I forgive You, oh God

As with Christ’s baptism,
a step unnecessary, truly,
for You are eternal, righteous…
You are Holy in Yourself…
Love, alive…
 
But I pray these words
from within my spirit,
words of pain, of anger,
of unrighteous condemnation,
Feeling You were not there…
 
Please forgive me, Lord,
for my last of faith, of trust…
In that spirit, hear these words,
“I forgive You, oh God, Father,
for the harm I claimed You caused me…”
 
I release every lie of Satan,
every part of my heart he holds,
for I know You never left me,
(my own sin is ever before me),
Thank You for loving me…
Oh how I love You, Lord…
 
-----

August 8, 2025

I forgive You, oh God

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/i-forgive-you-oh-god.html

Based on #Ephesians4:32-#Ephesians5:1

Based on #Matthew3:13-15

Based on #Psalm22:1

Based on #Psalm51

re:generation, Step 8, Forgive, Week 1, overview 

Edited August 7, 2025
Psalm 26 – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/psalm-26-v2.html
Based on #Psalm26:1-12
re:generation, Step 7, Follow, Week 2, Large Group meeting
Edited August 7, 2025
My sin drives the nails
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/my-sin-drives-nails.html
Based on #1John1:9
Based on #Psalm51
re:generation, Step 7, Follow, Week 2, small group discussion
August 4, 2025
You know me in victory – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/you-know-me-in-victory-v2.html
re:generation, Step 7, Follow, Week 2, Day 1, “Follow Christ: A Personal God”
Edited August 7, 2025
the sting of a repeated lie – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/the-sting-of-repeated-lie-v2.html
Sharing part of my story with a brother in Christ…
Edited August 5, 2025
I spoke the darkness – v2
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/i-spoke-darkness-v2.html
Sharing part of my story with a brother in Christ…
August 5, 2025
I sin
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/i-sin.html
August 3, 2025
I confess my sin
https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2025/08/i-confess-my-sin.html
re:generation, Step 7, Follow, Week 1, Small Group meeting
 
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, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com)  for usage. See all 53,000+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
 
==================
Poetry, God, Christ, Spirit, grace, regeneration, Matthew 3, Ephesians 5, Ephesians 4, Psalm 22, Psalm 51, confess, repent, forgive, prayer,
 
#poetry #God #Christ #Spirit #grace #love #confess #repent #forgive #prayer

prepare the way of the Lord – v2

we must get our hearts ready

for the Christ-child, the Christ;

prepare the way of the Lord

in this season, in your life.

we must not be asleep, too busy,

for the sacred, the holy;

we must spend our time preparing

our lives for the Lord.

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

edited August 29, 2019

prepare the way of the Lord – v2

November 30, 2016

prepare the way of the Lord

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/prepare-way-of-lord.html

November 30, 2016

removing God from Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/removing-god-from-advent.html

November 30, 2016

removing God from Christmas

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/removing-god-from-christmas.html

November 30, 2016

the sacred space of Advent – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-sacred-space-of-advent-v2.html

edited November 29, 2016

the light of the manger – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-light-of-manger-v2.html

November 29, 2016

removing God from the sacred

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/removing-god-from-sacred.html

November 29, 2016

within this sacred time

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/within-this-sacred-time.html

November 29, 2016

the light of the manger

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-light-of-manger.html

November 29, 2016

God incarnate - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/god-incarnate-2.html

November 29, 2016

a sacred time

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-sacred-time.html

November 29, 2016

are our hearts open

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/are-our-hearts-open.html

edited November 29, 2016

are we waiting for Jesus – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/are-we-waiting-for-jesus-v2.html

November 28, 2016

the sacred time of Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-sacred-time-of-advent.html

November 28, 2016

breathing in Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/breathing-in-advent.html

November 28, 2016

breathing in these minutes

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/breathing-in-these-minutes.html

edited November 28, 2016

to touch the sacred – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/to-touch-sacred-v2.html

November 28, 2016

slowing our steps in Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/slowing-our-steps-in-advent.html

November 28, 2016

journeying on a dirt road

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/journeying-on-dirt-road.html

