Friday, October 01, 2010

Like Clay Given Life

The bread dipped
into the cup
like clay given life
eating to remember
the grace of His life

Our eyes opened suddenly
like scales dropping away
amazed to see Jesus
right before our face

His life, His sacrifice
remembered to the day
Intoned in the words
we share as we pray

Remembering his life
His unconditional love
giving us life
when we deserve the cross



October 1, 2010


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 20,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Remembering His Sacrifice

With trembling hands
but with hearts full
joy to know the love of our Savior
living in us still

God coming down
to make another path
a way for redemption
at the end of our lives

Remembering His sacrifice
in the bread and the cup
offering us salvation
oh please take, drink it up



October 1, 2010


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 20,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Remembering His Words - 2


In remembering His words
the prophetic words of Christ
understanding the symbols
the sharing of his life

We partake together
to remember what He did
drinking of the cup
of sacrifice of sin

Our lives redeemed
in Him is our hope
brought back from the dead
giving us eternal life


October 1, 2010


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Remembering His Voice

Speaking to us still
in the bread and the cup
the breaking of the loaf
drinking of the grape

Remembering His voice
in the words that he taught
eating of the bread
and drinking from His cup


October 1, 2010


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Remembering His Choice

In each act of communion
the same then as now
remembering His choice
to go to cross

More than that
to come, to walk
the earth as man
living as His disciples
doing all we can

Christ came for this
to offer up His life
to bring us back to God
to share eternal life



October 1, 2010


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 20,560+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Remembering His Words


Remembering His words
the holy words of Christ
giving up His life
to do the Master’s work



October 1, 2010


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Remembering His Life

In prayerful reverence
we come to the table
remembering His life,
his sacrifice
all He did for us

Christ taking on our sin
all the blame we earned
leaving us whole, redeemed
in Him we are restored


October 1, 2010


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The echoing voice

The echoing voice of Jesus
the Spirit within us
singing the words of remembrance
as we follow His liturgy

The words alone precious
the echo of His sacrifice
singing from deep within us
the words so dear to us

His body broken
His blood poured out for me
praying the words of Jesus
in humble offering



October 1, 2010


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Touching the Bread, the Cup


The pastor praying
the words of the liturgy
but it was the way he touched
the loaf, the cup

In giving the blessing
touching the bread, the cup
in reverent gentleness
connected to the holy words

The telling of this story
the truth of our forgiveness
in the bread and the cup
symbols of his life
poured out for us



September 30, 2010


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Perfect Awareness


A moment unlike any other
this moment in their life
at the moment the bread was broken
seeing Christ before them
in a way that was new

The risen Lord with them
having walked the seven miles
but only in the breaking of the bread
were they able to see
to comprehend his presence
in the simple meal

We share the one bread
we drink from the same cup
the cup of salvation offered to us
in the breaking of the bread
the lifting of the cup
the same cup offered to us
take it, drink it up



September 30, 2010


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Priority

The call to serve
to do good works
even these must be balanced
against our priorities in life

What is most important
that is where we should be
when the call comes from out of nowhere
where will we choose to be



September 30, 2010


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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

His Hands Upon the Chalice

His hands upon the chalice
the cup of our salvation
on the bread,
His life poured out in sacrifice
His body broken for us


September 30, 2010


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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When the Bread Was Broken

His hands lifting the loaf
blessing the meal
breaking the bread before them
in this he was revealed

The risen Lord before them
the prophecy fulfilled
Christ alive and with them
that all of us may be healed

Christ came with them to their home
He meets us where we are
on the dusty road or in our hearts
whether we are near or far


September 30, 2010


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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Packing for a journey

Turning from the world
looking toward your face
to come near to you Lord
to feel you love and your grace

To walk with You
right by my side
my thoughts open to You
nowhere can they hide

Packing for a journey
focused only on You
following You when You call
Your story is ever true

Leaving for Emmaus
anticipation for this time
to walk the dusty road
and write a few words of verse
whatever their meter and rhyme


September 30, 2010


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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Leaving for Emmaus


Packing for a journey
a walk in my faith
heading from my home
the world a confusing place

Leaving for Emmaus
with joy in my heart
to be near to my brother
to sense His power and grace

The world to be left behind
entering into Your word
going to Emmaus
to see my risen Lord


September 30, 2010


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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Going to Emmaus

