A Season of Giving – A Secret Meal

Greetings Dear Reader,

This is one of those things that may do me more good than the person who receives it.  The people at the couple of diners I frequent know me well and from time to time I will pay someone else’s tab in secret.

I usually choose a mom with a child or if someone looks like they are in need.  Near one of the diners is day labor office.  Sometimes on cold winter mornings one of the men hoping for work will come in for coffee and to warm up.  It is so joyous to just nod at the owner who will then get a breakfast order from the man and tell him it is already paid for.

Those who are in want or need matter. A hot meal is so spirit lifting.   It is such an easy thing to do and takes little planning. 

He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done. – Proverbs 19:17

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."

A Season of Giving – Coffee or Tea

Greetings Dear Reader,

Every now and then there is someone at work who stops by my desk and he has gotten me a cup of mint tea.  He just does this to be nice.  He buys coffee for others but he knows that I like tea.

What a great way to just make someone feel appreciated.  It is a way to give that is both personal and not threatening.  You are delivering warmth and kindness in a cup.  I roast my own coffee and grow my own tea.  From time to time I take some of one or the other to a friend or co-worker.

It is a simple thing to do a small thing. We just need to ponder it and plan it. 

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."

A Season of Giving – Lines

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am amazed at how long lines can be during regular shopping times.  Since I do not brave the lines of Black Friday weekend I do not have to endure that.  Still, it seems that each year the wait to buy things is longer than the patience of most people and all children. 

There are some very simple ways to give to others.  One of the most fun things is to entertain small children.  I cannot count the times I have gotten other adults laughing by playing peek-a-boo with a toddler.  The laughter of a small child can do much to lighten the mood of the temporary community that is the shopping line.

I also hold polite conversations with others.  The best way to start the conversation is to say something nice to the other person.  I try to admire something about the gifts in the cart.  It is very easy to do and it makes the most of those single serving friendships. 

The third thing I do and I will write more about this later is that I sing or hum.  I sing Christmas songs quietly so I am not intrusive.  It is fun to watch others lighten up.  This works well to entertain children that are a little older.

Since we are going to be in the line we may as well take advantage of the opportunity to be kind to others.  If we give of ourselves in these moments we will not stress as much about the wait.

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."

A Season of Giving – Giving Tuesday

Greetings Dear Reader,

It seems we are giving a special name to every day.  Some called Thanksgiving Day “Gray Thursday”.  Black Friday has been around for a bit although I think it is becoming and increasing celebration of greed.  I wonder what would happen if a national retailer would challenge shoppers to enjoy Thanksgiving and the Friday after with their families and then offer a complete list of what they have on special beginning Saturday morning promising to meet or beat all other advertised prices.

I like the idea of Small Business Saturday where we make sure we care for our local merchants.  Cyber Monday appeals to the technology craziness in me.  The one that gets my attention though is Giving Tuesday. 

There are so many needs in the world and there are many institutions that allow us avenues to get involved in giving.  Although this should be far ahead on our list of priorities it gets pushed aside.  What we do instead is get caught up in the business.

I challenge you to visit www.givingtuesday.org and find a way to give back.  Even if you cannot do something today you can plan something for the near future.  Remember that the goal is to become someone who gives by establishing a habit of giving.  I am sure that you can find something that interests you on this site and that can trigger some creative thinking.  Feel free to share your thoughts with me. 

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."

A Season of Giving – Shopping Trolleys

Greetings Dear Reader,

This is a practice I adopted a few years ago that puts a smile in my heart.  When I am headed into a store I look for two things.  The first is a lone parent with a small child who is loading up his or her vehicle.  If I see someone in this category I pause at my car until he or she is almost finished. I then offer to take the shopping cart for them so that they do not have to leave the child alone.  It is such a little thing that one can do all year round to give to others.

The second is even simpler.  If there is a stray cart in the lot I take it into the store with me.  After all trolley wranglers are both low pay and hardworking employees.  When I take a trolley in with me I save them a little work.

The last comment on this area is that even though this is small it is the attitude of giving that one must adopt to develop a heart of giving.  If we learn to give in small things without having to consider it, then we learn to give in large things more easily.  It is in this giving that we build our own selflessness and that is a very large 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."

A Season of Giving – Forgiveness

Greetings Dear Reader,

Monday afternoon a colleague at work approached me.  He wanted to ask me to forgive him for a remark he had made the previous week.  I know that he intended at the time to be funny and I took it that way.  Still, as he pondered his actions he considered that he may have offended me and took the very risky action of actually asking for my forgiveness.

