Watering Seeds

Each of us seeds, seeds within us
seeds we plant, throughout the garden
each provides the water, different gifts
all needed, to nourish the seeds
what one plants, another waters
many water, weed, care for the garden
God provides the growth
when God will, reaping a harvest
by hands who do not plant

June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

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
June 22, 2008


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,660+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Growth

God’s love, the sun of the garden
there is the source
the growth, provided by God

We plant, we water
we prune and weed
nourishing, nurturing
the living garden
growing, in God’s time
through his love
the garden grows
bearing fruit unknown
for God’s harvest


June 22, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

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
June 22, 2008


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Three Nails

Three nails sit, quietly
on the top of the cabinet
next to the stack, bible,
devotionals, reading to do,
by the prayer shawl, the prayer
the prayer He taught us

Three spikes, into our savior’s body
reminders of our sin, our shame
the price he pays for our breach,
our evil, while we live

Three nails sit there still,
quietly speaking the truth
that day on Calgary
my sin those nails,
my shame that cross
my brother carrying my burden

Three nails to remember
how he loves us so

June 22, 2008
1 John 2:1-6 and
Upper Room devotional for June 17, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=17&year=2008&x=107&y=6

Our Children Teach Us

In their reflection, our flaws, our lapses, our weakness,
humanness, reality, blemishes and all
Blank slates, ready to be filled
Lessons they will teach,
based on what is written there
A story of the children in the garden
disobeying the one rule, blaming others
A tale of a father, wayward willful children
A prayer of the son, our savior,
risen Lord, our brother
They are a reflection of the father,
a projection of the generations to come
each a mirror on the fathers and mothers
who came before, the village in which we live,
We bear the responsibility, for the next ones,
to reflect the son, the father,
to be the hands, the feet, the voices
bringing their message, of love, of hope
to all the generations to come
until the end of the age


June 15 and June 18, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Lessons Our Children Teach

A father, grandfather, everyman
pondering, musing, breathing out
the lessons our children teach
in word and in deed,
mirroring our lives, our words,
our behaviors, in ways we may not expect
we may not like, a reflection

A son, a carpenter
our brother
taught us lessons too
written and saved,
down through the generations
mirroring the father, the loving parent
in ways we don’t expect, in words unlike others
sometimes in parables, sometimes in his actions
priorities unlike the worlds

May we mold our lives
in the ways of the son, of that father
ways that will lead our children
to reflect his ways too
and teach their children lessons well

June 15 and June 18, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Lessons of the Son

The wisdom of Solomon,
a pale reflection, blurry image
The Son spoke of the Father’s love
a parable of the loving father,
a prayer modeled on his life
reverently living, the pious life
Praying to the father, in heaven,
as we would to our fathers,
if we could find the words
these words, a mirror on the father
echoing back his love
a hope for life in relationship
with him, always, thy kingdom here
our lives an offering
to our real father

June 18, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

NAIL IN THE FENCE

I received this story in my email this morning. I don't know who the author was, and no one has to forward it if you don't want to; but I thought this was a wonderful lesson.

--------
NAIL IN THE FENCE

Make sure you read all the way down to the last sentence.

(Most importantly the last sentence)

There once was a little boy who had a bad temper. His Father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, he must hammer a nail into the back of the fence. The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.

Over the next few weeks, as he learned to control his anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all. He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail for each day that he was able to hold his temper.

The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone. The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence He said, 'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same. When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one. You can put a knife in a man and draw it out.

It won't matter how many times you say I'm sorry, the wound is still there. 'A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

Friends are very rare jewels, indeed. They make you smile and encourage you to succeed. They lend an ear, they share words of praise and they always want to open their hearts to us.'

It's National Friendship Week. Show your friends how much you care. Send this to everyone you consider a FRIEND, even if it means sending it back to the person who sent it to you. If it comes back to you, then you'll know you have a circle of friends.

YOU ARE MY FRIEND AND I AM HONORED!

Now send this to every friend you have!!

And to your family.

Please forgive me if I have ever left a hole.

