We must atone

We must atone for
our past, our corporate failures
real injustice promulgated
for countless generations;
a curse, a disease, this legacy
upon our people, this nation
from our very beginnings
a divide, our original sin.

We must atone
now, in this moment,
we need to change, to transform,
to repent of our sins;
but we stand divided, separate camps
not seeing one path forward
a way through this valley
this gulf we have created.

We must atone
we must come together
so much to do, to change,
so many wrongs to be righted;
so much of our dream of America
the words needing meaning
to achieve our destiny
as individuals, as a people.

We must atone
inspite of so many voices
so much pain, injustice,
over so many generations;
we must start now, this instant,
in this time, in this moment;
America can be much better
than our history.

‐----------
edited July 14, 2020
We must atone

edited July 14, 2020
How can we atone - v2

July 14, 2020
How can we atone

‐----------
poem, poetry, America, Declaration of Independence, prejudice, injustice,slavery, sin, colonization, genocide, eugenics, sterilization, institutionalization, racism, sexism, misogyny, Confederacy, Black Lives Matter, unalienable rights, life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, franchise, right to vote, ignorance, cruelty, oppression, Hamilton, Jefferson, Washington, Lincoln, Obama, Trump, Biden, Lewis, King Jr, compromise, complicity, corruption, hate, anger, God,

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How can we atone - v2

How can we atone
for our past, our corporate failures
real injustice promulgated
for countless generations;
a curse, a disease, this legacy
upon our people, this nation
from our very beginnings
a divide, our original sin.

How can we atone
now, in this moment,
needing to change, to transform,
to repent of our sins;
but we stand divided, separate camps
not seeing one path forward
a way through this valley
this gulf we have created.

How can we atone
how can we come together
so much to do, to change,
wrongs to be righted;
so much of our dream of America
the words needing meaning
to achieve our destiny
as individuals, as a people.

How can we atone
with so many voices
so much pain, injustice,
over so many generations;
we must start now, this instant,
in this time, in this moment;
America can be much better
than our history.

‐----------
edited July 14, 2020
How can we atone - v2

July 14, 2020
How can we atone

‐----------
poem, poetry, America, Declaration of Independence, prejudice, injustice,slavery, sin, colonization, genocide, eugenics, sterilization, institutionalization, racism, sexism, misogyny, Confederacy, Black Lives Matter, unalienable rights, life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, franchise, right to vote, ignorance, cruelty, oppression, Hamilton, Jefferson, Washington, Lincoln, Obama, Trump, Biden, Lewis, King Jr, compromise, complicity, corruption, hate, anger, God,

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

How can we atone

How can we atone
for our past, our failures
injustice perpetuated
for countless generations;
a curse, a disease
upon our people, this nation
from our beginnings
a divide, our original sin.

How can we atone
now, in this moment
needing to change
to repent of our sins;
but divided, separate camps
not seeing a path forward
a way through this valley
that we have created.

How can we atone
how can we come together
so much to do, to change,
wrongs to be righted;
so much of our dreams
the words needing meaning
to achieve our destiny
as people, as a people.

How can we atone
with so many voices
so much pain, injustice,
over so many generations;
needing to start now
in this time, in this moment,
America can be much better
than our history.

---------------
July 14, 2020
How can we atone

How can we #atone
https://t.co/IN5lruAjUZ
#poem #poetry #America #DeclarationofIndependence #prejudice #injustice #slavery #Sin #colonization #genocide #eugenics, #racism #sexism #Misogyny #BlackLivesMatter #unalienableRights #life #HamiltonFilm @DanRather

https://t.co/4YWMnziUv8

‐----------
poem, poetry, America, Declaration of Independence, prejudice, injustice,slavery, sin, colonization, genocide, eugenics, sterilization, institutionalization, racism, sexism, misogyny, Confederacy, Black Lives Matter, unalienable rights, life, liberty, pursuit of happiness, franchise, right to vote, ignorance, cruelty, oppression,


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

true to himself

true to himself
to his nature
Christ, our Savior
in the world only
not of the world
grounded in heaven above.

true to himself
his divine purpose
a sojourn, a path
through this wilderness.

true to himself
transformed, transfigured
alive, alight
fulfilling his purpose
not of the world
in the world only.