When we ask someone to forgive us we transfer the power to them.  We give them the freedom to reject us to our face.  I was not even a little offended by my friend’s actions.  Now though, because of his courage and humility we are better friends.     

There is someone out there who needs you to forgive them.  It may be a small matter.  It may be a wound that has festered for years between you and a loved one.  You do not need to wait to be asked to forgive someone.  You can set the issue aside and show them the love and acceptance that is at the heart of Christ coming to us to forgive us.

Forgiveness is a precious gift that we can give any time it is necessary.  Why not engender this season of giving with the practice of forgiving others readily.  It is very powerful.

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."

A Season of Giving – Be Understanding

Greetings Dear Reader,

As our holiday plans unfold I find that each year scheduling becomes a little more complex.  This is for good reasons.  In the last two years I have been blessed with two Grandsons.  One of the gifts I am determined to give their parents is not be that grandparent that demands my own agenda over the needs of a working and growing family.

This is the kind of giving that can go on all year long if one chooses to focus.  When I schedule things that involve the entire family I must think of the needs of these young parents first.  That leads to the logical understanding that when I schedule anything I should be cognizant of the needs of all my children when planning events. 

Bezel, my single Son has a very unpredictable work schedule.  My Daughter Christmas works late when she works.  All of this means that my leisure time must be flexible to their needs as well.  Because of this it is a joy to give them that tractability in my schedule.

Why can we not extend this kind of understanding to all of our planning?  What a beautiful thing to give to others when they do not have to worry if we will understand their needs in this area.

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."

A Season of Giving – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

It troubles me greatly that as a society we have moved so far toward commercialism that shopping is more important than family time on Thanksgiving Day.  Although I understand the desire to save money we have made the hype more important than the spirit of giving.

It is too easy for the next few weeks to be consumed by desire and greed.  I intend to spend my time pondering what true giving is for me.  Please join me and I desire to know what giving means to you Dear Reader.

Today I will be Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army.  Please do not pass by the Red Kettles without giving something.   Every penny matters.  As we ponder giving together we must begin by remembering those who have urgent and burgeoning needs.  What you give matters so much more than what you possess.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Concluding Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

After a day of feasting and family I am weary but quite content.  Tomorrow morning I will rise early to Ring Bells for the Salvation Army.  The next month I will spend thinking about giving.  For tonight though I will ponder how rich I truly am. 

I have children that I love and a God who loves us all.  I have a job where I get to change lives.  I have so much that is so beautiful.  Everything about life has its challenges but I find life much richer when I focus on what I have instead of what I do not have.

Recently I mapped out my year and I realize something is true.  For me the entire year revolves around one thing and that is the joy I find in the winter and in Christmas.  So as I close my writing about gratitude I wish you to know that for me everything is a lead up to celebrating Advent.  The time that is the hinge-pin of history for me is the moment when God took on flesh and bone to show his love for us. 

It is not the things but the Son that matters to me.  I think I will have a toddy and take a nap before I rise early to plot and plan how I will celebrate Christ through giving.  I love you all dear readers.  I am thankful for your attention.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – A Celebration

Greetings Dear Reader,

Two years ago today my life changed forever.  I became a grandfather.   After a long night and discomforting labor Raven gave birth to Orion.  He and I are forging a friendship that I hope will only grow for the remainder of my life.

I am thankful for the interest he takes in me.  The way I have to be selfless with him at this age is so good for me as it helps me be more that way with others.  He is so intelligent and inquisitive.  I am thankful for so much today but mostly my heart is celebrating my Grandson.  Happy birthday Orion.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Fresh Baked Break

Greetings Dear Reader,

There is something about the smell of fresh break that is just out of the oven.  It assaults me.  It makes me hungry.  It calls to me.  As I write this the house is filled with the smell of bread baking for today and tomorrow. 

I have never been able to understand the very primal nature of my feelings about this smell.  I used to live near a bakery and this smell touched me almost daily.  I breathe deeper and more relaxed when I smell fresh bread.  I do not consume very much bread but I love the smell and would not pass up a slice offered still warm.  I am thankful for the way this beautiful food permeates me.

I wonder if this is why Jesus told us he is the bread of life.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Jesus

Greetings Dear Reader,

I do not mean this in a trite way.  I try to make a point daily to express my gratitude that I have a faith that has a central figure that demands that I live peaceably and love others.  I cannot imagine how hard it must be to live under the duress of following a faith that breeds hate.

For those of you thinking that Christ followers do hate I assure you that it is not because Christ wishes it.  We are not supposed to have enemies but if we do we are required to love them.  I am very thankful for a faith that requires love for others as its prime mover.