Not from Jerusalem
not in confusion and dread
going from my home
leaving the world behind
going to Emmaus
to see my risen Lord


September 30, 2010


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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Beach Sand – v2


Maybe it is the memories
the change of pace that brings us there
our sense of vacation
maybe the smell of the place
visions of the gulls, the dunes, grasses;
moving in the air, the invisible breezes,
but oh it is the feel of it,
the crunch and slide of it
the feeling of beach sand
so very different from dirt, soil, loam
no, not earthy, moist, rich, wet mulch;
but oh so granular and gritty, slippery
even when wet,
moveable paper spreading under toes
sliding beneath the soles
smoothing my skin
clearing my mind, peace
unburdening me of the rest
drawing me to the tactile,
the feel of beach sand


edited July 30, 2015
Beach Sand – v6
(editing version 5)
edited April 2, 2014
Beach Sand – v5
Edited September 20, 2012
“Beach Sand – v4”
edited March 5, 2012
“Beach Sand – v3”
edited September 29, 2010
“Beach Sand – v2”
&
email May 115, 2008
“I am in eighth grade and I am doing a school
research project called a zine.  In this zine,
it is basically about describing your passion. 
One of the requirements for the zine is putting
a poem in, and explaining your reaction to the poem. 
My passion is Cape Cod, and I chose the poem you wrote, 
Beach Sand,  I love how you described sand in this poem. 
I just had a few questions like,
why did you choose to write this poem?
My response May 16, 2008::
“Funny you should ask. Someone from North Carolina
two days ago asked if they could put this same poem
on a new web site. As I told them, I had written in in 2006,
on the same day as quite a few other poems. I was writing
then specifically about treasured memories of my childhood
and more recent too. I wrote this poem about my joy at the beach.
I am from Westfield, MA growing up and my family would go to
the Cape or up the Maine coast to like Wells Beach or York
many summers when I was a kid. My grandparents on my dad's
side had gone to Old Orchard Beach for summers when my dad
was a kid and they were there on Cape Cod when I was a kid.
In 1988 I went to Hilton Head Island for a week. And in the
mid-1990's I went for like 3 or 4 summers in a row to
Martha's Vineyard. From 1978 to 2001, I lived near
the University of New Hampshire near the seacoast of
New Hampshire. I spent time at Rye Beach, Hampton,
and Great Island Common in New Castle. I just really like
walking the beach, more than just laying sunbathing.
I would walk along the shore looking for beach glass
or go over to the rocks and look for what I could find
in the tide pools. I've included three other poems about
being near the sea, Shoals, Tide Pools, and Tides - Haiku.”
&
July 15, 2006 19:03
“Beach Sand”

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 52,110+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

beach, creator, earth, Faith, Family, God, grass, hope, memories, Nature, poem, poetry, texture, light, senses, sight, Poetry Where You Live,


#beach #creator #earth #Faith #Family #God #grass #hope #memories #nature #poem #poetry #senses #sight

Monday, September 27, 2010

all we do and think

All we do, all we think
the words of our mouths
the way we walk in life
all is in part an act of worship
singing to our God

Our lives a witness
not just in big things
major events
not only on Sundays
going into church

All we do
who we are
the name that we claim
all to God’s glory
in the journey of our days



September 27, 2010
“My heart will sing how I love you”
Google status of Isaac Kiiza Tibisiima
read September 27, 2010
from the song entitled, “A Beautiful Exchange”
&
“Whether we think of, or speak to, God,
whether we act or suffer for him, all is prayer,
when we have no other object than his love,
and the desire of pleasing him.”
quote by John Wesley, the “Daily Christian Quote”
widget on Google 9/27/2010



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All is Worship


All is worship,
all is prayer
singing praises
to almighty God

In our waking
in our walking
how will live our lives
in praises to You

Our hearts beating
bursting to overflowing
Your grace pouring
down like water

We cry in our sorrow
strength for the new day
in the prayers we lift up
to You on our way

All is worship, all is prayer
following our savior
where he would lead
singing praises ever
to our father, our king



September 27, 2010
“My heart will sing how I love you”
Google status of Isaac Kiiza Tibisiima
read September 27, 2010
from the song entitled, “A Beautiful Exchange”
&
“Whether we think of, or speak to, God,
whether we act or suffer for him, all is prayer,
when we have no other object than his love,
and the desire of pleasing him.”
quote by John Wesley, the “Daily Christian Quote”
widget on Google 9/27/2010



