sitting alone, in the back of the sanctuary
pines the rafters, blue sky the ceiling
more beautiful than the Sistine Chapel
the chapel on the island in the woods
wild blueberries as I walked the path there
a birch cross, a baptismal fount in living rock
a stone pulpit, wooden pews, solemnity, casualness
intermixed feelings, serene, quiet,
pine needles the floorboards
an empty chapel on a summer Saturday
July 26, 2008
Chocorua Island Chapel,
Church Island, Squam Lake,
Holderness, NH
http://www.churchisland.org/
Saturday, July 26, 2008
On the Water
The spray of the water
splashing in the air
crossing the wake, the wave
other boats on the water
Sitting in the sun, open air
remembering so many moments
when I was on the water, alone
me and my canoe, lingering
lounging in the water, drifting,
floating, shifting with wind,
with waves of wind, of tides,
other boats in a hurry
not me, and my time
on the water again
basking in the moment,
glory of the day
July 26, 2008
splashing in the air
crossing the wake, the wave
other boats on the water
Sitting in the sun, open air
remembering so many moments
when I was on the water, alone
me and my canoe, lingering
lounging in the water, drifting,
floating, shifting with wind,
with waves of wind, of tides,
other boats in a hurry
not me, and my time
on the water again
basking in the moment,
glory of the day
July 26, 2008
Friday, July 25, 2008
Heavenly Perspective
The words, these holy, hope-filled words
so hard to internalize, to really fathom
a heavenly perspective on human life
letting go of all, no matter the struggle,
understanding the significance, the faith
in the rest of the story, what happens beyond
at the end of the age, afterwards
that what happens here, in a real sense
doesn’t matter when the story is told
a different ending, a happy ending
if God is for us, who can be against us
Not that there won’t be, for there will;
but who are they, when compared, contrasted
with the creator, the sustainer, the savior
a heavenly perspective, hard to do;
but even a glimpse brings joy
July 25, 2008
Romans 8:26-39
and Upper Room Disciplines 2008
for July 24 and July 25, 2008
so hard to internalize, to really fathom
a heavenly perspective on human life
letting go of all, no matter the struggle,
understanding the significance, the faith
in the rest of the story, what happens beyond
at the end of the age, afterwards
that what happens here, in a real sense
doesn’t matter when the story is told
a different ending, a happy ending
if God is for us, who can be against us
Not that there won’t be, for there will;
but who are they, when compared, contrasted
with the creator, the sustainer, the savior
a heavenly perspective, hard to do;
but even a glimpse brings joy
July 25, 2008
Romans 8:26-39
and Upper Room Disciplines 2008
for July 24 and July 25, 2008
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tell Me Your Story
Beyond the legal jargon, the him versus her,
the pleadings, the causes, the arguments
there is the story, the reality of their lives
ups and downs, pains and hurts,
weakness and struggles
joys and sorrows
Tell me your story, I long to say
to gain an understanding, to really hear
the way through the thicket
the chaos of life, justice,
if it was so easy
would they need me
if it was fair
the result foretold
So, tell me your story
all chapters and verse
I am here to listen
I care about you
July 24, 2008
the pleadings, the causes, the arguments
there is the story, the reality of their lives
ups and downs, pains and hurts,
weakness and struggles
joys and sorrows
Tell me your story, I long to say
to gain an understanding, to really hear
the way through the thicket
the chaos of life, justice,
if it was so easy
would they need me
if it was fair
the result foretold
So, tell me your story
all chapters and verse
I am here to listen
I care about you
July 24, 2008
Drinking from the Deep Well
Drinking from the deep well
the living water of your story
words of scripture, the story of God
how he loves us eternally,
before there was, he was
creating us from nothingness
from dust, from clay
we are his and his alone
breath from his breath
in his image
the people, his people, by faith called
by faith justified, never earned
faith alone is enough
we are worthy, called to relationship
sacrificing for us, reconciled evermore
over and over we fail,
He pulls us up, arms open when we run
to him we find refuge, strength, love
In him our salvation, union with our God
Drink the deep cool living water
call on him and he will answer
July 24, 2008
the living water of your story
words of scripture, the story of God
how he loves us eternally,
before there was, he was
creating us from nothingness
from dust, from clay
we are his and his alone
breath from his breath
in his image
the people, his people, by faith called
by faith justified, never earned
faith alone is enough
we are worthy, called to relationship
sacrificing for us, reconciled evermore
over and over we fail,
He pulls us up, arms open when we run
to him we find refuge, strength, love
In him our salvation, union with our God
Drink the deep cool living water
call on him and he will answer
July 24, 2008
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Being Fed
Falling into your word,
the living waters of scripture
being fed with the law, the precepts,
the stories of your people,
straying but you are always there
lifting them up, lifting me up now
in the wilderness, in the desert
challenging times, time of pruning
time of plenty, moments of trial
of transition, opening up new callings
new ways to serve; being fed, in your word
poured into me, into my spirit,
ready to share, to pour out
as your spirit leads me
July 23, 2008
the living waters of scripture
being fed with the law, the precepts,
the stories of your people,
straying but you are always there
lifting them up, lifting me up now
in the wilderness, in the desert
challenging times, time of pruning
time of plenty, moments of trial
of transition, opening up new callings
new ways to serve; being fed, in your word
poured into me, into my spirit,
ready to share, to pour out
as your spirit leads me
July 23, 2008
Out in our Garden
Smell of rich soil,
wet from the drenching rains,
weeds yield to my gentle tug
beds of shimmering color,
the droplets refracting, reflecting
radiating warmth, richer hues
buzzing of the bees,
stop to watch the yellow swallowtail
hovering over the blooms,
the bright cosmos, the yellow marigolds,
the stately Black-eyed Susan,
mud under my nails, green stain
on my finger, a hint on my shorts
a smile on my face, under the thin sweat
out in our garden, the girls in the yard
laughing in the summer sun
July 23, 2008
wet from the drenching rains,
weeds yield to my gentle tug
beds of shimmering color,
the droplets refracting, reflecting
radiating warmth, richer hues
buzzing of the bees,
stop to watch the yellow swallowtail
hovering over the blooms,
the bright cosmos, the yellow marigolds,
the stately Black-eyed Susan,
mud under my nails, green stain
on my finger, a hint on my shorts
a smile on my face, under the thin sweat
out in our garden, the girls in the yard
laughing in the summer sun
July 23, 2008
Weeding in our Garden
Finding the tares, the weeds
the grasses, the ragweed,
milkweed and plantain, growing, thriving
in the lilies, the beds, the wild mustard plants
all growing in the rich soil, growing in the sun
weeding in our garden, pulling the dead,
letting the light in, culling the weeds,
the roots, the dead leaves, those choking out
But seeing the clematis vines, the milkweed
home for monarchs, the yellow of the goldenrod
all part of the garden, the wild, untamed
the rocks too, all growing among tomatoes,
the cosmos, the lilacs, the maples,
a living wild, garden,
finding balance and color
a garden taking shape
a purpose coming into focus
slowly, carefully, prayerfully
July 23, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9, the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, June 22, 2008,
and the combined sermons of
Reverend Huntley Halvorson and Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
7/6, 7/13, and 7/20/08
the grasses, the ragweed,
milkweed and plantain, growing, thriving
in the lilies, the beds, the wild mustard plants
all growing in the rich soil, growing in the sun
weeding in our garden, pulling the dead,
letting the light in, culling the weeds,
the roots, the dead leaves, those choking out
But seeing the clematis vines, the milkweed
home for monarchs, the yellow of the goldenrod
all part of the garden, the wild, untamed
the rocks too, all growing among tomatoes,
the cosmos, the lilacs, the maples,
a living wild, garden,
finding balance and color
a garden taking shape
a purpose coming into focus
slowly, carefully, prayerfully
July 23, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9, the combined message,
“Transition”, by
Reverend Yoo Cha Yi,
Pastor Ruth Foss, Mary Ann Cioffi,
and Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, June 22, 2008,
and the combined sermons of
Reverend Huntley Halvorson and Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
7/6, 7/13, and 7/20/08
Holy Failures
Over and over in the holy word,
holy failures, people failing in human eyes,
became leaders, prophets, kings, saving, guiding,
bringing people to God, used by the creator, the savior,
to be the vessels, the hands, the feet of God, sharing
his grace with the world, his lessons to share, his love to show
over and over, they were called, and they answered, even reluctantly,
Here I am Lord. May we be as bold, even in our doubts;
to be the vessels of God’s love, a libation of hope
to the ends of the earth, to the end of the age
July 23, 2008
Sermon, “Murphy was Wrong”, by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH 7/20/08
holy failures, people failing in human eyes,
became leaders, prophets, kings, saving, guiding,
bringing people to God, used by the creator, the savior,
to be the vessels, the hands, the feet of God, sharing
his grace with the world, his lessons to share, his love to show
over and over, they were called, and they answered, even reluctantly,
Here I am Lord. May we be as bold, even in our doubts;
to be the vessels of God’s love, a libation of hope
to the ends of the earth, to the end of the age
July 23, 2008
Sermon, “Murphy was Wrong”, by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH 7/20/08
Our Journey Together
a new moment in our lives,
together we are centered, waiting, listening
for the will of God, the still small voice
speaking from the silence, from the stillness
searching for our mission, our call
as a people, as a congregation
Flawed servants, able, only with God’s hand
to minister, to share grace, to bring hope
Their message clear, we, together
must be ready, must be attentive,
our oil full, our lamps lit, our hearts open
our hands prepared, to serve
July 23, 2008
Sermons of Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH 7/6, 7/13, and 7/20/08
together we are centered, waiting, listening
for the will of God, the still small voice
speaking from the silence, from the stillness
searching for our mission, our call
as a people, as a congregation
Flawed servants, able, only with God’s hand
to minister, to share grace, to bring hope
Their message clear, we, together
must be ready, must be attentive,
our oil full, our lamps lit, our hearts open
our hands prepared, to serve
July 23, 2008
Sermons of Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH 7/6, 7/13, and 7/20/08
A Shared Journey
They each evoked, spoke of, shared
a sense of a shared journey,
