Thoughts and Questions from Aramis Thorn

Hiding Behind Freedom

2012-02-20T08:36:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

One of thethings that is a constant source of ponderous consternation for me is the ideathat God gives us freedom in Christ. Ido not wish to do ANYTHING wrong but because I have free will I can choose todo wrong. There are days when I wishthat I had no choice. There are day Iwish God would usurp my will and create in me an inability to do wrong.

Since theinability to sin is not going to be removed whilst I am alive I have todetermine how to properly use my freedom. I am to live as a free person. What frightens me is when I use that freedom to work my own will overthe will of Christ. I cannot hide behindmy freedom to justify doing something I should not. It is wrong to allow injustice. Christ followers are to be the lead in the fightagainst it. It is wrong to allow the innocentto suffer. We are to fight against thisin every way. It is also wrong to use myfreedom as an excuse to ignore my responsibilities to Christ.

In thestormy political climate that we find ourselves in I see so many on both sides abdicatingthe responsibility to obey God in favor of the agenda of a politicalfaction. If I truly follow Christ I mustnot abdicate any of my responsibilities to God. The poor, the oppressed, the innocent, and the hungry are all myresponsibility. I must serve theirneeds.

I must do sothough without using my freedom to reject morality, righteousness, andholiness. Every dream of justice and generosityis possible but only as they are realized in the shadow of the cross. We cannot reject Christ’s teaching in any wayand believe we are doing good. I mustfollow and be free. I must use myfreedom in Christ to address the social issues of my world. I must do so while doing what is right ineverything. I do not get to pick andchoose what I am free to do. Freedom isonly found in obidende.

God wants you to silence the ignorance offoolish people by doing what is right. Liveas free people, but don't hide behind your freedom when you do evil. Instead,use your freedom to serve God. – Peter the Apostle – 1 Peter 2:15-16

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 SoJesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple ofChrist’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out newand old things from his great treasure store."

Death of a Snail

2012-02-19T05:26:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Photo by Tash Daniel

The otherday my friend Tash posted a picture of three snails. They were moving across some stone and thepicture was lovely. She named the snailsBod, Dob, and Rob. Dob got accidentallystepped on.

So what isthe loss of a single snail on a stone in Australia? I guess it depends on your view of the universe. Some people will see it asinsignificant. Some will see it as partof the great cycle of life and death. Some will embrace the fact that I write about it as a chaosreaction. To me it is very significant.

You see Dobhad a purpose. I do not know what it wasor is. I do not know how it will unfold inthe grand design (yes I believe there is a grand design). I do know that Dob mattered. No life is insignificant; even that of anAustralian snail. Jesus told us that noteven a sparrow falls from the sky without it being noticed by God. Either God knows of he does not. I believe he knows.

I do notbelieve the death of a snail will change the weather but I know that if Iremember that it matters I will not forget the important things thatmatter. Dunn pointed out that everyperson matters; that “every man’s death diminishes me.” All life matters. It is given by God and his alone totake. There things to be gained in allthat exists in the natural world. Howcan I love God properly if I do not revel in his creation?

If nothingmore, Dob the snail reminded me that all life is precious. That may have been his purpose.

The Answer

A Rose, intatters on the garden path,

Cried out toGod and murmured 'gainst His Wrath,

Because asudden wind at twilight's hush

Had snappedher stem alone of all the bush.

And God, Whohears both sun-dried dust and sun,

Had pity,whispering to that luckless one,

"Sister,in that thou sayest We did not well --

What voicesheardst thou when thy petals fell?"

And the Roseanswered, "In that evil hour

A voicesaid, `Father, wherefore falls the flower?

For lo, thevery gossamers are still.'

And a voiceanswered, `Son, by Allah's will!'"

Then softlyas a rain-mist on the sward,

Came to theRose the Answer of the Lord:

"Sister,before We smote the Dark in twain,

Ere yet thestars saw one another plain,

Time, Tide,and Space, We bound unto the task

That thoushouldst fall, and such an one should ask."

Whereat thewithered flower, all content,

Died as theydie whose days are innocent;

While he whoquestioned why the flower fell

Caught holdof God and saved his soul from Hell – Rudyard Kipling

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Salt in my Coffee

2012-02-18T06:16:00.000-06:00

Greetings Dear Reader,

I love coffee. I roast my ownon my kitchen porch. I savor it andnever drink more than two cups in the morning. I do not drink coffee after ten in the morning. One of my friends once told me that I makecoffee that tastes like coffee smells. To me that is a very good thing.

Lately I have noticed that even the mildest cup of coffee gives me a churlishstomach. I realize that this is just oneof the indicators that I am growing older and that the machine that houses myspirit is beginning to wear down. Thisis to be expected and tolerated but I am learning ways to slow the decline.

So as I write this my Saturday morning pot of coffee is brewing. I can already smell the sweet aroma as itdrifts on the drafts of my old farm house. It is full of the promise of rich flavor and warm enjoyment. It is medium roast, the last of my storesfrom what I was roasting the day my Grandson was born. I can just barely hear the bubble and hiss ofthe coffee maker as it renders the rich brown liquid born of water and beans. I would drink the coffee even if I knew thattummy tumults would be the result.

As the coffee began to wage its war on my digestion I rememberedsomething I had learned a long time ago. A few weeks ago as I prepared the filter for my freshly ground beans Iput a pinch of salt in the bottom of the filter. This tiny bit of salt gave me back myenjoyment of the coffee without the resultant digestive roller derby.

I love good coffee and as in years past I do not over indulge (Whenin my twenties I drank a liter or more a day). I can now enjoy it and not pay a price in pain. It took only a minor adjustment that costs menothing in flavor, texture, or aroma. Since I wrote that last sentence I have gotten up a poured a cup ofcoffee. It steams away just to the leftof my keyboard.

Like my coffee I had to make others adjustments in my life tocontinue to enjoy it as it changed around me. I have had to learn to be kinder and gentler. I am learning to be more patient withothers. My eldest Son loved me enough tocheck if I was “OK” yesterday as we spent some time together. He has seen the tension in me and wanted tobe sure that I was dealing with things. He may not realize how healing his loving inquiry was for me. He will now. My Daughter makes me take my vitamins and cares enough to make sure Iget enough rest. My younger Son askedfor some time with just him and I this weekend. I know that I get these things because my children love me.

I also know that making adjustments in who I am and how I approachlife is making it more enjoyable for me and for those around me. Any time I am more patient, kind, understanding,and loving I can neutralize a bit of the acid in life. This is how following Christ is supposed towork. I am supposed to make the flavor,texture, and aroma of following Christ stand out without injecting anybitterness or pain to the process. It isworth every moment and every effort of the changing to do that for those Ilove.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every writer whohas become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. Heliberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store."

Moon, Moonnana, and Sevna

2012-02-17T05:51:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

In case you havenot noticed I have a Grandson. I lovehim dearly and he smiles at me a lot. Atfifteen months he is already very verbal. He loves stars and the moon. Heloves bananas and the number seven. Heloves books and Blue’s Clues. He bringsout the sweetness in all of us.

He will saythe word moon over and over when presented with pictures of the moon. I pulled up a Google search of the work moonand clicked images. He pointed at eachpicture and excitedly uttered “moon.” Ithen did this with the word “banana” and he pointed at each one and said “Moonnana”. Now I am not sure if he thinks a banana lookslike a crescent moon but I know he can devour an entire banana in 2.736seconds. He will then ask for another Moonnanawhilst point to the fruit basket.

I pulled upthe word seven and he repeated over and over “Sevna” even pointing at it onitems I did not realize carried the number. He likes circles and mandarin oranges. He is a beautiful and intelligent boy. I love him so much that it becomes painful to leave him when I must.

Moonnana

I dell onall of this because I am in awe of the beauty being built into what was a blankslate just fifteen months ago. I see thewisdom and love of God in this small boy. He knows he is loved. I alreadysee his likes and dislikes emerging. Isee the uniqueness of his own being as it is different from all others in theworld. I have the chance to be good tohim and never violate his trust. I havethe opportunity to be honest and real with him, to show him kindness, and to bea better example than I have been to others.

I see the outstandingintelligence in him and his capacity to sense the needs of others. I see him being a wonderful person and I seehow much his parents love him. When Isee my Grandson the line from the Five for Fighting song dances through myhead. “If God made you he’s in love withme.”

Photo by Emily Sharp

Later todayI will see my Grandson. We will talk ofMoons, Moonnana, and Sevna. He will showme what new things he has learned this week. He is almost ready to walk. Iwill sit and enjoy him quietly thanking God for showing more of himself to mein this beautiful young boy.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Barren Busyness

2012-02-16T06:06:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Some days atwork begin in the parking lot. A studentor colleague will have a question that needs asking before I even get in the building. I try to train my students that this is apoor practice. I will politely ask theassailant to let me land and then we can talk. Very seldom does the issue turn out to be as urgent as he or she thinksit is.

At times Iarrive and begin to handle things one after another. I then look up and lunch time is past or itmay even be nearly time to leave for home. When I leave for home the last thing I do is make a list of things to dotomorrow. There are many days where thatlist laughs at me midway through the day.

Most of thetime I get to see the rewards of my work. I see men and women risking much to gain a career over a job. I get to watch the metamorphic emergence intotrained and capable professionals. Attimes though I let the busy nature of what I do get in front of the reason I doit. When scheduling, documenting, and loggingbecome the focus instead a part of the process it is very frustrating.

The busynessof the process is very barren. If Iforget that the tedious bits of the job are part of the process of changinglives then the job is very unpleasant. When I remember though that a father of four is in a good job helpingothers do their jobs instead of in prison the endless meetings and paper workare worth it.

It seemsthat all of life can be this way. If Iforget the purpose behind what I do then the tedium of mundane tasks become avast wasteland of a perfunctory nature. If, however, I remember that one more meeting or another phone call willmay be the one that gets a student a job or keep him in school then it is worthit. If I remember that one more kindnessmight heal a spirit or another moment of patience may undo someone’s anger thenthat too is worth it. This is the part ofthe journey that makes the busyness less barren. As in so many cases it is the focus thatbuilds purpose.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Not a Good Luck Charm

2012-02-15T07:02:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Last week astudent came to me about an exam he had to take. He was obviously nervous and approached mewith an air of uncertainty. He expressedhis fear of the exam and we spent some time going over the material he neededto know. He seemed more confident whenwe finished. I went through the keypoints one more time and then had to get to a meeting. As I walked out the door he thanked me thensaid, “It’s not a worry anyway, I will be wearing my cross.”

I spent theentire meeting thinking about this instead of focusing on the meeting. I am unsure how to approach how I feel aboutthe way in which such a significant symbol of my faith has become relegated tothe categories of jewelry or good luck charm. I do not know why God chose the cross for his place to buy ourredemption. There are heaps of theoriesand theological postulations about it but none of them ring true for me.

One of myGrandfather’s favorite songs “The Old Rugged Cross”refers to the cross as “an emblem of suffering and shame.” There is nothing gold or pretty about thecross. It was the condemnation place forthieves and political enemies of Rome. It was a painful torturous death. People would gather to mock and abuse the dying. Most of the crucified died of suffocationover a matter of days.

The crosshas no power of its own. It is whatChrist did there that matters. It is thedeath and life of Christ that impacts our lives. The cross I have on my bandana is not just jewelryor a good luck charm. It is there toremind me that even in leisure I have an obligation to live up to. The cross is a place of death.

The Passion of the Christ

The crossreminds me that I must abandon my “self” and die to the things that wouldocclude others seeing Christ in me. Icannot take up the cross as if it were a stylish thing. It offers shame and reproach to be identifiedwith the cross. Truly following Christis the path to death that leads to life.

The cross isthe place where God’s blood was demanded so that he could redeem us to himself. The cross is a wretched place that God usedto build a way out of our state of distance from him. It is our bridge to redemption. It is the symbol of all the things that Goddoes to call me to him. The cross onthat hill on that day is the marker, the stake planted in the earth that pointsto the time when God did all that he could to show his love for us.

The cross isnot a good luck charm but God hopes to use it to win our hearts. The cross is not about the the wood or the shape. It is about the man who hung there.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Shards of My Face

2012-02-14T06:19:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I had theopportunity recently to look at a mirror that was broken. A baseball had found it at almost itscenter. The resultant pattern of crackingwas like a spider web. As I looked intothe mirror my face seemed fragmented and broken. Small section of my nose and eyes repeated asthe cracked parts at the center were at slightly different angles. I studied this for a moment and realized thatI found it humorous. The shards of myface looked funny.

As Ipondered this I realized that although I was laughing I was thinking that itshould bother me. I do not know how I madethe leap to what I thought next but it has stuck. The path seems to be that I thought aboutwhat my feelings would be were my face truly traced with lines andrivulets. Were it not painful how would Ifeel about it? My mind quickly thenthrew out the question of pride. Howwould my thoughts change about the image I carry of my looks?

From theremy mind raced to the idea of brokenness. Do I really feel broken about who I am in light of Christ and hisexample? Does my sin give me pause anddrive me to be a better man? Although Iknow that sadness is a component of recognizing my sin it is not the hinge-pinof brokenness before God. I must allowmy pride and selfish nature to be shattered. I must not give thought for myself in this. I must allow brokenness to pervade myspirit. What this means is that brokennessis not equal to sadness. God wishes usto be filled with joy and yet be broken before him.

Brokennessis of the will over the heart. My willmust be broken and my spirit then and rejoice in the freedom to follow Christmore closely. In short it is anothermethod for getting out of my own way.