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Breaking Bread


In breaking bread
sharing another supper
Christ revealed
in the simple act, again
of blessing and
breaking the bread

Walking with the Messiah
risen and alive
all of scripture connected
the story of his life
how he had to suffer
how he rose again

Alive with us
in the simple things
God sharing a meal with us
the walk of our daily lives
if we open the door
when he knocks
he will enter in



September 26, 2010
Luke 24:28-29
Luke 24:30-31
Revelations 3:20
Matthew 15:22-28
Hebrews 13:2
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

The Way of God


The cautionary tale
Lazarus and the rich man
so different in life
in the causes that they made
surviving on the margin
from the scraps of his table
Living the high life
not caring for anyone else

The way of the world
leading to Sheol
the way of God
to the streets of gold
our choice to make
to follow the scripture
the commands of God
or the false gods of earth



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Way of the World

He was wealthy
in the way of the world
rich foods, fine clothes
a place of prominence

But his life a nothing
when the judgment came
the beggar he neglected
in the realm of heaven
he to spend eternity
in the fires of eternal hell



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

life on earth


far less than scraps from the table
the wealth of the earth
but a whisper of the promise
not even a foretaste
of the reward of eternal life

Such is the treasure
so many lust after
wanting to be better
than their fellows on earth
measuring lives against the false measures
the corrupt scales of human avarice



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Life Eternal


Our reward
the gift of our faith
the sacrifice of Christ
the grace of our God

If we follow Him
if we pick up our cross
serving our neighbors
the least and the lost

We may rise
with the wings of angels
high above the world
to our heavenly home

Unlike the rich man
descending to the fires
our lives submitted
to the will of God

Turning from the earth
from worldly possessions
storing up a treasure,
a future to share them
where the waters flow
and the streets are paved in gold



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When Judgment Comes


At the end of our days
whenever that may come
we will come before God
when the judgment comes
the ledger to be opened
the measure of our lives to survey

Grace the only bridge
but that is an open door
we must walk through
the only gate
the way through Christ
through him we enter in

When the judgment comes
what will our story tell
will we be like the rich man
with his storehouses full
his belly rich with food
or will we have stored up
treasures in the courts
the garners of almighty God?



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Judgment Final


The canyon, the chasm
the unrepentant divide
the judgment final
coming to all mankind
when our days
on earth are done

The judgment final
based on our faith
our walk in this life
the sum of our free will
the grace of God
in him alone relief

Yet the choice ours to make
like the rich man
to walk around our neighbors
ignoring their needs
denying God’s commands
to follow the world

Our fate in our hands
a free gift of God
his arms open wide
to the gates of paradise
we are the ones to
turn from the path
and go the way of all flesh



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

His Fate a Lesson


We can learn from the dead
the story directly from God
the fate of the rich man
a clarion call, a quake to shake the earth

Our future matters,
relevant to each one
the hope of heaven awaiting
but not for all of us

Dependent on changing
leaving the way of the world
taking the message from Jesus
and care for our neighbors in need

We are to love one another
lifting our brother, our sister up
caring for those who need us
the last, the least, the lost

None of us are special
all come before the judgment seat
our lives to be true to our faith
if we want to see paradise



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost


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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Small Voices


Small voices, raised to the rafters
singing their hearts out in the familiar story -
the tale of the Babe and His parents
sharing His birth with donkeys and lamb,
with shepherds and wise men from the east
marveling at the wonder of His birth
in that humble place so long ago -
hearing the words of the story again
richer perhaps in the telling with little voices
echoing throughout the sanctuary . . .
a bit noisier perhaps; but a wonderful place to be


September 24, 2010
as agreed to for publication in “The Hearts of Christmas”
by ideals PUBLICATIONS, Fall 2010
--------------------

as originally prepared:

Christmas Pageants

Small voices, raised to the rafters
singing their hearts out in the familiar story
the tale of the babe and his parents
sharing his birth with donkeys and lamb,
with shepherds and wise men from the east
marveling at the wonder of his birth
in that humble place so long ago
hearing the words of the story again
richer perhaps in the telling with little voices
echoing throughout the sanctuary
a bit noisier perhaps; but a wonderful
place to be

October 16, 2006 23:06


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Helping Lazarus


Maybe we cannot help everyone
limited as we may be
but we can help our brother Lazarus
the one close to us