A Christian Life

Our prayer, the one He taught us,
The Lord’s Prayer, to the father
given, spoken, always in love
reflecting His love back
through the mirror of our lives
We His children, so quick to emulate others
May we shine His love into the darkness
This prayer, rich in how
live a Christian life
as individuals, as parents, as the church
The Son sharing the love of the Father
the wisdom of the ages,
the truth of his life
a Christian life indeed


June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Lead Us Not Into Temptation

A grandfather’s perspective, worthy of reflection
the world, so coarse, so raw, so dangerous
So much more, human made hazards
where do we fit, as parents, as the church
In the breach, to save our children
more important than others
a safe place for God’s children
within these walls, within our embrace
the church is called at times like these
lead us through this dark valley,
through the waters
to that promised land,
that lush green valley
all the way home


June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Forgive Us . . . As We Forgive

We are born flawed, vulnerable
driven by our wills,
crashing into one another
Human beings are to be forgiving of other
Do unto others, oh yes, as you would have done to you
never, do as I say, not as I do
do not scold for your own failings
and we all fail, it is our nature, willful children
blundering into trouble
We bluster and bellow, rail
for our own issues, not the instant one
our anger of our own making
work on the log, not the speck
a forgiving heart is forgiven



June 15 and June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

His story, the pastor’s words
so familiar to me
a smile, knowing, grew on my face
He told of their incessant questions
each day, can I have a snack?
snack time after school
He has provided us
what do we give them
to meet their daily needs
Simple food, small gifts
How much more
He give each of us, each day


June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thy Kingdom Come

A wish, a prayer, humbly raised
that heaven would come to earth
the world to be a better place
teach us Lord, how to treat the world
through your example, the prayers you shared
how to treat others with respect
all are worthy, all to be loved
We are responsible
for one another
we are our brother’s,
our sister’s keepers
Teach us to turn from our ways
and find hope in your life
so we can bring thy kingdom here


June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008


Suncook United Methodist Church

Suncook, NH



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hallowed be Thy Name

Hallowed be the name
of our father, God
we hallow, praise, call him blessed
in response, natural, read
God’s love, for us
We respond, in love
not a fearful love, not by command,
not by his awesome power
Our children, they listen
listen oh so well,
mirrors on our lives
Just so, we hallow his name
and hope to mirror his ways



June 15 to June 17, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,620+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our Father

The prayer He taught us,
of the savior, God incarnate
beginning with a name of God
a loving intimate name,
not a cold, aloof, judgmental God in heaven
A loving father, real and personal
caring, forgiving,
reaching for us,
for a connection
a living relationship
with our God, our father

June 17, 2008

Lead Us not into temptation

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/06/lead-us-not-into-temptation.html

June 17, 2008

Forgive Us … As We Forgive

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/06/forgive-us-as-we-forgive.html

June 17, 2008

Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/06/give-us-this-day-our-daily-bread.html

June 17, 2008

Thy Kingdom Come

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/06/thy-kingdom-come.html

June 17, 2008

Hallowed Be Thy Name

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/06/hallowed-be-thy-name.html

June 15, 2008

Our Father

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/06/blog-post.html

Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,

Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,

the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,

“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,

by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,

Wesley United Methodist Church

www.concordwumc.org

Concord, NH

Father’s Day

June 15, 2008

&

July 4, 2015

The Lord’s Prayer – revised

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/07/the-lords-prayer-revised.html

The Lord’s Prayer (traditional, trespasses)

http://www.lords-prayer-words.com/lord_traditional_king_james.html#ixzz3ewHmrfhY

July 28, 2013

The Lord’s Prayer – 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-lords-prayer-2.html

Luke 11:1-4

“The Lord’s Prayer”

Luke 11:1-13

“Jesus’ Teaching on Prayer”

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

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

July 22, 2013 to July 28, 2013

“Relationship with the Living God”

by Patricia Wilson

for July 27, 2013

read July 28, 2013

&

Edited April 27, 2013

“The Lord’s Prayer – v2”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-lords-prayer-v2.html

April 25, 2013

Our First Prayer – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/04/our-first-prayer-v2.html

April 25, 2013

Our First Prayer

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/04/our-first-prayer.html

April 25, 2013

“The Lord’s Prayer”

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-lords-prayer.html

Wednesday night worship

new series on the Lord’s Prayer

United Methodist Hymnal, #895

“Our Father, who art in heaven,
hallowed be they name.
Thy kingdom come,
thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory,
forever. Amen.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lord's_Prayer

Worship Theme: “Teach Us to Pray”

message, “Let us pray. . . ”

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        

April 24, 2013

Eastertide

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 38,130+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Whose Calf Was It

The words of the scripture
tell many stories, layered truths
the nature of man, the character of God
the love of the father, always waiting
Two brothers, one older, responsible,
one younger, reckless
Open arms for the son
who came back home
a calf prepared for the banquet
The brother’s calf, no longer the father’s
for his brother’s feast
a hard pill to swallow
All the father had was his
but he only saw the calf
His calf, given to his brother
to welcome him home

June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Jewish Boy

A wayward Jewish boy
separated from family, from his people,
from his faith, focused on his wealth,
All was lost, an unclean life
In the end, at the bottom of the abyss
A Jewish boy feeding pigs
Coming to his senses
returning home,
to his father’s embrace
unmerited love,
a gift for repentance alone
Beyond human measure.