I am thankful that Jesus requires me to care for the needs of others.  I have actually had people angry at me for doing this and it amazes me that they can put personal wants above the welfare of those in need.

I am thankful for someone to follow who can teach me to be more selfless and less selfish.  I am in debt for the life and blessing Jesus provides for me.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Reason

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am so very thankful that God has made us a thinking creation.  I do not have to buy into anything.  I can think through things and reason my way to clarity.  It is, however, vital that I be honest in my reasoning.  I must reason with integrity.

This means that I must accept that my intellect is limited.  I must accept there are some things I will not find answers for and questions that are beyond my reason.  There is data I do not yet possess.  I must be humble in my intellect and allow for the fact that I will make errors as I am a flawed creature.

I must reason and I am very thankful that I can.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Dreams

Greetings Dear Reader,

If you care to know or have not noticed I am a dreamer.  This part of my personality imagines what can be faster than most people see what is.  It is a blessing because I see the potential in others very clearly; very quickly.  It is a curse because I do not always know how to get to the things I envision.

Nonetheless, dreams are sacred to me.  I am thankful that I get to see the possible and work toward.  I am thankful that I get to see the potential in others and help them realize it.  An example of this is my Son Bezel.  He has an eye for film for which he does not yet appreciate the full potential.  He is creative and visionary when it comes to seeing what can be captured in a story and by a lens.  I pray daily that he sees what can be and works toward it.

People become afraid to dream because of disappointment and disillusionment.  Life seems so barren when I forget to see the possible.  After all, did not God see the possible in us and create a way to realize it?

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Dave

Greetings Dear Reader,

Dave is someone who anyone can aspire to become.  He is honest, hardworking, and a master at his craft.  He gets to work with his sons and it is obvious that they love and respect him.  Dave is the kind of guy you want to know.  You see is my VW mechanic.  He is a great VW mechanic. 

I first heard of Dave twelve years ago through a fellow VW owner.  At the time I was driving a 1984 Jetta.  This friend told me that she had gone in to see Dave thinking her CV joints needed replacement.  Her car was making that telltale click tick whenever she turned.  She made an appointment to have her car fixed and went to her mechanic Dave.

Dave could have done the repair and charged my friend and she never would have known.  Her knowledge was in areas that have nothing to do with cars.  Instead he called her back and explained that some bailing wire was wrapped around her front axle and that she could pick the car up when it was convenient.  There was no charge.

This is the same man who, when my Son’s VW broke down the Sunday he was to leave for his honey moon Dave worked on that Sunday to repair it so they could leave on Monday.  He did not charge them but instead made the repair a wedding gift. 

I saw Dave yesterday to arrange some work on my car.  I felt safe, confident, and was thrilled to introduce him to my Grandson.  I am so very thankful for Dave.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – You

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am trying to be very careful not to be too sappy in writing these.  I do not want to let the series go by without recognizing a blessing that means so much to me.  It is you Dear Reader.  Without you my writing would be futile and empty.  Most of what I do here in my blog is an exercise in sharing what I learn on my personal journey.

I do, however, gain great insight, comfort, and joy from your interactions with me.  I do not want to fail to thank you for the times you encourage and challenge me.  Without an audience an author is not very much.  You mean more to me that you will ever know.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Music

Greetings Dear Reader,

It seems that in my head there is always a sound track playing.  If this revelation makes me seem a little less mentally stable that is acceptable.  The truth, however, is that most of the time there is one song or another playing in my head that tells me how I feel about the current situation. 

I am very thankful for this.  I love music and a couple of times in my life I have been through a season where even it did not help me understand how I was feeling.  It was like being in a desert with no water.  It also helped me remember how much music impacts me and how I deal with my emotions.  I am thankful for music and the many ways in which it enhances my life.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Fiction

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things that I do is write fiction.  I am thankful for it because it allows me to ponder the possible in a place that may or may not be seen by others.  For every book I complete there are three or four waiting for me to undo the mess I have made of them. 

I create and solve problems in my fictional worlds.  I study the condition of man and ask the hard questions.  I wrestle with my own faith and following to try and make both stronger.  Fiction is an outlet for the things I imagine can be and the things I wish were not.  It is in the solitude of the crafting of my tales that I find my pretense stripped away I can face the questions that frighten and awe me.

No one is there to judge me or misunderstand me.  I can be as honest as I can be about what I think, feel, and believe.  Everything about who I am can come to the surface and no one gets hurt. 

