Poetry Where You Live

sermon blog

meditation blog

Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008

All of my poems are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 26,820+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

The People Fed

Like Manna in the desert
all the people, the tribes of Israel
Fed with the bread
blessed by heaven
Coming to him, in that desert place
All were hungry, thirsty
for his message, his hope
his healing touch
All needing the bread,
the fish from the hands
of the disciples, the fisherman

August 3, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
Mark 6:30-44
Luke 9:10-17
John 6:1-13
and Matthew 15:32-39
and sermon, “What a Blessing”,
by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH, August 3, 2008

Even When He Grieved

He healed the sick, ministered to them all
the son a servant to their needs
even when he grieved
the death of the one
the prophet, the one baptizing
in the Jordan, as foretold

He came to the other side
and the people followed,
found him far from home
seeking his healing, his grace
Even while he mourned for his kin
he put his needs below theirs
caring for them in the wilderness

He cured their sick, out of his compassion
fed them, all of them
From five loaves and two fish
out of his servanthood
all were healed, all were fed
even when he grieved.

August 2, 2008
Matthew 14:1-21
Matthew 14:13-21

If My People Believed

My people, of the covenants
the patriarchs, the prophets
if my people would but believe

He is here for them
fulfilling the law, the prophets
ready to adopt, to save
there for the children
if only they believed

August 2, 2008
Romans 9:1-5

Saturday, August 02, 2008

God’s Glory

That which no man could witness
God’s glory, his very face
revealed, God’s radiance
his love made flesh
made human, God’s image
Not the cloud, the pillar of fir
not his hand, over the cleft of the rock
his back, the back of God
God’s glory, in his son, our savior

August 2, 2008
Exodus 33:12-23
Exodus 33:17-23
Exodus 33:18
Psalm 17:15

Holding on for a Blessing

Before they released, parted
holding on for a blessing
Somehow he knew;
He was wrestling with God
this younger twin,
ankle grabbing, usurping,
he strove with God
all through the night
At morning, holding on for a blessing
a blessing from God

August 1, 2008, August 2, 2008
Genesis 32:22-31

Blessing the Food

Before the blessing
meager, inadequate
five loves, two fish

A blessing, bread help up to heaven
suddenly, more than enough
food for all who were there
baskets for the disciples,
the tribes, the months

Enough for all, indeed
blessed by his blessing

August 1, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21
after the feeding of the 5,000,
12 baskets left

Watching the Waves

Looking at, watching the waves
it was then that he fell,
when he began to sink
Gravity, laws of physics
held no dominion over him
while he yet focused on Christ

So we to, must hold our focus
our vision, our lives
on our risen Lord, our savior
with our lives centered on him
extraordinary things are possible
Stop watch the waves
and step out of the boat

August 1, 2008
Matthew 14:25-33;
sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
“Walk this Way”, July 27, 2008,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
and Upper Room devotion
for August 1, 2008
http://www.upperroom.org/Devotional/default.asp?month=8&day=1&year=2008

Friday, August 01, 2008

Cicada molting and getting ready to fly 7/28/08

Mount Up With Wings Like Eagles

Rise up, mount up, into the heavens
leave the world and cares behind
Mount up with wings like eagles
on the love of the Lord

Trust in the one who made
the heavens and the earth
mount up, lift up your sights to heaven
and touch the face of God

Believe in the yoke you carry
heed the master’s voice
mount up on wings of eagles
your fate is your choice

Rise up on wings like eagles
share the love of God
The fields are ready for his message
and yours is the savior’s voice

August 1, 2008
Isaiah 40:31 (NRSV, NIV)
Isaiah 40:21-31 (NRSV)
Isaiah 40:27-31 (The Message)

Mount Up

Mount up on wings of eagles,
climb up on his wings of love
soar above the struggles
hear the master’s call

Walk the savior’s footsteps
heed his call for you
Mount up on wings of eagles
and feel the creator’s love

August 1, 2008
Isaiah 40:31 (NRSV, NIV)
Isaiah 40:21-31 (NRSV)
Isaiah 40:27-31 (The Message)

They shall Run

Not like the others,
not even their youth
The Lord will be their strength
and they shall not be tired

They shall run, oh they will run
they will take on the great calling
they will heed the master’s voice
For their hope is centered on the creator
and that makes all the different