November 27, 2016

to touch the sacred

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/to-touch-sacred.html

November 27, 2016

the wonder of the manger

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-wonder-of-manger.html

November 27, 2016

the sacred space of Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-sacred-space-of-advent.html

November 27, 2016

lost in the lights and glitter

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/lost-in-lights-and-glitter.html

November 27, 2016

set apart and holy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/set-apart-and-holy.html

November 27, 2016

we will celebrate his birth

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-will-celebrate-his-birth.html

November 27, 2016

we wait for His coming

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-wait-for-his-coming.html

November 27, 2016

before the turkey is cold

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/before-turkey-is-cold.html

November 27, 2016

The day is almost here - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-day-is-almost-here-2.html

November 27, 2016

The night is almost over

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-night-is-almost-over.html

November 27, 2016

put on the armor of light

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/put-on-armor-of-light.html

Romans 13:11-12

November 27, 2016

change your life - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/change-your-life-2.html

November 27, 2016

preaching in the desert

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/preaching-in-desert.html

November 27, 2016

our hope is in His word

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/our-hope-is-in-his-word.html

November 27, 2016

hope in that flickering candle

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/hope-in-that-flickering-candle.html

edited/ new name November 27, 2016

we light this candle in the hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-light-this-candle-in-hope_27.html

November 27, 2016

going doing

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/going-doing.html

the Magi and John the Baptist

November 27, 2016

there is hope in the promise

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/there-is-hope-in-promise.html

November 27, 2016

are we waiting  for Jesus

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/are-we-waiting-for-jesus.html

edited November 27, 2016

where is Jesus – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/where-is-jesus-v2.html

November 27, 2016

awaking in Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/awaking-in-advent.html

November 26, 2016

we light this candle in hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-light-this-candle-in-hope.html

November 26, 2016

coming to Christ

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/coming-to-christ.html

November 26, 2016

crying with John

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/crying-with-john.html

November 26, 2016

why aren’t we shouting

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/why-arent-we-shouting.html

November 26, 2016

where is Jesus

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/where-is-jesus.html

November 26, 2016

do we listen to John

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/do-we-listen-to-john.html

November 26, 2016

a voice of hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-voice-of-hope.html

November 26, 2016

preparing our hearts - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/preparing-our-hearts-2.html

November 26, 2016

we join him at the Jordan

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-join-him-at-jordan.html

edited November 26, 2016

we stand convicted – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-stand-convicted-v2.html

November 26, 2016

we begin in hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-begin-in-hope.html

November 26, 2016

we feed the flame

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-feed-flame.html

November 26, 2016

we begin in advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-begin-in-advent.html

November 26, 2016

we light the spark

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-light-spark.html

edited/ new name November 26, 2016

we light a candle of hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-light-candle-of-hope.html

November 26, 2016

lighting a candle of hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/lighting-candle-of-hope.html

November 27, 2016

First Sunday of Advent

Prepare Ye the Way

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/966815426758146/

worship theme: Sacred Time

Psalm 130

Romans 13:11-12

Matthew 3:1-12

Advent sermon series based on Marcia McFee’s series “Sacred”

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/photos/a.176724582433905.31513.174161846023512/964012650371757/?type=3

and sermon “In the Business…“

text

video (partial before disk was full, 11:47 minutes)

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/966799680093054/

https://youtu.be/zd0UJ2IReHs

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/video-sermon-in-business-by-pastor-ruth.html

https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/803194325601390592

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

and Children’s Message

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/966799293426426/

https://youtu.be/B1-tiFiJemU

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/video-childrens-message-by-pastor-ruth_28.html

https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/803194712136024064

by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

November 27, 2016

First Sunday of Advent

&

November 20, 2016

Thanksgiving

Christ the King Sunday

Psalm 100

Jeremiah 23:1-6

Luke 1:68-79

http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/messiah

and sermon “A Thanks-Giving ”

text

http://pstruthsermons.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-thanks-giving.html

https://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/2016/11/22/a-thanks-giving/

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=960650960707926&id=174161846023512