June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Mislabeled Message

The words of the story,
labeled the Prodigal Son;
but this is a mistake
The deeper meaning,
for all of us prodigal children
the story of the father
reacting to both sons
those who go and lose their way
those who stay and are blind
The father allowing the children
to choose for themselves
Always waiting for them
to come back home
to understand their father’s love
the gifts he shared
with each one of them



June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH



All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Loving Father

The true nature of God
revealed in the story of the two sons
the one who roamed and
the one who stayed behind
the reckless and the dutiful
each needing a lesson, to grow
the love, the open arms of the father,
this is the true point of their story
we learn the lesson they could not
watching the loving father,
waiting always, for the wayward children
with arms open wide
to all his children

June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008

Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,600+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Good Father

The children had their thought
the ingredients essential
A little bit of love, or a whole lot,
care, oh we definitely need that,
help when they struggle
being respectful of their needs
their views given weight
Real, with flesh and bone,
blood and life
so we make a good father
or so was their recipe



June 15, 2008
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
children’s time, asking the children what makes a good father
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008


Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,570+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Preaching the Word of God

The gospel lesson, the only scripture
not read from the lectern, not this day
The word of God preached from the pulpit
the story told with passion
inflection, with memory
familiarity with the lesson
comfort with the words,
and their deepest meaning
Bringing Christ’s parable to life
for the whole congregation



June 15, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
the Lord’s Prayer, and the sermon,
“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day, June 15, 2008


Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,570+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The First Children

What a revelation, those first moments
discovery of the behaviors of children,
of disobedience, and passing the blame,
in that first story of the first children,
the first father, the creator of all
Adam and Eve, disobeying the one rule
and Adam blaming her, and she the snake
How often have parents discovered,
heard the same tale, over and over again


June 15, 2008
Genesis 2:15-17; 3:1-7, Lectionary Year A,
Luke 15:11-32, Lectionary Year A, Prodigal Son,
and sermon,“Jesus’ Teachings on Fatherhood”,
by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Father’s Day

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

An Invitation for July 4, 2008 - Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH

In threes

He repeated himself, in section after section
always, always, always
all of our days, all of our days, all of our days
Yes, in threes he spoke, to anchor the point
to repeat and to preach
to reach each one of us in the congregation
to stir our souls with the promise of God
to be with us, to be with us, each one of us
always in our troubles,
always when the darkness comes,
always when there is joy in our hearts
We can boldly act,
we can go forth without fear
we can go into the lion’s den,
because He will never leave us
he will always be there with us
we are never alone
Because He keeps His promises
Christ was born as the prophets foretold,
He lived as the law and the prophets
and he died as the Messiah must
Christ died by the hands of man
He rose by the grace of God
He will return as he promised
So have hope in the power of his words
go forth to do his work
Bring hope to the ends of the world!

June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Always, Always, Always

Always, always, always
he will be with us,
every day, all our days, even last one
so long as the sun shall shine
until the earth shall end,
always will our Lord be with us
We are not alone, never ever alone
for He is with us
Always, till the end of the age
our risen savior,
the fulfillment of all the prophets,
walking beside us, watching over us
giving comfort and hope,
love and support
Always, always, always
living all our days with our Lord

June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

His Promise

He made the promise, the final words
at the end of his time on earth
to be with us, with us, always,
Never alone are we, always with the Lord
a promise to believe in, to trust
This God who came to earth,
who suffered and died;
he rose, but more, he is risen
now and always, a risen Lord
living now at the right hand
With us in all our days,
in all the days to come
Whether good days or bad
Always with us, each step,
each instant of time
walking with our savior
His promise, hope for the believers
love for us all

