Before the bag is packed,
a bit of work to do, to prepare myself
for this time away, this time for study
for meditation, for prayer
A time to gather the things
the clothes, the books,
I will need
A picture of her,
big, bold picture
her smiling face
will go with me,
be with me there
October 18, 2007 2:28pm
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Unworthy
Lord, I wandered in the wilderness
You saved me even though I am a sinner
I stayed away from your church,
You saved me even though I am a sinner
I strayed away from the faith of my youth
You saved me even though I am a sinner
I thought I didn’t need the church
You saved me even though I am a sinner
I lived my life outside of a faith community
You saved me even though I am a sinner
I did my own thing
You saved me even though I am a sinner
I was lost
You saved me even though I am a sinner
I violated your commandments, your laws
You saved me even though I am a sinner
I have sinned against my neighbor and against you
You saved me even though I am a sinner
You brought me back to the flock
You saved me even though I am a sinner
You welcomed me in
You saved me even though I am a sinner
You gave me a home in your church
You saved me even though I am a sinner
You taught me Your Word
You saved me even though I am a sinner
You gave me gifts beyond measure
You saved me even though I am a sinner
You showed me where to serve
You saved me even though I am a sinner
Help me to never stray again
You saved me even though I am a sinner
Amen.
October 14, 2007
Prepared as part of a class project,
to write our own Psalm of praise
Middle High School Sunday School,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
The Apostle's Creed
Our church is using a book, "The Apostle's Creed for Today, by Justo L. Gonzalez, as the basis for our Fall Neighborhood Groups. Based on reading the Introduction, the first three chapters, and the chapter titles, below are over 25 poems parsing the language of the Apostle's Creed. I am sure more will follow over the next few weeks.
The Holy Catholic Church
One church, universal, inclusive
and loving, even when we try to separate
and judge one another.
I believe in the catholic church
and our place in the one body,
the one home to all believers
within the arms of the Son
not the walls of a church
and loving, even when we try to separate
and judge one another.
I believe in the catholic church
and our place in the one body,
the one home to all believers
within the arms of the Son
not the walls of a church
October 17, 2007 1:29pm
The Holy Catholic Church
part of the Apostle’s Creed
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 38,190+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth
All powerful, above all, the one from the beginning
before the beginning of time, ever present, to the end of the age
This is the God in which I believe, in which I give my life,
in whom I trust. The Almighty God of Moses, of the rainbow,
of the trials of the forgetful people, saving us when we fail
The source of life, the breath of life, who parted the water
and made dry land, and all that is on the face of the earth
In His hands I am clay, and to Him I bow
October 17, 2007 1:27pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
before the beginning of time, ever present, to the end of the age
This is the God in which I believe, in which I give my life,
in whom I trust. The Almighty God of Moses, of the rainbow,
of the trials of the forgetful people, saving us when we fail
The source of life, the breath of life, who parted the water
and made dry land, and all that is on the face of the earth
In His hands I am clay, and to Him I bow
October 17, 2007 1:27pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
At the Right Hand of God
The Son, the holy Word
seated at the right hand
of the Father, the Creator
A way of understanding
the relationship, the single entity
the being that is God,
to the extent there is a sense of a body at all
For we only see that which our eyes see
that which we can quantify, touch, experience
So much more beyond that
beyond human understanding,
so easy to understand that idea,
because of the new discoveries of science each day
Seated at the right hand,
the favored seat, of the family business
What better advocate
than the one who walked to the skull
climbed the cross
to atone for our stain
October 17, 2007 1:23pm
part of the Apostle's Creed
seated at the right hand
of the Father, the Creator
A way of understanding
the relationship, the single entity
the being that is God,
to the extent there is a sense of a body at all
For we only see that which our eyes see
that which we can quantify, touch, experience
So much more beyond that
beyond human understanding,
so easy to understand that idea,
because of the new discoveries of science each day
Seated at the right hand,
the favored seat, of the family business
What better advocate
than the one who walked to the skull
climbed the cross
to atone for our stain
October 17, 2007 1:23pm
part of the Apostle's Creed
Seated at the Right Hand
I can picture the temple of the Lord
the home of God and his courts
to see the throne of God, to touch the hem of His robe
to talk with the Son, my brother,
my savior, seated at the right hand of the Father,
to thank him directly for the awesome gift
of His sacrifice. Oh, if only I have that chance
to kneel and praise His name
face to face
October 17, 2007 1:18pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
the home of God and his courts
to see the throne of God, to touch the hem of His robe
to talk with the Son, my brother,
my savior, seated at the right hand of the Father,
to thank him directly for the awesome gift
of His sacrifice. Oh, if only I have that chance
to kneel and praise His name
face to face
October 17, 2007 1:18pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
Conceived of the Holy Spirit Born of the Virgin Mary
The sublime mystery of faith
the one way He could have come into the world
to be wholly human, truly divine
the Word made flesh, by the Spirit
dwelling as man, saving by being God
a vessel broken, the lifeblood spilt
Fulfilled through the means
of his holy birth
October 17, 2007
part of the Apostle’s Creed
the one way He could have come into the world
to be wholly human, truly divine
the Word made flesh, by the Spirit
dwelling as man, saving by being God
a vessel broken, the lifeblood spilt
Fulfilled through the means
of his holy birth
October 17, 2007
part of the Apostle’s Creed
Sterilizing
Source, Word and
Holy Spirit
Three things, dry, lifeless words; but
Meaningful words, of faith
trying to explain the wholeness
of the one that is called God,
the three in one, by what they are
the Source of life,
the Word made flesh
the Holy Spirit living within us
all boiled down essence
of the persons that make
the person of God
October 17, 2007 1:03pm
Holy Spirit
Three things, dry, lifeless words; but
Meaningful words, of faith
trying to explain the wholeness
of the one that is called God,
the three in one, by what they are
the Source of life,
the Word made flesh
the Holy Spirit living within us
all boiled down essence
of the persons that make
the person of God
October 17, 2007 1:03pm
Jesus Christ His Only Son Our Lord
Jesus of Nazareth, is the Christ, the Messiah
the one Son of God, the incarnation of the one God
the image of God made man, the love of God,
the Word of God given breath.
In Him there is all hope, all faith
all love of God, in the words of the law, the prophets
all the words, given meaning
in human form; but fully God
October 17, 2007 12:57pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
the one Son of God, the incarnation of the one God
the image of God made man, the love of God,
the Word of God given breath.
In Him there is all hope, all faith
all love of God, in the words of the law, the prophets
all the words, given meaning
in human form; but fully God
October 17, 2007 12:57pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
I Believe in God the Father
He is the creator, the eternal father
the one there at the beginning, before the beginning
the one there who stilled the chaos,
who conjured the world and all that are in it
who saved the people, over and over again
who made the rainbow and the covenant
who is there, the Godhead,
the king of all kings,
lord of all, for all time
loving, supporting, saving
all of us,
waiting, with grace
for us to approach His throne
October 17, 2007 12:52pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
the one there at the beginning, before the beginning
the one there who stilled the chaos,
who conjured the world and all that are in it
who saved the people, over and over again
who made the rainbow and the covenant
who is there, the Godhead,
the king of all kings,
lord of all, for all time
loving, supporting, saving
all of us,
waiting, with grace
for us to approach His throne
October 17, 2007 12:52pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
Suffered under Pontius Pilate
The human Christ, the king on earth
a servant, a sacrifice, after
the transfiguration on the mountainside
the prayers in the Garden
the cup to his lips,
falling under the authority
of the empire,
the instrument of our saving
suffering under the hands
of leaders, of their agents
in the holy lands
A week after the parade
the palms, riding the donkey,
the pain and humiliation
of the crown and the cross
October 17, 2007 12:43pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
a servant, a sacrifice, after
the transfiguration on the mountainside
the prayers in the Garden
the cup to his lips,
falling under the authority
of the empire,
the instrument of our saving
suffering under the hands
of leaders, of their agents
in the holy lands
A week after the parade
the palms, riding the donkey,
the pain and humiliation
of the crown and the cross
October 17, 2007 12:43pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
Functionalizing
Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer
Names of the Trinity
avoiding the patronymic
the male language
that separates many from God
the loaded language
But losing something
in the translation in naming
the roles of the one God
For God needs the personalization
the relation of human forms
of images we can relate to;
but without the formalism
the distance of
the male faces of God
to see the richness
in the way God relates to us
and to the Creation
from the beginning of time
to the present moment
where the Spirit lives
and acts
through us
October 17, 2007 12:28pm
Names of the Trinity
avoiding the patronymic
the male language
that separates many from God
the loaded language
But losing something
in the translation in naming
the roles of the one God
For God needs the personalization
the relation of human forms
of images we can relate to;
but without the formalism
the distance of
the male faces of God
to see the richness
in the way God relates to us
and to the Creation
from the beginning of time
to the present moment
where the Spirit lives
and acts
through us
October 17, 2007 12:28pm
Crucified
The fact, the truth, the certainty
of the pain, the shame, the depth
of the cross, the crucifixion
of our Lord. His death
for our sins. The Lamb
on the cross, not the throne
dead, limp, hanging on a tree
Darkness,
His blood rent from the flesh
October 17, 2007 12:20pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
of the pain, the shame, the depth
of the cross, the crucifixion
of our Lord. His death
for our sins. The Lamb
on the cross, not the throne
dead, limp, hanging on a tree
Darkness,
His blood rent from the flesh
October 17, 2007 12:20pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
On the Third Day
After darkness, confusion, loss
we arise, He arose
on the third day
The morning when Death
lost its sting
No longer the irreversible truth
the end of life
He arose
on the third day
And That is what matters
For in His rising
We arise
October 17, 2007 12:17
part of the Apostle’s Creed
we arise, He arose
on the third day
The morning when Death
lost its sting
No longer the irreversible truth
the end of life
He arose
on the third day
And That is what matters
For in His rising
We arise
October 17, 2007 12:17
part of the Apostle’s Creed
He Will Come Again
The fulfillment of the scripture
is not yet done
for He will come again
That is the promise, the hope
for us all
That He will come again
and finish the work He began,
that we continue
until all are able, reconciled
to God, if we believe
is not yet done
for He will come again
That is the promise, the hope
for us all
That He will come again
and finish the work He began,
that we continue
until all are able, reconciled
to God, if we believe
October
17, 2007 12:12pm
He
Will Come Again
part
of the Apostle’s Creed
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 38,170+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Paternalizing
Father, Son, Holy Ghost,
Three Guys, for many, three white guys,
sitting in judgment, patriarchs with beards,
flowing beards, without a recognition
an understanding, of the limits of our vocabulary
maleness of the nomenclature, the naming of God
missing the richness of the creator, the sustainer,
the redeemer, in the language of the maleness
of our names for God
God is, not merely Father,
a single sexual organism,
for if God was,
why would there be man and woman
both in the image of God
We are so far from God
we cannot understand
how to describe God
We need three images of God;
but that is too limiting,
in the face of the vastness,
the unimaginable vastness
of God
October 17, 2007 12:10pm
Three Guys, for many, three white guys,
sitting in judgment, patriarchs with beards,
flowing beards, without a recognition
an understanding, of the limits of our vocabulary
maleness of the nomenclature, the naming of God
missing the richness of the creator, the sustainer,
the redeemer, in the language of the maleness
of our names for God
God is, not merely Father,
a single sexual organism,
for if God was,
why would there be man and woman
both in the image of God
We are so far from God
we cannot understand
how to describe God
We need three images of God;
but that is too limiting,
in the face of the vastness,
the unimaginable vastness
of God
October 17, 2007 12:10pm
I Believe in the Holy Spirit
I believe, I have seen, I have witnesses
the Holy Spirit, alive, living in me,
in answer to prayer, in calling me to testify,
in the fingers typing word of love, of poetry
in direction to specific scripture,
answering questions of life,
I believe in the Holy Spirit
present in the world, in my life, now, today!