Father break me

Take me through the fire

Father hold me mold me

Just as you desire

I am just a cup to overflow your will

I know I must be empty to be filled – Terry Talbot

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Rolling in the Deep

2012-02-13T08:29:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Last nightthe singer Adele did quite well at the annual Grammy Awards. She won six awards including song and recordof the year. In one of her acceptancespeeches she referenced the inspiration for her work to what she calls a “rubbishrelationship.” Her amazing song “Rolling inthe Deep” is powerful and additive. The video his haunting and the images leave one to wonder at the specificmeaning. In this song is a repeatingline:

The Scars of your love remind me of us.

They keep me thinking that we almost had itall.

The scars of your love they leave mebreathless.

I can’t help thinking that we almost had itall. - Adele

I can feelthe pain in her music and I hope she fully recovers from it. I know that I have left scars from othersloving me. I try to interact with those peoplein ways that promote peace and healing. I know that I have scars from loving others. I do not think I will ever truly heal fromthe most recent deepest wounds. The scartissue still feels red and inflamed even though time has relegated that love tothe past.

There areother scars for which I share responsibility. Mine will fade and eventually be permanently relegated to the past. The ones to which I allude never will begone. To love others is to feel joy andrevel in the beauty a human. It is alsoto take on risk, damage, and scars. Christhas done all of this for all of us. Hetook on all the risk to face incarnation and death for us. He took the abuse and beating and crucifixionfor us; for me. He carries the eternalscars for that death for me.

Christ’slove for us has left him scarred. He hassuffered everything so that we could follow him. We, however, take him or leave him as weplease. We betray his love by indulgingour will and vices in any way we choose. What this makes obvious is that he suffered and died; he took on the scarsknowing that I and others would continue to harm him. We would commit sin for which he carried theweight beforehand.

He knew wewould betray him. He knew we would beunfaithful. How can I indulge my ownselfishness in the light of such love? It is unconscionable. I am not myown. I was bought with a price: God’sblood. Every time I ignore this to workmy own will I take on more responsibility for the scars of his love. There is no excuse for this. If I do not give all that I am to loving Godwith all that I can then I am being unfaithful to the love that is freely givenme every day. If I abandon followingChrist in any way it is the scars not the love that identify me.

Another songcomes to mind: Known by the Scars

The marks of love God chose never to erase

The wounds of loves eternal mark

When the Kingdome comes

With its perfected sons

He’ll be known by the scars – Michael Card

Is this not what is really rolling in the deep? We can have it all.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Scarves of Knowing

2012-02-12T07:16:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I realizethat Christmas is a month and a bit gone but that is never the case forme. Right now in the chill of morning inmy office I am enjoying a Christmas gift from a beloved friend. She and her husband sent gifts for me and allmy children to my home. Each of thegifts is handmade and reflects knowledge of and appreciation for the recipient.

The giftsare handmade scarves. Mine is a chain ofpancakes with pats of butter. Adam andColie have shared pancake breakfasts at my home often. Food was the bridge to friendship with Adamwhen I first met him. My Daughterreceived one that is ice-cream cones. Myeldest Son’s was bacon and eggs and my youngest received a long slice of pizza.

It wasjoyous to see each of them revel in the gifts and how much it fit with who theyare. Each is a gift of love from acouple whom I love dearly. Hours oflabor obviously went into the crafting of them. Mine keeps my neck warm as I write and protects me from the draft in mycentury old drawing room. Bezel used hisas we were walking in 6 degree weather from the restaurant to the bar on mybirthday. He commented several times onhow much he was glad to have it.

Each time I wrapup in mine I am reminded of two things. That I have friends who love me dearly is thefirst. Second that God gives us gifts inthe same way. He gives us what we needand it is tailored to who we are. Somuch of what I have in my life fits exactly who I am. Each time I wrap my chilled neck in thisscarf I am not only reminded of Adam and Colie’s love for me; I am remindedthat God loves me and will send gifts that I need to keep me safe and warm.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

A Celebrated Life

2012-02-11T07:44:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Yesterdaywas a wonderful day. I spent it with myChildren and Grandson. It started withbreakfast at my favorite diner with my eldest Son and my Grandson. My Grandson is a hit everywhere he goes andit made the morning just to see the joy he brings to others. He is becoming so verbal and tries to saypeople’s names the first time he is told the name.

I spent the afternoonjust relaxing with my kids and got to see them all. As my Sons and I left for a guys’ night outwith other friends who have a birthday this week, my Daughter-in-law kissed meon the cheek and told me, “You have a good time. You deserve it.” She has no idea what a gift that kindnessfrom her is to me.

I was theeldest at a dinner table of eight men and the conversation was light andenjoyable. Later I was able to save anew friend from forgetting his Father-in-law’s birthday. The young man had no idea I knew hisFather-in-law and that we share a birthday.

I returnedhome fourteen hours after I left feeling celebrated and loved by mychildren. My Daughter has plans for ustoday that I am excited about. I am notfamous though I may be some day. I amnot rich though I have more than I need. What I am is loved by my Children and that is more than I could ever askfor. They make the journey sweet andlively and I love them more every day.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

My Fifty-Second Year

2012-02-10T06:57:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

As I end my52^nd year of the journey I wish it known that I am truly blessed. I have children who love me. I have Friends who do as well. I have a good job as a teacher and a growingone as a writer.

I know thatI am not exactly where I wish to be but today I take stock of all that I haveand realize how rich I am. I have aGrandson who is happy to have me around and another one on the way that Ialready love.

I guess myonly thought on the management allowing my another trip around the sun is “thankyou.”

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Flashes of Life

2012-02-09T06:11:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Some weeksago my beloved editor, RJ requested that I publish an excerpt from my currentnovel in progress. Since I plan most of my BLOG ahead of time it took me a bitto get there. RJ means more to me thatshe realizes and so here is the answer, though late to her request.

Prologue- The Professor

“The world decays around me. WhileI sit here in my private bookish domain tamping in one of the last bowls ofMcClelland I will ever smoke, the rest of the world falls headlong intobarbarism and dystopia. I realize that Icontribute to the decay as I puff on my hoarded tobacco in my cherishedchurchwarden, for I sit hear pondering and punditing the decline of man withoutdoing anything to hinder it.
In the early years of study, whenI was young, brash, and foolish, I often wondered how long it would take forour society to crumble into madness. Iwould sit at the pub with my colleagues commentating proudly on our solutionsto the world’s ills. Even taking up pipesmoking back then was an act of bravado. But I was determined to mold myself as the sage amongst his books;knowledgeable and wise. I am sure thatjourney began when I was just a boy reading science fiction.
I gathered around me knowledge and clung to the quote from one of myearly readings. “Trouble rather thetiger in his lair than the sage amongst his books. For to you kings and armies are things mightyand enduring, but to him they are but toys of the moment to be overturned withthe flicking of a finger.” This lead toa philosophy of theory instead of philosophy of life. I became adept at theorizing for others butvery poor at living my own life.
All that the knowledge did was blind me and make me swollen withpride. The more I was secure in my ownvast stores of knowledge, the less I courted his all important mistress,wisdom. Lonely for the sweet love ofwisdom that humbles him, knowledge became a raging megalomaniac within me. I dismissed the vital truths of my knowledgefor the hunger of possessing its vastness.
My friends, my loved ones, and my lover were all driven away as Isquandered my God-given intellect pondering the great questions without everreally believing in the logical, reasonable, and true answers that lay beforeme. Book by book I en-tomed myself intoa world that was all mine, and like Mr. Dickens’ Scrooge, ‘as single andsolitary as an oyster.’ I used to saythat everyone abandoned me. In truth, itwas I who abandoned them.
Excuse me a moment while I light this. Ouch! I miss the bowl with thematch and catch my thumb more and more these days. Ah, there we are; a nice clean cherry on topof perfectly packed McClelland. This isthe Cavendish; one of their best it is. Dark, sweet, and moist; It will burn slowly and provide a good half anhour’s pondering. I will have to see ifblending the last of this with some of the lesser tobaccos can stretch out theflavor. War took the tobacco farms fouryears ago and the Virginiasoil will never grow anything this sweet again.
My oldest son would scoff at me for that, and he would be right. Outside of this hidden sanctuary of minepeople die of starvation and worse causes daily. There is no more FEMA or Red Cross. The broken world will not mend itself thistime. All this is true and yet I worryabout my supply of McClelland. My sonwould cock his head to the right; always the right, and take on the tone of ateacher. Then he would say somethinglike, ‘Father, I do not think that your pipe tobacco really matters with allthat is going on right now.’
I miss his fiery gaze and the crystal clarity of his thinking. It just occurred to me that I will never seethose eyes again, nor his brother’s. Maxim, the older has eyes like the Caribbean sea on acloudy day, blue but struck with enough grey to show the intelligence there. My younger son Joseph has blue eyes as wellbut they are the same sea when the sun shines high and the wind is still. His charm shines through those eyes and manywomen fell into them when we were all much younger and there was time for suchthings.
They are brothers but as different as night and day. We often jousted over words and their placein the world, but it is obvious I digress. I was talking about the decay of the world; how our society got to thispoint and what needs to happen. I mustfocus on that and not chase too many rabbits or our time will be gone and theCavendish wasted.
The worst of it, the decay of social structure occurred at the end of thesecond decade, right around 2019. It wasthe discovery of true cold fusion that ultimately doomed us. That happened after the oil scares in thefirst decade. The scientists weredetermined to find a source of clean energy and they did. It could have been nice. We could have worked to build the societyimagined by Rodenberry and his ilk, but man is depraved. He may be civil when the situation warrantsit, but man is selfish, proud, sinful, and wicked.
I know those words fell out of favor back in the end of the previouscentury. The current wisdom, ha, wasthat we were all basically good and we could make a tolerant world. If I had manure that pure now, I could growmy own Cavendish. The thing is that weare evil. We have rotten souls that careonly about whatever petty thing we want right foot-stamping now. You wish proof. It sits here before you. I will mourn the passing of my last pipe ofMcClelland much longer than I have the passing of so many of my fellowprofessors. I will think God cruel todeny me my only true friend, the pouch and pipe, while giving little thought tothe carnage around me. We are all fallendepraved fools thinking that God owes us something to merit our favor with him.
He gave us something. He gave uslimitless energy. Few realized that thiswas a gift from God and not the brilliance of man. Most were too busy demanding God prove hisexistence to see his actions. We couldhave made the world lush and green again. The skies could have been sparkling. Water could have been safe to drink and bathe in.
We used the limitless energy of fusion to power our greed andconsumption. As with all things brightand beautiful, we found a way to rape and pillage it. When we could have cleaned up the planet, weinstead amped-up our consumption. Thefirst sign of societal collapse was the economy. Most bought on credit and found themselvesunable to pay. Limitless energy yieldedlimitless laziness.
Those nations with power began to further their manipulations of thosethat did not have it. National debts andresource tension grew until 2023 when one of the South American countriesfigured out how to make the fusion power generators into bombs with littleeffort. Nations once powerful were nowheld captive by their own energy resources. This last war over energy consumed so much food, materials, and life thatit just ended because no one cared any more.
The global village became a frenzied animal-farm cum lord-of-the-fliesnightmare that consumed human life as greedily as man consumes resources. The raid on this university left only Jaredand I alive. I have never had a betteror more loyal research assistant. I amnot sure why I was not found before now. I was content to stay in here with my books, my tea, and myMcClelland. Jared still needed whatpasses for sunshine and fresh air.
It has been three years since he went out for some air and did not comeback. I only have a voice still becauseI talk to myself all the time. Iprobably should have checked on Jared, but I could have been spotted. He went out and never came back. That just reinforces my opinion that mychoice to stay sequestered in my basement suite was a wise one. These three years have been quieter but myroutine has not changed much. The vaststores of the larder and supply rooms down here will last one man a lifetime. But then what is a lifetime without a goodbowl of McClelland?
My personal fusion generator seems quite healthy and I have a backup. Thewater recycling system is fully operational and so I saw no reason toleave. Oh, there goes the kettle. Do you wish sugar and milk in your tea? I will bring some biscuits too.”
The visitor, in his late fifties, smiles at the old scholar. His voice is gravely and rough, but stillkind as he offers, “Let me get the tea. I was taught how to make it properly by an expert. You havealready burned your thumb once today. Wewill enjoy a cup of hot Earl Grey and then we can discuss how to help you withthat failing eyesight.”

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 SoJesus said to them, "That is why every writer who has become a disciple ofChrist’s rule of the universe is like a home owner. He liberally hands out newand old things from his great treasure store."

A Friend Must Leave

2012-02-08T07:11:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

For most ofmy adult life I have had difficulty being friends with men. There are many reasons that I will not burdenyou with but when I find a man I trust and will call friend at the closestlevel it is rare. Sometimes I have thejoy of investing richly in these friendships. Others, like the one I ponder today are built of short moments rich withlife and shared spirit.

Thefriendship I ponder today is not ending but my friend must move on to whereChrist is obviously leading him. Thisman has been a blessing in my life during some very dark times and I love himas if he were family. When I heard thatit was time for him to move on my self-centered heart wept. The part of me that benefits from him beingin my city and available felt like it was losing something. Then I remembered something vital. He is my friend but does not belong tome.

Who he is inChrist; that part of him that makes him such a great blessing to my spiritwould not be genuine were he not following Christ with all his heart. The people to whom he goes need what hehas. I do not need to know them to knowthis is true. As he travels away therewill be a void for me and many who know him but I must remember that he goes tofill a void as well.

The basis offriendship is that we love others selflessly. I know that I have communicated my love for him and thanked him for theways in which he makes a difference in my life. What I must do is bend my heart to Christ on his behalf so that I canwish him God’s speed on his way. My journeyand his will never be truly parted as we are headed to the same place. In addition I know that he loves me and shouldI reach out to him he will respond.