He will bear them up,
he will carry them on
on his robe, on the hem of his gown
like the wings of eagles
on the strength of his breath alone

They will be lifted up, on high,
to reach the ends of the earth
to spread his love, his message
and tell of the savior’s birth

On Calvary they had slain him
and in a borrowed grave he lay
But the story wasn’t over,
as the prophets had foretold

For He like them who followed
was born anew on the wings of the creator
and he rose up to heaven
to prepare a place for them

Now the saints below are toiling
without a care or a doubt
for their time here is fleeting
and the savior is all about

For the grace of the father,
is in each other’s face
and on the wings like an eagle
they shall sail above this place

August 1, 2008
Isaiah 40:31 (NRSV, NIV)
Isaiah 40:21-31 (NRSV)
Isaiah 40:27-31 (The Message)

She will Rise

She has trusted in your calling
in the truth of the voice
she hears in the night
the quiet sureness of this path that she is on
The stumbling blocks fleeting,
the enemy can wait
For her faith is deep
and her path has been made straight

From the pain, the struggle
challenges of her day
She will Rise, rise up
as if on Easter ‘morn
On wings of eagles,
strong, sure wings
she will rise from her toil
and sing songs of your praise

August 1, 2008
Isaiah 40:31

Majestic Wings

As if on the majestic wings,
of the regal bird, the eagle of the sky
rising effortlessly, ascending heavenward
Hope in the Lord; do not tire; do not grow faint
For your hope shall be made real
your faith given life
Your time of testing,
of trial a brief candle’s life
A fight no more, an easy row
a wide path for your journey
You will be lifted up
on strong wings of God’s love
Soar over your land
and sing his praises

August 1, 2008
Isaiah 40:31
but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint. (NRSV)

From Her Words – Song

She wondered, noticed,
he was taking notes in the sanctuary
While she was preaching, sharing the parable
treasures found, and their response
What would you give? What would you sell?
To hold the treasure as your own
How would you hold that treasure in your hands?

His hands, writing a hymn, an echo of worship,
the words of the Gospel, her words, blended
a gift of grace, a blessing for us to share
Two days later, a hymn, born of the scripture
of the sermon, of the inspiration of God
What would you sell? Yes, what would you sell?

August 1, 2008
Based on emailed note about new hymn
by F. Richard Garland,
“What Would You Sell”,
http://www.gbod.org/worship/default.asp?act=reader&item_id=46574
which was written about Matthew 13: 31-33; Matthew 13:44-52
and the sermon by Reverend Lori Eldredge,
“Buried Treasure”, July 27, 2008,
North Kingstown United Methodist Church
http://www.nkumcri.com/nkumcri/archive12.html

molted Cicada pupae, July 28, 2008

More than Fish, More than Bread

The loaves, the fishes, the feeding of the five thousand
the gathering of the tribes, of the people of the Lord
being fed by his message, his hope,
following where he led, going to where he was
finding him in the wilderness, by the sea, on the mountain
lingering late into the evening, listening at his feed
yearning to hear the master’s voice
A day of hope, a night of blessing
fed by more than fish, more than bread
wonder of heavenly food
shared by grace
with all

August 1, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21

All Were Fed

Beyond human comprehension,
five thousand men,
the women, the children
fed with far too little, not nearly enough
But there was far more to spare,
after the feeding
They were amazed, confused, blessed
a miracle, heavenly provision,
serving them all
with their seemingly meager fare
a limitless supply,
grace on grace
All were fed
as they were by his words
on that mountainside

August 1, 2008
Matthew 14:13-21

Two Hulls, Four Blades

Even from my speeding car,
a half mile or more away
They cut silently
through the skin of the lake
slowly, casually
two hulls, four blades
moving in unison
tandem partners
Without an urgent place to be
mid-afternoon reverie
in their smooth kayaks
down beyond, below
the hurried interstate

July 31, 2008, edits 8/1/08
Little Turkey Pond, Concord, NH
just below Exit 3 on Route 89

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 19,840+ of my poems at http://www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Letter from Congresswoman Carol Shea-Porter, July 30, 2008 on waterboarding

July 30, 2008

Dear Mr. Foss:

Thank you for contacting my office and expressing your opposition to certain interrogation techniques, including waterboarding.

