By Her Hands – v2

By her hands serving

a lifetime of giving

offering herself

in her knitting

her service to others

Giving, compassion

her gifts, her talents

love, of a servant,

hope in the works

of her hands

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

edited July 4, 2016

By Her Hands – v2

----

April 22, 2010

By Her Hands

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/04/by-her-hands.html

Acts 9:36-43

Peter raising Dorcas (Tabitha)

and

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=

Upper Room Disciplines for 2010

for April 19, 2010 to April 25, 2010,

“We Lambs Are God’s Children”,

by Christopher Miller

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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,390+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Looking Down – v2

Looking down, at these hands

hands that can sew, stitch together

the bits of thread, the scraps of cloth,

to make clothes for them

Looking down, at these hands

a way for me to serve, to minister

to be the love of Christ for them

doing what I can

Looking down, at these hands

old, arthritic, but hands

that can, in my small way,

reach out to the last, the least

Looking down, at these hands

picking up my needle, the threads,

the fabric, to make a difference

for the poor, in my town, doing my little part

to spread, to share, the love of God

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

edited October 27, 2015

Looking Down – v2

September 30, 2008

Looking Down

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-post_30.html

Matthew 25:31-40

Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,

“The Story of the First Christian”,

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

and told by Elaine Halvorson,

as Dorcas, in her own words,

Suncook United Methodist Church

September 28, 2008

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 39,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the specter of death – v3

the widows, the mourners

the specter of death

heavy upon them

as was with Lazarus

Peter entering in

raising her from the dead

death did not prevail;

not the last word

------

edited July 20, 2015

the specter of death – v3

(editing original)

April 18, 2013

the specter of death – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-specter-of-death-v2.html

April 17, 2013

the specter of death

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-specter-of-death.html

Acts 9:36-43

Dorcas, Tabitha

Mark 5:40

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

April 15, 2013 to April 21, 2013

“Goodness and Mercy”

by Cheryl Somers-Ingersol

for April 16, 2013

read April 16, 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, 2015. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 38,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Dorcas Preaching – Blog Action Day – v2

We should remember, her story, her acts of faith

out of her poverty, her little, meager resources

she offers lessons for us all, as did the widow,

a way to live our lives more fully, to trust in God

Up from the pages, from the town of Joppa

the port, overlooking the Mediterranean

a disciple shared her witness, her response

to the saving of Christ, her work for the kingdom

Coming forward, to the front of the congregation

sharing a word of hope, of faith, of trust in God

within the quieted sanctuary, listening to her words,

resting on the stool, her widow’s bones tired, faithful

Sharing the meaning, the change in her life, epiphany

being a Christian, understanding the Gospel words

what the lines of the judgment mean to her

caring, with her ordinary gifts, with her sewing

Giving to others, out of her poverty, her hope

making clothes for others, those less fortunate

even than her widow’s stores, her home

Rich because of the gift of Christ, his presence

A testimony, a witness to her faith, her love

a common story, offering what she had, she gave

making all the difference, because of Christ’s love

caring for others, out of her poverty, her love

----

edited June 29, 2014

Dorcas Preaching – Blog Action Day – v2

updated October 11, 2008

Dorcas Preaching – Blog Action Day

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/10/dorcas-preaching-blog-action-day.html

September 28, 2008

Dorcas Preaching

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-post_3915.html

Matthew 25:31-40

Acts 9:36-43

and sermon,“The Story of the First Christian”,

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

and told by Elaine Halvorson,

as Dorcas, in her own words,

Suncook United Methodist Church

October 15, 2008

Blog Action Day, poverty

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 30,810+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the specter of death

the widows, the mourners

the specter of death

Peter entering in

raising her from the dead

death did not prevail;

not the last word

------

April 17, 2013

Acts 9:36-43

Dorcas, Tabitha

Mark 5:40

Upper Room Disciplines for 2013

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17963.htm

April 15, 2013 to April 21, 2013

“Goodness and Mercy”

by Cheryl Somers-Ingersol

for April 16, 2013

read April 16, 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 22,880+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

By Her Hands

By her hands serving
a ministry of giving
offering herself
in her knitting
her service to others
giving compassion
her gifts, her talents
love, of a servant,
hope in the works of her hands

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

edited July 4, 2016

By Her Hands – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/07/by-her-hands-v2.html

----

April 22, 2010

By Her Hands

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2010/04/by-her-hands.html

Acts 9:36-43

Peter raising Dorcas (Tabitha)

and

http://www.upperroom.org/bookstore/description.asp?item_id=645177&whichBarItem=excerpt&category=&sub_category=

Upper Room Disciplines for 2010

for April 19, 2010 to April 25, 2010,

“We Lambs Are God’s Children”,

by Christopher Miller

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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 41,390+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Responding to His Voice – V2

Two of them rising
believers, from the dead
responding to his voice
each to a different shepherd
yet the continuity, the continuum
evident, in the master’s name
all of us rising, our own death
forgiven, dying with him
rising with him again
in the name of our master
responding to his voice
come, rise, follow me


April 21, 2010
John 11:1-44
raising of Lazarus
by Jesus

Acts 9:36-43
raising of Dorcas (Tabitha)
by Peter
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-april-19-25/
for April 19, 2010 to April 25, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for April 20, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Responding to His Voice

Two of them rising
believers, from the dead
responding to his voice
each to a different shepherd
yet the continuity, the continuum
evident, in the master’s name
all of us rise


