Saturday, October 26, 2013

one flock – 3 – v2

many sheep, history
scattered through the world;
one flock together
gathered by the Lord.

one shepherd o’er us
one Way to God;
open to offer blessing
the Gate of the Lord.


Edited October 26, 2013
one flock – 3 – v2
October 24, 2013
one flock – 3
1st of Fall Sermon Series:
“Shepherd Us O God”
John 10:11-18 (The Message)
John 10:1-10 (The Message)
John 10:1-18 (The Message)
Psalm 23
Lord’s Prayer
children’s message
follow the bible
by Pastor Ruth Foss
and sermon “The Good Shepherd
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
October 20, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,260+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

quick to deny the accolades – v5


watching his presentation
his words of reality, of addiction
how the drug holds him
a struggle every day
laughing at himself
the absurdity, tragedy
knowing the grip, the hold
they have on him today

taking courage to stand before them
friends and family ready
honestly sharing, open
the truth of his life
sharing his challenge
the struggles still remaining

giving voice to his demons
the struggle within him, present
“I am an addict”, not “I was an addict. . . ;“
words echoing in the full room
before so many who love him
who know what he had done

ready to lift him up
to heap him with praise
as if he was finished
the journey already won;
but he was quick to deny the accolades
the battle continuing still

his response stopping them in their tracks
a change of the atmosphere
the environment in the room
speaking truth, his pain, his struggle
not recovered; in the fight, yet,
the battle day by day

prayers needed ever, today
for his incarceration, prison,
the battle still before him
in a dark place, remaining
to love him as he is
a beautiful chipped vessel
offering his life to God, truly;
still struggling with the demons


Edited October 26, 2013
quick to deny the accolades – v5
Edited October 8, 2013
quick to deny the accolades – v3
(written at Jeremiah’s Corner, October 7, 2013)
&
Edited September 28, 2013
quick to deny the accolades – v2
&
July 2, 2013
quick to deny the accolades
question and answer time and
presentation by Chester (Chet) Birmingham
on addiction and recovery at
Jeremiah’s Corner,
led by Ellen Dickinson
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
July 1, 2013

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,260+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

If we were honest – v4


If we were true to our faith
if we were fully honest
consistent, justice
freedom for all
not an illusion, a lie

our hope would be in action
not just a dream
seeking justice, consistent
not an illusion, a lie
all would be free


