ours are the hands who held his wrists
the crowd screaming to crucify
our sin the nails driven into his palms, his feet
We each carry a share, a piece, a lot
of the shame, the sin, the weight he carried
the price of redemption, by the law
meted out to one who was innocent
no fault found with him
But there he hung, on the nails of our sin
hanging on the cross, between criminals
whipped and beaten, mocked and spat upon
our humble savior, on our cross
March 21 and 22, 2008
Good Friday, 3/21/08
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Holding the Nail
One of his nails
in my palm, square-cut, smooth metal
warming to my touch, held fast
Listening to the scriptures
his betrayal, trial, his pain
meaning washing over me
tears blur my vision, head bowed
nails hammered, dull, sharp
the sound echoes within my mind
my body shudders at the image
His body hangs on the cross
hanging on the nails
March 21, 2008
Good Friday, 3/21/08
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
in my palm, square-cut, smooth metal
warming to my touch, held fast
Listening to the scriptures
his betrayal, trial, his pain
meaning washing over me
tears blur my vision, head bowed
nails hammered, dull, sharp
the sound echoes within my mind
my body shudders at the image
His body hangs on the cross
hanging on the nails
March 21, 2008
Good Friday, 3/21/08
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Stripping the Church
Little by little
the things, the bible,
the cross, the candles
were carried out
taken from the chancel
out the center aisle
in the hushed sanctuary
His presence removed
in the loss of the moment
the disciples scattered
His fate in their hands
of the Sanhedrin, the High Priest
answering trumped-up charges
the church dimmed
as the light was removed
in the stripping of the church
March 21, 2008
Maundy Thursday, 2007, 2006, 2005
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
the things, the bible,
the cross, the candles
were carried out
taken from the chancel
out the center aisle
in the hushed sanctuary
His presence removed
in the loss of the moment
the disciples scattered
His fate in their hands
of the Sanhedrin, the High Priest
answering trumped-up charges
the church dimmed
as the light was removed
in the stripping of the church
March 21, 2008
Maundy Thursday, 2007, 2006, 2005
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Friday, March 21, 2008
Mocking Words
Mocking words, of the blind
needing proof for their sight
forgetting the history of their people
the belief of Abraham,
the father of them all
Blind to his truth, who he was
present in their midst
the one from God
“Let him come down”
down from the cross,
shaking off the nails
Failing to see the scriptures
revealed before them
“we will believe”,
if we but see
Missing the entire point,
the focus of their lives -
Faith is in the unseen.
March 21, 2008
Matthew 27:1-61 (Good Friday)
Matthew 27:42 (“Let him come down, and we will believe”)
needing proof for their sight
forgetting the history of their people
the belief of Abraham,
the father of them all
Blind to his truth, who he was
present in their midst
the one from God
“Let him come down”
down from the cross,
shaking off the nails
Failing to see the scriptures
revealed before them
“we will believe”,
if we but see
Missing the entire point,
the focus of their lives -
Faith is in the unseen.
March 21, 2008
Matthew 27:1-61 (Good Friday)
Matthew 27:42 (“Let him come down, and we will believe”)
After Flogging Jesus
“after flogging Jesus”,
he was sent to be crucified;
but what a cryptic, banal
inconsequential piece of prose
What unspeakable pain, hurt
he suffered, the savior, the king,
the first-born of creation and Son of God
whipped, bleeding, tortured
before the ignominy, the shame
the death on the cross
Words cannot describe,
so why utter them, it would seem;
but we must be mindful,
what those three words mean
how much he gave for us
to be redeemed to the father
What a gift we do not deserve
March 21, 2008
Matthew 27:1-61 (Good Friday)
Matthew 27:26 (“after flogging Jesus”)
he was sent to be crucified;
but what a cryptic, banal
inconsequential piece of prose
What unspeakable pain, hurt
he suffered, the savior, the king,
the first-born of creation and Son of God
whipped, bleeding, tortured
before the ignominy, the shame
the death on the cross
Words cannot describe,
so why utter them, it would seem;
but we must be mindful,
what those three words mean
how much he gave for us
to be redeemed to the father
What a gift we do not deserve
March 21, 2008
Matthew 27:1-61 (Good Friday)
Matthew 27:26 (“after flogging Jesus”)
A Legacy of Blood
And so was the transference, the owning
the claiming of the death of the innocent
passed from the denial of Pilate
to all generations of Jews to come
raining scorn, division, a curse on themselves
casting lots with Pilate, winning of a sorts
bringing his blood, his death, upon their children
reaping a history of pain, in claiming the killing
of the Messiah they had hoped for
whom they couldn’t see when he lived
March 21, 2008
Matthew 27:1-61 (Good Friday)
Matthew 27:25 (his blood on us and our children)
the claiming of the death of the innocent
passed from the denial of Pilate
to all generations of Jews to come
raining scorn, division, a curse on themselves
casting lots with Pilate, winning of a sorts
bringing his blood, his death, upon their children
reaping a history of pain, in claiming the killing
of the Messiah they had hoped for
whom they couldn’t see when he lived
March 21, 2008
Matthew 27:1-61 (Good Friday)
Matthew 27:25 (his blood on us and our children)
Washing My Hands
He claimed no responsibility, no ownership
of the injustice, the unholy death
of the innocent man
Absolving himself,
washing the stain from his hands
cleaning the tattoo, as if he could,
with mere water
washing away the killing
of righteousness, expedient
to maintain order
sacrificing unblemished flesh
to the jackals in the courtyard
a curse brought upon himself
in trying to wash away the guilt
March 21, 2008
Matthew 27:1-61 (Good Friday)
Matthew 27:24 (washing my hands)
of the injustice, the unholy death
of the innocent man
Absolving himself,
washing the stain from his hands
cleaning the tattoo, as if he could,
with mere water
washing away the killing
of righteousness, expedient
to maintain order
sacrificing unblemished flesh
to the jackals in the courtyard
a curse brought upon himself
in trying to wash away the guilt
March 21, 2008
Matthew 27:1-61 (Good Friday)
Matthew 27:24 (washing my hands)
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 29,920+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Hope for the Sinners
He offered them, for us
hope for the sinners
even at the moment
of his own agony
Hearing their cries
for answers to their prayers
hope for the criminals
hanging on the cross
beside him, in judgment
hope of forgiveness, of grace
that we would see him
in paradise, on the day
of our own dying
With a word from the savior
one of them was saved
while on the wooden cross
There is the same hope
for us all, from the risen savior
living still, now,
at the right hand of God
March 21, 2008
Luke 23:32-43 and
mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
part of afternoon Good Friday service,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 3/21/08
hope for the sinners
even at the moment
of his own agony
Hearing their cries
for answers to their prayers
hope for the criminals
hanging on the cross
beside him, in judgment
hope of forgiveness, of grace
that we would see him
in paradise, on the day
of our own dying
With a word from the savior
one of them was saved
while on the wooden cross
There is the same hope
for us all, from the risen savior
living still, now,
at the right hand of God
March 21, 2008
Luke 23:32-43 and
mediation by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
part of afternoon Good Friday service,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH 3/21/08
In Silence We Left
After the last candle,
the last of the story read
the darkness of the sanctuary
We left in silence
Listening once again
in the company of the faithful
to the ancient story
our savior’s sacrifice
at the end of a week
where he entered the city
in triumph
He gave himself
for us
we sat in silence
The betrayal by one of the twelve
submitting himself in the garden
to the will of the father
the denial by the rock
the mock trial
the sentence of death
the pain in the dying
the new hewn tomb
We were numb in silence
The light was extinguished
the darkness was cold
In silence we left
March 21, 2008
Service of Tenebrae,
Maundy Thursday
Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
3/21/08, Pastor Ruth L. Foss
the last of the story read
the darkness of the sanctuary
We left in silence
Listening once again
in the company of the faithful
to the ancient story
our savior’s sacrifice
at the end of a week
where he entered the city
in triumph
He gave himself
for us
we sat in silence
The betrayal by one of the twelve
submitting himself in the garden
to the will of the father
the denial by the rock
the mock trial
the sentence of death
the pain in the dying
the new hewn tomb
We were numb in silence
The light was extinguished
the darkness was cold
In silence we left
March 21, 2008
Service of Tenebrae,
Maundy Thursday
Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
3/21/08, Pastor Ruth L. Foss
A Holy Week
The king in celebration, on a donkey
entered the holy city, of his ancestor David
with palms and cloaks across the road,
hosannas and singing in the air
Confronting evil in the temple,
coming and going, to reach more people
Sharing the meal, the Passover meal,
in the upper room, with the disciples,
breaking bread, sharing the cup
transforming the mundane
making a new covenant
through his sacrifice
Betrayal and denial,
fear, prayer in the Garden
falling to the Father’s will
Handing himself over to the leaders
to the will of the masses, to Pilate
Scourged and mocked, a crown of thorns
The march to the skull, Golgotha,
The weight of the cross, the pain of the spikes
No air on the cross, bitter wine
darkness, alone, death, the grave
A Holy Week, to bring us back to God
March 21, 2008
entered the holy city, of his ancestor David
with palms and cloaks across the road,
hosannas and singing in the air
Confronting evil in the temple,
coming and going, to reach more people
Sharing the meal, the Passover meal,
in the upper room, with the disciples,
breaking bread, sharing the cup
transforming the mundane
making a new covenant
through his sacrifice
Betrayal and denial,
fear, prayer in the Garden
falling to the Father’s will
Handing himself over to the leaders
to the will of the masses, to Pilate
Scourged and mocked, a crown of thorns
The march to the skull, Golgotha,
The weight of the cross, the pain of the spikes
No air on the cross, bitter wine
darkness, alone, death, the grave
A Holy Week, to bring us back to God
March 21, 2008
A Holy Friday
Good Friday, in its meaning
not in the doing of the evil
wrought by human hands that day
God in the flesh, holy, righteous
stained by false accusation,
by blind leaders, unable to hear, to believe
that He was the one, the one for whom they waited
the Messiah, killed by their hand
But, it was foretold, ordained,
long before any of them lived
God’s holy purpose in the walk that week
from the triumphant entrance
to the skull, the cross, the tomb
Ridicule and desertion,
pain and submission, alone in the world
God upon the cross, sacrificing himself
for all of our sin, throughout the age
March 21, 2008
not in the doing of the evil
wrought by human hands that day
God in the flesh, holy, righteous
stained by false accusation,
by blind leaders, unable to hear, to believe
that He was the one, the one for whom they waited
the Messiah, killed by their hand
But, it was foretold, ordained,
long before any of them lived
God’s holy purpose in the walk that week
from the triumphant entrance
to the skull, the cross, the tomb
Ridicule and desertion,
pain and submission, alone in the world
God upon the cross, sacrificing himself
for all of our sin, throughout the age
March 21, 2008
A Holy Thursday
Without the Thursday,
without the Friday
There could be no
Sunday miracle
A holy Thursday
carrying out God’s plan
fulfillment of prophesy
completion of the path
of the creator, the savior
the Messiah, born holy and human
anointed in the Jordan
teaching, healing, feeding
far more than five thousand
giving life in the holy water
bearing witness to God’s love
so it was on that holy Thursday
washing their feet, being a servant
breaking the bread, sharing the wine
himself a new sacrifice, the lamb
praying in the Garden, submitting to your will
giving himself over to the betrayer
to the blind leaders of the people
handing himself over, to human judgment
condemnation, crucifixion
to fulfill all
March 21, 2008
without the Friday
There could be no
Sunday miracle
A holy Thursday
carrying out God’s plan
fulfillment of prophesy
completion of the path
of the creator, the savior
the Messiah, born holy and human
anointed in the Jordan
teaching, healing, feeding
far more than five thousand
giving life in the holy water
bearing witness to God’s love
so it was on that holy Thursday
washing their feet, being a servant
breaking the bread, sharing the wine
himself a new sacrifice, the lamb
praying in the Garden, submitting to your will
giving himself over to the betrayer
to the blind leaders of the people
handing himself over, to human judgment
condemnation, crucifixion
to fulfill all
March 21, 2008
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Washing All Their Feet
Even the betrayer, the one who shared the bowl
who would give him over to man
even him, Christ washed their feet
humbling himself before the meal,
before the breaking of the bread,
the pouring of the wine
the conversion of the Passover
into the first communion
the covenant of his blood
He too was washed, but not made clean
taking the morsel, and the pieces of silver
fulfilling his role, betrayer
Turning him over to death
March 20, 2008
John 13
Matthew 26:17-75
Alive Now daily devotional for 3/20/08
Luke 22:14-23, 39-42
Upper Room daily devotional for 3/20/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=20&year=2008
who would give him over to man
even him, Christ washed their feet
humbling himself before the meal,
before the breaking of the bread,
the pouring of the wine
the conversion of the Passover
into the first communion
the covenant of his blood
He too was washed, but not made clean
taking the morsel, and the pieces of silver
fulfilling his role, betrayer
Turning him over to death
March 20, 2008
John 13
Matthew 26:17-75
Alive Now daily devotional for 3/20/08
Luke 22:14-23, 39-42
Upper Room daily devotional for 3/20/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=20&year=2008
Who Dips the Bread in the Bowl
Dipping the bread, his body
into the wine, his blood
so was the betrayer, the one
who gave him over
One who had shared in his ministry
the work, for so many years
so many days at the master’s feet
Destined for betrayal, an instrument
a vehicle for fulfillment
Overt, where the others ran,
denied their shepherd
turned away from his voice
A brother, the betrayer,
“surely not I, rabbi”.