we all are on together
finding our way anew,
with one another
discerning, listening,
being guided by an unseen hand
a call to ministry once more
transition continuing, evolving
in this shared journey of faith
believing we can, with the help of God
never alone, never on our own
being the hands, the feet, the voice of God,
the face of Christ to the world
July 23, 2008
Sermons of Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH 7/6, 7/13, and 7/20/08
a sense of a shared journey,
we all are on together
finding our way anew,
with one another
discerning, listening,
being guided by an unseen hand
a call to ministry once more
transition continuing, evolving
in this shared journey of faith
believing we can, with the help of God
never alone, never on our own
being the hands, the feet, the voice of God,
the face of Christ to the world
July 23, 2008
Sermons of Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
and Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH 7/6, 7/13, and 7/20/08
Bitter Water made Sweet
With a tree, a branch, some wood
cast, at the command of God,
bitter water made sweet,
complaints silenced
Heavenly provision
(and that was the point),
the people found their thirst quenched
their needs met; before the manna, the quails,
bitter water was made sweet
in the desert, the wilderness
God provided, God provides still
Trust in the Lord, always
July 23, 2008
Exodus 15:23
cast, at the command of God,
bitter water made sweet,
complaints silenced
Heavenly provision
(and that was the point),
the people found their thirst quenched
their needs met; before the manna, the quails,
bitter water was made sweet
in the desert, the wilderness
God provided, God provides still
Trust in the Lord, always
July 23, 2008
Exodus 15:23
Bitter Waters
A restless people, days into their wilderness journey
already finding fault, bickering, forgetting their saving
bitter waters, in their desert times, in the land
setting out they found bitter waters
sweetened by a piece of wood, a tree
an instrument of God’s will
So are we, restless, longing
wandering, following another shepherd
looking for the promised land, finding bitter waters
sweetened too by the hand of God, his saving grace for us
we seek that far off land, impatient, impulsive, wanting now
Like them, we should trust, in the God of creation, for salvation
July 23, 2008
Exodus 15:23
already finding fault, bickering, forgetting their saving
bitter waters, in their desert times, in the land
setting out they found bitter waters
sweetened by a piece of wood, a tree
an instrument of God’s will
So are we, restless, longing
wandering, following another shepherd
looking for the promised land, finding bitter waters
sweetened too by the hand of God, his saving grace for us
we seek that far off land, impatient, impulsive, wanting now
Like them, we should trust, in the God of creation, for salvation
July 23, 2008
Exodus 15:23
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Grace is a Gift
Grace is a gift, a gift of God;
not earned, never earned; a gift
offered to all, not a word,
an experience, something lived
proof in the living of our lives
But grace isn’t a gift for us,
not an end point
Grace is not for us, for others
for others through us, spreading outward
from our hands, our voices, being God’s grace
sharing the creator’s love
being grace, the love of God
a gift to the nations,
a blessing to the world
July 20, 2008
Romans 5:1-5 and
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
not earned, never earned; a gift
offered to all, not a word,
an experience, something lived
proof in the living of our lives
But grace isn’t a gift for us,
not an end point
Grace is not for us, for others
for others through us, spreading outward
from our hands, our voices, being God’s grace
sharing the creator’s love
being grace, the love of God
a gift to the nations,
a blessing to the world
July 20, 2008
Romans 5:1-5 and
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Grace is Given
Grace is given, by the savior, the creator,
by faith alone, a free gift, no payment, never earned
a wondrous gift for all, all willing to serve,
to be God’s instrument, to help others
Grace is for all of us, able to call on God
willing to admit the need of saving grace
not able, ourselves, to help ourselves
Needing the grace of God, that moment
we are given just that, beyond measure
a gift of the creator, love without end
Seek and ye shall find, ask and it will be given
July 20, 2008
Romans 5:1-5 and
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
by faith alone, a free gift, no payment, never earned
a wondrous gift for all, all willing to serve,
to be God’s instrument, to help others
Grace is for all of us, able to call on God
willing to admit the need of saving grace
not able, ourselves, to help ourselves
Needing the grace of God, that moment
we are given just that, beyond measure
a gift of the creator, love without end
Seek and ye shall find, ask and it will be given
July 20, 2008
Romans 5:1-5 and
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Ben was mistaken
In a land of thinkers, of revolutionaries
breaking free of an empire, needing their wits
their guile, to hide behind trees, rocks,
rather than being in the open
The concept might have made sense -
“God helps those who help themselves”;
but Ben was wrong; he missed the point
We are as Adam, as Lot, as David, as Paul
doing that which we hate, living of the world
dying in sin; rising by faith, by grace alone
By grace we are given hope,
our works pale in comparison
Clay only on the potter’s wheel
by His hands alone worthy vessels
By grace we give grace to others
breaking free of an empire, needing their wits
their guile, to hide behind trees, rocks,
rather than being in the open
The concept might have made sense -
“God helps those who help themselves”;
but Ben was wrong; he missed the point
We are as Adam, as Lot, as David, as Paul
doing that which we hate, living of the world
dying in sin; rising by faith, by grace alone
By grace we are given hope,
our works pale in comparison
Clay only on the potter’s wheel
by His hands alone worthy vessels
By grace we give grace to others
July 20, 2008
Ben was mistaken
Romans 5:1-5
and Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will
go wrong”
&
“God helps those who help themselves”,
by Ben Franklin (not the Bible)
Poor Richard's Almanac in 1757
&
other information on the source this quote:
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 30,820+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Grace through Us
Grace is an experience
imparted through us, recognized
all around, in the sunset,
in a loving touch, in the rain,
the flowers blooming,
the children growing
grace abounds, experienced
not a word, a reality
a freely given gift
of the creator, of the father
the son, the spirit
lived out through us
children too, by faith
vessels of God’s grace
like Abraham, by faith, a blessing
July 20, 2008
Romans 5:1-5 and
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
imparted through us, recognized
all around, in the sunset,
in a loving touch, in the rain,
the flowers blooming,
the children growing
grace abounds, experienced
not a word, a reality
a freely given gift
of the creator, of the father
the son, the spirit
lived out through us
children too, by faith
vessels of God’s grace
like Abraham, by faith, a blessing
July 20, 2008
Romans 5:1-5 and
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Grace is for Others
Through faith is grace given;
but not as an end, a thing given for us
Grace is for others, we merely agents,
vessels, pouring out God’s love
being God’s grace, by faith
poured into us, by the spirit
shared in the world
Grace given, shared with us,
when we accept, when we are ready,
instruments of His grace
for others
July 20, 2008
Romans 5:1-5 and
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
but not as an end, a thing given for us
Grace is for others, we merely agents,
vessels, pouring out God’s love
being God’s grace, by faith
poured into us, by the spirit
shared in the world
Grace given, shared with us,
when we accept, when we are ready,
instruments of His grace
for others
July 20, 2008
Romans 5:1-5 and
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
If Murphy was right
Oh if Murphy had been right,
the story would have ended
oh so differently
He was right, the world was right
on Good Friday, the doubters,
the scoffers, the power elite,
He wasn’t so different,
the world ordered as they saw it
they were in control
He wasn’t the one
The one hanging
on the cross
The savior who wasn’t
the imposter, the heretic
the false claim to the divine
All would be lost
if Murphy was right
July 20, 2008
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the story would have ended
oh so differently
He was right, the world was right
on Good Friday, the doubters,
the scoffers, the power elite,
He wasn’t so different,
the world ordered as they saw it
they were in control
He wasn’t the one
The one hanging
on the cross
The savior who wasn’t
the imposter, the heretic
the false claim to the divine
All would be lost
if Murphy was right
July 20, 2008
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
But Murphy was Wrong
I am happy to report,
that Murphy was Wrong
and Easter came, the prophets
all fulfilled, Jesus, the son of God
rose from the grave
and the grace of God,
heaped on us, all, without ending
Rising he vanquished doubt
proved the scribe, the Pharisees,
the Sadducees wrong.
Murphy was wrong; wrong will not triumph,
right was victorious that day
Grace wiped away the death of sin
We live saved, because He rose
Good Friday came;
But Murphy was wrong
Because there was Easter ‘morn
July 20, 2008
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
that Murphy was Wrong
and Easter came, the prophets
all fulfilled, Jesus, the son of God
rose from the grave
and the grace of God,
heaped on us, all, without ending
Rising he vanquished doubt
proved the scribe, the Pharisees,
the Sadducees wrong.
Murphy was wrong; wrong will not triumph,
right was victorious that day
Grace wiped away the death of sin
We live saved, because He rose
Good Friday came;
But Murphy was wrong
Because there was Easter ‘morn
July 20, 2008
Sermon by Rev. Huntley Halvorson,
“Murphy Was Wrong”,
Murphy’s Law - “Whatever can go wrong, will go wrong”
Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
The Shining City – v3
I saw a glimpse today
of that shining city on the hill,
a city with the streets of gold
high on the horizon on the mountainside
sun a flaming ball perched there
with tongues of orange and yellow,
rich crimsons and purples on distant hills,
living clouds
as sunset filled
my peripheral view
Seared into my memory
of the beauty of moving color
fleeting scene
before it fell behind those distant hills
melting into darkening sky
December 11, 2006 21:55
edited July 20, 2008, based on comments
from Chrissy Siggee, on faithwriters.com
received on 7/18.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
of that shining city on the hill,
a city with the streets of gold
high on the horizon on the mountainside
sun a flaming ball perched there
with tongues of orange and yellow,
rich crimsons and purples on distant hills,
living clouds
as sunset filled
my peripheral view
Seared into my memory
of the beauty of moving color
fleeting scene
before it fell behind those distant hills
melting into darkening sky
December 11, 2006 21:55
edited July 20, 2008, based on comments
from Chrissy Siggee, on faithwriters.com
received on 7/18.