Edited October 26, 2013
If we were honest – v4
Edited August 6, 2013
If we were honest – v2
“If we were honest”
Edited August 6, 2013
“If we were Christians – v2”
February 20, 2011
“If we were Christians”
Matthew 5:38-48 (The Message Bible)
Love Your Enemies
Psalm 119:33-40 (God’s Word Translation)
Leviticus 19:9-18 (The Message Bible)
Psalm 25:8-10 (God’s Word Translation)(Call to Worship)
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (New Living Translation)
Prayer of Adoration (UMBOW #461)
Prayer of Dedication (GBOD)
James 4:8 (“Just a Closer Walk with Thee (The Faith We Sing #2158)
Luke 2:29 (“Go Now in Peace”, UMH #665)
Worship Theme: “God’s law versus Human Law”
and sermon, “Mercy versus Retribution”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 20, 2011
Seventh Sunday after Epiphany
&
on the transformations since the beginning of January -
all the protests in Egypt, Yemen, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Libya,
Jordan, Iran, Iraq, Palestinian Territories, Djibouti, Mauritania, Senegal, etc.
and
especially the resignation of Hosni Mubarak
February 11, 2011
&
and the jubilance in Tahrir Square
versus the bloodshed in Bahrain and Libya, etc.
February 18, 2011
&
hearing claim by President Obama 2/15/2011
in a news conference that when history books tell it
we will be seen as being on the right side of history
in how the United States responded
&
Post on Twitter by Wael Ghonim
“Our Revolution was like Wikipedia”
February 14, 2011
&
Post on Twitter by Wael Ghonim
 “This is Revolution 2.0: No one was a hero because everyone was a hero.
February 13, 2011
and see
A Prayer for the People of Egypt (February 3, 2011)
by Safiyah Fosua
&
Matthew 5:21-37 (Common English Bible)
Law of murder
Law of adultery
Law of Divorce
Law of Oaths
Matthew 5:17 (Common English Bible)
Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (New Living Translation)
Psalm 18:1-3, 46 (God’s Word Translation) (Call to Worship)
Prayer of Invocation
Prayer of Dedication
Exodus 16:13-15, Psalm 34:8, John 4:10, 1 Corinthians 5:8
(Centering Hymn: “All Who Hunger”, The Faith We Sing #2126)
Romans 14:7
(Lord, Speak To Me”, United Methodist Hymnal #463)
Acts 2:42
(“Let Us Break Bread Together”, United Methodist Hymnal #618)
Isaiah 55:1, Matthew 5:6, Matthew 11:28
(“You Who Are Thirsty”, The Faith We Sing #2132)
1 John 1:7
(“Trust and Obey”, United Methodist Hymnal #467)
Worship Theme: “God gives life . . . sin gives death”
and sermon, “A Life or Death Situation
(Aka . . . A fine line between Heaven and Hell)”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 13, 2011
Sixth Sunday after Epiphany
&
Matthew 5:13-20 (NRSV)
(and Matthew 5:1-12, Beatitudes)
John 6:51 (Call to Worship)
Isaiah 58.6-12 (NRSV)
John 13:34-35 and Ephesians 4:4-6
(“They'll Know We Are Christians by Our Love”, The Faith We Sing #2223)
Micah 6:8
(“We Are Called”, The Faith We Sing #2172)
Call to Worship (John 6:51)
Prayer of Confession
Prayer of Dedication
Worship Theme: “A Meal for All People”
and sermon, “Salty Christians”
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
February 6, 2011
Fifth Sunday after Epiphany

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,240+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Branches of the vine – v4

branches of the vine
part of the vine itself
alive within the Christ
for He is the vine

branches of the vine
within the love of God
held in Christ’s loving arms
for He is the vine

branches of the vine
knitted with the Spirit
held in Christ’s love
for He is the vine


Edited October 26, 2013
Branches of the vine – v4
Edited October 14, 2013
Branches of the vine – v2
September 29, 2012
Branches of the vine
John 15:1-17
hymn “O Blessed Spring”
Annual Church Conference
led by the Reverend Doctor David Abbott
welcome message by Bishop Devadhar
and Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
September 27, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,240+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Abide – v3

A simple command
to abide in Christ
dead in the world
alive in the vine

Alive in Christ
fed by His waters
connected to God
alive for His glory

Bearing fruit
fruit of the Spirit
loving as Christ loves
sowing seeds of God’s kingdom

To reap a harvest
a bounty, a purpose
a welling up of joy
through these gifts of the Spirit


------  
Edited October 26, 2013
Abide – v3
Edited December 1, 2012
Abide – v2
November 24, 2012
Abide
Lay Speaker training
Moultonborough United Methodist Church
Moultonborough , NH
November 24, 2012

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,240+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

an imperfect earthen vessel – v2


I am badly broken
chipped, my color faded
in muted, earthen tones
a vessel, still yet worthy
to be filled with Your love
an imperfect earthen vessel
to be used for God’s purpose
to be filled with Your love


Edited October 26, 2013
an imperfect earthen vessel – v2
March 23, 2013
an imperfect earthen vessel
Chrysalis covenant
Chrysalis training
March 23, 2013
&
Luke 24:13-35
Chrysalis
Walk to Emmaus
grace
love

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,240+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I will be Joyful – v23


My God with me
even in distress
In God my Savior
I will be joyful
I will find rest.

He is my protector
walking by my side
He is my Lord, my comfort
in every step of my days.