#poetry #poem #God #hope
Followers of the Way, God, hope, Pastor Ruth Foss, poem, poetry, Sermon,
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157756464243003&id=792593002

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

transformed, transformative

transformed, transformative
life, worth living
loving, forgiving
compassionate, mercy
like Christ Jesus
transformed, transformative
transfigured by God.

#poetry #poem #God #hope
Followers of the Way, God, hope, Pastor Ruth Foss, poem, poetry, Sermon,

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

transformed, transfigured

remade in God's image
transformed,  transfigured
into the likeness of Jesus
as we submit, as we bend
to the Spirit's calling
stripped of the world
that siren's song

#poetry #poem #God #hope
Followers of the Way, God, hope, Pastor Ruth Foss, poem, poetry, Sermon,

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

God meets us

God meets us
perfect, imperfect
all of us broken
each of us blessed
so we should meet
our sisters, each brother
just as they are
no preconceptions

#poetry #poem #God #hope
Followers of the Way, God, hope, Pastor Ruth Foss, poem, poetry, Sermon,

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

as they are, where they are

as they are, where they are
without prejudice or pretense
meeting others in our flesh
truly, freely, openly
coming before our neighbors
as our true selves
beloved children of God.

seeking to heal
to lighten the loads
of our sisters and brothers
loving the sinners, others
because we too are unworthy
as they are, where they are
each one of us beloved.

#poetry #poem #God #hope
Followers of the Way, God, hope, Pastor Ruth Foss, poem, poetry, Sermon,

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

stripped of the world - v2

peeling off the masks
the outer garments
the shroud, the chaos
to see with new eyes
to see them clearly

seeing them clearly
stripped of the world
bare, true, naked,
each person, each neighbor
seeing as God sees

seeing the other, the stranger
with the eyes of God
not judging, no prejudice
beautiful, imperfect, perfect
accepting them just as they are

#poetry #poem #God #hope


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

did it glint, did it glimmer - v4

Sitting on the porch step
staring at the line before me
watching its power, its movement,
a thread tethered from the pole to the house
trying to give her artistry, the scene, its due.

A living word salad
dancing in my mind, urgent,
nuanced and repeating
refracting and reflecting
in on itself, a song.

My thesaurus no help
too precise, too imperfect
to describe, to pay honor
the web, the fiber, the thread, the silk
the beauty of this moment.

Did it shine, did it shimmer
did it glint, did it glimmer
did it glisten, did it glitter
in the sunlight, this space,
this hot summer afternoon?

Did the line gleam, did it sparkle
did it undulate, did it flicker
swaying in the breeze
radiating power, beauty,
on this hot summer afternoon?

Yes, and yes, and so much more
capturing light and sharing
shining in the darkness
even in midday sun
sharing Light's living presence
over and over again.

‐---------------------
edited July 12, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer - v4
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157751917463003&id=792593002
edited July 12, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer - v3

adding last stanza
edited July 12, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer - v2

July 11, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer

note July 12, 2020
i think it is impossible to describe how #light hits a line of #spider #thread. that is why question marks in the last two stanzas... the short answer is, "yes, and so much more."

#poem #poetry #spiderweb #nature #beauty #power #God

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

stripped of the world

seeing them clearly
stripped of the world
bare, #naked,
each person, each neighbor

seeing as God sees

seeing the other, the. stranger
with the #eyes of #God
not #judging, no #prejudice
accepting them just as they are

#coronavirus #poetry #poem #America

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

did it glint, did it glimmer - v3

sitting on the porch step
staring at the line before me
watching its power, its movement
a thread between the pole and the house
trying to give the image, her artistry its due.

a living word salad
dancing in my mind, urgent
nuanced and repeating
refracting and reflecting
in on itself, a song.

my thesaurus no helpt
too precise, imperfect
to describe, to pay honor
the web, the fiber, the thread, the silk
the beauty of this moment.

did it shine, did it shimmer
did it glint, did it glimmer
did it glisten, did it glitter
in the sunlight, the space,
this hot summer afternoon?

did the line gleam, did it sparkle
did it undulate, did it flicker
swaying in the breeze
radiating power, beauty
on this hot summer afternoon?

yes, and yes, and so much more
capturing light and sharing
shining in the darkness
even in midday sun
sharing light's living presence
over and over again.