October 17, 2007 12:03pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
the Holy Spirit, alive, living in me,
in answer to prayer, in calling me to testify,
in the fingers typing word of love, of poetry
in direction to specific scripture,
answering questions of life,
I believe in the Holy Spirit
present in the world, in my life, now, today!
October 17, 2007 12:03pm
part of the Apostle’s Creed
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 27,940+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
He Rose Again
Easter morning, oh Easter morning
We praise you Father, God in heaven
for that morning,
when our sackcloth,
our mourning clothes,
gave way to wondrous white
rising from the grave, from the dead
rising on high to the glory above,
we rise because
He rose again!
October 17, 2007 11:58am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
We praise you Father, God in heaven
for that morning,
when our sackcloth,
our mourning clothes,
gave way to wondrous white
rising from the grave, from the dead
rising on high to the glory above,
we rise because
He rose again!
October 17, 2007 11:58am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
Ascended into Heaven
He, the Christ, Jesus, the very same,
ascended into Heaven
Glorious Day!
On the wings of the cloud
He rose beyond sight
beyond comprehension
to His heavenly home
That is where He waits
until the timing of the Father
To return
to complete His call
to bring His people home
October 17, 2007 11:55am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
ascended into Heaven
Glorious Day!
On the wings of the cloud
He rose beyond sight
beyond comprehension
to His heavenly home
That is where He waits
until the timing of the Father
To return
to complete His call
to bring His people home
October 17, 2007 11:55am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
To Judge the Living and the Dead
When He comes again,
it will be with the fanfare, the trumpets,
the fury, the wonder
that the people expected
the last time,
when He came as a man,
as a servant,
as a sacrifice
He will come
to judge
to cull and to separate
To bring his flock home
to the greener pasture
the city of God
October 17, 2007 11:52am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
it will be with the fanfare, the trumpets,
the fury, the wonder
that the people expected
the last time,
when He came as a man,
as a servant,
as a sacrifice
He will come
to judge
to cull and to separate
To bring his flock home
to the greener pasture
the city of God
October 17, 2007 11:52am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
The Communion of Saints
The fellowship of believers
throughout the thread of time
woven together into one tapestry,
the face of God to man
We are part of a sacred whole
made stronger with each thread
added to the fabric,
the communion of saints
while we are yet sinners
in need of saving
October 17, 2007 11:07am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
throughout the thread of time
woven together into one tapestry,
the face of God to man
We are part of a sacred whole
made stronger with each thread
added to the fabric,
the communion of saints
while we are yet sinners
in need of saving
October 17, 2007 11:07am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
Dead
Dead, cold, without life
a beating heart stilled
laid down in the tomb
the blackness sealed about him
the stone rolled into place
cementing the grave
So was our Lord, our Savior
before the resurrection
a mortal life spent
lost on the cross
a life given for us
a beating heart stilled
laid down in the tomb
the blackness sealed about him
the stone rolled into place
cementing the grave
So was our Lord, our Savior
before the resurrection
a mortal life spent
lost on the cross
a life given for us
=================
edited July 16, 2019
Dead – v2
October 17, 2007 11:05am
Dead
part of the Apostle’s Creed
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, and 2019. All
rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 50,770+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Apostle's
Creed, apostles, Christ, creator, cross, Easter, Faith, God, Good Friday,
grave, Holy Saturday, Holy Week, Jesus, life, Messiah, poetry, resurrection,
salvation, savior, tomb,
#ApostlesCreed
#apostles #Christ #GoodFriday #grave #heart #HolySaturday #HolyWeek #hope #Jesus
#life #Lord #Messiah #NewHampshire #poem #poetry #redeemer #resurrection #salvation
#savior #sharing #stone #throne #tomb #yoke,
He is Coming to Judge
We don’t always want to remember this part
of our creed, the part with the judging,
for while all are called, no all answer,
and not all who answer,
are true to their faith
He is coming again
to judge those who have left
the mortal coil
those living at the end of the age
at the moment of the gathering
We are to living in our belief
to keep our oil full and our lamp lit
to be the feet of the servant
while we live
waiting expectantly
for the bridegroom
October 17, 2007 11:02am
of our creed, the part with the judging,
for while all are called, no all answer,
and not all who answer,
are true to their faith
He is coming again
to judge those who have left
the mortal coil
those living at the end of the age
at the moment of the gathering
We are to living in our belief
to keep our oil full and our lamp lit
to be the feet of the servant
while we live
waiting expectantly
for the bridegroom
October 17, 2007 11:02am
Buried
Oh Joseph, where would my Savior be
without your stone tomb,
where would He have been laid down
if you were not there?
He died on the cross, bearing my sin
dead, and buried,
dormant, waiting, for the fulfillment
of the prophets, the joy coming
buried in the stone
behind the rock
October 17, 2007 10:54am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
without your stone tomb,
where would He have been laid down
if you were not there?
He died on the cross, bearing my sin
dead, and buried,
dormant, waiting, for the fulfillment
of the prophets, the joy coming
buried in the stone
behind the rock
October 17, 2007 10:54am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
Life Everlasting
At the beginning was God,
at the end communion with God
life everlasting, in the kingdom
the kingdom of God
eternal home, eternal rest
waiting for us
if we only believe
For our sins will be washed away,
and we do not fear the reaper,
the fire. We will be brought home
for life everlasting
October 17, 2007 10:48am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
at the end communion with God
life everlasting, in the kingdom
the kingdom of God
eternal home, eternal rest
waiting for us
if we only believe
For our sins will be washed away,
and we do not fear the reaper,
the fire. We will be brought home
for life everlasting
October 17, 2007 10:48am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
The Resurrection of the Body
As He rose, as himself, his body,
so we will rise, as pure,
holy, versions of ourselves
At the final day, the end of the season,
the harvest home, we will be brought up
out of the darkness,
into the light, reborn
October 17, 2007 10:45am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
so we will rise, as pure,
holy, versions of ourselves
At the final day, the end of the season,
the harvest home, we will be brought up
out of the darkness,
into the light, reborn
October 17, 2007 10:45am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
The Forgiveness of Sin
The washing away, the cleaning
whiter than white, purer than pure
beyond comprehension;
We will be forgiven!
all our sins, all our failings
a nullity, expunged, as if
they had never happened
made whole once again
able to walk with God
October 17, 2007 10:42am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
whiter than white, purer than pure
beyond comprehension;
We will be forgiven!
all our sins, all our failings
a nullity, expunged, as if
they had never happened
made whole once again
able to walk with God
October 17, 2007 10:42am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
He Descended to the Dead
Wrapped in the clothing, the apparel
of the dead
He descended to the Dead
down to Sheol
He was before his rising
the rejection, the triumph over death
He was yet its captive
in servitude its slave,
falling to the pit
the cold grave
October 17, 2007 10:29am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
of the dead
He descended to the Dead
down to Sheol
He was before his rising
the rejection, the triumph over death
He was yet its captive
in servitude its slave,
falling to the pit
the cold grave
October 17, 2007 10:29am
part of the Apostle’s Creed
Trinitarian
Three in one
the trinity, a triangle
giving the thought
the mystery
dimension, depth
meaning, in the symbol
the interrelatedness
the whole, the pyramid
in communion,
living together,
providing form and substance
to that which is
beyond comprehension
a God who is Father,
Son, Spirit,
who was before there was
and is beyond the end of time
October 17, 2007 10:04am
the trinity, a triangle
giving the thought
the mystery
dimension, depth
meaning, in the symbol
the interrelatedness
the whole, the pyramid
in communion,
living together,
providing form and substance
to that which is
beyond comprehension
a God who is Father,
Son, Spirit,
who was before there was
and is beyond the end of time
October 17, 2007 10:04am
A Patience Flower
An abject lesson in patience
is the flower outside our doorway
planted when the spring was young
watered, tended, nurtured
through the spring, the summer,
into the cooling of fall
bursting into a single bloom
in the middle of October
just days before frost
will come into our world
Watching over this flower,
waiting for its blooming
wondering what fruit it will bear
all summer long
October 17, 2007 8:56am
is the flower outside our doorway
planted when the spring was young
watered, tended, nurtured
through the spring, the summer,
into the cooling of fall
bursting into a single bloom
in the middle of October
just days before frost
will come into our world
Watching over this flower,
waiting for its blooming
wondering what fruit it will bear
all summer long
October 17, 2007 8:56am
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Feeling Her Hug
Feeling her hug
against me, so quick,
so sudden, so real
for me a moment
to treasure, repeated often
at the corner
moments of closeness
of greeting in a personal way
coming together at the end
of her school day
a walk to the house
back warm inside
and a debrief on the stuff
of her day
October 16, 2007 15:56pm
against me, so quick,
so sudden, so real
for me a moment
to treasure, repeated often
at the corner
moments of closeness
of greeting in a personal way
coming together at the end
of her school day
a walk to the house
back warm inside
and a debrief on the stuff
of her day
October 16, 2007 15:56pm
Beam Walker
Like any good gymnast,
she holds her arms just so
straight and taut
walking oh so carefully,
at least the first few feet
on the edge of the sidewalk,
up on the curbing, the granite edge
of the street
walking on the face of the beam
avoiding the sidewalk,
the drop to the street
Moving quickly down to the bus stop
for her older sister
Each afternoon
October 16, 2007 3:52pm
she holds her arms just so
straight and taut
walking oh so carefully,
at least the first few feet
on the edge of the sidewalk,
up on the curbing, the granite edge
of the street
walking on the face of the beam
avoiding the sidewalk,
the drop to the street
Moving quickly down to the bus stop
for her older sister
Each afternoon
October 16, 2007 3:52pm
Skipping to School
Little hands holding mine
skipping to school.