June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

The Final Words

His final words,
after the charge to the disciples,
to each one of us still
a promise He will keep,
to be with us always,
every day of our lives,
with us in every trial
in every gladness,
in every moment of pain
When the days are hard to bear
he is with us, the Messiah
When we sing with joy
he is with us, the Risen Lord
When we laugh and when we play
he is with us, the Prince of Peace
When we grieve and when we pray
He is with us, the lamb of God
He who lived an immaculate life
who fulfilled the promises of the Father
left us with a promise
in his final words, to be with us
Always

June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

Believe His Promise

His promise, in the final words
a promise to keep
A book of proofs, of the fulfillment
of the testaments of old,
the law and the prophets
together in this boy, this man
a life of purity, unblemished and true
given for all, to be a sacrifice
He suffered for us, for all who sin
and rose to proclaim victory
for us all to come home
He gave a command and a charge to keep
and sealed these words
with a promise so deep
To be with us always, forever amen
through thick and thin
and each one of our days
Believe in His promise

June 15, 2008
Matthew 28:16-20
The Great Commission
Jeremiah 31:6-17 and the sermon,
“A Future with Hope: Audacious Proclamation”,
by the Reverend Dr. William B. McClain,
New England Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA,
June 14, 2008
Dr. McClain is the Mary Elizabeth Joyce Professor of Preaching at
Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C.

She Served

It was funny, that moment of revelation
of understanding the not so subtle change.
I told our pastor that the girls and I
changing our assigned station, in the sanctuary
that we received communion from mom,
where she was assisting
A word of correction,
by our pastor, our friend.
She served communion,
this night, her first time
with the credentials,
the sending out, the words
given, recognized with authority,
to perform the sacraments,
to live the call she feels, affirmed so often,
the call within her;
Another corner turned,
preparing for the day, next month,
when she will be the one breaking the bread
saying the words over the cup
truly serving communion
in our new sanctuary,
to her new congregation
the flock she will help shepherd
in service to God

June 15, 2008
communion at Annual Conference,
Gordon College, Wenham, MA
June 14, 2008

Shark Words

If you get a chance, check out Shark Words at http://sharkwords.blogspot.com/. A strong message and beautiful images.


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Proposal by the NE Chapter of the Methodist Federation for Social Action, The NE Annual Conference Reconciling Ministries Committee and ...

A Witness to Conscience

On April 30, 2008 in Fort Worth Texas the General Conference of the United Methodist
Church voted not only to maintain condemnatory language concerning homosexuality in
the section of the Social Principles dealing with Human Sexuality (paragraph 161.G), but to significantly weaken the current statement of the church by deleting affirmative language and inserting further judgmental statements. Sadly, due to the limits of parliamentary procedure, delegates never had an opportunity to debate the merits of the majority report coming out of the Church and Society II Legislative Committee. This report, in the eyes of many, represented an honest, gracious and fair statement of the present reality within the United Methodist Church and held great promise for the healing of our church. (Both statements are attached.)

The Social Principles are not church law. They are intended, in the words of their
preface, to be “a call to faithfulness” and “instructive and persuasive in the best of the prophetic spirit.” We believe that the disparaging language of the adopted version of 161.G is neither faithful nor persuasive, and it is certainly not prophetic. It is instructive only to the degree that it indicates how far the United Methodist Church has to go before its motto of “Open hearts, open minds, open doors” becomes reality.

Recognizing that, from time to time, the legislative efforts of the church fail to keep pace with the leading of the Holy Spirit, and being further convinced that faithful United Methodists can never acquiesce to discrimination, no matter how many votes may be mustered in its service, we call upon the New England Annual Conference to do the following:

• Declare that we will not recognize the destructive and discriminatory language
contained in Paragraph 161.G as faithful, persuasive or prophetic.

• Charge the Conference Board of Church and Society with drafting an alternative
paragraph 161.G to be presented to the 2009 session of the Annual Conference for
its perfection and approval

• Disseminate that alternative paragraph to all of the churches in the New England
Annual Conference with the suggestion that it be appended as a spiritual
corrective to the 2008 Book of Discipline.

• Invite other annual conferences to join with us in this witness to conscience.

Respectfully submitted by the New England Chapter of the Methodist Federation for
Social Action, The New England Annual Conference Reconciling Ministries Committee
and the New England Annual Conference Board of Church and Society.


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Letter from Congressman Carol Shea-Porter, May 28, 2008 on waterboarding

May 28, 2008

Dear Mr. Foss:

Thank you for contacting me about waterboarding. I strongly believe that methods of torture, such as waterboarding, hypothermia, and stress positions, are not an acceptable or humane method of obtaining information.

