Prayer: What Does Not Work ~ Expectations

Greetings Dear Reader,

Too often I experience disappointment because I have carried unjust expectations.  As I explain to others readily, we cannot disappoint God because he already knows what we will do in every situation.  One cannot have expectations to disappoint if one already knows what will happen.  It would be like watching an instant replay and hoping for a different result.

We, however, generate expectations like an engine designed for it.  We place them on each other and even on God.  We pray having already decided for God how he will respond.  We ask for our own purposes wanting to get God to sanction our will.  This does not work.

First, we need to realize that God already has it worked out.  He knows what we need and has prepared to meet us where we are.  Second, we are supposed to be about his business not trying to manipulate him to do ours.  There is nothing wrong with wanting, dreaming, planning, and working.  Our vision must be supported in prayer.

What we must not do is forget that we are part of something much larger.  We are not the designers we are the designed.  We are his work for his plan and purpose.  I must not place expectations any more than the characters in my stories may place expectations on me.

When I pray I must ask with confidence for the what I believe is right.  I must not cross the line into expecting the Father to do my will.  I must never think that my will, even though it is free, can supersede what God has purposed.  He is too far ahead of me for that. 

The Answer – Rudyard Kipling

A Rose, in tatters on the garden path,
Cried out to God and murmured 'gainst His Wrath,
Because a sudden wind at twilight's hush
Had snapped her stem alone of all the bush.
And God, Who hears both sun-dried dust and sun,
Had pity, whispering to that luckless one,
"Sister, in that thou sayest We did not well --
What voices heardst thou when thy petals fell?"
And the Rose answered, "In that evil hour
A voice said, `Father, wherefore falls the flower?
For lo, the very gossamers are still.'
And a voice answered, `Son, by Allah's will!'"

Then softly as a rain-mist on the sward,
Came to the Rose the Answer of the Lord:
"Sister, before We smote the Dark in twain,
Ere yet the stars saw one another plain,
Time, Tide, and Space, We bound unto the task
That thou shouldst fall, and such an one should ask."
Whereat the withered flower, all content,
Died as they die whose days are innocent;
While he who questioned why the flower fell
Caught hold of God and saved his soul from Hell.

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 ͡°)

Prayer: What Does Not Work ~ Tell Me NOW

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I discussed at length when pondering the Magic 8-Ball, I always want to know NOW.  I do not like not knowing but I am learning to live with it.  I am also learning that when I do know I have a better chance to make things worse.

One of the points of prayer is to exercise our faith.  Instead of that we often insist that God give us the answers right foot-stamping, lip-pouting, NOW.  We demand like petulant children that our Father give us the answers to our questions.  Further we often dictate what those answers must be when they are given.

That is the opposite of how this works.  Instead we are supposed to humbly make our requests steeling our faith to accept whatever the Father, our Father deems best for us.  We are not satisfied with the vital truth that our omniscient, omnipotent, loving Father knows what is best in every situation.  If he keeps things hidden from us it is what is best for us.  If he does not give us the answers we are required to have faith that he has things under his control.

I have questions.  They will not be answered on my terms.  When I pray for the answers that I want I must not dictate terms as to what or when.  It is just not my place.  It is a minimum disrespectful and at worst it is faithless.

I am required to live by faith. If I have all the answers I want that becomes impossible.  I must choose to follow as required even when I want to know now.

Things I Never Knew – Pat Terry

Lord I have a question that I haven’t found an answer for

Noting seems to make it go away

Your Book was strangely silent when I turned the pages in it

Though I thought you’d surely have a word to say

I have had this question for some time without an answer

There’s a different view in everything I’ve read

At times I thought I knew it but when it got down to it

It was just some words that someone else had said

If only I were with you when you walked down here among us

We could have talked it over face to face

Though I know you never left me all alone know I long to hear your voice

Hear your words, touch your face.

Oh one day you will come for me

I’ll kneel before you humbly

We’ll talk about the things I never knew

And all the things I couldn’t see

Will simply be explained to me

In words that could only come from you

Until that day I’m waiting here with upturned face and open ear

And if my questions never bring me truth

I’ll be satisfied to know

That when my time on earth’s no more

I’ll have eternity to talk with 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 ͡°)

Prayer: What Does Not Work ~ Prayer without Effort

Greetings Dear Reader,

Over a twenty-five-year teaching career I often encountered students who would request that I pray for their success on exams.  I always asked the student if he or she had studied.  I would pray for the student no matter what his or her answer.

If the student said that he or she had studied then I would pray that the study would be recalled easily, that there would be no anxiety, and there would be a measure of mercy in the blank spots.  If he or she had failed to study then I would pray that he or she would learn the lesson of the importance of study quickly.  There is a vast difference between praying for recall and for divine revelation.

Now I sit me down to study,

I pray to the Lord I don’t go nutty.

If I should fail to learn this junk,

I pray to the Lord that I don’t flunk.

Now I lay me down to rest,

I pray I pass tomorrow’s test.