“So you say.”
March 20, 2008
Matthew 26:17-75
Alive Now daily devotional for 3/20/08
Luke 22:14-23, 39-42
Upper Room daily devotional for 3/20/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=20&year=2008
into the wine, his blood
so was the betrayer, the one
who gave him over
One who had shared in his ministry
the work, for so many years
so many days at the master’s feet
Destined for betrayal, an instrument
a vehicle for fulfillment
Overt, where the others ran,
denied their shepherd
turned away from his voice
A brother, the betrayer,
“surely not I, rabbi”.
“So you say.”
March 20, 2008
Matthew 26:17-75
Alive Now daily devotional for 3/20/08
Luke 22:14-23, 39-42
Upper Room daily devotional for 3/20/08
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=20&year=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. All rights reserved.
Contact me at Ray Foss
for usage. See all 27,390+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Maundy Thursday
Closing the chapter of ministry,
of the training of the disciples
he gave them the gift
of himself, in the breaking of the bread
in the sharing of the wine
submitting to the Father’s will
in the Garden of Gethsemane
and turning himself over
to the betrayer and those
who would judge him
Disciples too, fulfilled the scripture
in scattering to the wind
when the shepherd was caught
sheep without the safety
of the rod, the staff
undone by their fear
a night like no other
in the history of the world
The savior before the tribunal
who could not see
March 20, 2008
of the training of the disciples
he gave them the gift
of himself, in the breaking of the bread
in the sharing of the wine
submitting to the Father’s will
in the Garden of Gethsemane
and turning himself over
to the betrayer and those
who would judge him
Disciples too, fulfilled the scripture
in scattering to the wind
when the shepherd was caught
sheep without the safety
of the rod, the staff
undone by their fear
a night like no other
in the history of the world
The savior before the tribunal
who could not see
March 20, 2008
Spring
The calendar marks the beginning
the start of a new season of life
a warming of the world, my part anyway,
melting of the endless winter snows
the coming of the robin, the crocuses,
greening of the morning, brightening skies
rebirth in its season, filling the air
with fragrance of the flowers
not the cold of winter
Oh how I smiled, when I saw the notation
spring is here, let us rejoice, throw off the covers
and dance for the morning
the long winter is ending
and the color scheme is shifting
coats can be set aside soon
and yards will need to be mowed
spring is here!
March 20, 2008
the start of a new season of life
a warming of the world, my part anyway,
melting of the endless winter snows
the coming of the robin, the crocuses,
greening of the morning, brightening skies
rebirth in its season, filling the air
with fragrance of the flowers
not the cold of winter
Oh how I smiled, when I saw the notation
spring is here, let us rejoice, throw off the covers
and dance for the morning
the long winter is ending
and the color scheme is shifting
coats can be set aside soon
and yards will need to be mowed
spring is here!
March 20, 2008
Five Years Later
Five years later,
after countless loss,
deep sacrifice,
of those who answered the call
we are still at war
still fighting the enemy
entrenched in the land
a shattered vase, held together
by will, by hate, by hope
forces outside and tension within
a land ancient, a cradle of civilization
the Tigris and Euphrates
the land of Ur, of Abraham
a land of tyrants and madmen
in the swirling sand of the desert
the wealth in the oil,
the schisms of the Shia, the Sunni
the Kurds to the north
a land of tribal loyalty
a crucible for chaos
where we have been battling
Swift victory and stagnant struggle
five years later, more blood,
more treasure to pay
before any resolution
at all, for good or for evil
we are there still
March 20, 2008
March 19, 2008 marked the 5th anniversary
of the start of the Iraq War
after countless loss,
deep sacrifice,
of those who answered the call
we are still at war
still fighting the enemy
entrenched in the land
a shattered vase, held together
by will, by hate, by hope
forces outside and tension within
a land ancient, a cradle of civilization
the Tigris and Euphrates
the land of Ur, of Abraham
a land of tyrants and madmen
in the swirling sand of the desert
the wealth in the oil,
the schisms of the Shia, the Sunni
the Kurds to the north
a land of tribal loyalty
a crucible for chaos
where we have been battling
Swift victory and stagnant struggle
five years later, more blood,
more treasure to pay
before any resolution
at all, for good or for evil
we are there still
March 20, 2008
March 19, 2008 marked the 5th anniversary
of the start of the Iraq War
Monday, March 17, 2008
Only to be Faithful
“I ask you only to be faithful”
such was the message,
an embodiment of grace
real-world grace of God
living in the words the minister heard
by the Sea of Galilee, easing
a balm to his troubled soul
message from God
of what he asks,
for what he has always asked
from the beginning of the covenant
written on stone, on the hearts of man
that we would be loyal,
that we would be faithful
that our hearts,
our lives would be changed
in loving relationship
with our God, our Father
that we would heed the call
the call of the Lord for our lives
that we would go where he sends us
and do all for His glory
March 17, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
such was the message,
an embodiment of grace
real-world grace of God
living in the words the minister heard
by the Sea of Galilee, easing
a balm to his troubled soul
message from God
of what he asks,
for what he has always asked
from the beginning of the covenant
written on stone, on the hearts of man
that we would be loyal,
that we would be faithful
that our hearts,
our lives would be changed
in loving relationship
with our God, our Father
that we would heed the call
the call of the Lord for our lives
that we would go where he sends us
and do all for His glory
March 17, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Imparted Righteousness
Growing, changing, maturing
in our lives, in our faith
drawing the living water
into our waking breath
ordering our steps,
walking through the narrow gate
joining Christ in the yoke
leaving our past behind
new creations
following our brother’s example
in the lives we lead
from the moment
we turn to the Father
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
John 14:12
Sanctifying Grace
in our lives, in our faith
drawing the living water
into our waking breath
ordering our steps,
walking through the narrow gate
joining Christ in the yoke
leaving our past behind
new creations
following our brother’s example
in the lives we lead
from the moment
we turn to the Father
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
John 14:12
Sanctifying Grace
Imputed Righteousness
Righteousness of the moment
in the moment we believe
when our faith presents itself
allows our feet to move
and our hearts to change
to say yes to the calling
of the Spirit, the urging of our heart
to begin anew, as new creations
the journey of our lives
walking anew with our creator
walking in his son’s sandals
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6
Justifying Grace
Sanctifying Grace
in the moment we believe
when our faith presents itself
allows our feet to move
and our hearts to change
to say yes to the calling
of the Spirit, the urging of our heart
to begin anew, as new creations
the journey of our lives
walking anew with our creator
walking in his son’s sandals
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Genesis 15:6, Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6
Justifying Grace
Sanctifying Grace
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Day of Fire
“Day of Fire”
that is what the white lettering
on his black t-shirt said
I don’t know what the maker meant
for me to see in those words
But, here in church,
I see the birth of the church, Pentecost
a day of fire, of flames changing
the history of the world
commissioning timid followers
into bold disciples, missionaries
charged to save each human soul
across the face of the globe, across
the sands of time
Good news spread like a brush fire
through the centuries after that
singular day of fire
March 16, 2008
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Rejuvenation service
Pentecost, Acts 2:1-12
that is what the white lettering
on his black t-shirt said
I don’t know what the maker meant
for me to see in those words
But, here in church,
I see the birth of the church, Pentecost
a day of fire, of flames changing
the history of the world
commissioning timid followers
into bold disciples, missionaries
charged to save each human soul
across the face of the globe, across
the sands of time
Good news spread like a brush fire
through the centuries after that
singular day of fire
March 16, 2008
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, Rejuvenation service
Pentecost, Acts 2:1-12
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 30,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
For God’s Holy Purpose
Out of our love, the recognition
of the miracle of God’s grace,
his saving and renewing grace
we are to strive to live
for God’s holy purpose,
not out of a sense of duty
an obligation we are forced to bear
As a gift given in response
to an awesome gift,
unmerited and unearned
never to be able to repay
we are to be changed creations
living a new life,
within the vine
bearing worthy fruit
for His glory
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
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 30,790+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of the miracle of God’s grace,
his saving and renewing grace
we are to strive to live
for God’s holy purpose,
not out of a sense of duty
an obligation we are forced to bear
As a gift given in response
to an awesome gift,
unmerited and unearned
never to be able to repay
we are to be changed creations
living a new life,
within the vine
bearing worthy fruit
for His glory
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
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 30,790+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
More Promise than Order
Oh, if we could but follow these simple words,
to love our neighbor, to love our God,
so much more promise than order
these are the words of the ancient law,
the rules of the covenant written on tablets of stone
words boiled down to their essence, not a numbered list;
but two golden rules, echoed by the living God
God with us, in the flesh, teaching on the mountain
in the temple, by the sea, going to the people
to impart the spirit, not merely the letter of the law
to give meaning, life to the words chiseled by God
inscribing them in the good news of the savior
walking with the disciples here on earth
connecting us with the divine
leaving lessons of simple truth
we struggle to live each day
so we aspire, out of love, out of recognition
of the gifts he bestowed on us
to change, to grow, to preach
to reach to the ends of the earth
to change the world, for his glory
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18,
Luke 10:25-37
to love our neighbor, to love our God,
so much more promise than order
these are the words of the ancient law,
the rules of the covenant written on tablets of stone
words boiled down to their essence, not a numbered list;
but two golden rules, echoed by the living God
God with us, in the flesh, teaching on the mountain
in the temple, by the sea, going to the people
to impart the spirit, not merely the letter of the law
to give meaning, life to the words chiseled by God
inscribing them in the good news of the savior
walking with the disciples here on earth
connecting us with the divine
leaving lessons of simple truth
we struggle to live each day
so we aspire, out of love, out of recognition
of the gifts he bestowed on us
to change, to grow, to preach
to reach to the ends of the earth
to change the world, for his glory
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18,
Luke 10:25-37
You Shall
You shall, love the Lord, your neighbor
reconciliation in the words
to the father, the creator,
to our brother, our sister
a way to live our lives,
different from our past
the ways of the world
to be holy, humble
in our walk on the earth
you shall, a promise
more than an order
a hope for the world
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18,
Luke 10:25-37
reconciliation in the words
to the father, the creator,
to our brother, our sister
a way to live our lives,
different from our past
the ways of the world
to be holy, humble
in our walk on the earth
you shall, a promise
more than an order
a hope for the world
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18,
Luke 10:25-37
“Cleanse me from my sin”
“Wash me Lord, of all of my sin,
my iniquity, my shame, my memory
I repent of my sin, of my past”
And so it is with sanctifying grace,
for God remembers our sin no more
and we may set that load down
and carry it no more.