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/sermon-thanks-giving-by-pastor-ruth.html

https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/801054719980503040

video

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/958775374228818/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GClJXoKyMaA

by Pastor Ruth Foss

and Children’s Message – an acorn squash in the Mystery Box

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/958798130893209/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iCR1mHIk7ic

by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

November 20, 2016

Christ the King Sunday

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 51,680+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, Pastor Ruth Foss, prayer, Thanksgiving, Advent, Christmas, hope, candle, Psalm 130, Matthew 3, prepare, John the Baptist, Savior, Messiah, king,

#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #prayer #Matthew3 #King #Savior #Messiah #candle #hope #Advent #Christmas

offer God praise – v4

offer God glory,

offer God praise,

all of creation

the dust of the earth;

The highest heavens,

all sharing, singing

the same song, grace,

Singing one praise.

To God all praise and honor

glory to His name;

The God of creation

is the God of the storm

the God of the Resurrection

the God of the promise

to come, to gather us home.

------  

edited August 27, 2019

offer God praise – v4

edited May 23, 2015

offer God praise – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2015/05/offer-god-praise-v3.html

(editing version 2)

edited January 8, 2014

offer God praise – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/01/offer-god-praise-v2.html

January 6, 2014

offer God praise

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2014/01/offer-god-praise.html

Psalm 29

Upper Room Disciplines for 2014

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-22987.htm

for January 6, 2014

read January 6, 2014

&

January 6, 2014 to January 21, 2014

“God Has No Favorites”

by Mary A. Avram

&

overview page (with questions)

Psalm 29:1-11

Isaiah 42:1-9

Matthew 3:13-17

Acts 10:34-43

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 51,690+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, Faith, God, grace, love, purpose, Savior, Messiah, witness, sacrifice, Spirit, hope, Psalm 29, Isaiah 42, Matthew 3, Acts 10,

#faith #God #Christ #love #grace #Savior #joy #Psalm29 #Isaiah42 #Matthew3 #Acts10

Unanchored – v2

unanchored, lost

adrift in this world

not grounded in Christ

wandering, apart

unanchored, lost

blowing in the wind

not abiding in Christ

wandering still

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

edited August 2, 2019

Unanchored – v2

May 10, 2012

Unanchored

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2012/05/unanchored.html

John 15:9-11

John 15:9-17; Year B

Matthew 3:17

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

May 7, 2012 to May 13, 2012

“The Growth of Love in Our Lives”

by Scott Wagoner

scripture and meditation for May 7, 2012

read May 7, 2012

&

John 15:5-8

John 15:1-8; Year B

The Vine and the Branches

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012

“A Growing Season”

by David Medlin

scripture and meditation for May 6, 2012

read May 7, 2012

&

John 15:1-4

John 15:1-8; Year B

The Vine and the Branches

Upper Room Disciplines for 2012

http://bookstore.upperroom.org/cart/upperroom/p-17131.htm

April 30, 2012 to May 6, 2012

“A Growing Season”

by David Medlin

scripture and meditation for May 5, 2012

read May 5, 2012

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 51,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, Faith, God, grace, love, Poetry Where You Live, Raymond A. Foss, calling, purpose, servant, John 15, Matthew 3,

#faith #God #Christ #love #grace #Savior #call #John15 #Matthew3

Uncomfortable Imagery – v3

The pastor knitted imagery

that didn’t quite go together

a bit incongruous, a bit distinct

images of the word, “uncomfortable”

of Scrooge, of the Grinch, a marriage

in trouble, a depressed elder,

waiting for death, alone,

feeling unworthy of Communion,

lamenting the ills of this world,

this time and place.

Musing on the image of John

standing hot and dirty

in the murky water, in camel hair,

cinched tight to his body,

eating locust, uncomfortable purity;

Preaching an uncomfortable word

in the hot desert, the wilderness

fulfilling the prophecy for his own life

the prophecy of the coming

of the child to ministry, to kingship,

of a very different kind of reign,

Finding hope, repentance, saving,

baptism, not so much in the dirty water itself

but in the place, the Jordan,

finding hope too in the frank words

the honesty of the man in the nursing home

the hope in the name of Scrooge, Ebenezer,

the stone that Samuel placed

in God’s provision, His saving of the people

long before even Isaiah’s prophecy

of the time that was to come.