‐---------------------
edited July 12, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer - v3

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157751026698003&id=792593002 

adding last stanza
edited July 12, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer - v2

July 11, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer

note July 12, 2020
i think it is impossible to describe how #light hits a line of #spider #thread. that is why question marks in the last two stanzas... the short answer is, "yes, and so much more."

#poem #poetry #spiderweb #nature #beauty #power #God

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

did it glint, did it glimmer - v2

sitting on the porch step
staring at the line before me
watching its power, its movement
a thread between the pole and the house
trying to give the image, her artistry its due.

a living word salad
dancing in my mind, urgent
nuanced and repeating
refracting and reflecting
in on itself, a song.

my thesaurus no help
too precise, imperfect
to describe, to pay honor
the web, the fiber, the thread, the silk
the beauty of this moment.

did it shine, did it shimmer
did it glint, did it glimmer
did it glisten, did it glitter
in the sunlight, the space,
this hot summer afternoon?

did the line gleam, did it sparkle
did it undulate, did it flicker
swaying in the breeze
radiating power, beauty
on this hot summer afternoon?

‐---------------------
edited July 12, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer - v2

July 11, 2020
did it glint, did it glimmer

note July 12, 2020
i think it is impossible to describe how #light hits a line of #spider #thread. that is why question marks in the last two stanzas... the short answer is, "yes, and so much more."

#poem #poetry #spiderweb #nature #beauty #power #God

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

did it glint, did it glimmer

• 
  

sitting on the porch
staring at the line before me
a thread between the pole and the house
trying to give the image, her artistry its due

a living word salad
nuanced and repeating
refracting and reflecting
in on itself

the thesaurus no help
too precise, imperfect
to describe, to pay honor
the web, the fiber, the thread, the silk

did it shine, did it shimmer
did it glint, did it glimmer
did it glisten, did it glitter
in the sunlight

did the line gleam, did it sparkle
did it undulate, did it flicker
swaying in the breeze
on this hot summer afternoon

#poem #poetry #spiderweb #nature

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10157747286438003&id=792593002

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

when we are at our end

utterly broken, powerless
leaving ourselves on your altar
knowing we are unable
when we are at our end
when we submit fully
what power is in our witness
when we share God's Good News

#poetry #poem #pandemic #America #God #hope

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

driving into the #fog

too early this #morning
long before #dawning
yearning upward, southward
#driving into the #fog
leaving the #village behind me
into the cloud's cocoon
enveloping me complete
on the way to the store

#poetry #poem #hope #nature

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Denizens of the Woods

#hiking onward, windward,
emerging into the clearing
seeing the queen before me
sensing her presence with me
in the living birch
stopping to sit and wait
to watch and listen deeply
until other denizens of the woods
come out to greet me
feeling them all around me
just beyond my vision
knowing they are watching
my every move

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

pulled by distractions - v2

pulled by distractions
by #chaos in this #life
not seeing our #purpose
walking away from the #light

needing to slow down
to #listen to #God
speaking a message
of light for our lives

We need to #trust #God
to give in completely
to live a life worthy
of our divine purpose

#poem #poetry #hope #Jesus #God

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

pulled by distractions

pulled by distractions
by #chaos in this #life
not seeing our #purpose
walking away from the #light

needing to slow down
to #listen to #God
speaking a message
of light for our lives

#poem #poetry #hope #Jesus #God

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

toxic thoughts

#toxic thoughts
words, distractions
blocking out the #light
our #focus, our #purpose

needing to stop
to renew our focus
cleansing our #minds
of the #chaos, the #darkness 

#poem #poetry #hope

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the weight of gossamer threads - v4

#Invisible strands of #ether
weight of #gossamer threads
resting on my arms' hairs
new-formed #spider's #web.