We can cast off that heavy burden
and come into the kingdom
free from the ache of the past
set free to walk free
to be the servant we would be
if we could move beyond,
that which we claim no more
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Psalm 51:2
my iniquity, my shame, my memory
I repent of my sin, of my past”
And so it is with sanctifying grace,
for God remembers our sin no more
and we may set that load down
and carry it no more.
We can cast off that heavy burden
and come into the kingdom
free from the ache of the past
set free to walk free
to be the servant we would be
if we could move beyond,
that which we claim no more
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Psalm 51:2
Life in the Vine
Nurtured in the vine
living, growing, bearing fruit
while connected, the branches with the stem
the root deeply planted, anchored to the earth
the good rich soil, the fertile ground
growing while part of the vine
the blood of the stem, the branches
coursing together
bearing fruit for the world
not for the vine; but living
while each branch is grafted,
a part of the living vine
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
living, growing, bearing fruit
while connected, the branches with the stem
the root deeply planted, anchored to the earth
the good rich soil, the fertile ground
growing while part of the vine
the blood of the stem, the branches
coursing together
bearing fruit for the world
not for the vine; but living
while each branch is grafted,
a part of the living vine
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Promise of Easter
(not the gloom of Good Friday)
We marvel, we hope, for the coming of the Lord
in final victory, for we are the Easter people
those we rejoice at the promise of the empty tomb
the fulfillment of the prophets, of scripture
the resurrection, the commissioning, the ascension
We are the people of the rising, not the death,
the sacrifice. We are the morning, not the darkness
we rise for He is risen, joyous in the reconciliation
the union with God once more,
possible because He is risen from the dead
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
We marvel, we hope, for the coming of the Lord
in final victory, for we are the Easter people
those we rejoice at the promise of the empty tomb
the fulfillment of the prophets, of scripture
the resurrection, the commissioning, the ascension
We are the people of the rising, not the death,
the sacrifice. We are the morning, not the darkness
we rise for He is risen, joyous in the reconciliation
the union with God once more,
possible because He is risen from the dead
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Offered in Love for Your Glory
Such a wonderful way
to explain the essence of a spiritual gift,
as we all have things we are good at,
talents, interests, that seem special
but it is the motivation, the purpose, the reason
that makes the change, the not so subtle difference
if a talent is offered, given by us, in love
offered for God’s glory,
it has become a spiritual gift
an offering to our neighbor, to our God
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
to explain the essence of a spiritual gift,
as we all have things we are good at,
talents, interests, that seem special
but it is the motivation, the purpose, the reason
that makes the change, the not so subtle difference
if a talent is offered, given by us, in love
offered for God’s glory,
it has become a spiritual gift
an offering to our neighbor, to our God
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Being the Good News
We are called to walk in a new way
to be the good news, of the risen savior
reflecting the image of Christ
to the ends of the earth,
his light, cutting through the darkness
wherever we go, in whatever place
we find ourselves, on the walk of life
to consciously live out our faith, our creed
to humbly serve God in all we do
loving our neighbor as He first did
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
to be the good news, of the risen savior
reflecting the image of Christ
to the ends of the earth,
his light, cutting through the darkness
wherever we go, in whatever place
we find ourselves, on the walk of life
to consciously live out our faith, our creed
to humbly serve God in all we do
loving our neighbor as He first did
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
By the Sea of Galilee
He took us there, beside the Sea of Galilee
walking by the shore, sitting and pondering life
where Jesus had walked, the ancient jetty,
the same water, the same sea the disciples fished
communing with God under the starry sky
asking the questions of a soul hurting,
of purpose and call, of passion and longing
to be your servant, in a more personal way
walking by the Sea of Galilee,
hearing the master in the silence
that voice still calling to the faithful
still healing those in pain
with his presence with us
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
walking by the shore, sitting and pondering life
where Jesus had walked, the ancient jetty,
the same water, the same sea the disciples fished
communing with God under the starry sky
asking the questions of a soul hurting,
of purpose and call, of passion and longing
to be your servant, in a more personal way
walking by the Sea of Galilee,
hearing the master in the silence
that voice still calling to the faithful
still healing those in pain
with his presence with us
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Reconciled to Him
For we were born in his image,
when we fell, we needed your grace,
restore the image of God
through the coming of Christ
being the sacrifice we owed for the sin
so we must only accept this gift
this grace of God, heaped on us
reconciled to him by the humble walk
of the obedient son, even to death
bringing us back to God
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
when we fell, we needed your grace,
restore the image of God
through the coming of Christ
being the sacrifice we owed for the sin
so we must only accept this gift
this grace of God, heaped on us
reconciled to him by the humble walk
of the obedient son, even to death
bringing us back to God
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Claimed by God
A named member
the family of God
we each are claimed by God
brought back into relationship
reconciled to our loving father
as at the beginning of the world’s story
and with numbered days, known
before we take our first breath
Never giving up on us,
never turning away
Hands outstretched, reaching
for us, always
Ready when we reach,
each time we fall
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
the family of God
we each are claimed by God
brought back into relationship
reconciled to our loving father
as at the beginning of the world’s story
and with numbered days, known
before we take our first breath
Never giving up on us,
never turning away
Hands outstretched, reaching
for us, always
Ready when we reach,
each time we fall
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
All the Rest of Our Lives
Having been claimed, received
into the loving arms of our creator
we walk, all the rest of our lives,
forever changed, a new creation
a new being in Christ
a light to the world, aspiring
walking humbly, with mercy
love for all the world
by our words and our deeds proclaimed
brother, sister, heirs with the risen son
by grace alone saved
over and over again
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
into the loving arms of our creator
we walk, all the rest of our lives,
forever changed, a new creation
a new being in Christ
a light to the world, aspiring
walking humbly, with mercy
love for all the world
by our words and our deeds proclaimed
brother, sister, heirs with the risen son
by grace alone saved
over and over again
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
In Believing
In believing, we are changed
ever transformed, different beings
adopted into the priesthood,
called to holy living, to projecting
the living image of God
in the world, in our times
to walk humbly, not out of obligation,
as if works bore a prize a reward,
to love the Lord, desire to spread his love
be an embodiment of his grace
within our hearts, with our hands,
lifting our voices with the saints before us
fight for justice, hope for the future
walk, day by day
for his glory
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
ever transformed, different beings
adopted into the priesthood,
called to holy living, to projecting
the living image of God
in the world, in our times
to walk humbly, not out of obligation,
as if works bore a prize a reward,
to love the Lord, desire to spread his love
be an embodiment of his grace
within our hearts, with our hands,
lifting our voices with the saints before us
fight for justice, hope for the future
walk, day by day
for his glory
March 16, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Sanctifying Grace
Denying Him
Fearing the guards, the judgment
the authorities, in the Temple
denying his shepherd, his master,
the humble Messiah
Accused, condemned
He denied Him,
“I do not know him”
the rock,
denying the cornerstone
perhaps for a purpose,
the epiphany of recognition
of what he had done
March 16, 2008
Matthew 26:69-75 and sermon,
“Peculiar Treasures V: Peter’s Denial”,
by Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/16/08
the authorities, in the Temple
denying his shepherd, his master,
the humble Messiah
Accused, condemned
He denied Him,
“I do not know him”
the rock,
denying the cornerstone
perhaps for a purpose,
the epiphany of recognition
of what he had done
March 16, 2008
Matthew 26:69-75 and sermon,
“Peculiar Treasures V: Peter’s Denial”,
by Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/16/08
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Risen, in the Present Tense
Words, of our faith, the mystery of faith
bound into our lives, our hearts,
heard so many times,
“Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again”
A statement of loss and
a covenant of a future yet to come
bound the wondrous middle,
the affirmation of something
more than mere reporting
We are not told that Christ rose,
as the ancient creed holds,
No, this is a bold statement of life
of continuing resurrection, living today
of our promise,
in the scripture of living joint heirs,
as fellow disciples,
as living brothers and sisters with Christ
in the present moment. He is alive! He IS risen
living now, as surely as the moments
he walked this earth,
in human form. He is living now,
and he is our brother,
not our long, far off distant relative.
He is our living brother, now
We are his companions, his disciples
Just as much as the first twelve,
who shared the bread, the wine
We are his contemporaries, their peers
a big, rambunctious living family
Heirs in the first degree
Feeling the presently risen Christ
walking that Emmaus Road,
the journey of our lives
after the rising on Easter
Living with a Christ in the present tense
HE IS RISEN; Christ IS risen indeed!
March 15, 2008
bound into our lives, our hearts,
heard so many times,
“Christ has died,
Christ is risen,
Christ will come again”
A statement of loss and
a covenant of a future yet to come
bound the wondrous middle,
the affirmation of something
more than mere reporting
We are not told that Christ rose,
as the ancient creed holds,
No, this is a bold statement of life
of continuing resurrection, living today
of our promise,
in the scripture of living joint heirs,
as fellow disciples,
as living brothers and sisters with Christ
in the present moment. He is alive! He IS risen
living now, as surely as the moments
he walked this earth,
in human form. He is living now,
and he is our brother,
not our long, far off distant relative.