Hope for a different future

in uncomfortable wrappers,

foreshadowing the problem

of comprehending Jesus, and his message

in society’s eyes, the eyes of the people

even to this day, in this moment

so different from our world

our wisdom, our comprehension

standing in the Jordan, watching Ebenezer

hope that we will change

in our time in this desert.

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

edited July 23, 2019

Uncomfortable Imagery – v2

December 10, 2007

Uncomfortable Imagery

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2007/12/uncomfortable-imagery.html

Based on Matthew 3:1-6 and Matthew 3:11-12

and the sermon “God’s Powerful Promise”,

by the Reverend Peter Hey, December 9, 2007,

Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH

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 50,900+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, God, Spirit, church, Communion, creator, Faith, gifts, grace, home, life, marriage, Matthew 3, Messiah, Peter Hey, poem, poetry, water, worship,

Christ #God #Spirit #church #Communion #creator #Faith #gifts #grace #home #life #marriage #Matthew3 #Messiah #Peter Hey #poem #poetry #water #worship,

Baptism – haiku – 1 – v2

Up from the waters,

Oh, arise my blessed Son;

You have work to do.

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

edited July 16, 2019

Baptism – haiku – 1 – v2

January 11, 2008

Baptism – haiku – 1

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/01/baptism-haiku-1.html

Matthew 3:13-17

-----------------  

edited August 15, 2019

Holy Water – v4

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/08/holy-water-v4.html

edited July 28, 2019

Holy Water – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/07/holy-water-v3.html

edited July 28, 2019

Baptismal Waters – v5

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/07/baptismal-waters-v5.html

edited July 28, 2019

Baptismal Waters – v4

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/07/baptismal-waters-v4.html

(editing original again)

edited July 15, 2019

Baptismal Waters – v3

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/07/baptismal-waters-v3.html

edited January 15, 2019

Baptismal Waters – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/01/baptismal-waters-v2.html

&

edited January 15, 2019

Holy Water – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/01/holy-water-v2.html

https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/1085333732746240000

(edited after contact by composer, Gwyneth Walker, who wanted to

use the poem for a choir composition

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIHwiVhsoAs

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/05/walker-holy-water-seton-hall-march-7.html

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=272274348550&story_fbid=10156756089843551

https://www.localprayers.com/US/Patten/272274348550/Poetry-Where-You-Live

&

January 11, 2006 23:25

Holy Water

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/01/holy-water.html

Mark 1:9-13, 15

&

January 11, 2006 23:45, revised 1/12/06 6:16

Baptismal Waters

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/01/baptismal-waters.html

Matthew 27:24-26

&

January 11, 2006 23:30

Baptism

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2006/01/baptism.html

(about Dad’t baptism, November 1990)

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 51,450 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Christ, Spirit, God, Faith, love, grace, Pastor Ruth Foss, poem, prayer, sacrifice, Messiah, manger, cross, journey, New Year’s Resolution, WWJD,

#Christ #God #Spirit #Faith #love #grace #poem #prayer #hope #USA #America #mercy #sacrifice #Messiah #manger #cross #Immanuel #Emmanuel #journey #WWJD #NewYearsResolution

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

Christ, Spirit, God, Faith, grace, poem, prayer, Messiah, Advent, Emmanuel, Christmas, hope, love, peace, joy, King, Epiphany, Epiphany of the Lord Sunday, star, Magi,

#Christ #God #Spirit #Faith #love #grace #poem #prayer #hope #communion #King #mercy #Messiah #Advent #Immanuel #Emmanuel #Christmas #joy #peace #star #Magi #Epiphany

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

Christ, Spirit, God, Faith, grace, poem, prayer, Messiah, Emmanuel, hope, love, peace, joy, baptism, Baptism of the Lord Sunday, water, washed, water mark,