#Silk fibers, a #curtain pierced,
pulled from the rafters
brought inside with me
draped across my arms.

Looking down to see
what is on my arms
invisible strings of gossamer
a #spider's #artistry.

#poem #poetry #imagery #nature #beauty #senses #touch

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the weight of gossamer threads

invisible strands of #ether
weight of gossamer threads
resting on my arms' hairs
new-formed #spider's #web

#poem #poetry #imagery #touch #senses

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the weight of gossamrr threads - v3

#invisible strands of #ether
weight of gossamer threads
resting on my arms' hairs
new-formed #spider's #web;

#silk fibers, a #curtain pierced
pulled from the rafters
brought inside with me
draped across my arms

looking down to see
what is on my arms
invisible strings of gossamer
the #spider's #artistry

#poem #poetry #imagery

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the weight of gossamer threads - v2

#invisible strands of #ether
the #weight of #gossamer threads
resting on my arms' hairs
new-formed #spider's #web;

#silk fibers, a #curtain pierced
pulled from the rafters
brought inside with me
draped across my arms

#poem #poetry #imagery

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the gordian knot in the gut of democracy

the gordian knot in the gut of democracy,
on this day before July4th.
the tug to the right, to the left,
the pit, the pendulum,  no equilibrium
racism, destruction, open #rebellion
forces aligning, dividing,
ripping apart the united
the status of our nation
people inflamed/ authoritarian,
power, injustice, chaos
no peace in this moment
a pandemic spreading, rising,
people without income, desperate
for a leader, a hero, the Rule of Law

#coronavirus #Politics #DeclarationOfIndependence #America #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #dream

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the gordian knot in the gut of democracy

the #gordian knot in the gut of #democracy,
on this day before #July4th.
the tug to the right, to the left,
the pit, the pendulum,  no equilibrium
#racism, #destruction. open #rebellion
forces aligning, dividing,
ripping apart the united
the status of our #nation
people inflamed/ #authoritarian,
#power, #injustice, #chaos
no #peace in this moment
a #pandemic spreading, rising,
people without income, desperate
for a #leader, a #hero, the #RuleOfLaw

#coronavirus #Politics #DeclarationOfIndependence #America #UnitedStates #UnitedStatesOfAmerica #dream

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Reading of the Declaration of Independence- NPR 2020

listen to the #power of the words The Declaration of Independence
#DeclarationOfIndependence
#UnitedStates #poetry #beauty
#UnitedStatesOfAmerica #inalienablerights #founders #revolution #democracy
https://t.co/rMWPsTT3aap0

Apll of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

loved beyond measure

worth dying for
#beloved, of #sacred worth,
a #God-given #purpose
as we walk in this life

loved beyond measure
by our #Father
#blessed to be a #blessing
this side of #heaven

#coronavirus #Hope #love #poetry #poem #COVID19 #Jeremiah29:11

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the comfort of our baggage

carrying the same weight
becoming so familiar
the comfort of our baggage
stones upon our lives

needing to leave them behind us
at the altar of #God
paid at the cross of #Jesus
raised from our earthly grave

https://t.co/uzXBFxyC7K @PastorRuthFoss #8AMLive #COVID19 #hope #pandemic #America #poetry #poem

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the God of Abraham

the #God of #Abraham
of #Love, of real #Faith
holding us closely
showering us with #Grace

the God who walks beside us
as close as #Breath,
guides us in each moment
trusting He is right.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/3066582436755966/ @PastorRuthFoss #8AMLive #church #COVID19 #God #hope #Jesus #poetry #poem #pandemic #America