I share your belief that methods of torture, including waterboarding, hypothermia, and stress positions, are not an acceptable or humane method of obtaining information. I was proud to be an original cosponsor, with Chairman Jerrold Nadler of the Constitution Subcommittee of the Judiciary Committee, of the American Anti-Torture Act (H.R. 4114). This legislation would have extended the U.S. Army Field Manual prohibition on torture techniques like waterboarding to all U.S. government agencies. This language was included in the Intelligence Authorization Act (H.R. 2082) and would have prevented intelligence agencies from engaging in torture. The President objected to this language and subsequently vetoed the Intelligence Authorization Act.

To learn more about current legislation or about my voting record, I invite you to visit the Library of Congress legislative information website (www.thomas.gov). There, you can find the full text of a bill or a summary, who introduced it and when, who is cosponsoring it, and where it is in the legislative process. I also invite you to visit my website (http://shea-porter.house.gov) for more information about bills that I have introduced or cosponsored, and for issue updates, position statements, event announcements, or to sign up for my email newsletter.
Thank you again for contacting my office. It is a privilege to serve you in Washington.

Sincerely,

Carol Shea-Porter
Member of Congress

Monday, July 28, 2008

“F.R.O.G”, sermon by Pastor Ruth L. Foss, Suncook United Methodist Church, Suncook, NH 7/27/08

Ephesians 2:6-10

Last week…Huntley talked about God’s grace. He talked about Murphy’s Law and about how it was wrong and about his own life and how things that should have gone wrong didn’t and how things that shouldn’t have gone right went right. He talked about King David who had questionable morals and was a bad father but. . . he was called a man after God’s own heart. We heard about prophets that failed in their work and about a man named Paul who was the founder of the church who had persecuted Christians in his former life. We learned that it was not about Murphy’s Law but about a word called grace…God’s grace. This grace is not anything that you or I can buy on “EBay” or any other place…we can’t even earn it. . . it is freely given to us by God.

Grace, Grace, God’s Grace . . . In Genesis 22:1-19, we have more proof that Murphy was wrong. Here we have Abraham. He was told to take his only son to a place that God told him and sacrifice him. Now prior to this…Abraham was told that God would make a nation from his son and that the world would be blessed through him…now he is being told to sacrifice this gift that was given to him from God. When Isaac and Abraham got to where they were going…Isaac asked where the lamb for the sacrifice was? Abraham told his son that God would provide the lamb. Abraham trusted in God and knew the promise he had been given. Anyone looking at this situation and not know the outcome would think that Murphy’s Law was in play here. Abraham and Sarah had been childless and now they were going to lose their child. But we know the end of the story. . . God stopped Abraham from sacrificing his son and provided a lamb for the sacrifice. It was by God’s grace that the lamb was provided.

Abraham Fully Relied On God…in my children’s message this morning I talked about frogs and what they mean to me. By fully relying on God. . . grace has abounded in my life. You see. . . I was told that I would never be successful in ministry. . . never mind being a pastor…I was told that unless my house was in right order and was in line with what God would have it be I would never be able to help others find their way to God. I believed this for quite some time in my life but . . . when I began to fully rely on God, not on myself or others, I became to realize what many before me realized. God uses the imperfect, the ordinary, to do His work here on earth . . . imperfect people to do extraordinary things. By fully relying on God I am able to say, with the Psalmist of Psalm 118:6-9, “The Lord is with me, I will not be afraid, what can man do to me? The Lord is with me; He is my helper. I will look in triumph on my enemies. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” The Lord is with me . . . I feel His GRACE.

After Huntley’s sermon last week I began to think. I thought about my life and my own “Moses” experience and thought that yes I do fully rely on God but I think that I fully rely on His GRACE even more. Ephesians 2:8-10 tells us that “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” It is this grace . . . this gift. . . we are given to share with others. As disciples of the 21st century. . . when we share our talents, our financial resources, our time . . . our gifts are multiplied to help others in our church . . . our communities…the world at large. God can use whatever we “ordinary” people have to do His work in the world. As Romans 8:38-39 states . . . nothing can separate us from the Love . . . the grace . . . of God.