For now Ijust wish him to know that as he goes I remember that he belongs to God andthat is where I can always find him. Ialso wish him to know that the learning we have shared has deep root in me andI am a better man for his friendship. Isthis not the essence of the friendship that should be between men? Should they not drive each other to becomemore centered on Christ and following him as closely as possible? The only honest answer is “yes.”

I know thesewords will both warm his heart and embarrass him a little. The latter is true because he possess realhumility. Even in his leaving, however,he teaches me. He reminds me that all I have,even friends are there because God gives them to me to enjoy and steward. I would be violating many things my friendhas taught me were I to hold them in any other light.

So as myfriend Tim journeys west I pray him rich and beautiful adventures inChrist. I wish him joy and sweetness ashe and his family share the bounty of their gifts with others along the pathtoward God. I leave him with these wordsfrom one of my favorite authors and the promise to always remember who he isand what I have learned from him. I alsopromise to keep him close in my prayers and not to forget him.

Roads go ever on and on,

Over rock and under tree,

By caves where never sun has shone,

By streams that never find the sea;

Over snow by winter sown,

And through the merry flowers of June,

Over grass and over stone,

And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on

Under cloud and under star,

Yet feet that wandering have gone

Turn at last to home afar.

Eyes that fire and sword have seen

And horror in the halls of stone

Look at last on meadows green

And trees and hills they long have known.

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

The Road goes ever on and on

Out from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

Let others follow it who can!

Let them a journey new begin,

But I at last with weary feet

Will turn towards the lighted inn,

My evening-rest and sleep to meet. – J.R.R. Tolkien

Wishing Tim,his family, and all of you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Rant About a Nail Salon

2012-02-07T07:14:00.003-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Recentlysomeone I love dearly posted a rant on a social media sight about the terribleservice she received at a nail salon. Now this young lady is lovely and I love her dearly. How she was treated is unacceptable andeveryone should feel that they can trust their manicurist.

It was what happenedafter that gave me pause. The very nextthing I read was a story about a homeless man freezing to death. Please understand that I am not finding faultwith my friend, but I wondered how many things I get upset about that inperspective are not really that important. I know that I can get disengaged from the things that matter in theworld. It is vital that I rememberthings in perspective.

So then whatis the proper perspective? I guess italways comes back to the same thing. Iswhat I am irritated about, upset about, or ranting about what Christ wouldspend his efforts on? Do I let the mindof Christ oversee my passions and anger? If I let my own heart conform to that of Christ in these things I thinkfewer things will bother me.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Final Thoughts

2012-02-06T06:27:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I hope theseposts about the journey have been helpful in some way. I know remembering why I travel is of greatbenefit to me. Years ago Bob Dylanreleased a song “You GottaServe Somebody.” It was one of thebig hits from his first Christian album Slow Training Coming. We all follow someone or something. No matter how independent we think we are weare following.

I only wishto follow Christ. This does not meanthat I always do. At times I follow myown selfish interests. At others Ifollow people instead of Christ and that is always disastrous. I have heard others remake what following Christis in their own image so that they do not have to conform to the restraints ofthe journey.

We followthings we believe will salve our inner hurts when only Christ can do that. We follow drinking or drugs to distraction. We use others to satisfy our need for lovebut it never truly satisfies. We followcelebrities and identify with them until they disappoint us. Even parents fail and then their children usethose failures as an excuse to abandon the following. Some even blame God for the state of thejourney and refuse to follow because of it.

We will allarrive at the same place; the clearing at the end for the path. I cannot tell you what is there but I cantell you that not believing in the journey does not mean the journey does notexist. For my part I will do my best tofollow. I will enjoy those who canjourney with me for a space. I will helpthose along the way that I can. I willtry to avoid distractions and practices that hinder following. I hope that you find the path. I hope you can follow and keep to it. I know that all that I have done only workswhen it is part of the following.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – The Clearing at the End of the Path

2012-02-05T08:45:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

The road islong and it seems that everyone has an opinion of what is at its end. When I ponder these things I recall how sureI used to be about what lay ahead. Now Iam not sure and I am not sure it matters. If I focus too much on where I am headed it keeps me from focusing onwhat I am to do now. Trying to see toofar up the path leads to ignoring the things along the path that arevital.

I am onlygiven enough light to make following possible. I will reach the clearing when it is the next step. I would like to not get there too soon butthat is not my call. Writers who thinkthey know will tell you of heaven, golden streets, and pearly gates. Some will speak of a new earth with allthings natural and good. There isnothing wrong about pondering these things. It is more important, however, to focus on the important things. We must center on following Christ not on thedestination.

When wethink of the destination as the promise we forget that Christ is the reason forthe journey. We forget that he asks usto follow by faith and not by what we see. When we delve too deeply into the need to know we lose sight of thisprimary requirement. Men have twistedtruth and manipulated events to try and assure us that they know what isahead. They have used the threats ofwhat might be ahead to enslave others to selfish will.

If Christexpects us to follow in faith is it just to demand sight? If I say I “know” what is next am I damagingthe freedom of others to follow by faith? There is an end to the journey. All I can say for sure is that if I continue to follow Christ thenChrist is what I will find. If I amwrong then I will have been good to others, loved them, and made more peace inthe world. Until then I willfollow. I will journey. I will believe. I will pray for those who abandon the journeybecause they do not realize they are on it anyway. They do not realize they are ruined for otherthings because there was a time when they knew the joy of the journey. Once tasted that joy cannot be surpassed.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That iswhy every writer who has become a disciple of Christ’s rule of the universe islike a home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasurestore

Anatomy of the Journey – My Guide

2012-02-04T06:23:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

As I saidwhen we started out the journey is about following and the destination. The following is because the guide is alsothe author of the journey. He createdthe path. He created the rules forfollowing. He knows the path andeverything we will encounter. All heasks is that we follow.

My guide isJesus Christ. I do my best to followhim. At times I have let what otherstell me about him and his guidance keep me from looking directly to him. So many will tell you what Christ wishes fromyou. I will attempt to simplify what Isee and I apologize for those who use following Christ to manipulate others tofalse following.

Before Ioffer my simple list I must for the sake of honesty address some things aboutfollowing that seem irrational. FollowingChrist does not solve all my problems. Ihave never seen him. I know that many ofhis avowed followers are jerks. Heinouscrimes have been committed in his name. People use him to promote hatred.

Instead Ioffer the following guide to following Christ, our guide in the journey. These are Jesus’ own ideas for followinghim.

Love Godwith all your heart, soul, and mind
Love yourneighbor as your self
Love yourenemies

Anythingelse is subtext. If I say that I am followingChrist and do none of these then I am lying. If I do anything in an attempt to follow Christ I must measure theactions in light of this. This is thepath. This is how the Guide tells me tofollow. The journey is dangerous. These rules get me through.

Pilgrims to theCity of God

Pilgrims ofpassion, we follow the One

Who holdsout a cross and a crown

We travel adark road that has but one Light,

For we havehere no lasting town

Andsometimes we run by the power of His might,

on our ownat the best we can plod

What wehopefully look for is just beyond sight,

We arepilgrims to the City of God

The stigmaof strangers lost in a strange land

In a fallenworld that's not our home

But we arenot just homeless prodigals here

Because wehave some place to go

Behold, youhave come to Mount Zion,

To the cityof the Great King

To thousandsand thousands of angels who come,

Assembled tojoyfully sing – Michael Card

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Valleys

2012-02-03T06:49:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

As difficultas it seems to climb mountains, the descent into valleys can be a path ofease. It is almost always easier todescend than to ascend. I have had thejoy of being in some magnificent valleys. I have seen the splendor of rich verdant grass and trees. I have walked among spring wildflowers. I once sat for an hour watching a doe and herfawn forage.

Lilly of the Valley

The beautyof these things is the very nature of a green valley. There are, however, dark valleys aswell. Abiding in them can be dangerousand debilitating. We do not alwayschoose to journey through dark valleys. Sometimes they are thrust upon us. In either case we must not tarry too long in any valley, dark orverdant.

There issuccor even in the darkest valley. Whether what grows there is a pure white lily or deadly nightshade acommon thread exists. No matter thecolour or flavor of that which is in the valley, it is all life. Both possess beauty and both are there by God's will. Where there is life there is hope and so wejourney onward.

Deadly Nightshade

Whether itbe in valleys of darkness or valleys of respite, it is not the valley that isour destination. No valley is our dwellingplace. No valley is our home. Home is beyond where the path continues. No matter the pain or joy into which we descendthe final joy is found further along the path. We must take in the joy or endure the darkness. We must also keep moving. It is in the journey that we are remindedthat the way lies ever on.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Mountains

2012-02-02T04:29:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Some days,like this one are mountains. They must be climbed. I begin it weary and worn but it is where thepath leads. There is a toll to passalong some roads and one must pay the toll even if unwilling.

Along the journeythere will be mountains. Some will beharder to climb than others. Whatmatters is that I climb. What matters isthat I keep moving. Today I will onlyplod but I will climb none the less.

There aremountains. Sometimes at the top the viewis amazing.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – The Map

2012-02-01T07:35:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I used toregularly journey with a friend in Florida. We traveled most of the state on our motorcycles enjoying the richnessand beauty of that place. From the deepblue beauty of Ichetucknee Springs, to the white sands of Panama City, and theold world feel of Big Pine Key I enjoyed every moment of those voyages.

My friendSteve had an odd habit. Even though heknew the way to all our ventures and I was following him, when we would set outhe would give me a detailed map of the route. I knew that Steve knew the way and that I did not need the map. He provided it just the same. It was a labor of love. He wanted to me to have a guide should Isomehow lose sight of him. From time totime we would get separated and I would always find him waiting at the nextappointed stop.

The journeyis a following. It is one of character,obedience, and self-denial. It is one oflove, grace, mercy, and joy. There iswonder and awe to be had. It is also,and very importantly one of faith. Sincewe follow one we cannot see, we must have a map. I realize that some of you find it quaintthat I still embrace the Bible and its words but it is our map.

I know thatmany, even some close to me have rejected the veracity of the Bible. I have not. I think that this is part of the problem with following a God whochooses to be a little elusive. So manytry to reason their way to a God who demands that we find him by faith. The path is narrow but we have a map. The very nature of a map requires faith. It requires that I believe in the one whogave it to us. It requires that I studythe map and by faith see the heart of its maker. It requires that I follow it and when I doubtthat I do so in faith.

When I feellost I consult the map. When I am unsureof where to head next I consult the map. When there is fog I rely on the known signposts of faith. When I am weary I remind myself of the reststops marked along the way. I rememberto look for the beautiful sights promised on the map. Most of all, I remember that it points metoward my destination and the words of my fellow traveler, “Remember that I am with you, even to the endof the journey.”

You see, weforget I think that this map is not just a directional tool. It is a treasure map. It is a promise of all that we truly need atthe end of the journey. There is joy tobe had in abundance if we will only stick to the path.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Waysides and Rest Stops

2012-01-31T06:35:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

The journeyis arduous at times. Some days end withme feeling weary and spent. Whether thetax on my resources is mental, physical, or emotional (some days it is allthree) I know that I have respite at times. Those respites are places where I can rest and recharge for the next legof the journey. Some of them are simple disconnectsfrom the world. Others are long reststhat recreate much of my person and demeanor.

Highway 45 Wayside

Of late I havefelt very tired. It is more spirit andemotion than it is physical but I feel it beginning to take a physicaltoll. So much of what I wish to do is dependentupon doing the things that I must. If this sounds like rambling Iapologize. It is all connected. Everything that stresses connects.

What gets methrough is the small respites provided along the way. Moments of worship and fellowship at churchrestore my strength. Just sitting in aroom with my children and sharing the events of the week helps me travelonward. The smiles of others when I havegenuinely done them good energizes me to do so for others. The road is long. The waysides allow some respite, relief, and rejuvenation. As long as I do not tarry too long this is agood thing. We must rest whennecessary.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Beauties

2012-01-29T06:24:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I have seensunsets that take my breath away. I haveexperienced undersea life that still captivates my heart and mind. I am still always awed by freshsnowfall. There is so much in creationthat is so very beautiful. I have knownwomen so beautiful that I lack the words to speak of it. All of this pales in comparison to theexpression of pure unconditional love. Ihave felt this and on occasions when I get out of my own way been able toexpress it.

Daffodils in Atlanta Spring 1999

God hadgiven us so many things along the way that are beautiful. He wishes us to enjoy them. The journey is difficult enough withoutmissing out on all the beauty. What Ihave to assure that I do is that the beauty does not become a distraction tothe journey. The beautiful things of theworld are intended to move us along the path. They are there to lighten the load and give ushope.

I know thatI have at times fixated on the things and forgotten to keep moving. That is when beauty becomes a problem. There is nothing in the journey that I canpossess. I cannot keep investing myself inthe things because that causes me to lose traction. The beauty intended to help me can become adistraction.

If my loveof the beauty of a thing or person causes me to pause in the journey then Ihave misused that which is provided. Mountains,oceans, food and drink are all parts of the beauty provided for us. Friends and lovers are all part of the joy ofthe journey. It is when I let thepursuit of any of this over the journey become my goal that I lose my way. If I drink to excess, I am losing myway. If overeat it slows my progress inthe journey. If I use a beautiful womanjust to sate my apatite then I am wandering from the path of following.

I must enjoythe beauty along the way but I must not make any of the beautiful things mypassion. The journey, the following, andthe destination must be the ultimate beauty to me. The rest must remain what they are; temporarygifts to move me along home.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Beasts

2012-01-28T08:16:00.002-06:00

Greetings DearReader,

I have metpeople who offend, bother, irritate, and horrify me. I know that there are times when seem odiousto others. The problem is that the onlyway I can view others in this negative way is if I place my own self abovethem. I am the crooked stick. I am theone who I must see as fallen and broken.