The brother we overlook
the one in the shadows
named and known to God
a precious child, a member of the family

Like us worthy because of God’s grace
not by something we have done
living out a life simply, as a servant,
until the battle is won



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Testify before it is too late


We are to tell the story
the love of our father
the grace he pours out
the choice we are to make

We are the ones
who can lead our brothers
our sisters in the path of love
in the way of the cross

Testify before it is too late
right now, in the present
no time to lose
in the judgment that will come

Each of us may choose
given free will by God
to follow the world
or to follow God’s calling

Yet we all must be mindful
of the lessons of scripture
the consequences of our choosing
eternal and always

We are the hope
the witnesses, the disciples
ours is the duty
to spread the message
to heal the whole world


September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live

A Witness While We Live

We must not be silent
about the commands, the lessons of Christ
in the pages of the scripture
the living word in our hands

Ours are the voices
the ones to spread the news
to share the message of love
to the whole world

It is for the living
those in each time and place
to bring the word of God
to the people of the world

No time like the present
because we do not know the story
the pages known only to God
not while we walk on the earth



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Wasteful


Wasteful with his gifts
the riches of this life
gorging on his excess
crumbs falling to the ground

The beggar able to survive
by what falls from the table
that which he would throw away
the trash of his wasteful life

How much more he could do
if he opened his unseeing eyes
the neighbor right in front of him
needing his compassion, his help in this life

So easy to walk the other way
to ignore those in need
to waste the gifts we have
what more we could do

If we would open our hearts
our doors and homes to those in need
no strangers in the world
members of the family indeed



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Right under his nose


Eating the crumbs of his excess
the beggar at the table
named and right under his nose
a fellow child of Abraham
a member of the family

A harsh judgment
against his life
when he appeared to be righteous
God looking deeper still
into the recess of our heart

We are to care for our neighbor
our brothers and sisters in life
those who are near, those far away
none of them truly strangers
valued children instead

God cared for us all
calling us to service
to reach out to those in need
to offer what we have
generous with the gifts
he pours out abundantly on us



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

not in our eyes

The measure that matters
the plumb line of judgment
at the end of our days
righteous in the eyes of God
in conforming to the law
in following the way of the servant
in going the way of the cross

Our sense of our righteousness
meaningless
conformed to the ways of the earth
walking over our neighbors
leaving them in the dust

Too late for the rich man
but not for any of us
while we live was are able
to change the way of our life
to live as followers of Christ
servants to our neighbors
caring for the least and the lost



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Righteous only in God’s eyes


Our judgment meaningless
as we wallow in our wealth
the things of this earth a lie
the false idols of the age

Wealth not of the world
but in the ways of life
redeemed in the way we love
the way of the servant walk

Righteousness in God’s eyes
of value alone, worthy
not in some score on earth
in God we find our peace
our rest in heaven above



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Too Late - 2


After we are dead
sitting in the grave
our spirits going
where the judgment calls
too late to change our ways

Whether at the feet of God
or burning in hell
the story of the rich man
our choice to make
in the way we live our lives

His protests on deaf ears
the judgment already done
his choice to live for himself
not caring for his neighbors
not going the way of the Christ


September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Each Neighbor a Brother, a Sister


No one a stranger
in the family of God
all the people on earth
all are part of the flock

When God says to love our neighbor
none is to be left out
each neighbor a brother, a sister
a beloved child of God




September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Fellow Children


He didn’t understand
the lesson we are to take
that the ones that we step over
are included in the flock

God’s command to love our neighbor
extends to all in need
they are fellow children of God
who each have a sacred name

The story telling
in that the beggar has a name
the same name as the friend of Christ
who died and rose again



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Living for Himself


The judgment of the rich man
not like the beggar
sitting in the place of the dead
in his misery

Living for himself
all the days of his life
not following the law
the word of God revealed
in the pages of holy scripture

His end like our own
if we fail to change, to follow God,
to turn from the ways of the world
ignoring our neighbors

We are his brothers
the ones whom he prayed over
ours to choose which path to take
what way we will follow



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Lazarus named for a reason


The rich man was every man
anonymous, unnamed
yet the beggar was given a name
that we remember the truth
the words of Christ meaningful
a lesson for all time

God knows each one of us
and expects his children to care
to love one another
Lazarus was named for a reason
that we would remember our neighbors
the ones close at hand

In the shadows, beside us,
that we would reach out to them
as we are surely able
to offer more than we normally give
keeping too much for ourselves
caring for those near to us
the brothers and sisters in our lives



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

None of Us Strangers


We have the wrong perspective
failing to be alert
not seeing our neighbors
our brothers and sisters that hurt
None of us are strangers
all children of God
called like the rich man
to offer them comfort
to love our neighbors
as we have been taught
The words there for us to share
the lessons real and precise;
judgment will come for each of us,
what will our ledger show?