#Jesus #Christ #God #Spirit #Faith #love #grace #poem #prayer #hope #mercy #Messiah #Emmanuel #baptism #BaptismoftheLordSunday #water #washed #BaptismoftheLord #watermark

divine, gospel, hope, Jordan River, journey, Messiah, Mission, salvation, Savior, Spirit, God, Faith, grace, poem, prayer, love, baptism, Baptism of the Lord Sunday, water, water mark,

#Jesus #Christ #God #Spirit #Faith #love #grace #poem #prayer #hope #Messiah #baptism #water #washed #BaptismoftheLord #JordanRiver #Savior

baptism, creator, Faith, God, gospel, haiku, hope, Matthew 3, ministry, poem, poetry, Poetry Where You Live, water, work, Writing Poetry,

#baptism #creator #Faith #God #gospel #haiku #hope #Matthew3 #ministry #poem #poetry #water #work #WritingPoetry

when God needed them – v2

When God needed them

they showed up, available

to be used by God

for God’s own purpose

They were ordinary

but God did the extraordinary

in and through these common vessels

those no different than any one of us

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

edited March 6, 2017

when God needed them – v2

December 11, 2016

when God needed them

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/when-god-needed-them.html

edited December 11, 2016

sensing the holy – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sensing-holy-v2.html

December 11, 2016

sensing the holy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sensing-holy.html

December 11, 2016

Knowing this place is holy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/knowing-this-place-is-holy.html

December 11, 2016

Worship in Song

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/worship-in-song.html

December 11, 2016

John leapt for joy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/john-leapt-for-joy.html

December 11, 2016

Mary sang the Magnificat

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/mary-sang-magnificat.html

December 11, 2016

hope was birthed

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/hope-was-birthed.html

December 11, 2016

in the sacredness of that moment

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-sacredness-of-that-moment.html

edited December 11, 2016

we rejoice in our Lord – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-rejoice-in-our-lord-v2.html

December 11, 2016

the holy within them

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-holy-within-them.html

December 11, 2016

leaping in the sanctuary

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/leaping-in-sanctuary.html

December 11, 2016

John sensed the Christ

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/john-sensed-christ.html

December 11, 2016

A sacred moment

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-sacred-moment.html

December 11, 2016

we rejoice in our Lord

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-rejoice-in-our-lord.html

December 11, 2016

we light this third candle

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-light-this-third-candle.html

December 10, 2016

in the joy of our Lord

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-joy-of-our-lord.html

December 10, 2016

a sacred space for Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-sacred-space-for-advent.html

edited December 10, 2016

we will find God – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-will-find-god-v2.html

December 10, 2016

a holy space set apart

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-holy-space-set-apart.html

edited December 10, 2016

within the vessel of Mary’s womb

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/within-vessel-of-marys-womb.html

edited December 10, 2016

within the vessel of her body – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/within-vessel-of-her-body-v2.html

December 10, 2016

within the vessel of her body

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/within-vessel-of-her-body.html

edited December 10, 2016

in the sanctuary of her womb – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-sanctuary-of-her-womb-v2.html

December 10, 2016

in the sanctuary of her womb

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-sanctuary-of-her-womb_10.html

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-sanctuary-of-her-womb.html

December 10, 2016

in the response of John, of Elizabeth

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-response-of-john-of-elizabeth.html

December 10, 2016

in the refuge of her home

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-refuge-of-her-home.html

December 10, 2016

in the sanctuary of her bosom

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-sanctuary-of-her-bosom.html

December 11, 2016

First Sunday of Advent

worship theme: Sacred Space

Psalm 146

Psalm 47:2a

Luke 1:39-56

(Mary’s visit with Elizabeth)

Advent sermon series based on Marcia McFee’s series “Sacred”

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/photos/a.176724582433905.31513.174161846023512/964012650371757/?type=3

and sermon “Birthing Room. . . ”

text

video

by Pastor Ruth Foss

https://twitter.com/PastorRuthFoss

http://www.facebook.com/pastorruthfoss

http://www.pstruthsermons.blogspot.com

sermon blog

http://www.pstrruthfoss.blogspot.com

meditation blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

and Children’s Message

by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Stetson-Memorial-United-Methodist-Church/174161846023512

