Saturday, December 06, 2014

We must change

We must change our own behavior
we people of the extreme center
seeking the Babe of the manger
and the Man of the cross
we must refocus
we must seek to help others
we must love as Christ loved
as He first loved us;
But how can we be silent
about what has happened
we must rage against the machine
the commercialization of Christmas
the loss of Christ

Families with empty seats at the table
workers giving up Thanksgiving
to work at Walmart, at Staples,
at Toys R Us, at Sears
endless names of stores
with their doors open
at midnight on Black Friday
even a website dedicated
for Black Friday deaths;
How can we be silent
about what has happened
the commercialization of Christmas
the loss of Christ

====
edited December 6, 2014
We must change

December 6, 2014
How can we be silent
Advent book study:
Luke 2:33-35
prophecy of Simeon
Chapter 2: “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul”
Not A Silent Night
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
2nd Sunday of Advent
Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)
Voices of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas by Ross Olson
sermon/message – “Mary”
as performed by Shyanne Foss,
who, like Mary, is 14 years old
worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
&
Acts 1:8-14
referenced article about Black Friday death in 2008
(and website for Black Friday Deaths - http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/)
Introduction and
Chapter 1. “Beginning with the End”
Not A Silent Night
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
earlier books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”
&
24 Hours That Changed the World

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,220+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How can we be silent

How can we be silent
about what has happened
the commercialization of Christmas
the loss of Christ
Families with empty seats at the table
workers giving up Thanksgiving
to work at Walmart, at Staples,
at Toys R Us, at Sears
endless names of stores
with their doors open
a website dedicated
for Black Friday deaths
How can we be silent
about what has happened
the commercialization of Christmas
the loss of Christ

====
December 6, 2014
How can we be silent

Advent book study:
Luke 2:33-35
prophecy of Simeon
Chapter 2: “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul”
Not A Silent Night
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
2nd Sunday of Advent
Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)
Voices of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas by Ross Olson
sermon/message – “Mary”
as performed by Shyanne Foss,
who, like Mary, is 14 years old
worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
&
Acts 1:8-14
referenced article about Black Friday death in 2008
(and website for Black Friday Deaths - http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/)
Introduction and
Chapter 1. “Beginning with the End”
Not A Silent Night
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
earlier books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”
&
24 Hours That Changed the World

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,220+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Tear Down Christmas – v4

Blow up this holiday
turn your hearts to Jesus
the Babe in the manger
this isn’t what Christ died for
people being trampled at Walmart
so someone can get the best deal

Tear down this Christmas
time to start over
for it has lost its meaning;
nothing of Christ
in this frenetic season.

Rushing about, shopping
the Perfect gift
as that is the Good News of Jesus;
all an illusion, a lie,
forgetting about the Christ.

Tear down this Christmas,
the excess, the noise, noise, noise,
nothing of Christ in this Christmas. . . 
We must start over;
the love of the ages
lost in the dust.

Reclaim wonder,
a child, believer,
the joy of Christ’s coming;
Tear down this Christmas,
reclaim Jesus, the Babe in the manger;
we must start over right now.


====
edited December 6, 2014
“Tear Down Christmas – v4
(editing version 3 below)
&
Acts 1:8-14
referenced article about Black Friday death in 2008
(and website for Black Friday Deaths - http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/)
Introduction and
Chapter 1. “Beginning with the End”
Not A Silent Night
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
earlier books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”
&
24 Hours That Changed the World
&
AUGUST 01, 2013
“Tear Down Christmas – v3”
Edited December 12, 2012
“Tear Down Christmas – v2”
December 10, 2012
“Tear Down Christmas”
“Burn Down Christmas”
Thoughts about:
-          the commercialization of Christmas,
-          the Fiscal Cliff
-          our lack of confidence in government
-          and the coarseness of the world
Spirit Study,
around session 2,
“Giving Up on Perfect”
of video series:
“A Different Kind of Christmas: Living and Giving Like Jesus”
by Reverend Mike Slaughter
and companion book,
“Christmas Is Not Your Birthday: Experience the Joy of Living and Giving like Jesus”,
also by Reverend Mike Slaughter,
led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 9, 2012
Second Sunday of Advent
&
Worship Theme: “I Believe in the Love/ Peace”
Luke 3:1-6 (English Standard Version Bible)
John the Baptist Prepares the Way
Malachi 3:1-4 (Common English Bible)
Philippians 1:3-11 (Contemporary English Version Bible)
and sermon – “True Love”
by Pastor Ruth Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
December 9, 2012
Second Sunday of Advent