I was proud to introduce as an original cosponsor, with Chairman Jerrold Nadler of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary, the American Anti-Torture Act (H.R. 4114). H.R. 4114 would have extended the U.S. Army Field Manual prohibition on torture techniques like waterboarding to all U.S. government agencies. This language was included in the Intelligence Authorization Act (H.R. 2082) and would have prevented intelligence agencies from engaging in torture. The President objected to this language and subsequently vetoed the Intelligence Authorization Act.

I was also proud to cosponsor the Justice for Victims of Torture and Terrorism Act (H.R. 5167), which prohibits the President from granting immunity to Iraqi officials that participate in inhumane acts. H.R. 5167 has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee. As an advocate for human rights, I am closely monitoring the status of this legislation and look forward to supporting it, should it come to the House floor.

To learn more about current legislation or about my voting record, I invite you to visit the Library of Congress legislative information website (www.thomas.gov). There, you can find the full text of a bill or a summary, who introduced it and when, who is cosponsoring it, and where it is in the legislative process. I also invite you to visit my website (http://shea-porter.house.gov) for more information about bills that I have introduced or cosponsored, and for issue updates, position statements, event announcements, or to sign up for my email newsletter.

Thank you for contacting my office. It is a privilege to serve you in Washington.

Sincerely,

Carol Shea-Porter
Member of Congress

the son shines brighter

http://the-son-shines-brighter.blogspot.com/

Into His Hands

Into His hands, we lay down our burdens
we lay them into His loving hands
Our father, our shepherd, our guide in life
triune God, we turn them over to you
wash our cares away, knock the scales from our eyes
cast off this burden, leave it by the wayside
Rise up, rise oh my spirit, feel your embrace
strength lies in that faith, that your will may be done
that your arms are enough, that they are there
to hold us, to provide for us, to meet our needs
daily bread, living water, unmerited love
Wash over me, make my way straight
let me turn to you in need
and know they will be met
Let my doubts be a fading memory
may your presence be my joy
May I bring that message of calm,
of hope, of love
everywhere I step

June 12, 2008

Robert Grant - Transparent Watercolors

Please take a look at Robert Grant's beautiful paintings at:

http://www.robertgrantwatercolors.com/

A Legacy

By their words, of memory, of love
they shared a bit of her life’s story
But in their dance, varied and wondrous,
they revealed the power of her ministry
a legacy of praise, of beautiful worship
They brought her into the sanctuary,
into this holy space, filling the room
with her love, her legacy sang praises to God
this holy ground, this space, this place
Worship she brought, these disciples of hers
a legacy of dance, sacred dance
to the glory of God
Continuing her ministry
for generations to come

June 10, 2008
June 7, 2008 Sacred Dance Sharing Program
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH,
dedicated to Elsie Keeffe
http://www.concordmonitor.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080115/NEWS01/801150339
http://www.sacreddanceguild.org/

In Dance

They worshipped, praised the Lord,
sang with their movements, their bodies, their beings
In dance they prayed, sang with their feet
barefoot, on holy ground, they spun, and kneeled
their arms to the heavens, their hearts to God
In dance they sang for our creator
what a joyous sound they made

June 10, 2008
June 7, 2008 Sacred Dance Sharing Program
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH

Did You Hear Them

Four second-graders, each reading, in unison
A message for themselves, for the congregation
reminder of the ancient truth, the power of the words
the hope, the guidance, the direction in the words of God,
inspired providential, the promise of God, in these holy pages
A light to our way, in this dark and troubled world
Hope for all who delve into its pages, ready medicine
for souls in need, for hearts looking for a path,
a journey begun, continuing in this place
Did you hear them, speaking words of power
for the congregation, for all who have ears
Listen; there is joy here

June 10, 2008
Psalm 119:105
Presentation of the Bibles, Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, June 8, 2008
Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Under Advisement

Taken under advisement,
how to explain those words
aggrieved party
Did the case get its due
the judge hear our plea
through the haze of the lies
the lies and half-truths
made without script, without thought
So it is each time
the matter is taken
under advisement
The order is in the mail
and the arrearage grows

The Judge was Laughing

I have often wondered,
is it better that the judge was laughing
would that be my one good moment that day,
the next time I am before them
will that be the quota for the day
Those same walls, that same space
working, white collar, sweatshop
a selfish mistress, demanding loyalty
fealty, hours spent preparing
for scant minutes on the record
Maybe negotiate in the hall
bring that smile to the judge’s face
All set, signed and sealed, case closed


