All Hallows Eve 2014

Greetings Dear Reader,

To hallow something is to honor it as holy.  So many places the commercial aspect of Christmas has already shown its face to the complaints of many of my friends.  I choose to start my Christmas season every year on this day.  I do it quietly and seriously.

In preparation for my celebration of Christ’s birth and what the journey toward redemption means to me I begin with understanding All Hallows Eve.  I promise this will not be me soap-boxing concerning the devil, witches, and the macabre. In truth I find the “evil” aspect of the day boring.

What I do focus on is that we are all intended to be holy.  I do not mean that we are better than others or pious.  I mean that we are intended to be set apart for God’s purposes.  Everything we do should be with an eye to drawing closer to him.  Everything in which we engage should focus on obeying his primary directives to love him and love each other.

I cannot show love by bashing others.  I cannot show love by expecting those who do not believe to act like those who do believe.  Today I commit my heart to beginning a celebration of all that his set apart to God.  I will honor those who have journeyed to God before me.  I will consider the price that was paid for me to take this journey. 

I will set my heart apart for God as I attempt to do every morning.  I will marvel in the creativity of those around me.  I will join in taking my Grandsons trick-or-treating on a blustery night.  I will begin a 55 day celebration of the birth of Christ that includes attempts to be generous to others and show gratitude for all that I have.

With those things in place I can with a clear conscience and loving heart greet my friends, family, and strangers with an honest with for a happy Halloween,.

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

It Ain't Yours to Throw Away – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

So much in our society is disposable.  If I simply look at the trash I generate in a week I can honestly find ways to reduce what I throw away.  What I must also do is discern that things may be disposable but people are not. 

People will hurt us.  The past will haunt us.  The world is not a safe place to be alone.  We throw away things that are good and pursue things that are damaging.  The pain and sorrow become our companions.  They are familiar to us so we return to them knowing that harm is involved.

We throw away the good and embrace that bad.  We reject truth and embrace a lie.  The poison becomes our familiar friend until it kills us.  It infects us causing us to think it allowable to reject our spouses, harm our children, and damage the lives of others.  We reject God and justify the things we do knowing they harm others as well as ourselves.

I must realize that I must love everyone even if this includes denying what I want to do so.  No matter how hurtful my past is it is never an excuse to damage others in the present.  No matter how often I feel anger, hurt, or bitterness I am not allowed to be unkind to others.

We are not disposable.  God paid the ultimate price to tell us that.  I cannot follow Christ if I do not see that everyone matters.  I do not have to accept abuse or lies.  I do have to love those who do those things.  It is what God does for me.  I do not have to accept wrong behaviour but I must not throw away anyone.

Familiar Taste of Poison – Halestorm

Drink the wine, my darling, you said

Take your time, and consume all of it

But the roses were only to drain my inspiration

The promises were spoiled before they left your lips and?

I breathe you in again

Just to feel you underneath my skin

Holding onto the sweet escape

Is always laced with a familiar taste of poison

I tell myself that you're no good for me

I wish you well, but desire never leaves

I could fight this 'til the end

But maybe I don't want to win

I breathe you in again

Just to feel you underneath my skin

Holding on to the sweet escape

Is always laced with a familiar taste of poison

I don't wanna be saved, I don't wanna be sober

I want you on my mind, in my dreams

Behind these eyes and I won't wake up

No, not this time

I breathe you in again

Just to feel you underneath my skin

Holding on to the sweet escape

Is always laced with a familiar taste of poison

A familiar taste of poison, a familiar taste of poison

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."

It Ain't Yours to Throw Away – Children

Greetings Dear Reader,

I want to apologize in advance for any toes I am about to trample.  No matter what your crime or sin I do not hate you.  I do, however, loath it when children are hurt.  The obvious focus of this could be abortion but I have written about that in the past and do not have anything further to say about it at this time.

Photo by Natalie Foley

We throw away children in many other ways.  Fathers create them and then refuse to be fathers.  Mothers choose the life they want over the life to which they are obligated and damage their own children to do it.  The parents treating each other with love and respect does more to protect a child than anything.  It is too common in our society to choose our selfish desires over the needs of our children. 

Aunts and uncles choose to ignore the needs unmet when marriages fail for their siblings.  Grandparents fail to pass on the wisdom of their generation.  We encounter abuse and refuse to intervene.  We allow children to live in poverty when we have more that we need.

Please recall that this discussion is to prepare my heart for the advent season.  If this time does not warrant considering children then none does.  We have created a culture where children are disposable.  Instead we should be doing whatever it takes to protect the hearts of children. 

If there is anywhere where my heart must follow Christ it is with the welfare of children.  I cannot undo my past failures and must not dwell on those.  I can work to show selfless love to my children now.  I can see their genuine needs and help where I can.  I can refuse to put my wants ahead of their needs.