If I should die before I wake,

That’s one less test I’ll have to take. - Unknown

The point is that just like faith without works is dead, prayer without effort is empty.  God requires us to do our best and to pray for his blessing.  Neither can be left out.  One of my closest friends is currently unemployed.  He and I pray every day for him to find a job.  He also applies for jobs in his field every day.  He seeks to find real work that will allow him to meet his obligations and honor Christ in his work.

Were he only praying and not seeking work he would be wrong.  Were he only seeking a job and not praying he would be wrong.  I watch him get frustrated over the lack of progress but I am encouraged by his steadfast faith and effort.  He asks us to pray for him but is accountable to his efforts, frugal with his resources, and still has a generous heart.  He will not doubt God just because he has to count on him solely each day that passes where he does not earn an income. 

Prayer does not work when we do not work.  We may be unable to do some things but we can always do something.  It is a waste for my time and disrespectful for me to ask the Father to do what I can do for myself.  It is also a violation of my obedience to fail to involve him through prayer in every effort.  As Keith Green said so well: “DO YOUR BEST, pray that it’s blessed, and Jesus takes care of the rest.

He’ll Take Care of the Rest – Keith Green

You know it ain't no use, banging your head, up against that cold stone wall,

Cause nobody's perfect, except for the Lord, and even the best bound to fall,

Remember He is de vine, and you are de branch,

He'd love to get you through it if you'd give Him a chance,

Just keep doing your best,

And pray that it's blessed,

And Jesus takes care of the rest.

Yes the Lord said that He'd take care of the rest, He's gonna do it,

He'll take care of the rest, He'll see you through it,

He'll take care of the rest, the devil blew it,

He'll take care of the, He'll take care of the rest.

Just think about Moses, in front of the burning bush, barefoot on the Holy ground,

You know, he must have been thinking, what's an old dude like me,

Gonna tell em all when I go down, go down Moses,

The Lord said, hey Moe, don't you worry about your going down south,

I'll be saying every word that comes out of your mouth,

Just keep doing your best, and pray that it's blessed,

Hey Moe, I'll take care of the rest.

Yes the Lord said that He'd take care of the rest, he's gonna do it,

He'll take care of the rest, He'll see you through it,

He'll take care of the rest, oh, Pharaoh blew it,

He'll take care of the, He'll take care of the rest.

Just believe, and you'll receive, that comfort you need,

You just think about all those lonely people you know,

They've got everything they want, but they have empty souls,

Well, He'll take care of the, He'll take care of the, He'll take care of the, care of the rest.

You just think about Noah, toting his umbrella, when there wasn't a cloud in the sky,

All his neighbors would laugh at his pet giraffe, and would snicker as he walked by,

But the Lord said, hey Noah, keep cool, just keep building that boat,

It's just a matter of time till they see who's gonna float,

You just keep doing your best, and pray that it's blessed,

Hey Noah, I'll take care of the rest, I'm the weatherman.

The Lord said that he'll take care of the rest, He's gonna do it,

He'll take care of the rest, He'll see you through it,

He'll take care of the rest, his neighbors blew it,

He'll take care of the rest, He's gonna do it, He's gonna do it,

He'll take care of the rest, only Jesus can see you through it,

He'll take care of the rest, yes, yes, yes,

He'll take care of the, He'll take care of the rest....

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 ͡°)

Prayer: What Does Not Work ~ Make me Rich

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am not going to waste your time by discussing the absurdity of those who teach that wealth is a sign of faith.  I will not even associate the word “gospel” with that thinking.  It is at least ignorant of what the Gospel is and at best an intentional deception.

We live in a conundrum that can be confusing and so we pray in ways that are not what is best for addressing the Creator of all things.  I am supposed to count on the Father for everything.  He wants us to be totally dependent upon his grace and providence.  This does not mean that God is an ATM.

We ask for things we do not need.  That is not necessarily wrong.  It is not even wrong to be comfortable.  What is wrong is asking for this so that we may consume them for our own pleasures at the neglect of genuine needs of others.  It does not work to ask God for riches so that we can be rich.

I do not want to hide the fact that I seek to earn income from my writing and that the potential for great wealth lies in that endeavor.  Of importance is that there is something more than the desire for money here.  I ask God to use my writing for the benefit of others.  I have a plan in place for how I would use wealth.  I have included in the increase in resources how I would be generous with those resources.

We must be people who practice generosity when we have little so that it will be a habit when we have much.  It does not work to ask God to make you rich.  It does work to ask him to help you learn to be more generous with what you have and how to be dependent upon him for your needs.

I will warn others that the latter half of that comes with great risk.  It is not real risk because all we risk is not knowing how God will provide.  We do not need to know.  We do need to believe and that can be harder than punching a clock at a job we hate.  It can be even harder when we do not have a job.

It can be hard not to just ask God for what you want.  He desires to meet our needs and he will.  What we have to do is seek him and follow with all our hearts.  It does not seem logical and it does not mean that we do not do our part.  We will talk about that tomorrow.  For now, I must remember that the truth is the tightrope between treating God like a blank check and failing to depend on him for everything.