All three of us
Matching strides,
and the all-important
swinging of the arms
down the sidewalk,
downhill, skipping to school
October 16, 2007 3:48pm
skipping to school.
All three of us
Matching strides,
and the all-important
swinging of the arms
down the sidewalk,
downhill, skipping to school
October 16, 2007 3:48pm
A Cranberry Maple
Nothing other than cranberry,
well, maybe candy apple,
could describe the maple on the corner
Ablaze in saturated red
deep, almost burgundy,
like a burgundy on naugahyde,
not leather, this color stayed on the surface
ready to ooze into my rods and cones
to leap from the leaves, if I wasn’t careful
to splash and lap into my consciousness
break me from the focus
on the trip to the store,
the to do list back at the office
Snapped my attention for a moment
to the beauty of the day,
a gift from the creator
bright blue and vivid red
October 16, 2007 12:05pm
well, maybe candy apple,
could describe the maple on the corner
Ablaze in saturated red
deep, almost burgundy,
like a burgundy on naugahyde,
not leather, this color stayed on the surface
ready to ooze into my rods and cones
to leap from the leaves, if I wasn’t careful
to splash and lap into my consciousness
break me from the focus
on the trip to the store,
the to do list back at the office
Snapped my attention for a moment
to the beauty of the day,
a gift from the creator
bright blue and vivid red
October 16, 2007 12:05pm
Catching the Wind
The morning glories,
in afternoon glory
shining in the bright fall sun
luminescent, transparent,
translucent colors
bleeding through their skin
bouncing, blowing, swaying,
lurching, in the gusts, the puff,
the pulses of wind
Trying to catch the wind
its dominion over the blooms
in the lens of my camera
to still the motion, to capture
the dance of the flowers on the vine
in the bright fall sun
the beautiful dance
of the trumpets
October 16, 2007 8:54am
in afternoon glory
shining in the bright fall sun
luminescent, transparent,
translucent colors
bleeding through their skin
bouncing, blowing, swaying,
lurching, in the gusts, the puff,
the pulses of wind
Trying to catch the wind
its dominion over the blooms
in the lens of my camera
to still the motion, to capture
the dance of the flowers on the vine
in the bright fall sun
the beautiful dance
of the trumpets
October 16, 2007 8:54am
Choosing Our Words
So easy to say things that will hurt
to cut down when we should lift up
to judge to quickly, blurt out a thought
choose our words wisely
for words hurt, more than sticks and stones
for we hear the words and
cannot help feeling their cut, their sting
So, we must be mindful, careful
deliberate in speaking
words of love
October 16, 2007 8:49am
to cut down when we should lift up
to judge to quickly, blurt out a thought
choose our words wisely
for words hurt, more than sticks and stones
for we hear the words and
cannot help feeling their cut, their sting
So, we must be mindful, careful
deliberate in speaking
words of love
October 16, 2007 8:49am
Monday, October 15, 2007
Blog Action Day - A Hammer Blow to the Ice
Maybe the metaphor shouldn’t be
pebbles thrown into the pond;
maybe the more apt analogy
the hope, and the trepidation
is the idea of a hammer blow to the ice
thin and melting, or just growing perhaps
the hollow thunk and shock waves below
the faint then growing thunder
of the cracks building, splitting,
shards of jagged edges,
calving without apparent order
crushing, falling into the ice stew
to ponder and explore
October 15, 2007 1:14pm
Blog Action Day
http://www.blogactionday.org/
pebbles thrown into the pond;
maybe the more apt analogy
the hope, and the trepidation
is the idea of a hammer blow to the ice
thin and melting, or just growing perhaps
the hollow thunk and shock waves below
the faint then growing thunder
of the cracks building, splitting,
shards of jagged edges,
calving without apparent order
crushing, falling into the ice stew
to ponder and explore
October 15, 2007 1:14pm
Blog Action Day
http://www.blogactionday.org/
Blog Action Day - Ripples on the Water
A rock thrown in the pond,
full force, or maybe, just maybe,
thousands of pebbles, hurled, dropped,
even gently coaxed into the water
ripples, reverberating, echoing,
growing into a groundswell
a tsunami, if even have force
to change the face of the planet
to change the discussion
at least for a day
onto on topic
where we live
the place
we call
home
October 15, 2007 1:09pm
Blog Action Day
http://www.blogactionday.org/
full force, or maybe, just maybe,
thousands of pebbles, hurled, dropped,
even gently coaxed into the water
ripples, reverberating, echoing,
growing into a groundswell
a tsunami, if even have force
to change the face of the planet
to change the discussion
at least for a day
onto on topic
where we live
the place
we call
home
October 15, 2007 1:09pm
Blog Action Day
http://www.blogactionday.org/
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 26,920+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
In Exile
What does it mean
to be in exile,
when there is no foreign army
no conquering horde
coming over the battlements
when the season of exile
is in the commonplace
where you thought you belonged
where life took you
adrift on the path
you thought was your chosen one
when others altered the map
the chart, the heading for the sails
and shoals were in your way
brackish water on the left
a storm on the right
hung up on the rocks
waiting for the tide
or a different wind
to change the stagnant now.
October 15, 2007 12:25
to be in exile,
when there is no foreign army
no conquering horde
coming over the battlements
when the season of exile
is in the commonplace
where you thought you belonged
where life took you
adrift on the path
you thought was your chosen one
when others altered the map
the chart, the heading for the sails
and shoals were in your way
brackish water on the left
a storm on the right
hung up on the rocks
waiting for the tide
or a different wind
to change the stagnant now.
October 15, 2007 12:25
Teach Good Writing
The post, "Embrace All of Life" has a comment relating to the site, "Students Publish Here"
Here is that site's first post, explaining its purpose:
http://teachgoodwriting.blogspot.com/2007/03/about-this-blog.html
Here is that site's first post, explaining its purpose:
http://teachgoodwriting.blogspot.com/2007/03/about-this-blog.html
Blog Action Day - United for Change
A common theme
a single voice
people united
for change
for the planet
Speaking on message
for a day at least
remembering the earth
upon which we dwell
sharing a vision
for a better tomorrow
speaking up now
before we lose even more
acting and writing
so no one forgets
we need
everyone’s commitment
a single voice
people united
for change
for the planet
Speaking on message
for a day at least
remembering the earth
upon which we dwell
sharing a vision
for a better tomorrow
speaking up now
before we lose even more
acting and writing
so no one forgets
we need
everyone’s commitment
===
edited October 16, 2014
United for Change – v2
Blog Action Day poems
October 15, 2007 5:56am
United for Change
Blog Action Day
All
of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004,
2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all
32,840+
of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
America, Blog Action Day, Christ, creator, earth, Faith, giving,
God, hope, Methodist, Nature, UMC, Poetry Where You Live, sharing, voice,
inequality, poverty, water, justice, neighbor,
#BAD14 #blogaction14
@blogactionday12 #inequality #America #God #love #grace #mercy #hope
“In It for the Long Haul” - sermon by Ruth L. Foss, Sanbornville United Methodist Church, October 14, 2007
Jeremiah 29: 1, 4-7
Have you ever been at a place in your life when you felt all alone? You are in this desert place and feel that you are out there with no help, no support, and no one seems to care or even hears your cries of pain. You are wandering around with no direction. You are feeling as if you are in exile from the world around you. You start to wonder why you are where you are, what brought you here, where is God in all this? Where are you going to find the peace you need to carry on?
In today’s passage from Jeremiah, Jeremiah is writing to the exiles in Babylon. He is at home in Jerusalem and they are being held captive…in exile…in Babylon. Oh how the Israelites must have longed to be home with Jeremiah in their homeland. But Jeremiah’s message is one of hope for them. They are told that even though they are in exile, God will watch over them…God is there for them…God will give them peace.
Regardless of what is going on around us, the data that we take in that might cause us despair, God will for our well-being. In the Jeremiah scripture…God, through Jeremiah…tells the people to build, plant and eat. They are told that they are to increase their families. How can they do this while they are thinking of home…being back in Israel? They needed to be content with what God had given them. They were in exile because of their sin of disobedience. They needed to realize that and make good of the bad situation that they got themselves into. God would be there for them and protect them as long as they did as God told them to do. They needed to pray for the leaders of Babylon and pray for peace for them. Now I am sure this must have been a difficult task for them since these people are the ones that held them captive. What a lesson in praying for your enemies. But if they did this…they would be essentially praying for their own peace. If something bad happened to Babylon…it would inadvertently affect them. If they pray for success in Babylon…for their enemies…they too would be successful in their land of exile.
In Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles…the blessings the Lord offers if the possibility of good and well-being in the midst of judgment and punishment. In reading scripture…we can see how God has provided for His children even when He has passed judgment on them…the Lord made cloths for the disobedient Adam and Eve…God but the mark of protection on the murderous Cain…even though the Israelites wandered in the desert, longer than they should have and the original people could not enter the promised land, God provided for them. The list goes on! In the midst of exile there is a possibility of life…a possibility of survival.
The people in exile would not find peace and well-being in resistance and rebellion but in submission and prayer. It was not found in returning home, land and family but in settling into exile and building homes…farms…and families. The exiles were not to pray for the peace of Jerusalem…their home town…as the Psalmist says in Psalm 122:6, But for the peace of Babylon. For the people who rule over them. There is an assurance that the divine blessing of fertility, well-being, productivity, and regular provision of the possibilities of life even in their exile.