More so I can be a grandparent who cares for the needs of his Grandchildren over what I want.  I can be there for them when they need me.  I can make it about them and not about them fulfilling me.  Is that not what it really comes down to with children?  If we work to meet their needs then who they are will be what fulfills us.

We are not to use them to make us happy.  We are to invest in them so that they will have an honest shot at happiness.  Jesus had some serious comments about all of this.  If I am to follow him I must assure that I listen to him regarding children.  Anything that is knowingly hurting a child is dangerous for me.  Anything that strengthens their faith and character is good.   

How can I hope to show them that Jesus loves them if I do not selflessly do that as well?  I cannot.  No matter what I think I might need from them it is not my needs that matter.  It is doing whatever it takes to show them love, generosity, and kindness.  It means being whatever I must to insure that they are given every opportunity to have a good life.

Don’t Tell Them Jesus Loves Them – Steve Camp 

Oh suffering soul, crying out for love

In a world that seldom cares

See the hungry heart longing to be filled

Much more than our prayers

And a young girl sells herself on Seventh Avenue

And you hear her crying out for help,

"My God, what will we do?"

Don't tell them Jesus loves them till you're ready to love them too

Till your heart breaks from the sorrow and the pain they're going through

With a life full of compassion may we do what we must do

Don't tell them Jesus loves them till you're ready to love them too

Oh, the desperate man

Are we reaching for the souls that are sinking down in sin?

Oh, cry for the child

We've lost our passion for the lost and there are billions left to win

And another forty thousand children starved to death today

Would we risk all we have to see what of them say?

Don't tell them Jesus loves them till you're ready to love them too

Till your heart breaks from the sorrow and the pain they're going through

With a life full of compassion may we do what we must do

Don't tell them Jesus loves them till you're ready to love them too

Why have we waited so long to show them Jesus lives

To share salvation's song

Why have our hearts become so proud that we fail to see

To love them is to love God

And a young girl sells herself on Seventh Avenue

Hear her crying out for help,

"What will we do?"

Don't tell them Jesus loves them till you're ready to love them too

Till your heart breaks from the sorrow and the pain they're going through

With a life full of compassion may we do what we must do

Don't tell them Jesus loves them till you're ready to love them too

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 – The Southern Cross

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.

Seven years ago this week I made a quick trip to Australia.  By quick I mean that I flew there over a 19 hour period, stayed for 6 hours, and returned on a 21 hour flight.  I crossed the International Date Line at almost midnight and lost an entire Thursday.  We took off from Sydney, Australia on the return trip at 5:00 pm on Friday and landed in Milwaukee, Wisconsin at 5:20 pm on the same day.

On the flight down there the night sky was clear and brilliant.  I was having trouble sleeping and the flight attendant noticed.  She brought me an extra pillow and suggested that I lean on the window and watch the stars go by.  Her suggestion could not have yielded a more peaceful repose.

I was amazed at how plentiful the stars were and then further amazed when I found the Southern Cross.  I had heard that it was beautiful and always been intrigued by the comparison of it to unforgettable love by Crosby, Still, Nash, and Young in the song of the same name.  I was overtaken by the beauty of this arrangement of stars that reminded me of the richness there is in Christ.

That trip seven years ago was to bring Christmas home to live with us.  I have watched her grow and heal in ways that I could not imagine.  Of late I have seen her show compassion and devotion to my family in a way that some blood relatives have not shown. 

She has every reason to be bitter and angry with the world.  Instead she chooses to show love and kindness in her life.  She repays good for evil.  She embraces those who reject her.  She follows Christ a little closer every day.  I am proud of her on so many levels.  Like the Southern Cross she shines in the darkness reminding us just who it is that gives us the promise of a coming day.

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

It Ain't Yours to Throw Away – Familiar Failure

Greetings Dear Reader,

There is a line in the song “Southern Cross”, “And we never failed to fail; it was the easiest thing to do.”  So often we fail.  We become successful at failure.  It becomes familiar to us and we embrace it. 

We fail to love.  We fail to forgive.  We fail to see the needs of others before considering our own.  We fail to be what we are created to be by God.  In that failure we believe that the habit of failing is our flaw.  We embrace that we are “a failure” in some area and use it to excuse or at least accept continued failure.

Our failures become a part of us.  We say things like, “I have a short temper so I may go off at you without warning.”  Yes, that was actually said to me by someone.  We preload the failure to be patient.  We preauthorize our freedom to fail to do what is right by believing and saying that is just who we are.

The problem is that success at doing what is right is always available to us.  Paul told the Philippians that God “works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.”  He not only wants us to do but works to give us the will to do.  When we let failing become familiar and common we are throwing away the work that God wishes to do in us. 