He is our living brother, now
We are his companions, his disciples
Just as much as the first twelve,
who shared the bread, the wine
We are his contemporaries, their peers
a big, rambunctious living family
Heirs in the first degree
Feeling the presently risen Christ
walking that Emmaus Road,
the journey of our lives
after the rising on Easter
Living with a Christ in the present tense
HE IS RISEN; Christ IS risen indeed!
March 15, 2008
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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 29,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Up into the Sumac
The bird, black, glinting light
flitted across my view
snow-covered field
swooping down
toward the ground
up into the sumac
a purchase up
up out of the melting snow
an acrobatic arc
caught fleetingly by my eye
as we drove along
March 14, 2008
flitted across my view
snow-covered field
swooping down
toward the ground
up into the sumac
a purchase up
up out of the melting snow
an acrobatic arc
caught fleetingly by my eye
as we drove along
March 14, 2008
Take up the Towel
We are to take up the towel
used by the Christ,
the king a servant
washing the feet of the disciples
power upside down
the master’s example
we are to follow
humble ourselves too
reflect his love
be the means of grace
image of God
fragrance of Christ
throughout our world
March 14, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
used by the Christ,
the king a servant
washing the feet of the disciples
power upside down
the master’s example
we are to follow
humble ourselves too
reflect his love
be the means of grace
image of God
fragrance of Christ
throughout our world
March 14, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Pick up the Towel
Pick up the towel,
become the servant,
as the Master did so long ago
washing the discples’ feet
taking off his robe,
humbling himself
bowing low before them,
cleaning the dust, the dirt
setting our example
of holy servanthood
We are to pick up the towel
put it around our waist
continue his ministry
his work here on earth
as a servant
March 14, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
become the servant,
as the Master did so long ago
washing the discples’ feet
taking off his robe,
humbling himself
bowing low before them,
cleaning the dust, the dirt
setting our example
of holy servanthood
We are to pick up the towel
put it around our waist
continue his ministry
his work here on earth
as a servant
March 14, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Blind to His Presence
They were blind to his presence
though this was Easter day
when he came beside them
on the Emmaus Road
Would we be any different
if he walked with us
on the journey we are on
would we sense his presence
in the stranger beside us
on the road we travel?
March 14, 2008
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
though this was Easter day
when he came beside them
on the Emmaus Road
Would we be any different
if he walked with us
on the journey we are on
would we sense his presence
in the stranger beside us
on the road we travel?
March 14, 2008
Luke 24:13-35
Walk to Emmaus
By Human Hands
Off the road, into the woods
a makeshift lean-to
fallen, dry, peeling bark
a phalanx of dead pine saplings
leaning too uniform
against an unseen beam
seemingly felled by human hands
placed too neatly, too surely
by nature, by randomness
in the thawing woods, March in Maine
too far from the road
too quick a glance to be sure
but it was a little too perfect, too planned
to be anything but by human hands
March 14, 2008
a makeshift lean-to
fallen, dry, peeling bark
a phalanx of dead pine saplings
leaning too uniform
against an unseen beam
seemingly felled by human hands
placed too neatly, too surely
by nature, by randomness
in the thawing woods, March in Maine
too far from the road
too quick a glance to be sure
but it was a little too perfect, too planned
to be anything but by human hands
March 14, 2008
A Lively Faith
Practice a lively faith
part of our lives each day
guided by Christ’s example
being for the world his presence
projecting his servanthood, his love
in all we do, for all to see
March 14, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
part of our lives each day
guided by Christ’s example
being for the world his presence
projecting his servanthood, his love
in all we do, for all to see
March 14, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
His Disciples
We are to be his disciples
not members of the crowd
not even followers alone
disciples on a journey
a journey of growth,
of service, of leadership
Taking up the work he began
being his disciples
in the world
March 14, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
not members of the crowd
not even followers alone
disciples on a journey
a journey of growth,
of service, of leadership
Taking up the work he began
being his disciples
in the world
March 14, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Friday, March 14, 2008
Snow on their Branch
The hawks in the deeper woods,
somewhere else after the storm
the snow new-fallen, heavy
snow on their branch
high up in the tree, set apart
their perch high up by the highway
not available this day
covered in new-fallen snow
We were left wondering, pondering
as we came off the clover-leaf,
Where do they go,
what is their purchase
where do they find food
when snow is on their branch?
March 14, 2008
somewhere else after the storm
the snow new-fallen, heavy
snow on their branch
high up in the tree, set apart
their perch high up by the highway
not available this day
covered in new-fallen snow
We were left wondering, pondering
as we came off the clover-leaf,
Where do they go,
what is their purchase
where do they find food
when snow is on their branch?
March 14, 2008
Thursday, March 13, 2008
By the Flames
By the flames,
the living tongues of fire
the disciples were commissioned,
emboldened, imbued with the Spirit
able to rise and speak, to proclaim
with power, with authority
to be the disciples, not merely the followers
to be shepherd, not only sheep
By the flames they were sent
out into the world, Babel broken
and the world able to hear
the power of His message
by ones sent by the flames
to the ends of the earth
March 13, 2008
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-12
the living tongues of fire
the disciples were commissioned,
emboldened, imbued with the Spirit
able to rise and speak, to proclaim
with power, with authority
to be the disciples, not merely the followers
to be shepherd, not only sheep
By the flames they were sent
out into the world, Babel broken
and the world able to hear
the power of His message
by ones sent by the flames
to the ends of the earth
March 13, 2008
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-12
Words of Faith
In so many ways, so many images, so many places
words of faith cascade, fall upon me,
saturate, drench me, washing over me,
into my spirit, my soul, flowing outward
through my fingers, my pen, the words
You grace me with, to share to the world
of the hope in your love, your gifts
showered, heaped on us in precious moments
moments of joy, of sorrow, of surprise
send me to write, to praise, to proclaim
my joy in that instant, quick, now
Words of faith, of praise, to Your glory
fall on me always
March 13, 2008
words of faith cascade, fall upon me,
saturate, drench me, washing over me,
into my spirit, my soul, flowing outward
through my fingers, my pen, the words
You grace me with, to share to the world
of the hope in your love, your gifts
showered, heaped on us in precious moments
moments of joy, of sorrow, of surprise
send me to write, to praise, to proclaim
my joy in that instant, quick, now
Words of faith, of praise, to Your glory
fall on me always
March 13, 2008
Adam Labors
Adam labors, all humankind labors,
in the field, the vineyard,
the seasons of life,
producing food for the table
all of his days
There is rest, from the labors
at the end of our days
when we join the creator
away from this place
and feast in paradise
March 13, 2008
in the field, the vineyard,
the seasons of life,
producing food for the table
all of his days
There is rest, from the labors
at the end of our days
when we join the creator
away from this place
and feast in paradise
March 13, 2008
Eve Labored
Eve labored, in the birthing
the bringing into the world
the mother bearing her children
progeny to carry on,
on this mortal coil, this plane of existence
She labored, in the birthing
And had rest, for a time at least,
when the baby was born
March 13, 2008
the bringing into the world
the mother bearing her children
progeny to carry on,
on this mortal coil, this plane of existence
She labored, in the birthing
And had rest, for a time at least,
when the baby was born
March 13, 2008
God Labored
God labored, in creation,
in bringing into being
the whole world, the heavens,
the earth, the dome above and below
the waters and the wild places
the mountains, the valleys,
the plants and the animals.
God labored, and it was good
He made the people,
breathing life into the clay
the dust of the earth
and it was very good
And then God rested.
March 13, 2008
in bringing into being
the whole world, the heavens,
the earth, the dome above and below
the waters and the wild places
the mountains, the valleys,
the plants and the animals.
God labored, and it was good
He made the people,
breathing life into the clay
the dust of the earth
and it was very good
And then God rested.
March 13, 2008
A Six Year Old Singing
A happy, loving, six year old
singing for the joy of it
greeting the day, this morning
Not sure who she was singing for,
for me, for the fish in the tank,
for herself; but she sang
happy in the moment
she was sharing with me,
before bathroom, breakfast,
before getting dressed for school
there was the joy this morning
of a six year old singing
March 13, 2008
singing for the joy of it
greeting the day, this morning
Not sure who she was singing for,
for me, for the fish in the tank,
for herself; but she sang
happy in the moment
she was sharing with me,
before bathroom, breakfast,
before getting dressed for school
there was the joy this morning
of a six year old singing
March 13, 2008
Home
Home is a place
but it is also where family is,
where each part of our hearts reside,
far flung around the world.
Part of mine lives far away,
across the sea
parts live in warmer climes,
in fields not so far from here
in places I do not yet know
places I have never been
and part is here with me
even as I write these lines
they are downstairs,
readying themselves for school
another day awakening
March 13, 2008
but it is also where family is,
where each part of our hearts reside,
far flung around the world.
Part of mine lives far away,
across the sea
parts live in warmer climes,
in fields not so far from here
in places I do not yet know
places I have never been
and part is here with me
even as I write these lines
they are downstairs,
readying themselves for school
another day awakening
March 13, 2008
Pieces of Our Hearts
Far flung, around the world
pieces of our hearts
held within the hearts,
the souls, of the ones we love
some oh so near,
others far off, in places
I have not known
wandering the world,
living their lives
but held fast to my heart
by blood, by kinship,
friendship too, an equal bond
part of my heart is there with them too
because they touched my heart
and took a piece of me with them
to those far off places
where I now live
March 13, 2008
pieces of our hearts
held within the hearts,
the souls, of the ones we love
some oh so near,
others far off, in places
I have not known
wandering the world,
living their lives
but held fast to my heart
by blood, by kinship,
friendship too, an equal bond
part of my heart is there with them too
because they touched my heart
and took a piece of me with them
to those far off places
where I now live
March 13, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
His Palms
His palms, his hands
stabbed by the spikes
the nails that held him
fast to the rough-hewn
the wood of the cross
hoisting him high
his iniquity, his shame
heaped on him
Naked and bleeding
air not reaching his lungs
last breath coming fast
deep wounds in his side,
his feet, his hands
opening his arms, his palms
for forgiveness of our sin
taking on our shame
Restore us
to the loving father
March 12, 2008
stabbed by the spikes
the nails that held him
fast to the rough-hewn
the wood of the cross
hoisting him high
his iniquity, his shame
heaped on him
Naked and bleeding
air not reaching his lungs
last breath coming fast
deep wounds in his side,
his feet, his hands
opening his arms, his palms
for forgiveness of our sin
taking on our shame
Restore us
to the loving father
March 12, 2008
In the Breaking of Bread
He was revealed,
the scales shed from their blind eyes
in the breaking of bread
the travelers on the dusty rod
saw Christ in the sharing of the wine
the familiar made holy
his blessing, his prayer
remember me; I am with you
in the breaking of the bread
the drinking of the wine
sharing the cup
true salvation revealed
March 12, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
the scales shed from their blind eyes
in the breaking of bread
the travelers on the dusty rod
saw Christ in the sharing of the wine
the familiar made holy
his blessing, his prayer
remember me; I am with you
in the breaking of the bread
the drinking of the wine
sharing the cup
true salvation revealed
March 12, 2008
Walk to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-35
From their palms to His palms
The same word, the same spelling;
but oh so different meanings
frame the week to come
Their palms, in joy, in triumph,
in praise of His entrance,
a king entering the holy city,
where His ancestors sat on the throne
palms and hosannas greeted him
welcoming him, his entourage, in
His palms, turned by other hands,
opened for the piercing, the sharp cut
the nails driven into His palms
holding him in agony, in death
to the wooden cross, in crucifixion
The same word, the same spelling;
but oh so different meaning,
played out in His Passion
before our praise
come Easter morning.