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

undeserved, unmerited favor

undeserved, unmerited favor
redeemed from death
from the wages of sin
raised from the grave, the pit
through #Christ's death and resurrection

undeserved, unmerited favor
a life of #goodness, of #blessing
walking in the footsteps
in the way, the path
of our risen Lord and Savior

https://t.co/2Hqtd52WfD #COVID19 #poem #poetry @PastorRuthFoss #fear #faith #hope #grace #gratitude

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

grateful for God

#grateful for #God
for God's limitless #goodness
wanting always, only
to walk beside God

grateful for God
for your #calling, your #Spirit
seeking to guide, to protect me
to walk right by my side

https://t.co/2Hqtd52WfD #COVID19 #poem #poetry @PastorRuthFoss #fear #faith #hope 

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a word of Hope

a word of Hope

a #word of #Hope
a daily message of #light
#life to give us life
to set the world ablaze

a word of Hope
of the #goodness of #God
that God will never forsake us
that God will give us what we need

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/3069405679806975/ #COVID19 #poem #poetry @PastorRuthFoss

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we yearn to see God's goodness

we yearn to see God's goodness
our journey, our vision quest
seeking to see through God's eyes
to walk in God's light

when we focus on the good
our light shines more brightly
fire ignites more fire
the whole world alight.

@PastorRuthFoss 8AM Live 6/26/20 
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/3072279532852923/ #God #HolySpirit #hope #Jesus #COVID19 #GoodNews #poetry #poem #pandemic #America

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Failing to see God's goodness

through #eyes of #humanity
temporary, temporal
failing to see God's goodness
to trust, to truly #believe 

lost in the #chaos of this world
the push and pull of life
failing to receive a #blessing
to walk in God's pure #light
#poem #poetry #hope

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I've strayed from the #Word

I've strayed from the #Word
my grounding in #Christ #Jesus
I've listened to the world
not the #Spirit's #calling.

#Pray for me #Lord
that I would be more #faithful
that I would answer, "Here I am"
at the calling of the Spirit.

#sermon @PastorRuthFoss https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/3060968173984059/ #God #HolySpirit #purpose #gifts #poem #poetry

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

the eager Father

The eager #Father
watching the horizon
longing for each of us
to come, to follow,
to come back home.

The #loving Father
loving each #Prodigal
calling to each of us
to come, to follow,
to come back home.

#Luke15:20 @PastorRuthFoss #FathersDay #sermon #church #God #poem #poetry

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Listen to the Lord - v2

Boldly follow #God
the #Sprit's gentle #whisper;
cleave to the path
the #Father has written.

#Listen to the #Lord,
the #Father's gentle #whisper;
cleave to the path, the #way
#God has #written.

Stay #faithful to the #calling
of #God, of the #Spirit;
#Follow the way of #Jesus
our #risen #lord and #Savior.

Hold fast to the #Hope
the #Faith growing within you;
don't turn from the way
written in #scripture.

#Psalm119 #1Kings22 #prayer #FathersDay #poem #poetry #trust #dream #purpose #calling

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Listen to the Lord

Listen to the #Lord,
the #Father's gentle #whisper;
cleave to the path, the #way
#God has #written.
Stay #faithful to the #calling
of #God, of the #Spirit;
#Follow the way of #Jesus
our #risen #lord and #Savior.

#Psalm119 #FathersDay prayer poem #poetry #trust #dream #purpose

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Boldly follow God

Boldly follow #God
the #Sprit's gentle #whisper;
cleave to the path
the #Father has written.

Hold fast to the #Hope
the #Faith growing within you;
don't turn from the way
written in #scripture.

