Ten Commandments – A Creative Aside

Greetings Dear Reader,

We commemorate days.  We give them significance because of history, events, or family.  I love celebrating my Children’s birthdays.  Days are commemorated for political, social, and religious reasons.  Often the meaning of social and religious celebrations can be lost.

“In six days the LORD made heaven, earth, and the sea, along with everything in them. He didn't work on the seventh day. That's why the LORD blessed the day he stopped his work and set this day apart as holy.” (GW)

In giving the law God tells us why he wishes for a day to be set aside just for him.  It would be enough that God commanded it.  It would also be enough that we are to emulate God in our actions.

“Certainly in six days Jehovah fashioned the heavens, the land, the sea, and the whole of things in them.  Then he reposed from creating on the seventh day. Because of this Jehovah blessed the Day of Atonement and consecrated it.” (ATT)

It is evident that the reason for keeping this day sacred is because God has blessed it.  Of all the things that God commands here he spends the most time on this.  As with things that follow he could have just said to rest one day a week.  Instead he reasons with us.  In this I see that while all commands are to be obeyed, there is a measure of import to this one that is personal to God.

In this I must assure that I view this day as God views it.  I must follow out of love for God and, therefore, that importance.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Ten Commandments – Work and Rest

Greetings Dear Reader,

Growing up in the south things were very different.  Almost nothing was open on Sunday.  You bought gas on Saturday if you had to travel far on Sunday.  The day was set aside mostly for families and church.  As fewer people observed this more businesses began to open on Sunday. 

For mostly wrong reasons the religious culture of the south observed the command to do no work.

“You have six days to do all your work.  The seventh day is the day of worship dedicated to the LORD your God. You, your sons, your daughters, your male and female slaves, your cattle, and the foreigners living in your city must never do any work on that day.” (GW)

Later, during my teen years things were very different.  It was still many years ago, my faith was young and my mind less disciplined.  The church I attended had a weekly ritual.  After our Sunday evening service we would all adjourn to a local steak house for dinner and conversation.

The problem was not in going out to eat.  The problem was the contradiction that the church insisted that we not work on Sunday but we did business with restaurants and not very well.  I realized early on that the waitresses were not respected and that my fellow church goers tipped poorly.

If we are going to do business on a day that is to be set aside for rest then should we not at least be good to those who serve us?  I will not hammer on this too hard but there is contradiction in our actions.     

“You may work for six days. The seventh day is the Day of Atonement Jehovah, the existing One who is your divine ruler.  You must not do any work or business.  Your sons and daughters, your grandchildren, and your servants must not work or do business.  Your animals must not work.  Even the guests and immigrants in your city must not work.”  (ATT)  

It is obvious that God intends for us to rest.  We are to set ourselves aside for him and to be his all day long.  We cannot pick and choose which commands we see as valid but avarice has caused us to lay this one aside with little thought for the one who loves us and asks it of us.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Ten Commandments – A Day of Worship

Greetings Dear Reader,

It would be dishonest to say that what passes for a “day of worship” in our era is far different from what was practiced by the desert people who received this law.  We fit a few hours of worship into the business of our weekend.  The day is anything but holy and by so many it is simply forgotten.

“Remember the day of worship by observing it as a holy day.” (GW)

It is a day to remember that we are being redeemed.  The one who made us is buying us back from our own failures.  He asks that we spend a seventh of our week focused on this redemption.  He asks for a day.  He ask that we keep it set apart from other days. 

“Call to mind the Day of Atonement to consecrate it and keep it separate.” (ATT)

I admit that I am very disillusioned with the church at times.  I am blessed to attend a church that is in most points very good.  On the whole though, I see little setting aside of the day in the lives of most Christ followers.  This day is a day for leisure and sport to most of us.  In that we rest but do not remember.  It is in the remembering that we find our footing.  It is in the keeping of a day that belongs only to God that we can be reminded that we also belong only to God.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Ten Commandments – God’s Name

Greetings Dear Reader,

At a very young age my Grandfather taught me about how to be a good fan at baseball games.  He taught me that it showed my character to everyone around me.  As long as I can remember I have been a fan to the Atlanta Braves.  I carry their banner proudly in the area of baseball.  Because of this I have endured both good and ill as their performances vary greatly.  My behaviour at all baseball games is regulated by my desire never to bring shame to my love for the Braves.