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Beggar was Named

Not the rich man in the story,
whose name we do not know,
it was the beggar who was named
that we would remember him
that we would understand

Not someone invisible
part of the family
someone with intrinsic worth
he mattered to Jesus
he mattered to almighty God



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Our Own Family


None of us strangers
unnamed relations
those who need us
our compassion
that need a helping hands

They are our brothers
our fellows, our sisters
they are the ones we must care for
if we are to follow the Lord

His calling clear
the words of the parable plain
the judgment in our works
that we are true to our words

Living as his disciples
following the way of the cross
truly loving our neighbors
especially the least and the lost



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Share the blessings in life


We are called to be faithful
all of the children of Abraham
the children of God called to him
to follow the way of the scripture
to follow the way of the cross

We are to seek his mercy
to trust in his holy grace
but we are to be mindful
of our neighbor, our brothers and sisters
to help those who are in need.


September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All to Himself


The fortune, his wealth on this earth
gathered unto him
to his bosom,
like a poker player
his arms open wide
gathering in his winnings
from the other side

All to himself
nothing did he share
trusting in his earthly wealth
the earnings of his works
not in the things that last
only in the things that rust
that return to dust

Naked and empty
come the judgment day
nothing in the ledger
coming before the king
trusting in the world
nothing did he part with
yet empty in the end



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 20,800+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

All for Himself

The mirror of the parable
the rich man like this nation
gorging on excess
Keeping all for himself
while his neighbor was in need
flaunting his greed
while his brother cried out in pain
wondering what he lost
come the judgment day.



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,210+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

in words we would understand

universal lessons of how to live on earth
told by the savior, the healer of our lives
in words we would understand
truths for all times
Christ telling us what we need to know
to have eternal life



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

that they would understand


Not abject lessons
the reading of scripture
Christ conveying God’s message
in stories they could relate to
that they would understand

We are the same
needing concrete lessons
real world examples
on how to live our lives

Just like the rich man,
ignoring poor Lazarus,
forgetting our neighbors
even those we know by name
hidden in plain sight


September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In Concrete Words


In words of the living
in concrete words of life
Christ still speaking to us
lessons for our life

The parable, the stories
in the real world
how we live our life mattering
if we heed his word

Lessons for our life
while we walk the earth
to spread the good news
the truth of what he taught

Hope for tomorrow
for eternal life
in the words that we cherish
in the sacred word of God.



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Too Late


Change before it is too late
before our eyes are opened in hell
like the rich man in agony
raging in the fires

Our eyes may be blind
only coming to see
the life that we live unacceptable
unholy before our king

Turn and follow the scripture
the law and the prophets
all of us children of God
yet needing his loving grace

Change before it is too late
our lives on the line
conform our path to the Christ
and leave the world behind.



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

On the Same Path


The words of the rich man
in his misery
learning too late the lesson
the fate of those like him

On the same path
his brothers in the flesh
believing in the world
trusting their fate to their own wealth
not in the way of the Lord.



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss
http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss
http://www.ahandmaidenofthelord.blogspot.com
http://pastorruth.posterous.com/
A Handmaiden of the Lord
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
http://www.suncookumc.org
http://facebook.com/groups/136632035559/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suncook-United-Methodist-Church/102221356487965
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,930+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Without Faith


Living their lives
like the rich man
his brothers in the flesh
going through life
ignoring the law, the will,
the statements of almighty God

Living without faith
out in the world
believing in themselves,
blind to the truth of the word
the judgment that will come
when we choose to ignore the Lord
and trust in the ways of the world



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Command Them


Seek out your neighbors
the ones with worldly wealth
teach them the way of Christ
not the ways of this earth

Strive to be an example
following the cross
not seeking enrichment
at the cost of the least and the lost

Care for our neighbors
all of us family, all children of the king
seek the best for all those in need
until all are restored to thee.