#Psalm119 #1Kings22 #prayer #FathersDay #poem #poetry #trust #dream #purpose #calling

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Drink in the Fire

#breathe in deeply
#drink in the #Fire
the living #HolySpirit
given to us

#taste #Christ 's #promise
the coming #wind
#flames of #change #alive
#burning within

#Pentecost #sermon
@PastorRuthFoss #FollowersoftheWay #poem #poetry #JesusChrist #church #hope

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

receive, be set free - v2

receive, be set #free
#fire, the #HolySpirit
#Pentecost #flame
filling your #body
filling you, a #commission
shining #God's #light #love
#Christ's #GoodNews
our #witness
out in the street

#Pentecost #sermon
@PastorRuthFoss Followersofthe Way #poem #poetry #JesusChrist #church

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

receive, be set free

receive, be set free
fire, the Holy Spirit
Pentecost flames
filling your body
filling you, a commission
shining God's light, love
out in the street

June 15, 2020
receive, be set free

Pentecost sermon
Pastor Ruth Foss
Followers of the Way


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Share the Light

#Share the #light
the #holy #fire
#winds of #change #burning
ablazen with you #Love
All of us #equal
#flawed yet #perfect
all lives matter
both black and white.

#poem #poetry #hope #Pentecost #BLM #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #MedgarEvers #MartinLutherKingJr #prayer

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

from Hosannas to the cross

from shouts of praise
to the crucifixion
from Hosannas to the cross
the Passion of our Savior

forgotten by the sheep
cursed by the naysayers
giving His life over
to save the deserters

June 11, 2020
from Hosannas to the cross

John 12:13
John 19:3

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

sowing seeds of the kingdom

#sowing #seeds of the #kingdom
in the #fields #Christ has prepared
#commissioned as He was
to share #God's loving word;
sent to be a #blessing
to offer #love #hope
sent into the fields, the #vineyards
#beloved #children of #God.

#John17:18
#poem #poetry

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

commissioned for a purpose

#commissioned for a #purpose
made in the #image of #Christ
sent into the world as He was
a #mortal #child of #God;
sent to be a #blessing
to #shine the light of #Christ
sent, commissioned
a #beloved #child of #God.

#John17:18
#poem #poetry https://t.co/ZQF43Nux4W #GeorgeFloyd

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

what we sow

what we #sow we will #reap
first #fruits of our efforts
where we sow our #seeds
our #time, our #energy, our #resources
sowing seed into ourselves, the world
or sowing seeds for the #Kingdom

#poem #poetry #hope @PastorRuthFoss https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/3022791087801768/

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we are sent by Jesus

we are sent by #Jesus
to be His #love, His #Light
we are sent as He was by the Father
our #Creator, our #God
we are to be His #witnesses
His Hands and His Feet
we are to be the voice in the wilderness
cring for #justice in the streets

#COVID19 #BlackLivesMatter #poem #poetry #hope

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we must be the change

a prayerful reminding
binding us in worship
living out the dreams
of Martin, of our elders.

we must be the change
the hopes of our people
the change we want to see
no exceptions, no dividing walls.

everyone, anyone, welcome
part of one circle
our nation, our family,
one nation under God.

6/7/20
we need to be the change

Followers of the Way
sermon by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://www.facebook.com/groups/343150586366899/permalink/553577121990910/


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we need to be the change

a prayerful reminding
binding us in worship
living out the dreams
of Martin, of our elders.

we need to be the change
the hopes of our people
the change we want to see
no exceptions, no dividing walls.

everyone, anyone, welcome
part of one circle
our nation, our family,
one nation under God.

6/7/20
we need to be the change


Followers of the Way
sermon by Pastor Ruth Foss
https://www.facebook.com/groups/343150586366899/permalink/553577121990910/
All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

what is worship

our response to God's goodness
deep down within us
gifts of our hearts
flowing like oil, like water
on the lives of others
out into the world;
gathering as believers
worshipping God as one
rising from our beings
from the well of our souls.

6/7/20
what is worship

6/7/20
what is real faith

6/6/20 8AM Live
Pastor Ruth Foss

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/3017394741674736/

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

what is real faith

a rock to stand on
a certainty, a trust
believing in the unseen
deep down within us

the seed planted deeply
faith of a mustard seed
faith the move mountains
knowing what we believe

6/7/20
what is real faith

6/6/20 8AM Live
Pastor Ruth Foss

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/3017394741674736/

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

I'm sorry you stayed

I'm sorry you stayed

in the face of #injustice;
I'm sorry you were #silent
when #evil took voice;
I'm sorry you stayed
when you knew what it cost them
stripped of what they knew
their place, their #life. 