Patten, ME

December 11, 2016

Third Sunday of Advent

&

edited December 10, 2016

the response of Mary, of Joseph – v3

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-response-of-mary-of-joseph-v3.html

(editing original again)

edited December 10, 2016

matching our steps – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/matching-our-steps-v2.html

December 10, 2016

they said yes to God

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/they-said-yes-to-god.html

edited December 9, 2016

their faith made them holy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/their-faith-made-them-holy.html

December 9, 2016

their actions made them holy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/their-actions-made-them-holy.html

December 9, 2016

Christ’s holy parents

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/christs-holy-parents.html

December 9, 2016

they did the extraordinary

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/they-did-extraordinary.html

December 8, 2016

at peace in submission

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/at-peace-in-submission.html

edited December 8, 2016

we are called to be sacred – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-are-called-to-be-sacred-v2.html

December 8, 2016

we are called to be sacred

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-are-called-to-be-sacred.html

December 7, 2016

the sacredness of the ordinary

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-sacredness-of-ordinary.html

edited December 7, 2016

sacred people – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sacred-people-v2.html

edited December 7, 2016

our own call to be sacred – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/our-own-call-to-be-sacred-v2.html

December 7, 2016

our own call to be sacred

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/our-own-call-to-be-sacred.html

December 7, 2016

sacred people

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sacred-people.html

December 7, 2016

humble servants

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/humble-servants.html

December 7, 2016

those in the background

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/those-in-background.html

December 6, 2016

God used them

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/god-used-them.html

December 6, 2016

those ordinary people

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/those-ordinary-people.html

December 6, 2016

eternity and time

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/eternity-and-time.html

December 6, 2016

because they showed up

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/because-they-showed-up.html

December 6, 2016

to touch the sacred – 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/to-touch-sacred-2.html

edited December 6, 2016

I am the Lord’s Servant – 2 – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/i-am-lords-servant-2-v2.html

December 6, 2016

sacred

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sacred.html

December 6, 2016

matching our steps

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/matching-our-steps.html

December 6, 2016

we are special

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-are-special.html

December 6, 2016

same as all the others

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/same-as-all-others.html

edited December 5, 2016

the response of Mary, of Joseph – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-response-of-mary-of-joseph-v2.html

December 5, 2016

we will find God

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-will-find-god.html

merged December 5, 2016

the response of Mary, of Joseph

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-response-of-mary-of-joseph.html

December 5, 2016

following God’s command

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/following-gods-command.html

December 5, 2016

I am the Lord’s Servant - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/i-am-lords-servant-2.html

December 4, 2016

King and God and sacrifice

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/king-and-god-and-sacrifice.html

December 4, 2016

remembering the cross

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/remembering-cross.html

December 4, 2016

In the storms, in the darkness

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/in-storms-in-darkness.html

December 4, 2016

guide us in the way of peace

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/guide-us-in-way-of-peace.html

December 4, 2016

They answered God’s call

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/they-answered-gods-call.html

December 4, 2016

going makes the difference

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/going-makes-difference.html

December 4, 2016

the ordinary are made sacred

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-ordinary-are-made-sacred.html

December 4, 2016

nothing special

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/nothing-special.html

December 4, 2016

Second Sunday of Advent

worship theme: Sacred People

hymns:

Tell Me The Story of Jesus

Where Shepherds Watched Their Flocks

We Three Kings of Orient Are

What Child Is This?

