Saturday, August 29, 2009

A Good Shepherd is My Lord

Protecting me from the world
saving me from my sin
a good shepherd is my Lord

Guiding me on my way
calling me to rest
to trust in him alone

The true owner,
the shepherd to my sheep
to live as his disciple
a member of his flock,
his follower at his feet


August 29, 2009
John 10:11-15
Psalm 23
and sermon, “The Good Shepherd”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 30, 2009
Psalm 23 (King James Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
4 Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
6 Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

Walking with Us

Walking with us, our God
beside us, our brother
within us, indwelling spirit
guiding our ways
Leading us where we may not go
beside still waters, meadows green
where we may rest
with us in the struggles
as we journey through the shadows
guiding us, protecting us
through the days of our lives


August 29, 2009
Walking with Us
John 10:11-15
Psalm 23
and sermon, “The Good Shepherd”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 30, 2009
&
Psalm 23 (King James Version)
1 The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want.
 2 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:
he leadeth me beside the still waters.
 3 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the
paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
 4 Yea, though I walk through the valley
of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil:
for thou art with me;
thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
5 Thou preparest a table before me
in the presence of mine enemies:
thou anointest my head with oil;
my cup runneth over.
 6 Surely goodness and mercy
shall follow me all the days of my life:
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.


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 37,230+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Fill Us

Holy Spirit
loving spirit of God
fill us, fill me this moment
this day, in the time of worship
as I walk in faith each day
Fill me with your words
with your power
help me each moment
making choices
choices to love
to serve
to share the word
words welling up within me
of your love, of your grace
ever confident
ever humble
living within me
Holy Spirit fill us all


August 29, 2009
Call to Worship
John 10:11-15
Psalm 23
and sermon, “The Good Shepherd”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 30, 2009
and written while listening to video,
"Holy Spirit Come Fill This Place"
by Cece Winans

More Stones

Where to look, where to find
more stones for the rows
the walk waiting in the yard
unfinished lines, longing for completion
hoping for resolution
for the fruits of the labors to be whole
summer fruits before the coming fall
my work still undone

Going to the dump
to leave paper, cardboard
the bottles and cans
But given so much more

My heart’s desire, the stones
an answer to my fervent, my urgent prayer
there for the taking, trunk load full and more
returning to the yard, muddy in rain
smiling in my heart
for the richness of his provision
for the abundance
answering my prayer
in God’s time, in his way
All I need, if I but ask in his name.



August 29, 2009
Posted to Facebook August 29, 2009:
God provides -- I was wondering where I would get more stones for the labyrinth this. When I went to the transfer station to drop off recycling this morning, sure enough, the dump attendant said, "He must have known you were coming; there's a whole pile of rocks over there." He was probably referring to the townsperson who left the rocks. I know better, and am very thankful; 30 more feet completed through this gift.

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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Carried by His Grace

All the days of our faith
carried by his grace
upon his strong wings,
his loving arms

We are sheltered
guided by his spirit alone
walking in faith
with our savior, our king

Our days numbered
our lives shaped by the potter’s hands
ware are raised up
carried by the wings
of his loving grace


August 29, 2009
Exodus 19:4
and “Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
Day 16, “On Eagles Wings”
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

Where It Counts

Loving our neighbors
and our God
where it really counts
in doing God’s love
being clean, truly clean
in doing what he commands
following his law,
his example alone
doing the work of the savior
going where he will lead


August 29, 2009
James 1:22-27
“Upper Room Disciplines 2009” – August 28, 2009
http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=531844
and
Mark 7:1-8
“Upper Room Disciplines 2009” – August 29, 2009
and
Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/28/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-24-30/

shining through

The love of God
shining through the darkness
like the sun through the clouds
the hope in the rain
he will be our comfort and our guide
his love shining through
touching me, touching you
he will be by our side
when we let his love
shine through


August 29, 2009
on the way to Pembroke Village School
third day of school
August 28, 2009

Your Light

Your light, shining through
the curtain, the screen
the clouds of our lives
the darkness giving
if we are willing
Your light shining through
touching our days
guiding our ways
making the path easier
the road straighter
following us, leading us
Your light shining through
for me and for you


August 29, 2009
on the way to Pembroke Village School
third day of school
August 28, 2009

Friday, August 28, 2009

A Single Ember

Like a single ember
growing cold, dark
left alone, outside the fire
So was the brother,
one of the cats of the house
alone in my client chair
waiting for his brother’s return
to share their warmth;
two embers far better than one.