I also get to emulate my Creator by becoming a sub-creator.  I get to put together entire worlds and watch them grow.  As much as it seems odd my creations seem to have free will and develop on their own.  I am thankful for the insights into who God is that are provided by writing fiction.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Technology

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that this may sound like an odd thing to be thankful for and that there are many important things to consider.  When I ponder technology though it gives me great pause.  I gain so much in my life because of it. 

Both of my careers, teaching and writing, are possible because of it.  Communication with those I love who are far away is easy because of it.  I can pay my bills, manage my finances, and arrange my vacations all from my office chair.  I get many creative ideas from the vast resources of my technology. 

I am thankful for the technology in the world and the benefits it brings me.  It is not something that can understand my gratitude but those around me can benefit from it so I am thankful.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – The Salvation Army

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things that Thanksgiving always signals for me is the beginning of the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.  In truth it is one of the only things with the word “Campaign” that I care for.  Each year when I see the email from them asking for my time it excites me.

The things they do for those in need are very good.  They provide shelter, job search assistance, food, and many other services to a community that is in need.  They are involved in drug and alcohol rehabilitation.  They also help with missing persons and the fight against human trafficking. 

 

The Salvation Army also provides youth camps, community centers, and music programs for youth.  In addition they have programs for the elderly and to assist those in need all year round.  One can find a place to donate an hour or two here.  www.ringbells.org 

Much of the money they use for these programs comes from the red kettles.  This marks the one hundred and twenty second year that the red kettles have asked us to help those in need.  I thankful for the work they do and the opportunity to volunteer.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Veterans

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that I say this often but until the world gets it, it bears repeating.  I hate war.  I hate the politics and greed cause us to kill each other when we have such potential to do good.  Because of war, however, I find myself surrounded by family and friends who have risked all and given much to fend off those who would destroy us.

It does not matter what your political views are or how you divide on the current climate regarding war you have the freedom you have because men and women put their lives on the line to provide it for you.  How I feel about war has nothing to do with how I feel about these men and women.

I honor them.  I respect them.  I feel compassion for the physical and emotional scars they will carry for life.  I am thankful for them.  So today, Veteran’s day is a day when I express my gratitude for those who have left home and life to assure that I can keep my home and life.  Thank you.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Faith

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that this is going to sound odd but it makes sense to me and it is my gratitude I am trying to build.  I am thankful for a God that does not tell me everything.  I have too much curiosity in my nature to know all the answers.  I would not want to depend on a God whose depths I could easily plumb. 

I am thankful for the mystery of faith. I embrace the idea that there is something true that is beyond reason.  I know that my intellect is not where the answers are found.  I am thankful that when I do not know the answers I have someone to trust.  I think that without faith I would be a very intolerable person.

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 liber

A Season of Gratitude – Raven

Greetings Dear Reader,

I only have one Daughter-in-law.  She has no idea how creative, intelligent, and wonderful she is.  When I see her with my Son and Grandsons I see the kind of love that if unbound for Christ could change the entire world. 

She is an artist and a good one.  She has compassion for others that can be healing and produces hope.  I am thankful for the way she always checks on my emotional well-being without placing any demands on me.  As I ponder the things for which I am thankful she is surely one of them. 

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Bastion

Greetings Dear Reader,

My second Grandson is no less a joy for me.  He is just beginning to really communicate.  Still even in his pre-verbal stage he looks at me with a smile and concentration that is warm and inviting.  It is obvious that he recognizes me when I visit and that he has his own personality.

The other morning I was caring for both my grandsons and Bastion awakened before Orion.  When I retrieved Orion from his bed Bastion became very excited to see that his brother was awake.  There was a welcome and excitement there that everyone needs from loved ones in the morning.

I am thankful for the many things he will teach us as we grow.  I am thankful for the warmth and love he already gives to others.  I am thankful for the way he draws the love and kindness out of his big brother. 

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."

A Season of Gratitude – Orion

Greetings Dear Reader,

Where do I begin to speak of the thing that has sobered my spirit in a way I long needed.  Since I first held him almost two years ago I have felt a connection with my Grandson Orion that I have not felt since my Sons were infants.  He has awakened a gentleness and patience in me that I wish I had never lost.

He is sweet and kind.  He loves to share.  He is brilliant and already tries to outthink us.  He wants to learn all the time.  I could go on and on but I wish to dwell on something else.  He has changed us all.

I am so thankful for how over the last two years he has reminded me of the things that are my better self.  He has made me more patient, more giving, and more understanding.  My desire to give him my very best has caused me to be more tolerant and less demanding.  I am thankful for the way he has reminded me how to behave.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – My Children

Greetings Dear Reader,

I must begin here.  I have children that I love.  I love to be around them.  I love doing things with them.  Each is an individual.  Each has intellect and insights that keep me on my toes.  They challenge me and mold me. 