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,730+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Walk This Way - Sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, July 13, 2008
This week I have been thinking a lot about the sermon Huntley gave us last week. He talked about the transition of the Gospel from Jesus to the apostles before He ascended into heaven and how they waited and prayed. They had faith in Jesus and went blindly and did what He told them to do. They went, waited, listened and prayed. They did this together with other disciples, waiting to hear a Word from God. Well…this got me thinking. What exactly was it they were doing…what were their actions saying about their lives and what does it say about our lives as disciples today?
I want to show you something…this is a walking stick that Ray and the girls made for me when I was in undergrad. I took a hiking class because I had to take a physed course and they thought that mom needed a walking stick. (My question is did they think I was unfit or too old to take the class.) Inscribed on it is one of my favorite pieces of scripture that I have learned (and am still learning) to live by. It’s from 2 Corinthians 5:7…”We walk by faith, not by sight.” The apostles and disciples acted on faith, not by sight. They prayed and waited for something that was unseen because of their faith in Jesus. This is what their actions are telling me…they walked by faith and not by sight. In doing so they were given the wonderful gift if the Spirit that guided them and enabled them to carry on the work of Christ. This same spirit is given to you and me so that we may carry on the work of Christ in our church…in our community…and beyond.
We walk by faith, not by sight…There are many stories of faith in the bible. You have the woman that was healed by faith just by touching Jesus’ garment as He walked by in Mark 5:25. There was the centurion’s servant that was healed by the centurion’s faith in Jesus in Mathew 8:8. He believed that the servant would be healed if Jesus would just speak the word. But I think my most favorite of the faith stories in the bible is the one where Peter walks on water. The story is found in Matthew 14:25-33. This is a story that I take to heart because it reminds me in so many ways of my life. Picture with me for a moment…Jesus has just fed over five thousand people (that alone would boggle the mind) and now tells you to get into the boat and row over to the other side while He dismisses the crowd that was just fed. So…your rowing…rowing…you may be thinking about how Jesus was going to get to the other side since you left Him there on the shore…and all of the sudden you see this thing that looks like a ghost coming at you on the water. (Now I don’t know about you but I would have been pretty scared if I saw that) But then you hear something what sounds like the Lords voice saying “It’s ok…don’t be sacred…it’s me…Jesus.” Now still being a little unsure…Peter…the Rock…say’s, “If it’s you then tell me to walk on the water out to you”. Well of course Jesus says to him “come.”
Well…Peter acts on faith and “steps out of the boat” (I like that saying...you may hear me say it a lot) and starts to walk on the water to Jesus. Peter was walking by faith not by sight. But…something happened as Peter was walking on that water…he started to look around and see the wind, and I am sure that the water must have been a little rough on the water…it usually is in that region, and he began to walk by sight and not by faith…Peter started to sink and yelled, “save me Lord…I’m sinking fast!”
Now what happens next is what gives me hope in my life…the Lord reaches down…and catches Peter. Peter is now safe and sound with the Lord…his view…his focus…is back with the Lord not on the turbulent water around him. You see…Peter didn’t walk on the water just once that day…he did it twice…once out to the Lord and again with the Lord back into the boat. I know that when my eyes lose focus on the Lord and what He has for me to do…I feel lost…like I’m sinking fast. But just as I feel I am going down for the count…something happens that helps me to refocus myself on the Lord and the goodness of God…As if the Lord is reaching out His hand to catch me. Sometimes it happens through people or circumstances and other times through prayer…But there is one thing I know…His hand will come. We walk by faith…not by sight.
Last week…Huntley talked about us as a congregation stopping, waiting and listening for God’s word for us. What does the Lord want us to do within our congregation…our community and beyond? How can we be the ambassadors of Christ’s love where we are and beyond? How are we to be true Disciples of Christ? But as we listen for that still, small, voice…we need to walk by faith and not by sight. We need to trust and believe, knowing that our prayers and waiting will be answered. We cannot go by what we see around us and decide that this or that is what we need to do. Look’s can be deceiving. But if we wait on the Lord…His glory will be seen in our lives.
We may think to ourselves that we are to insignificant to make a change but that is what God wants’…people like you and me to do his will here on earth. In closing, I would like to share with you a reading in the Upper Room last week and there was a story on Wednesday the 2nd that made me stop and think. It was by a man named H. Don Smith from Texas. In it he states that “Throughout the Bible, we read of God choosing ordinary people to do extraordinary tasks. God had plans for Moses, Deborah, David, Mary, Paul; and God gives each of us unique and significant tasks. We ordinary people are capable of performing extraordinary tasks because God sees strengths that we are unable to see. If we follow Christ faithfully, God can use even those of us with seemingly little natural ability to do tasks that no one imagined possible.”
May we ever be mindful and listen for that still, small voice to guide us and walk by faith not be sight, looking forever towards the perfector of our faith, Lord Jesus Christ.
AMEN
Suncook, NH
I want to show you something…this is a walking stick that Ray and the girls made for me when I was in undergrad. I took a hiking class because I had to take a physed course and they thought that mom needed a walking stick. (My question is did they think I was unfit or too old to take the class.) Inscribed on it is one of my favorite pieces of scripture that I have learned (and am still learning) to live by. It’s from 2 Corinthians 5:7…”We walk by faith, not by sight.” The apostles and disciples acted on faith, not by sight. They prayed and waited for something that was unseen because of their faith in Jesus. This is what their actions are telling me…they walked by faith and not by sight. In doing so they were given the wonderful gift if the Spirit that guided them and enabled them to carry on the work of Christ. This same spirit is given to you and me so that we may carry on the work of Christ in our church…in our community…and beyond.
We walk by faith, not by sight…There are many stories of faith in the bible. You have the woman that was healed by faith just by touching Jesus’ garment as He walked by in Mark 5:25. There was the centurion’s servant that was healed by the centurion’s faith in Jesus in Mathew 8:8. He believed that the servant would be healed if Jesus would just speak the word. But I think my most favorite of the faith stories in the bible is the one where Peter walks on water. The story is found in Matthew 14:25-33. This is a story that I take to heart because it reminds me in so many ways of my life. Picture with me for a moment…Jesus has just fed over five thousand people (that alone would boggle the mind) and now tells you to get into the boat and row over to the other side while He dismisses the crowd that was just fed. So…your rowing…rowing…you may be thinking about how Jesus was going to get to the other side since you left Him there on the shore…and all of the sudden you see this thing that looks like a ghost coming at you on the water. (Now I don’t know about you but I would have been pretty scared if I saw that) But then you hear something what sounds like the Lords voice saying “It’s ok…don’t be sacred…it’s me…Jesus.” Now still being a little unsure…Peter…the Rock…say’s, “If it’s you then tell me to walk on the water out to you”. Well of course Jesus says to him “come.”
Well…Peter acts on faith and “steps out of the boat” (I like that saying...you may hear me say it a lot) and starts to walk on the water to Jesus. Peter was walking by faith not by sight. But…something happened as Peter was walking on that water…he started to look around and see the wind, and I am sure that the water must have been a little rough on the water…it usually is in that region, and he began to walk by sight and not by faith…Peter started to sink and yelled, “save me Lord…I’m sinking fast!”
Now what happens next is what gives me hope in my life…the Lord reaches down…and catches Peter. Peter is now safe and sound with the Lord…his view…his focus…is back with the Lord not on the turbulent water around him. You see…Peter didn’t walk on the water just once that day…he did it twice…once out to the Lord and again with the Lord back into the boat. I know that when my eyes lose focus on the Lord and what He has for me to do…I feel lost…like I’m sinking fast. But just as I feel I am going down for the count…something happens that helps me to refocus myself on the Lord and the goodness of God…As if the Lord is reaching out His hand to catch me. Sometimes it happens through people or circumstances and other times through prayer…But there is one thing I know…His hand will come. We walk by faith…not by sight.
Last week…Huntley talked about us as a congregation stopping, waiting and listening for God’s word for us. What does the Lord want us to do within our congregation…our community and beyond? How can we be the ambassadors of Christ’s love where we are and beyond? How are we to be true Disciples of Christ? But as we listen for that still, small, voice…we need to walk by faith and not by sight. We need to trust and believe, knowing that our prayers and waiting will be answered. We cannot go by what we see around us and decide that this or that is what we need to do. Look’s can be deceiving. But if we wait on the Lord…His glory will be seen in our lives.
We may think to ourselves that we are to insignificant to make a change but that is what God wants’…people like you and me to do his will here on earth. In closing, I would like to share with you a reading in the Upper Room last week and there was a story on Wednesday the 2nd that made me stop and think. It was by a man named H. Don Smith from Texas. In it he states that “Throughout the Bible, we read of God choosing ordinary people to do extraordinary tasks. God had plans for Moses, Deborah, David, Mary, Paul; and God gives each of us unique and significant tasks. We ordinary people are capable of performing extraordinary tasks because God sees strengths that we are unable to see. If we follow Christ faithfully, God can use even those of us with seemingly little natural ability to do tasks that no one imagined possible.”
May we ever be mindful and listen for that still, small voice to guide us and walk by faith not be sight, looking forever towards the perfector of our faith, Lord Jesus Christ.
AMEN
by Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, 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, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage.
See all 36,790+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
Sermons - Suncook United Methodist Church
Suncook United Methodist Church sermons can be found at Sermons. The one by Rev. Huntley Halvorson for July 6, 2008 is there now.
Suncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
by
Pastor Ruth Foss
sermon blog
meditation blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Suncook United Methodist ChurchSuncook, NH
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 20,640+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Christ’s Yoke
My yoke, not the Father’s
his yoke, is light, easy
paired with our savior,
the one who took on our sin
the punishment, the sacrifice
Walking with him, paired in his yoke
carried along, guided, aided in our walk
His yoke is easy, the story fulfilled
we are part of community, family
heirs with him, if we but walk as he walked
walk with him, yoked with our savior
all of our days
July 6, 2008
Matthew 11:25-30
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
and Disciplines devotional
his yoke, is light, easy
paired with our savior,
the one who took on our sin
the punishment, the sacrifice
Walking with him, paired in his yoke
carried along, guided, aided in our walk
His yoke is easy, the story fulfilled
we are part of community, family
heirs with him, if we but walk as he walked
walk with him, yoked with our savior
all of our days
July 6, 2008
Matthew 11:25-30
Matthew 11:16-19, 25-30
and Disciplines devotional
Saturday, July 05, 2008
July 4, 2008 - Poems - at Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
The following poems were shared at Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH, as part of the 4th of July celebration:
-------
SET ONE
--------
On the Fourth
On the Fourth
and all year long
we must never forget
the words on that parchment so long ago
Our prayer of that day
still true here and now
our nation to be true
all to be free,
as our creator intended
free from oppression,
to pursue, happiness to find
within ourselves
and with our God
A vision worthy to uphold
a hope to share with the world
May we never forget
to hold these words in our hearts
July 4, 2008
Declaration of Independence
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
---
Words of Mettle
I paused today
to read, once again,
those words of mettle,
of resolve, of hope, of our faith
Those words, part of the thread
the dream, the story that is America
Those words written in Philadelphia
proclaimed the sins of the king
the prayers of the colonies
the roots of our democracy
What we believe
and what we celebrate today
July 4, 2008
Declaration of Independence
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
---
A New Nation
As was remembered, four score and seven years later
our nation, a new nation
was brought forward; but not by war, willed
created by the words written in that hall
the words of that Philadelphia summer
Changing our world, splintering an empire
held together by might, for a dream of freedom
All are equal, all must be free
so is our pledge, our plea
the dream of America, still unfulfilled
so many summers gone by
so far have we come
I hear freedom starting to ring
part of the dream given voice
by another pastor, forty-five years ago
may it start in our hearts today
July 4, 2008
Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address,
Emancipation Proclamation, Preamble to Constitution,
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, 8/28/1963
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
In reading this, I noted that the nomination speech
of the Democratic Convention this summer
will be on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s speech
-------
SET TWO
-------
Closer to Home
The war got a little
closer to home
as the concerns were lifted
before the congregation
in the stilled sanctuary
We became a bit quieter
a bit more attentive
truly prayerful
One of our own
was called up, again,
to leave our midst
to go to that place of chaos
of senseless death
so far away
Yes, the war got closer to home
that Sunday a few weeks ago
May we remember
all the sons, all the daughters
the fathers, the mothers
out there serving us all
so we can be free
June 12, 2007 9:00
written for the 4th of July celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord. NH
about Adam Doucette
---
Our Prayers Answered
One of our own,
one of us, a member with us
our prayers, long repeated
oft remembered, our prayers answered
He was safe, out of harm’s way
boots down on U.S. soil
home from the way, endless
Home to his family, his friends;
not all so lucky, so blessed.
We remember them too,
And those still in the breach.
Our lives, our freedoms
we hold so dear, because they went.
We thank God he is back with us.
We pray soon they all will be home.
July 2, 2008
on the day in church when the news was
announced that Adam Doucette was back home
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
-------
SET THREE
-------
Safe in My Bed
Before I rise to start my day
I felt a need to stop and pray
for the men and women of our land
who are out there in the world taking a stand
to guard the dark places to keep us free
to watch for the enemy behind the rock, the tree
Remembering the mettle of this day
when people stood for freedom, so our children may play,
to live in a land that is truly free
and be safe in my bed in tranquility.
We celebrate the words in the Declaration this day
but we need to remember to stop and pray
that the words mean nothing without the grit
and the people who have been willing to commit
to the dangerous work of protecting this dream
to fight for our country and keep it from harm
So we rise this morning from our safe beds
and know that our country has nothing to dread
because there are people on guard
out there in the world
We pray for their safety,
each mother, each son,
and pray for their return
when their work is done
July 4, 2007 7:41
---
A Fourth Under Fire
We celebrate once again
the bravery of those certain men
who saw what they had to do
and though they were times
to try men’s souls
they hung the lantern
and answered the call
to defend the freedom they sought
and put pen to a new hope, a creed
to live in justice and trust
and fight for it we must
A land worthy of song
for banners and truths we hold dear
even when we become flawed or amiss
when we over extend and export
and fight for the wrong in court
A people, a thought,
a prayer in the maddening crowd
to save more than we harm
to live by our joint sacred text
to fight for the rights of all
open our heart to the down and the out
and give our neighbor his space
not force it in his face
and live simpler than some
so we can say in the end
that we honored our dream
and cared for the last and the least
to see ourselves in them
and treated them just
so those storied men of old
wouldn’t regret being so bold
as to put pen to page
creating a new land and place
where we could be as one
and live out our days
humbly and in peace
June 23, 2006 18:45
---
Without Freedom Still
We gathered, took time off,
pondered our freedom,
on the anniversary
our Declaration of Independence
when we dissolved the political bonds
when we proclaimed, to the world,
what we hoped for, what we believed in
as a people, set apart,
that we hold these truths to be self-evident,
that we are born equal, each one,
that the creator gave us unalienable rights,
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
How wondrous are those words,
how much we have achieved
casting off the chains that hold us back
how far we have to go; but
We are free, by most measures
How hard life must be
in the many places on the globe
where people are not yet free
where there are people still
in the grip of slavery, in bondage,
in fear for their lives,
for their children’s lives
for any kind of future
for religious persecution,
indiscriminant death
How blind we are,
to the realities around the world
How silent we are
to the evil that stalks this sphere
How much more we could do
if we took our freedoms more seriously
and invested in justice
to the four corners
of this troubled planet
July 4, 2007 20:36
---
Half Staffs
D-Day and The Fourth
Bookends of a month
In the life of the Nation
The death of a President
Reminders each day
Against blue sky or grey
Of sacrifices, and lives lost
Defending our rights
Freedom isn’t free
The media doesn’t see
The good of the troops
In those lands of sand and
Minarets, martyrs
And madmen
Freedom, food, water, hope
On the line, in the chaos,
In the storm, in the desert,
In the streets of Baghdad
Snap in the breeze, or limp on the cord
Sentries marking the honor
To a man, I didn’t support
But honor, nonetheless
For his optimism, faith
In this place, this idea
The rightness of our dream
Lost for so long in the malaise
The hurt from Dallas to Tehran
On guard still,
Our finest in the field
Pawns or patriots, whatever your view
Remember to vote, to have a say
To remember them all
Snap to attention,
And pledge allegiance
To this nation
For it’s the best hope
As Reagan knew, and we do too
So whether half staff or whole
We remember the call,
The duty we share,
To herald the hope,
The dream we hold dear
This Fourth and all year.
Writtten 6/28/04 9:33pm
Edited 7/5/04 16:36, based on the way I did the reading at the Agape Café section of the Wesley United Methodist Church 4th of July celebration
-------
SET ONE
--------
On the Fourth
On the Fourth
and all year long
we must never forget
the words on that parchment so long ago
Our prayer of that day
still true here and now
our nation to be true
all to be free,
as our creator intended
free from oppression,
to pursue, happiness to find
within ourselves
and with our God
A vision worthy to uphold
a hope to share with the world
May we never forget
to hold these words in our hearts
July 4, 2008
Declaration of Independence
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
---
Words of Mettle
I paused today
to read, once again,
those words of mettle,
of resolve, of hope, of our faith
Those words, part of the thread
the dream, the story that is America
Those words written in Philadelphia
proclaimed the sins of the king
the prayers of the colonies
the roots of our democracy
What we believe
and what we celebrate today
July 4, 2008
Declaration of Independence
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
---
A New Nation
As was remembered, four score and seven years later
our nation, a new nation
was brought forward; but not by war, willed
created by the words written in that hall
the words of that Philadelphia summer
Changing our world, splintering an empire
held together by might, for a dream of freedom
All are equal, all must be free
so is our pledge, our plea
the dream of America, still unfulfilled
so many summers gone by
so far have we come
I hear freedom starting to ring
part of the dream given voice
by another pastor, forty-five years ago
may it start in our hearts today
July 4, 2008
Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address,
Emancipation Proclamation, Preamble to Constitution,
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, 8/28/1963
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
In reading this, I noted that the nomination speech
of the Democratic Convention this summer
will be on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s speech
-------
SET TWO
-------
Closer to Home
The war got a little
closer to home
as the concerns were lifted
before the congregation
in the stilled sanctuary
We became a bit quieter
a bit more attentive
truly prayerful
One of our own
was called up, again,
to leave our midst
to go to that place of chaos
of senseless death
so far away
Yes, the war got closer to home
that Sunday a few weeks ago
May we remember
all the sons, all the daughters
the fathers, the mothers
out there serving us all
so we can be free
June 12, 2007 9:00
written for the 4th of July celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord. NH
about Adam Doucette
---
Our Prayers Answered
One of our own,
one of us, a member with us
our prayers, long repeated
oft remembered, our prayers answered
He was safe, out of harm’s way
boots down on U.S. soil
home from the way, endless
Home to his family, his friends;
not all so lucky, so blessed.
We remember them too,
And those still in the breach.
Our lives, our freedoms
we hold so dear, because they went.
We thank God he is back with us.
We pray soon they all will be home.