The exiles are charged…instructed…called upon…to now in this new and difficult place, assured by the command of God that life is possible, that home and family, food and shelter, the things that support and keep human beings human, are possible – over the long haul. They were going to be there for a while and needed to make the best of it. The Creation blessing found in Genesis 1:28a…Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…continues even in exile. God is in it for the long haul and His promises endure forever.
This reminds me of a poem that my husband Ray wrote…It is called “A letter from Home”. It is about Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon. It reads:
Before the final fall of the kingdom
the home of the king,
the Temple of God
A message of hope,
a call to sincere faith
of the struggle to come
A letter from home
The prophet speaking
of faithfulness to the people,
the priests, the leaders
in exile in a foreign land
Build homes, marry
bear children and multiply
pray for the city where you live
your place for this season
known by God
where you have been placed.
There are many cases…situations…throughout the Bible that we see God in it for the “long haul”…of God’s providence for His Creation even though we have turned away so many times…
- God provided for Adam and Eve even though they sinned with their disobedience. He made the first sacrifice for sin with the innocent blood of animals for clothing for them.
- God’s power was so great that Israel’s enemies cringed before them.
- God turned the sea into dry land so that Israel could pass through o foot.
- God provided manna, meat and water for Israel even though they whined the whole time.
- God provided Israel…and us…a law to live by and even though we have broken that law so many times…God still cares for us.
- God provided Judges to fight Israel’s battles and win. Unfortunately…after the Judges died Israel sinned again. But…they cried out to the Lord and were sent another Judge.
- God provided His people guidance through the Prophets and even though His people would listen for a while and then turn away…God kept providing Prophets for His people to learn through.
- God exiled Israel to foreign lands but still provided for them even in exile. God told them to be fruitful and multiply where they were and God made sure that the people of the promise didn’t perish in their exile.
- God provided a way for redemption through His son Lord Jesus…another and last sacrifice…even though we didn’t deserve it.
- God provides for us daily if we but only ask.
It seems to me that God has been in it for the long haul for a very long time.
How do we truly know that God is in it for the Long Haul? We know it because of God’s prevenient grace… grace given to us before we even know or realize we need Him in our lives. This is a grace given, unconditionally, to all of God’s creation. A grace that watches over us, provides for us and brings us to a realization that God is there…calling to us in the wilderness saying “sinner come home.” God is ever present…ever searching for the lost ones…not wanting anyone to be excluded from His grace.
How should we react to this wonderful gift of grace? By responding with faith. Even with the faith the size of a mustard seed…we can say to that mountain “Move!” and it will be moved. Faith in knowing that we have a God that will be with us when ever, where ever, how ever we need Him. He is just there waiting for us to call upon His name and be saved…be delivered from exile. Faith that even when we are in that place of exile, during our wilderness journey, He is working out His plan.
Let’s look at how Abraham acted out of faith…Abraham was told to pack and go to a foreign land and he did it…no questions asked. David went up against the giant Goliath with 5 stones and a sling shot. Faith was his biggest weapon. By faith…Mary accepted God’s plan for her life…to bring His Son into the world. Sure she had questions of how it would happen but she accepted this responsibility knowing God would help her through. Peter had faith enough to walk on water but when he looked away…when his faith waivered even for a moment…he began to sink.
We need to walk by faith and not by sight. You may be wondering about this walking stick I brought with me today. My husband Ray and my daughters made it for me for one of my Undergrad classes. It was a hiking class and they didn’t want me to slip and fall. Written on it are the words “We walk by faith not by sight.” It is a daily reminder for me that God is in control. I need to have faith in the Creator. God is with me walking right beside me…ever present…all knowing…all seeing.
As Christians we need to take this piece of scripture to heart. We walk by faith not by sight. When we see the fallen world around us and don’t understand why things are happening as they are… We walk by faith not by sight. When we are in the desert place of our journey with God and can’t feel His presence…hear His still small voice… We walk by faith not by sight. When all seems dark and dreary around us… We walk by faith not by sight.
I would like to end my sermon with another poem written by my favorite author…It is called “Multiply There.” It reminds me of Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles but it also reminds me of what we should be doing as we a exiled from our heavenly home…our one true home.
For the chosen people
the people of the first covenant
the covenant of blood
told by God, to multiply
in their time of exile
to multiply the people of faith
For us, the people of the new covenant
the same call to multiply
our numbers in exile
in our foreign land
this time in the wilderness
before we come home
to the New Jerusalem
multiplying our numbers
those with whom
we fulfill the call,
to share the good news
to make disciples
more sheep for the shepherd
more people of faith
May we always remember that God can make good out of bad situation and that in our times of exile…our wilderness journeys…that God is always in control…even when we can’t see it.
AMEN
Have you ever been at a place in your life when you felt all alone? You are in this desert place and feel that you are out there with no help, no support, and no one seems to care or even hears your cries of pain. You are wandering around with no direction. You are feeling as if you are in exile from the world around you. You start to wonder why you are where you are, what brought you here, where is God in all this? Where are you going to find the peace you need to carry on?
In today’s passage from Jeremiah, Jeremiah is writing to the exiles in Babylon. He is at home in Jerusalem and they are being held captive…in exile…in Babylon. Oh how the Israelites must have longed to be home with Jeremiah in their homeland. But Jeremiah’s message is one of hope for them. They are told that even though they are in exile, God will watch over them…God is there for them…God will give them peace.
Regardless of what is going on around us, the data that we take in that might cause us despair, God will for our well-being. In the Jeremiah scripture…God, through Jeremiah…tells the people to build, plant and eat. They are told that they are to increase their families. How can they do this while they are thinking of home…being back in Israel? They needed to be content with what God had given them. They were in exile because of their sin of disobedience. They needed to realize that and make good of the bad situation that they got themselves into. God would be there for them and protect them as long as they did as God told them to do. They needed to pray for the leaders of Babylon and pray for peace for them. Now I am sure this must have been a difficult task for them since these people are the ones that held them captive. What a lesson in praying for your enemies. But if they did this…they would be essentially praying for their own peace. If something bad happened to Babylon…it would inadvertently affect them. If they pray for success in Babylon…for their enemies…they too would be successful in their land of exile.
In Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles…the blessings the Lord offers if the possibility of good and well-being in the midst of judgment and punishment. In reading scripture…we can see how God has provided for His children even when He has passed judgment on them…the Lord made cloths for the disobedient Adam and Eve…God but the mark of protection on the murderous Cain…even though the Israelites wandered in the desert, longer than they should have and the original people could not enter the promised land, God provided for them. The list goes on! In the midst of exile there is a possibility of life…a possibility of survival.
The people in exile would not find peace and well-being in resistance and rebellion but in submission and prayer. It was not found in returning home, land and family but in settling into exile and building homes…farms…and families. The exiles were not to pray for the peace of Jerusalem…their home town…as the Psalmist says in Psalm 122:6, But for the peace of Babylon. For the people who rule over them. There is an assurance that the divine blessing of fertility, well-being, productivity, and regular provision of the possibilities of life even in their exile.
The exiles are charged…instructed…called upon…to now in this new and difficult place, assured by the command of God that life is possible, that home and family, food and shelter, the things that support and keep human beings human, are possible – over the long haul. They were going to be there for a while and needed to make the best of it. The Creation blessing found in Genesis 1:28a…Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it…continues even in exile. God is in it for the long haul and His promises endure forever.
This reminds me of a poem that my husband Ray wrote…It is called “A letter from Home”. It is about Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles in Babylon. It reads:
Before the final fall of the kingdom
the home of the king,
the Temple of God
A message of hope,
a call to sincere faith
of the struggle to come
A letter from home
The prophet speaking
of faithfulness to the people,
the priests, the leaders
in exile in a foreign land
Build homes, marry
bear children and multiply
pray for the city where you live
your place for this season
known by God
where you have been placed.
There are many cases…situations…throughout the Bible that we see God in it for the “long haul”…of God’s providence for His Creation even though we have turned away so many times…
- God provided for Adam and Eve even though they sinned with their disobedience. He made the first sacrifice for sin with the innocent blood of animals for clothing for them.
- God’s power was so great that Israel’s enemies cringed before them.
- God turned the sea into dry land so that Israel could pass through o foot.
- God provided manna, meat and water for Israel even though they whined the whole time.
- God provided Israel…and us…a law to live by and even though we have broken that law so many times…God still cares for us.
- God provided Judges to fight Israel’s battles and win. Unfortunately…after the Judges died Israel sinned again. But…they cried out to the Lord and were sent another Judge.
- God provided His people guidance through the Prophets and even though His people would listen for a while and then turn away…God kept providing Prophets for His people to learn through.
- God exiled Israel to foreign lands but still provided for them even in exile. God told them to be fruitful and multiply where they were and God made sure that the people of the promise didn’t perish in their exile.
- God provided a way for redemption through His son Lord Jesus…another and last sacrifice…even though we didn’t deserve it.
- God provides for us daily if we but only ask.
It seems to me that God has been in it for the long haul for a very long time.
How do we truly know that God is in it for the Long Haul? We know it because of God’s prevenient grace… grace given to us before we even know or realize we need Him in our lives. This is a grace given, unconditionally, to all of God’s creation. A grace that watches over us, provides for us and brings us to a realization that God is there…calling to us in the wilderness saying “sinner come home.” God is ever present…ever searching for the lost ones…not wanting anyone to be excluded from His grace.
How should we react to this wonderful gift of grace? By responding with faith. Even with the faith the size of a mustard seed…we can say to that mountain “Move!” and it will be moved. Faith in knowing that we have a God that will be with us when ever, where ever, how ever we need Him. He is just there waiting for us to call upon His name and be saved…be delivered from exile. Faith that even when we are in that place of exile, during our wilderness journey, He is working out His plan.
Let’s look at how Abraham acted out of faith…Abraham was told to pack and go to a foreign land and he did it…no questions asked. David went up against the giant Goliath with 5 stones and a sling shot. Faith was his biggest weapon. By faith…Mary accepted God’s plan for her life…to bring His Son into the world. Sure she had questions of how it would happen but she accepted this responsibility knowing God would help her through. Peter had faith enough to walk on water but when he looked away…when his faith waivered even for a moment…he began to sink.
We need to walk by faith and not by sight. You may be wondering about this walking stick I brought with me today. My husband Ray and my daughters made it for me for one of my Undergrad classes. It was a hiking class and they didn’t want me to slip and fall. Written on it are the words “We walk by faith not by sight.” It is a daily reminder for me that God is in control. I need to have faith in the Creator. God is with me walking right beside me…ever present…all knowing…all seeing.