When God commands us concerning his name it has little to do with what we say and a great deal to do with what we are.  “Never use the name of the LORD your God carelessly. The LORD will make sure that anyone who carelessly uses his name will be punished.” (GW)

You see when I chose to follow Christ I chose to identify with him.   When I say that I believe in and identify with God then what I do reflects on that identification.  I am responsible for the reputation that I put out there not just for my own life but for how it reflects who Christ is.

What I say is not what God is getting at here.  He does not want me to use him for my own purposes.  His command is clear.  “Never carry the name, reputation, or fame of Jehovah your divine ruler for vain or worthless purposes; because Jehovah will not consider him innocent or pure who uses the name for his own purposes.” (ATT)

If I hope to follow Christ then I must never include my own purposes in that following.  The moment I put my interests above those of Christ is wrong.  The moment I try to gain something because of Christ and who he is I use the name of God in vain.  My purposes must only be put forth when they are a mirror of Christ’s purposes.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Ten Commandments - Mercy

Greetings Dear Reader,

While it is true that consequences will follow from parent to child, then what quality will mercy provide from the one who created and controls all things?

My thoughts on this are brief on this but they impact me deeply.

“But I show mercy to thousands of generations of those who love me and obey my commandments.” (GW)

The word mercy seems to be such a small word for such a great thing.  I ponder what the God in the previous verse would be like without the depth of this small great word.  Without mercy there would be no room for hope.

Those standing at the mountain that day had just witnessed the destruction of those worshiping an idol.  They have seen the destruction of an army at the Red Sea. 

Imagine these words and the impact in their ears.

“And I work to show goodness, kindness, and faithfulness to thousands of generations of those who love me like family and observe my code of wisdom.” (ATT)

I so desperately need this God.  The balance is in loving him and following his wisdom.  Notice that again this sounds so simple but in the day to day it becomes so complex.  The only way I have found that works is to do it moment by moment so that obedient loving moments turn into days.  The only thing that works is following and seeing the example of Christ as my guide.  In this is my only hope for this great thing that is mercy.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Ten Commandments - Worship

Greetings Dear Reader,

How often have we seen someone do something grand and another take or be given credit for that grand thing?  How often have we seen someone usurp the place of another?  God is no different in his abhorrence of this.  Because he is God and Creator of all, all things are his.  He does not abide worshiping of those things.

“Never make your own carved idols or statues that represent any creature in the sky, on the earth, or in the water.  Never worship them or serve them, because I, the LORD your God, am a God who does not tolerate rivals. I punish children for their parents' sins to the third and fourth generation of those who hate me.” (GW)

He is not commanding that one cannot create statues and paintings.  He must love art.  Look that the world he created.  He commands later that his followers create statues and images for the temple.  The Creator simply disallows that anyone reject him by worshiping his creation.

“Do not carve images of things in the sky, on the land, or in the sea for the purpose of worshiping them.  Do not bow or prostrate yourselves before them.  Do not serve them.  Because I, Jehovah tolerate no rival I punish those who make me their enemy for generations.”  (ATT) 

Since God is reaching out to us in love he makes it clear that he will have no rival.  We are his by right and by purchase.  He made us and he bought us when we sold ourselves to other things.  We idolize others things instead.  Status and power; wealth and passions are our new idols.  We lay ourselves down before a new car or a bigger flat screen.