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Into the Courtroom

Waiting our turn before the Court
the capital letter, this Honorable Court
waiting for our brief short minutes
the clock is running
the watchful gaze of the one in the robe
The clock is running, the Bailiff on watch
in silence waiting, their facts painful
aired into the ether, onto the record
fault and blame, his face reddened
his back tight under his blue shirt
the room hushed, paused, waiting
for the words, the judgment
of the man in the black robe

By the Children

We were taught
once more
the stories of his life
By the children
just as he said,
our salvation
in becoming like them
We were reminded
of his life
his lessons for us
by our children

May 8, 2008
Children’s Sunday,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH

Letter from the White House, dated May 30, 2008

So, the question remains, if Waterboarding is torture, why would America do it, ever?

If the evidence truly cannot be used, why do it?

If we are a nation of laws, why do it?

If we hope to be a beacon of hope to the world, why do it?

If we want to have any moral authority in the community of nations, why do it?


All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Her Tears

She was sitting there
at her computer,
listening to one of our songs
one that touches us still
saying what we cannot
always find the words to say
in words so true for us

Watching her for a moment,
smiling as I hear the words too
Her tears, coursing down her cheeks
amazed, as I am, by the wonder
the magic, the daily miracle of love,

Cascading over us
as strong now,
as the first time
we said those words,
I love you,
praying that years from now
long after the girls are grown
long into our lives together
Love will shine in us
as much as today

June 6, 2008
Ruth, and Amazed by Lonestar

lilies - 071906

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,280+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sending a Dove

After the flood, to find dry land
he sent a dove, out into the world
out of the darkness, into the light
to search for signs, outside the ark
that the seas had subsided
and life would return to the earth
He sent a dove, again, to find dry land
and an olive branch was his reward
He sent a dove a third time
and it never returned
God had dried the land
and life flourished once more

May 31, 2008
Genesis 6:9-22, 7:24, 8:14-19
Genesis 6:5-8:19

Standing There, Calling Him

The Lord, standing there,
right beside him in the night
calling him, waiting for his response
Speak, for your servant is listening.
The living creator, the God of his ancestors
The Lord, who spoke to Eli, now calling to Samuel
to a changing forever of his days
a servant, prophet for the people
The man who would be the Lord’s hands
anointing two kings
Waking from sleep,
in the presence of the Lord
listening for his command

May 31, 2008
1 Samuel 3:1-10 and
Upper Room devotional for May 28, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=5&day=28&year=2008&x=107&y=6

Speak Lord

Speak Lord, your servant is listening.
May that always be my response
May my faith be that strong
the boy, set apart, living with the master
learning the law, answering the Lord
strong, sure, obedient faith
Ready to do the Lord’s will
a humble servant of God

May 31, 2008
1 Samuel 3:1-10 and
Upper Room devotional for May 28, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=5&day=28&year=2008&x=107&y=6

Answering God

When he called, the boy answered
coming, Master, I am here
he answered God in the same way
I am listening Lord, what do you want of me
Ready, right then, to follow the Master’s call
whatever that may be
So must we, be ready, prepared, listening
to hear the call for us, our particular path
our special call, to bring God’s love, his kingdom
to this troubled world; we must answer
But more still, we must listen

May 31, 2008
1 Samuel 3:1-10 and
Upper Room devotional for May 28, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=5&day=28&year=2008&x=107&y=6

More irises - 5/24/08

lilacs - 5/14/06

Tulip = 5/15/06

Above the Rapids - 2/9/08

Building the Ark

The scripture doesn’t say
if he walked with God,
by faith, or in the flesh
Did he get the blueprints handed to him
or write it down from the voice
calling him from within
But God told him what to do
and Noah obeyed
cubit by cubit he built the ark
and God remembered Noah
all who were with him
were saved

May 31, 2008
Genesis 6:11-22, 7:24, 8:14-19
Genesis 6:9
Genesis 6:5-8:19

Like Frozen Water - 2/9/08

No Place Holy

It wasn’t that nowhere was holy
everywhere, everywhere they walked
holy ground, barefoot walking
leaving their footprint,
the mark of God’s journey
walking with them across the savannah
into the jungle, the desert
in the in-between lands,
the dry and the rainy seasons
Walking with God,
no place holy, because
the world is holy

May 31, 2008
Matthew 7:21-28 and
Alive Now devotional for May 29, 2008 and
Alive Now devotional for May 30, 2008