April 21, 2010
John 11:1-44
raising of Lazarus
by Jesus

Acts 9:36-43
raising of Dorcas (Tabitha)
by Peter
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-april-19-25/
for April 19, 2010 to April 25, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for April 20, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

One that was Lost

Caring for the flock
all in his keeping
going to the one that was lost
calling her back to life


April 20, 2010
Acts 9:36-43
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-april-19-25/
for April 19, 2010 to April 25, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for April 20, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Calling to Her

The shepherd, the rock
the disciple calling
up from the dead
she rose at his voice

Calling to her
a sheep of his master
now in the flock
he himself was called to lead


April 20, 2010
Acts 9:36-43
Alive Now Daily Reflections
http://alivenow.upperroom.org/daily-reflections/daily-reflections-for-april-19-25/
for April 19, 2010 to April 25, 2010
by Nancy Ferguson (You can visit her website at www.BlueTreeResources.org)
for April 20, 2010


Copyright by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage.

Dorcas Preaching - Blog Action Day

We should remember, her story, her acts of faith
out of her poverty, her little, meager resources
she offers lessons for us all
a way to live our lives more fully

Up from the pages, from the town of Joppa
the port, overlooking the Mediterranean
a disciple shared her witness, her response
to the saving of Christ, her work for the kingdom

Coming forward, to the front of the congregation
sharing a word of hope, of faith
within the quieted sanctuary, listening to her words,
resting on the stool, her widow’s bones tired

Sharing the meaning, the change in her life, epiphany
being a Christian, understanding the Gospel words
what the lines of the judgment mean to her
caring, with her ordinary gifts, with her sewing

Giving to others, out of her poverty,
making clothes for others, those less fortunate
even than her widow’s stores
Rich because of the gift of Christ

A testimony, a witness to her faith
a common story, offering what she had
making all the difference, because of Christ’s love
caring for others, out of her poverty

updated October 11, 2008
September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty

She was Poor - Blog Action Day

Dorcas, laying on the bed, still
rising at his call, his urging
Walking again, to live again,
her ministry to fulfill
She was poor, a widow;
but she was rich, in her living
using her hands, bits of cloth
her needle, her thread
to see those who needed her gifts
acting on her faith
meeting their needs
Though she was poor,
she gave richly

October 11, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
October 15, 2008
Blog Action Day, poverty

Looking Down

Looking down, at these hands
hands that can sew, stitch together
the scraps of cloth, the bits of thread
to make clothes for them

Looking down, at these hands
a way for me to serve, to minister
to be the love of Christ for them

Looking down at these hands
old, arthritic, but hands
that can, in my small way
reach out to the last, the least,

Looking down, at these hands
picking up my needle, the threads
the fabric, making a difference
for the poor, in my town, my little part
spreading the love of God

September 30, 2008

Looking Down

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/09/blog-post_30.html

Matthew 25:31-40

Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,

“The Story of the First Christian”,

by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,

and told by Elaine Halvorson,

as Dorcas, in her own words,

Suncook United Methodist Church

September 28, 2008

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 39,780+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Scraps of Cloth

Scraps of cloth, needle, thread
ordinary things, her tools
combined in her ministry
meeting needs, of the poor, widows
following Christ, being Christ
setting an example, a hero
something we can do
using our simple gifts
extraordinary things

September 29, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church
September 28, 2008

With Her Needle, Her Thread

with her needle, her thread
making tunics, other clothes
for the widows, the poor
serving, using her gifts
her ordinary gifts
revealing Christ, through her actions
being Christ in her ministry
clothes for the needy

September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church

With Her Hands

With her hands, she served
she ministered to those in need
sewing clothing for the poor
following the command of Christ
eyes opened to the least
out of her own widowhood
caring for others, out of her poverty
she was rich in gifts
shared with her community.

September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church

Seeing the Poor

She gained new sight
new eyes, seeing the poor
through eyes opened by Christ
his message revealing
the least of these, those
who she could help,
with the work of her hands
her sewing her ministry


September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church

Offering My All

All of my body, physical, spiritual
a sacrifice to God
returning the gift of my life,
the precision of the universe
laws of nature, of life
the intricacies of man
My gifts, my tithes but a part
a mere echo, a shadow
of all I have received

September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
and Romans 12:1 and the offering prayer
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church

By His Healing

The stories in the Book of Acts
of the people becoming believers
over and over, by his healing

His healing in the name of Christ;
his healings, stating Christ healed
being the instrument,
the skin on the hands of Christ

Boldy, confidently,
healing in Christ’s name
and all believed.

September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40,
Acts 9:32-43,
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church

Overlooking the Mediterranean

From the port of Joppa, down below the cliffs
the place Jonah left, trying to escape to the sea
before his fish story, this land on the Mediterranean
Israel, looking out my windows west
up in the town, I was poor, a widow, without services
no one to help me
poor, if measured by money; but I was rich,
when I was told of Jesus, the savior,
who lived and died for me, for you too
I never knew, truly knew, how rich I was,
how rich I am, with God’s love
What could I do, to spread his message
to help the least of these?
My gifts are my hands, my fingers
able to sew a seam, to make clothing
to give to the least, those with less than me
not just those poorer than I, in money
able, with these ordinary gifts,
to touch their lives, with God’s love

September 28, 2008
Matthew 25:31-40
Acts 9:36-43 and sermon,
“The Story of the First Christian”,
by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and told by Elaine Halvorson,
as Dorcas, in her own words,
Suncook United Methodist Church