I have had idols that I sold my honor and holiness to obtain.  I work daily now to assure that I do not recreate those errors.  I can already see my errors infecting my children and want to live in such a way that God spares them from my errors or new ones of their own.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Ten Commandments - Small Gods

Greetings Dear Reader,

We have seen that the God who chooses to command also chooses to reach out to us.  What is it that drives him to this distinction among the things men choose to worship?  In this next command and really this is the first that is a direct command, he makes a simple declaration.

“Never have any other gods.” (GW)

This seems simple enough when one considers the calf and the many Egyptian deities that were supposed to have been left in the dust.  Sadly all these small gods created by men, demanded things that a true god would never demand.

While this statement seems an accurate translation there is a simpler one.  It may be that in calling them commandments we miss that God may be giving us deeper understanding of what the situation in the world is.

If we hear these words in their simplest rendering it may be that God is declaring, “No other gods exist in my presence.” (ATT)

This statement has much more power than to deny the presence of small gods.  In its simplicity it makes them moot.  God simply declares that they do not exist.  We worship so many things.  We chase after so many things that we think will fulfill us.  In truth the only thing that satisfies is that which is genuine. 

Anything that distracts me from following Christ as closely as possible becomes a god to me even if it is but for a moment.  The problem is that these temporary gods are vaporous and powerless.  They do not exist and they cannot satisfy.  Their only purpose is to distract me from Christ.  The only power they have is the power I give them to do this.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Ten Commandments – Who Commands Me

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I mentioned briefly yesterday there is a sense of assumption to the beginning of these commandments.  In the next sentence we are given the sense of who it is that is about to lay out a law for us. 

“I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of slavery in Egypt.” (GW)

The words here form an interesting contrast of singular and plural.  More important they give us a sense of just who it is that gives me a framework for what is to follow.  A very literal rendering of this would be quite powerful and give historical understanding to the hearers.  These people have seen the plagues, the pillars of fire and smoke, and crossed the Red Sea on dry land.  They have seen the Egyptian army destroyed just after their doubtful complaining.

Before they ever hear the words Moses will deliver to them they reject the God who saved them for a calf forged in gold.  They have seen so much and yet still reject the one who has freed them.  Even as he forges these words on the mountain they reject him below.  The opening sentence is a claim to two things that are eternally true of the Hebrews and of me.

It would render in their ears and hopefully in my heart like this:  “Jehovah, the existing one, is your Elohiym, the one who delivered you from the hell to which you were enslaved in Egypt.” (ATT)

He does not need to show his power as he has already done that adequately.  Rather I think that he is taking the first step in wanting his people to know him.  All of my better longings come from that which God creates in us.  He wishes for us to know him so that he can deliver us from our slavery.  He wishes for me to see who he is and that he wishes to have a relationship with me.

In this he begins to unfold the commands that will show me just how deeply I am enslaved to things are not his nature.  He wishes for me to see my need for him and begins the lesson with a revelation of who he is.  The God who IS wishes for me to be free and will make the journey down to me to provide my redemption.   He will travel to me since I cannot go to him.  He will find a way when I cannot.  In this even as he prepares to show me how unholy I truly am he wishes for me to know him for who he is.  He wishes for me to see that  he loves me even as I worship the calf and reject him.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Ten Commandments - A Beginning

Greetings Dear Reader,

When I read through the Ten Commandments in Exodus as I did recently I wonder how well they communicate to the young men and women that hang out at my children’s home.  Please do not misunderstand me.  I see each of these as commandments that carry true weight today.  I also understand that the language dose not communicate as well as it should.  I have decided to polish up my rusty language skills and view them in light of the world in which people walk.

As I do this I wish to measure them against my heart so that it can be further softened to God and his love for me.  On the outset the approach to these words requires what every approach to God requires.  No matter how you dress it up or what you try to add to it, approaching God requires only one thing.  It is the thing that is hardest for some and easy for me.  Exodus chapter twenty begins with, “Then God spoke all these words.” 