I would like to share a story that was e-mailed to me this week. I am not sure if it is a true story but I like it anyway. It was about a woman who was walking by a shoe store front and saw a little boy there staring into the window. She asked him what he was staring at and he said that he was praying to God for a new pair of shoes. Well . . . this woman took the little boy by the hand and brought him into the store. She told the clerk to bring her a dozen pair of socks for the little boy. She also asked the clerk for a basin of water and a towel (remind you of anyone). . . she washed the little boy’s feet, dried them, and put on a new pair of socks; she purchased new shoes for him and bundled up the remaining socks for him to take home. She patted him on the head and said that he was all set now and should be more comfortable. As she turned to go the little boy grabbed her by the hand and with tears in his eyes (Now this part really got to me) and asked her if she was God’s wife. (Grace…we never know how we will touch lives when we share it.)

God’s grace abounds everywhere. God’s grace can be seen in you and in me as we share that grace with the world around us. This gift of grace needs to be shared so that it can grow to the ends of the earth. It gives me hope that even when I don’t fully rely on God…I can fully rely on Grace. That prevenient, provident, sanctifying grace...You see God loves you and me and showers His grace on us and there’s nothing we can do about it. Praise God!

AMEN

by Pastor Ruth Foss

sermon blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

meditation blog

“God’s Whisper” blog

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, 2013. All rights reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss for usage. See all 24,060+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Sunday, July 27, 2008

We Rely

On God’s grace
whether we are aware or not
His grace has already been given
an unmerited free gift
on this we rely

God’s grace is the basis
the hope, the truth of our faith
By grace alone are we, each one of us
all the world, from the beginning of time
to the end of the age, a time known only by God

The wage of sin paid, that sacrifice made
we are atoned, made whole, reconciled to God
Once joined, in relationship once more
Nothing, absolutely nothing can separate
can separate us from our creator, evermore

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

edited August 28, 2019

We Rely – v2

https://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2019/08/we-rely-v2.html

July 27, 2008

We Rely

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/07/we-rely.html

Genesis 22:9-13, Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 2:6-10, and

sermon, “F.R.O.G.”, by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

Suncook United Methodist Church,

Suncook, NH

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 51,670+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Abraham, creation, creator, Ephesians 2, Faith, Genesis 22, gifts, God, grace, hope, love, Pastor Ruth Foss, poem, poetry, Romans 8, sacrifice, sharing, sin, worship,

#Abraham #creation #creator #Ephesians2 #Faith #Genesis22 #gifts #God #grace #hope #love #poem #poetry #Romans8 #sacrifice #sharing #sin #worship

Chasing the Sun

As we allowed, she moved about the seats
from dry bench to wet towels,
it didn’t seem to matter,
chasing the sun around the boat
lingering, dozing, in its warming
longing the sun
out on the water

July 27, 2008
Squam Lake, NH, July 26, 2008
Erica

Swimming Free

She hung on the ladder’s rails
unwilling to leave their safety
out into the lake,
even in my arms

Slowly she gained confidence
grew bolder, little by little

Later, trumpeting triumph
she was swimming free
smiling, splashing, proud of herself
conquering her fears

July 27, 2008
Squam Lake, NH, July 26, 2008
Shanequa

Skeletal Pines

Weathered gray, sparse
even the living limbs
skeletal pines, evergreens stripped of excess
no pretense, essentials only
exposed at the water’s edge
on each point, each inlet
the bays and streams
emptying into the lake

Watching for birds perched
high in the dead gray branches
The gray broken only
by the rust, the café au lait
exposed sinew, where the trees have split
revealing the center;
maybe by spindly needles
holding on against the winds
blowing across the lake.

July 27, 2008
Squam Lake, NH, July 26, 2008

Relying on Grace

Even when we are unaware, even when we ignore,
deny the command, the will of God;
grace is there, with us, watching over us
providing grace, limitless grace
gifts of the creator, the savior the sacrifice
sin without its sting, the stain washed clean
rely on God, trust in his grace
and the world is a different place
Nothing in the way, between us
and the love of our God;
Nothing.