March 12, 2008
but oh so different meanings
frame the week to come
Their palms, in joy, in triumph,
in praise of His entrance,
a king entering the holy city,
where His ancestors sat on the throne
palms and hosannas greeted him
welcoming him, his entourage, in
His palms, turned by other hands,
opened for the piercing, the sharp cut
the nails driven into His palms
holding him in agony, in death
to the wooden cross, in crucifixion
The same word, the same spelling;
but oh so different meaning,
played out in His Passion
before our praise
come Easter morning.
March 12, 2008
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Shimmering Chartreuse
I can almost imagine
a client's perspective,
their opinion, from fertile imagination
that the sky, the very air thick
a shimmering chartreuse living color
Now what research, analysis, argument
to raise, with a stoic straight face,
every claim, proof, perspective
convince the one who counts
of the color of the sky
The one who wears the robe of black.
March 11, 2008
a client's perspective,
their opinion, from fertile imagination
that the sky, the very air thick
a shimmering chartreuse living color
Now what research, analysis, argument
to raise, with a stoic straight face,
every claim, proof, perspective
convince the one who counts
of the color of the sky
The one who wears the robe of black.
March 11, 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. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 23,920+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You
Live.
Planning for Contingencies
a range of options, possible outcomes
working on that which can be achieved
this is the challenge, the role,
the calling in the gate
to be ready, to argue, to advocate
To fight for right, when you can
fight for their cause, your role
that the sky is cranberry, polka dot
a shimmering chartreuse
and bring precedent and law
to win the day, or the best you can
on that particular day
March 11, 2008
working on that which can be achieved
this is the challenge, the role,
the calling in the gate
to be ready, to argue, to advocate
To fight for right, when you can
fight for their cause, your role
that the sky is cranberry, polka dot
a shimmering chartreuse
and bring precedent and law
to win the day, or the best you can
on that particular day
March 11, 2008
A Holy Wind
A holy wind,
flames from heaven
filling the disciples
with God's holy spirit
living flames, piercing their bodies
their spirits steeled
by the breath of God
A holy wind
imparting power, authority
on the timid followers
able, in an instant,
to speak, to lead, to inspire
share the life of Christ
his gift of grace
with whole world
March 11, 2008, 13:45
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-12
flames from heaven
filling the disciples
with God's holy spirit
living flames, piercing their bodies
their spirits steeled
by the breath of God
A holy wind
imparting power, authority
on the timid followers
able, in an instant,
to speak, to lead, to inspire
share the life of Christ
his gift of grace
with whole world
March 11, 2008, 13:45
Pentecost
Acts 2:1-12
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 30,180+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Monday, March 10, 2008
TORTURE IS A MORAL ISSUE - Override the Veto
Dear Friends:
On Saturday, March 8, President Bush vetoed H.R. 2082, an important piece of anti-torture legislation that would have banned the use of waterboarding, stress positions, induced hypothermia, and other so-called "harsh" interrogation techniques by requiring all U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, to abide by the restrictions in the Army Field Manual while conducting interrogations. H.R. 2082 was passed by a majority of both houses of Congress.
Sometime this week, possibly as soon as tomorrow, the U.S. House will vote on whether or not to override the President's veto. It is very difficult to override a veto (it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress), so the attempt to override may not be successful. That said, we want to make every effort to convince as many Members of Congress as possible to vote for the override.
Please call your Representative in Congress and urge him or her to vote to override the President's veto of H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization bill. To contact your Member of Congress you can call the Capitol switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask to speak with your Representative.
Thank you for your efforts to end U.S.-sponsored torture.
Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President, NRCAT
Richard Killmer, Executive Director, NRCAT
On Saturday, March 8, President Bush vetoed H.R. 2082, an important piece of anti-torture legislation that would have banned the use of waterboarding, stress positions, induced hypothermia, and other so-called "harsh" interrogation techniques by requiring all U.S. intelligence agencies, including the CIA, to abide by the restrictions in the Army Field Manual while conducting interrogations. H.R. 2082 was passed by a majority of both houses of Congress.
Sometime this week, possibly as soon as tomorrow, the U.S. House will vote on whether or not to override the President's veto. It is very difficult to override a veto (it requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Congress), so the attempt to override may not be successful. That said, we want to make every effort to convince as many Members of Congress as possible to vote for the override.
Please call your Representative in Congress and urge him or her to vote to override the President's veto of H.R. 2082, the Intelligence Authorization bill. To contact your Member of Congress you can call the Capitol switchboard at (202)224-3121 and ask to speak with your Representative.
Thank you for your efforts to end U.S.-sponsored torture.
Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President, NRCAT
Richard Killmer, Executive Director, NRCAT
Use Me as I am
Lord, even now,
when I am cracked, chipped
imperfect, use me as I am,
to do your work, here in the world
use my imperfection, my brokenness
in the work of your son, our savior
put me to work in the vineyard, in the fields,
in the dark places of this earth
Help me to be your servant, now
even in my chipped state
may I be a useful vessel,
even now, for your Glory
March 10, 2008
Philippians 1:3-11 and
Upper Room daily devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=10&year=2008&x=107&y=6
when I am cracked, chipped
imperfect, use me as I am,
to do your work, here in the world
use my imperfection, my brokenness
in the work of your son, our savior
put me to work in the vineyard, in the fields,
in the dark places of this earth
Help me to be your servant, now
even in my chipped state
may I be a useful vessel,
even now, for your Glory
March 10, 2008
Philippians 1:3-11 and
Upper Room daily devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=10&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Being Ever New Clay
Mold me, Lord.
Pick me back up,
when I am chipped, cracked,
broken into pieces,
when my glaze fades,
when I am tarnished.
Make me forever new clay,
malleable, moldable,
fresh and new,
ready for your hands,
the hands of the potter
to make me a useful vessel
for your purposes
To mend me, fill the cracked places
repair my brokenness
and bring me back to you
March 10, 2008
Philippians 1:3-11 and
Upper Room daily devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=10&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Pick me back up,
when I am chipped, cracked,
broken into pieces,
when my glaze fades,
when I am tarnished.
Make me forever new clay,
malleable, moldable,
fresh and new,
ready for your hands,
the hands of the potter
to make me a useful vessel
for your purposes
To mend me, fill the cracked places
repair my brokenness
and bring me back to you
March 10, 2008
Philippians 1:3-11 and
Upper Room daily devotional
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=10&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Outstanding!
Like her sisters before her,
an outstanding citizen
of her class, her grade
proud moment, for our little girl
shouting the good news
“Daddy! Daddy!”
“I’m an outstanding citizen!”
Joy beaming through her whole being
cascading across the playground,
the sidewalk, into my heart;
knowing her pride,
her joy at being like her big sisters
an outstanding citizen,
for her month at school
Get batteries for the camera,
another bouquet of flowers,
and plenty of tissues,
for the banquet.
March 9, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008,
Shanequa Lynn Foss,
February’s Outstanding Citizen,
Ms. Barden’s Kindergarten Class,
Beech Street Elementary School,
Manchester, NH
an outstanding citizen
of her class, her grade
proud moment, for our little girl
shouting the good news
“Daddy! Daddy!”
“I’m an outstanding citizen!”
Joy beaming through her whole being
cascading across the playground,
the sidewalk, into my heart;
knowing her pride,
her joy at being like her big sisters
an outstanding citizen,
for her month at school
Get batteries for the camera,
another bouquet of flowers,
and plenty of tissues,
for the banquet.
March 9, 2008
Friday, March 7, 2008,
Shanequa Lynn Foss,
February’s Outstanding Citizen,
Ms. Barden’s Kindergarten Class,
Beech Street Elementary School,
Manchester, NH
Sunday, March 09, 2008
The Emmaus Road
Take me on the road, on the path
the journey; let my heart
burn within me at the closeness
the communion with the Lord
Let me be His disciple,
walking with Him
All the days of my life to come
hearing his story, the fulfillment
the proof of God steadfast love,
the Father’s commitment, His grace
heaped on each of us,
walking the path with our brother,
the Son of God, the one who has
made our way straight,
straight back to relationship with God
March 9, 2008
Luke 24:13-35
the journey; let my heart
burn within me at the closeness
the communion with the Lord
Let me be His disciple,
walking with Him
All the days of my life to come
hearing his story, the fulfillment
the proof of God steadfast love,
the Father’s commitment, His grace
heaped on each of us,
walking the path with our brother,
the Son of God, the one who has
made our way straight,
straight back to relationship with God
March 9, 2008
Luke 24:13-35
For God’s Glory
Doing the will of God,
the work of his ministry,
while his friend was hurting, dying,
coming to him, for God’s glory
to raise him from the grave
to heal more than the body
of the friend of the son
To teach the people
to show his reality
the Messiah among them
Believe and be healed,
rise on the last day;
live forevermore
March 9, 2008
John 11:1-45
the work of his ministry,
while his friend was hurting, dying,
coming to him, for God’s glory
to raise him from the grave
to heal more than the body
of the friend of the son
To teach the people
to show his reality
the Messiah among them
Believe and be healed,
rise on the last day;
live forevermore
March 9, 2008
John 11:1-45
Called from the Four Winds
The breath of life, was called to the valley
by the prophet, the man of God,
to revive the dead, the people of the nation
the covenant people, brought to life anew
by the breath of life, the promise of God
called from the four winds
the well of life, the expended breath
of the fallen saints, used to raise them all
living again, with God within them
within us all, still, to this day
March 9, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
and sermon, “Peculiar Treasure IV: Ezekiel and Prophecy”,
by Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
by the prophet, the man of God,
to revive the dead, the people of the nation
the covenant people, brought to life anew
by the breath of life, the promise of God
called from the four winds
the well of life, the expended breath
of the fallen saints, used to raise them all
living again, with God within them
within us all, still, to this day
March 9, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
and sermon, “Peculiar Treasure IV: Ezekiel and Prophecy”,
by Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Dry Bones
dry bones, how did they get there,
filling the valley floor,
pondering the story, before the story
context and meaning
But it is the reviving,
no matter the cause
that is the hope,
the steadfastness
of God’s love
His power, to raise the dead
to give life
from his breath,
giving life, to dry bones,
to sinew, to skin,
through the breath of life
called from the four winds
March 9, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
and sermon, “Peculiar Treasurs IV: Ezekiel and Prophecy”,
by Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
filling the valley floor,
pondering the story, before the story
context and meaning
But it is the reviving,
no matter the cause
that is the hope,
the steadfastness
of God’s love
His power, to raise the dead
to give life
from his breath,
giving life, to dry bones,
to sinew, to skin,
through the breath of life
called from the four winds
March 9, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
and sermon, “Peculiar Treasurs IV: Ezekiel and Prophecy”,
by Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Saturday, March 08, 2008
Rattling Bones
Dry, bleached bones,
an army dead, dust where they fell
spoken over the prophet, the man of God
a rattling sound, of the bones moving,
coming together into soldiers,
rising with the breath of life more
inside the sinew, the skin, the flesh
of the reborn nation,
the people of the covenant
given life once more,
by the creator,
the faithful servants
dead bones, reanimated
ready to proclaim His glory
March 8, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
an army dead, dust where they fell
spoken over the prophet, the man of God
a rattling sound, of the bones moving,
coming together into soldiers,
rising with the breath of life more
inside the sinew, the skin, the flesh
of the reborn nation,
the people of the covenant
given life once more,
by the creator,
the faithful servants
dead bones, reanimated
ready to proclaim His glory
March 8, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
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 30,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
The Breath in the Wind
It was out of the four winds,
from the ends of the earth,
brought to the valley,
the battlefield of old
The breath of life, scattered,
a part of the wind itself
brought to the valley
by the command of the prophet
doing the will of God
bringing life once more
to the dry bones,
the fallen people
The wind, the breath of life
brought to the valley
a miracle to perform
giving life to the people
once more, by God
March 8, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
from the ends of the earth,
brought to the valley,
the battlefield of old
The breath of life, scattered,
a part of the wind itself
brought to the valley
by the command of the prophet
doing the will of God
bringing life once more
to the dry bones,
the fallen people
The wind, the breath of life
brought to the valley
a miracle to perform
giving life to the people
once more, by God
March 8, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Stop Your Crying
Fear not, Mary;
believe in me, Martha.