A Living Temple

As the people carried the tabernacle
we carry the Lord with us
as we leave footprints
in the sands of our life’s journey
God is with us, if we follow where he leads
if we take the faith within us
the strong, living stone, God is with us
a living temple, within our hearts
leaving footprints
on the lives we touch in turn

May 31, 2008
Matthew 7:21-28 and
Alive Now devotional for May 29, 2008 and
Alive Now devotional for May 30, 2008

Not within Walls of Stone

On a foundation of stone
walled inside my heart
you are with me Lord
Not within walls of stone
a special sacred space
You walk with me all my days

May 31, 2008
Matthew 7:21-28 and
Alive Now devotional for May 29, 2008 and
Alive Now devotional for May 30, 2008

A House built on Rock

A foundation of stone
a house built on rock
grounded in faith in our Lord
walking with God
not within a set apart holy place
walking with God,
in creation, where he calls us to go
leaving footprints of the creator
all along our path

May 31, 2008
Matthew 7:21-28 and
Alive Now devotional for May 29, 2008 and
Alive Now devotional for May 30, 2008

Not on Shifting Sand

Our lives, living the call of the Lord
acting, not merely having faith
stored up inside the walls of the holy places
being righteous in doing the work of the Lord
finding our holy places, out in the world

May 31, 2008
Matthew 7:21-28 and
Alive Now devotional for May 29, 2008 and
Alive Now devotional for May 30, 2008

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 24,090+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Walked with God

He walked with God,
obeyed his commands
he was called righteous
and was saved
He built an ark, as he was told
and the world was saved
never again to suffer
this wrath of God

May 31, 2008
Genesis 6:11-22, 7:24, 8:14-19
Genesis 6:9

A Sudden Torrent

Like the gate of heaven
opening on the first day of the flood
a sudden torrent fell today
momentary as it was
a sudden torrent fell today
the air changed, the outdoors
reverberating, the sound of the rain
crashing on the driveway, off the buildings
echoing in the yard, through the windows
damp followed, as the sun tried to shine
the puddles receded
and the air changed again
for another shower is coming
and I know not when it will fall

May 31, 2008

Heavy Drops

I heard the heavy drops
falling individually, thump, thump,
a staccato symphony
onto the hard-tack ground
the thin dirt, no place for the water to go
almost like rock, impervious
heavy, oversized drops,
one onto another,
splashes with the falling onto the ground
even the ground,
slapping the water falling upon it
dust rising as the rain falls
caught and falling again
as the rain becomes a shower

May 31, 2008

Where Your Ashes Lay

I saw again, the picture
where you ashes lay
on the frozen, snow-covered ground
spread out on the side of the slope
the mountain you loved
released to the winds, to the earth
your ashes feeding the ground,
the trees, the mosses,
the ferns of that hillside
long since one with the soil
returned to the earth


May 31, 2008

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,280+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

A Snowy Wreath - December 16, 2007

Wet Leaves, Wet Pavement - November 6, 2007

Pearls on the Lupin - October 25, 2007

A Red Flower - October 16, 2007

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Afternoon Morning Glories - October 5, 2007

McIntosh Apple - September 2007

Milkweed in Winter - Harriman, NY- March 2005

Their Faces

I carry their faces with me,
small, shining images,
captured in the emulsion
little shadow, glimpses of them
showing a hint of the spark within
their faces ready, at hand
little pieces of them
I carry with me

String of Pearls - Aquinnah, MA, September 1996

All of my poems and photos 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 24,060+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Standing Straighter

Something, I cannot fully explain;
but certain and true each time,
on the side of the main street
the parade route into the city
They marched, they march each year
those who came home,
some of our nation’s best
who served that we may remain free

Gathered by their wars,
marching still, even if slower yet;
I find myself
Standing straighter, taller,
my hand on my heart, for them
applauding them, their courage
their willingness to go
into harms’ way, so that we, that I
can live in a land of freedom
So each year I am by the curbside
to honor them still

May 25, 2008
Memorial Day
written at church

With Fireworks

With fireworks, parades, with speeches
we honor them, each year
remembering them, for what they gave
their lives for freedom
so that we would remain free
that the dream that is America
would remain strong
We stop and bow in prayer
for their lives lost, injured,
so that we may live

May 25, 2008
Memorial Day
written at church

Under Fire Still

Another day, remembering
all those who served, who sacrificed
different, still, unresolved,
an open wound, without closure
so many still under fire
actively in harms’ way
For them especially we pray,
we remember them all
under fire, in our name