July 2, 2008
on the day in church when the news was
announced that Adam Doucette was back home
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
-------
SET THREE
-------
Safe in My Bed
Before I rise to start my day
I felt a need to stop and pray
for the men and women of our land
who are out there in the world taking a stand
to guard the dark places to keep us free
to watch for the enemy behind the rock, the tree
Remembering the mettle of this day
when people stood for freedom, so our children may play,
to live in a land that is truly free
and be safe in my bed in tranquility.
We celebrate the words in the Declaration this day
but we need to remember to stop and pray
that the words mean nothing without the grit
and the people who have been willing to commit
to the dangerous work of protecting this dream
to fight for our country and keep it from harm
So we rise this morning from our safe beds
and know that our country has nothing to dread
because there are people on guard
out there in the world
We pray for their safety,
each mother, each son,
and pray for their return
when their work is done
July 4, 2007 7:41
---
A Fourth Under Fire
We celebrate once again
the bravery of those certain men
who saw what they had to do
and though they were times
to try men’s souls
they hung the lantern
and answered the call
to defend the freedom they sought
and put pen to a new hope, a creed
to live in justice and trust
and fight for it we must
A land worthy of song
for banners and truths we hold dear
even when we become flawed or amiss
when we over extend and export
and fight for the wrong in court
A people, a thought,
a prayer in the maddening crowd
to save more than we harm
to live by our joint sacred text
to fight for the rights of all
open our heart to the down and the out
and give our neighbor his space
not force it in his face
and live simpler than some
so we can say in the end
that we honored our dream
and cared for the last and the least
to see ourselves in them
and treated them just
so those storied men of old
wouldn’t regret being so bold
as to put pen to page
creating a new land and place
where we could be as one
and live out our days
humbly and in peace
June 23, 2006 18:45
---
Without Freedom Still
We gathered, took time off,
pondered our freedom,
on the anniversary
our Declaration of Independence
when we dissolved the political bonds
when we proclaimed, to the world,
what we hoped for, what we believed in
as a people, set apart,
that we hold these truths to be self-evident,
that we are born equal, each one,
that the creator gave us unalienable rights,
life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
How wondrous are those words,
how much we have achieved
casting off the chains that hold us back
how far we have to go; but
We are free, by most measures
How hard life must be
in the many places on the globe
where people are not yet free
where there are people still
in the grip of slavery, in bondage,
in fear for their lives,
for their children’s lives
for any kind of future
for religious persecution,
indiscriminant death
How blind we are,
to the realities around the world
How silent we are
to the evil that stalks this sphere
How much more we could do
if we took our freedoms more seriously
and invested in justice
to the four corners
of this troubled planet
July 4, 2007 20:36
---
Half Staffs
D-Day and The Fourth
Bookends of a month
In the life of the Nation
The death of a President
Reminders each day
Against blue sky or grey
Of sacrifices, and lives lost
Defending our rights
Freedom isn’t free
The media doesn’t see
The good of the troops
In those lands of sand and
Minarets, martyrs
And madmen
Freedom, food, water, hope
On the line, in the chaos,
In the storm, in the desert,
In the streets of Baghdad
Snap in the breeze, or limp on the cord
Sentries marking the honor
To a man, I didn’t support
But honor, nonetheless
For his optimism, faith
In this place, this idea
The rightness of our dream
Lost for so long in the malaise
The hurt from Dallas to Tehran
On guard still,
Our finest in the field
Pawns or patriots, whatever your view
Remember to vote, to have a say
To remember them all
Snap to attention,
And pledge allegiance
To this nation
For it’s the best hope
As Reagan knew, and we do too
So whether half staff or whole
We remember the call,
The duty we share,
To herald the hope,
The dream we hold dear
This Fourth and all year.
Writtten 6/28/04 9:33pm
Edited 7/5/04 16:36, based on the way I did the reading at the Agape Café section of the Wesley United Methodist Church 4th of July celebration
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 27,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Watermelon Taffy
The cooling fading sunset
Ribbons of pink, wisps,
swirls, pulled threads of taffy
darkening color
like watermelon taffy
changing to rose, to plum,
fading to dust on the wind
cooling into darkness,
while we sit on the lawn,
listening to the band,
waiting for the fireworks
July 4, 2008 20:51
written at July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Ribbons of pink, wisps,
swirls, pulled threads of taffy
darkening color
like watermelon taffy
changing to rose, to plum,
fading to dust on the wind
cooling into darkness,
while we sit on the lawn,
listening to the band,
waiting for the fireworks
July 4, 2008 20:51
written at July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, 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 27,480+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
A New Nation
As was remembered, four score and seven years later
our nation, a new nation
was brought forward; but not by war, willed
created by the words written in that hall
the words of that Philadelphia summer
Changing our world, splintering an empire
held together by might, for a dream of freedom
All are equal, all must be free
so is our pledge, our plea
the dream of America, still unfulfilled
so many summers gone by
so far have we come
I hear freedom starting to ring
part of the dream given voice
by another pastor, forty-five years ago
may it start in our hearts today
July 4, 2008
Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address,
Emancipation Proclamation, Preamble to Constitution,
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, 8/28/1963
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
In reading this, I noted that the nomination speech
of the Democratic Convention this summer
will be on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s speech
our nation, a new nation
was brought forward; but not by war, willed
created by the words written in that hall
the words of that Philadelphia summer
Changing our world, splintering an empire
held together by might, for a dream of freedom
All are equal, all must be free
so is our pledge, our plea
the dream of America, still unfulfilled
so many summers gone by
so far have we come
I hear freedom starting to ring
part of the dream given voice
by another pastor, forty-five years ago
may it start in our hearts today
July 4, 2008
Mayflower Compact, Declaration of Independence, Gettysburg Address,
Emancipation Proclamation, Preamble to Constitution,
Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, 8/28/1963
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
In reading this, I noted that the nomination speech
of the Democratic Convention this summer
will be on the 45th anniversary of Dr. King’s speech
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 27,420+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Words of Mettle
I paused today
to read, once again,
those words of mettle,
of resolve, of hope, of our faith
Those words, part of the thread
the dream, the story that is America
Those words written in Philadelphia
proclaimed the sins of the king
the prayers of the colonies
the roots of our democracy
What we believe
and what we celebrate today
to read, once again,
those words of mettle,
of resolve, of hope, of our faith
Those words, part of the thread
the dream, the story that is America
Those words written in Philadelphia
proclaimed the sins of the king
the prayers of the colonies
the roots of our democracy
What we believe
and what we celebrate today
edited
November 12, 2015
Words
of Mettle – v4
(editing
version 3)
edited
October 11, 2015
Words
of Mettle – v3
(editing
version 2)
edited
July 4, 2014
Words
of Mettle – v2
July
4, 2008
Words
of Mettle
Declaration
of Independence
written
for July 4th celebration
Wesley
United Methodist Church
Concord,
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, 2015. All rights
reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for
usage. See all 40,060+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
On the Fourth
On the Fourth
and all year long
we must never forget
the words on that parchment so long ago
Our prayer of that day
still true here and now
our nation to be true
all to be free,
as our creator intended
free from oppression,
to pursue, happiness to find
within ourselves
and with our God
A vision worthy to uphold
a hope to share with the world
May we never forget
to hold these words in our hearts
July 4, 2008
Declaration of Independence
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
and all year long
we must never forget
the words on that parchment so long ago
Our prayer of that day
still true here and now
our nation to be true
all to be free,
as our creator intended
free from oppression,
to pursue, happiness to find
within ourselves
and with our God
A vision worthy to uphold
a hope to share with the world
May we never forget
to hold these words in our hearts
July 4, 2008
Declaration of Independence
written for July 4th celebration
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
July 4th - at Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
Annually, our church opens its lawn to the community, offering music, pie and ice cream, and one of the best views of Concord's fireworks. I have been able for the last four years to share some of my poetry as part of the celebration. Each year I end up writing more that day as well, as I listen to the patriot music and think about what it means to be an American, especially on the birthday of our country.
Wednesday, July 02, 2008
Our Prayers Answered
One of our own,
one of us, a member with us
our prayers, long repeated
oft remembered, our prayers answered
He was safe, out of harm’s way
boots down on U.S. soil
home from the war, endless
Home to his family, his friends;
not all so lucky, so blessed.
We remember them too,
And those still in the breach.
Our lives, our freedoms
we hold so dear, because they went.
We thank God he is back with us.
We pray soon they all will be home.
July 2, 2008
on the day in church when the news was
announced that Adam Doucette was back home
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
one of us, a member with us
our prayers, long repeated
oft remembered, our prayers answered
He was safe, out of harm’s way
boots down on U.S. soil
home from the war, endless
Home to his family, his friends;
not all so lucky, so blessed.
We remember them too,
And those still in the breach.
Our lives, our freedoms
we hold so dear, because they went.
We thank God he is back with us.
We pray soon they all will be home.
July 2, 2008
on the day in church when the news was
announced that Adam Doucette was back home
Wesley United Methodist Church, Concord, NH
David – Haiku – 3
Anoint him with oil
The boy shepherd of Jesse
He shall be king
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
The boy shepherd of Jesse
He shall be king
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
A Shepherd Boy
The boy in the field, left to tend the sheep
the youngest, least, last, alone on the mountainside
He will be the king of the people of the law
the people of the covenant of old
Anoint his head with oil, prepare him for his rule
A new day has begun
a king from the fields has come
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
the youngest, least, last, alone on the mountainside
He will be the king of the people of the law
the people of the covenant of old
Anoint his head with oil, prepare him for his rule
A new day has begun
a king from the fields has come
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
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 27,520+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Fill Your Horn
Rise, oh Prophet
rise up and fill your horn
Your God needs you
Fill your horn with oil
a new king to anoint;
from Jesse’s tree
a royal line will grow
Rise up and go
to find the new king;
I have chosen him.