To continue after that moment requires faith.  To accept anything that comes next requires that one believe that there is a God and that he has standards for us.  Were one to hear these words the way those people heard them in the desert it might sound much different.  They heard something like this, “Then Elohiym (the God who is all and one) lead the way by commanding that we follow all these words in our hearts.” (Exodus 20:1 ATT)

I realize that seems to have a lot more in it than the simple phrase that one usually sees in this part of Exodus.  It is, however, much closer to the meaning of those ancient words in the ears of ancient Hebrews.  It seems that the application for me is that as I approach a deeper study of these commandments and their place in my life that I must do so from the same perspective as any other approach to God.  I must do so in faith.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Missing Winter

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday a friend posted on line how miserable she was with the heat we are experiencing.  It is not terrible.  We are getting temperatures in the nineties and the humidity is elevated but nothing compared to what it will be in the south.  The heat will last here for only a few days and my come back for a day or two later in the summer.  It happens seldom enough that they call it a heat wave.  Where I grew up heat and humidity are daily fair from April until October.

What is interesting is that in her post she mentions how much she misses winter.  This same friend posted in February how much she missed summer and wished for the cold to go away.  I suppose we all want perfect weather but that is different for each individual based on his or her preferences.

For me it would be either the world covered in snow but not extremely cold or seventy degrees with tattered clouds and a light breeze.  Even then I would grow dissatisfied because that is my nature and perhaps that is the issue.

Perhaps that is why God allows the weather to be so mercurial.  Aside from showing is constant creativity it shows us how dissatisfied we can become if we do not focus on God’s sovereignty. 

Today I miss winter but I know I would not were sitting on Folly Beach watching the sea oats dance with the wind.  I wish it was snowing but would trade it for a Folly Island sunset or a walk in the morning surf.  Even when I have been in this most paradise like of havens I have wished for cooler weather or warmer water. 

I have adopted a stance of late of not complaining about the weather.  I remind my selfish nature that God never gets the weather wrong and I am blessed with the ability to mostly control the climate I live in no matter where I am.  No matter what the weather is it has been approved by God and I need only do what I am meant to do in it.

There are times when I will get to enjoy the weather I wish for today but like all good things, those times come when they are meant to come.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

On Catching Mice

Greetings Dear Reader,

A friend, Tash, requested that I write on this topic.  It is one that is both odd and practical.  She needs to catch a mouse.  I guess the first question is whether or not she wants the mouse dead.  I will assume that she wants it alive so I will suggest two methods. 

Of course I cannot even discuss mouse catching without being philosophical about it.  I realize that mice represent carriers of disease and pestilence to many.  To others mice are pets to be kept and appreciated.  You see like so many things the feelings and fate of a mouse is relative to our view of a mouse.

Once many years ago I awoke to the sound of noise coming from my kitchen trash can.  A small brown mouse had fallen into an almost empty trash can.  All that was in the bottom was some flour.  I was greeted by the sight of a flour covered mouse blinking up at me and trying to jump out of the trash bin.

I captured him in an old margarine tub and transported him to a field far from our home.  There he was set free to forage and dodge owls.  I hope he found other field mice to take him into their care.

The point it that we decide how we view those things that are weaker than we are.  I do not want mice in my home but I do not want to harm them just because I left my grass too long or some food caught the mouse’s attention.  So I choose live traps and these two work well.

The first is a commercial one that is baited with peanut butter.  It looks like a house and costs about twelve dollars.  It is manufactured by Seabright Laboratories.  I have used it and it works fine.  One must check it often or it can become unsafe for the captured mouse. 

The second is home made.  One uses a five gallon bucket, a dowel, a soda can, and a ramp.  The picture is self-explanatory.  The bait for this is put on the soda can and again I use peanut butter.  The mouse will crawl up the ramp and onto the can where he slips off into the bucket.  I always put a little peanut butter in the bottom as a reward and to sustain the mouse or mice until transport.