As Christians we need to take this piece of scripture to heart. We walk by faith not by sight. When we see the fallen world around us and don’t understand why things are happening as they are… We walk by faith not by sight. When we are in the desert place of our journey with God and can’t feel His presence…hear His still small voice… We walk by faith not by sight. When all seems dark and dreary around us… We walk by faith not by sight.
I would like to end my sermon with another poem written by my favorite author…It is called “Multiply There.” It reminds me of Jeremiah’s letter to the exiles but it also reminds me of what we should be doing as we a exiled from our heavenly home…our one true home.
For the chosen people
the people of the first covenant
the covenant of blood
told by God, to multiply
in their time of exile
to multiply the people of faith
For us, the people of the new covenant
the same call to multiply
our numbers in exile
in our foreign land
this time in the wilderness
before we come home
to the New Jerusalem
multiplying our numbers
those with whom
we fulfill the call,
to share the good news
to make disciples
more sheep for the shepherd
more people of faith
May we always remember that God can make good out of bad situation and that in our times of exile…our wilderness journeys…that God is always in control…even when we can’t see it.
AMEN
Sunday, October 14, 2007
Anger or Acceptance
An exile in Babylon,
first of the leaders,
to avoid rebellion,
later all of the people.
A psalm of anger, of hurt
of bitter lament, of railing at their fate.
A letter of hope, of trust, of faith
leaning on the will of God
Two choices of the people
anger or acceptance
to remain in covenant
to the promise in the garden
and on the mountainside
Acceptance
and trust in God
every day and wherever we are
October 14, 2007 7:59pm
Psalm 137
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
and the sermon “Serenity, Courage and Wisdom”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey, Concord, NH,
Wesley United Methodist Church
first of the leaders,
to avoid rebellion,
later all of the people.
A psalm of anger, of hurt
of bitter lament, of railing at their fate.
A letter of hope, of trust, of faith
leaning on the will of God
Two choices of the people
anger or acceptance
to remain in covenant
to the promise in the garden
and on the mountainside
Acceptance
and trust in God
every day and wherever we are
October 14, 2007 7:59pm
Psalm 137
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
and the sermon “Serenity, Courage and Wisdom”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey, Concord, NH,
Wesley United Methodist Church
A Message of Acceptance
A letter to the people,
his people in exile,
of acceptance to their lot,
this season in exile,
as willed by the creator.
To make the most of,
to thrive in, a foreign land
to be accepting of their station,
their captivity, their defeat.
To see the faithfulness of God,
the wisdom of being happy
in their time and place.
To bear children,
honoring of God’s promise
and praying for your enemy
Accepting their lot
October 14, 2007 7:53pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
and the sermon “Serenity, Courage and Wisdom”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey, Concord, NH,
Wesley United Methodist Church
his people in exile,
of acceptance to their lot,
this season in exile,
as willed by the creator.
To make the most of,
to thrive in, a foreign land
to be accepting of their station,
their captivity, their defeat.
To see the faithfulness of God,
the wisdom of being happy
in their time and place.
To bear children,
honoring of God’s promise
and praying for your enemy
Accepting their lot
October 14, 2007 7:53pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
and the sermon “Serenity, Courage and Wisdom”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey, Concord, NH,
Wesley United Methodist Church
Embrace All of Life
Even in exile, in that time of trial,
that struggle far from our comfort zone
far from home and safety,
we are to embrace all of life
the hard and the happy
the pain and the peace
because we are God’s children
and He loves us
and will hold us up
and gather us in
if we are faithful
and believe
October 14, 2007 7:47pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
and the sermon “Serenity, Courage and Wisdom”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey, Concord, NH,
Wesley United Methodist Church
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 20,750+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
that struggle far from our comfort zone
far from home and safety,
we are to embrace all of life
the hard and the happy
the pain and the peace
because we are God’s children
and He loves us
and will hold us up
and gather us in
if we are faithful
and believe
October 14, 2007 7:47pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
and the sermon “Serenity, Courage and Wisdom”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey, Concord, NH,
Wesley United Methodist Church
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 20,750+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
On the Brink
On the brink, the edge,
the maw of the pit,
the edge of the precipice,
looking down into the abyss
Okay, so maybe we can rationalize away
a bit of the reality that is global warming;
maybe we aren’t all going to be
staring into the maw of disaster;
but we won’t really know
until it is too late, will we
We won’t be able to fix anything,
after the ice is gone
We won’t be able to correct the problem
when the grain belts are deserts
When the monsoons and the waves
flood the coastlines
beyond human recorded history
We can act; but we must do so
while the trend lines are a problem
not after they reach their conclusion
October 14, 2007 7:43pm
Genesis 12
Global warming and climate change
the maw of the pit,
the edge of the precipice,
looking down into the abyss
Okay, so maybe we can rationalize away
a bit of the reality that is global warming;
maybe we aren’t all going to be
staring into the maw of disaster;
but we won’t really know
until it is too late, will we
We won’t be able to fix anything,
after the ice is gone
We won’t be able to correct the problem
when the grain belts are deserts
When the monsoons and the waves
flood the coastlines
beyond human recorded history
We can act; but we must do so
while the trend lines are a problem
not after they reach their conclusion
October 14, 2007 7:43pm
Genesis 12
Global warming and climate change
A Reckless Disregard
Mankind, blind to its own ambitions,
its own desires, blind to the consequences
global consequences to our choices
our hubris, leading to a fall, of planetary dimensions
so many crises of our making, of our decisions
with long-term and lasting results, changes
in our earth, in the ground, in the ice
in the climate swirling around us
warming world, nuclear waste buried
under ground to bubble for millennia
Polar ice caps at all-time lows
land for living to be lost
with the rising tide,
not raising all boats;
devastating the third world
(as if there was more than one)
The piper is waiting to be paid.
Whoa to us if we don’t pay,
as Hamelin discovered.
October 14, 2007 7:33pm
Global warming and climate change
its own desires, blind to the consequences
global consequences to our choices
our hubris, leading to a fall, of planetary dimensions
so many crises of our making, of our decisions
with long-term and lasting results, changes
in our earth, in the ground, in the ice
in the climate swirling around us
warming world, nuclear waste buried
under ground to bubble for millennia
Polar ice caps at all-time lows
land for living to be lost
with the rising tide,
not raising all boats;
devastating the third world
(as if there was more than one)
The piper is waiting to be paid.
Whoa to us if we don’t pay,
as Hamelin discovered.
October 14, 2007 7:33pm
Global warming and climate change
Danger, Thin Ice
In hearing the stories
about the ice sheet
up in the arctic, on Greenland
on the ice shelves
on the bottom of the globe
talk of ice thinner than before,
across the board, and final
reminding me of the signs
each winter on more local waters
where thin ice is a warning
real risk, dangerous rescues
So to with these news reports
scientific findings, up above
the arctic circle
Thin Ice, be careful,
we are on thin ice
October 14, 2007 7:25pm
A Planentary Emergency
is global warning. Since the middle of
this summer, we have had a cascade
of reports, harbingers, clarion calls
to action, to stop this slide
if we can
about the ice sheet
up in the arctic, on Greenland
on the ice shelves
on the bottom of the globe
talk of ice thinner than before,
across the board, and final
reminding me of the signs
each winter on more local waters
where thin ice is a warning
real risk, dangerous rescues
So to with these news reports
scientific findings, up above
the arctic circle
Thin Ice, be careful,
we are on thin ice
October 14, 2007 7:25pm
A Planentary Emergency
is global warning. Since the middle of
this summer, we have had a cascade
of reports, harbingers, clarion calls
to action, to stop this slide
if we can
Appropriate Praise
The lepers, the exiles,
needed to make
appropriate praise
to the Lord, for their saving
even in their exile, their disease
they were to give praise
to their God, for providence
for His watching, saving
bringing them through the trials
praise in all things,
in all situations
October 14, 2007 7:12pm
Psalm 66:1-12
Luke 17:11-19
needed to make
appropriate praise
to the Lord, for their saving
even in their exile, their disease
they were to give praise
to their God, for providence
for His watching, saving
bringing them through the trials
praise in all things,
in all situations
October 14, 2007 7:12pm
Psalm 66:1-12
Luke 17:11-19
Gumdrop Maples
Like nothing other than gumdrops
the rounded tops of the colorful maples
adorned the side of the street
on our drive to church this morning
radiant in the morning sun
below the royal blue of the sky
the reds and yellows, the orange
colors of the trees, like candy
covered in sprinkles, festooned
with bright patches,
bright and eye catching
a quilted confection
the rounded tops of the colorful maples
adorned the side of the street
on our drive to church this morning
radiant in the morning sun
below the royal blue of the sky
the reds and yellows, the orange
colors of the trees, like candy
covered in sprinkles, festooned
with bright patches,
bright and eye catching
a quilted confection
October 14, 2007 7:06pm
Gumdrop Maples
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 38,280+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
The Meaning of Being Clean
They were outsiders, just as the foreigner
unclean, by their sins, unable
barred from the fellowship
from the temple
in the outer darkness
needing the intervening
the sacrifice and ritual
the priests to be made clean
to enter in once more
He was the new high priest
a personal, direct, saving
without an intermediary
being made clean, in supplication
praying to God
Falling at His feet in praise
October 13, 2007 8:00am
Luke 17:11-19
unclean, by their sins, unable
barred from the fellowship
from the temple
in the outer darkness
needing the intervening
the sacrifice and ritual
the priests to be made clean
to enter in once more
He was the new high priest
a personal, direct, saving
without an intermediary
being made clean, in supplication
praying to God
Falling at His feet in praise
October 13, 2007 8:00am
Luke 17:11-19
Prostrated
The foreigner, the outsider
again the means
a lesson for the people,
the disciples with Him
those who could not see
forgetful, blind
The foreigner recognized, had sight
fell at God’s feet, Jesus’ feet
praising the living God
for his healing, his saving
made clean by the Son
and fully aware
while the covenant people
remained blind
October 13, 2007 7:47am
Luke 17:11-19
again the means
a lesson for the people,
the disciples with Him
those who could not see
forgetful, blind
The foreigner recognized, had sight
fell at God’s feet, Jesus’ feet
praising the living God
for his healing, his saving
made clean by the Son
and fully aware
while the covenant people
remained blind
October 13, 2007 7:47am
Luke 17:11-19
Increase Your Number
Wherever you are,
even in a time of exile,
of trial, of struggle
of wandering in the wilderness
wherever you are3,
called to increase our number
to teach the old, old lessons
to spread the good, good news
make more believers,
more people of God
to multiply, to increase
our numbers
so even more
can be brought back home
October 12, 2007 10:01pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
even in a time of exile,
of trial, of struggle
of wandering in the wilderness
wherever you are3,
called to increase our number
to teach the old, old lessons
to spread the good, good news
make more believers,
more people of God
to multiply, to increase
our numbers
so even more
can be brought back home
October 12, 2007 10:01pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Resident Aliens
A people in a foreign land
resident aliens,
making homes, lives
histories away from their homeland
Living out their days
those of their children
in exile; but placed there
sent there by God
A call to faithfulness
to God, even there,
where they were
resident aliens
in a foreign land
October 12, 2007 9:52pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
resident aliens,
making homes, lives
histories away from their homeland
Living out their days
those of their children
in exile; but placed there
sent there by God
A call to faithfulness
to God, even there,
where they were
resident aliens
in a foreign land
October 12, 2007 9:52pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Do Not Decrease
Even in exile, in captivity,
in prison in a foreign land
we are to stand true, to be faithful
to be strong, to hold tightly
to our faith in our God
to support and protect,
encourage, instruct
our brothers, our sisters
Knowing we were not taken
but were sent there by God
to live and multiply our number.