July 27, 2008
Genesis 22:9-13, Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 2:6-10, and
sermon, “F.R.O.G.”, by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH

Fully Rely On God

By grace alone, not by our works
we are saved, we can do great, extraordinary things
As the people of the bible, modern-day saints
with work to do, enabled by God’s grace
to move and risk, to sacrifice, to toil,
to spread Christ’s message, his example
the love of the father, to the ends of the earth
by grace alone, only grace
unearned, freely given
imperfect people, extraordinary gifts
hope for the world

July 27, 2008
Genesis 22:9-13, Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 2:6-10, and
sermon, “F.R.O.G.”, by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH

Imperfect People

The bible’s story
imperfect people,
able, by God’s grace,
to do extraordinary things
acts of love, by faith alone,
grace heaped, poured out
lessons for all of us,
made real by imperfect messengers
by unworthy kings, stumbling prophets
timid missionaries, converted ones
saints before us, flawed as you and me
willing to be the vessels of God’s love
by grace alone revealed

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

edited January 14, 2018

Imperfect People – v2

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2018/01/imperfect-people-v2.html

July 27, 2008

Imperfect People

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.kr/2008/07/imperfect-people.html

Genesis 22:9-13, Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 2:6-10, and

sermon, “F.R.O.G.”, by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,

Suncook United Methodist Church,

Suncook, NH

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, and 2017. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 45,960 of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Abraham, Acts 2, Bible, church, creator, Ephesians 2, Faith, Genesis 22, God, grace, hope, love, Methodist, Mission, Moses, Pastor Ruth L. Foss, poem, poetry, Romans 8, worship,

#Abraham #Acts2 #Bible #christianpoems #christianpoetry #church #creator #David #Ephesians2 #Ezekiel #Faith #faithpoetry #Genesis22 #God #grace #hope #Isaiah #Law #love #UMC #Mission #Moses #NEUMC #Paul #poem #poetry #praisepoems #praisepoetry #prophet #religiouspoetry #Romans8 #worship

Come, in Prayer

He said, the Lord said
to come, in prayer,
come to me, to the altar rail
Come to me in prayer.
Oh children, kneel before him
share your joys, your fears,
your hopes, your pain
God will listen, God will answer

July 27, 2008
Pastoral Prayer by Reverend Huntley Halvorson,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH

Abraham’s Faith

God would provide
the lamb for the sacrifice;
but would that be my son?
So must the rest of the thought have been
as he spoke to his first-born, his only son
Son of the promise, the promise of God
of him there will be a great name,
in him a blessing
Is he to be the sacrifice, the one on the altar
to prove my faith, my fear, my love of God?
God will provide the lamb,
I must go, where I am led,
prepared to sacrifice him
such was that faith
that day on the mountain,
knife raised for the slaughter.
By grace rewarded
a son spared
blessing fulfilled;
repeated on Calvary
a holy sacrifice
limitless grace of the father
this son not spared the price
living, tangible grace fulfilled

July 27, 2008
Genesis 22:9-13, Romans 8:38-39, Ephesians 2:6-10, and
sermon, “F.R.O.G.”, by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH

No Other Lamb

He knew, he believed,
that the Lord would provide the lamb,
the sacrifice for him, that he would not
sacrifice his son, his only son
God did provide, for the grandfather,
father of our faith
A lamb was provided, sparing the first-born,
his only son.

Another time, centuries on
God provided, a lamb for the sacrifice
no other lamb would do, no other lamb worthy
an unblemished lamb, the Son of God,
his first-born, his only son
worthy to atone, to sacrifice
a burnt offering, sin offering
saving us all, even when our faith fails
by the father’s grace, we are saved

July 27, 2008
Genesis 22:9-13, Ephesians 2:6-10, and
sermon, “F.R.O.G.”, by Pastor Ruth L. Foss,
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH

Pearls in the Evergreens

Tiny, perfect pearls
hovering on gossamer strands
woven in the evergreens
in front of the church this morning
jewels of nature, of water
held for our eyes
there to be seen
pearl of beauty
in the bushes out front

July 27, 2008
Suncook United Methodist Church,
Suncook, NH

A light above the cross

A cross of annuals,
lovingly cared for,
planted, watered, weeded
on the lawn of the church,
welcoming all
A light above the cross
a sign of our welcome,
the hope of new beginnings
this season of blooming
of flowering of hope anew
A light, a sign,
illuminating our street
our piece of the world, the kingdom
shining in the night, the wee hours
a light above the cross
welcoming all to our doors,
to the hope we share
a light to the world

July 27, 2008

Pine Needle Floorboards

Silence steps, into the chapel
the open-air sanctuary
walking in silence
a mere rubbing underfoot
less than a crunch
pine needle floorboards
of the chapel in the woods
reverent silence
broken by the lapping of the water
of the rocks beyond the pulpit, the cross
silent sanctuary, lost in worship
stillness on the island
the birch cross radiant
a light to us all