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Rich in the present world


An indictment, not a victory
a challenge to us all
not to be rich in the present world
but in the life to come

To stand before God
with riches stored up
in the garners of heaven
as we live out our faith

Doing good, offering hope
sharing what we have with others
that they would not know want
that their fears would be assuaged

Living out our faith
in the richness of life
following the commands of God
in this eternal life



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

In Awe of You


In awe
of Your creation
of the mighty stars
the smallest grain of sand

In awe
of Your sacrifice
of Your grace
choosing to go the cross

In awe
of Your love
of Your forgiveness
poured out on us

In awe,
of You richly blessing our lives
and for all eternity
the creator of the universe
yet mindful of us
even mindful of me



September 26, 2010
Luke 16:19-31 (the Voice Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19 (NIV Bible)
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message Bible)
Pastoral prayer by the Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Glory!!


For days she had asked me
what was the word
how to pronounce the sign
what is written in front of our church

Laughing out loud,
sitting at the dining room table
telling her I had the answer
from Friday walking to the barber

The word on the sign
the word alone, “glory”
but written in all bold face
with two exclamations

A bit of T.D. Jakes
and maybe a little Paul Robeson
adding syllables to my inflection
so many generations in New England

The word to be shouted
with a bit of hallelujah
exclaiming my praise of my God
giving him the Glory!!

Fits of laughter
tears of joy
as each of us in turn
put on our best demeanor
giving God the GLORY!!
all around the table



September 26, 2010
sign in front of our church
GLORY!!"
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
&
Luke 16:19-31 (Common English Bible)
1 Timothy 6:17-19
Psalm 146:1-6 (Call to Worship) (The Message)
Worship Theme: “Where do we place our trust?”
and sermon, “Whom Shall I Trust”
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pastorruthfoss
http://www.suncookumc.org
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 26, 2010
Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost



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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dragging Their Feet


How their feet must have been heaven
on the Emmaus Road
leading them from Jerusalem
taking them back to their home

The joy of his entrance
the hosannas raised on high
the confusion of his words
the dread of his suffering

The leaders killing the king
turning him over to Rome
the scourging and the cross
what were they to believe

The Messiah dying on the cross
his body and his blood
poured out at such a cost
that we may truly live

Yet they did not know the rest
how the story would unfold
not able to believe
dragging their feet in despair
out on the dusty road


September 26, 2010
Luke 24:13-16
Luke 24:17-18
Luke 24:19-24
Luke 24:25-27
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Walking Slowly - 2


Deep in thought and despair
slowing walking home
Cleopas and the other
out on the dusty road

Confused and unbelieving
though they had heard the Christ
devastated by his dying
in shame on the cross

The road home endless
though the way was short
the longest seven miles
they ever did walk

The stranger’s words piercing
explaining the holy Word
how the Messiah would come
how his death and rising
could save the whole world



September 26, 2010
Luke 24:13-16
Luke 24:17-18
Luke 24:19-24
Luke 24:25-27
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Giving Up So Soon


So slow to believe
though they walked with Christ
timid disciples
only seeing the cross

Not comprehending His words
heading for home on the third day
not waiting for God’s time
sadness and doubt and fear

Giving up so soon
not able to believe
the words that Jesus had spoken to them
that he would rise and conquer death

So like them are we
so quick to give up
unable to believe in the majesty of God
his power to lift us up
to pour our his grace upon us
to fill our empty cup



September 26, 2010
Luke 24:19-24
Luke 24:25-27
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The Messiah had to Suffer


All part of God’s plan
written in the Word
how He would come to earth
how He would pay for our sins
how the Messiah had to suffer
that we may live with him
Our feet of clay
unable to reconcile
to bring us back to God
through the works of our hearts
Needing his intercession
the answer to all prayers
God alone able to restore
His relationship with man



September 26, 2010
Luke 24:26
Luke 24:25-27
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus


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 19,120+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Walking to Emmaus


Jesus choosing others
not the first twelve
revealing himself in scripture
and the breaking of the bread

Walking to Emmaus
with Cleopas, with us
showing them God’s glory
through our Savior on the cross

Explaining with precision
the fulfillment of the Word
the Messiah coming
into each human heart

The victory of Jesus
over sin and over death
lets us be conformed to God
that we may live again


September 26, 2010
Luke 24:25-27
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus



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 21,970+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.