Theseus and Minotaur,
Hyde Park, Sydney, Aus.

If I seeothers as the beast then I am judging them. I am supposed to judge my own character and see that I am thebeast. I am the one who is selfish,self-centered, and self-serving. I amthe one who rejects others and fails to love them as Christ loves them. I cannot grow in my love for Christ if I donot see that no matter what I see in others they are deserving of Christ’slove.

I must workto see everyone as better than me while avoiding false self-abasement. I must not excuse evil or wrong doing but Imust separate my feelings about the action from the enactor. No matter what anyone has done I am commandedto love them. I cannot journey well if Ido not. Setting aside the naturalreactions of judgment and condemnation is necessary for me to journey todayChrist.

On thejourney the only beast I need to worry about is the one I carry with me. By God’s grace I must keep him at bay and notallow him to harm others. A sure way todo this is to be careful not to judge others or view them in any light but thatof Christ.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Strangers along the Path

2012-01-27T06:40:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

MyGrandfather used to tell me that in his opinion strangers were only friend wehad not met yet. Plenty of other adultstold me at that age not to talk to strangers. I have lived by my Grandfather’s thinking most of the time.

I lovepeople. Along the journey I encounterpeople who I do not know. I get tochoose how I treat them. If mydestination is truly the Father and I wish to journey well, I must be kind tothem. I also know I can do better thanthat. I can give them, every one ofthem, my best. I can show them love,compassion, generosity, and respect. Ican invest in them even if it is a single serving friendship.

It hasbecome easy in our culture to be unkind to others. We use the anonymity of social media to saythings to others that are hurtful and unkind. We do not know the impact we can have if we are good to people. We have no idea what difference we can make.

Thosestrangers may need us. Just a smile andkind word can take people a long way. Sometimes we may even entertain angels. I know that I have.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Traveling Companions

2012-01-26T06:20:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

So much ofwhat we do involves other people. Christ’ssecond command was that we love each other. He wishes us to do so to the degree that he loves us. As I journey I have some many travelingcompanions. There are people along theway who show me love and reach into my spirit to show me Christ’s love. I have the unconditional love of my Childrenand I get to show them the same.

I get totravel with people who show me all the amazing facets of the infinite diversitythat God has created in man. That infinitediversity in its infinite combinations is of the things that drives my beliefand the journey. Even though I am fallenand flawed I can benefit those on the journey with me. I can be kind and loving to them. I can forgive them when they wrong me. I can help them get up when theystumble. Most importantly I can helpthem keep focus.

There aresome with whom I travel who have lost that focus. They have forgotten that Christ is whom theyshould follow and the he is the only guide to the destination. I must only love them. I must not judge, condemn, or rejectthem. I must always try to walk withthem in such a way that without saying a word I point them toward Christ. It breaks my heart to see them notfollowing. In private I cry and pray forthem to remember the path, the journey, and the destination.

We will havefellow travelers for the entire journey. I intend to find ways to see their beauty and enjoy them. I intend, by God’s grace to love them for allthey are. And I hope that for some ofthem I can be a source of encouragement, solace, and joy.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Walking

2012-01-25T07:51:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

In order togo anywhere one must journey. Journeyingimplies movement. One must travel. It is part of the plan that leaves us with nochoice. The destination is chosen forus. The path is different foreveryone. The walking is something wecontrol. The walking is something wechoose. The path will move us along butwe choose the pace and how we walk.

I have takenleisurely journeys and I have had hurried travel. This journey requires a measure of alacritybut leaves room to enjoy things along the way. The must is the walking. As Iwalk I have to build some things into the journey. As I walk there are things I must be vigilantconcerning.

I must keepmy focus on the destination. Even thoughthere is time for leisure and rest along the way I have someplace to be andthat place is where I will find true rest. How I get there matters. How Iwalk matters too. I cannot see the endof the path. I cannot see the clearingthat opens up to me as I take that last step. I cannot even see too far up the path.

Ichetucknee Springs

When I drovefrom my home in Georgia to a vacation in Florida the first time, I did notdoubt that Florida or my destination was there. I did not ask along the way if Ichetucknee Springs really existed. I did not have the internet to give amap. I just had the word of a guide andfriend who had been there before. I hadfellow travelers who believed we were going there. I made the journey by faith.

In truth wemake every journey by faith. We trustthat this path leads to this place. Godrequires that we walk by faith in our journey to him. I am not sure why he does this but I cannotchange it so I do it. When we try toreason our way to God the path and the journey become more difficult. If I do not walk the path by faith, believingthat I am headed somewhere and that the somewhere, who is a someone matters thejourney becomes very difficult.

People reasonall kinds of ways to avoid the destination. They refuse to walk unless they are given certain guarantees. Often the very guarantees they demand violatethe requirement to walk by faith. If Idemand to know what is over the next hill or proof that the destination existsI cannot walk in faith. Since faith is arequirement of the journey; of the walking, then I cannot demand things of Godthat make faith unnecessary.

No matterhow difficult the path seems at the moment I do not walk alone. I have a guide in Christ through that samefaith. I have wonders to view along theway. There are waysides to give merespite as I journey. There are fellowtravelers who will aide our journey. Theonly thing we really control is the actual walk. One must walk to journey.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – The Path

2012-01-24T07:09:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I am on apath whether I like it or not. I did notchoose to be on a path and at times I have wished to be on no path at all. No matter my opinion or thoughts about thepath I am on it. What I do on that pathis my choice.

The journeyrequires a path. One cannot get frompoint A to point B without transecting the points in between. I choose how I walk the path. I choose my attitude about the ease ordifficulty of the path. The path is thepath. I must walk it and I havesomeplace to get to. How I journey thepath mostly depends on my attitude about it.

If I am vigilantI can avoid the potholes and bumps most of the time. If I am mindful I can keep my focus andnavigate the narrowness of the path with grace and honor. The path is narrow. It seems arrogant to me to say so but it isthe way it is. The most important thingfor me is that I must keep moving. Delaying only causes trouble.

The path isnot the journey. The path is the way tothe destination. The obstacles areopportunities for me to learn. Thebeautiful things along the way are encouragements for me to keep going. I must walk the path. I cannot change it but with care I cannavigate it well. The path is not thejourney. Who I am on the path is a greatpart of the journey.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – My Pack

2012-01-23T06:25:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

My Old Hillary Backpack

When I was muchyounger, mostly impractical, and very inexperienced my Dad and I attempted acamping/hiking trip in north Georgia. Iwas a city kid who had been camping only during summers and only with largegroups of other city kids. I had abackpack and sleeping bag there were both very summer camp and not trailcamping at all. I had some World War IIera cooking pots there were completely unsuited for hiking.

I was notprepared for the heat and vigor required by the journey. Most of the food I packed was canned andheavy. It was also not suitable for theenergy required to endure such an endeavor. In short the event was a miserable failure. An hour into it I was exhausted andoverheated. Part of the problem was theweight I carried with me.

The journeyto God is the same. I often carry things with me that I should not. I worry about things I cannot control. I try to control things I cannot hope tomanage. I put things into my pack that Ido not truly need and that will only make the journeying more difficult. Most of the unnecessary baggage is emotionalor spiritual. These things I pack alsoresult in unnecessary physical baggage.

Because I donot trust in Christ alone for my sufficiency I pack things into the journeythat neither sustain nor satisfy. I dineon unhealthy food. I acquiredistractions that do not heal or strengthen. I carry pain and guilt that I should not. I make poor choices about almost everythingwhen I take my focus off of the purpose of the journey. This results in lost time, poor side trails,and injury to my fellow travelers.

I mustchoose only to carry the emotional, spiritual, and physical things that enhancemy ability to walk the journey. The pathis long and perilous. A way to properlyfind joy in the journey is to be very careful what I carry with me.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – The Destination

2012-01-22T05:40:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

One mustbegin with the end in mind. The journeywill end and how I journeyed will matter. None of that, however, is more important than the destination. We are all on a journey to God. What I believe about that does not change thetruth of it. At the end of the journey Iwill meet God. I have no idea how thatwill unfold or what it will look like. Iam anxious to be there but not in a hurry to arrive.

The journeymust be made with the destination in mind. If I do not ponder the destination I will not know how to sculpt theparts of the journey that I can. I willnot know what to expect if I do not temper my travel with meager imaginings ofwhat I am moving toward.

I would notlike to arrive at my destination and it be totally strange to me. I realize I cannot know all the I wish toknow, elsewise faith is unnecessary. Since God has made it a vital component of the journey I must hold ontoit and use it as a guide. I sometimesget so caught up in my own thinking that I forget where I am going.

Like a shipat sea or someone traveling in the wilderness I must always keep my focus onthe destination. God is my truenorth. He is the compass point to whichI head. All else must be set to this onething. The journey is useless withoutthe destination. I can only imagine howhard it must be to undertake such travels without knowing the direction inwhich I head.

I do notargue with those who do not believe in God. I feel sad for them and hope to show his love so deeply to them thatthey understand where I am going and hopefully choose to walk with me for abit. I used to plead my case and statemy arguments so well. Instead I realizethat the journey is of one’s own choosing and that I can only help others alongby focusing on the object of my travel and reveling in his love for me.

Like Pilgrimin Bunyan’s tale I will face struggles and get distracted. What I must do is to travel well with onlythe destination as my loadstone. Infocus on the destination is the essence of joy in the journey.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Anatomy of the Journey – Introduction

2012-01-21T06:38:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Recently a friendasked me about the closing in my writing. Instead of a simple answer (as I am want to avoid those as often aspossible) I have chosen to spend a week on the complexity of this small phrase. This is much more than a simple witty closingto me. It is the essence of how I viewmy life.

The phrasearises from a song that is very dear to me. By way of introduction I will share this with you first. The song is Joy in the Journey by MichaelCard. If you have not found his music avast and lovely treasure awaits you. Hismusic seems to address every aspect of the journey toward God. If you can, takea moment to follow the link before reading the rest of my post. If not, read on.

Joy in the Journey – Michael Card

There is ajoy in the journey

There's alight we can love on the way

There is awonder and wildness to life

And freedomfor those who obey

And allthose who seek it shall find it

A pardon forall who believe

Hope for thehopeless and sight for the blind

To allwho've been born in the Spirit

And whoshare incarnation with Him

Who belongto eternity stranded in time

And weary ofstruggling with sin

Forget notthe hope that's before you

And neverstop counting the cost

Remember thehopelessness when you were lost

There is ajoy in the journey

There's alight we can love on the way

There is awonder and wildness to life

And freedomfor those who obey

The thing isthat joy is so much more important than happiness. Happiness is fleeting and based on thecurrent circumstance. Joy is based onour perspective in the circumstance. Itis joy that can sustain us even when the journey takes us through darkplaces. There are times when I amunhappy. There is way to maintain joyduring even the times of unhappiness. Itis because I am on the journey that joy is a potential. It is only possible to realize that joy if Ijourney in the right way. Please walkwith me a bit and we can discuss it. Meanwhile as always, I am …

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Managing Obligations

2012-01-20T07:27:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

As a followup on my thoughts on managing my own expectations I have been thinking aboutthe opposite side of that coin in the face of obligations. While it is true that I must deal in graceand love when it comes to my expectations I also consider the line whereobligations exist.

I amsupposed to let my yes be yes and my no be no. I am supposed to keep my word. What I wonder is if this is not true of others as well. I have to manage my life in such a way that Ido what I say I am going to do. I haveseen the pain it causes others when I have not done this. I have felt the pain when obligations towardme are not kept.

It seemsthat obligations to others are becoming more vaporous in our world. I have students lie to me all the time aboutwhy they are not in class. I think theydo not even consider that the lies hurt me. Even when the intent is not to lie but people do not keep to commitmentsit causes me great pain.

It makes theroad very rocky for me at times. Recently someone came to me and assured me that they understood asituation better. This individualexpressed the realization that inconsistency in keeping their commitments washurtful to me and that this would change. It has not.

What then ismy obligation? It does not change. I can only continue to honestly express howthe actions impact me and deal with the individual in love and grace. I ponder how I can abide the difficulty ofthe pain. I used to pressure others todo as they had promised. All this doesis drive others away. Instead I must runto Christ and allow his grace and love toward me to salve thedisappointment.

I must usethe resolve to engender me to be one who keeps his obligations. I must treat others as I would betreated. I must assess things in thelight of how I keep my obligations to Christ and allow him to deal with thehearts of others. In this there is peaceto be found. In this even when the roadis rough and difficult the journey can become easier.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Compassion of Others

2012-01-19T06:11:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

It alwaysamazes me how compassionate others can be. I had a bit of a spill at work on Tuesday. In an attempt to reassert my proper eatingpatterns I had drastically reduced my carbohydrate intake. It worked too well.

We were finishingup a team meeting at work. As I stood upI went down. According to one colleagueI was out for about twenty seconds. It wasa low blood sugar incident and I am fine.

I am alsoencouraged by how quickly my coworkers came together to care for me. One of them said if not for my uncomfortable facilitationit would have been a perfect team building exercise. What astounds me is the level of genuine carethat was provided. Everyone in the roomdid something to show that they cared about me.

Even afterthe paramedics had declared me free to go home on my own they stayed withme. Several offered to drive me home. Even after walking back to my desk somestayed with me. Eventually one of my coworkers followed me home to assure thatI reached it safely.