July 27, 2008
Chocorua Island Chapel,
Church Island, Squam Lake,
Holderness, NH, July 26
http://www.churchisland.org/

Wild Berries

The joy, the secrets discovered
wild berries, under the leafs,
hidden in the woods, the underbrush
in under the branches,
deep, dark blue,
hidden under the green
warm rich taste, tart and sweet
right off the bush
mmm, . . . more please

July 27, 2008
me and Shanequa
Chocorua Island Chapel,
Church Island, Squam Lake,
Holderness, NH, July 26
http://www.churchisland.org/

Captain and Pilot

They worked well together,
the crew of the boat
The Captain and the Pilot,
each knowing their roles,
the work they must do
Charting the course,
and getting us there
Enjoying the time shared
“their” lake revealed,
at least in part
to we landlubbers, guests
on their floating world
their piece of home
Host and hostess,
generous with their realm
Sharing their secrets,
their joy on the water

July 27, 2008
Squam Lake, NH, July 26, 2008

A Nautical Feast

We ate on the water,
floating with the wind, the waves,
enjoying the bounty, the feast
the sun, the clear skies,
the fellowship
a nautical feast;
Wet towels, smiling faces
friendship and family
rising and falling with the swells
a pickles and cheese sandwich,
veggies and dip,
leftovers for dad;
a gooey snack, a laugh
fun on the water
under the clear blue sky

July 27, 2008
Squam Lake, NH, July 26, 2008

Saturday, July 26, 2008

That Haunting Call

The black heads, the white in the wings
that haunting call, the loons
echoing down the lake
a Doppler chorus,
wondrous game
Marco
Polo
That call across the water
across the years, so special
so distinctive, our bird, with those red eyes
and that haunting call

July 26, 2008
Squam Lake, NH
http://www.loon.org/

Watching the Sky

on the water, the boat
watching the shore, the water,
birds, the loons, the horizon
watching the sky, clouds
shadows on the forest below
growing, darkening clouds
wakes, waves on the water
bobbing water birds
blue sky, changing in the heat
hikers on the mountain,
boats on the water with us
watching them all
as much as my eye,
my mind can take
drinking all of these in

July 26, 2008
Squam Lake, NH

Listening in the Silence

I sat apart, in the back of the sanctuary
no roof our walls were around me
nature all around
Listening in the silence
drinking in the stillness
sitting in the pew, watching the sky
the lake, the birch cross
shimmering in July air
clear blue overhead
pines and blueberries all around
being present in the chapel
in fellowship with God
in the silence of the woods

July 26, 2008
Chocorua Island Chapel,
Church Island, Squam Lake,
Holderness, NH
http://www.churchisland.org/

A Smell of Mothballs

Behind the cabin, age and mothballs
a smell I will not forget
of a cabin, a retreat, of another time
no living proof, no visible thing
but powerful things, the smell of age,
the smell of long gone mothballs
age has a smell, more than musty,
not readily given description; but real
out in the woods, the old building oozed
reeked of age and mothballs,
just as her home did, so long ago
out in the woods where the park was
almost forty years later, still quick to recall
that same smell of mothballs

July 26, 2008
memories of Laurel Park
http://www.laurel-park.org/
and Chocorua Island Chapel,
Church Island, Squam Lake,
Holderness, NH
http://www.churchisland.org/

Sharing Berries

One for me
one for her (handfuls that is)
wild blueberries, picking from the bushes
high above my eyes, down by my knees
sharing berries with my baby
out on the island in the lake
like my island in that other lake
so long ago, a lifetime ago,
Warm ripe blueberries,
hot sun, blue sky,
late July

July 26, 2008
me and Shanequa
Chocorua Island Chapel,
Church Island, Squam Lake,
Holderness, NH
http://www.churchisland.org/

In the chapel

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/

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

July 20, 2008

Ben was mistaken

http://raymondafoss.blogspot.com/2008/07/ben-was-mistaken.html

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)

http://www.ushistory.org/Franklin/info/

Poor Richard's Almanac in 1757

http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Poor_Richard's_Almanack#1757

other information on the source this quote:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/God_helps_those_who_help_themselves

http://www.gotquestions.org/God-help-themselves.html

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

by Pastor Ruth Foss

sermon blog

http://pstrfoss.wordpress.com/

meditation blog

“God’s Whisper” blog

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, 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.

by Pastor Ruth Foss

sermon blog