My own failures sometimes make it difficult to connect with them but they always seem to make a way for me to do so.  When I consider it I know that they are the most important people in the world to me. 

I am thankful for them in ways that I find difficult to express without sounding trite or sappy.  Still as I begin a journey of specific gratitude it must begin with my children.  Each of them is uniquely beautiful.  Each of them is amazingly gifted.  Each of them has the potential to positively impact the lives of others in ways they cannot yet imagine.

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."

A Season of Gratitude – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am keenly aware that I have so much more than many in the world.  I do, however, want to deepen that sense of gratitude.  My hope is to focus on the things for which I am thankful in more than a surface way.  I think that perhaps if I could sharpen my focus on seeing what I truly have I can also be more focused on what I have to give to others.

I see the needs of others readily when I choose to look.  This means that I must trim what I desire to possess in order to be more focused on the needs of others.  Energy spent on wanting can them instead be spent on giving.  Most of the things I desire are good things but I have a very selfish hoarding portion to my nature as well.

Please interact with me as we discuss gratitude and what we are thankful for in our lives.  I would love to know what stirs the natural gratitude in your spirit.  What moves you to thankfulness?  What are the great gifts in your life for which you feel eternally grateful?  Your sharing of this will help hone my focus on things that matter.

I will share something every day for which I feel great gratitude.  Please do not interpret order as priority.  I am writing these in order that they come to mind as I ponder what I have for which I am thankful.  Very few of the things listed will be things.  Perhaps together we can reach a deeper awareness of all that we have and how we can use that plenty to enrich the lives of others.

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."

All Souls Day – Every-man

All Souls Day – Every-man

Greetings Dear Reader,

I grew up being taught that there are souls who are not yet in the right attunement to God and who need my prayers to benefit from the atonement.  I do not believe that the Bible teaches this is the way things are.  I do believe that there is a place for a day to consider all souls.

For me November is a month to ponder the things for which I am thankful as a preparation for the Advent season.  Today I think of the souls that need what I have so much.  More importantly I consider how I can show the value of Christ is the way I live my life. 

Many of you know that one of my favorite stories is Dickens’ A Christmas Carol.  The profound nature of this story follows me most of the year.  In the moment of import when Ebeneezer has is interview with Marley’s shade the ghost injects:

Houndsditch by Gustave Dore

“Business!" cried the Ghost, wringing its hands again.  "Mankind was my business.  The common welfare was my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence, were, all, my business.  The dealings of my trade were but a drop of water in the comprehensive ocean of my business!"

I stand with Jacob Marley to declare that this is true.  Mankind is my business.  The common welfare is my business; charity, mercy, forbearance, and benevolence are all my business.   On this day I consider that every soul matters and that how I behave toward others impacts the well being of that soul.  I am reminded that everyone matters and that I must live in such a way that everyone I encounter feels that way.

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."

All Saints Day - Hallowmas

Greetings Dear Reader,

The first mention of a feast day to reverence all saints appears in the writings of Ephrem Syrus (373 AD).   It was not an attempt to venerate any particular persons but rather a celebration of all those who have found and follow Christ.  Over the centuries this has become forgotten and instead we fragment our relationships by venerating one man above another.

I think that it is wise to take the time to ponder the vast sea of those who have lived out lives of faith before us.  We spend great time and energy discussing and quarreling over the things that divide those who follow Christ.  I think it much more profitable to ponder the things that unite us.

As a people of faith following Christ we are commanded to be good to each other.  We are required to be kind and loving.  The things that divide us are not what we should focus on as Christ followers.  We have too much to do that should unite us.  Imagine the power of all those who claim to follow Christ abandoning their differences in light of working toward the common good.

The power of God’s love and compassion is unstoppable if his followers will only employ it.  My Son Maxim once mentioned it this way.  “I guess that's the simplest way I can think to put it. Follow Jesus now, not in hope of things to come, but for the sake of everyone around you. IF we Christians would actually try to follow Jesus, if all of us would, Heaven wouldn't really need to come to us.”

All saints have to power to work toward this if they will humbly release the things that distract them.  I honor everyone that follow Christ no matter what our differences may be in practice and observance.  No matter what we claim to believe about Christ his commands for us to be unified and honor each other are clear.

So today I will renew my purpose to pursue the things that unite us rather than focusing on the things that divide us.  There are too many in need of what Christ ahs to offer not 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."