=================
edited January 23, 2016
I will be Joyful – v55
(editing version 54)
edited December 15, 2015
I will be Joyful – v54
(editing version 53)
edited November 18, 2015
I will be Joyful – v53
(editing version 51)
edited September 30, 2015
I will be Joyful – v52
(editing version 26)
edited September 19, 2015
I will be Joyful – v51
(editing version 25)
edited April 16, 2015
I will be Joyful – v50
(editing version 2)
edited April 16, 2015
I will be Joyful – v49
(editing original)
edited February 7, 2015
I will be Joyful – v48
(merging edits to version 4 and version 47)
edited February 7, 2015
I will be Joyful – v47
(editing version 2)
edited February 2, 2015
I will be Joyful – v46
(editing version 16)
edited February 2, 2015
I will be Joyful – v45
(editing version 4)
edited February 2, 2015
I will be Joyful – v44
(editing version 6)
edited January 25, 2015
I will be Joyful – v43
(merging edits to version 4 and version 43)
edited December 5, 2014
“I will be Joyful – v42
(editing version 2)
edited November 17, 2014
“I will be Joyful – v41
(editing version 2)
Edited December 19, 2012
“I will be Joyful – v2”
&
edited February 13, 2014
I will be Joyful – v40
(editing original again)
Edited January 12, 2014
I will be Joyful – v39
(editing version 20)
Edited December 24, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v38“
(editing version 2)
Edited November 27, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v37”
(editing original again)
Edited November 16, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v36
(editing version 13)
Edited November 15, 2013
I will be Joyful – v35
(updating version 5)
Edited November 11, 2013
I will be Joyful – v34
(editing version 16)
Edited November 10, 2013
I will be Joyful – v33
(editing version 3)
Edited November 10, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v32
(editing version 16)
Edited November 10, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v31”
(editing version 13)
Edited November 10, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v30”
(editing version 2)
Edited November 10, 2013
“I will be joyful – v29”
(editing version 7)
Edited November 10, 2013
I will be Joyful – v28
(editing original again)
Edited November 9, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v27”
(editing version 4)
Edited November 9, 2013
I will be Joyful – v26
(editing version 3)
Edited November 9, 2013
I will be Joyful – v25
(editing version 20)
Edited November 9, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v24
(editing version 12)
Edited October 26, 2013
I will be Joyful – v23
(editing original again)
Edited October 20, 2013
I will be Joyful – v22
(editing version 18)
Edited October 20, 2013
I will be Joyful – v21
(editing version 17)
Edited September 21, 2013
I will be Joyful – v20
(editing original again)
Edited September 21, 2013
I will be Joyful – v19
(editing version 5)
Edited September 21, 2013
I will be Joyful – v18
(editing version 9)
Edited September 21, 2013
I will be Joyful – v17
(editing version 3)
Edited September 21, 2013
I will be Joyful – v16
(editing version 6)
Edited September 21, 2013
I will be Joyful – v15
(editing version 4)
Edited September 21, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v14”
(editing version 12)
Edited September 7, 2013
 “I will be Joyful – v13”
(editing version 7)
Edited September 7, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v12”
(editing version 2)
Edited September 2, 2013
I will be Joyful – v11
(editing version 7)
Edited September 2, 2013
I will be Joyful – v10”
(editing version 9)
Edited August 30, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v9”
(editing version 2)
Edited August 29, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v8”
(editing version 2)
Edited August 26, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v7”
(editing version 2)
Edited August 22, 2013
“I will be joyful – v6”
(editing version 5)
Edited August 19, 2013
I will be joyful – v5
(editing version 3)
Edited August 17, 2013
“I will be Joyful – v4
(editing version 2)
Edited August 15, 2013
I will be Joyful – v3
(editing version 2)
Edited December 19, 2012
“I will be Joyful – v2”
October 16, 2010
“I will be Joyful”
Habakkuk 3:18
Nahum 3; Habakkuk 1-3; Zephaniah 1:1-13
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for October 3, 2010,
read October 16, 2010

All of my poems and photographs are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 40,790+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.