This too is not ours to throw away.  I am not free to fail in controlling my anger, selfishness, or greed.  I am not allowed to fail at following.  It is not my right or privilege to throw away God’s work in me.  When I choose to fail at following I make it easier to do so next time.  When I fail to forgive and throw away the forgiveness that Christ offers to us all.  I must fail to fail.  It is the only failure I am allowed to embrace.

Southern Cross – Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young

Got out of town on a boat to the Southern islands

Sailing a reach before a following' sea

She was making' for the trades on the outside

And the downhill run to Pipette

Off the wind on this heading lie the Marquesas

We got eighty feet of the waterline nicely making way

In a noisy bar in Avalon I tried to call you

But on a midnight watch I realized why twice you ran away

Think about

Think about how many times I have fallen

Spirits are using me larger voices calling'

What Heaven brought you and me cannot be forgotten

(Around the world) I have been around the world

(Looking') Looking' for that woman girl

(Who knows she knows) Who knows love can endure

And you know it will

When you see the Southern Cross for the first time

You understand now why you came this way

'Cause the truth you might be runnin' from is so small

But it's as big as the promise, the promise of a coming' day

So I'm sailing for tomorrow my dreams are a dying'

And my love is an anchor tied to you tied with a silver chain

I have my ship and all her flags are a' flying'

She is all that I have left and music is her name

Think about

Think about how many times I have fallen

Spirits are using me larger voices calling'

What Heaven brought you and me cannot be forgotten

(I've been around the world) I have been around the world

(Looking') Looking' for that woman girl

Who knows love can endure

And you know it will, and you know it will yes

Oooh...

So we cheated and we lied and we tested

And we never failed to fail it was the easiest thing to do

You will survive being bested

Somebody fine will come along make me forget about loving you

At the southern cross

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."

It Ain’t Yours to Throw Away - Life

Greetings Dear Reader,

In the past month I have seen four people I know and care about try to give up on life.  It is odd that they do not know each other.  Thankfully none of them succeeded.  I have spoken before of the times I have approached the dark edge of despair. 

The difficulty is that we proceed from a false assumption.  We assume that our lives are ours to do with as we wish.  Since I am in for a pound in following Christ I must always proceed from the assumption that my life is a gift from God.  It is not a gift to throw away.  It is a gift to use.

Some days are hungry lonely days.  Some days are there is feasting and beauty.  The difficult days; the days when the pain and longing are necessary to appreciate the ripe Georgia peach days.  They hard days are there more importantly to remind me that even on the worst days God is still there.

It is not my intent for a moment to neglect that depression, pain, and hopelessness are all real issues.  People need help.  They need love and compassion.  They need hope.  Having been to that edge I understand how the next step can seem like the logical one.  Worse still it can seem like the only one. 

I know it sounds too simple and I do not have it all figured out.  I know it is harder for others that for me to find hope.  If, however, we proceed from the assumption that there is no hope we are wrong.  If we believe that our lives are self-contained and autonomous we are in error.  Our lives are not ours to throw away.

We need to be refined by the hard times and the pain.  We also need the support of others.  Our lives are for the purpose of learning to know our Creator.  I cannot imagine that He is pleased when I forget that.  I also know he has anticipated my forgetting and made arrangements for me to remember.

My life is only mine to give away in that I give it back to God.  Anything else is an exercise in foolishness.  The way in which I give it back is to do my best to live every moment in loving God and man.  If all that I do proceeds from that then I can rest in the hope that the pain and sorrow  in life cannot eclipse the hope.

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."

It Ain't Yours to Throw Away – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am not a fan of country music.  However, every once in a while there is a song that transcends genre and preferences.  Content and context are what matter when it comes to music.  As I have said before there is madness in me that cares for itself by constantly playing a soundtrack in my head as I walk through life. 

Yesterday I saw someone I love that I have not seen in a bit and this song from the show Nashville popped into my head.  It got me thinking about some important considerations as I turn my heart toward the next few months.  As I prepare All Hallows Eve, the Thanksgiving Season, and Advent I consider that things that this involves in my journey with Christ.

Whether it is moments or lifetimes we have been given each as a gift.  We live in a world where increasingly we think our lives are our own to do with as we please.  This is such a great lie.  As much as I want my “freedom” and “independence” that is not what I have.  What I have is free will within the confines of world where the rules are made by God.

My belief or unbelief will not change this.  My life may contain the freedom to make my own choices but only in the context of rules and a framework make by God.  My life, my love, and my gifts are all components of a vessel that God armed and engined for is purposes. 

In the journey toward God we are to walk a narrow path.  The things I am given for that journey have a purpose.  Those things are not mine.  They are on loan from God.  They are not mine to throw away.  Whether I call it ceasing the day or sucking the marrow out of life I have an obligation to God to use those gifts.