May 25, 2008
Memorial Day
written at church

In Remembrance of Them

Not the bread, the wine
elements of the holy meal
shared in remembrance of him;
in remembrance of them
we stop and gather,
set aside a time to honor
their sacrifice in our name
Young men and women,
some of the best of our nation
fighting, dying so that we may live
so that the dream that is America
may get grow more deeply in our hearts,
in the hearts of victims of tyranny
of war around the globe
They went, when they were called
serving us in foreign lands
distant seas, far from home

May 25, 2008
Memorial Day
written at church, before
the Rejuvenation evening service

In Memoriam

We remember
what they have done
serving in our place
going where we
would not choose to go
giving their lives
that we would remain free
our world a safer place
that evil would be checked
They have left a legacy
of love for us all
In their sacrifice
we have so much
to be thankful
Because we are blessed
by their courage
and their loyalty
We must remember them
and honor their place
in our nation’s story

May 25, 2008
Memorial Day

Their Sacrifice

They gave their all
for our country, for each of us
few of us know the horror, the fear,
what they faced in life,
going to dark places to keep us safe
We cannot know,
for we have not been there
all we can do, what we must do,
never to forget, always to honor
remember their sacrifice
which kept us free

May 25, 2008
Memorial Day

More than Solomon’s Finest

more precious,
more beautiful than gold,
any fabric made by human hands
the lilies of the field,
the flowers of the garden
fruits of creation
clothed with fabrics
more wonderful than Solomon’s finest
such is the talent of God
able to clothe the world
with beauty
beyond our comprehension
throw away items
gilded in gold
Ourselves, each one
more precious than all
with dominion over creation
How much more will he give us

May 25, 2008
Matthew 6:24-34 and sermon,
Don’t Worry, Be Holy,
by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH

Clothed in Glory

Clothed in glory
the flowers of creation,
subtle or vibrant
Holy fabric, knitted by the creator
to clothe the grasses, the fields
We are his creation, in his own image
He will provide for us, so much more

May 25, 2008
Matthew 6:24-34 and sermon,
Don’t Worry, Be Holy,
by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH

Serve Today

We are to serve today,
follow the master,
and our needs will be met
Follow me he told them
and they went
bring me the loaves, the fishes
and the multitude was fed
serve our Lord today
and tomorrow will be waiting
our God will provide

May 25, 2008
Matthew 6:24-34 and sermon,
Don’t Worry, Be Holy,
by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH

Divided Focus

It is our divided focus, on God and
the things of the world,
trying to juggle wealth and faith,
leaving ourselves to drift, to shift
from one pole to another,
to lose sight of our God
With a single focus, on the loving creator,
the sacrifice of the savior,
his message to the world
the things of this earth
food, shelter, clothing
will be provided

May 25, 2008
Matthew 6:24-34 and sermon,
Don’t Worry, Be Holy,
by the Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH

Cheesy Eggs

Breakfast was dad’s cheesy eggs
that was the urgent request
when I posed the question
of what they wanted to eat.
And, that meant a helper,
for every step of the way,
after the footstool entered the kitchen
plopped right in front of me…
breaking the eggs,
taking the shells from the bowl,
(mix, repeat)
wiping the counter, cleaning the floor,
mixing the eggs, cleaning the counter,
adding the cream, stirring vigorously
making the eggs in the skillet,
Shanequa and me
after the long, slow waking,
Disney in bed late Saturday morning,
with stuffed animal friends
sharing the bed, the fun
Cheesy eggs coming up!

May 25, 2008 12:39am

Stewards of God’s Mysteries

We are to be the stewards of God’s mysteries
the ones to safeguard his secrets, the majesty of creation
the wonder of the world, the unwrapping of the
web of life, the systems, the laws of nature
all part of the ordered plan of the creator
A world of rules and wondrous beauty
in the forces, the atoms, the mystery of life
Eating of the tree, the knowledge and free will
to act to save, to protect, or to destroy
all within our hands, to choose
So we must be the stewards, the protectors
of this world, this earth, fighting
for its preservation, and the innocents
who are yet to come
They too are the children of God
our legacy must not be wasting their birthright
We must be stewards of God’s mysteries
as his sons and daughters
not frittering away the inheritance of all

May 25, 2008
1 Corinthians 4:1-5 and
Alive Now devotional for May 21, 2008