October 12, 2007 10:04pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
in prison in a foreign land
we are to stand true, to be faithful
to be strong, to hold tightly
to our faith in our God
to support and protect,
encourage, instruct
our brothers, our sisters
Knowing we were not taken
but were sent there by God
to live and multiply our number.
October 12, 2007 10:04pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Multiply There
For the chosen people
the people of the first covenant
the covenant of blood
told by God, to multiply
in their time of exile
to multiply the people of faith
For us, the people of the new covenant
the same call to multiply
our numbers in exile
in our foreign land
this time in the wilderness
before we come home
to the New Jerusalem
multiplying our numbers
those with whom
we fulfill the call,
to share the good news
to make disciples
more sheep for the shepherd
more people of faith
October 12, 2007 9:44pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
the people of the first covenant
the covenant of blood
told by God, to multiply
in their time of exile
to multiply the people of faith
For us, the people of the new covenant
the same call to multiply
our numbers in exile
in our foreign land
this time in the wilderness
before we come home
to the New Jerusalem
multiplying our numbers
those with whom
we fulfill the call,
to share the good news
to make disciples
more sheep for the shepherd
more people of faith
October 12, 2007 9:44pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Living in the Foreign Land
More than making the most
the best of a bad situation
No this was more than that
This was a letter from the prophet
proclaiming the will, the judgment,
the word of God for the forgetful
the unfaithful children
sent to that foreign lands
subservient to another empire
used by God, instruments for training
A hard lesson, meted out in God’s time
Living in the foreign land
where God sent them
to live, planted, grounded
as citizens of that foreign land
residents, loyal to
their home, faithful
to their God
October 12, 2007 9:18pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
the best of a bad situation
No this was more than that
This was a letter from the prophet
proclaiming the will, the judgment,
the word of God for the forgetful
the unfaithful children
sent to that foreign lands
subservient to another empire
used by God, instruments for training
A hard lesson, meted out in God’s time
Living in the foreign land
where God sent them
to live, planted, grounded
as citizens of that foreign land
residents, loyal to
their home, faithful
to their God
October 12, 2007 9:18pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Into the Foreign Land
They were sent, sent by God
sent into a foreign land
using a foreign people
to chasten, to refine
His people for their
lack of faith,
their turning away
from the God of their ancestors
who saved them
watched over them
ready for a loving union
if they would follow the law
founded on love,
on loyalty, trust
in the Creator
the Father, God
October 12, 2007 9:01pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
sent into a foreign land
using a foreign people
to chasten, to refine
His people for their
lack of faith,
their turning away
from the God of their ancestors
who saved them
watched over them
ready for a loving union
if they would follow the law
founded on love,
on loyalty, trust
in the Creator
the Father, God
October 12, 2007 9:01pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
A Letter from Home
Before the final fall of the kingdom
the home of the king,
the Temple of God
A message of hope,
a call to sincere faith
of the struggle to come
A letter from home
The prophet speaking
of faithfulness to the people,
the priests, the leaders
in exile in a foreign land
Build homes, marry
bear children and multiply
pray for the city where you live
your place for this season
known by God
where you have been placed.
October 12, 2007 8:43pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
the home of the king,
the Temple of God
A message of hope,
a call to sincere faith
of the struggle to come
A letter from home
The prophet speaking
of faithfulness to the people,
the priests, the leaders
in exile in a foreign land
Build homes, marry
bear children and multiply
pray for the city where you live
your place for this season
known by God
where you have been placed.
October 12, 2007 8:43pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Friday, October 12, 2007
Into the Potter’s House
Walking into the house
of the skilled potter,
the maker of vessels
for the stuff of life
for water and grain
for wine and for keeping
precious things of life
May we be vessels
for the precious things of life,
useful for the potter,
for our fellow man
for the world over which
we share dominion
in our time
May we hold and pour out
love and hope and justice
for all the people of the earth
for the environment
now and forever
Mindful of the footprints
we leave behind
in all we do, all we use
the legacy we leave
on the earth
and in the hearts
of our fellow citizens
of this good earth
October 12, 2007 7:54pm
Jeremiah 18:1-11
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 20,750+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of the skilled potter,
the maker of vessels
for the stuff of life
for water and grain
for wine and for keeping
precious things of life
May we be vessels
for the precious things of life,
useful for the potter,
for our fellow man
for the world over which
we share dominion
in our time
May we hold and pour out
love and hope and justice
for all the people of the earth
for the environment
now and forever
Mindful of the footprints
we leave behind
in all we do, all we use
the legacy we leave
on the earth
and in the hearts
of our fellow citizens
of this good earth
October 12, 2007 7:54pm
Jeremiah 18:1-11
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 20,750+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Not the Tabernacle
Not the tent.
the brick,
the stone, the wood,
a foundation, walls,
maybe even plumbing,
if we bring the story
to the present day
There was a deep message
of being anchored,
placed here for the long haul
a message of hope
even in the pruning time
the waiting, for the change
down the road
God told the less than faithful
to plant, to grow, to bear children
in a foreign land, to be one people
waiting patiently, for His promise
His promise of saving, once again
He would not forget them;
but they were going to wait
in Babylon, out in the world
away from the Temple,
the city of the King
They were in exile, and would be
not in the tents, but in their houses
We too, must remember
we are to flourish where we are
waiting for the coming
when it comes
A God who has been faithful
so must we be
faithful to the end
Whenever it comes
October 12, 2007 7:32pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
the brick,
the stone, the wood,
a foundation, walls,
maybe even plumbing,
if we bring the story
to the present day
There was a deep message
of being anchored,
placed here for the long haul
a message of hope
even in the pruning time
the waiting, for the change
down the road
God told the less than faithful
to plant, to grow, to bear children
in a foreign land, to be one people
waiting patiently, for His promise
His promise of saving, once again
He would not forget them;
but they were going to wait
in Babylon, out in the world
away from the Temple,
the city of the King
They were in exile, and would be
not in the tents, but in their houses
We too, must remember
we are to flourish where we are
waiting for the coming
when it comes
A God who has been faithful
so must we be
faithful to the end
Whenever it comes
October 12, 2007 7:32pm
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
His Words
Lord, I ask, I pray
The words in the poems
the words I put onto the page
the lines of text, their precision
their beauty, their meanings
my hope, my prayer
If I am listening
that still small voice,
calling me to write
these aren't my words
not at all at all
but God speaking
through me.
That is my prayer
at least, that I
can be an instrument
for His truth, His love,
His glory, here on earth.
October 12, 2007 7:24pm
The words in the poems
the words I put onto the page
the lines of text, their precision
their beauty, their meanings
my hope, my prayer
If I am listening
that still small voice,
calling me to write
these aren't my words
not at all at all
but God speaking
through me.
That is my prayer
at least, that I
can be an instrument
for His truth, His love,
His glory, here on earth.
October 12, 2007 7:24pm
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 27,490+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Powerful Videos = The Potter's House
Powerful Videos - especially "Are You Ready", "Behold" and "Watch and Pray", at http://www.pottershouse.com/downloads_drama.asp
Planetary Emergency
Life as we know it
hangs in the balance
if the predictions, the fear,
come to pass, if the ice
vanishes and the seas rise
if the wind blows warmer
where it is hot, wetter
where the floods come,
hotter all around
As he said in the news today
it is a planetary emergency
a systemic crisis
brought on by our hubris
our forgetting that dominion
means more than using up
the precious gifts of creation
that we are to be stewards
not only consumers
that the future is our responsibility
not just the present, our time
we must think and correct
the sins of the fathers
Now!
October 12, 2007 10:40am
based on the statements of former
Vice President Al Gore on winning
the Nobel Peace Prize for his work
on global climate change
and on the true meaning of
Genesis 1:28
hangs in the balance
if the predictions, the fear,
come to pass, if the ice
vanishes and the seas rise
if the wind blows warmer
where it is hot, wetter
where the floods come,
hotter all around
As he said in the news today
it is a planetary emergency
a systemic crisis
brought on by our hubris
our forgetting that dominion
means more than using up
the precious gifts of creation
that we are to be stewards
not only consumers
that the future is our responsibility
not just the present, our time
we must think and correct
the sins of the fathers
Now!
October 12, 2007 10:40am
based on the statements of former
Vice President Al Gore on winning
the Nobel Peace Prize for his work
on global climate change
and on the true meaning of
Genesis 1:28
Thursday, October 11, 2007
So Far to Go
Yes, we have far to go
so far to go in this world,
in this country, in the work
of the Savior, to spread love
to all our neighbors, to be a neighbor
to all in need, to all, no matter
their color, their creed,
to walk with our brothers,
our sisters, to fight for them
when they are attacked
To speak out against
intolerance, hate, cowardice
to say to those with the epithets,
with the lyrics, the noose, the swastika
the hate, that we are not afraid
that love conquers all,
that hope will prevail
if we have faith
so far to go in this world,
in this country, in the work
of the Savior, to spread love
to all our neighbors, to be a neighbor
to all in need, to all, no matter
their color, their creed,
to walk with our brothers,
our sisters, to fight for them
when they are attacked
To speak out against
intolerance, hate, cowardice
to say to those with the epithets,
with the lyrics, the noose, the swastika
the hate, that we are not afraid
that love conquers all,
that hope will prevail
if we have faith
edited August 3, 2014
So Far to Go – v2
October 11, 2007
4:07
So Far to Go
based on the finding a noose on the door
of a Columbia professor, the shooting in Ohio,
and the Jenna Six, etc., etc.
&
edited
February 12, 2014
more
to dream – v9
(editing
version 5)
edited
February 12, 2014
more
to dream – v8
(editing
original again)
Edited
October 25, 2013
more
to dream – v7
Edited
September 10, 2013
more
to dream – v6
Edited
September 8, 2013
more
to dream – v5
(editing
version 3)
edited
August 31, 2013
more
to dream – v4
Edited
August 30, 2013
more
to dream – v3
Edited
August 30, 2013
more
to dream – v2
August
30, 2013
more
to dream
inspired
by Twitter post
by
Alicia Keys
“Dr. King taught
the world to believe in the power of a dream. There's so much more to dream #MLK #MarchOn“
&
her embedded link
&
August
28, 2013
“the
weight of this moment”
speech
of President Obama
at
50th anniversary of
the
“I Have A Dream” speech
by
the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
8/28/1963
&
earlier
poems
January
21, 2013
Martin
Luther King, Jr. Day
and
his final speech before his assassination
and
Inauguration of the President
Barack
Hussein Obama
Invocation
by
Myrlie Evers-Williams
Inaugural
Address
&
quote
in the speech, “"Our journey is not complete until
our
gay brothers and sisters are treated like
anyone else under the law"”
&
&
several
poems written in 2009
on
the juxtaposition of the
80th
birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
and
the inauguration of Barack Obama
as
President of the United States of America
&
&
edited
January 19, 2015
Changing
the Wind – v3
(merging
edits to original and version 2)
Edited
July 22, 2013
“changing
the wind – v2”
December 7, 2007
“changing the wind”
Based on the comments of Jim Wallis on
Speaking of Faith, November 29, 2007
He was talking about whether to change politicians
or change the wind, to change the public opinion
which guides politics. He used the example
of President Johnson’s statement to the
Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. that it would
take 5 years for a voting rights bill but
it actually took 5 months to pass the Voting Rights Act,
after the March in Selma.
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 35,260+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Calm
In a lot of ways
that was the greatest compliment
I could have been given
at that moment in that place
standing before the judge,
telling the story
that had been lost in the law
in the code, in the costs
telling the story
that he could not tell
without too much emotion
too raw, too urgent
Speaking for him
in that cathedral space
a hall of justice,
or maybe more of a room
but able to get the points
out in a calm, measured way
that was the greatest compliment
I could have been given
at that moment in that place
standing before the judge,
telling the story
that had been lost in the law
in the code, in the costs
telling the story
that he could not tell
without too much emotion
too raw, too urgent
Speaking for him
in that cathedral space
a hall of justice,
or maybe more of a room
but able to get the points
out in a calm, measured way
Cutting Through the Tension
Oh to take down,
the Sword of Damocles,
and cut the tension
from the air,
to slice the stress
render it moot, lifeless
would have been glorious
in a courtroom
where jail was
a constant threat
for the caught
the Sword of Damocles,
and cut the tension
from the air,
to slice the stress
render it moot, lifeless
would have been glorious
in a courtroom
where jail was
a constant threat
for the caught
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Gilbert Doesn’t Have to Go to School
Tom can get the cash,
and Gilbert doesn’t have to go
to that public school first.
October 10, 2007 11:54am
“PER CURIAM. The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court. JUSTICE KENNEDY took no part in the decision of this case.”, BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, PETITIONER v. TOM F., ON BEHALF OF GILBERT F., A MINOR CHILD, 552 U. S. ____ (2007) (Slip Opinion, Oct. 10, 2007)
and Gilbert doesn’t have to go
to that public school first.
October 10, 2007 11:54am
“PER CURIAM. The judgment is affirmed by an equally divided Court. JUSTICE KENNEDY took no part in the decision of this case.”, BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK, PETITIONER v. TOM F., ON BEHALF OF GILBERT F., A MINOR CHILD, 552 U. S. ____ (2007) (Slip Opinion, Oct. 10, 2007)
A Noisy World
Can you picture the world,
following the command
in the scripture page
Do you hear the world
making that joyful noise
are the colors loud enough
for you to hear their song
are the trees’ cries strong enough
for you to feel their joy
are the hills, the mountains,
the plains, yes even the deserts
are they singing a joyful song
to our God and our Creator?
Do the animals, of every shape and size
every color and species
do they sing for joy?
Are you?
October 10, 2007 11:06am
Psalm 66:1-12
following the command
in the scripture page
Do you hear the world
making that joyful noise
are the colors loud enough
for you to hear their song
are the trees’ cries strong enough
for you to feel their joy
are the hills, the mountains,
the plains, yes even the deserts
are they singing a joyful song
to our God and our Creator?
Do the animals, of every shape and size
every color and species
do they sing for joy?
Are you?
October 10, 2007 11:06am
Psalm 66:1-12
Words of the Apostles
Words of the Apostles
handed down through time
from the earliest trials
to the latest age
a creed of our beliefs
shared over the millennia
connecting every believer
one to another, timeless
Words without end,
without beginning
save for the glorious creation,
resurrection, and second coming
a holy mantra read aloud
shared in the congregation,
in communion, around the globe
and down through the ages
October 10, 2007 5:17am
The Apostle’s Creed
handed down through time
from the earliest trials
to the latest age
a creed of our beliefs
shared over the millennia
connecting every believer
one to another, timeless
Words without end,
without beginning
save for the glorious creation,
resurrection, and second coming
a holy mantra read aloud
shared in the congregation,
in communion, around the globe
and down through the ages
October 10, 2007 5:17am
The Apostle’s Creed
Tuesday, October 09, 2007
Donning His Sandals
When you look down
what do you see,
regardless of what
you are wearing.
Do you see the Master’s feet;
are you wearing His sandals
today?
Are you reaching out
to those in need,
caring for your neighbor,
witnessing to the good news
in your life, your walk.
Slip on the sandals,
feel them, their memory,
wrap around your feet
Walk in His sandals
today.
October 9, 2007 12:42pm
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/10/donning-his-sandals.html
what do you see,
regardless of what
you are wearing.
Do you see the Master’s feet;
are you wearing His sandals
today?
Are you reaching out
to those in need,
caring for your neighbor,
witnessing to the good news
in your life, your walk.
Slip on the sandals,
feel them, their memory,
wrap around your feet
Walk in His sandals
today.
October 9, 2007 12:42pm
http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/10/donning-his-sandals.html
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 30,810+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
For the Long Haul
Like Israel, we are in it,
for the long haul;
the coming of the Messiah
the second coming,
like their return from exile,
unknown to us, mere mortals
We must act as we were taught
live within the land we find ourselves
remaining in the world,
not of the world and,
like the maidens with the oil,
be ready for the bridegroom
whenever He comes again
October 9, 2007 12:01
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Matthew 25:1-13
1 Timothy 6:6-19
for the long haul;
the coming of the Messiah
the second coming,
like their return from exile,
unknown to us, mere mortals
We must act as we were taught
live within the land we find ourselves
remaining in the world,
not of the world and,
like the maidens with the oil,
be ready for the bridegroom
whenever He comes again
October 9, 2007 12:01
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Matthew 25:1-13
1 Timothy 6:6-19
A Joyful Noise
A grateful relief
is the scripture,
to make a joyful noise
How wonderful, for me,
if not for the others around me in worship
that the King of Kings calls us
to only make a joyful noise
Freedom to praise in song
even when we could never, ever,
join the choir. How wonderful
to joyfully join those who could
in the pews of the sanctuary
in songs of praise and worship
to our God
is the scripture,
to make a joyful noise
How wonderful, for me,
if not for the others around me in worship
that the King of Kings calls us
to only make a joyful noise
Freedom to praise in song
even when we could never, ever,
join the choir. How wonderful
to joyfully join those who could
in the pews of the sanctuary
in songs of praise and worship
to our God
==================
edited October 2, 2019
A Joyful Noise – v2
&
October 10, 2007 11:06am
A Noisy World
&
October 9, 2007 11:51am
A Joyful Noise
Psalm 66:1-12
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, and 2019. All
rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)
for usage. See all 52,160+ of my poems
at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Bible, choir, church, creator, Faith, God, hope, joy, poem,
poetry, Poetry Where You Live, Psalm, Psalm 66, Raymond A. Foss, , sanctuary,
scripture, worship,
#Bible #choir #church #creator #Faith #God #hope #joy #poem
#poetry #Psalm66 #sanctuary #scripture #worship
Healed by God
Ten were sent to the priests
to be made clean
but one was healed, saved of his sins
by returning and praising God,
who had healed him
October 9, 2007 6:30am
Luke 17:11-19
to be made clean
but one was healed, saved of his sins
by returning and praising God,
who had healed him
October 9, 2007 6:30am
Luke 17:11-19
Praying for Babylon
A stark, surprising message
from the prophet this day,
to settle down and live,
within captivity; the foreign land
to pray for Babylon while yet captive
to build and plant and live
where you are planted
October 9, 2007 6:21am
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
from the prophet this day,
to settle down and live,
within captivity; the foreign land
to pray for Babylon while yet captive
to build and plant and live
where you are planted
October 9, 2007 6:21am
Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7
Monday, October 08, 2007
A Smile at the Kitchen Table
There was a smile waiting for me
on my arrival, taking a break
a smile waiting for me at the kitchen table
a smile of spicy brown mustard
on the provolone slice
smiling at me, to bring a smile
to my face too. Funny how simple things
remind us of the joy of the moment
of the moments we can share
as a family, amid the clutter of life
even a smile of yellow-brown
can bring smiles around the table
and with this poem, maybe,
around the world
October 8, 2007 4:15pm
on my arrival, taking a break
a smile waiting for me at the kitchen table
a smile of spicy brown mustard
on the provolone slice
smiling at me, to bring a smile
to my face too. Funny how simple things
remind us of the joy of the moment
of the moments we can share
as a family, amid the clutter of life
even a smile of yellow-brown
can bring smiles around the table
and with this poem, maybe,
around the world
October 8, 2007 4:15pm
Telling the Teacher
A family story
of my need for a mommy
and a teacher, to be distinct
and separate from one another
Talking with my mommy
all the way to church
in the ride from home
Telling my Sunday School teacher
all about my week
as if she hadn’t been there too
October 8, 2007 9:48am
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 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of my need for a mommy
and a teacher, to be distinct
and separate from one another
Talking with my mommy
all the way to church
in the ride from home
Telling my Sunday School teacher
all about my week
as if she hadn’t been there too
October 8, 2007 9:48am
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 19,820+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, October 07, 2007
Faith is Now
Increase our faith
was the plea; but
they misunderstood
the nature of faith
the faith of Abraham,
of true believers
Faith is now, in the moment
in the doing, the feet to the faith
not to save and use later
Faith is the action of the believer
showing the world their belief
their being the message,
the servant, the shepherd,
the herald, the apostle
the evangelist
out in the world
October 7, 2007 4:23pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
was the plea; but
they misunderstood
the nature of faith
the faith of Abraham,
of true believers
Faith is now, in the moment
in the doing, the feet to the faith
not to save and use later
Faith is the action of the believer
showing the world their belief
their being the message,
the servant, the shepherd,
the herald, the apostle
the evangelist
out in the world
October 7, 2007 4:23pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Be More Loving
Be more loving,
by loving more,
be more faithful
by living your faith,
grow in faith
by acting in faith
outside our comfort zone
testing ourselves
by our faith
so as to be more faithful,
more fruitful;
bearing more fruit for the kingdom
more souls who have heard
the good news
of our faith
October 7, 2007 3:13pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
by loving more,
be more faithful
by living your faith,
grow in faith
by acting in faith
outside our comfort zone
testing ourselves
by our faith
so as to be more faithful,
more fruitful;
bearing more fruit for the kingdom
more souls who have heard
the good news
of our faith
October 7, 2007 3:13pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Use the Faith You Have
The disciples, before the passion,
asking for more faith.
Not understanding, yet appreciating
the faith deep within their hearts
the faith they would us, with power,
with authority, with passion
in the days after the Pentecost
Use the faith you have the Master said
and we have all been blessed
ever since. For they did just that,
in their individual, human ways;
they lived the faith they had
and we all have faith
because of their faithfulness
in spite of their fears
October 7, 2007 3:09pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
asking for more faith.
Not understanding, yet appreciating
the faith deep within their hearts
the faith they would us, with power,
with authority, with passion
in the days after the Pentecost
Use the faith you have the Master said
and we have all been blessed
ever since. For they did just that,
in their individual, human ways;
they lived the faith they had
and we all have faith
because of their faithfulness
in spite of their fears
October 7, 2007 3:09pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Faith Like Muscle
Like living growing muscle
so is our faith
growing by use, by testing,
by struggle and strain
building faith like muscle
in the doing, in the living,
in the joy of the race
not on the sideline
believing is seeing
doing is believing
October 7, 2007 3:03pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
so is our faith
growing by use, by testing,
by struggle and strain
building faith like muscle
in the doing, in the living,
in the joy of the race
not on the sideline
believing is seeing
doing is believing
October 7, 2007 3:03pm
Luke 17:5-10
and the sermon, “Increase Our Faith”,
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH October 7, 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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Red Sumac
A field, not a forest
of swaying red
of red sumac,
warming from yellow to red
in the fall air
warming in the mid-morning sun
red blood red sumac
with ripe fruit hanging heavy
below the red leaves
caught in the breezes
swaying to the rhythm
of the wind
October 7, 2007 2:50pm
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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of swaying red
of red sumac,
warming from yellow to red
in the fall air
warming in the mid-morning sun
red blood red sumac
with ripe fruit hanging heavy
below the red leaves
caught in the breezes
swaying to the rhythm
of the wind
October 7, 2007 2:50pm
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 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Rekindle the Gift of God
Each day is a new day,
another day given for us
to choose how to use it
for good or for ill
for fallow of harvest
Use each day
to rekindle the gift of God
the knowledge of the gift,
the sacred gift of grace
bonding us to God
a living gift of faith
of believing without seeing
or seeing because of the believing
rekindling the gift of God
the flame of love
deep within our beings
within our souls,
within our hearts
October 7, 2007 2:46pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
another day given for us
to choose how to use it
for good or for ill
for fallow of harvest
Use each day
to rekindle the gift of God
the knowledge of the gift,
the sacred gift of grace
bonding us to God
a living gift of faith
of believing without seeing
or seeing because of the believing
rekindling the gift of God
the flame of love
deep within our beings
within our souls,
within our hearts
October 7, 2007 2:46pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
A Treasure of Faith
We are all carrying, in our hearts
a treasure of faith, rich, good treasure
which cannot be taken, not like ephemeral goods
this treasure is written on our hearts
the good news and testimony,
gifts of God, our Savior, and the faithful
who have come before us.
A legacy of love and hope
for us all; a living treasure of faith
enabling us to live our faith each day
October 7, 2007 2:43pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
a treasure of faith, rich, good treasure
which cannot be taken, not like ephemeral goods
this treasure is written on our hearts
the good news and testimony,
gifts of God, our Savior, and the faithful
who have come before us.
A legacy of love and hope
for us all; a living treasure of faith
enabling us to live our faith each day
October 7, 2007 2:43pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,830+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Guard the Good Treasure
We are to guard the good treasure
the gift of faith handed down to us
by those faithful who went before us
those living their faith; those who have
stayed true to their faith and brought us
to the word, the saving word of God
Keep true to these lessons, these truths
these gifts shared with us
Hold tight to the living faith
within our hearts, mindful always
of the dangers in the world,
that caused the need for Your sacrifice
in the first place
October 7, 2007 2:38pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
the gift of faith handed down to us
by those faithful who went before us
those living their faith; those who have
stayed true to their faith and brought us
to the word, the saving word of God
Keep true to these lessons, these truths
these gifts shared with us
Hold tight to the living faith
within our hearts, mindful always
of the dangers in the world,
that caused the need for Your sacrifice
in the first place
October 7, 2007 2:38pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Not According to Our Works
Thank you God, that I am not destined
to be measured by my works,
that I will not have to weigh,
my good and bad karma,
to fashion a further step upward,
or downward, in a next life
that You gift, Your saving gift,
is all I need, in faith
to claim an eternal prize,
communion with you
help me ever, to act
as if my fate rested on my works
to fall in supplication and praise
at Your feet, to bear witness
to the gospel, the good news
of Your love and Your sacrifice
that makes us all whole once more
October 7, 2007 2:35pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
to be measured by my works,
that I will not have to weigh,
my good and bad karma,
to fashion a further step upward,
or downward, in a next life
that You gift, Your saving gift,
is all I need, in faith
to claim an eternal prize,
communion with you
help me ever, to act
as if my fate rested on my works
to fall in supplication and praise
at Your feet, to bear witness
to the gospel, the good news
of Your love and Your sacrifice
that makes us all whole once more
October 7, 2007 2:35pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Suffering for the Gospel
Paul is calling us, pleading with us
to be who we can be, in service to the calling
the Great Commission, whatever the cost
to preach and share and provide testimony
to testify to the saving grace,
the gift of our risen Lord
to walk in the garden once more
to share eternal rest,
in joy and thanksgiving
to suffer for our faith
to share our faith
and be who we claim to be
the last will be first
let me be last
to be who we can be, in service to the calling
the Great Commission, whatever the cost
to preach and share and provide testimony
to testify to the saving grace,
the gift of our risen Lord
to walk in the garden once more
to share eternal rest,
in joy and thanksgiving
to suffer for our faith
to share our faith
and be who we claim to be
the last will be first
let me be last
October
7, 2007 2:31pm
Suffering
for the Gospel
2
Timothy 1:1-14
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A.
Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011,
2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 33,930+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Spirit of Self-Discipline
We are given a spirit of self-discipline
or so Paul would have us believe,
a spirit to lead the life we are called to live
not for its own reward, for we are not saved
by our good works. We are saved by grace
a gift of eternal life by the Savior
we are given a spirit of power, of love,
of self-discipline, to pay homage, to live rightly
for the Savior, for our fellows, our neighbors,
to do the work we are called for,
to make disciples, through the sharing
the telling of the Good News
around the globe
October 7, 2007 2:27pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
or so Paul would have us believe,
a spirit to lead the life we are called to live
not for its own reward, for we are not saved
by our good works. We are saved by grace
a gift of eternal life by the Savior
we are given a spirit of power, of love,
of self-discipline, to pay homage, to live rightly
for the Savior, for our fellows, our neighbors,
to do the work we are called for,
to make disciples, through the sharing
the telling of the Good News
around the globe
October 7, 2007 2:27pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Spirit of Love
By God’s grace we are saved
a gift of love, poured out in the blood
the blood of the Lamb, the Son
of the Creator. A love living within our hearts
a love we can share, to serve, to sacrifice
to suffer for the gospel if me must
to bring the good news to the captives
to the prisoners, the sick,
to find ways to be God’s love
in this troubled world,
not to be timid or scared;
but to be our faith
and live the words we believe
October 7, 2007 2:23pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
a gift of love, poured out in the blood
the blood of the Lamb, the Son
of the Creator. A love living within our hearts
a love we can share, to serve, to sacrifice
to suffer for the gospel if me must
to bring the good news to the captives
to the prisoners, the sick,
to find ways to be God’s love
in this troubled world,
not to be timid or scared;
but to be our faith
and live the words we believe
October 7, 2007 2:23pm
2 Timothy 1:1-14
Spirit of Power
Not a spirit of cowardice,
oh no. We are not of such stuff
a spirit of power, of authority
a voice given to us, to preach,
to proclaim, to share the good news
the gospel to the world,
to tell the joyous story,
the reconciliation by grace
of God and man
through the power of the spirit
living within us
October 7, 2007 2:20
2 Timothy 1:1-14
oh no. We are not of such stuff
a spirit of power, of authority
a voice given to us, to preach,
to proclaim, to share the good news
the gospel to the world,
to tell the joyous story,
the reconciliation by grace
of God and man
through the power of the spirit
living within us
October 7, 2007 2:20
2 Timothy 1:1-14
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