For my people Israel.
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
rise up and fill your horn
Your God needs you
Fill your horn with oil
a new king to anoint;
from Jesse’s tree
a royal line will grow
Rise up and go
to find the new king;
I have chosen him.
For my people Israel.
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
From that Day Forward
The spirit of God
resting mightily upon him
all of his life to come
Anointed by the prophet’s oil
Chosen by God by name
David, the youngest son,
chosen over all the rest
from him, a kingdom shall rise
resting mightily upon him
all of his life to come
Anointed by the prophet’s oil
Chosen by God by name
David, the youngest son,
chosen over all the rest
from him, a kingdom shall rise
------------------
edited December 21, 2016
From that Day Forward – v2
July 2, 2008
From that Day Forward
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by
Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009,
2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. All rights reserved. Contact me at
Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for
usage. See all 42,590+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Christ, God, Spirit, grace, love, faith, 1 Samuel 16, David, King,
Israel, Samuel, Advent, Christmas, prophecy,
#Christ #God #Spirit #grace #love #faith #1Samuel16 #King #David
#Israel #Samuel #Advent #Christmas #prophecy
This is the One
The Lord chose him,
the last, the youngest
“This is the one”,
anoint him king
ruler of the covenant people
patriarch of a royal line
the spirit fell mightily on him
all of his days
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
the last, the youngest
“This is the one”,
anoint him king
ruler of the covenant people
patriarch of a royal line
the spirit fell mightily on him
all of his days
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
The Youngest
The last shall be first
the littlest, the youngest
of him I will make a king
My people shall be ruled
by the little shepherd boy
He who killed the giant
with a little stone
He will be king
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
the littlest, the youngest
of him I will make a king
My people shall be ruled
by the little shepherd boy
He who killed the giant
with a little stone
He will be king
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
A Horn of Oil
Take up your horn
fill it with oil
we have a new king to crown
I will tell you who it will be
Get up Samuel, go to Bethlehem
one of Jesse’s sons
Anoint him king
the youngest of the bunch
He will rule my people
pour out the oil
My spirit shall be with him
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
fill it with oil
we have a new king to crown
I will tell you who it will be
Get up Samuel, go to Bethlehem
one of Jesse’s sons
Anoint him king
the youngest of the bunch
He will rule my people
pour out the oil
My spirit shall be with him
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, 1 Samuel 16:1-13 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Unlikely Voices
A stutterer, an adulterer,
former enemies, unclean people
a timid man, a youngest son
a haggard man, standing in a river
Roman centurions, slaves,
women, children, foreigners
All of these, vessels for God’s message
champions all, unlikely voices
Such are those called, real, weak
like maybe you and me
All of us are called;
will we do our part in our time?
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, Exodus 3:11-12 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
former enemies, unclean people
a timid man, a youngest son
a haggard man, standing in a river
Roman centurions, slaves,
women, children, foreigners
All of these, vessels for God’s message
champions all, unlikely voices
Such are those called, real, weak
like maybe you and me
All of us are called;
will we do our part in our time?
July 2, 2008
1 Samuel 16:6-13, Exodus 3:11-12 and
Upper Room devotional for July 2, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=2&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Through the Waters
Through the raging waters, the whirlwind,
the desert, the wilderness places
He has led us through all of these
all of the trials, the challenges of life
beside us still, if we look back,
we will see him there
with us all along our path of life
guiding us, protecting us
providing for our needs
making a clear path
through the waters
always with us
as he will always be
July 1, 2008
Psalm 77:11-19 and
Upper Room devotional for July 1, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=1&year=2008&x=107&y=6
the desert, the wilderness places
He has led us through all of these
all of the trials, the challenges of life
beside us still, if we look back,
we will see him there
with us all along our path of life
guiding us, protecting us
providing for our needs
making a clear path
through the waters
always with us
as he will always be
July 1, 2008
Psalm 77:11-19 and
Upper Room devotional for July 1, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=1&year=2008&x=107&y=6
National summit on torture - September 11-12, 2008
Received via email today, 7/1/08
To Supporters of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Dear Friends:
On September 11-12, 2008, Evangelicals for Human Rights, with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture and Mercer University, will host a national summit on torture in Atlanta, GA, on the campus of Mercer University. Featuring some of the nation's top thinkers and leaders in the anti-torture community, this conference is co-sponsored by an unprecedented group of organizations.
We invite you to be a part of this two day inter-faith event. We will examine the journey of the United States, since September 11, 2001, from a nation that championed human rights, albeit imperfectly, to a nation that publicly acknowledges and supports the use of torture.
Obviously, for people of faith, the journey does not end here. Speakers and participants will also explore the path of return to once again becoming a nation that leads the world in the protection of human rights.
Religious Faith, Torture, and Our National Soul is organized and co-sponsored by individuals and groups who have sought to mobilize Americans and people of faith to oppose human rights violations in the struggle against terrorism. There will be moments of prayer and biblical reflection that embody the convictions of the sponsoring organizations, and the entire event will be infused with moral conviction drawn from religious tradition.
Conference speakers will reflect a variety of faith perspectives. The conference is open to all who will come. Our vision is that the conference will be a template for the kind of discourse, both faith-based and otherwise, that opens wide the doors for dialogue rather than closing them. Rabbis for Human Rights and the Islamic Society of North America are co-sponsors of the event. Muslims and Jews are encouraged to attend.
We invite you to be a part of this important conference. Register fee is $150. Deadline for registration is August 15, 2008. Seating is limited. We also encourage you to promote this conference with members of your organization or congregation.
Students' Discount: Students can register for the conference at a discounted fee of $65. If you are eager for young people to attend, please go to the registration page to make a donation.
For more information, contact the Conference Coordinator:
Mary Head, Evangelicals for Human Rights
3001 Mercer University Drive, Day Hall 103
Atlanta, GA 30341
678-547-6457
mhead@nrcat.org
Questions that will be considered during the Conference:
What policy decisions led to torture?
How did the US military respond?
What does torture do to human beings?
What has the torture debate revealed about religion in America?
What is really going on at Guantanamo Bay?
How do we heal the American Christian relationship with the Muslim world?
What legislative efforts are being made to address torture?
What are younger thinkers noticing about this cultural moment that others are missing?
How do we restore America's leadership in protecting human rights?
Co-Sponsors include:
The National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Mercer University, Evangelicals for Human Rights, the Center for Victims of Torture, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Evangelicals for Social Action, Faith and the City, Faith in Public Life, the Islamic Society of North America, Morehouse College, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, No2Torture, Rabbis for Human Rights, Sojourners, and Third Way.
Key Speakers include:
Elizabeth Bounds, Lawrence Carter, John Chandler, Richard Cizik, Mark P. Denbeaux, Pete Dross, Mohamed Elsanousi, Karen J. Greenberg, Don Guter, David P. Gushee, Linda Gustitus, Gita Gutierrez, Imam Yahya Hendi, Jeanne Herrick-Stare, Scott Horton, George Hunsinger, Cheryl Bridges Johns, Doug Johnson, Cathleen Kaveny, Richard Killmer, Rick Love, Denise Massey, Elissa Massimino, Mahan Mirza, Matt Norman, Katie Paris, Michael Peppard, Kathryn Reklis, Stephen Rickard, Samuel Rodriguez, Andy Saperstein, Ronald J. Sider, Glen H. Stassen, Natalie Wigg-Stevenson, Tyler Wigg Stevenson, Asante Todd, Steve Xenakis, Brian Walt, and Thomas Wilner.
We hope you can join us.
Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President, NRCAT
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director, NRCAT
To Supporters of the National Religious Campaign Against Torture
Dear Friends:
On September 11-12, 2008, Evangelicals for Human Rights, with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture and Mercer University, will host a national summit on torture in Atlanta, GA, on the campus of Mercer University. Featuring some of the nation's top thinkers and leaders in the anti-torture community, this conference is co-sponsored by an unprecedented group of organizations.
We invite you to be a part of this two day inter-faith event. We will examine the journey of the United States, since September 11, 2001, from a nation that championed human rights, albeit imperfectly, to a nation that publicly acknowledges and supports the use of torture.
Obviously, for people of faith, the journey does not end here. Speakers and participants will also explore the path of return to once again becoming a nation that leads the world in the protection of human rights.
Religious Faith, Torture, and Our National Soul is organized and co-sponsored by individuals and groups who have sought to mobilize Americans and people of faith to oppose human rights violations in the struggle against terrorism. There will be moments of prayer and biblical reflection that embody the convictions of the sponsoring organizations, and the entire event will be infused with moral conviction drawn from religious tradition.
Conference speakers will reflect a variety of faith perspectives. The conference is open to all who will come. Our vision is that the conference will be a template for the kind of discourse, both faith-based and otherwise, that opens wide the doors for dialogue rather than closing them. Rabbis for Human Rights and the Islamic Society of North America are co-sponsors of the event. Muslims and Jews are encouraged to attend.
We invite you to be a part of this important conference. Register fee is $150. Deadline for registration is August 15, 2008. Seating is limited. We also encourage you to promote this conference with members of your organization or congregation.
Students' Discount: Students can register for the conference at a discounted fee of $65. If you are eager for young people to attend, please go to the registration page to make a donation.
For more information, contact the Conference Coordinator:
Mary Head, Evangelicals for Human Rights
3001 Mercer University Drive, Day Hall 103
Atlanta, GA 30341
678-547-6457
mhead@nrcat.org
Questions that will be considered during the Conference:
What policy decisions led to torture?
How did the US military respond?
What does torture do to human beings?
What has the torture debate revealed about religion in America?
What is really going on at Guantanamo Bay?
How do we heal the American Christian relationship with the Muslim world?
What legislative efforts are being made to address torture?