Thecompassion is what prevailed. It touchedand encouraged me. It motivated me to beeven more compassionate. It makes me seea glimpse of how others feel about me. Itmakes me wish to be more compassionate to others. I return to work today with a grateful andpurposed heart.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Managing Expectations

2012-01-17T06:03:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Recently afriend agreed to be at a certain place at a certain time. I needed to have an important conversationwith this individual and we carefully scheduled at time. The person cancelled after it was too latefor me to usefully reapportion the time. I had passed up on a dinner invitation from another friend to wait forthis individual. The communication madeit clear that the situation was unusual.

I arrangedto have a shorter conversation with this friend and the friend assured me thatthe meeting would take place. Again Iwaited and the friend was a no show but this time with no communication. It is situations like this that cause me towalk an emotional tightrope. Walkingthis requires that I battle past pain and embrace current leaning about faith.

I expectpeople to do what they say they are going to do. This is a reasonable expectation as long asit is managed. The line exists where Imanage my expectations of others and fulfill my duty and desire to show graceand love. Due to past pain I get veryhurt when someone does not keep his or her commitments. I used to be quite ogrish about this but havelearned that this does more damage than good. I am determined to fall on the side of kindness and understanding butsometimes I feel inadequate to deal with the feelings of hurt and rejection.

The focusthat I have adopted to deal with this is to learn more about Christ in theprocessing. If I in an attempt to followChrist more closely, I view things from his perspective it helps. Before I become angry at someone who has notkept a commitment to me I must remember just how often I fail in my commitmentsto Christ. If I feel this level of painin this situation how much then must it cause sorrow in God when I treat himthis way. How much more must it be whenhe deals with a world that does the same?

It is rightfor me to expect others to do as they say they will do. It is only right to the point where Itransect my obligation to show the love and grace that I am shown. I still feel what I feel but putting thatfeeling in perspective of my other obligations makes it much easier to managemy expectations of others. Thisindividual is in need of the later much more than I need to indulge myfeelings.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

If God Made You

2012-01-15T06:08:00.000-06:00

Greetings Dear Reader,

I was listening throughmy Five for Fighting collection over the last couple of weeks. John Ondrasik writes lyrics that truly reachmy spirit. As I have been listening onesong resonates with how I feel about some people in my life. I will not dare to presume that I know whatstory John is telling in this song. I doknow that I find the song resonating with my soul right now very deeply. I thank you John. I see God’s love for me in your music. I think that this is an area where I need tomore closely focus on showing others how much I value them.

Even in the midst ofinner difficulties and weighty choices God shows his love to me through some ofthe people in my life. Small things likeunexpected encounters with my children do so much to lift my spirit. Over the last day here are the ways God hasspoken his love to me through those around me.

Early in the morning peoplein Australia at the end of their day took time to share a bit of their liveswith me and wish me well. My Daughtergot up early just to see me off to work. The clerk where I bought my petrol thanked me for being nice. One of the admin people at work expressed howmuch she enjoyed working with me. Mybeloved Daughter in law called me for information on how to make “my” pancakesfor her family (she has no idea how much this meant to me). I was able to positivelyinfluence the choices of several students during the day. I had very pleasant and upliftingconversations with two of my coworkers. Noticing from my writing that I was struggling,a friend in Pennsylvania reached out to me. I got to have a brief chat with myeldest Son. Even though I could not accept a new friendinvited me out to eat. All of thatprepared me at the end of the day to be kind and understanding when two people verydear to me needed it.

To every one of theseindividuals I can honestly say that I see God’s love for me through you. I am so very grateful for this. It is in these daily interactions where I seeGod constantly whispering my name and reminding me that he is there and caringfor my needs. I say to each of you inJohn Ondrasik’s words, “If God made you he’s in love with me.”

Here is the entire songfor your benefit

If GodMade You – Five for Fighting, John Ondrasik

Hey Kid... Your timehas come to change
Though I need you more than I've needed anyone in any waytonight
Hey Kid... I know it won't be long
The Captain's calling...come to see you back where webelong

Something inside me is breaking
Something inside says there's somewhere better thanthis...

Sunset sailing on April skies
Bloodshot fire clouds in her eyes
I can't say what I might believe
But If God Made Youhe's in love with me

Hey Kid...Do wishes count at all
Can you give me a sign...give me anything I won't tell asoul you told
Hey Kid...Will you hold me when I sleep
And will you find me when the tide decides that I got to leave

Something inside me is breaking
Something inside says there's somewhere better thanthis...

Sunset sailing on April skies
Bloodshot fire clouds in her eyes
I can't say what I might believe
But if God made you he's in love with me

Sunset sailing on April skies
Bloodshot fire clouds in your eyes
I can't say what I might believe
But if God made you he's in love with me

Something inside me is breaking
Something inside says there's somewhere better than thismy love

Sunset sailing on April skies
Bloodshot fire clouds in her eyes
I can't say what I might believe
But if God made you he's in love with me

Sunset sailing on April skies
Bloodshot fire clouds in your eyes
I can't say what I might believe
But if God made you... he's in love with me...

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

As So It Goes

2012-01-14T06:46:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

So I wouldchoose to be with you

As if thechoice were mine to make;

And you canmake decisions too

And you canhave this heart to break. – Billy Joel

I oftenwonder why I keep my heart so open. I knowthat it is going to get me hurt. I knowthat I have made serious mistakes and caused my own pain at times. I also know that anyone who keeps an openheart can only do so by putting themselves as risk of being hurt. And so it goes.

The otherside of that coin is that if I choose not to have an open heart then I canavoid being hurt. Unfortunately theinscription on that side of the coin includes loneliness. I cannot guard my heart from pain withoutshutting out a connection to others. Itis in that connection to others that the risk is involved. And so it goes.

Even thoughthe intent of the lines is between two people it is between my heart and thatof Christ that the most significant tether exists. Christ risked all to come after us; me. Christ allows his heart to be broken over andover again for us. How can I then notput my heart in his hands? How can I notthen leave it open no matter how much I do not understand the world? And so it goes.

Peopleabandon faith and following because of hurts and lack of understanding. God does not act as we think he should in allsituations. Just because I am not in theplace I wish to be does not mean that God is not doing what is best forme. Just because things do not unfold asI think they should does not me they are not unfolding properly.

One of theseminal elements of faith is brokenness. I must put myself at risk to find the love and peace that is in Christ. Imust give him my heart to break so that my own falleness can get out and moreimportantly he can get in. I think thatonly in this transaction can I find peace in the pain. And so it goes.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

A Question if You Please

2012-01-13T09:13:00.002-06:00

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today I wish to ask you a question. If you could haveme write about any topic what would it be? I value you so highly andwonder what you wonder.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Sin Behind the Gin

2012-01-12T04:24:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I do notdrink often and when I do I seldom drink much. A few evenings ago, however, I had a little too much. I was home, not going anywhere, and notalone. What I discovered about myselfbears a little examination.

Eveninebriated I could tell I had choices. Iknew right from wrong I just did not care as much. My emotions were much more powerful than myreason but I knew that I had a choice about everything I said or did. It has me thinking about all the times I hearthat people could not control their words or actions due to outside influences.

I have afriend who talks about “locus of control” often. She is very good at pointing out to othersthat they can control what they say or do if they choose to do so. How often to I use some external influence toallow a less than honest attempt to follow Christ? I have much more control over what I do,think, and say than I ponder. I knowthat I am designed to do and be certain things. Perhaps the sin that permeates without notice is when I allow otherinfluences to hold me back from being my best.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Blank Page

2012-01-11T07:22:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Every morningI awaken and face the emptiness of a blank white rectangle. Sometimes I already know what I will writeabout. Sometimes I spend time juststaring and wondering what will spin out of my head. Either way it is up to me what getstyped. I am responsible what I put onthe page and whether I pass it on to others.

So manythings influence my writing. It is theimpact of those influences that often translates to my books and blog. I even write poetry but rarely put that intoany public arena. Much of what I writenever sees anything but the depths of my hard drive.

What I ampondering today and have been since Sunday is the things that influence whatgoes on the page. My Grandfather used tosay “What’s comes up in the bucket is what’s down in the well.” What I am inside and how I deal with externalinfluences puts an imprint my words.

There isanother blank page I have a small part in influencing. I more intrigued by the influences that aremost important to the things that are being written. I got to spend the entire day Sunday with my Grandson. In the last year and a bit his parents havewritten some beautiful things on his page. His extended family is evident in the story he is becoming as well.

What enthrallsme is the level of social and emotional stability that has already imprinted onhim. He squeals with joy when either ofhis parents enters the room. He has asimilar reaction to his uncle. It isobvious that in his home he feels loved and secure. He is intelligent and learning rapidly. He shows great delight in people.

There is somuch to be written on this beautiful page and his story will unfold influencedby those around him. I am driven to makechoices that will write only good on this beautiful page that is my Grandson. I examine all attitudes and actions thatmight influence him to be less than the beautiful person he has to potential tobecome. I wish only to nurture him inpositive ways and to bring no sorrow to his lovely face.

It causes meto ponder how I influence others as well. What I write on their pages matter and ultimatelyinfluences how I am internally. For thelove of Christ and my Grandson I am working hard to purify my well.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Scrummy Conundrums

2012-01-10T06:20:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

One of thethings unavoidable in life is choices. Sometimes we have difficult ones and sometimes pleasant ones. The difficult ones take their toll. The pleasant ones can as well. I have been thinking about the choices I makedaily and how to assure that I make them efficiently without forgetting tofocus on Christ.

I think thatthis is part of the reason I am to be constantly in prayer. Even the pleasant choices require that Ifocus on Christ in them. If I amchoosing between two good things my heart must be set on what I think will drawme closer to Christ. I do not think thatI have to make the absolute “right” choice. I do not think that God strains of minutia.

I do,however, think that Christ wants our hearts to be focused on what draws us closerto him. Even what kind of pie I havematters in that I want my choices to be what is pleasing to God. Again, it is not in the choosing but in theattitude. If I trifle about thesechoices then it is habit when there are difficulty ones. If my habit is to consider what draws mecloser to Christ in following him then the less than delectable choices aredrawn into that pattern of thinking.

Anything Ican preload to push me toward obedience to God in following Christ is abenefit. Any time I can be sure that Ihave considered if my choice is loving God with all my heart I am ahead ofwhere I could be. So no matter how scrumptiousthe conundrum, it must be resolved in light of my love for God and his Son.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Peanuts Parents

2012-01-09T10:00:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

As I beginmy second full week of 2012 I was putting away the Christmas DVDcollection. I had not watched ACharlie Brown Christmas and put it in to enjoy. One of the elements used in the Charlie Brownshows is the “wa wa wa” sound used represent the speaking of adults.

I usuallylaugh at this. This time, however, I hada different reaction. I found myself truly wondering what the adults weresaying. It then caused me to ponder justhow I listen to God. Do I treat God’swords as things I have heard before and need not heed a uniquely directed atme? Do I give things the interpretationthat suits me? How do I listen to God?

The only wayI can answer this is to choose to listen clearly and intently as if my Creatoris speaking to me for the first time. The life of following Christ is a life oflistening. It is a life of knowing thatmy own thoughts get in the way of that listening if I am not vigilant. My Grandfather used to point out that we hadtwo ears and one mouth for a reason. Weshould listen twice as much as we speak. Since I cannot see Christ it is that much more important that I mustlisten if I am to follow.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Dead Men’s Clothes

2012-01-08T04:29:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Some yearsago some friends and I did a study in an intentional approach to reducingpossessions and paying closer attention to consumption. The result of that time has had some verylasting results. I made a couple of dearfriends and value them highly. I alsolearned how to meter my consumption and consider the source of my acquisitionsmore carefully.

Incontrasting this learning with my current needs I made a choice to get somemore shirts for work at a thrift store instead of buying new ones. As I was perusing my choices as the thriftstore a worker actually asked if I needed assistance. I mentioned that I was looking for someshirts and gave her my size. Immediatelyshe took me to the section where there were some very fine shirts.

I thankedher and she offered the following. “Theseshould be great. They are all new. Some guy died and his family brought in allthe new clothes he got for Christmas.” It set me back for a moment. Thenit occurred to me that much of what comes from a thrift store has to potentialof this same source.

I would wantmy things to go on being used if I were gone. Stewardship is the use of things wisely. It would be unwise to forgo reusing things just because they had comefrom a dead man. We inherit so much fromthe past. I wonder how I can betterwhere that which is handed down to me.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Why Do You…

2012-01-07T06:59:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Last nightour friend Present joined us for dinner (That is not a typo. Her name means Gift or Present from God.) We had some rare time just to sit andtalk. She had questions. They were great questions. They were the kind of questions that causeone to examine motives and patters.

AfterPresent departed I spent a couple of hours pondering some of the whys and someof her insights. Pondering her questionsled to a broader questioning of my reasons for other things. I do not intend to go into specifics here butit reminded me just how much we must live an examined life. The “why” of our habits, choices, and actionsis so very important.

If I live anunexamined life or even an unexamined day I cannot be assured that I have givenall of my efforts to Christ. Asking whyI do things that I do and why I do them the way I do is so vital to followingChrist. If my motives are not centeredon loving God with all my heart, soul, and mind then I must question what Ido. If what I do does not show love toothers then I must question my motives. On this rests all that needs doing.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

A Homemade Pie

2012-01-05T06:01:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I am a loverof pie. I don’t really care for cake orcookies that much (with one exception that I will mention later). I wish that there was birthday pie instead ofbirthday cake. I wish that we tookbreaks for milk and pie. Does “thattakes the pie” really sound so awkward?

