing-history-v2.html
Edited November 29, 2024
Designs of their culture – v3
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/11/designs-of-their-culture-v3.html
Edited September 6, 2024
Flying from every flagpole – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/09/flying-from-every-flagpole-v2.html
Edited May 24, 2024
A cloak of the dead – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2024/05/a-cloak-of-dead-v2.html
In this poem I am trying to convey that the dead of Ukraine,
your heroes, are cloaking every #warrior, as if with a new
Vyshyvanka, against your skin, under the armor, the
white fabric's embroidery have been woven with threads
of the blood of the fallen, protecting each of you.
They are your shield, your invisible armor.
I tried to write the poem in the shape of a
Ukrainian Easter Egg, a Pysanky.
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
--------------
poetry, Ukraine, defenders, victory, peace, Stand With Ukraine, Glory to the Heroes, culture, identity, unity, love, spirit, legacy, Taras Shevchenko, Ukrainian, Pysanky, Vyshyvanka,
 
#poetry #StandWithUkraine #Ukraine #Defenders #Victory #Peace #GlorytotheHeroes #culture #identity #unity #love #spirit #legacy #TarasShevchenko #Ukrainian #Pysanky #Vyshyvanka
 

Christ is my Ransom – v2

Christ is my ransom
my portion and my strength
He paid my debt for me
one I could never repay
when He climbed the rugged cross…
 
I could never repay
I cannot earn my salvation,
the debt of my sin, my transgressions,
but Christ put my blood upon Him
to save my immortal soul…
 
Christ is my ransom
my portion and my strength
His blood washes me clean
He made a way through the waters
in Him I am redeemed…

-----  
Edited May 22, 2025
Christ is my Ransom – v2
 
Based on #Colossian2:13-14
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 5
May 19, 2025
draw nigh to God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/draw-nigh-to-god.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 4
May 19, 2025
heirs through our hope
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/heirs-through-our-hope.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 3
May 19, 2025
Name Your Sins
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/name-your-sins.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 2
May 19, 2025
No Condemnation
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/no-condemnation.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 1
 
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, regeneration, salvation, ransom, Colossians 2,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #salvation #ransom

Christ is my Ransom

Christ is my ransom
my portion and my strength
He paid my debt for me
when He climbed the rugged cross…
 
I could never repay
the debt of my sin
but Christ put my blood upon Him
to save my immortal soul…
 
Christ is my ransom
His blood washes me clean
He made a way through the waters
in Him I am redeemed…

-----  
May 21, 2025
Christ is my Ransom
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/christ-is-my-ransom.html
Based on #Colossian2:13-14
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 5
May 19, 2025
draw nigh to God
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/draw-nigh-to-god.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 4
May 19, 2025
heirs through our hope
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/heirs-through-our-hope.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 3
May 19, 2025
Name Your Sins
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/name-your-sins.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 2
May 19, 2025
No Condemnation
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/05/no-condemnation.html
re:generation, Step 4, Inventory, Week 4, Day 1
 
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, regeneration, salvation, ransom, Colossians 2,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #salvation #ransom