What are younger thinkers noticing about this cultural moment that others are missing?
How do we restore America's leadership in protecting human rights?
Co-Sponsors include:
The National Religious Campaign Against Torture, Mercer University, Evangelicals for Human Rights, the Center for Victims of Torture, Cooperative Baptist Fellowship, Evangelicals for Social Action, Faith and the City, Faith in Public Life, the Islamic Society of North America, Morehouse College, the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, No2Torture, Rabbis for Human Rights, Sojourners, and Third Way.
Key Speakers include:
Elizabeth Bounds, Lawrence Carter, John Chandler, Richard Cizik, Mark P. Denbeaux, Pete Dross, Mohamed Elsanousi, Karen J. Greenberg, Don Guter, David P. Gushee, Linda Gustitus, Gita Gutierrez, Imam Yahya Hendi, Jeanne Herrick-Stare, Scott Horton, George Hunsinger, Cheryl Bridges Johns, Doug Johnson, Cathleen Kaveny, Richard Killmer, Rick Love, Denise Massey, Elissa Massimino, Mahan Mirza, Matt Norman, Katie Paris, Michael Peppard, Kathryn Reklis, Stephen Rickard, Samuel Rodriguez, Andy Saperstein, Ronald J. Sider, Glen H. Stassen, Natalie Wigg-Stevenson, Tyler Wigg Stevenson, Asante Todd, Steve Xenakis, Brian Walt, and Thomas Wilner.
We hope you can join us.
Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President, NRCAT
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director, NRCAT
In Our Past Our Future
As he has in the past
God walking by our side
so we hope for our future
Safe in that knowledge
looking back through our lives
those of our forebears,
of the lives of the people
the people of the covenant
the covenant of our savior’s blood
the covenant of Abraham
In them we see ourselves
in their story, we see God
He is ever faithful
in him there is no fear
July 1, 2008
Psalm 77:11-19 and
Upper Room devotional for July 1, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=1&year=2008&x=107&y=6
God walking by our side
so we hope for our future
Safe in that knowledge
looking back through our lives
those of our forebears,
of the lives of the people
the people of the covenant
the covenant of our savior’s blood
the covenant of Abraham
In them we see ourselves
in their story, we see God
He is ever faithful
in him there is no fear
July 1, 2008
Psalm 77:11-19 and
Upper Room devotional for July 1, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=1&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Even the Whirlwind
You, oh God
vanquished the waters,
the whirlwind, the chaos,
the waters trying to drown me
Through the waters I have walked
coming to shore,
strong good earth under my feet
living in a promised land
on the other side
even the whirlwind trembles
in your presence
safely now on that good shore
I dwell in your promised land
an inheritance of your children
July 1, 2008
Psalm 77:11-19 and
Upper Room devotional for July 1, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=1&year=2008&x=107&y=6
vanquished the waters,
the whirlwind, the chaos,
the waters trying to drown me
Through the waters I have walked
coming to shore,
strong good earth under my feet
living in a promised land
on the other side
even the whirlwind trembles
in your presence
safely now on that good shore
I dwell in your promised land
an inheritance of your children
July 1, 2008
Psalm 77:11-19 and
Upper Room devotional for July 1, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=7&day=1&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Holding His Love
The potter molding us
vessels for his message
his love imprinted on us
marking us as his own
as he shapes us, from the earth
Becoming something beautiful,
something wondrous, wonderful
Vessels of his love, pouring out
sharing the water, the wine
the bread of the savior
the love of the master
the potter, the creator
Making us in his image
being Christ to the world
July 1, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
vessels for his message
his love imprinted on us
marking us as his own
as he shapes us, from the earth
Becoming something beautiful,
something wondrous, wonderful
Vessels of his love, pouring out
sharing the water, the wine
the bread of the savior
the love of the master
the potter, the creator
Making us in his image
being Christ to the world
July 1, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Marked by the Potter
We are the clay
the cold, the wet lump
on the potter’s wheel
Marked by the potter
his hands molding us
his fingerprints, palms
leaving marks on us
changing us to his purpose
becoming a vessel
of his endless love
Poured out to the thirsty
to the ends of the earth
June 30, 2008 and July 1, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
the cold, the wet lump
on the potter’s wheel
Marked by the potter
his hands molding us
his fingerprints, palms
leaving marks on us
changing us to his purpose
becoming a vessel
of his endless love
Poured out to the thirsty
to the ends of the earth
June 30, 2008 and July 1, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,900+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Shaped by Your Love
Molded, sculpted, changed
shaped by your love
by your loving touch
turning on the potter’s wheel
clay transformed
serving others, an earthen vessel
pouring out his message
sharing his abiding love
June 30, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
shaped by your love
by your loving touch
turning on the potter’s wheel
clay transformed
serving others, an earthen vessel
pouring out his message
sharing his abiding love
June 30, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
A Lump of Clay
Each of us, a lump of clay
sitting on the potter’s wheel
turning, throughout life
feeling the potter’s touch
we move under his fingers
living out our days
becoming something beautiful
though his touch
the loving hands of the potter
June 30, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
sitting on the potter’s wheel
turning, throughout life
feeling the potter’s touch
we move under his fingers
living out our days
becoming something beautiful
though his touch
the loving hands of the potter
June 30, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Ever Pliable Clay
Never too late,
throughout our lives
ever pliable, wet clay
never dry, fired, finished
always able to be reformed
reshaped, transformed
by the potter at the wheel
something beautiful to behold
June 30, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
throughout our lives
ever pliable, wet clay
never dry, fired, finished
always able to be reformed
reshaped, transformed
by the potter at the wheel
something beautiful to behold
June 30, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Something Beautiful
From the inert, cold wet clay
of our lives
something beautiful can rise
formed by loving hands
the creator, the potter
working the wheel, the clay
supple, pliable, giving
surrendering to his will
becoming useful vessels
worthy of the potter’s toil
June 30, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
of our lives
something beautiful can rise
formed by loving hands
the creator, the potter
working the wheel, the clay
supple, pliable, giving
surrendering to his will
becoming useful vessels
worthy of the potter’s toil
June 30, 2008
Jeremiah 18:1-4, Jeremiah 18:1-12 and
Upper Room devotional for June 30, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=30&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Those Staying
In the moments of pastoral change
there are those leaving
and those staying
Both are changed
in the times shared
and in the parting
Easy to see changes
for those leaving, moving
to a new place, a new congregation
Those staying, they too are changed
a hole, a gap, a missing presence
perspective too, on the witness, the work
the ministry of the pastor
the footprints they have left
on the lives of the congregation
Seeds planted, seedlings watered
to grow, mature
for another servant
June 29, 2008
Matthew 10:40-42,
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Changes”, and children’s sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Welcome”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
and the going away celebration for Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
there are those leaving
and those staying
Both are changed
in the times shared
and in the parting
Easy to see changes
for those leaving, moving
to a new place, a new congregation
Those staying, they too are changed
a hole, a gap, a missing presence
perspective too, on the witness, the work
the ministry of the pastor
the footprints they have left
on the lives of the congregation
Seeds planted, seedlings watered
to grow, mature
for another servant
June 29, 2008
Matthew 10:40-42,
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Changes”, and children’s sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Welcome”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
and the going away celebration for Reverend Lori Eldredge,
Wesley United Methodist Church,
Concord, NH
Unplanned Changes
Changes in our paths, our walk with God
unplanned, beyond our comprehension
in time we may know, why they came
into our lives at this time and place
hard to fathom sometimes
what is in store on this new road
the fork in the road taken this time
into the untrammeled wood
the city down the road
into an unknown land, a far off country
or around the bend, wherever
life takes us; be open for that new path
that unplanned course, for growth lies there
service may be in your future
hope lives in embarking
onto that new path,
the unplanned changes
in our lives
June 29, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Changes”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
unplanned, beyond our comprehension
in time we may know, why they came
into our lives at this time and place
hard to fathom sometimes
what is in store on this new road
the fork in the road taken this time
into the untrammeled wood
the city down the road
into an unknown land, a far off country
or around the bend, wherever
life takes us; be open for that new path
that unplanned course, for growth lies there
service may be in your future
hope lives in embarking
onto that new path,
the unplanned changes
in our lives
June 29, 2008
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Changes”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
Other Fields
Other fields, other ground
to till, to tend, to watch,
to shepherd other flocks
offering welcome, hope,
a vision of God’s love
in other times, other places
Other work, for the kingdom
for God’s glory, the hope of mankind
sharing gifts in unplanned ways
following the call to serve
wherever he may lead
June 29, 2008
Matthew 10:40-42,
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Changes”, and children’s sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Welcome”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
to till, to tend, to watch,
to shepherd other flocks
offering welcome, hope,
a vision of God’s love
in other times, other places
Other work, for the kingdom
for God’s glory, the hope of mankind
sharing gifts in unplanned ways
following the call to serve
wherever he may lead
June 29, 2008
Matthew 10:40-42,
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Changes”, and children’s sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Welcome”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
Changes
We work, we plan
scripting the days of our lives
changes, unplanned, beyond our control
These are gifts of God; growth
leading us to other fields
other pathways of life
new opportunities, experiences
big and small, serendipity
Taking our days as they come
Following God’s plan
Revealed in the unfolding,
unplanned changes of life
the gifts of today, of now
revealed in the living out
awake and ready to do
God’s will for our lives
scripting the days of our lives
changes, unplanned, beyond our control
These are gifts of God; growth
leading us to other fields
other pathways of life
new opportunities, experiences
big and small, serendipity
Taking our days as they come
Following God’s plan
Revealed in the unfolding,
unplanned changes of life
the gifts of today, of now
revealed in the living out
awake and ready to do
God’s will for our lives
June 29, 2008
Changes
1 Corinthians 3:5-9
and sermon “Changes”,
by by Pastor
Ruth Foss
sermon
blog
meditation
blog
“God’s
Whisper” blog
Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, 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 30,820+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com
Poetry Where You Live.