The kind ofpie matters. Key lime is my favorite. Mincemeat, Pumpkin, and Pecan pies are aclose second. Of the many fruit pies onecould have I prefer cherry, peach, and blueberry. Since I moved to the Midwest I havediscovered strawberry rhubarb to be delightful. Of the custard or crème pies I prefer coconut to any other but my sister’sbanana cream pie is without equal.

As Imentioned yesterday I returned to work on Tuesday after some time off for goodbehaviour. That first day back wasfilled with joy at seeing my students and colleagues but was a very long sixteenhour day. When I arrived home at 11:03that night my daughter Christmas had baked a cherry pie for me. I am still in awe of it.

One of thethings that I treasure is when someone makes a pie or oatmeal raisin cookiesfor me (there is the aforementioned cookie reveal). It touches a deeply hidden part of my spiritthat rarely comes out to play. Everytime I think about that cherry pie I smile. It has helped merge back into my no writing work with ease.

There issomething so powerful about looking into someone else and seeing something thatmakes them feel special. I know how todo this and try to do it often. I amgoing to try and do it more. It is notthe pie. It is the knowing anddoing. We can do so much to make othersburdens lighter. If making a pie or somecookies can impact me so deeply I need to focus on how to create that feelingin others.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

926 Emails

2012-01-04T07:24:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I returnedto my teaching job after a wonderful seventeen day vacation. I was blessed to spend a great deal of timewith my children and perusing the things I love to do. My routine is very simple when I arrive atwork.

First Icheck voice messages so the angry red light on my phone will go away. I had one. Then I log into my PC and check email. I had 926. Usually I have fiftyor sixty in the morning if I have departed before evening classes are over. I receive about seven emails daily from atechnology site to which I subscribe. Internal emails from the Dean and Director are there. Students know thisis the best way to get their needs met. Emailis my primary form of absent communication at work.

Image by OCAL

When I wason vacation I did not check my email even once. As I saw this ocean of emails I thought it would take my entire day towork through them and I had two classes to teach. Having prepped for class and there stillbeing an hour before class time I wadded into the flood. After about a half hour I had the totalnumber of emails that I had to attend to down to 185. I was able to delete 741 of them as eitherbeyond the time of their importance, advertising, or technology news that Ialso received at home and already read.

It caused meto ponder for the remainder of the day the vast amount of things that passthrough my inbox that quickly become irrelevant. I know that we use email as if it costsnothing. That is not true. Every email has a price tag. When you include the hardware and softwareinvolved and when you consider the price of an Internet Service Provider it canbe staggering. When sending an emaileach one costs about twenty cents. Thatmeans I deleted $148.20 worth of email without even reading it.

I work hardnot to waste things. I am intentionalabout reducing the amount of things I use and own. I wonder collectively how much email istrashed daily just at my work. In myefforts to be a good steward of all that I am given I need to even think aboutthe email I use. I will return to thistopic later in the year but for now I want be more careful about what I consumeand measure how I do. Stewardship ofwhat I am given applies even to technology.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Opening the Year

2012-01-03T06:07:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I return towork today after a two week vacation. Itwas a much needed time and I am reenergized. I wish to thank my children for the time they gave me. It was memorable and will be cherishedalways.

I have somegreat things on the horizon this year. My second Grandson will arrive in the Spring. A move is likely to a new home. I begin the final phase of my weight lossjourney. There are other changes in the windbut we can discuss them later as they develop.

What I wishto dwell for the moment is the part of the journey I am in right now. So many make resolutions for things they planor hope to do. What I do isdifferent. I at what I must do to becomea better follower of Christ and order my life accordingly. I remove things that hinder myfollowing. I include things that willmake it better.

I know thisyear will hold vast changes. I hope tojourney through them with Christ and to follow him as closely as possible.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Closing of the Year

2011-12-30T04:56:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I don’tthink I have anything profound to say today but I have something very importantto say. Thank you Dear Reader. You have no idea how much your reading thesescribblings means to me.

I hope thatyour year has been as blessed as mine. Ihope that I have benefited you in some way. As I face this blank page each day I promise that I think of you. I hope each day that this part of yourjourney is a good one.

I will wishyou a very safe, happy, and prosperous New Year. Remember to count your blessings and knowthat I love you.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

An Old City Bar

2011-12-28T06:41:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Last night Ihad dinner at an old bar. It was like somany that dot the Midwest. Most of the light came from the oversized flat screensthat constantly stream sports of one flavor or another. The walls and ceiling are smoke stained fromthe decades of time where smoking was allowed there.

I could seehow many of the patrons were there more often than not. Those at the actual bar were obviouslyregulars who all knew each other. The placewas quite busy for a Tuesday evening. One could catch snippets of conversation about football, politics, andsheepshead. For those who do not knowsheepshead is a trick taking card game very popular in Wisconsin.

The comfortof the place was obvious. The bar stoolsare well padded. The foot rail is sturdyand usable. The food is good and thebeer cold. There is no pretense orposturing. It is just a bar. It put me in mind of a song that is importantto me as Christmas falls into the rear view and the year wanes.

The chanceto change the world is never gone. As weput away the lights and gear up for the coming year I will be looking for newways to show the spirit of Christ in everything I do. I am a pretty jolly guy anyway but I want tomake a difference. I want people to feellike Christmas after every encounter with me. I want to help my neighbors and strangers. I want to be a constant gift in the lives ofothers. I have a long way to go.

Old City Bar

In an oldcity bar

That isnever too far

From theplaces that gather

The dreamsthat have been

In thesafety of night

With its oldneon light

It beckonsto strangers

And theyalways come in

And the snowit was falling

The neon wascalling

The musicwas low

And thenight

ChristmasEve

And here wasthe danger

That evenwith strangers

Inside ofthis night

It's easierto believe

Then thedoor opened wide

And a childcame inside

That no onein the bar

Had seenthere before

And he askeddid we know

That outsidein the snow

That someonewas lost

Standingoutside our door

Then thebartender gazed

Through thesmoke and the haze

Through thewindow and ice

To a cornerstreetlight

Wherestanding alone

By a brokenpay phone

Was a girlthe child said

Could nolonger get home

And the snowit was falling

The neon wascalling

Thebartender turned

And said,not that I care

But howwould you know this?

The childsaid I've noticed

If one couldbe home

They'd be alreadythere

Then thebartender came out from behind the bar

And in allof his life he was never that far

And he didsomething else that he thought no one saw

When he tookall the cash from the register draw

Then hefollowed the child to the girl cross the street

And wewatched from the bar as they started to speak

Then hecalled for a cab and he said J.F.K.

Put the girlin the cab and the cab drove away

And we sawin his hand

That thecash was all gone

From thelight that she had wished upon

If you wantto arrange it

This worldyou can change it

If we couldsomehow make this

Christmasthing last

By helping aneighbor

Or even astranger

And to knowwho needs help

You needonly just ask

Then helooked for the child

But thechild wasn't there

Just thewind and the snow

Waltzingdreams through the air

So he walkedback inside

Somehowdifferent I think

For the restof the night

No one paidfor a drink

And thecynics will say

That someneighborhood kid

Wandered inon some bums

In the worldwhere they hid

But theyweren't there

So theycouldn't see

By an oldneon star

On thatnight, Christmas Eve

When thesnow it was falling

The neon wascalling

And in caseyou should wonder

In case youshould care

Why we're onour own

Never wenthome

On thatnight of all nights

We were alreadythere – Trans-Siberian Orchestra

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Boxing Day

2011-12-26T06:43:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I wasdiscussing Boxing Day with a friend and was intrigued to learn how a holidaymeant to honor those who serve us has migrated into just another bank/governmentholiday that focuses on other things.

I wonder howoften we really consider those who serve us. I have always viewed those who work in service industries as some of thehardest working people there are. Everytime you go out to eat on a holiday you are being served by someone who isworking just so you can go out to eat. When you buy gas at the convenience store someone is working so that youcan buy gas.

Perhaps weshould make it a point this week to be kinder and show some appreciation tothese folks. Maybe leave a better tipthan usual. Maybe thank the clerks forbeing there you whenever you feel the need. It is a great way to remember how dependent we are on those who workhard.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

2011-12-25T05:31:00.002-06:00

ChristmasThoughts 2011

MerryChristmas Dear Reader,

As I satpondering, piping, and potable last night I thought of you. Some of you I know well. Some I have never met. Some of you will never know how much I loveyou as I cannot find words to express it. Some of you I love more than you may realize. Whether we have met or not, please know thatI love you Dear Reader and wish you a Merry Christmas.

I write for Jesusand my love for him but I also secondly write for you. So I leave you with the words of my friendand favorite minstrel. I also leave with a wish that we may one dayshare a pipe and Christmas bowl whilst we discuss how God has blessed us;everyone.

Photo by Natalie Foley

Hopeeverybody's ringing on their own bell, this fine morning.

Hopeeveryone's connected to that long distance phone.

Old man,he's a mountain.

Old man,he's an island.

Old man,he's a-waking says

"I'mgoing to call, call all my children home."

Hopeeverybody's dancing to their own drum this fine morning ---

the beat ofdistant Africa or a Polish factory town.

Old man,he's calling for his supper.

He's callingfor his whisky.

Calling forhis sons and daughters, yeah ---

Calling,calling all his children round.

Sharp earsare tuned in to the drones and chanters warming.

Mist blowinground some headland, somewhere in your memory.

Everyone isfrom somewhere ---

even ifyou've never been there.

So take aminute to remember the part of you

that mightbe the old man calling me.

How manywars you're fighting out there, this Christmas morning?

Maybe there'salways time for another Christmas song.

Old man he'sasleep now.

He's gotappointments to keep now.

Dreaming ofhis sons and daughters, and proving ---

proving thatthe blood is strong. --- Ian Anderson --- Another Christmas Song

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Awaiting Christmas: Christmas Eve

2011-12-24T06:15:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I shared oneof my Christmas Eve traditions yesterday. My most important one is quiet and yet very difficult. I try to have a constant conversation withGod in my mind. In doing this I respondto beauty with praise. I respond toblessings with gratitude. I express myheart quietly to God throughout the day. I ask for advice and express my needs.

Photo by Natalie Foley

I willcontinue this conversation but with a difference. From sunset on Christmas Eve until sunrisethe day after Christmas I will not ask God for anything. He has given enough and I will still offer mygratitude and share my wonder at things but will not ask for anything. I am in the habit of silently asking for strength,wisdom, patience, and many things throughout the day. I impose this fast from asking to keep inmind just how much I was given by Christ being born.

I am notsaying that everyone should do this but I hope in puts you in mind of what itcost God for the following to become reality. It is truly what matters about Christmas. Without the cradle in Bethlehem we do not getto the cross in Jerusalem. It is good torecognize that God has already given us enough.

Luk 2:1-14And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from CaesarAugustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first madewhen Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one intohis own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city ofNazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem;(because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary hisespoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they werethere, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she broughtforth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him ina manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in thesame country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock bynight. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lordshone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said untothem, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shallbe to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour,which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find thebabe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there waswith the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Gloryto God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Awaiting Christmas: A Pipe and Bowl

2011-12-23T06:43:00.003-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I will bewriting about Christmas Eve twice. Thisis the first and centered mostly on me. Ihave done this for years and few know I do it. About four times a year I smoke a pipe. One of those times is Christmas Eve. I will quietly slip out to the porch after everyone else is in bed andthe presents are laid out under the tree.

My Church Warden

I have adwindling supply of an excellent McClelland dark Cavendish. I will fill my Church Warden with it. I used to use my Savinelli but I weep when Ismoke it now (absent friends). TheChurch Warden does just fine. I willalso pour a small but generous portion of Grand Marnier into a brandy glass andwarm it over a candle.

Out in thecold and quiet of Christmas Eve I will quietly recite the Christmas story fromLuke chapter 2 and enjoy some time of thankful prayer. I will quietly list all the blessings I canthink of until the pipe and bowl are done. God gave his Son so I could live and that truly is enough. Beyond that he has blessed me so deeply withother things.

It is soeasy to spend Christmas wanting and wishing. I will set aside this time in dark hours of Christmas Eve to make surethat my heart is set on gratitude and not avarice. Christmas morning I will get to enjoy mychildren all in one place and having breakfast with them.

I have hadso much blessing because of this time over the years. I you Dear Reader find time to really find away to acknowledge how much you are loved by God before the night passes. It is a favorite part of my journey round thesun each year.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Awaiting Christmas: Snow

2011-12-22T07:12:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I love thesnow. I realize that there are peoplewho do not but I do. Given that thisyear there is little of it I heard much conversation about it. So many people I know either do not enjoysnow or downright hate it. I will missit this year but I suppose that Christ should get the weather he wishes on hisbirthday.

I willsettle for the dusting we have this morning and ponder the beauty of winterspast where Christmas has been white and fluffy.

Visiting a Crystal Gallery

Silently theclouds crept across the sky,

Photo by Natalie Foley

Negating thebrilliance of the haunting harvest moon.

Only thebrightest of stars could I still spy,

While thecottony gray darkness still had rips and tatters.

Sendingchills over my exposed face,

North windsbegin to whip across the field fiercely

Offering mean invitation to retrace

What steps Ihave taken and return to my cozy home.

Somethinginside drives me to pursue,

Narrowing myfocus to climb the hoary-frosted hill.

Only thehigher field will give a proper view

When thedance begins in earnest.

Softly theybegin their waltzing flight

Navigatingtheir way through the winter wind,

Outstandingcrystals of drifting delightful white

Whisperingto me that God is still an artist.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Awaiting Christmas: Hot Tea and Writing

2011-12-21T04:40:00.003-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I took acouple of days off for good behavior. Igot to spend all day yesterday with my Sons and Grandson. It filled me with joy. This morning I am focusing on writing andenjoying some hot tea. I am warm andcontent and pondering the Christ Child.