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

Let There Be Peace On Earth

Psalm 72:1-7

Psalm 72:18-19

Matthew 1:18-25

Luke 1:26-38

Advent sermon series based on Marcia McFee’s series “Sacred”

and sermon “In the Ordinary. . . “

text

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=975920719180950&id=174161846023512

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sermon-in-ordinary-by-pastor-ruth-foss.html

https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/805749024477376512

video

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/977747065664982/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XVyX6sMz5y8

by Pastor Ruth Foss

and Children’s Message

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/975357105903978/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d2SJkJlz8Ac

by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

December 4, 2016

Second Sunday of Advent

&

edited December 3, 2016

breathing in Advent – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/breathing-in-advent-v2.html

edited December 3, 2016

sit within the sacredness of the stable – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sit-within-sacredness-of-stable-v2.html

December 3, 2016

are we voices crying

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/are-we-voices-crying.html

December 3, 2016

thinking about the Christ-child

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/thinking-about-christ-child.html

edited December 3, 2016

this sacred time of now – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/this-sacred-time-of-now-v2.html

edited December 3, 2016

within the sacred time – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/within-sacred-time-v2.html

edited December 3, 2016

the time of heaven – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-time-of-heaven-v2.html

edited December 2, 2016

walking barefoot – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/walking-barefoot-v2.html

edited December 2, 2016

taking off our shoes – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/taking-off-our-shoes-v2.html

edited December 2, 2016

walking in sacred time – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/walking-in-sacred-time-v2.html

edited December 2, 2016

a closeness of heaven – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-closeness-of-heaven-v2.html

December 1, 2016

walking in sacred time

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/walking-in-sacred-time.html

December 1, 2016

Have we forgotten Christ

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/have-we-forgotten-christ.html

December 1, 2016

we carry God’s message of hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-carry-gods-message-of-hope.html

December 1, 2016

we are heralds in the darkness

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-are-heralds-in-darkness.html

December 1, 2016

we light this candle

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-light-this-candle.html

December 1, 2016

God’s promises endure - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/gods-promises-endure-2.html

edited / new name December 1, 2016

we live in the light of the holy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-live-in-light-of-holy.html

December 1, 2016

we live in the light of hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-live-in-light-of-hope.html

December 1, 2016

we have forgotten God

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-have-forgotten-god.html

December 1, 2016

sit within the sacredness of the stable

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sit-within-sacredness-of-stable.html

December 1, 2016

walking barefoot

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/walking-barefoot.html

December 1, 2016

taking off our shoes

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/taking-off-our-shoes.html

December 1, 2016

this sacred time of now

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/this-sacred-time-of-now.html

December 1, 2016

the gift of our days

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-gift-of-our-days.html

December 1, 2016

the gift of now

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-gift-of-now.html

December 1, 2016

within the sacred time

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/within-sacred-time.html

December 1, 2016

trappings of the season

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/trappings-of-season.html

December 1, 2016

the time of heaven

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/the-time-of-heaven.html

December 1, 2016

a closeness of heaven

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/a-closeness-of-heaven.html

December 1, 2016

we are God’s voice

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/we-are-gods-voice.html

November 30, 2016

prepare the way of the Lord

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/prepare-way-of-lord.html

November 30, 2016

removing God from Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/removing-god-from-advent.html

November 30, 2016

removing God from Christmas

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/removing-god-from-christmas.html

November 30, 2016

the sacred space of Advent – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-sacred-space-of-advent-v2.html

edited November 29, 2016

the light of the manger – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-light-of-manger-v2.html

November 29, 2016

removing God from the sacred

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/removing-god-from-sacred.html

November 29, 2016

within this sacred time

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/within-this-sacred-time.html

November 29, 2016

the light of the manger

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-light-of-manger.html

November 29, 2016

God incarnate - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/god-incarnate-2.html

November 29, 2016

a sacred time

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-sacred-time.html

November 29, 2016

are our hearts open

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/are-our-hearts-open.html

edited November 29, 2016

are we waiting for Jesus – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/are-we-waiting-for-jesus-v2.html

November 28, 2016

the sacred time of Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-sacred-time-of-advent.html

November 28, 2016

breathing in Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/breathing-in-advent.html

November 28, 2016

breathing in these minutes

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/breathing-in-these-minutes.html

edited November 28, 2016

to touch the sacred – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/to-touch-sacred-v2.html

November 28, 2016

slowing our steps in Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/slowing-our-steps-in-advent.html

November 28, 2016

journeying on a dirt road

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/journeying-on-dirt-road.html