As I prepare to hallow, show gratitude, and celebrate I must ponder the things that are mine to care for but not mine to throw away.  I have thrown away things I should not have and I have been thrown away by others.  This life; this journey is not mine to throw away.  I will, therefore, ponder the things this includes for a bit.  Walk and talk with me for a bit if you will Dear Reader.  As always, your thoughts on this are precious to me.  I promise to treasure them and not throw them away. 

It Ain’t Yours to Throw Away – Clare Bowen & Sam Palladio

That same road that brought you here

Will sure as hell take you home

The life you left behind will have you back

You're tired of paying dues in worn out shoes

And Broadway blues

And any fool will tell you

The damn ol' deck is stacked

What if you're just a vessel?

And God gave you something special

It ain't yours to throw away

It ain't yours to throw away

Every time you open up your mouth

Diamonds come rolling out

It ain't yours to throw away

No...

And all of the players, the movers, and shakers

The story maker suits have gone home

You drew the last slot

You thought it was your shot

But now it's just one more chance blown

What if you're just a vessel?

And God gave you something special

It ain't yours to throw away

It ain't yours to throw away

Every time you open up your mouth

Diamonds come rolling out

It ain't yours to throw away

No...

And our town is cold as January

Life comes true, and dreams get buried

Every day...

Destiny won't be denied

It ain't yours to throw away

No, it ain't yours to throw away

'Cause every time you open up your mouth

Diamonds come rolling out

It ain't yours to throw away

It ain't yours to throw away ...

Throw 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."

Second Thoughts – A Golden Death

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.

This past week the colour of the sugar maples in our area reached a crescendo of beauty and brilliance that seemed to assault my senses.  I marveled at the sun on the leaves writhing and twisting to be free from their tethers.  A place where I walk is already littered with those who have achieved this goal.

We celebrate the colours of autumn as our world is painted in the most brilliant reds, oranges, and golden hues.  The beauty of this temporary art always captures me deep in that part of me which is an artist.  As I revel in the colours of autumn I forget that I am celebrating a golden death.

So many deaths accompany the turn of the season from summer to winter.  The deaths that surround me are beneficial.  The harvest is a death of plants.  The fall colours are a vibrant death of the leaves that make our air breathable.  I ponder the death of bees as they scurry to gather the last fleeting drops of nectar from dying flowers.

Autumn in all its beauty is a time of death.  It is also, however, the time of seeds.  It is the time when all of creation exercises hope and faith.  It is the golden death of leaves that reminds us that spring will come and life will return.  It is the Creator reminding me that although the world is shrouded for now, the eternal spring will come.  Death will be no more and my hopes will be realized. 

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Pain Management or A Cure

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I have aged I have acquired some lasting physical damage along the journey.  I do not with this to sound like a complaint but rather background.  About five years ago I took a fall on the ice and dislocated a shoulder.  It still hurts every day.  Many years ago one of my fingers was bent the wrong way and I feel a stiffness settling into it that is permanent.  Last Spring I took a spill and did some damage to my knee.  It is stiff and a bit painful every morning.

There is no equitable cure for these pains.  Those chronic pains are mine now and I manage them well enough.  Heat helps the shoulder most days.  The knee just needs a little exercise in the mornings.  Wearing good shoes helps too.  The finger just needs a little stretching after too much typing.  Reaching for the letter “Y” can be difficult. 

If for some reason I were offered a cure for them all that would not endanger my health in another way I would take it.  I manage the pain well enough without drugs but if there were a cure I would embrace it.  I refuse to become one of those old people who defines life through the pains and issues of growing older.

I wonder why then to I sometimes manage my sin instead of taking the cure of faith and following.  I will try to mitigate the guilt and shame of my wrongs through rationalization and justification.  Instead I could embrace the truth and be freed from the wrong by God’s grace.  Since every sin is a choice, why do I remain in the pain of that sin?  Why do I refuse sometimes to see the way out and take it?

There is grace sufficient for all my sin.  There is mercy and forgiveness in abundance.  There is deeper joy and ease of following as I accept that there is a cure for my spiritual pains.  I need only avail myself of the opportunity.  I need to not manage the pain and accept the healing.

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

There is an aspect of sadness, pain, and longing that makes us human.  What I think we do not realize is that it also is what makes us part of the divine.  We are created in God’s image.  I realize not everyone believes that but I do.  God feels sadness, pain, and longing and every bit of it is for his creation.

The bottom line is that we need joy, healing, and completion.  We need love, acceptance, and belonging.  In the honest dark of night when the lurkers close in on us we know we need something beyond ourselves.  We are unable to make the journey out of the sadness and pain on our own.

Since we cannot heal or help ourselves we need to come to the one who can.  I realize that following Christ seems very exclusive and arrogant.  It is, however, an exclusivity that is open to everyone; an all-inclusive exclusivity if you will.  One need not do anything to improve in order to come to Christ.

I know that I need to do so every morning.  My life never works when I do not.  When I move away from Christ or fail to follow his lead the pain and longing resurface.  The enduring rest that is in Christ is all that sustains me. 

We all have to come as we are.  I must leave behind any pretense that I can rescue my own soul.  It is in Christ alone that the rescue is found.  I must lay down my hurt, lay down my heart, and come as I am.  You are welcome to come with me Dear Reader.

Come As You Are – David Crowder

Come out of sadness from wherever you've been

Come, brokenhearted; let rescue begin

Come find your mercy, O sinner, come kneel

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

Lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

O wanderer, come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

There's hope for the hopeless

For all those who've strayed

Come sit at the table

Come taste the grace

There's rest for the weary

A rest that endures

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't cure

Lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

O wanderer, come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

Come as you are

Fall in His arms

Come as you are

There's joy for the morning

O sinner, be still

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can't heal

Lay down your burdens

Lay down your shame

All who are broken

Lift up your face

O wanderer, come home

You're not too far

So lay down your hurt

Lay down your heart

Come as you are

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – All That is Gold Does Not Glitter

Greetings Dear Reader,

From the Fellowship of the Ring – J.R.R. Tolkien

All that is gold does not glitter,

Not all those who wander are lost;

The old that is strong does not wither,

Deep roots are not reached by the frost.

From the ashes a fire shall be woken,

A light from the shadows shall spring;

Renewed shall be blade that was broken,

The crownless again shall be king.

I realize that we do not always know when we are wandering.  Jesus promised that we would be wanderers:  “The wind blows wherever it will.  You see the impact and hear the sound. You cannot tell where it comes or where it is going.  So is everyone that is driven by the Spirit of God.”  It is possible to both wander and follow.  It is not possible to just wander and not follow.  We get lost. 

Fortunately when we realize we are lost and admit we want to come home the journey is very short.  We do not have to clean up, shape up, or heal up.  We only have to come as we are.  We really can come as we are.  We can do it every day if necessary. 

We have so many things that haunt us.  So many things that we might have done had we not wandered try to convince us that we cannot come home.  We ponder and wonder as we wander when all we really need to do is admit that we want to come home to Christ.

It takes both humility and arrogance to do this.  We must humbly admit that we have gotten lost and wandered to far from following.  Then we must absurdly ask to be allowed to follow.  I have chased money and “love” instead of Christ.  The damage from my wandering echoes still in the lives of my Sons. 

I may have for a moment felt that I was where I wished to be.  What I was really doing was following things that were not Christ.  In my wandering I have found that it is wandering in the wrong direction that is the problem.  I am designed to wander but only because I follow the Wanderer.  When I stray I can come back in a moment.  The journey back to Christ is only a moment and repeatable every moment if I am willing.

The Lion’s Share – Dan Fogelberg

Grand slam, your moment's at hand

The day holds a costly bargain

Lost lamb asking the lion's share

Homespun, a prodigal son

Comes begging a humble pardon

But no one rises to hear his prayer

Lone star, you've wandered so far

And long in the unfamiliar

That now you travel a map unknown

Star bright, a constant delight

To those in the dark and still your

Birthright's to shine in the night alone

Living in the shadows

Of the things that might have been

Torn between the blessing and the curse

You may starve the hunger

But you'll never slake the thirst

For the nectar you remember

But you'll never taste again

Nonesuch, your Midas' touch

Has gilded your heart and left you

So much playing the prince of clowns

Hell-bent, empty and spent

Just look what your gamble's got you

Exiled, far from the sacred grounds

Living in the shadows

Of the things that might have been

Torn between the blessing and the curse

You may stop the hunger

But you'll never slake the thirst

For the nectar you remember

But you'll never taste again

Grand slam, your moment's at hand

The day holds a costly bargain

Lost lamb asking the lion's share

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – We Need Mercy

Greetings Dear Reader,

Recently I heard someone say, “Show as much mercy as you can.”  I wonder how often we think about showing mercy in everyday things.  We have opportunities to show mercy so often.  Mercy in the little things is so vital. 

When someone offends us unintentionally we can let it go.  When someone with whom we work makes an error we can help in the recovery.  When there is a mistake in the work we can refuse to blame others. 

We want mercy so much more that we admit we do.  We need it so much more than we realize.   From social gaffs to intentional wrongs we do things that put us in need of mercy every day.  Unfortunately pride gets in the way of asking for mercy. 

It takes humility to admit our need for mercy.  We have to step outside of our own space and see how wretched we are.  It is not just humility that we need but it is a big deal.  We cannot heal our own wounds.  We cannot transcend our transgressions.  We cannot make all things right.   God can and will.

To come as you are to Christ means that you are asking for mercy.  Fortunately he has sent out the good news that it is already granted for all who will accept it.  No matter how much or little theology we wrap it in the simple fact is that God makes most of the journey for us. 

He comes to us with open arms proclaiming that he has already paid the penalty for all we have done wrong.  He offers mercy for it all if we will only allow him to grant it.  I need this mercy every moment.  My mind imagines such vain and revolting things.  I cannot afford the pride of thinking I do not need the mercy of Christ in every step of the journey.  What about you Dear Reader?

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Taste the Grace

Greetings Dear Reader,

Recently I was spontaneously invited to join a friend for dinner.  The mom cooks for seven every day.  It is part of her nature to prepare food well.  There was plenty and the conversation was rich.  The food had that particular quality that is only attained when it is served by a professional.

It was the combination of company and cuisine that made the evening so delightful.  The excellence of the food carried with it the love of and devotion to others that this host has for others.  Things were not just prepared well.  There was love in this meal and one could taste it.

We are forced to use metaphor and other devices to describe feelings and conditions of the heart and soul.  We are asked by God to taste and see that he is good.  Tasting is an experiment.  It tells if something this desirable or not.  God assures that if we truly “sample” him we will see that he is good.

Grace is a sampling of undeserved favor from God.  Too many see God as harsh and demanding.  In truth he longs to fill us to satisfaction with grace and love.  He wants to satisfy our inner hunger for grace and acceptance.  He wants us to know his love for us to a depth that fulfills all our needs.

Taste is so deeply significant for me.  Last night I tasted summer in the state-fair quality corn dogs that this same mom sent home with me.  Yesterday I tasted kindness in the words of your comments Dear Reader.  I taste grace every morning when I awaken with music in my head that reflects how much the Father loves me. 

I can come to Christ completely as I am with no other credential than that I need the grace offered me.  It is my insatiable daily need for that grace that keeps me coming back to the table.  It still amazes me that Christ would offer such a rich delicacy so freely.  It is only in that grace that I find the courage to come to Christ as I am.  It is only by grace that I can come.  

Amazing Grace – John Newton – Performed by Celtic Women

Amazing grace! How sweet the sound

That saved a wretch like me!

I once was lost, but now am found;

Was blind, but now I see.

’Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,

And grace my fears relieved;

How precious did that grace appear

The hour I first believed.

Through many dangers, toils and snares,

I have already come;

’Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far,

And grace will lead me home.

The Lord has promised good to me,

His Word my hope secures;

He will my Shield and Portion be,

As long as life endures.

Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail,

And mortal life shall cease,

I shall possess, within the veil,

A life of joy and peace.

The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,

The sun forbear to shine;

But God, who called me here below,

Will be forever mine.

When we've been there ten thousand years,

Bright shining as the sun,

We've no less days to sing God’s praise

Than when we’d first begun.

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Be Still

Greetings Dear Reader,

I write, pray, read, and think best in the wee hours of the morning when most of my world still slumbers.  It is the quiet and lack of distractions that fuel me.  I hate solitude most of the time but in those hours I treasure it.  I find the stillness of everything else very revealing.

It is in these hours that I am the most thoughtful.  I am usually fresh from sleep so my head is clearer.  I pray more honestly.  I worship more fully.  I read more comprehensively.  It is in these times that I am the most still. 

This leads me to understand why we are to seek God early in the morning.  When I start my day in this way I am a better man throughout the day.  It is also I think why we are asked to be still and recognize God for who he is.  It is in the morning that I am most “as I am.” 

I come to God freshly awake and mostly naked of pretense.  As I my feet hit floor I give my life to him.  As I make my way down stairs a song of devotion makes its way through my head.  As I start the coffee I ponder what I need to work out for the morning to be prepared my attempt to be a reflection of Christ throughout the day.  As I make my way to my writing office I anticipate what my Bible reading and my devotional guide will have to teach me this morning.  In between these thoughts I pray for my family and friends.

It is in the still relative darkness of my home where I can be still.  In the morning when I am free to come to God completely as I am I find that I can expose my innermost self and feel safe.  No matter how I fell as the day begins it is in the stillness of Christ that I find the courage and strength for today’s part of the journey.  It is in that time that I truly believe that earth has no sorrows that heaven cannot heal.  I think we will find what we need if we really learn to be still and listen.

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Let Rescue Begin

Greetings Dear Reader,

I spent some of my early life working as a beach lifeguard.  I would watch from my lonely wooden tower as people swam, surfed, and played.  I was always looking for the danger.  I had to ignore everything else and be aware of the constant potential disaster lurking on the edge of the fun.

In our training we were taught over and over to be wary of those who clamped on to us when we approached them for rescue.  We were taught how to avoid and escape.  If we were not careful both the victim and the lifeguard could die.  We were taught to back off until the person was ready for rescue.

All disasters require rescue efforts.  The primary things we do when disaster strikes is to attempt to save the lives impacted by the event.  We leave behind our care for buildings, cars, and possessions to save lives. 

When a house catches fire the family gathers on the street and counts that each member is present.  They do not begin to mourn the loss of home until they are assured they have not lost each other.  Firemen run into burning buildings at risk of their lives to save the lives of those trapped in the building. 

We will die to save others.  We will do whatever it takes to rescue others.  We are urgent for rescue to begin when disaster strikes.  Our Father is not different.  We need rescue. We need to be saved from the shattered mess we have made of the world.  We burn it down around us and curse at our rescuer. 

I wonder just how often I refuse rescue from my pain and sorrow when it is offered.  Look at how often we hold on to pain, bitterness, and sin when we are offered freedom and rescue from it.  We continue to swallow the placebo knowing that we can taste of grace and mercy if we will allow it.

I do not even need to dress properly to be taken out of the fire.  I can be rescued just as I am.  I need to allow it.  I need to realize that I cannot make it happen but that I must let it happen.  I am helpless to do it on my own.  That is why it is by grace, through faith that I am saved.

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Broken but Still Working

Greetings Dear Reader,

Sometimes the damage to my heart seems inconsolable.  If I ponder it long enough though I realize that it is not just my heart that is broken.  My mind, my body, and my soul are all broken.  “I am damaged at best.”

When Avalon left me one of the things she told me was that “on paper you are a bad investment.”  Every time I try to think about who I am those words echo in my mind.  It leads me to both pain and joy.  The constant pain of those words from someone I loved re-break my heart every time they echo.  Then the Spirit reminds me that it is in that broken heart that a life can pour out for the Father.

We are all so very broken and that is how Christ invites us to be as we approach him.  It is the essence of coming to Christ as we are.  We are all a bad investment on paper.  We are all damaged at best.  We are all broken in every aspect of our being.  It is that we spend so much energy and pride pretending we are more than that.

It is when I realize just how damaged I am that I can life of my face, lay down my hurts, lay down my heart, and truly come to Christ as I am.  Even when I can barely hold on because I am so broken I just have to ask for the will to do so.  Christ never misses how crooked, damaged, and shattered I am.  He is the one, however, that can fit all that mess into something of value.

Every beautiful mosaic is made from the pieces of something broken.  Even when I can barely hold on Christ is crafting my shattered bits into a new and beautiful thing.  Fortunately I do not have to hold on to Christ because he has promised to hold on to me. He has promised that no one can steel me from his grasp.  He invites me to fall into his arms and rest just as I am.  He offers the same to you too Dear Reader.

Broken – Lifehouse

The broken clock is a comfort, it helps me sleep tonight

Maybe it can stop tomorrow from stealing all my time

I am here still waiting though i still have my doubts

I am damaged at best, like you've already figured out

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing

With a broken heart that's still beating

In the pain, there is healing

In your name I find meaning

So I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on, I'm holdin' on

I'm barely holdin' on to you

The broken locks were a warning you got inside my head

I tried my best to be guarded, I'm an open book instead

I still see your reflection inside of my eyes

That are looking for a purpose, they're still looking for life

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing

with a broken heart that's still beating

In the pain (in the pain), is there healing

In your name (in your name) I find meaning

So I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin') I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm hangin' on another day

Just to see what you throw my way

And I'm hanging on to the words you say

You said that I will be OK

The broken lights on the freeway left me here alone

I may have lost my way now, haven't forgotten my way home

I'm falling apart, I'm barely breathing

with a broken heart that's still beating

In the pain(In the pain) there is healing

In your name I find meaning

So I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm barely holdin' on to you

I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm holdin' on (I'm still holdin'), I'm barely holdin' on to 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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Where Have You Been?

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are people in my life I miss greatly.  They could show up at my door and I would not care what state they were in they would be welcome.  My love for them would overlook anything. 

That is how Christ views us all.  When he compels us to come as we are it does not matter where we have been.  There is not a lot to say about this.  It is just true.  There is no condition in which we cannot come to Christ and he will take us in his loving embrace. 

I need to remember that whether I am two steps behind or ten thousand in following, he is filled with joy when I catch up.  He wants me to come out of the darkness from wherever I have been. 

I Don’t Care Where You've Been Sleeping – Don Francisco

I loved you long before the time your eyes first saw the day

And everything I've done has been to help you on the way

But you took all that you wanted then at last you took your leave,

And traded off a Kingdom for the lies that you believed

And although you've chosen darkness with its miseries and fears

Although you've gone so far from Me and wasted all those years

Even though my name’s been spattered by the mire in which you lie

I'd take you back this instant if you'd turn to Me and cry.

I don't care where you've been sleeping; I don't who's made your bed

I've already gave My life to set you free;

There's no sin you could imagine that is stronger than my love,

And it's all yours if you'll come home again to Me.

When you come back to your senses and you see who's been to blame,

Remember all the good things that were yours with just My name;

Then don't waste another thought before you change the way you're bound

I'll be running out to meet you if you'll only turn around

I don't care where you've been sleeping; I don't who's made your bed

I've already gave My life to set you free;

There's no sin you could imagine that is stronger than my love,

And it's all yours if you'll come home again to 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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Carrying Brambles

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have encountered thorns in many forms.   They all have one thing in common.  They hurt.  When stuck by thorns we react.  We pull away.  We inspect the damage, remove the object, and tend the wound.

This leads me to wonder why we carry so many bundles of brambles in our souls.  We hang on to the things that have pierced us.  We keep the thorns in our flesh.  We let them wound, burrow, and fester until we are defined by the thorns. 

For some reason we allow ourselves to be defined by our pain.  Things from the past possess our future in a way that causes us to destroy happiness and hope.  We become people who wear our hurt like a banner.  That is not who we are supposed to become.  It is not who we are.

All of those hurts have a place.  They do shape us but we are not meant to carry them.  We can give them to Christ and he will heal us.  We can lay down our hurts.  It is frightening to do so.  It is hard to extract them and let them go.  We no longer have to be defined by our hurts.  We can be defined by the healing that is in Christ.

I must not listen to the voices of our past.  We must be healed to live.  I must not allow my pain and fear to impact how I am with others.  It must not define my choices.  I must follow Christ and to do that the hurts must fade into the past.  Carrying the brambles only hinders my journey.  I have to move forward and cannot do so if I do not lay down my hurts. 

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Come as You Are – Supper’s Ready

Greetings Dear Reader,

When I was still very young I used to spend weekends with my Grandfather.  He would pick me up from school on Friday afternoon and we would make the drive to his house on the opposite side of Atlanta.  Soon after arriving my Grandmother would come home from her job and begin to fix supper.

I knew it was for me that she laid out a vast and amazing repast.  Things like country fried steak, mashed potatoes, and fresh biscuits filled the table.  Her amazing sweet tea flowed like a stream.  Even though it was just the three of us she made me feel like I was a vast banquet.  From time to time there were other guests but I was always the star of the meal.

I spent most of the time waiting for that meal in the garden with my Grandfather or playing in the yard or wood shop.  I could get dirty faster than any child.  I almost always did.  My Grandmother would call us to the table and she would always remark at how quickly I had transitioned from acceptable school boy to grimy urchin. 

She would lovingly wash my hands with a dish cloth and give me a tea towel with which to dry them.  She would assure me that I would be getting a proper bath after supper.  My Grandfather would always remind her that we come to the table just like we come to God; just as we are.  He would then look at me and support the aforementioned bath.

We do need to come to the table as we are.  We need to not try and change to get there.  We just need to come.  We need to do it every day.  We need cleansing and a proper wash up but that is not a condition for coming to Christ.  He is the bread of life.  He is the living water.  He is constantly sounding the dinner bell.  We must come to the table.

I do not need to get cleaned up first.  He will lovingly do that for me.  He will lay out a vast repast and bid me dine with him.  He wants me to come just as I am.  He want you too Dear Reader.  Supper’s ready.  Please join me.

Come to the Table – Michael Card

Come to the table and savor the sight

The wine and the bread that was broken

And all have been welcomed to come if they might

Accept as their own these two tokens

The bread is His body, the wine is the blood

And the one who provides them is true

He freely offers, we freely receive

To accept and believe Him is all we must do

Come to the table and taste of the glory

And savor the sorrow, He's dying tomorrow

The hand that is breaking the bread

Soon will be broken

And here at the table, sit those who have loved You

One is a traitor and one will deny

But He's lived his life for them all

And for all be crucified

Come to the table He's prepared for you

The bread of forgiveness, the wine of release

Come to the table and sit down beside Him

The Savior wants you to join in the feast

Come to the table and see in His eyes

The love that the Father has spoken

And know you are welcome, whatever your crime

For every commandment you've broken

For He's come to love you and not to condemn

And He offers a pardon of peace

If you'll come to the table, you'll feel in your heart

The greatest forgiveness, the greatest release

Come to the table and taste of the glory

And savor the sorrow, He's dying tomorrow

The hand that is breaking the bread

Soon will be broken

And here at the table, sit those who have loved him

One is a traitor and one will deny

But He's lived his life for them all

And for all be crucified

Come to the table He's prepared for you

The bread of forgiveness, the wine of release

Come to the table and sit down beside Him

The Savior wants you to join in the feast

Come to the table He's prepared for you

The bread of forgiveness, the wine of release

Come to the table and sit down beside Him

The Savior wants you to join in the feast

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."  ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)