#BlackLivesMatter #AllLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #America

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

set the hills ablaze

set the hills ablaze
with #fire, #God's passion;
#Spirit fill our lives
with His #love, #compassion.

seek God, our heavenly Father
in this #Pentecost season;
offer hope to the others
the forgotten, the stranger.

#poem #poetry #COVID19 #BlackLivesMatter #GeorgeFloyd #Anonymous


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

may your pain be my pain

may your pain be my #pain
your grief my grief
may I not be complacent
may I not be complicit
may your #anger be my anger
at the injustice, brutality
for more than 400 years
since the first slave was captured
dragged from their home in Africa
down to the present day

George Floyd
#poem #poetry #empathy

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

flames lit

#flames lit,
#fires blazing
#windsofchange;
May #hope rise
like a #Phoenix
#PentecostSunday, #love

#amen; receive the #HolySpirit #Spirit; shine the light https://t.co/Ztq9oy7D1A #Pentecost #worship #Sermon #hope @PastorRuthFoss #FollowersoftheWay #God #RuachElohim #preach

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Pentecost sermon Pastor Ruth Foss

https://www.facebook.com/groups/343150586366899/permalink/549521919063097/

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Pentecost sermon of hope by Pastor Ruth Foss May 31, 2020

#amen; receive the #HolySpirit #Spirit; shine the light https://t.co/Ztq9oy7D1A #PentecostSunday #Pentecost #worship #Sermon #hope @PastorRuthFoss #FollowersoftheWay #God #windofchange #RuachElohim #preach


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

staggering numbers -v2

Staggering numbers
new cases, new #deaths
100,000 #Americans #dead.
Numbers numbing
so many lives lost;
restrictions rolled back,
what will be the true #cost?
No new normal
our innocence lost;
#coronavirus a legacy
for generations beyond us.

#COVID19 #poem #memorialdayweekend2020

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

staggering numbers

Staggering numbers
new cases, new #deaths
100,000 #Americans #dead.
Numbers numbing
so many lives lost;
restrictions rolled back,
what will be the true #cost?

https://www.nytimes.com/section/todayspaper @realDonaldTrump @JoeBiden #memorialdayweekend2020 #COVID #coronavirus #poetry #poem #pandemic

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

harvest the fruit of our hope

#harvest the #fruit of our #hope
#seeds planted in #SpringTime
reap the bounty of your #love
which is so freely given
harvest the fruit of hope
into the storehouses of #heaven

#8AMLive #church #coronavirus, #COVID19 #God @PastorRuthFoss #poem #poetry #sermon #FollowersoftheWay

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

awaken our dormant hope

awaken our dormant #hope
rekindle the fire within us
#faith to move mountains
faith of a mustard seed

awaken our dormant hope
as the #world in #SpringTime
fire us with Your #love
oh #Father, oh indwelling #Spirit

#worship #God #sermon #poetry #poem #COVID19 #coronavirus

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a moment of encouragement

a moment of encouragement
a moment of hope
feeling a calling
to share the good news.

uncertainty,  helplessness
weighing us down
needing hope, a message,
grounding somehow.

https://t.co/BCaCf6qPtI #COVID19 #coronavirus #poetry #poem

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we have hope

we have hope
a spirit of thankfulness
God is in control
nothing is pure chance.

no matter our struggle
the storms swirling around us
our Father God resides
in the eye of the storm.

#hope
https://t.co/BCaCf6qPtI #COVID19 #coronavirus #poetry #poem #God

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

thanks in everything

thanks in everything
in every situation
feeling God with us
in control.

thankful to God
in each moment
a spark of God
within everyone.

guided by #God's peace
a calm place within
knowing God fully
in every situation.

https://t.co/BCaCf6qPtI #COVID19 #poetry #poem #hope

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a word of hope - v2

We can share
a word of hope
light piercing the darkness,
a message of healing;
God is present with us
in the midst of the storm.