The reason Iwrite is to deepen my understanding of Jesus. The reason I write so much is because I understand so little. The hot tea makes the writing more enjoyable;though I enjoy it so much I would write were there no tea in the universe.

As Christmasapproaches I will relish the days that I get to spend the entire day focused onwriting. I will take a little time outfor some recreation and wrapping presents but today I will celebrate Christ byemploying the gifts he has given me. Ihave the outline written to 51 novels. If Christ is willing I will complete them all before I reach the end ofthe journey.

What I wishmost is to use the gifts given me well. In the season of gift giving I try to make that a priority. It is in Christ alone that I have this giftand for him that I use it. Perhaps a daywill come that I write something that shows him so clearly that he is seen moreclearly to all the world.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Awaiting Christmas: An Open House

2011-12-18T04:40:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Today is ourannual open house. In a few hours friendsand family will arrive. Some are comingfor the first time and some come every year. It will fill me with joy to see them all. It is a simple affair and the best part of itis the conversations with people I love.

Others talkabout Christmas being about love and giving. Christmas is about people. Christcame to redeem people. Inviting myfriends here is about people. It is alsovery selfish because I do so that I can see people I love at my favorite timeof year. I value every person that willwalk through my door. I treasure theconversations we will have and catching up on their lives, aspirations, anddreams.

Most of allI wish for them to see someone who loves them. I value each friend and member of my family. I want to find a way for them to also see howmuch Christ loves them. That is a workin progress. I must be off to prep foodand make tea. Know that I treasure youas well dear Reader.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Awaiting Christmas: Bell Ringing

2011-12-17T05:28:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I know thatI have mentioned this before but it is too important not to include in Christmasmore than once. One of the ways I willspend my time over the next week is bell ringing for the Salvation Army.

We will seethe kettles all over during the next week. The truth is that fewer places are allowing them. I wonder if we realize where the change inthose kettles ends up. Here are some ofthe things the Salvation does.

Socialservices for the homeless families and single women

Professionalservices for those transitioning from homelessness to work and a home

Emergencyshelter to those in need during extreme weather

Their foodpantry feeds thousands yearly

Free mealsare provided on Saturday nights and Sunday mornings to anyone in need

Activitiesand athletics are provided for at risk youth

Amidst allthe bustle of the run up to Christmas ringing bells for the Salvation Armybrings me great joy. I get to greetshoppers with a smile and a song and my children join me when they can. There is still time to participate and bellringers are still needed. Whether youdonate or actually make time to volunteer everything helps and the money stayslocal. You can find more information at ringbells.org. See you around the kettle.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Awaiting Christmas: Christmas Food

2011-12-16T06:49:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Our annualopen house is Sunday and I will be doing food prep for the next couple ofdays. I find great joy in this. Amidst the slicing, cooking, and combiningthere will be Christmas music and movies in the background. This is joyous andrelaxing for me.

Whilst I amdoing the preparation I think about those who will consume what I havemade. I invite friends and familybecause I wish to “Fezziwig” them. WhatI mean by that is his attitude about making others merry. It is such a simple thing to plan andprepare. I do not do anything elegant or extravagant.

Photo by Natalie Foley

So as Iprepare the food over the next couple of days I will be thinking of those forwhom I prepare it. I will be wishingthem the merriest of Christmases in my heart with every slice andarrangement. I will blend and bakehoping that they catch a glimmer of the joy I find in Christ.

Anotherthing I will be doing is making a traditional desert for my children. It is funny and delicious. They love it and I find great joy in makingit. I do believe that if I did not makeit they would be somewhat at a loss.

I have somuch and it takes relatively little effort to prepare Christmas food to sharewith others. I think that thispreparation of sharing food goes a long way to help me in preparing my heart toshare Christ is well. Those of you whoread my blog but cannot attend the open house, please remember that I love youand value you highly.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Awaiting Christmas: Wrapping Presents

2011-12-15T08:38:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I am in trueChristmas swing. My Daughter Christmas andI spent time wrapping presents last night. There are now presents for friends and family under our tree. I thought I would share some of the thingsthat dance through my mind when I am wrapping gifts.

Photo by Natalie Foley

To begin, Imust start with how I shop for gifts. Istudy people. I listen and takenotes. I try to notice the needs inpeople’s lives throughout the year. Thelovely byproduct of this is that I am more sensitive to the needs of others allyear long. This proves to be of greatbenefit to me because I need to focus on being kind lest I get too wrapped upin my own things and neglect others.

As I wrapeach gift I pray for the person. I praythat Christ and his richness permeate his or her life. I long for the gift I give to hold a measureof the thoughtfulness that God has toward un in the gift of his Son.

Christmashas become so much about things to so many. Instead I wish for my gifts to share the message that I know the personand that I love him or her. I only givegifts out of love and never out of obligation. As I wrap those gifts I hope to share that love in the care I take.

I also writeclues on the gift tags. They are usuallyvague and the recipient can only ken them after they open the gift. It is fun and allows me to ponder the gift,the person, and my purpose for getting it just a little longer. After all, the greatest gift I have are the peopleI get to love and with whom I share my life.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

On Christmas Carols: In the Bleak Midwinter

2011-12-14T06:46:00.000-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader

"In theBleak Midwinter" is a Christmas carol based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti written before 1872. It was published posthumously in Rossetti'sPoetic Works in 1904 and became a Christmas carol after it appeared in TheEnglish Hymnal in 1906 with a setting by Holst.

This songbrings tears to my eyes for its purity and simplicity. I discovered Corrinne May’s rendition thanksto the providence of God and the magic of you tube. Here is the link if you wish to listen. In the Bleak Midwinter. No matter how lofty the music or clever thelyrics what matters is the last line of this song. All Christ wishes is our hearts. The remainder is window dressing. Enjoy!

Photo by Natalie Foley

In the bleakmidwinter, frosty wind made moan,

Earth stoodhard as iron, water like a stone;

Snow hadfallen, snow on snow, snow on snow,

in the bleakmidwinter, long ago.

Our God,heaven cannot hold him, nor earth sustain;

Heaven andearth shall flee away when he comes to reign.

In the bleakmidwinter a stable place sufficed

The Lord GodAlmighty, Jesus Christ.

Angels andarchangels may have gathered there,

Cherubim andseraphim thronged the air;

Photo by Natalie Foley

But hismother only, in her maiden bliss,

Worshipedthe beloved with a kiss.

What can I givehim, poor as I am?

If I were ashepherd, I would bring a lamb;

If I were aWise Man, I would do my part;

Yet what Ican I give him: give my heart.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

On Christmas Carols: We Three Kings of Orient Are

2011-12-13T05:15:00.002-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader

The famousAmerican carol We threeKings of Orient Are was written in 1857 by Rev. John Henry Hopkins. I love this song because it so eloquently spansthe entire life of Christ in a positive and mindful way. Without the birth we never get to the crosswhich is where our redemption is purchased.

To add a bitof fun to the song I urge you to click this linkwhich will take you to the California Raisins version of the song. It is from the Christmas Special thatpremiered in 1987. The doo-whop camelsare especially entertaining.

We threekings of Orient are

Bearinggifts we traverse afar

Field andfountain, moor and mountain

Followingyonder star

Chorus

The Journey of the Magi(1894)
by James Jacques Joseph Tissot

The Journey of the Magi(1894) by James Jacques Joseph Tissot

O Star ofwonder, star of night

Star withroyal beauty bright

Westwardleading, still proceeding

Guide us tothy Perfect Light

Born a Kingon Bethlehem's plain

Gold I bringto crown Him again

Kingforever, ceasing never

Over us allto reign

Frankincenseto offer have I

Incense ownsa Deity nigh

Prayer andpraising, all men raising

Worship Him,God most high

Myrrh ismine, its bitter perfume

Breathes oflife of gathering gloom

Sorrowing,sighing, bleeding, dying

Sealed inthe stone-cold tomb

Glorious nowbehold Him arise

King and Godand Sacrifice

Alleluia,Alleluia

Earth toheav'n replies.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

On Christmas Carols: God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen

2011-12-12T07:24:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Thisparticular hymn is one of my favorites. First published in 1833 in a collection gathered by William B. Sandys,it appeared in a volume called “Christmas Carols Ancient and Modern.” The song is reputed to have been written inthe 15^th century and one of the oldest English carols.

We usuallyonly hear the first three verses but I have given you the entire text here. The focus for me on this hymn is that the chorusgives us what men so badly need. Thebirth of Christ is great news of comfort and joy. We are the ones who need redemption. We are the ones who need Christ. It is such a comfort to celebrate God’s giftto me that I hum this song all year round. I hope it is tiding of comfort and joy for you as well.

God rest yemerry, gentlemen let nothing you dismay

Remember,Christ, our Saviour was born on Christmas day

To save usall from Satan's power when we were gone astray

O tidings ofcomfort and joy, comfort and joy

O tidings ofcomfort and joy

InBethlehem, in Israel, this blessed Babe was born

And laidwithin a manger upon this blessed morn

The whichHis Mother Mary did nothing take in scorn

O tidings ofcomfort and joy, comfort and joy

O tidings ofcomfort and joy

From God ourHeavenly Father a blessed Angel came;

And unto certainShepherds brought tidings of the same:

How that inBethlehem was born the Son of God by Name.

O tidings ofcomfort and joy, comfort and joy

O tidings ofcomfort and joy

"Fearnot then," said the Angel, “let nothing you affright,

This day isborn a Saviour of a pure Virgin bright,

To free allthose who trust in Him from Satan's power and might."

O tidings ofcomfort and joy, comfort and joy

O tidings ofcomfort and joy

Theshepherds at those tidings rejoiced much in mind,

And lefttheir flocks a-feeding in tempest, storm and wind:

And went toBethlehem straightway the Son of God to find.

O tidings ofcomfort and joy, comfort and joy

O tidings ofcomfort and joy

And whenthey came to Bethlehem where our dear Saviour lay,

They foundHim in a manger, where oxen feed on hay;

His MotherMary kneeling down, unto the Lord did pray.

O tidings ofcomfort and joy, comfort and joy

O tidings ofcomfort and joy

Now to theLord sing praises, all you within this place,

And withtrue love and brotherhood each other now embrace;

This holytide of Christmas all other doth deface.

O tidings ofcomfort and joy, comfort and joy

O tidings ofcomfort and joy

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

On Christmas Carols: Little Town

2011-12-11T06:49:00.001-06:00

Greetings DearReader,

I have spentsome time recently pondering the words of Christmas carols. I would like to share some of that withyou. We hear these songs every year andfor years the words drift through our minds for a month or so. After that they are packed away in thecerebral attic until next year. I listento Christmas music all year round.

Since Thingsstart in Bethlehem we will too. Thewords to O Little Town of Bethlehem were penned by Rector Phillips Brooks(1835-1903) in 1868. He was inspired bythe view of Bethlehem from the Palestine hills at night. Lewis Redner (1831-1908) rendered the musicfor this song so that the children’s choir could sing it at their church.

I will pointout a line or two that is of note to me but mostly I wish to share the lyricswithout the background. Take a moment todrink in the artistry. As you do I’llask you to ponder this: “The hopes and fears of all the years are met in theetonight.” No one can deny the innocenceof a newborn baby. In that simple totallydependent child rested the hope of all mankind.

Also of noteis the last part of verse three. “No ear may hear His coming, but in this worldof sin, where meek souls will receive him still, the dear Christ enters in.” It is only through humility that we find theone who humbled himself to be our salvation. I do not mean to sound preachy or use too many church words. What I do intend is to point out that we findChrist through meekness.

O littletown of Bethlehem

How still wesee thee lie

Above thydeep and dreamless sleep

The silentstars go by

Yet in thydark streets shineth

Theeverlasting Light

The hopesand fears of all the years

Are met inthee tonight

For Christis born of Mary

And gatheredall above

Whilemortals sleep, the angels keep

Their watchof wondering love

O morningstars together

Proclaim theholy birth

And praisessing to God the King

And Peace tomen on earth

Howsilently, how silently

The wondrousgift is given!

So Godimparts to human hearts

Theblessings of His heaven.

No ear mayhear His coming,

But in thisworld of sin,

Where meeksouls will receive him still,

The dearChrist enters in.

O holy Childof Bethlehem

Descend tous, we pray

Cast out oursin and enter in

Be born tous today

We hear theChristmas angels

The greatglad tidings tell

O come tous, abide with us

Our LordEmmanuel.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Gifts

2011-12-10T06:00:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I havespoken about giving and about spending less on gifts. None of this precludes that I love givinggifts at Christmas. In the midst of thislove is a commitment to realize that giving gifts is a responsibility. What we choose and how we choose it truly matters.

I never just“get something.” I ponder everythingcarefully. As I move through the yearChristmas is always on my mind. Whenpeople talk about what they like, I make note of it. When I see something that fits those notes Ipurchase it and put it away in anticipation of Christmas.

It is tooeasy to see buying gifts for others as an obligation and a burden. It is also easy to focus on what we want andthe greed that threatens to consume the season. Most of what we do can have meaning if we are vigilant. We must be careful to give to others from theheart. We must have purpose to ourspending that reflects the gift we honor in our celebration. Christmas gifts must be based on our love ofthe gift of Christ.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Parking

2011-12-09T06:01:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

It is goingto be very cold tonight. I will be outand about purchasing for our open house. I will still employ a practice that benefits others and me as well. This is brief and easy. I park as far back in the lot aspossible. It gives me exercise when I amgetting outside less and it gives someone else a closer parking space.