Welcoming
Out into the world
welcoming all, sharing love
the cup of friendship
water for the thirsty
a kind word, a welcoming smile
prayers for those in need
arms open wide
This is how we show God’s love
how we follow the master’s call
how we live as his children
our brother’s siblings
heirs to the kingdom
June 29, 2008
Matthew 10:40-42
and children’s sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Welcome”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
welcoming all, sharing love
the cup of friendship
water for the thirsty
a kind word, a welcoming smile
prayers for those in need
arms open wide
This is how we show God’s love
how we follow the master’s call
how we live as his children
our brother’s siblings
heirs to the kingdom
June 29, 2008
Matthew 10:40-42
and children’s sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Welcome”, Sanbornville United Methodist Church,
Wakefield, NH
Saturday, June 28, 2008
email of 6/27/08 of the NRCAT - Is it Legal to Bury Someone Alive?
Dear Friends:
In testimony before a House Judiciary subcommittee yesterday, John Yoo, a former top Justice Department official and author of key memos authorizing torture, refused to say that it would be illegal for the President to order a suspect buried alive. This view - of an unbounded executive branch that is allowed to do anything in the name of national security - is not simply a crackpot idea held by one former legal advisor, but is the basis for many of the abuses that have been perpetrated on detainees since 9/11.
In answer to a question by Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Yoo refused to say whether there were any interrogation tactics that would always be illegal to use. The following exchange then occurred:
Representative John Conyers: "Could the President order a suspect buried alive?"
John Yoo: "Uh, Mr. Chairman, I don't think that I've ever given the advice that the President could bury someone alive."
Conyers: "I didn't ask you if you ever gave him advice. I asked you, do you think the President could order a suspect buried alive."
Yoo : "Mr. Chairman, my view right now is that I don't think a President would - no American President would ever have to order that or feel it necessary to order that."
Conyers: "I think we understand the games that are being played."
Yoo's testimony makes our recently released Declaration of Principles against torture all the more compelling. Please join us today in endorsing the Declaration and encouraging your friends, family, and members of your congregations to do so as well.
Thank you for your effort.
Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
In testimony before a House Judiciary subcommittee yesterday, John Yoo, a former top Justice Department official and author of key memos authorizing torture, refused to say that it would be illegal for the President to order a suspect buried alive. This view - of an unbounded executive branch that is allowed to do anything in the name of national security - is not simply a crackpot idea held by one former legal advisor, but is the basis for many of the abuses that have been perpetrated on detainees since 9/11.
In answer to a question by Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers, Yoo refused to say whether there were any interrogation tactics that would always be illegal to use. The following exchange then occurred:
Representative John Conyers: "Could the President order a suspect buried alive?"
John Yoo: "Uh, Mr. Chairman, I don't think that I've ever given the advice that the President could bury someone alive."
Conyers: "I didn't ask you if you ever gave him advice. I asked you, do you think the President could order a suspect buried alive."
Yoo : "Mr. Chairman, my view right now is that I don't think a President would - no American President would ever have to order that or feel it necessary to order that."
Conyers: "I think we understand the games that are being played."
Yoo's testimony makes our recently released Declaration of Principles against torture all the more compelling. Please join us today in endorsing the Declaration and encouraging your friends, family, and members of your congregations to do so as well.
Thank you for your effort.
Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director
All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 19,910+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
ENDORSE A DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES FOR A PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING TORTURE
TORTURE IS A MORAL ISSUE
ENDORSE A DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES FOR A PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING TORTURE
Dear NRCAT Supporters:
NRCAT, in alliance with Evangelicals for Human Rights and the Center for Victims of Torture, launched an effort today that calls upon the President to issue an executive order banning torture based on six core principles embodied in a Declaration of Principles. We are calling this effort the "Campaign to Ban Torture." Prominent faith leaders from Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh communities, as well top officials from every Administration since the 1970s, have joined together to endorse the Declaration of Principles.
The success of this effort depends upon thousands of people of faith and other opponents of torture joining together to endorse the Declaration of Principles. Your endorsement will help end U.S.-sponsored torture. We urge you to endorse the Declaration.
We also ask that you:
- Urge five friends to endorse;
- Urge members of your congregations to endorse;
- Urge the governing body of your congregation, the regional body of your denomination or faith group and your local interfaith or ecumenical body to endorse.
With the combined efforts of people of faith and military and national security leaders, we hope to develop a national consensus that the President should issue an executive order banning torture.
Thank you for taking action to help end U.S.-sponsored torture.
Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President, NRCAT Board of Directors
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director
ENDORSE A DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES FOR A PRESIDENTIAL EXECUTIVE ORDER BANNING TORTURE
Dear NRCAT Supporters:
NRCAT, in alliance with Evangelicals for Human Rights and the Center for Victims of Torture, launched an effort today that calls upon the President to issue an executive order banning torture based on six core principles embodied in a Declaration of Principles. We are calling this effort the "Campaign to Ban Torture." Prominent faith leaders from Catholic, Protestant, Evangelical, Jewish, Muslim, and Sikh communities, as well top officials from every Administration since the 1970s, have joined together to endorse the Declaration of Principles.
The success of this effort depends upon thousands of people of faith and other opponents of torture joining together to endorse the Declaration of Principles. Your endorsement will help end U.S.-sponsored torture. We urge you to endorse the Declaration.
We also ask that you:
- Urge five friends to endorse;
- Urge members of your congregations to endorse;
- Urge the governing body of your congregation, the regional body of your denomination or faith group and your local interfaith or ecumenical body to endorse.
With the combined efforts of people of faith and military and national security leaders, we hope to develop a national consensus that the President should issue an executive order banning torture.
Thank you for taking action to help end U.S.-sponsored torture.
Sincerely,
Linda Gustitus, President, NRCAT Board of Directors
Rev. Richard Killmer, Executive Director
God Speaks
In the thundering silence,
in the dark of night
God speaks
In the prayers of the faithful
the words of the saints unspoken
God speaks
In the colors of creation
the many senses, vivid or subdued
God speaks
In the touch in times of comfort
the hope in times of need
God speaks
From deep within us
in the disquiet of our place
in the moments of reflection
when we need him his warm embrace
God speaks
June 25, 2008
1 Kings 19:1-15a
in the dark of night
God speaks
In the prayers of the faithful
the words of the saints unspoken
God speaks
In the colors of creation
the many senses, vivid or subdued
God speaks
In the touch in times of comfort
the hope in times of need
God speaks
From deep within us
in the disquiet of our place
in the moments of reflection
when we need him his warm embrace
God speaks
June 25, 2008
1 Kings 19:1-15a
An Unseen Hand, an Unheard Whisper
Pushed forward, that’s how she put it,
our lives for God’s special purpose
pushed forward by an unseen hand,
an unheard whisper, a silent voice
calling us, from deep within us
His guiding hand coaxing us
pushing us from the flies, the wings
onto the stage, into the center ring
the place He had planned for each of us
only for us, all along
Working in us, through us
worthy vessels,
pouring out His love
June 24, 2008
our lives for God’s special purpose
pushed forward by an unseen hand,
an unheard whisper, a silent voice
calling us, from deep within us
His guiding hand coaxing us
pushing us from the flies, the wings
onto the stage, into the center ring
the place He had planned for each of us
only for us, all along
Working in us, through us
worthy vessels,
pouring out His love
June 24, 2008
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
A prayer from Uganda
I received this emailed prayer request from Seth Sengendo from Kampala, Uganda this morning. Please share this prayer request.
--
Lately we have been working on reviving a little ministry, called the
Nutri-Ministry where we we take food supplies to babies home and
orphanges and spend time with the kids share with them in different
aspects.
It is something we used to do fortnightly but kind of backed off, due
to rising food prices and other essentials.
Please pray with us as we re embark on this little project and also
get support for a little van that will be used in shopping and
distribution of food stuff.
God bless.
http://the-son-shines-brighter.blogspot.com/
--
--
Lately we have been working on reviving a little ministry, called the
Nutri-Ministry where we we take food supplies to babies home and
orphanges and spend time with the kids share with them in different
aspects.
It is something we used to do fortnightly but kind of backed off, due
to rising food prices and other essentials.
Please pray with us as we re embark on this little project and also
get support for a little van that will be used in shopping and
distribution of food stuff.
God bless.
http://the-son-shines-brighter.blogspot.com/
--
We Continue His Life
We continue his life,
as we walk in his ways
follow the path he has walked
all of his days
We give honor to the father
by mirroring the son
and spreading his message of love
to everyone
June 24, 2008
1 John 2:1-6 and
Upper Room devotional for June 17, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=17&year=2008&x=107&y=6
as we walk in his ways
follow the path he has walked
all of his days
We give honor to the father
by mirroring the son
and spreading his message of love
to everyone
June 24, 2008
1 John 2:1-6 and
Upper Room devotional for June 17, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=17&year=2008&x=107&y=6
Through His Blood
Through his blood,
his precious blood, spilled
a sacrifice, atoning,
paying for our sin,
the sins of the whole world
given, shed on the wooden altar
nailed and crowned,
his side pierced by the spear
his blood shed
for you and for me
We are washed clean
through his blodd
June 23, 2008
1 John 2:1-6 and
Upper Room devotional for June 17, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=17&year=2008&x=107&y=6
his precious blood, spilled
a sacrifice, atoning,
paying for our sin,
the sins of the whole world
given, shed on the wooden altar
nailed and crowned,
his side pierced by the spear
his blood shed
for you and for me
We are washed clean
through his blodd
June 23, 2008
1 John 2:1-6 and
Upper Room devotional for June 17, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=6&day=17&year=2008&x=107&y=6
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