There you have it.  My two favorite ways for catching mice without killing them.  I hope this helps my friend  and reminds others of how much I value all of creation.  I know it was a good reminder for me.

One Brown Mouse

Smile your little smile --- take some tea with me awhile.

Brush away that black cloud from your shoulder.

Twitch your whiskers. Feel that you're really real.

Another tea-time --- another day older.

Puff warm breath on your tiny hands.

You wish you were a man

who every day can turn another page.

Behind your glass you sit and look

at my ever-open book ---

One brown mouse sitting in a cage.

Do you wonder if I really care for you ---

Am I just the company you keep ---

Which one of us exercises on the old treadmill ---

Who hides his head, pretending to sleep?

Smile your little smile --- take some tea with me awhile.

And every day we'll turn another page.

Behind our glass we'll sit and look

at our ever-open book ---

One brown mouse sitting in a cage – Ian Anderson

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Fathers and Children

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I move through the years and watch my Children grow I understand more and more the importance of being a good father.  The tapestry where I see the artistry of this is in the way my Son interacts with my Grandsons. 

Since the birth of the eldest child I have marveled at the gentle sweet manner in which he reassures his Sons.  He guides them with a firm kindness that will pay of tenfold when they are older.  I think he is already a much better father than I am.

The greatest challenge he will face is keeping up with his sons.  My oldest Grandson already shows signs of genuine genius.  Again I am proud of my Son’s honest assessment of the challenges this brings.  I can tell he is already thinking about what will best serve his son’s needs in this area.

He is a father who loves his children.  He is a husband who loves his wife.  Today I just wish to honor him for the father he is.   I am proud to be his father.  One could do well to follow his example.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – Summary Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

This past week I had to take a long drive related to my work.  It gave me much time to think about this subject and examine my heart as it relates to where I put God in everyday things. 

The short of it is that there is no place where Christ must not be central to my thinking and actions.  My attitudes must reflect my devotion to Christ in every area of my life.  Any place where I ignore this is a violation of my responsibility to Christ.  I cannot wall of any area and say that I am loving God with all my heart.

Whether it is work, writing, play, or just thinking I must give every aspect of it to Christ and not leave any area unopened to him.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – My Profession

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am fortunate to have a job where I get the privilege of changing lives.  Even more I am not hindered from living my faith in front of my students.  That is not as important as the way in which I deal with the things that no one supervises.  It is easy in the teaching profession to cut corners.

It may be that this is the place internally where my pride is of value.  I realize that if I do not give my best to every student, even the ones I do not like, that I am marginalizing God.  If I am not kind to all my coworkers then I forget that my primary purpose is to be a follower of Christ before them.

I am working hard toward the blank page being my only source of income and the road seems long some mornings.  The point is that it is in this that I also have to be true to my faith in this.  I cannot write a single word without assuring that Christ is at the center of my communication.  I must not tell the story unless the story is a path to seeing Christ more clearly.

No matter the profession or the vocation for those who follow Christ there is the same avocation.  The only way our work yields fulfillment is if we find that fulfillment in Christ.  I must keep before me the constant vigilance of the path and following Christ.  If I marginalize this in my work then I cannot hope to find satisfaction in that work.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – Disposable Humans

Greetings Dear Reader,

I wonder what comes to mind when you read that title.  Who do you think of when someone mentions disposable humans?  Since we are all created in God’s image no one is truly disposable.  No one is insignificant or less than vital.

That said, we should do a much better job of not treating others as disposable.  Sadly we marginalize God every time we ignore the significance of others.  The obvious is the large picture of the poor and needy.  When we ignore this great need for any reason we set God to the side.  Anyone claiming to follow Christ must follow this command to care for those in need.

We have also, as a society embraced the concept that children are disposable.  From abortion to absentee parents children in our society are disposable.  I do not know how to address all the specific needs of parents in trouble but I do know that abandoning and murdering children is not the option.  Perhaps if we did not relegate those in need to the edges of our reality there would not be so many children among the disposed.