Trust that I can raise him,
bring Lazarus from the dead
The belief you had that I could
heal him while he lived;
extend that faith, stretch your hope.
I can raise him from the grave
I will call him and he will come
He will come back to your embrace
Stop your crying,
Your brother lives!
March 8, 2008
John 11:1-45
believe in me, Martha.
Trust that I can raise him,
bring Lazarus from the dead
The belief you had that I could
heal him while he lived;
extend that faith, stretch your hope.
I can raise him from the grave
I will call him and he will come
He will come back to your embrace
Stop your crying,
Your brother lives!
March 8, 2008
John 11:1-45
Rise Up
Rise up, my dear friend
come from the cave, your grave
rise up and come out
Come, back to your family,
your community, come out
Rise up, unwrap his body
he has new life;
raised from the dead
by the Son of Man
the Son of God.
Raised up,
by the call
of the Savior
March 8, 2008
John 11:1-45
come from the cave, your grave
rise up and come out
Come, back to your family,
your community, come out
Rise up, unwrap his body
he has new life;
raised from the dead
by the Son of Man
the Son of God.
Raised up,
by the call
of the Savior
March 8, 2008
John 11:1-45
Feeding in the Stones
The deer, hungry, late winter
finding food at the base,
the little warm, exposed places
at the base of the cemetery stones,
the little lees by the gray granite,
the dark slate, warm
drawing the spring sunlight
Finding life, against starvation
by the stones of the dead
at the edge
the woods beyond
March 8, 2008
Route 202, Antrim, NH
finding food at the base,
the little warm, exposed places
at the base of the cemetery stones,
the little lees by the gray granite,
the dark slate, warm
drawing the spring sunlight
Finding life, against starvation
by the stones of the dead
at the edge
the woods beyond
March 8, 2008
Route 202, Antrim, NH
Email to President Bush today - On his Veto - allowing waterboarding to be used by the CIA
Sent via email to President Bush -
Mr. President -
As fellow United Methodists, we are bound by the Social Principles of our faith. They include the following:We hold governments responsible for the protection of the rights of the people to free and fair elections and to the freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, communications media, and petition for redress of grievances without fear of reprisal; to the right to privacy; and to the guarantee of the rights to adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, and health care. The form and the leaders of all governments should be determined by exercise of the right to vote guaranteed to all adult citizens. We also strongly reject domestic surveillance and intimidation of political opponents by governments in power and all other misuses of elective or appointive offices. The use of detention and imprisonment for the harassment and elimination of political opponents or other dissidents violates fundamental human rights. Furthermore, the mistreatment or torture of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs. The Church regards the institution of slavery as an infamous evil. All forms of enslavement are totally prohibited and shall in no way be tolerated by the Church.
http://www.umc-gbcs.org/site/c.frLJK2PKLqF/b.3713157/k.DE01/182164_The_Political_Community/apps/nl/newsletter.asp
Mr. President, waterboarding is torture. Always. No ends justify our country stooping to these means. No scrap of information is worth losing our moral way as a people. History will judge this generation of leaders by decisions such as this one. I regret your decision to veto legislation that would forbidden the use of waterboarding. I pray that you will reconsider, for the sake of our country and for the legacy we leave future generations.
Sincerely in Christ,
Mr. President -
As fellow United Methodists, we are bound by the Social Principles of our faith. They include the following:We hold governments responsible for the protection of the rights of the people to free and fair elections and to the freedoms of speech, religion, assembly, communications media, and petition for redress of grievances without fear of reprisal; to the right to privacy; and to the guarantee of the rights to adequate food, clothing, shelter, education, and health care. The form and the leaders of all governments should be determined by exercise of the right to vote guaranteed to all adult citizens. We also strongly reject domestic surveillance and intimidation of political opponents by governments in power and all other misuses of elective or appointive offices. The use of detention and imprisonment for the harassment and elimination of political opponents or other dissidents violates fundamental human rights. Furthermore, the mistreatment or torture of persons by governments for any purpose violates Christian teaching and must be condemned and/or opposed by Christians and churches wherever and whenever it occurs. The Church regards the institution of slavery as an infamous evil. All forms of enslavement are totally prohibited and shall in no way be tolerated by the Church.
http://www.umc-gbcs.org/site/c.frLJK2PKLqF/b.3713157/k.DE01/182164_The_Political_Community/apps/nl/newsletter.asp
Mr. President, waterboarding is torture. Always. No ends justify our country stooping to these means. No scrap of information is worth losing our moral way as a people. History will judge this generation of leaders by decisions such as this one. I regret your decision to veto legislation that would forbidden the use of waterboarding. I pray that you will reconsider, for the sake of our country and for the legacy we leave future generations.
Sincerely in Christ,
Becoming an Empty Vessel
Lord, help me,
pour out my past,
my life of this world,
become an empty vessel
Fill me with God,
so I am overflowing,
with his love, his care,
his spirit, taking over my own
Change me, to be your servant
to do your will, oh God
pour out my past,
my life of this world,
become an empty vessel
Fill me with God,
so I am overflowing,
with his love, his care,
his spirit, taking over my own
Change me, to be your servant
to do your will, oh God
March 8, 2008
Becoming an Empty Vessel
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 39,030+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Egg with Your Oxford
Omelet of egg, on the plate
on the fork, into his mouth,
not that last time
and it tasted so good . . .
and, no one was around
to see him break
the five-second rule
But, where was the egg?
Not on the dirty floor,
the plate, even his lap.
Nestled in the folds,
dripping ketchup,
at the bottom,
of the breast pocket,
of his dress oxford.
And the fork found it there
and into his mouth, finally,
Mmmm. Screw the five-second rule;
It was good.
March 7, 2008
a true story,
shared at the Agape Café
http://www.agapecafe.org/
on the fork, into his mouth,
not that last time
and it tasted so good . . .
and, no one was around
to see him break
the five-second rule
But, where was the egg?
Not on the dirty floor,
the plate, even his lap.
Nestled in the folds,
dripping ketchup,
at the bottom,
of the breast pocket,
of his dress oxford.
And the fork found it there
and into his mouth, finally,
Mmmm. Screw the five-second rule;
It was good.
March 7, 2008
a true story,
shared at the Agape Café
http://www.agapecafe.org/
Discovered Signs
An old political sign
like a seedling pushing up
out of newly-tilled earth,
rose anew, crabgrass really
up out of the dirty melting snowpile
in the interchange median
A marker of a dashed dream,
rusted frame still holding its ground
waiting for another reaper
after the melt is complete
A mournful sign of hope
for one who did not win
after the snows of New Hampshire
and there his sign stands still
March 7, 2008
John Edwards sign on the side
of the road, Route 292, Exit 6,
Manchester, NH
like a seedling pushing up
out of newly-tilled earth,
rose anew, crabgrass really
up out of the dirty melting snowpile
in the interchange median
A marker of a dashed dream,
rusted frame still holding its ground
waiting for another reaper
after the melt is complete
A mournful sign of hope
for one who did not win
after the snows of New Hampshire
and there his sign stands still
March 7, 2008
John Edwards sign on the side
of the road, Route 292, Exit 6,
Manchester, NH
A Cigarette Butt
It was the incongruity
the foreign color, out of place
sand camouflage on the Humvee
merging with me, on the city street
rimmed with dirty white
snow piles, days after the storm
He was in the Hummer
in my rearview
Guard fatigues, short, just-cut hair
A butt cupped, awkwardly
in his hand, as if
hiding the glowing tip
from sniper fire
outside the Green Zone
in downtown Baghdad.
I wonder if he knows
what it looks like
to an observer, in the rearview.
Had he lived that life
when a dim cigarette ember
could have cost him his life?
Would he have to go back?
March 7, 2008
Canal Street, Manchester, NH
the foreign color, out of place
sand camouflage on the Humvee
merging with me, on the city street
rimmed with dirty white
snow piles, days after the storm
He was in the Hummer
in my rearview
Guard fatigues, short, just-cut hair
A butt cupped, awkwardly
in his hand, as if
hiding the glowing tip
from sniper fire
outside the Green Zone
in downtown Baghdad.
I wonder if he knows
what it looks like
to an observer, in the rearview.
Had he lived that life
when a dim cigarette ember
could have cost him his life?
Would he have to go back?
March 7, 2008
Canal Street, Manchester, NH
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 30,710+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Friday, March 07, 2008
United Methodists Do Not Torture - Follow up - 3/7/08
Email on 3/7/08
The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society
Your continued support is needed on this critical issue!
Our numbers continue to grow but we still need your help! President Bush may veto the Intelligence Authorization Conference Report. Today we sent a letter to President Bush with all the signatures of our petition.
We would like you to send a letter too. Please continue to forward this email to your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to join this important campaign.