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,210+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

When Why Has No Answer – v7

We are not talking about accidents
Not in capriciousness
in the randomness of fate;
but when “Why?” has no answer
how we all can relate

Wondering with Job
with all who have suffered
how pain, struggle can be
when we try to walk righteously
repenting of our sin

Nothing we can comprehend
the forces in the world
choices we and others make,
leading some to suffer
and some to reap corrupt gain

The walk on this earth
the journey of faith, of life,
far from the Garden where we began;
our faith alone sustaining us
until we reach the promised land


===
edited December 6, 2014
When Why Has No Answer – v7

(editing version 2)
edited November 15, 2014
When Why Has No Answer – v6
(editing version 2)
edited November 6, 2014
When Why Has No Answer – v5
(editing original again)
Edited October 19, 2014
“When Why Has No Answer – v4”
(editing original again)
Edited January 1, 2014
“When Why Has No Answer – v3”
Edited October 13, 2012
“When Why Has No Answer – v2”
May 26, 2010
“When Why Has No Answer”
edited October 14, 2014
More than We can Handle – v2
May 26, 2010
More than We can Handle
struggling with questions of life and death
and God’s timing
&
reading the first part of
the book of Job, including
Job 1:1-5:16
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for May 23, 2010, read May 24, 2010
Job 1:21
Job 2:10
and
Job 5:17-8:22
Heartlight’s Straight Through Bible Study
for May 24, 2010, read May 25, 2010

and the later part of the book, and
the following poem, posted
to FaithWriters.com 5/26/2010
------------------------
Answering the Clay

The potter spoke
out of the whirlwind
answering the claim
rebuking his claims
the demands he dared to speak

A reminder, the distance to God
how far below
is the home of man

Walking in the dust
rather than riding the clouds
Marveling at the works
of His majestic hands


October 18, 2009
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
&
Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b
Job 38:1-7, 16-18, 34-38 & 40:3-5
and sermon, “Father Knows Best”,
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 18, 2009
&
Psalm 8:3-4
and writing challenge
“Monday Manna for October 19 - What is man?”
posted by Joanne Sher on her blog,
“An Open Book”, at:
&

the following poem, posted
to FaithWriters.com 5/26/2010
------------------------
His Comeuppance

In the chapters growing
wondering when it would happen
when his comeuppance
his response would come
Over and over questioning the creator
challenging God, not just asking
demanding an accounting
a justification from the one who made us
A mortal asking for a reason from the potter
stubborn clay, judging God
His answer in the whirlwind
the challenge of the maker
Where were you when I made all?
Who are you to question me;
and what right do you claim
calling me to task?


October 17, 2009
Job 38:1-7 (34-41)
&
Psalm 104:1-9, 24, 35b
Job 38:1-7, 16-18, 34-38 & 40:3-5
and sermon, “Father Knows Best”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
October 18, 2009
&
Psalm 8:3-4
and writing challenge
“Monday Manna for October 19 - What is man?”
posted by Joanne Sher on her blog,
“An Open Book”, at:

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,210+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v6

what if this led the news
truth beyond comprehension
the weather forecast more honest
how little we really know
about the weather patterns
how the forces of nature intersect

the heavens hold a secret
held within their grasp
something we cannot know
ancient struggles evident
written upon the sky, in the soil,
in the dust of the earth

the clouds have kidnapped the morning
the sun not visible at all
the sky coming closer
descending from the heavens
clouds pulled toward the ground
hungry for its bounty

holding the sun for ransom
to repay an ancient debt
an unspoken recording
in the ledger of heaven
in the story of life
spoken from sealed lips

the mystery yet remaining
something yet unknown
for us to take on faith
the sky holds the secret
written on the heavens
revealed in God’s time alone


====
edited December 6, 2014
The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v6

(editing version 4)
edited June 3, 2014
The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v5
(editing version 2)
edited May 30, 2014
The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v4
edited May 28, 2014
The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v3
edited May 28, 2014
The clouds have kidnapped the morning – v2
May 28, 2014
The clouds have kidnapped the morning
Facebook post by
Tarringo Basile-Vaughan
“The clouds have kidnapped the sun this morning…but still, try to have a happy Wednesday”

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,210+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

standing vigil at the cross of Jesus

standing vigil at the cross
at the cross of Jesus
as she had stood by him
at his manger bed
when the wise men came

even on this part of the journey
His mother by Him
in His time of agony
she would not leave Him
alone on Calvary


-----  
edited December 6, 2014
standing vigil at the cross of Jesus

December 5, 2014
standing vigil at the cross
edited December 6, 2014
on Good Friday morning
merged December 5, 2014
about six in the morning – v2
edited December 5, 2014
that lonely six hours – v2
December 5, 2014
that lonely six hours
December 5, 2014
watching Christ suffer and die
December 5, 2014
through the eyes of his mother
merged December 5, 2014
about six in the morning – v2
December 5, 2014
by eight o’clock in the morning
December 5, 2014
about six o’clock in the morning – v1
December 5, 2014
a sword will pierce your soul
December 5, 2014
breaking her heart
December 5, 2014
Standing at His cross
Advent book study:
Luke 2:33-35
prophecy of Simeon
Chapter 2: “The Piercing of Mary’s Soul”
Not A Silent Night
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s Whisper” blog
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
2nd Sunday of Advent
Advent Sermon Series: The Voices of Advent, “I was there…”
Luke 1:26-38 (KJV)
Voices of Advent – “I was there…”
dramas by Ross Olson
sermon/message – “Mary”
as performed by Shyanne Foss,
who, like Mary, is 14 years old
worship led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
2nd Sunday of Advent
December 7, 2014
&
Acts 1:8-14
referenced article about Black Friday death in 2008
(and website for Black Friday Deaths - http://blackfridaydeathcount.com/)
Introduction and
Chapter 1. “Beginning with the End”
Not A Silent Night
by Reverend Adam Hamilton
Spirit study led by Pastor Ruth Foss
Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church
Patten, ME
&
earlier books by Rev. Hamilton studied in Spirit Study groups -
The Way: Walking in the Footsteps of Jesus
&        
“Final Words from the Cross”
&
24 Hours That Changed the World

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,210+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

power in his name – v5

power in Christ’s name
in the name of the One who sent us
to heal, to cast out demons
to speak truth to power

life in Jesus only
not in earthly power
power in His name only,
in the name of Jesus


------
edited December 6, 2014
power in his name – v5

(editing version 3)
edited May 30, 2014
power in his name – v4
(editing version 2)
edited May 30, 2014
power in his name – v3
(editing original again)
Edited July 8, 2013
“power in his name – v2”
July 7, 2013
“power in his name”
Luke 10:26-20
“Jesus sends out the seventy-two”
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
July 1, 2013 to July 7, 2013
“A Time of Healing”
by William James Jennings
July 7, 2013
read July 7, 2013
&
Luke 10:1-11
“Jesus sends out the seventy-two”
Upper Room Disciplines for 2013
July 1, 2013 to July 7, 2013
“A Time of Healing”
by William James Jennings
July 6, 2013
read July 6, 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, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 34,210+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.