Perhaps one of the loudest forms of people disposing is the abandonment of marriages.  A union that is supposed to be life-long and an image of Christ’s relationship to us has become temporary when either partner decides it is.  Being guilty of this has made me acutely aware of the long term damage it does to family and friends.  Since we make our vows before God we must marginalize him to abandon them.

In all of these, when we ignore the love required of us for others, we marginalize God.  I cannot follow Christ and neglect those he loves.  The paths are contradictory.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – The Weather

Greetings Dear Reader,

I think that the general dissatisfaction that I hear others express about the weather is an excellent metaphor for the way in which we marginalize God in everyday things.  One of the great ways in which God gets marginalized is our ignoring his sovereignty.  When I complain about the traffic, the weather, or the price of bananas I am complaining about things out of my control.  These are things in God’s control.

If God allows petrol prices to go up in my life then he will provide for my needs.  He may need for me to be a better steward of what I have or just wish for me to trust him a little more deeply.  When I do not trust God’s control in the things I cannot control I am giving room to ignoring his voice. 

I work hard at not complaining about the weather so that I can increase my trust in the one who created the weather.  I know that if I am vigilant about stewarding what I have then I honoring what God provides.  It is too easy to forget God’s sovereignty and marginalize his place in every detail of my life.  When I do this it becomes easier fail in larger and larger things.

It is not ever about the weather and my dissatisfaction with it.  It is always about God and my satisfaction with him.  

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – The Dead

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today is my Grandfather’s birthday.  He would be 112 today.  Hardly a day goes by that I do not think about him.  He was the single best influence on the early part of my life.  He continues to be an influence over forty years after his death.  He continues to call me to follow Christ as closely as possible.

I often feel that the dead is an area where our faith finds its footing.  Do I really believe that I will see my Grandfather again?  Do I truly think that the journey culminates in reunions?  Yes I do.  I do not know what that looks like.  I cannot say what the clearing at the end of the path looks like but I know one is there. 

When we forget the dead and no longer allow what they taught us to guide it is a form of marginalizing God.  I am sure that my life would not have been as long as it has been had it not been for my Grandfather.  The lesson he instilled early in my life got me through some times that would have claimed my life.

It is also true that I have made my poorest choices when I have marginalized those lessons.  When God sends people into our lives to guide and we ignore what they teach us then we marginalize God.  My Grandfather loved God and did much to teach me to do the same.  When I honor God I also honor him. 

Forgetting those who have reached the end of the path before us is to forget to honor the marks they have left for us in their journey.  If I am to keep God central then I must also leave marks worth following.  I have Grandsons who will be influenced by my choices.  I must leave for them a path that is easier to follow and filled with influences that only make them better men.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – Thinking

Greetings Dear Reader,

Perhaps the place where I marginalize God the easiest is in my thoughts.  Since no one but God and I see them it is easy to compartmentalize things I wish to withhold from obedience.  The problem is that God knows this and refuses to be compartmentalized.  We become what we think.

If I allow my thinking to put God second in anything then I am in danger of putting him second everywhere.  If I capture each thought and deal with it as if is an area where I wish to please God then I can better avoid marginalizing him in any way.

The only hope I have in following Christ as closely as possible is to sit vigilant over every thought.  Thoughts become will.  Will becomes action.  How I begin in my mind is how I act in my life.  My must follow in my thoughts if I hope to follow in my actions.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – Consumption

Greetings Dear Reader,

I spent many years vastly overweight.  I am closer to my proper weight than I have been in a long time.  My eldest Son, Maxim likes to tease me about eating sprouts but I can see in that teasing his admiration for me taking better care of myself.  I know that I have a problem with food and I have to deal with it daily.  Oddly this is an excellent opportunity to avoid marginalizing God. 