As I said itis a small thing and that is the point. We can find so many small ways to extend the spirit of Christmas withoutcalling attention to ourselves. As wedraw closer to Christmas I will focus more on ways in which we can make thisdifference last all year long.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Giving Strategies

2011-12-07T07:25:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

So many ofthe things we do when it comes to gift giving are good. I know that I take great care in selectingthe gifts I give. I also do my best tolive within a spending plan. I findgreat joy in giving Christmas gifts.

A few yearsago I was introduced to a concept that I try to share with you every year. My church participates in and event calledthe Advent Conspiracy. The principle is simple. Each year I purchase one less gift. I take the money from that gift and donate itto the cause my church has selected. 100% of the money collected goes to the project or cause.

Over thepast years our donations have helped bring water to thirsty villages, providewheelchairs in places where there are none, built homes, and fed thehungry. The Christmas difference is thatwe bring practical help that provides hope. We have to plan to make a difference. This is an easy way to do so. Consider getting involved. It isworth it.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Family

2011-12-06T05:47:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

It seemsthat so often we unintentionally put pressure on our families at Christmastime. Imagine the impact if we simplyrelaxed. It costs me nothing to make iteasy on others in terms of asking for time. If I give up my agenda and just support my children and am available tothem it gives them the freedom to include me without stress.

I rememberhaving to rush places in the past and it being more about being at the rightplace than just being together. In allof our doing we somehow put the plans above the people. This is unhealthy for us and does not reallycelebrate the giving aspect of Christmas.

Just becausewe have always done something is not a good reason to do it. The needs of my family must come above mydesire to have that perfect event. Christmas can be focused on the birth of the Christ child if I rememberto not burden my children.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Snow on My Car

2011-12-05T06:54:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

This one issimple. When I go out to my car in aparking lot, if there is snow on my car I remove it whilst my car is warmingup. I also clear the cars on either sideof me. It leaves a pleasant surprise forthe person and I enjoy doing it. I realizethis is neither profound nor big. I alsoknow the joy is in the giving.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Walking to the Car

2011-12-04T03:24:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

After theshopping and paying comes the trip to the car. One would think there is not much to be done in this short aspect of thejourney. One would be misinformed. Opportunities to instill the Christmas differenceabound.

In my mindthis plays like the scene in a Christmas Carol when the Ghost of ChristmasPresent is walking about with his cornucopia sprinkling strangers with hisChristmas blessing. I make it a point togreet people I pass with a smile. I wishthem a Merry Christmas. I remember toput something in the Salvation Army kettle. I put my cart away.

There areother things that can be done that make a difference. Look for parents with small children. Offer to put their shopping cart away forthem. This way the child is not leftalone in the car or out in the elements. The point is to be aware of the needs of others. It keeps me from focusing on self and spreadssome cheer.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Standing in Line

2011-12-03T07:49:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I realizethat revealing some of the things I do during the Christmas season may make meseem a little eccentric. I assure that Iam not wealthy enough to be considered eccentric.

One of thethings that keep me in the Christmas spirit and further my own joy is to singwhilst I shop. Especially when I findthat I am standing in a long line. Iwill quietly sing or hum Christmas hymns. It usually impacts those around me. Sometimes they comment. That toois usually joyous. On two occasions overthe last fourteen years the people in line around me have joined in with me.

The standing-in-linerelated activity that makes a difference at Christmas is fun as well. If I see someone harried and hurried and I thinkit will matter, I offer him or her my place in line. This gives me the opportunity to go to theback of the line and impact a whole new group of shoppers.

Again, theseare little things but they combine to generate a feeling that I am keeping myperspective on Christmas and that I am making mankind my business. After all it is the joy of giving that shouldmotivate us. This is a great opportunityto give to strangers.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Tiny Things at Work

2011-12-02T04:36:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I work withsome wonderful people. They are hardworkingand committed to changing the lives of others. From yesterday until our Christmas break I will be dropping tiny anonymousgifts in their mail boxes at work. It issimple and cheap. It also makes themfeel appreciated without having to thank someone.

I also willbring in some special coffee for the coffee maker and share a tray of cookieson a day that is not expected. I am notsaying to do anything lavish or elaborate. A trip to the dollar store will do the trick. The idea is to secretly make others feelgood. Enjoy!

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Children in Stores

2011-12-01T05:42:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I adoptedthis practice after my children were grown and enjoy it thoroughly. I think one of the toughest things to balancein being out and about is feeding a child’s wonder and keeping them undercontrol. I see children all the time instores whose parents are either too overwhelmed or too inattentive to keep themfrom acting out.

What I lookfor is the opposite. One of the things Ido is notice children who are polite and kind. Especially pleasing is when a second or third grader needs to get pastyou and says “excuse me please.” I amalways prepared for such an event.

First Irespond to the child and then I approach the parent. In front of the child I thank the parent forthe politeness and commend them on instilling it in children at a youngage. I am always amazed at how well thisgoes over. Parents have to work to traintheir children to be polite. When theyare successful they should know it. Iurge you to take the time to share this success with parents. Very few will and it means the world to them.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

The Christmas Difference: Service People

2011-11-30T04:48:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I have an everydiner. It is like hundreds of dinersthat can be found in cities and towns. It is my favorite. I used to haveanother favorite but it closed. It tookme a couple of years to find this one. At first it was a short drive from where I lived but now it islonger. I have to make an effort if Iwant to go there and I do make that effort.

There arepeople that eat two or three meals a day there. The wait staff has changed little in the last eight years. The menu has changed even less. It is the kind of place that when I walk inthe door I am greeted by name and treated like family. I eat far too many of my meals alone for myliking and eating at this diner soothes a great part of that.

Over theyears I have established a tradition involving this diner that I think maybenefit others. We all have servicepeople in our lives that work hard to please us. Most of them make less that we do and work atdemanding jobs. One of the ways I showmy appreciation to the folks at my every diner is to go there for breakfast onChristmas Eve morning. I take whoeverwent bell ringing with me that morning and buy them a hot breakfast to chaseaway the chill.

After anexcellent breakfast I have a quiet conversation with the owner and hand himsome money. I provide a modest tip foreach of the people who work there. It isnot much to me and is to them. It makesa difference not just in the money in their pockets but in the respect for whatthey do for a living.

In making adifference at Christmas I would challenge you to find a way to honor the servicepeople that make your life easier or more pleasant. If you have to work a little harder orsacrifice a little to do it, mores the better. When we benefit from the hard work of others we should give some of thatback.

If we hopeto live out the spirit of love and generosity that is supposed to characterizethe Christmas season then we must begin with those around us who work to makeour lives better. Give it a try. I would love to hear what you find joy indoing for others.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Greed

2011-11-29T04:51:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I hope thatyour Thanksgiving was full of family and joy. Mine sure was. I found great joyin the food that I served, the friends that came, and in the time with my childrenand my Grandson. My younger Son, Bezelcould not be there and I missed him greatly.

What reallyastounded me was that for reason merchants felt that the right way to celebratea day of giving thanks and a time for families was to require workers to bepresent. Many stores chose to openThanksgiving Day. All this said to mewas greed. It caused me to avoideverything to do with shopping for both Thursday and Friday.

I amsaddened by the greed that is flooding over into a day that is supposed to be dedicatedto giving thanks for the blessings we already have. I realize that esteeming one day over anotheris simply a social construct. Thoseconstructs, however, are what teach us morals and values. What does it say about those values if we putthe shopping above time with family and pull others away from theirs so that wecan indulge our need to consume?

Further I amhorrified by the increased violence associated with “Black Friday” events. People push, shove, and harm others for abetter deal. One woman used pepper sprayto clear crowds away from the Xbox she wanted. People got into physical conflicts over yoga pants, bath towels, andwaffle makers.

In readingstories in the news about the aforementioned incidents a theme recurred. Most of the writers referred to Thanksgivingas a day dedicated to overindulgence. Again it troubles me that we ponder greed over giving thanks. We embrace food and shopping over gratitudeand the needs of others.

I amthankful for so many things in my life. Iknow that I show that gratitude. I worrythat the world is losing this. I fearfor the overwhelming greed that enshrouds what is the beginning of theChristmas season. It saddens me that we grasp for more when there are still those without common necessities. I fear that the growthof the greed will only continue. I amdetermined to make a difference. In comingdays we will ponder how.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

Silver Bells

2011-11-25T06:42:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

I hope yourThanksgiving Day was full of joy and plenty. I know that mine was beautiful and blessed. As usual my Grandson stole the show. He is just amazing. Friends were here and it was a blessing toknow them a little better.

As I startmy morning on “Black Friday” I will not be shopping. I will be bell ringing for the SalvationArmy. Please consider taking a shift oftwo hours some time between now and Christmas. You can sign up at www.ringbells.org. This organization feeds people andworks to keep families off the street. If you are out shopping you have more than them. Please share so that others may have.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

On Giving Thanks: I Truly Am

2011-11-24T04:52:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

The house isfull of wonderful smells. The pies arebacked adding the aroma of pumpkin, apple, and accompanying spices to theair. The turkey is in the oven waftingout an invitation that I will later indulge. The stuffing is ready for the over and the mixer is anxiously awaitingthe potatoes and later the whipped cream.

Later familyand friends will join me at my home. Wewill pray and eat. We will talk andlaugh. An added blessing is that Maximhas the day off so he, Raven, and Orion will join us. I still have some bread to bake and tea tomake. I go to it with joy andanticipation. I also feel deep gratitudefor all that God has provided for me.

One thingthat I do not express my thanks for enough is you Dear Reader. I hope that today finds you steeped incomfort and joy. If you know me and don’thave a place to celebrate we are dining at two o’clock. We have plenty.

I want youto know how much your reading, comments, and support mean to me. I have tried writing in a vacuum and it islonely and barren. My chats with youDear Reader give me courage to face the blank page. So today I am thankful for you. May God bless you richly and give grace thatyou feel no sorrow. May your journey befilled with not only joy and peace so that you find your way home and relishthe journey.

HappyThanksgiving.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

On Giving Thanks: Baking Bread

2011-11-23T05:42:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

On the eastside of the town in which I live is a large bakery. Early in the morning the smell of fresh breadfills the area around it. Many years agowhen I first moved into a different house near that bakery Avalon and I decidedto sleep at the house the first night of the closing. We had sleeping bags, pillows, and a changeof clothes.

I also snuckour bread maker into the house so that we could have fresh bread for breakfastin the morning. After she fell asleep Iset up the machine and timed it so the bread would be ready as we woke up thenext morning. About an hour before thebread was done Avalon shook me awake and excitedly told me that she could smellthe bakery. I laughed and assured herthat I thought that was a wonderful thing. Her joy when she realized later that I had made bread for us forbreakfast was exuberant. It became arunning moment of laughter in our lives that when we smelled bread baking wewould comment that one could smell the bakery from wherever we were.

My housesmells like fresh baked bread this morning. Today we have a Thanksgiving meal for all those with whom I work. This is one of those smells that enriches mylife no matter when I encounter it. Icannot think of anyone for whom this is not true. I will bake at least two more loaves beforeour Thanksgiving meal tomorrow.

I amthankful for the people I work with and the job that I have. I get to change lives and give hard workingpeople a chance at a new career. Today Iwill share fresh baked bread with my coworkers. It is of great value to me to do this. It astounds me that God chooses to make something so basic to life sorich and enjoyable. I am so thankfulthat making and sharing it is so simple. I am also thankful for the opportunity to break bread with those I withwhom I work.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

On Giving Thanks: Grandchildren

2011-11-22T06:10:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

Today myGrandson is one year old. Even this oldword spinner cannot craft the right phrases to celebrate who he alreadyis. What a beautiful and intelligentchild. In every way he makes me want tobe a better man. I would that he hadthat influence on everyone.

In preparingmy heart to give thanks I must show gratitude to him. He has made me gentler, more patient, andmore considerate. He gives hugs alreadybut only when he wishes to. He smilesevery time he sees me. We play andtalk. I get to sing him to sleep. I love him.

I know thatGod uses infants to change families if the families will allow the change. I watched him light up the room witheverything he did as we celebrated his birth on Saturday. Perhaps the most impact I saw was howeveryone wanted his attention. Everyoneneeded to be acknowledged by the person in the room with no malice oragenda.

As I preparemy heart to properly give thanks, I find that my Grandson reminds me constantlyto come to God with a child’s innocence. To trust my Father the Orion trusts Maxim. To remember that God is as gentle with me asMaxim is with Orion. So much of lifedemands that we be adults. We can bethankful that God wants us to be his children.

HappyBirthday Orion. I love you.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

On Giving Thanks: Cleaning House

2011-11-21T06:44:00.001-06:00

GreetingsDear Reader,

My Daughterand I spent part of the day yesterday cleaning in preparation for our guests onThursday. The effort was actually fun aswe worked together. We spend the balanceof the afternoon quite satisfied with the results and achieved a measure ofrelaxation.

As I wasmoving things and putting things away I thought about why I was doing it. The rooms were not dirty but they werecluttered. Clutter can make othersuncomfortable. I wonder if my gratitude becomescluttered by things. Actually, I am sureit does. I forget that I am supposed togive thanks in everything.

I am to takenothing for granted. Everything I haveis a gift from God. When I fail to showreal gratitude for all that I have I displace God in my life just a littlemore. So I spent part of the afternoonand will spend part of each day this week “cleaning house.”

I willexamine the places where I am not grateful for what I have. I will ponder how the ingratitude in thoseplaces masks my ability to reflect Christ. There will be things I need to purge. I know I have more than I need. There will be things I need to enhance. I know I can share more than I do. The changes will kick up some dust.

Cleaninghouse is so valuable to welcoming others. Cleaning out the things that hinder my gratitude toward Christ couldprove invaluable.

Wishing youjoy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn