The Candle on my Desk

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have a candle on my desk.  It is a tall votive candle in an engraved glass holder.  The holder has the date of a wedding I attended on it.  I light it every morning during my prayer time. 

Often over the years I have introduced couples suggesting they should try going out together.  At this writing I have counted over thirty couples that are married and I was the one who introduced them or suggested they date.

The couple whose candle I am lighting, over whom I am praying is the first one to be talking divorce.  I do not specifically identify them for obvious reasons.  My heart is breaking for them.  They have so many reasons to stay together.  I love them both dearly and know that they can work beyond their issues.  I have seen them both deal with much tougher things and handle them well.

Nothing can prevent the damage that is done when one member of a marriage gives up on the other one.  It does not matter why.  Unless there is abuse going on there is no unselfish reason not to keep one’s vows.  It is never the fault of one party of the other.  Both need to remember that he or she committed in front of a room full of family and friends never to give up on the other person.

I have failed at this twice and still pay the price for it.  I know the pain daily of not having given my very best no matter what the cost.  I know what it feels to reject a spouse and to be rejected by one.  The damage seems eternal at times.

These two people have the courage and capacity to work through their issues.  I am asking you Dear Reader to pray for my friends.  I love them deeply and eternally.  God can and will heal them if they will allow it.  Like everything else we do for ill or good, it is a choice each of them must make. 

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."

This May Sound Silly – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Increasingly in the world around me my faith is seen as foolish and puerile.  I have heard Christ followers called everything from knuckle dragging Neanderthals (really quite the insult to those of us who believe in creation) to misogynist fascist racists.  It seems that those of us who believe in God, the Bible, and following Jesus are stereotyped into these things by those who do not believe as we believe.

We are seen often as irrelevant and out of phase with the modern world.  It seems foolish to others that I believe things written down thousands of years ago by men who are just as flawed as I am.  They want me to live the things that are popular.  Everyone expects me to be perfect in living my faith and to love everyone.

They do not want me to speak out against issues violate my beliefs if they run counter to the current cultural climate.  I am not tolerated if I do.  I cannot have a differing view on social issues without being see as someone who hates those with whom I differ.  My sense of morality and spirituality are passed off as antiquated and uniformed.

To those who see my faith and following as foolish I have this to say:  I love you.  I respect you.  I do not want you to have any pain or suffering in your life.  I do not want you to burn in hell.  I do not think God hates you.  I am not the only Christ follower who thinks and feels this way. 

All of the things I think and feel about following Christ are very easy to sum up.  They become complicated in the unfolding of the real world but my experience is that it still works.  I have faith and I follow.  I am honest about the things I think are universally wrong but I do not hate anyone. 

I know that it is foolish to love my enemies.  I am, however, content to be seen as God’s own fool.    

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."

This May Sound Silly – God is Involved

Greetings Dear Reader,

When one looks at the tangled interplay of all the world’s woes it may seem that no one is minding the store.  The cacophony of conflicts, crises, and catastrophes that spin through the news feed depict a world in dire need of an intervention. 

The problem of evil is one that many use to deny the existence of God.  I will not delve into that here but it is obvious that the world is in need of help.  In the midst of the mess those who follow Christ have this crazy notion that God is in control of it all. 

It is the idea that God is sovereign over everything.  He in fact is has the world so in hand that he has a response to every action, thought, and need.  After years of pondering this it still hurts my brain.  That does not mean that it is not real.  It simply means that I follow a God that is beyond my understanding.  I am OK with that.

Some people think of God as distant; as an absent landlord.  One of the basics of the belief of Christ followers is that they believe he is involved in everything.  God has a plan and it is unfolding.  We may not get it, but if we follow in faith we will arrive where we are supposed to arrive when we are supposed to get there.

My Grandfather used to say it like this; “What is to be will be even if it don’t happen.”  As silly as it sounds it really is that simple.

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."

This May Sound Silly – We Might Disappear

Greetings Dear Reader,

There have been bad movies and odd books about this issue.  Many who believe what I believe have a hope that one day Jesus will return.  The first “stage” of that is a thing we call the rapture.  There is even an impending TV show, The Leftovers, which hints at this.  I am going to lay out the framework of the belief and then discuss it from my limited perspective.  This is what started the conversation with my Daughter.

Christ followers call the event “the Rapture.”  It is basically belief that one day Christ will begin the end of this era by snatching all those who follow him from the world.  This will happen “in a moment; in the twinkling of an eye.” 

There are some very clear things about this event.  The first is that NO ONE can predict when it will happen.  The purpose is that we are supposed to be constantly following Christ in such a way that we are always prepared for it.  Many people try to get around this fact by generalizing about the when of it. 

Second, there are a couple of words one should know.  Maranatha means "come Lord."  Parousia means "a coming."  You will hear Christ followers use these words and not bother to explain them.  I apologize and sincerely hope you forgive us for not communicating as we should.  We really want God to intervene in history and bring us home.  

Third is that it will happen without warning.  It is up to God alone when this happens.  "No man knows the day or the hour."  Sometimes I do get weary of waiting.  I get and "always winter but never Christmas" feeling.

Occasionally some idiot will say he knows when it will happen.  This is not only silly but wrong.  It is going beyond what God allows us to know.  This is one of those things we are supposed to hope for in faith.  Remember that faith and hope are intangible essential to following Christ. 

Here is the thing.  Do we not want such a thing to be true?  Do we not long for the world to be rescued from disease, famine, war, abuse, and injustice?  The problem with many is that they want it on their own terms.  To me it is not silly to hope that God will intervene today at this moment and stop it all.

For those who do not share my faith I realize this does sound silly.  I deeply believe it is true.  So if I and many others go suddenly missing please remember this post.  Questions?

Maranatha – Michael Card

Maranatha is a cry of the heart

That's hopeful yet weary of waiting

While it may be joyful with the burdens it bears

It's sick with anticipating

To long for the Promised One day after day

And the promise that soon He'd return

It's certain that waiting's the most bitter lesson

A believing heart has to learn

Maranatha,

How many more moments must this waiting last

Maranatha, we long for the time when all time is past

A commotion, a call then that will be all

Though it's not yet the hour

The minutes are ticking away

Maranatha is the shout of the few

Who for so long in history’ve been hiding

Who truly believe that the sound of that call

Might actually hasten His coming

For no eye has seen and no ear has yet heard

And no mind has ever conceived

The joy of the moment when He will appear

To the wonder of all who believe

Maranatha,

How many more moments must this waiting last

Maranatha, we long for the time when all time is past

A commotion, a call then that will be all

Though it's not yet the hour

The minutes are ticking away

Maranatha, how hungry we are just to see Your face

Parousia, to finally fall in one long embrace

A commotion, a call and that will be all

Though it's not yet the hour

The minutes are ticking away

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."

This May Sound Silly – We live a Paradox

Greetings Dear Reader,

God is all knowing but asks us to live by faith.  There are mysteries that we cannot begin to understand but we are asked to live in those mysteries.  God allows evil in the world but hates it.  God gives us free will but asks us to bend it to his will.

We live a paradox.  We are to love our enemies.  We are to forgive those who despitefully use us.  We are to lead with humility.  Our riches are to be used to help the poor.  We live in a world that chases possessions but we do not truly own anything.

So how does that translate into everyday life?  I am to love my enemies.  I am to love everybody.  I am to follow in faith even when surrounded by apparent contradictions.  I am to respond to everything with love and faith. 

We come by this from the example of Christ.  We think we have to live a paradox but look at the life of Christ honestly.  He has the power to eliminate from existence with a thought.  Instead he allows us to kill him so that he can redeem us. 

Everything about our journey seems foolish.  What we do will always seem foolish to those who do not believe what we do.  We are to respond to the rejection by being good to them.  We are to help them and treat them love and respect.  We are to love them in ways that crush barriers and build bridges.  We are to do this even if they kill us for it.

God’s Own Fool – Michael Card

Seems I've imagined Him all of my life

As the wisest of all of mankind

But if God's Holy wisdom is foolish to man

He must have seemed out of His mind

Even His family said He was mad

And the priest said a demon's to blame

But, God in the form of this angry young man

Could not have seemed perfectly sane

We in our foolishness thought we were wise

He played the fool and He opened our eyes

We in our weakness believed we were strong

He became helpless to show we were wrong

So we follow God's own Fool

For only the foolish can tell

Believe the unbelievable, come be a fool as well

So come lose your life for a carpenter's son

For a madman who died for a dream

And You'll have the faith His first followers had

And you'll feel the weight of the beam

So surrender the hunger to say you must know

Find the courage to say I believe

For the power of paradox opens your eyes

And blinds those who say they can see

We in our foolishness thought we were wise

He played the fool and He opened our eyes

We in our weakness believed we were strong

He became helpless to show we were wrong

So we follow God's own Fool

For only the foolish can tell

Believe the unbelievable, come be a fool 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."

This May Sound Silly – We Admit our Failures

Greetings Dear Reader,

Well we are supposed to admit them.  I am to be open about my failures.  I am to be vulnerable and admit to the shortcoming I battle.  I am supposed to do this with humility and grace.  It is a constant battle. 

Anything good that I achieve is because of the grace I receive from God.  I can take no pride in either the level of my sin or the deeds done by grace.  I want to be a good man.  I want to leave a wake of kindness and love for others in my path. 

I am on a journey back to God.  He gave me life and love.  I have used the life given me for both good and ill.  All I wish to do now is use it for good.  One of the aspects of being genuine about my journey is that I must admit my failings.

When I relate to others I must never appear to have all the answers or even most of them.  I really only have one; Jesus.   It is only through following as closely as I can that I manage to achieve good things.  These are not my achievements but rather things Christ achieves through me.

I can do nothing but follow.  That will get me where I am going and perhaps I can leave some light along the 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."

This May Sound Silly – Consequences

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sin has consequences.  I am not going to launch into a sermon on hell-fire and damnation.  That is not what I think of as the extreme consequences for sin.  The consequences of sin permeate everything.  When we violate the character of God we send a bombastic chord into the universe.  It reverberates and echoes and impacts others.

When I lie I do damage to myself and others.  When I am unfaithful as a friend or spouse I damage my relationships.  Leaving my wife and children so many years ago still has damage that echoes to this day.  When we do wrong there are always consequences.  When we fail to love it always does damage.

God realizes that we cannot make our way out of the quicksand of our failures without his help.  He extends his love to us by offering grace and forgiveness.  He pays the penalty for our sin by allowing his Son, Jesus to die for us.  He offers to commute the penalty if we only accept this by faith. 

You see even though to some it may seem silly to some sin and its consequences are real.  I am not to use that as a weapon but as something to move me toward compassion.  I need to live a life that reflects the love that God has for those still bound to sin.  I am not to judge or condemn.

I am to love.  I am to be good, kind, and generous.  I am to always be available to share the opportunity that God offers.  I am to live a life that gives me the right to speak.  I must follow Christ so closely that I seem to disappear so that he can be seen for who he is.  That is not silly at all.

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."

This May Sound Silly – Sin

Greetings Dear Reader,

I really believe that there is this thing called sin.  I believe that it is what creates the gulf that exists between God and humans.  When we deny that we sin we are lying which is a sin so you see there is no way out of the fact that we sin.

So what is sin?  I am not going to give a list of things not to do here.  I am going to instead focus on what God says we are supposed to do and the standard he sets.  We fall into the trap of comparing our sin to that of our neighbor, friend, relative, or enemy.  Instead we are to compare our lives to the holiness of God.

Anything that I do that does not measure up to who God’s standards is sin.  So then one must ask; “What is God’s standard?”  It really is much simpler that we make it.  I am to love God.  I am to love my neighbor and my enemy.  Before one begins to list people not in one of those categories “neighbor”  is everyone around you.  God wants us to love everyone.

Now ponder the worst person you can think of in the world.  That person is someone you are supposed to love.  Any time we do something unloving to a friend, spouse, child, stranger, or anyone else we sin.  It really is that simple. 

That sin separates us from God and it is only God who can redeem us from our sin and its consequences.  That, however, is the story for tomorrow.

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."

This May Sound Silly – The Bible

Greetings Dear Reader,

It is interesting that this came up in discussion with my Sons last night at dinner.  It was on the list of topics for this writing.  I know that people find it ridiculous that I believe the Bible.  There are aspects of this topic that I find silly as well.

Let me first qualify what I believe and then we can discuss what I find silly.  I do believe in the inerrancy of the Bible.  The clearest definition of the inspiration of the Bible comes from Louis Sperry Schaefer; “God so directed the human authors that, without destroying their own individuality, literary style, or personal interest, His complete and connected thought toward man was recorded.”  I believe in the concept of Theopneustos or that the Word of God is “God Breathed.”   It is where the word inspiration comes from relative to the Bible.

This does not mean that I take every word literally or that I ignore things out of the proper context.  My pastor often reminds us that the Bible was not written to us but for us.  It is to be read in the context of its history, people, and culture.  This does not mean that we dismiss truths based on those things.

I have not arrived at this belief lightly.  I have extensively studied how we got our modern translations.  I have chased down discrepancies and resolved contradictions to my satisfaction.  I have read through the entire Bible many times.  It troubles me that so many of the book’s detractors have not.  It troubles me more that those who claim to support do things that make supporting it look ridiculous. 

Some claim that the only translation that is acceptable is the King James Version from 1611.  That is rubbish.  It is a beautiful and poetic rendering but is not singular in its value.

We look unintelligent when we try to make false proofs for the accuracy of the Bible.  Either it can stand on its own or it cannot.  I believe that it does.  We also ignore some of the hard teachings that we do not like.  This too makes us look weak and faithless.  So as silly as you make think it, I believe the Bible with all the burden and import that carries.  Questions?

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."

This May Sound Silly – Faith

Greetings Dear Reader,

What is faith?  I am going to give a couple of definitions.

Webster online dictionary defines faith as a “strong belief or trust in someone or something.”    Hebrews 11:1 tells us “Faith assures us of things we expect and convinces us of the existence of things we cannot see.”   

God wants us to believe.  He wants us to approach him through faith.  We cannot earn favor with him.  We cannot be good enough not to need faith.  If we want to be just then we must live by faith.  This seems very silly to many people.

If we are honest we must acknowledge that we exercise a level of faith every day.  We believe that things will work the way they should.  We sit on chairs, driver our cars, and do our work believing that the social and physical laws or our world will work.  We are always shocked, alarmed, or angry when they do not.

We exercise faith every day but seem to limit our willingness to accept God by faith.  We deny our need for it, for God, and for the relationship it provides.  We think we can explain the mysteries of the universe without it and it seems silly to some that faith is necessary.

I have faith.  I nourish it.  I practice it.  I hope I give it hands and feet in the way I treat others.  It is what gives me hope.  It is what fuels my love for others.  It is what gets me through the pain and terror of everyday life.  It is what keeps my anger and hurt in check.  Without faith I have no hope of pleasing God with my life. It is the filter through which everything I am must pass.  

By Faith – Michael Card

By faith one was commended or the sacrifice he made

Another out of holy fear built an ark the world to save

Another left his homeland and as a stranger he'd reside

But none received the promise then and so, in faith, they died.

Others conquered kingdoms, quenched the fury of the flames

Some made strong in battle, some were raised to life again

But many more were martyred midst the crowds loud clamoring

By faith they would not bow the knee nor kiss the emperor's ring

Faith understands and offers It assures and calms our fears

It can shut the mouths of lions and make sense of scars and tears

We persevere in hope and with conscience clean and clear

We walk this fallen wilderness with Salvation's Pioneer

Being sure of what we hope for seeing what is yet unseen

A universe from nothingness new life where none had been

The known made from unknowable and hope for the comfortless

Who hear and hold on firmly to the faith that they possess

Faith understands and offers; it assures and calms our fears

It can shut the mouths of lions and make sense of scars and tears

We persevere in hope and with conscience clean and clear

We walk this fallen wilderness with Salvation's Pioneer

So fix your eyes upon the Champion as you seek to run the race

Understanding that He cheers you on as you long for His embrace

So hold on and do not grow weary of the faith that you profess

Remembering that you are ringed around by this cloud of witnesses.

Faith understands and offers; it assures and calms our fears

It can shut the mouths of lions and make sense of scars and tears

We persevere in hope and with conscience clean and clear

We walk this fallen wilderness with Salvation's Pioneer

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."

This May Sound Silly – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that many who read my blog do not believe the same things I do.  I also realize that some of the things that Christ followers believe sound honestly silly to those who do not.  I also think that we fail to talk openly about those things

My Daughter Christmas was asking questions about some of these things so I thought it would benefit us all for me to discuss it a little as we travel.  Some of the more mystical aspects of the Gospel seem foolish to us.  It is not to avoid the issue but many of them do not make sense from the outside.

Too often when we do talk about these things we do so in language that does not make sense to those outside of our faith.  We expect too much of those who do not agree with us.  We use too many words and not enough action.

As I work through this list of “silly” things please remember I am not asking you to believe what I say.  I am inviting you to understand a little more.  For those of you who do believe as I do I hope to offer a little more insight into those things. 

I will always welcome interactions and questions.  You Dear Reader are one of the key purposes in my making these scribblings public.  So as we travel and discuss the “silly” things of faith I hope you find something of value.  I would love to know if you do.

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."

Choices We Make

Greetings Dear Reader,

This spring comedian Jim Carrey gave the commencement address at Maharishi University of Management.  He was his usual funny self.  He also hit on something that we all can take away from his address.

He spoke about why we make choices.  We make them out of love or fear.  He said, “So many of us choose our path out of fear disguised and practicality.”  This is so true of all of us.  It is vital that we make our choices out of love and not fear.

When we choose things out of fear we are bound to hurt ourselves and others.  When we make choices out of love we heal ourselves and others.  It is fear that drives us to jobs we hate.  It is fear that causes us to abandon endeavors that matter.  It is fear that kills our thinking and action.

I am told that fear is never to motivate me.  I must do everything out of my love for God and those around me.  I am to have faith and reject fear.  Perfect love casts out fear.  That was written by Jesus’ best friend.  It is vital that every step of the journey I move in love.  Each step I take out of fear is a step in the wrong direction.  

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I could sit here by the fire and talk about music for quite some time.  My younger Son Bezel and I had to take a fourteen hour drive once in a car with no radio.  This was in the ancient time before portable MP3 players.  We sang and talked music almost the entire trip.  His comment was that he had no idea how much music was in my head.

As I said at the outset I think of music almost all day long.  I listen to music whilst I write and I wake up with a song in my head almost every morning.  Music is a part of who I am.  There are so many more minstrels in the gallery of my mind.

Had I the leisure to do so I would share many more songs that influence who I am.  I will revisit this some other time when the journey allows.  For not I must return to the path.  After all, the journey is about the moving on down the path toward home.  It is not always easy or joyful.

Thank you for sitting with me a bit Dear Reader.  I love it when we get some respite from the thoughts and questions that refine me as I travel.  I hope you have found some rest as well.  There are things that require my thinking and attention.  Although it seems that I would tarry longer in truth I value the journey. 

I will leave you with this last bit of lyric.  Thank you again Michael Card for helping me travel with a song in my heart.

Joy in the Journey – Michael Card

There is a joy in the journey,

There’s a light we can love on the way.

There is a wonder and wildness to life,

and freedom for those who obey.

And all those who seek it shall find it, a pardon for all who believe.

Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind

To all who've been born of the Spirit

And who share incarnation with him;

Who belong to eternity, stranded in time,

And weary of struggling with sin.

Forget not the hope that's before you,

And never stop counting the cost.

Remember the hopelessness when you were lost?

There is a joy in the journey,

There’s a light we can love on the way.

There is a wonder and wildness to life,

And freedom for those who obey.

And freedom for those who obey.

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – Stranger on the Shore

Greetings Dear Reader,

I can often hear in my head the voice of S.M. Lockridge asking the question “Jesus is my King. I wonder; do you know him?”  This is from the amazing sermon from so many years ago that I had the privilege to hear.  It is worth the time to listen to it.

I am always amazed at the number of people to whom Jesus is a stranger.  Whether by never knowing him or by knowing him and walking away it astounds me how little understanding there is about the nature and character of Jesus.  People reject and malign him without really knowing who he is.

They do this primarily because of the poor example his followers set.  I suppose I should not be surprised at this, however, because his closest followers forgot who he was and walked away from what he wanted for them.  They went back to fishing.  Jesus intervened directly.  He had to ask them if they still loved him. 

Every time I move away from what I am called to be as a Christ follower I do the same thing.  It must not allow circumstances to deter me from the path.  I cannot afford a moment of the life I left behind.  I must never get to the place where Jesus standing before me is a stranger.

Stranger on the Shore – Michael Card

In the early morning mist they saw a Stranger on the sea shore

He somehow seemed familiar asking what the night had brought

With taught anticipation then they listen to His order

And pulling in the net found more than they had ever caught

The one He loved first recognized the stranger there was Jesus

And he alone remembered this had happened once before

The one who had denied Him who had once walked on the water

Jumped in and swam to Him to be confronted on the shore

You need to be confronted

By the Stranger on the shore

You need to have Him search your soul

You need to hear the call

You need to learn exactly

What it means for you to follow

You need to realize that He's asking for your all

The meal He had prepared for them was waiting on the fire

The smell of bread the sizzle of the fish upon the coals

The laughter and the joy that once more being all together

They didn't realize that He was searching all their souls

Then came the painful questions that would pierce the soul of Simon

A threefold chance to reaffirm the love he had denied

The gentle eyes that saw his heart and waited for an answer had seen the look upon his face the moment he had lied

You need to be confronted

By the Stranger on the shore

You need to have Him search your soul

You need to hear the call

You need to learn exactly

What it means for you to follow

You need to realize that He's asking for your all

Now realize that you must face and answer all His questions

As you stand before the Stranger on the shore inside your heart

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – No Rusty Swords

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are no secular issues.  I have said this before.  We tend to compartmentalize our lives into divergent areas.  We separate our work persona from our non-work persona.   Who we are with our friends is not who we are at home.   Our personality at church may differ from that when not at church.

As a Christ follower I am supposed be always constant.  I am supposed to be the same everywhere.  No matter where I am people should be able to expect me to be my best.  I should be kind, loving, generous, and good in every environment.

Part of this is that everything we do either enhances or detracts from the gospel.  Everything I do matters.  How I treat everyone has an influence on how others see Christ.  In short, the battle for light against the darkness has no ceasefires.

There is no moment or situation where I am not engaged in battle.  My weapons are love, joy, peace, patience, humility, and faith.  I fight with generosity, restraint, and kindness.  When I am not any of these I am not just being passive.  I am fighting for the enemy. 

If I have any hope of winning my part of the battle then I must always be on the attack.  I must always remember that I have an enemy that wishes to devour me.  On this battlefield there are no respites, no negotiations, and no rusty swords.

No Rusty Swords – Michael Card

Don't you know the battle's raging

And you got to join the fight

There's an army of the darkness

And an army of the Light

There's a side that fights for Satan

And a side that's for the Lord

And on this battle field there are no rusty swords

And on this battle field there are no rusty swords

Christ has made the final move

So our side is sure to win

He became like us so we would have

A chance to be like Him

It seems strange so many fall back

When the victory has been won

You just need to ask yourself

Which side you're on

And on this battle field there are no rusty swords

And on this battle field there are no rusty swords

There's a fact you need to understand

Before you join our side

You need to know when Jesus calls

He bids you come and die

He's invaded Satan's kingdom

And He's claiming all His own

When the battle's over

He will lead us home

And on this battle field there are no rusty swords

And on this battle field there are no rusty swords

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – Which Way Are You Going

Greetings Dear Reader,

The first song that I heard from Jim Croce was You Don’t Mess Around With Jim.  He died in a plane crash long before he ran out of songs.  When my eldest Son, Maxim first heard the song Which Way Are You Going his question was, “Why haven’t you played this one for me before now dad?”

Every path has side paths and rabbit trails.  Following Christ is no different.  Everyday choices lead to divergences that can lead me astray in my journey.  I do not usually subscribe to slippery slope theories.  I do believe minor wrong choices mount up to large failures. 

It is the taking of short side paths away from our true destination that results in the failures and wrong doing of Christ followers.  It is the minor choices that lead to the great atrocities of the church.  Minor choices not to love in the moment do potentially lead to hatred and death. 

It is not the big decisions that lead us to the inquisition.  It is the small choices to grasp power and manipulate in little ways the result in the torture and death of the innocent.  The same is true in my life and choices.  My minor choices lead to the major ones that either benefit or hurt others.

Every day I must constantly ask which way I am going.   I must ask whose side I am on (more on that tomorrow).  It is being kind about the small things.  It is being consistent in my faith and following at every opportunity that makes the difference.  It is with each step deciding to go the right way that keeps me on the path of following Christ.

Which Way Are You Going – Jim Croce

Which way are you going?

Which side will you be on?

Will you stand and watch

While all the seeds of hate are sown

Will you stand with those who say

"Let his will be done?"

One hand on the bible

One hand on the gun

One hand on the bible

One hand on the gun

Which way are you looking

Is it hard to see?

Do you say

"What's wrong for him is not wrong for me?"

You walk the streets

Righteousness but you refuse to understand

You say you love the baby

Then you crucify the man

You say you love the baby

Then you crucify the man

Everyday things are changing

Words once honored turned to lies

People wondering, can you blame them

It's too far to run and too late to hide

Now you turn your back on

All the things that you used to preach

Now it's, "Let him live in freedom, if he lives like me"

Well, your light has changed, confusion rains

What have you become

All your olive branches turned to spears

When your flowers turned to guns

Your olive branches turned to spears

When your flowers turned to guns

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."

Second Thoughts – Peanuts and?

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes I will end the day with thoughts that are important to get out.  Usually I just write them and put them in my journal folder.  I have chosen that on occasion I will share them with you Dear Reader. 

One of the joys of being a boy at a baseball game was that my Grandfather would always buy me box of Crackerjack (there were countless hot dogs, coca-colas, and ice cream cones as well).  For the less educated it is not “Crackerjacks”.  There is no “s”.  There used to be Crackerjack ads on the radio and television with the jingle was “Candy coated popcorn, peanuts, and a prize; that’s what you get in Crackerjack.” 

The best part was always the prize.  When I was young I received a bird whistle, plastic baseball players, and  a compass.  They were prized you could be proud of as a boy.  Tonight I took my youngest Grandson, Bastion to his first solo baseball game.  He has his own tiny glove and ate half a hot dog, a boat for French fries, and heaps of water. 

During the game I obtained a box of Crackerjack for him.  He loved the candy coated popcorn and the peanuts.  I was horrified by what has become of the “prize.”  It was a sticker.  I checked the other two boxes I had.  They also had only stickers.  I am outraged. 

I would pay more for a real prize in my Crackerjack.  I would love to see the wonder in both my Grandsons that I felt as a boy.  Baseball is still amazing and has much to teach us.  It seems that Crackerjack has taught me that their product is no longer the quality one that it once was.

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – Times Like These

Greetings Dear Reader,

There things the drive me.  Early in my adult life I made the error of allowing money to drive me.  In chasing anything other than Christ I always lose my way.  When things are bad I always have Christ to turn to for direction.

As I pause to consider the minstrels in my gallery it occurs to me just how much the music l love informs my subconscious thinking.  So often the song in my head nudges, pushes, or drives me in the direction I need to go.

One of the things I find is that I am often driven figuratively or literally to my knees.  I do not understand how people manage without Christ to depend on in troubled times.  Even when I am overwhelmed by the circumstances around me I can find my way.  I focus on Christ.  I dive deeper into time in prayer.

I realize this sounds simplistic but as we discussed a few days ago that is how things are supposed to be with God; simple.  Instead of that I can at times thoughtlessly chase the things I think will soothe or guide me.  Without Christ as my focus anything I chase will leave me wanting.

As I face the events unfolding I must stay focused on Christ lest I say or do things that will worsen the situation.  When I woke up this morning the phrase in my head reminded me exactly what I need to be doing.  At times like these it’s hard to keep a man off his knees.

Times Like These – Dan Fogelberg

Tell me a secret, tell me a lie

Tell me the truth if you have to

Say what you see fit but don't ask me why

Love never seems to last you

In times like these

It's hard to keep a man off his knees

In times like these

It's hard to keep a man off his knees

Over a barrel, under a spell

Money's the demon that drives you

Limping through heaven or running through hell

Happiness smiles but denies you

In times like these

It's hard to keep a man off his knees

In times like these

It's hard to keep a man off his knees

Nothing before you, nothing behind

Thoughtlessly chasing the thunder

Traveling lightly, traveling blind

Never detouring to wonder why

Tell me a secret, tell me a lie

Tell me the truth if you have to

Say what you see fit but don't ask me why

Love never seems to last you

In times like these

It's hard to keep a man off his knees

In times like these

It's hard to keep a man off his knees

Nothing before you, nothing behind

Thoughtlessly chasing the thunder

Traveling lightly, traveling blind

Never detouring to wonder why

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – Be Still Part 2

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I pondered yesterday’s offering on the page I also found that I need to assure that I am not chasing things that detract from stillness and simplicity.  It is too easy in our culture to be attracted to things that deter from our following Christ properly.

Even as I look around my writing office I can see vestiges of the things I use to distract me when I don’t “feel” like following.  Most of them are harmless and suitable for leisure but they are also distractions if over used.

We think that distractions and new ventures will cure what ails us.  It is never true.  People leave careers and families because they are dissatisfied with life.  They damage the life and peace of others because they think something else will make them “happy”.  We move when we should be still.

As I ponder some emerging situations in our family I am sure that this is influencing my feelings.  When I have failed my family it has always been because I thought something elusive would make me happier.  I have moved when I should not have.  I have moved too soon.

In following Christ there are times when we must sit and wait.  This is the primary reason for this series on Minstrels in the Gallery.  I need to take the time to ponder what influences my journey.  I hope that you, Dear Reader will do the same.

Learn to Be Still – The Eagles

It's just another day in paradise

As you stumble to your bed

You'd give anything to silence

Those voices ringing in your head

You thought you could find happiness

Just over that green hill

You thought you would be satisfied

But you never will-

Learn to be still

We are like sheep without a shepherd

We don't know how to be alone

So we wander 'round this desert

And wind up following the wrong gods home

But the flock cries out for another

And they keep answering that bell

And one more starry-eyed messiah

Meets a violent farewell-

Learn to be still

Learn to be still

Now the flowers in your garden

They don't smell so sweet

Maybe you've forgotten

The heaven lying at your feet

There are so many contradictions

In all these messages we send

(We keep asking)

How do I get out of here

Where do I fit in?

Though the world is torn and shaken

Even if your heart is breakin'

It's waiting for you to awaken

And someday you will-

Learn to be still

Learn to be still

You just keep on runnin'

Keep on runnin

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – Be Still Part 1

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the reasons I write this in the quiet of the morning is that I listen better then.  My Grandfather used to always say, when I was not listening, “God gave us two ears and only one mouth for a reason.  Listen twice as much as you talk.”

I think that we have co-opted so much doing into following Christ that we have forgotten how to just sit with him.  Do we really believe that he will speak and order things as he should?  I do. I still fail to be still when I should at times but when I do things are much clearer.

The other part of this is accepting the simplicity of the Gospel.  It really is about loving God, loving others, and following with all your heart.  Again we seem to load so much baggage into the following that it is at times hard to walk.

I take a moment every morning to just enjoy who Christ is.  I urge you to do the same.  It is much easier to follow if we have a clear vision of who we are following.  More on this tomorrow.

In Stillness and Simplicity – Michael Card

In stillness and simplicity

In the silence of the heart I see

The mystery of eternity

Who lives in side of me

In stillness and simplicity

I hear the Spirit's silent plea

That You, oh Lord, are close to me

In stillness and simplicity

You're the Word

Who must be heard

By those who listen quietly

Is the reason we're not still

To hear You speak because

We don't believe You will

In stillness and simplicity

I lose myself in finding Thee

Oh Lord, You mean so much to me

In stillness and simplicity

So, seek the One who dwells in you

The kingdom that within is true

That innermost reality

In stillness and simplicity

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – Dan Fogelberg

Greetings Dear Reader,

When an artist passes away there will be no new paintings, books, or songs from him or her.  I truly miss some of the musicians who have reached the end of the path ahead of me.  Dan Fogelberg perhaps I miss the most.

His music always challenges me to consider why I do things.  What is my motive?  What do I love?  Why have I abandoned innocence and faith?  The song I offer today speaks to me about anger, doubt, and perspective.  The entire Innocent Age album poses some very deep questions.  If forced to choose a favorite album it would be this one. 

My first thought on this song is that as adults we force innocence from our children in so many ways.  We even force if from our own lives.  It has a place and purpose.  We are supposed to approach God as “little children.”  Our demand to know and understand denies that innocent approach.

Some people abandon God long before they are mature enough to see their need for him.  Anger from life circumstance locks us away from the things we need to make simple choices.  We abandon faith long before we know enough to see that is not the right choice.  This is true on the major and minor scale.

This is not new to this generation.  It was anger and pain the imprisoned me so long ago and caused me to look for a way out of God.  I am not saying this is true of everyone.  It is true of many.  I was rejecting God long before I had the understanding to see how much I needed him.

I had not dealt with all that anger and pain even after I returned to God and the prison I remained in caused me to rob my Sons of their innocence.  I think that every parent must protect the innocence of their children at any cost.  We cannot make selfish choices that damage them.

What I have realized is that I am bound by God to have the courage to embrace that some things are simple.  We do not know what is unfolding.  We need to trust that God does.  For me today is just another day to lay my sins before the alter and follow.

Empty Cages – Dan Fogelberg

Waiting in the wings your courage sings before you falter...

It's just another way to say what's there but never shows.

It's just another day to lay your sins before the altar.

And where it's going to end this time around nobody knows.

Every time it seems that you have gained an understanding

Those devils at your heels reach up and try to tip the scales.

Waking from a dream you see it's all been done without you.

And every vain attempt to make it stay is destined to fail.

Fury rages through your restless days

Shades of time that's gone before

Empty cages where the prisoner plays

'Til the door swings closed behind for evermore...

Evermore...

Evermore...

Long before we come of age we yearn to leave the garden

And wrestle with a myth the hand of fate has faintly drawn.

But somewhere on the way we feel our hearts begin to harden

And see just as we learn to turn around the garden is gone.

Fury rages through your restless days

Shades of time that's gone before

Empty cages where the prisoner plays

'Til the door swings closed behind for evermore...

Evermore...

Evermore...

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."

Minstrels in the Gallery – Trapping versus Truth

Greetings Dear Reader,

So many years ago when I was just embracing faith I was also emerging from the trappings of a belief system for which God is sometimes an afterthought.   When I struggled with belief during this period I got no substantive answers.  I was told just to stop asking questions.

Telling me not to question something has always led to more questions.  As a teenager telling me not to ask questions was putting fire to a powder keg.  When I started asking questions about God and was told to just accept what I was being taught it fueled my anger and doubt.

Ian Anderson had just danced into my life and my Grandfather had just slipped from this mortal coil.  I wrote extensively about the album Aqualung last year.  This particular song crashed over me like tidal wave.  It gave me the surge I needed to consider God as a viable alternative outside of the structure to which my upbringing had nailed him.

One needs to remember that it is not the framework that makes God who he is.  God is who he is because of his own power.  If we let God be God then it becomes easy to see what ceremonies, practices, and trappings do not really matter. 

It is God’s desire to permeate everything about us.  He wants to be a part of my every breath.  He wants me to invest my life in him and not ceremony or pretense.  If I live and teach that it seems to work much better.

Wind Up  – Ian Anderson

When I was young and they packed me off to school

And taught me how not to play the game,

I didn't mind if they groomed me for success,

Or if they said that I was just a fool.

So I left there in the morning

With their God tucked underneath my arm --

Their half-assed smiles and the book of rules.

So I asked this God a question

And by way of firm reply,

He said -- I'm not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays.

So to my old headmaster (and to anyone who cares):

Before I'm through I'd like to say my prayers --

I don't believe you:

You had the whole damn thing all wrong --

He's not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays.

Well you can excommunicate me on my way to Sunday school

And have all the bishops harmonize these lines --

How do you dare tell me that I'm my father's son,

When that was just an accident of birth.

I'd rather look around me -- compose a better song

'Cause that's the honest measure of my worth.

In your pomp and all your glory you're a poorer man than me,

As you lick the boots of death born out of fear.

When I was young and they packed me off to school

And taught me how not to play the game,

I didn't mind if they groomed me for success,

Or if they said that I was just a fool.

So I left there in the morning

With their God under my arm --

Their half-assed smiles and the book of rules.

Well you can excommunicate me on my way to Sunday school

And have all the bishops harmonize these lines --

When I was young and they packed me off to school

And taught me how not to play the game,

I didn't mind if they groomed me for success,

Or if they said that I was just a fool.

So to my old headmaster (and to anyone who cares):

Before I'm through I'd like to say my prayers –

Well you can excommunicate me on my way to Sunday school

And have all the bishops harmonize these lines --

I don't believe you:

You had the whole damn thing all wrong --

He's not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays.

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."