If I do not accept that I am accountable for what I eat then I leave God out of an area of my life.  When I marginalize God in the area of my eating then I endanger not only my health but my faith.  I am not to depend on consumption for my feelings of satisfaction.  Food, drink, or anything is not to be my avenue to feeling good or avoiding feeling bad.

My faith must be central to anything I consume.  If I abuse anything it hurts me and those around me.  If I lie to myself about overeating, drinking to excess, or even eating the wrong foods then I also marginalize God in my honesty.  Since God provides all that I have I must be very careful to be a good steward of all that I am given.

The weight loss over the years and better all-around health are good.  Realizing that in this I must also acknowledge my obligation to follow Christ is even better.  I do not want to avoid Christ being central to anything in my life.  I want everything I do to be an act of following.  The following is the reward.  The health and good feeling are just a bonus.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – Spiritual Spheres

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are so many things I must accept by faith.  I am OK with that.  I like faith.  There are also times when I doubt.  I am OK with that too.  I think that doubt is a sign that I am using my faith.  Doubt is evidence that there is faith. 

If I do not exercise my faith it, like a muscle, atrophies.  Doubt is a call to exercise faith and improve its veracity.  The danger is when I let doubt become more than that.  It is when I do not honestly look to improve the strength of my faith.  It is my obligation to honestly confront doubt and prevent it from blooming into unbelief.

I can only do this by seeking Christ more deliberately.  Faith is not passive.  It is a pursuit.  It is constantly seeking to know God at a deeper level.  If I am not constantly seeking to deepen my faith then I am at risk of marginalizing God through unbelief. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – Social Spheres

Greetings Dear Reader,

It is too easy to compartmentalize my life.  It is too simple to cordon off a portion of my behavior and tell myself that it is not relative to my following Christ.  This is a great lie.  No matter what I tell myself the truth is that there are no social issues that are detached from my following Christ.

I cannot treat anyone with disrespect.  I cannot use anyone for my own purposes.  All that I do socially must be a part of my journey of following.  If I say that I am a follower of Christ and treat any area as not a part of that following then I am marginalizing God. 

I cannot ignore my obligations to Christ in any area and believe that I am doing what is right.  This is so magnified in how I treat people socially.  Every action needs to be loving and kind.  Every thought needs to be filled with grace and acceptance.  Nothing is apart from my faith in how I socialize.  The journey will only work if I keep this part of my life un-compartmentalized.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Marginalizing God – Introduction

Greetings Dear Reader,

I know many individuals who question the existence and authority of God in their lives.  I think that God welcomes this questioning.  I think that only true questioning and honest examination can yield genuine faith.  What one cannot hope to do is see God working and then marginalize him.  I know that there are places in my life where I marginalize God in order to do as I please.  My intent is to spend some time examining these areas to improve my walk with Christ.

At the outset I realize that others will see some of their choices reflected in the words here.  My intent is very self-directed but if you benefit from thinking about this then I am honored.  I will examine all the areas of my life in hope that I can find better ways to follow Christ.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Startling Contrast – New Fans

Greetings Dear Reader,

As the national anthem played at my first game of the season I was distracted by the contrast from my youth.  I noticed that young children in the crowed were doing anything but paying attention to the anthem.  This is discouraging but not something I can change.

I also noticed that many of these same children were dressed like comic book heroes.  Apparently the night’s promotion was the kids dressed as super heroes got in free.  It was humorous to Batman, Superman, Spiderman, and Thor flitting around throughout the game. My Daughter, Christmas was amazed at the sight of this.  

As Christmas took in her first game she had many questions and instantly took to the spirit of baseball.  As her understanding of the game grew she began also to understand my love for it.  She got to see almost everything that a baseball game has to offer in terms of action.  The only thing missing was a home run.  That will come eventually.

The magic for me was seeing all that youth loving baseball and cheering their team.  Another generation will catch hold of the eternal summer.  More hearts will be broken and mended by the linear beauty of baseball.  I am doing my part to pass on this legacy.  With it I hope to pass on the legacy of faith as well.  The two are so intertwined in my mind that I cannot do one without the other. 