August 28, 2009

The Envelope of the Clouds

Turning my head,
drawn to the brilliant light
tearing through, the slate, the blues,
the white, the envelope of the clouds
not being denied, the yellow-white
the sun demanding center stage
pushing back the layers,
the fabric of the clouds
demanding to light my path
our walk to school this day


August 28, 2009
on the way to Pembroke Village School
third day of school
August 28, 2009

Thursday, August 27, 2009

A Restricted Diet

For forty years,
day in and day out
bread and quail
morning and night
a single, restricted diet
daily bread for the people
bread giving life
relying n the creator
a gift fresh each day


August 27, 2009
Exodus 16:4
and “Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false

One Bread

The bread of life
the same each day
grace sufficient, for our needs
manna, daily bread for the body
the bread of life, eternal
the words spirit
nourishment for the whole earth


August 27, 2009
Exodus 16:4
John 6:31,33
John 6:35
and “Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=6tqBSqLVDJiQyQT4i9DOCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
and
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Peace in the Quiet of Christ

Daily, peace only
true comfort, rest
in the quiet of Christ
the arms of the savior
walking, in silence,
our brother beside us
speaking, as it has always been,
the still small voice
creation itself speaking
if we will but still ourselves
and listen truly
within the peace of Christ


August 27, 2009
Psalm 46:10
& book, “Walking with Christ Everyday:
365 daily devotions for men”,
Day 239, “Be Still”

Gossamer Dancers

Gossamer dancers
more spirit and light
pure white brushed upon the azure sky
sketched, stenciled, a moving ballet
clean lines of the clouds,
dancing on our way to school
early this August morn’

August 27, 2009
on the way to Pembroke Village School
second day of school
August 27, 2009

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

True Love

A mirror on the heart,
the actions of the savior
loving as he loved
with actions conformed to our words
with forgiveness, openness
a truth, a convergence
modeling that which we profess
true love is thus
as the savior loved
unconditionally, sacrificially
Conscious of the choice to love
staying in love
committed to loving
throughout our days


August 26, 2009
based on echat of today with Isaac Kiiza Tibasiima
and the Note “LOVE”
he posted to Facebook 5/8/09
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/note.php?note_id=84987455495

A Christian Love

Conscious of our choice to love;
to see as Christ sees,
to act on our faith,
knowing that God sorts it all out.
Thoughtless hurt, this for that, etc.
all too easy.

We must be purposeful in our choices,
live as Christians,
claiming our place in the family;
Mindful of what we mean
what it is to be a Christian

Putting on the mantle of Christ
to love as he loved,
being a model of Him in the world;
our actions conformed to our words,
our words of Christian love


August 26, 2009
based on echat of today with Isaac Kiiza Tibasiima
and the Note “LOVE”
he posted to Facebook 5/8/09
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/note.php?note_id=84987455495

“100 Sites to Study, Teach, and Share Poetry Online”

100 Sites to Study, Teach, and Share Poetry Online

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

The Lintels of Our Hearts

The blood of the lamb
spirit, life, eternal life
spread on the lintels of our hearts
marking us, a chosen people
set apart in love
passing over our lives
the wrath, the judgment to come
sheep for the pasture
on the right hand of God
wheat for the granary
grapes for the vintner
part of the family
marked by the blood of the lamb


August 25, 2009
Exodus 12:13
Exodus 12:21-23
Exodus 12:1:30
and “Daily Mediations: On Golden Texts of the Bible”,
by Henry Gariepy
http://books.google.com/books?id=9tjVtRt3TUMC&pg=PP1&dq=henry+gariepy&ei=yY2CSoi1BqSCywSWprXWCg#v=onepage&q=&f=false
&
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009


--------------------------

Blood on the Lintels

Blood shed in fulfillment,
willingly spilled for us
spread blood of the lamb
Blood on the lintels, the threshold,
the door frame, the
entrance, the portal
around the chambers
of our hearts
protecting us
from the sins
of the world
That evil would pass us by
that your spirit within us
may defeat the kernel of sin
that shares that inner space,
that grows with the wheat
within us too,
from before our birth
It is the blood of the lamb
alone
that saves us

October 29, 2006 21:03
Exodus 12:7 They shall take some of the blood and put it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses in which they eat it. 8 They shall eat the lamb that same night; they shall eat it roasted over the fire with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat any of it raw or boiled in water, but roasted over the fire, with its head, legs, and inner organs. 10 You shall let none of it remain until the morning; anything that remains until the morning you shall burn. 11 This is how you shall eat it: your loins girded, your sandals on your feet, and your staff in your hand; and you shall eat it hurriedly. It is the passover of the Lord. 12 For I will pass through the land of Egypt that night, and I will strike down every firstborn in the land of Egypt, both human beings and animals; on all the gods of Egypt I will execute judgments: I am the Lord. 13 The blood shall be a sign for you on the houses where you live: when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and no plague shall destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt.

Psalm 51:5 Indeed, I was born guilty, a sinner when my mother conceived me.

John 1:29 The next day he saw Jesus coming towards him and declared, ‘Here is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!

Hebrews 9:11 But when Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation), 12 he entered once for all into the Holy Place, not with the blood of goats and calves, but with his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 For if the blood of goats and bulls, with the sprinkling of the ashes of a heifer, sanctifies those who have been defiled so that their flesh is purified, 14 how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to worship the living God!

Savior

Lost and now found
blind but now I see
this is only part
of what you mean to me

Savior of my eternal life
the goal of life each day
to live with you in heaven
of this I hope and pray

To walk upon the earth
beside my loving God
to spend eternity with the Lord
imagine what that is worth

Your sacrifice beyond compare
your love for us complete
oh to walk with you
and sit at your holy feet


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

What Names

What names do I call you
what is written on my heart
my savior, my brother, my master
these are only but a part
the words you give me
to share in verse today
only give me a taste
of who you are in truth
The words of the prophets
the words you shared on earth
are but a taste
of the food and its worth
your are spirit you are life
you are the beginning and the end
the one who was there with God
the one to come again


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Lord of All

Lord of all
to you I pray
hoping I feel you near me
as I walk through life this day

Ever do I long for you
to have me by your side

Ever to I seek you
to learn your desires for me
my hands to do your work
my voice to sing your praise

My savior, my brother
my guiding star
may my walk with you
bring me closer to your heart


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Lord

Lord and master
my beginning my end
the hope of my salvation
my master my savior
my brother my friend


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

My Brother

my master, my savior
my brother, the Christ
yoked to my brother
I learn of his love
striving to discern
the work he would give to me
gifts abundant, grace abounding
name above all name
Jesus my Lord


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Transcendent

eternal words,
transcendent, bridging
come down from heaven
living, walking among us
spirit and body
the Christ, the son
His words are spirit
for he is spirit
savior of all
returning to heaven
soon to come again


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Words of Life

As he was spirit
even as he was flesh
his words were spirit
eternal life
woven within his promise
the gift of his descending
walking on the earth
words of life
poured out for us
living waters
refreshing our souls
words of spirit, of power
bringing us home


August 24, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Words of Spirit and Life

His walk upon the earth
his ministry, his teachings
words of spirit, of life
hope in their deepest meanings
the musings of the spirit
not of the flesh alone
down from heaven
a foretaste of his sacrifice
his body broken
his blood poured out
the breach sealed by the balm
living waters of his love
words of spirit and life
speak to me now
sooth me, remind me
make me see your ways
all the days of my life


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Holy One of God

The singular, holy one of God
so was the wisdom
the urgency of Peter’s response
Christ, the teacher, his master
offering life in the power
the majesty of his words
spirit, words of eternity
bread, wine, water,
the harvest to come
the road to the cross
the vineyard, the fields
walking with the Lord
gaining discernment
step by step
knowing, in part
at whose feet he sat


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Understood as Spirit

His life, his presence
the Christ walking the earth
His sacrifice, foretold
told in parables
discerned, within our hearts
only truly understood as spirit
his time on this mortal coil
temporary, transitory
living as flesh and blood
as bread and living water
words of life, the words of spirit
eternal hope, in his days on this path
leading to the cross, to the grave
returning to spirit
so must we all


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Embers of my soul

Deep within
the very essence
choosing love
aglow ever
within the embers of my soul
burning ever
when we are conscious,
mindful, fully
forgiving, open
remembering the creator’s choice
the servanthood of the savior
loving, through the days of life
Love, in the embers of my soul


August 25, 2009
Posted to Facebook 5/8/09
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/note.php?note_id=84987455495
Isaac Kiiza Tibasiima
LOVE

Choosing Love

His words, of love
of discernment
choosing love,
mindful, putting on Christ
loving as God does
giving, open
selflessness, purposeful
from beginning to end
a new creation
within God’s love
able therein
to truly love


August 25, 2009
Choosing Love
Posted to Facebook 5/8/09
Isaac Kiiza Tibasiima
LOVE


 Friday, May 8, 2009 at 6:01am
One of Shakespeare's Sonnets, 116, begins thus:
Let me not to the marriage of true minds
Admit impendiments. Love is not love
Which alters when it alteration finds
Or bends with the remover to remove.

I thought through the message of this text and the message in all the sonnets of Shakespeare, regarding the nature of love and what he thinks it is and came to realise the guy had a deep concept and perception of what love is. Amazingly, there are people who think the guy was in a depressed mood and wanted to choose between getting married and not. But, beyond this and other sonnets, Shakespeare seems to be thinking through the nature of love, trying to define it and trying to make out one of the world's most abstract and misunderstood concepts.

So, what is love? Shakespeare says at the end of the poem
If this be in error and upon me proved
I never writ, nor no man ever loved.

Do we not love such expressions. Many of my friends believe love is one of the things I never get into. They believe I am very indifferent regarding any social contact. It is even amazing that they can hear me say to them that I love them. Those that have gotten the shock of the expression have finally come to be dawned upon (sic) that I actually mean it when I say I love them. There is a whole world of meaning in the expression because we all have different perceptions of what love is.

1: Sex: Yeah, that is one of the most base definitions of love. In its sense, it is eros, fuelled by erotic feeling and what in the world we call erotica. We think we have to prove to the other person that we love them and so sleeping with them will make sense. I have to say I have been called weak in that sense because I have not been in any kind of intimate relationship. I find it amazing that the world even thinks about that as the best way to express love. This is one reason as to why I failed to forgive Clara in D. H. Lawrence's Sons and Lovers because she let the little boy fail to explore his sexuality. Is love sex? That is yet to be proven. All I know is that before we are married, my loved one and I cannot have any physical contact. I call that respect for the other person, but also the understanding that our love for each other goes beyond simply the passions of bodily desire. Otherwise, when they are on a sick bed, should I say I no longer love them because we cannot engage in sexual intimacy? That is up to you to decide.

2: Material Things: Yes, because we love people, we give them gifts (I see a friend of mine laugh at this one), but truth be said, gifts and things of material nature are part of any blossoming relationship. When one loves someone, they are willing to share a part of their wealth with that person. Now, do not get me wrong in this regards, wealth, like sex cannot take paramount position in any love relationship. I believe love goes beyond material things. Isn't the vow one of good and bad times, sickness and health, riches and poverty? How many of us would easily change that vow if given the chance. Even in friendships where money takes the lead, the person loves yhe money not you or your friendship. FOr me it is simple, material wealth and things do not make sense until we realise that they cannot have the say in defining love or the people we are.

3: My Time and Blood: Yes, that is what we all like, the possessive us are always itching to have something in our way. We say we cannot live without the other person, we cannot eat without them, we cannot be as long as they are not. That is what I call suicide with knowledge. it is utter madness. That is the type of not love but infatuation that kills anyone slowly. As we try to possess people, we fail to realise that we are actually putting them in no trouble at all. In fact, we are crating a horrible world for ourselves, making them have control over us. When we become jealous, we are indeed saying we cannot control ourselves. When we think they should be with us alone, we are being imature, showing our insecurity with them and proving that we are not worth them at all. We are indeed saying they should not have a life of their own, but should be appendaged to us. MADNESS! People are born free and cannot always be forced to do waht we want. If we do this, we are manipulating them towards our own gratifications and that simply sucks. I do believe there must be a time when people are together, but it makes no sense if they must be imprisoned in the name of love. My time and blood theory does not make sense, except for humans that do not know what they are into relationships for.

4: Do It, I reciprocate: That is the most absurd concept. Yes, love is reciprocal, but for the positive. I believe it cannot always be vengeful and must never make the attempt to be so. It is sheer stupidity that of a friend or loved one does something, one should run for the nearest weapon and deal with it accordingly. That is pride, a failure to come to terms with the reality of humanity, failure to come to terms with the fact that we are all prone to mistakes. Love that pays back is as good as poison slowly killing the body system. It makes no sense because i is going to be enslaved to the good things even when we have to pretend, and that is not worth it. Reciprocating evil for evil is vengeance and does the good book not say, leave Vengeance to God?

So then what is love? When I say I love someone, whether a friend or loved one, it goes beyond the words. It means I have been able to see the picture God had in mind when creating the person. It also means that I am willing to accept them for who they are. I am willing to go out of my way to do my best to make our relationship work, at all costs. Love to me is not a simple word, it is a whole expression of action, thought and philosophy. It goes beyong bodily contact, beyong material things, beyond possession of the other and definitely, beyond any attmept to hit back for the wrongs. That may sound Platonic, but truth be said, until we are able to visualise and conceptionalise God's nature of love for us, we are fooling ourselves and others that we love them. God loves us no matter who or what we are. He was willing to give us a second chance and all we have to do is accept that love and live for and in it. Love is that world that may turn the world mad but for the better of life's expectations.

If Shakespeare was right, I too shall be right. The essence of his first lines is in the fact that love never dies, but grows with humans as they discover each other. The English say it takes two to tangle. Love is the same spiral. Unfortunately, or even fortunately, it is the type of tangling where we are willing to bring more aboard. We are willing to let more realise its nature and will share it out. Is it not said Love believes all, fogives all and receives all. No perfect way to summarise its nature. Paul knew what he was dealing with and gladly went for it. Love is beyond the physical. It is something begun in heaven, brought to us on earth and made beautiful by its very own creator. In all, He gave us chance to experience His own and very being that we may get it out to others and accept that it does not matter what, He is the perfect example of what love is.

So, the next time I say I love you, it comes from the depth of me, it sees you in God's very light, and is willing to spread the boundaries of simple relationship. It means I have gone out of my way to understand you the way God would want me to, to experience pain and sorrow and joy and happiness with you no matter what it costs. It means I am willing to go the extra mile to give you another chance even when we fail each other, it means I will not give in to the temptation of refusing to forgive wrongs, because I many times fall off the track. it means I am spilling over to you what God has shared with me, His very self. In essence, I am saying, God is love and because it dies not, our friendship and relationship goes to the very embers of my soul, the very essence of my being, the very nature of what God made me. If God is Love, that is m y definition of it, because like it, He will live forever.

And like Shakespeare says in his amazing sonnet
If this in error and upon me be proved
I never writ, nor no man ever loved

Finally, I LOVE YOU.

=============

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 47,620 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, creation, creator, Faith, father, God, hope, Isaac Kiiza Tibasiima, Jesus Christ, lamb, love, Messiah, poem, poetry, redeemer, sacrifice, salvation, savior, shepherd, Spirit,

#Christ #christian #creation #creator #Easter #face #Faith #faith poetry #father #God #home #hope #IsaacKiizaTibasiima #Jesus #JesusChrist #lamb #love #Messiah #poem #poetry #praise #redeemer #religious poetry #resurrection #sacrifice #salvation #savior #sharing #shepherd #Writing

Through the Spirit, Life

The spirit, his message,
his words, the parables he would share
bread he would give, living waters
both spirit, giving life
eternal, everlasting,
making us one, part of the family
entering in, indwelling
within our spirits,
His Spirit of Lifer


August 25, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

The Words are Spirit

Bread, the bread of life
his body, his blood
living water
The words are eternal
not feeding our earthly vessels
Filling our hearts,
our minds, our souls
The words are spirit
timeless, endless
without beginning
not trapped, chronos
living kairos,
providing life, everlasting


August 24, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

No Other

Words that give life
no other can offer
eternal food
come down from heaven
words that are spirit
feeding our souls


August 24, 2009
John 6:63b and John 6:68b
&
John 6:60-63
&
John 6:56-69
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/22/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
Alive Now Daily Reflections for 8/23/09
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-august-17-23/
&
John 6:56-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 22, 2009
&
John 6:66-69
Upper Room Disciplines for 2009
for August 23, 2009

Monday, August 24, 2009

Casting the Starfish

Into the sea, the starfish
casting them back into the living waters
giving them a chance, an opportunity
a choice of life
in the loving arms
the warm embrace
the seas of the father
Spreading the message of the son
the grace of the trinity
living within us
Casting starfish into the sea


August 24, 2009
Psalm 92:1-4
Isaiah 43:18-21
Luke 12:54-56
and sermon, “The View from Seven Decades:
The Power and Danger of Paradigms”,
by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
July 19, 2009
and
Psalm 100
Luke 4:16-21
Isaiah 43:1-3a
Isaiah 43:18-21
and sermon, “The Power of Vision”,
by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
including, The Star Thrower Story by Joel Barker,
inspired by the writing of Loren Eiseley,
Suncook United Methodist Church
July 26, 2009
and
visit on August 6, 2009
to Beavertail Lighthouse
and rocks below
Jamestown, Rhode Island
www.beavertaillight.org

Paradise on Earth

Maybe in the commandment
something even more wonderful
the refreshing of rest
time spent from cares, from our work
lingering on the sabbath
looking to the creator
to God for provision
seeing the gifts,
wondrous grace all around
paradise not in some distant
some unknown future
here on earth
if we live as he did
able to rest on the stormy seas
aware of the presence
the protection of our Father
watching over us in every moment
giving us rest from our labors
in his loving commandment


August 24, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

Feasting at the King’s Table

Dead because of our sin
alive because of his grace
feasting at the King’s table
through a lowly servant am I
Unworthy, aware of his gifts
sharing his message of love

Feasting at the King’s table
a foretaste of the banquet
yet to come
A seat for my brothers, my sisters
an invitation from the Lord
the price already paid;
the banquet prepared.


August 23, 2009
2 Samuel 9:1-13
and Upper Room Disciplines for 2009,
August 22, 2009
Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth,
gets a place at the table

At the King’s Table

Brought into the family
seated at the kind’s table
a banquet to share
the bread of life
the cup of salvation
sharing in the wonders
of his harvest

Seated with our brothers, our sisters
at the table of the one
humble, in awe
we share your hospitality
Our lives forever changed
made whole by his grace
a future in paradise,
seated at the king’s table


August 23, 2009
2 Samuel 9:1-13
and Upper Room Disciplines for 2009,
August 22, 2009
Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth,
gets a place at the table

The Holiness of Her Son

The angels foretold
the holiness of her son
seed of the most high
God and man one
Walking this earth
as child and as man
Reborn from the waters
to serve and walk the land
Healing and preaching
that all may know
the love of the father
hope here, down below
Dying and rising
that we may live
an offering of grace
what more could we give?


August 23, 2009
title May 23, 2009,
while mowing the lawn

Stones by the Wayside

Stones by the wayside
from near and far
placed together all in a row
The dream taking shape
sometimes fast
sometimes slow
one by one
many more yet to go.



August 23, 2009
Ecclesiastes 3:5
building prayer labyrinth
in our yard


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 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Onto the Dance Floor

God calling us, wooing us
out onto the dance floor
to walk in his ways
following his lead,
his guiding hand
Called by the rhythm
the truth of his love
Surrendering to his will
our lives at his command.


August 23, 2009
Unison Prayer
Psalm 112:5-8
2 Corinthians 1:8-11
and sermon, “May I Have This Dance?”
Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook, NH
August 16, 2009

Rest

Trouble will come
work to be done
each day foretold
with worries of its own

Rest on the sabbath
as the law tells us to
Nothing that must be done
trust in him alone

The world turning, all
part of his wondrous plan
Rest ye believers
we are already home
in our father’s loving care.


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

All of Our Labors

All of our labors
like chaff around the wheat
Better for our futures
to rest at the master’s feet

Stop and linger, rest and sleep
away from life’s daily toil
Prepare now for days in heaven
beyond this mortal coil

Rest for the faithful
oh let it be so
A life with our savior
on this journey we will go.