November 27, 2016

to touch the sacred

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/to-touch-sacred.html

November 27, 2016

the wonder of the manger

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-wonder-of-manger.html

November 27, 2016

the sacred space of Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-sacred-space-of-advent.html

November 27, 2016

lost in the lights and glitter

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/lost-in-lights-and-glitter.html

November 27, 2016

set apart and holy

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/set-apart-and-holy.html

November 27, 2016

we will celebrate his birth

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-will-celebrate-his-birth.html

November 27, 2016

we wait for His coming

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-wait-for-his-coming.html

November 27, 2016

before the turkey is cold

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/before-turkey-is-cold.html

November 27, 2016

The day is almost here - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-day-is-almost-here-2.html

November 27, 2016

The night is almost over

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-night-is-almost-over.html

November 27, 2016

put on the armor of light

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/put-on-armor-of-light.html

Romans 13:11-12

November 27, 2016

change your life - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/change-your-life-2.html

November 27, 2016

preaching in the desert

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/preaching-in-desert.html

November 27, 2016

our hope is in His word

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/our-hope-is-in-his-word.html

November 27, 2016

hope in that flickering candle

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/hope-in-that-flickering-candle.html

edited/ new name November 27, 2016

we light this candle in the hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-light-this-candle-in-hope_27.html

November 27, 2016

going doing

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/going-doing.html

the Magi and John the Baptist

November 27, 2016

there is hope in the promise

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/there-is-hope-in-promise.html

November 27, 2016

are we waiting  for Jesus

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/are-we-waiting-for-jesus.html

edited November 27, 2016

where is Jesus – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/where-is-jesus-v2.html

November 27, 2016

awaking in Advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/awaking-in-advent.html

November 26, 2016

we light this candle in hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-light-this-candle-in-hope.html

November 26, 2016

coming to Christ

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/coming-to-christ.html

November 26, 2016

crying with John

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/crying-with-john.html

November 26, 2016

why aren’t we shouting

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/why-arent-we-shouting.html

November 26, 2016

where is Jesus

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/where-is-jesus.html

November 26, 2016

do we listen to John

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/do-we-listen-to-john.html

November 26, 2016

a voice of hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/a-voice-of-hope.html

November 26, 2016

preparing our hearts - 2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/preparing-our-hearts-2.html

November 26, 2016

we join him at the Jordan

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-join-him-at-jordan.html

edited November 26, 2016

we stand convicted – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-stand-convicted-v2.html

November 26, 2016

we begin in hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-begin-in-hope.html

November 26, 2016

we feed the flame

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-feed-flame.html

November 26, 2016

we begin in advent

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-begin-in-advent.html

November 26, 2016

we light the spark

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-light-spark.html

edited/ new name November 26, 2016

we light a candle of hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/we-light-candle-of-hope.html

November 26, 2016

lighting a candle of hope

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/lighting-candle-of-hope.html

November 27, 2016

First Sunday of Advent

Prepare Ye the Way

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/966815426758146/

worship theme: Sacred Time

Psalm 130

Romans 13:11-12

Matthew 3:1-12

Advent sermon series based on Marcia McFee’s series “Sacred”

and sermon “In the Business…“

text

http://pstruthsermons.blogspot.com/2016/11/in-business.html

https://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/2016/11/29/in-the-business/

https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=971219106317778&id=174161846023512

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/12/sermon-in-business-by-pastor-ruth-foss.html

https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/804485922515550210

video (partial before disk was full, 11:47 minutes)

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/966799680093054/

https://youtu.be/zd0UJ2IReHs

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/video-sermon-in-business-by-pastor-ruth.html

https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/803194325601390592

by Pastor Ruth Foss

and Children’s Message

https://www.facebook.com/174161846023512/videos/966799293426426/

https://youtu.be/B1-tiFiJemU

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2016/11/video-childrens-message-by-pastor-ruth_28.html

https://twitter.com/raymondafoss/status/803194712136024064

by Pastor Ruth Foss

Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church

Patten, ME

November 27, 2016

First Sunday of Advent

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, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 43,380 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.