The early lessons of baseball are what prepared me to begin my journey of faith.  The long walk from opening day to the last out of the World Series is so akin to the journey of faith.  Watching Christmas take in her first game reminded me so much of when my faith began.  The wonder and newness of it all were so energizing for me.  Forty years down the road I am recapturing the energy of both baseball and my faith.  The promises of both have rung true and stood the test of time.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Startling Contrast – Old Fans

Greetings Dear Reader,

Dazzy Vance

I remember baseball games with my Grandfather.  He always sat next to another elderly gentleman and they both would talk about baseball from their youth.  They would speak of baseball that is only legend to me.  The baseball of their past included Rodgers Hornsby in his prime and Babe Ruth just hitting his stride.  The Braves were around but they were still half a century away from Atlanta.  Dazzy Vance and Walter Johnson were dominating the pitching world. 

They baseball of their youth was much different than mine and a stark contrast to that of now.  The thing that remains the same is the youthful faith that our team, no matter how down they are, will rise.  As I sat at the game this week I felt that same indomitable hope.  At every level the love of baseball requires faith.  One must have faith in every position; the pitching, hitting, and fielding.  The faith of baseball requires that one believe that fortunes can improve on every pitch, at every hit, or in every inning.  This faith stretches on in infinite linear progression to the next game, the next series, and the next season.

1924 Boston Braves

The journey through baseball is so much like the journey of faith.  No matter the disappointments or losses I can look down the road to something better.  My Grandfather always believed strongly in both God and baseball.  The only way to continue is to see no matter how hard things might be today there is another chance to exercise my faith; to trust, to believe, and to follow.  As I become the old baseball fan passing on a legacy I hope that I can pass along the faith as well.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

Startling Contrast – Baseball Weather

Greetings Dear Reader,

It is June 1^st as I write this.  The temperature is forty-five degrees and the sky is cloudy.  I still, however, feel the pull of slight sun burn on my face and perhaps a touch of windburn.  I spent last evening in the chill air of the last night of May watching the Madison Mallards duel the Battle Creek Bombers.  It was my daughter Christmas’ first real baseball game.

The Duck Pond

I have not attended much early season baseball since moving to the northern Midwest.  This means that my impression of baseball in late May is hot, humid, and sun dried.  I am used to emerging from the final inning parched and almost dry enough to put by.  Last night I actually wore a winter coat to a baseball game.  It amazed me to see those around me bundled in blankets and bonnets.  Other things that were a contrast to my mind were watching the efforts of the players to keep warm and the comfort of the mascot, Maynard in his oversized duck suit.

Amidst all of these occlusions to my understanding of baseball in early summer was a constant.  The pitcher, Mills struck out thirteen batters.  The game offered exciting play almost every inning.  The food was bad for me and delicious.  It was baseball at its finest.  As is my custom I took time during the seventh inning stretch to thank God for baseball.  I thanked him for the cool night and the lack of mosquitoes and yellow jackets.  I thanked him for the organizer at the park who made my Daughter’s first baseball experience that much more special.  I thank God for the Grandfather who instilled the love of the game for me.

The weekend will be cool and rainy.  I still feel the pinched feeling in my face as it sheds the heat of the frigid sunset from last night.  I look forward to my next game.  I look forward to sharing the time and tradition with my children.  In late June I will take my Grandson to his first baseball game and that will be a beautiful thing. 

I do not think that God plays favorites in sports.  I think that is something that would be outside of his character.  I do, however, think that he loves baseball.  I know that he loves it when my heart connects to his over the infinite possibilities held in the moment of each pitch.  It is the metaphor that keeps my life doggedly following his.  For the summer I have found a seat of worship and praise with will help me remember some of the elements of following Christ more deeply.  It is a good thing.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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