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

Resting in Faith

Resting in faith
at the master’s feet
not miles to go,
sleep at the creator’s command

Already home,
in communion with the Lord
the indwelling spirit
guiding my leaden feet

Following the master’s call
wherever he may lead
through the shadow, by the waters
the green meadows
places where I may sleep


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Rest Now

Not some far off future
rest now, from our labors
our toils, our daily struggles of life
God is there, to guide us,
protect us, leading us
green pastures, still waters
Trust in the Lord,
our commandment
remembering the sabbath
a day of rest
remembering the creator
how great is the Lord
how loving is God
giving us rest now
Let go and believe


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

Living in the Promised Land

A radical concept,
already living in the promised land
a time of living
after the rising of the son
after awareness of his gift,
his sacrifice for us
Our lives, witnesses,
a gift themselves
the creator indwelling within our hearts
giving us rest, if we would but believe
calming the storms of our lives
if we would but follow his commands
We, like Christ, able to rest
seeking him in green pastures
beside still waters
on placid seas
living in the promised land
heaven here on earth
our brother beside us
our lives turned over to God


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

God Calms the Storms

The still waters, the green pastures
God calms the storms, the winds,
the seas, crashing into our lives
troubles of the world, of our making
Rest for God’s people
offered in commandment
out of love, offering us all peace
Trust in the Lord, for he is good
his love endures forever
He pursues us, longing for our hearts
believing in us,
may we believe in his goodness
His protection even in the shadows


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

On the Sabbath, Rest

The words of the commandments
on the sabbath, take rest
remember whose hands
made the heavens and earth
The creator alone,
not by human toil
was made
all that was
all that is
all to come
Rest children
for God shall provide
calming the storms
meeting out needs,
just as has been promised
as has been fulfilled
by the one who slept
on the stormy seas


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

While They Feared

While they feared
were tossed about
asleep, rest in the storm
comfort of his faith
his trust in the father’s love
following his commandment
the assurance of his care
Turning his life over
into God’s loving hand
walking in faith
throughout that troubled land


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

Able to Rest

All of his burdens, his life,
his responsibilities
yet able to rest
quiet in his spirit
peace on the stormy sea
Trust in the Lord
to watch over us
on the stormy sea
rest for the faithful
his command,
his proven guarantee


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

Jesus Slept

In the one who came from heaven
remembering the sabbath
taking time for rest
Jesus slept in the boat
the winds, the waves
the storm all around
trusting in the creator
to guide their path
to watch over them
leading them to still waters
rest from their labors


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

Deluding Ourselves

The master, the creator
giving us rest
time to refresh, to reflect
to gain strength
for the work of our days

Deluding ourselves
in the worth of our toil
forgetting the creators works
by ignoring his commands

Resting on the sabbath
from our daily work
trusting in the one
who created all.


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

A Storm on the Sea

The winds howling, the waves
crashing into to the boat
a storm on the sea
fear within their hearts

The master sleeping, at peace
trusting in God, while he rested
knowing the love of the father
the mercy of the creator
believing he would be protected


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

A Storm at Sea

Christ setting them across the sea
time for rest, going to the other side
asleep on a cushion, at peace
A storm on the sea
fear of the disciples
waters raging, wind buffeting
at the mercy of the storm
God alone, Christ,
able to calm the storm
our lives in His mercy,
gifted by God’s grace


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

God Calmed the Storm

Christ, the living God,
from his slumber, his sabbath rest stirred
beyond human control,
God calmed the storm
the seas of trouble in our lives
not something we are able
We must give them over to God
to let the creator guide out steps
to give in to rest, to trust
to believe and have faith
letting God calm the storms


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

Remembering the Sabbath

In the story of Christ
the disciples afraid
calming the storm with a word
the word of scripture
commandments
wisdom of the Psalms
Our frenzied lives
a choice, in not believing
in taking on ourselves
the trials of life
Rest in the Lord
remembering the sabbath
the creator of all
wants your peace


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009

The Theology of Progress

Sacrificed on the altar,
the theology of progress
chasing after the newest thing
Sabbath rest, the trusting, the faith
sleep for the weary, peace for His children
lost in the frenzy, the urgency, self-imposed
the fast-paced life, business alone

We must stop, let go
be as Mary, at the Master’s feet
trust, believe, nothing to do
no urgent task
not human effort
greater than God

Rest for God’s children
ours, a commandment
sabbath day, holy rest
remembering who created
how he took time to savor
to enjoy the creation
Rest we must take
in worship of God


August 23, 2009
Mark 4:35-40
Exodus 20:8-11
Psalm 23
Psalm 127:2
and
Message: Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
"Keeping the Sabbath"
including reference to
Wayne Muller’s book,
“Sabbath: Restoring the Sacred Rhythm of Rest”
www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
August 23, 2009