We have assurance
one promise in Jesus
we can be certain
of the love of the Father;
God is right beside us
in the midst of the storm.

5/11/20
a word of hope

8AM Live


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

a word of hope

A word of #hope
a message of healing
#God's presence with us
in the midst of the storm

We can be assured
of the love of the Father;
God is right beside us
in the midst of the storm.

5/11/2020

a word of hope

8AM Live

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/2948842905196587/ 

#8AMLive #COVID19 #coronavirus #poetry #poem @PastorRuthFoss #Fear

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

you are that woman

You are that woman
the woman of noble character;
you have passed on a legacy
of love to your children.

You are that woman
heralded in the gate;
preparing garments of crimson
keeping your family safe.

#HappyMothersDay #proverbs31 #poem

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

you are each that woman

You are each that woman 

the woman of noble character;
you have passed on a legacy
of love to your children.

You are each that woman
heralded in the gate;
preparing garments of crimson
keeping your family safe.

#HappyMothersDay #proverbs31 #poem

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

she is that woman

She is that woman
the woman of noble character;
she has passed on a legacy
of love to her children.

She is that woman
heralded in the gate;
preparing garments of crimson
keeping her family safe.

May 10, 2020

she is that woman 

#HappyMothersDay #proverbs31 #COVID19 #poem #poetry #love

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Forever is the Mountain

Surety, stability
as with the presence of #God,
Forever is the Mountain
whatever may come.
So much is fleeting,
temporal, changing,
Forever is the Mountain
dwelling place of God.

#COVID19 #coronavirus #MothersDay #Katahdin #MountKatahdin #poetry #poem https://t.co/TwikWy5wjU

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

spreading hope in crisis

we must share peace, mercy
spreading hope in crisis
encouraging others
in the midst of the storm.

we must share our hope
in this chaos, the pandemic
all of us need encouragement
the assurance of God.

May 8, 2020
spreading hope in crisis

Psalm 33



All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

Hope in the end-times

#Hope in the end times
sure of our future
all of this a breath
a phantom, a nothing
unimportant truly
a field to be crossed.

Hope in the end times
no matter the present
holding onto the promises
of #God, of the Father.
Sure of our future
the second-coming of #Jesus;
Hope for eternity
in the courts of God.

May 8, 2020
Hope in the end-times

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

pearls captured

pulled by gravity
forces of nature
pearls captured
from heaven above

dew of heaven
moving closer
gathered together
jewels of love


All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

we can move out

we can leave

we can move out
we are not stuck
in #fear, #scarcity,
we have a choice

#God's love binds us
His love transforms us
we are reborn
new creations
to be light and love

5/3/20

Sermon by Pastor Ruth Foss

Followers of the Way 

#COVIDー19 #poem #poetry #FollowersoftheWay @PastorRuthFoss #sermon #Church

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

lead us out of scarcity (Scare City)

lead us out of scarcity
our vision limited
show us the world
the abundance of your love

break our chains
our self-inflicted prisons
free us to love
as we are loved by the Father

5/3/20
Followers of the Way

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

healed into His presence

walking with our Maker

a journey of promise
healed into His presence
the loving arms of God

hope within the sanctuary
abiding under your wings
held within the loving arms
of our Father God

5/2/2020
8AM Live
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/2925817274165817/
Psalm 73:17
Psalm 73:21-28
Hebrews 11:1

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.

our sanctuary

set apart in a moment
cloistered from the world
our sanctuary, our refuge
communing with our Creator
finding space for God;
sitting quietly, in the presence,
with our first love
our Father God

5/3/2020
our sanctuary

8AM Live yesterday morning
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2096806100400276/permalink/2925817274165817/
Psalm 73:17
Psalm 73:21-28
Hebrews 11:1

All of my poems, photographs, and videos are copyrighted by Raymond A. Foss, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. All rights are reserved. Contact me at Ray Foss (raymondafoss@gmail.com) for usage. See all 52,540+ of my poems at www.raymondafoss.blogspot.com Poetry Where You Live.