Don't forget to call President Bush at 202-456-1111 and urge him not to veto the Intelligence Authorization Conference Report.
Public Witness Against Torture - March 10th
There will be an important "Public Witness Against Torture" rally at noon on Monday, March 10, at Upper Senate Park (Delaware and Constitution Ave., NE), in D.C.
This will be a spiritually-rooted ceremony and rally that will include brief speeches and powerful music and a call to Congress for action. Following this rally and witness, participants will be encouraged to visit the offices of their senators and representatives to urge an end to torture. Please join us for this important witness!
Torture Awareness Month - June 2008
We encourage you and your congregation to join the National Religious Campaign Against Torture in a public witness against torture by displaying a banner outside your place of worship during Torture Awareness Month (June 2008).
Go to http://www.nrcat.org/ to purchase the banner.
Are you on Facebook? Join our facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6896929945
There is more to do! Go to www.umc-gbcs.org/UMsDoNotTorture to access anti-torture resources.
In Christ,
Bill Mefford
Director of Civil and Human Rights
The General Board of Church and Society
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
The United Methodist General Board of Church and Society
Your continued support is needed on this critical issue!
Our numbers continue to grow but we still need your help! President Bush may veto the Intelligence Authorization Conference Report. Today we sent a letter to President Bush with all the signatures of our petition.
We would like you to send a letter too. Please continue to forward this email to your friends, family and colleagues and encourage them to join this important campaign.
Don't forget to call President Bush at 202-456-1111 and urge him not to veto the Intelligence Authorization Conference Report.
Public Witness Against Torture - March 10th
There will be an important "Public Witness Against Torture" rally at noon on Monday, March 10, at Upper Senate Park (Delaware and Constitution Ave., NE), in D.C.
This will be a spiritually-rooted ceremony and rally that will include brief speeches and powerful music and a call to Congress for action. Following this rally and witness, participants will be encouraged to visit the offices of their senators and representatives to urge an end to torture. Please join us for this important witness!
Torture Awareness Month - June 2008
We encourage you and your congregation to join the National Religious Campaign Against Torture in a public witness against torture by displaying a banner outside your place of worship during Torture Awareness Month (June 2008).
Go to http://www.nrcat.org/ to purchase the banner.
Are you on Facebook? Join our facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=6896929945
There is more to do! Go to www.umc-gbcs.org/UMsDoNotTorture to access anti-torture resources.
In Christ,
Bill Mefford
Director of Civil and Human Rights
The General Board of Church and Society
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
He Went
Abraham, went,
went where God told him to go
even in old age, trusting,
if a bit hesistantly,
not quite believing
but going, he followed
the command of God
and reaped a harvest of heirs
continuing to this day
to the end of the age
for it is his faith
that gives birth to the people,
that made the covenant,
the first covenant
reciprocal, binding,
and we all benefit
because he went,
when he was called
February 17, 2008
Genesis 12:1-9
Genesis 12:1-4a and
sermon, “Peculiar Treasures II: Abraham on the Move”
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 2/17/08
went where God told him to go
even in old age, trusting,
if a bit hesistantly,
not quite believing
but going, he followed
the command of God
and reaped a harvest of heirs
continuing to this day
to the end of the age
for it is his faith
that gives birth to the people,
that made the covenant,
the first covenant
reciprocal, binding,
and we all benefit
because he went,
when he was called
February 17, 2008
Genesis 12:1-9
Genesis 12:1-4a and
sermon, “Peculiar Treasures II: Abraham on the Move”
by the Rev. Peter Hey,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 2/17/08
A Poetic Photograph
Not a photograph, with poetic tones,
that was a bit lyrical, though I have seen them
She gave me a great compliment,
giving power to my words, sharing an image
a photograph with the language used
Giving visual reference, remembrance
memory in my telling of his story
of his devotion, his commitment
to his service to the Lord
His place in the congregation,
in worship, told by his practice
over and over, in the darkened sanctuary
Being ready to share with us
and with our God
March 7, 2008
on a comment to my poem,
In the Hushed Choir Loft
(see http://teachgoodwriting.blogspot.com/2008/03/raymond-foss-new-hampshire-poet.html
that was a bit lyrical, though I have seen them
She gave me a great compliment,
giving power to my words, sharing an image
a photograph with the language used
Giving visual reference, remembrance
memory in my telling of his story
of his devotion, his commitment
to his service to the Lord
His place in the congregation,
in worship, told by his practice
over and over, in the darkened sanctuary
Being ready to share with us
and with our God
March 7, 2008
on a comment to my poem,
In the Hushed Choir Loft
(see http://teachgoodwriting.blogspot.com/2008/03/raymond-foss-new-hampshire-poet.html
Thursday, March 06, 2008
A Loving Servant
My Lord, my savior
a loving servant of the master
the father, the creator
loyal to death, even on the cross
following the will of the father
choosing faithful obedience
the cup of sacrifice
of servanthood,
Loving God more,
than this earthy life
living for him, for his glory
revealed in his piety,
his trials, his prayers,
the suffering he faced,
endured, even in death
he could say “forgive them”
“Forgive them, Father,
for they know not what they do”;
But He knew, he knew exactly
who they were killing,
and he was the sin sacrifice,
not his own sin, but ours
a loving, faithful servant,
doing the master’s will
March 6, 2008
A Branch Falls in the Wintry Wood
A branch, a twig, leafless
falls in the wintry wood
falling onto the snow,
leaving an impression
a mark of its presence
fleeting scar in the melting skin
of the forest floor,
like its ancient ancestor
which left an indelible mark
in the fossilized clay
This time, only
captured in my mind’s eye,
in the image in the camera,
tracks of the other citizens
of the wintry wood
March 6, 2008
falls in the wintry wood
falling onto the snow,
leaving an impression
a mark of its presence
fleeting scar in the melting skin
of the forest floor,
like its ancient ancestor
which left an indelible mark
in the fossilized clay
This time, only
captured in my mind’s eye,
in the image in the camera,
tracks of the other citizens
of the wintry wood
March 6, 2008
Tuesday, March 04, 2008
Four Poems a Day
God has blessed me with a lot of poetry! Thank you, Lord!
For the first time, I have reached the following averages:
4 poems written and posted per day for the last 6 months;
3.1 poems written and posted per day for the last year;
2.5 poems written and posted per day for the last 2 years; and
1.8 poems written and posted per day for the last 3 years
For the first time, I have reached the following averages:
4 poems written and posted per day for the last 6 months;
3.1 poems written and posted per day for the last year;
2.5 poems written and posted per day for the last 2 years; and
1.8 poems written and posted per day for the last 3 years
For His Sisters
For his sisters, for the glory of God,
He was raised from the dead.
To show the authority of the Son,
the power of the Father,
He was raised from the dead.
To prove the truth of the fulfillment,
the identity of the Messiah,
He was raised from the dead
To bring the good news of the kingdom,
to the covenant people, in the miracle,
He was raised from the dead
To make plain the blindness of the leaders,
He was raised from the dead
To bring healing to the nation,
to all people who believe,
He was raised from the dead
March 4, 2008
John 11:1-45
He was raised from the dead.
To show the authority of the Son,
the power of the Father,
He was raised from the dead.
To prove the truth of the fulfillment,
the identity of the Messiah,
He was raised from the dead
To bring the good news of the kingdom,
to the covenant people, in the miracle,
He was raised from the dead
To make plain the blindness of the leaders,
He was raised from the dead
To bring healing to the nation,
to all people who believe,
He was raised from the dead
March 4, 2008
John 11:1-45
Walking Humbly
Without our heads down;
but with our eyes focused on God,
on his favor, on our faithfulness to Him
we walk humbly with our creator
our sustainer, our savior
Our compass, our true North
following the beam of light
the truth of our Lord
His example, His love
Living humbly, without praise
sought for ourselves
without accolade, without song
for our false piety
We seek to live
With one another
But to live in Him
as He is in us
March 4, 2008
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 &
Psalm 130 and
today’s devotionals in Alive Now the Upper Room,
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=4&year=2008,
but with our eyes focused on God,
on his favor, on our faithfulness to Him
we walk humbly with our creator
our sustainer, our savior
Our compass, our true North
following the beam of light
the truth of our Lord
His example, His love
Living humbly, without praise
sought for ourselves
without accolade, without song
for our false piety
We seek to live
With one another
But to live in Him
as He is in us
March 4, 2008
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 &
Psalm 130 and
today’s devotionals in Alive Now the Upper Room,
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=4&year=2008,
Cheerful Piety
Quiet, reverent, cheerful piety
living happily in relationship
in direct connection with God
Praying, fasting, giving, communing
with God, not for show,
for praise, for recognition.
Walking humbly, with God
showing faith to God
Hiding our actions, in private,
For God alone revealed
Waiting on the Lord,
trusting in Him grace
in all we do, for His glory
March 4, 2008
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 &
Psalm 130 and
today’s devotionals in Alive Now the Upper Room,
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=4&year=2008,
living happily in relationship
in direct connection with God
Praying, fasting, giving, communing
with God, not for show,
for praise, for recognition.
Walking humbly, with God
showing faith to God
Hiding our actions, in private,
For God alone revealed
Waiting on the Lord,
trusting in Him grace
in all we do, for His glory
March 4, 2008
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 &
Psalm 130 and
today’s devotionals in Alive Now the Upper Room,
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=4&year=2008,
Waiting for the Lord
I wait, as the psalmist did
for the guidance of the Lord,
for his provision, for his will
to be made known to me
To be guided by his strong hand,
his still small voice
echoing through the world,
meeting me where I sit,
where I stand, to guide my feet
my hands, my voice, my pen
to proclaim his goodness,
his love, to do his justice
to walk humbly with God
March 4, 2008
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 &
Psalm 130 and
today’s devotionals in Alive Now the Upper Room,
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=4&year=2008,
for the guidance of the Lord,
for his provision, for his will
to be made known to me
To be guided by his strong hand,
his still small voice
echoing through the world,
meeting me where I sit,
where I stand, to guide my feet
my hands, my voice, my pen
to proclaim his goodness,
his love, to do his justice
to walk humbly with God
March 4, 2008
Matthew 6:1-6, 16-21 &
Psalm 130 and
today’s devotionals in Alive Now the Upper Room,
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=3&day=4&year=2008,
Words of Love
Words of Love, images of beauty
of your love, your commitment,
your desire for me to know,
to feel your tender love
to see the heart which you share with me
each day, our lives together
Oh, I am yours, forever and always
to the end of time
and the end of the coming age
which has no end.
You are my heart,
my Valentine
March 4, 2008
the words and images
on the page Ruth put by my computer
last night
of your love, your commitment,
your desire for me to know,
to feel your tender love
to see the heart which you share with me
each day, our lives together
Oh, I am yours, forever and always
to the end of time
and the end of the coming age
which has no end.
You are my heart,
my Valentine
March 4, 2008
the words and images
on the page Ruth put by my computer
last night
Posting on Alice Linsley's site
Alice Linsley posted my poem, "In the Hushed Choir Loft", on her site, "Students Publish Here!", at http://teachgoodwriting.blogspot.com/.
She also has the site "Just Genesis", at http://jandyongenesis.blogspot.com/.
She also has the site "Just Genesis", at http://jandyongenesis.blogspot.com/.
His Words - 2
The words, shared, written down
come from God, from the voice
speaking within me, the means
streaming through my fingers
touching the keys of the computer
writing down the words already prepared
for me to share, in this time and place
Words of the Creator, the Sustainer,
the Savior of the world,
me a mere scribe, like the monks
writing down the words of the bible
long before Guttenberg built his press
words already written, transcribed
and sent into the stream, the river
of human thought, perception
Hoping to find fertile soil
on the far away shore
March 4, 2008
come from God, from the voice
speaking within me, the means
streaming through my fingers
touching the keys of the computer
writing down the words already prepared
for me to share, in this time and place
Words of the Creator, the Sustainer,
the Savior of the world,
me a mere scribe, like the monks
writing down the words of the bible
long before Guttenberg built his press
words already written, transcribed
and sent into the stream, the river
of human thought, perception
Hoping to find fertile soil
on the far away shore
March 4, 2008
With Authority (posted 2/25/06 - with note added)
The message is unknown; unimportant
He spoke with authority.
Now that was the thing
The real message in the Word
why the story is recorded
left for us to ponder
and to cherish
He, though untrained, unschooled,
spoke with power, with authority
not like the elite
who spoke the cold words,
of their law, the unflinching rules
He came to teach
a new message
the true meaning, the spirit
discerning the heart of God
hidden in the words on the page
Speaking with power,
with authority, with wisdom
for those who will listen
to his words of parable,
of fulfillment, of love.
2/13/06 13:42
Mark 1:21-22
On 3/3/08 I received an email which asked,
“Hi, just wondering what is your meaning
behind 'With Authority' thanks”
Part of me wanted to say, “I have no idea; these are the words
God gave me to write.”
I responded,
“I wrote this one in a burst of activity 2 years ago, on Monday 2/13/06.
On the same day I wrote:
- With Authority
- Jesus' Eyes
- His Image
- The Rock
- Dipped Candles
- Carolina Summer
If I recall correctly, the poems The Rock, With Authority,
Jesus' Eyes, and His Image were all inspired by a sermon
by Pastor Lori Eldredge on February 12, 2006.
I liked some of the language she included. I think that is
where they came from. I think, if I remember right,
she was saying that part of the power in the Mark 1:21-22
scripture was that we didn't know what Jesus looked like,
or what exactly he said. What we know is that he must
have had something, that inexplicable quality of charisma,
something in his eyes, in the way he spoke, in the way he got
others to follow him, proving he was who we believe him to be.
He spoke with authority, with power because he didn't just learn
the scripture, the true commandments of God from the sacred scrolls.
He learned it from God; He is God made human here on earth.
He wasn't like the scribes or Pharisees who had spent a lifetime
in the Temple. He was a carpenter's son; but He spoke with authority.
There was power in his words, in the way he presented them,
that made all the difference. It wasn't merely opinion either.
Somehow, he spoke from God.”
He spoke with authority.
Now that was the thing
The real message in the Word
why the story is recorded
left for us to ponder
and to cherish
He, though untrained, unschooled,
spoke with power, with authority
not like the elite
who spoke the cold words,
of their law, the unflinching rules
He came to teach
a new message
the true meaning, the spirit
discerning the heart of God
hidden in the words on the page
Speaking with power,
with authority, with wisdom
for those who will listen
to his words of parable,
of fulfillment, of love.
2/13/06 13:42
Mark 1:21-22
On 3/3/08 I received an email which asked,
“Hi, just wondering what is your meaning
behind 'With Authority' thanks”
Part of me wanted to say, “I have no idea; these are the words
God gave me to write.”
I responded,
“I wrote this one in a burst of activity 2 years ago, on Monday 2/13/06.
On the same day I wrote:
- With Authority
- Jesus' Eyes
- His Image
- The Rock
- Dipped Candles
- Carolina Summer
If I recall correctly, the poems The Rock, With Authority,
Jesus' Eyes, and His Image were all inspired by a sermon
by Pastor Lori Eldredge on February 12, 2006.
I liked some of the language she included. I think that is
where they came from. I think, if I remember right,
she was saying that part of the power in the Mark 1:21-22
scripture was that we didn't know what Jesus looked like,
or what exactly he said. What we know is that he must
have had something, that inexplicable quality of charisma,
something in his eyes, in the way he spoke, in the way he got
others to follow him, proving he was who we believe him to be.
He spoke with authority, with power because he didn't just learn
the scripture, the true commandments of God from the sacred scrolls.
He learned it from God; He is God made human here on earth.
He wasn't like the scribes or Pharisees who had spent a lifetime
in the Temple. He was a carpenter's son; but He spoke with authority.
There was power in his words, in the way he presented them,
that made all the difference. It wasn't merely opinion either.
Somehow, he spoke from God.”
Monday, March 03, 2008
Wind in the Bones
Not merely a breath,
the breath of life
whispered into the bones.
No, the wind, from the ends of the earth
called, commanded to the valley
to breath life into the dry bones
the winds of the dead, the exhaled
breath of life, reinvigorating,
awakening the nation
called to life by God,
through the prophet,
given life by the four winds
March 3, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
the breath of life
whispered into the bones.
No, the wind, from the ends of the earth
called, commanded to the valley
to breath life into the dry bones
the winds of the dead, the exhaled
breath of life, reinvigorating,
awakening the nation
called to life by God,
through the prophet,
given life by the four winds
March 3, 2008
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Sunday, March 02, 2008
Children of the Light
Be holy, pious
follow the path
walked by the Savior,
not out of obligation, out of duty
Walk the narrow way,
in the bright daylight
out of joy,
the revelation of God's love
through the Son,
our Savior
who walked the earth
and gave himself
for all of us
March 2, 2008
Ephesians 5:8-14
Ephesians 5:8 (on the bulletin cover)
and Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
follow the path
walked by the Savior,
not out of obligation, out of duty
Walk the narrow way,
in the bright daylight
out of joy,
the revelation of God's love
through the Son,
our Savior
who walked the earth
and gave himself
for all of us
March 2, 2008
Ephesians 5:8-14
Ephesians 5:8 (on the bulletin cover)
and Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
The Shepherd, a Lamb
As the first will be the last
so too, the great Shepherd
is the lamb, responding to
the Father's call
a sacrifice, the sin sacrifice
of the one without sin
Cleansing us
whiter than white
Following the Father,
guided by His care,
His strength,
His love.
March 2, 2008
Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
so too, the great Shepherd
is the lamb, responding to
the Father's call
a sacrifice, the sin sacrifice
of the one without sin
Cleansing us
whiter than white
Following the Father,
guided by His care,
His strength,
His love.
March 2, 2008
Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
Praying the Psalm
His song, so special,
so right, so rich
We pray the Psalm,
murmuring the words of love,
of assurance, of quiet
we hold dear
in word pictures
a cascade of thoughts,
of holy belief
in the love of the Shepherd
for each of His sheep
so right, so rich
We pray the Psalm,
murmuring the words of love,
of assurance, of quiet
we hold dear
in word pictures
a cascade of thoughts,
of holy belief
in the love of the Shepherd
for each of His sheep
edited January 29, 2015
Praying the Psalm – v3
(merging edits to original and version 2)
edited March 24, 2014
Praying the Psalm – v2
Psalm 22:1
Psalm 22
prayed by Christ on the cross
&
March 2, 2008
Praying the Psalm
Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
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 35,550+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Watched by the Shepherd
We are watched by the Shepherd
as we wander, as we walk,
travel the journey
of our lives
in shadow,
and in light
Guided by His hand
comforted, protected,
stilled by God
Under His holy care.
March 2, 2008
Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
as we wander, as we walk,
travel the journey
of our lives
in shadow,
and in light
Guided by His hand
comforted, protected,
stilled by God
Under His holy care.
March 2, 2008
Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
A More Perfect Sacrifice
A willing, a more perfect sacrifice
the lamb of God, sacrificed on the mountain
the new Isaac, the firstborn son,
sacrificed for the covenant,
the new covenant of blood
bringing us home, righting the schism
closing the distance to God
The new Adam, choosing a better way,
a humbling before God, a more perfect sacrifice
a high priest, able, with the one sacrifice
to seal the breach, for all time
a holy priest, the shepherd,
lamb of God, come to save us
to bring us back to God
March 2, 2008
Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
the lamb of God, sacrificed on the mountain
the new Isaac, the firstborn son,
sacrificed for the covenant,
the new covenant of blood
bringing us home, righting the schism
closing the distance to God
The new Adam, choosing a better way,
a humbling before God, a more perfect sacrifice
a high priest, able, with the one sacrifice
to seal the breach, for all time
a holy priest, the shepherd,
lamb of God, come to save us
to bring us back to God
March 2, 2008
Psalm 23 and the sermon,
“Of Shepherds and Sheep”,
by Rev. Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH, 3/2/08
Saturday, March 01, 2008
Tears of the Savior
For his friend,
he wept
for the sisters, unable to believe in full
he wept
for the community
who did not see who he was
he wept
for the leaders beholden to the law
he wept
for this mortal coil,
he wept
But for us, he healed,
he taught, he lived,
he died
and he rose again
And for that,
we weep, tears of shame,
tears of joy
March 1, 2008
John 11:1-45
he wept
for the sisters, unable to believe in full
he wept
for the community
who did not see who he was
he wept
for the leaders beholden to the law
he wept
for this mortal coil,
he wept
But for us, he healed,
he taught, he lived,
he died
and he rose again
And for that,
we weep, tears of shame,
tears of joy
March 1, 2008
John 11:1-45
Gaining Sight
Born blind,
he gained sight
by the healing of the Master
the Messiah, by His hand;
but he gained his vision,
by the Lord’s words,
his truth, in overcoming
the law, the rigidness
the absolutes
separating people
one from the other
Offering saving,
real healing
in Him
March 1, 2008
John 9:1-41
he gained sight
by the healing of the Master
the Messiah, by His hand;
but he gained his vision,
by the Lord’s words,
his truth, in overcoming
the law, the rigidness
the absolutes
separating people
one from the other
Offering saving,
real healing
in Him
March 1, 2008
John 9:1-41
Becoming Blind
In a reversal of fortune
a transformation of the world, of order
the changing of circumstances
where the blind find sight
and those who see
becoming blind
to the truth, the reality
of the Christ
there beside them
bringing healing
to the world
They were blind
to the deeper meanings
the love of God,
outside the laws
written by man
March 1, 2008
John 9:1-41
a transformation of the world, of order
the changing of circumstances
where the blind find sight
and those who see
becoming blind
to the truth, the reality
of the Christ
there beside them
bringing healing
to the world
They were blind
to the deeper meanings
the love of God,
outside the laws
written by man
March 1, 2008
John 9:1-41
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