Mercedes Benz – Janis Joplin

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends.

Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,

So Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV?

Dialing For Dollars is trying to find me.

I wait for delivery each day until three,

So oh Lord, won't you buy me a color TV?

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town?

I'm counting on you, Lord, please don't let me down.

Prove that you love me and buy the next round,

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a night on the town?

Everybody!

Oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

My friends all drive Porsches, I must make amends,

Worked hard all my lifetime, no help from my friends,

So oh Lord, won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz?

That's it!

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Prayer: What Does Not Work ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I pray every single day.  I try to be in constant conversation with the Father.  Picture Tevye at the beginning of Fiddler on the Roof.  I talk to God when I drive, work, and wander about the house.  I try to obey the command to pray without ceasing.

Also, I have time set aside for specific attention just to prayer.  I pray for friends and family.  I pray for my government and my nation.  I pray for the needs of those caught up in disasters natural and man-made.  None of this takes as much time as one would imagine.

What I am pondering for the next few days, however, is what does not work.  What about prayer is a waste of time.  Curl back your toes if they are easily stepped on for I will not be over-careful where I step on this one.  Prayer works.  That does not mean that it works the way we want or expect it to work.

Two conversations I have had about prayer teach me that we do not always understand the nature of prayer and its purpose.  Too often we express things in a way that sets us up for failure.  We place ourselves in a position to ask amiss and blame God for the lack of things unfolding as we want them to unfold. 

As I walk through this thinking please to not mistake my blunt approach for a lack of compassion.  Failure to get the premise right almost always leads to the wrong conclusion.  We address the living God and must do so with the heart and attitude requisite of the task. 

Please walk with me a bit Dear Reader as I attempt to remind my spirit what does not work in prayer.  As always, I value your company, questions, and counsel. 

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 ͡°)

Masks ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Even the most honest among us wears a mask at times.  I do not think it possible to be completely free of them until we are in a much different world.  Just yesterday I needed to mask my feelings to keep the peace. 

Like an addiction to an analgesic we often wear the mask until we love, long forgetting what our true faces look like.  “How do I take off a mask when it stops being a mask? When it's as much a part of me as I am?” (Mr. Robot) 

That is the danger of the mask.  It can become fused to us; part of us.  We become the thing we pretend to be and cannot discern where our true selves leave off.  Whether the mask is affixed by others or self-ordained we are the only ones who can choose to abandon it.  We are the ones who affix it anew in our preparations for the day.

I am required to be who I am created to be by God.  Perhaps the greatest complement I have ever been given was when a friend recently told me that you get the same “me” in every situation.  Even under the guise of this nam-de-plum I am the same man.  I carry the same wounds, scars, and triumphs.  I carry the requirement to love everyone into every situation.

Perhaps it is the masks we choose that cause us to inflict so much pain upon each other.  We fear that who we are behind the mask will be found unloved, unneeded, and unwanted.  Yet the one who loves me; who gave his life for me and my reclamation sees further past the mask than ever could any man.  Seeing who I am he proclaims that he loves me and it is the real me that he loves. 

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 ͡°)

Masks ~ Versus Resolve and Resolution

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are those who would have it that we should express how we feel in every moment without reservation.  Carried to its logical extreme this would be a very dangerous practice.  This has already led to some very serious problems.

Too often our culture seems to erupt with emotion and make that the evidence of a thing.  What happens is that fact and information are set aside for outrage and anger.  Perhaps this is actually putting on a mask of emotion to hide truth.  Perhaps we take on a guise of offense on behalf of others for our own purpose.

Do not think that I am not saying that it is wrong to feel outrage over injustice.  It is required.  What I would submit is that engulfing the facts in a mask of anger detracts from others hearing truth.  It is often the case that the cause gets lost in the throngs angry shouts.

The face of logic, reason, and peaceful discourse is what moves us further down the road to truth and justice.  We mask it when we lessen ourselves by causing harm and destruction.  There are times when showing how I feel about something is inappropriate.  In these cases, I must not wear a mask but I must be myself whilst not indulging my emotions.  I must speak the truth in love.

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 ͡°)

Masks ~ The Jesus Mask

Greetings Dear Reader,

I think one of small things that is a great cancer is the meaning of “You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain.”  This is not simply saying the name of God or Jesus and attaching to it an expletive.  It is something much more sinister and infinitely more damaging. 

The true intent of the command is to refrain from using the name of God for one’s own purposes.  This then invokes that one cannot and must not hide behind a religious mask for gain, power, or status.  It is not permissible to use the name of God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit to further an agenda outside of the Gospel.

Think for a moment how very many organizations that claim to represent Christ instead represent greed, pride, and manipulation.  As an example, when you see “Christians” on television look at what they are really after.  If it is money or followers they are taking the name of Jesus in vain.  They are wearing a Jesus mask.

The impact of this kind of behavior is that the name of Christ is lessened in the eyes of those who do not know him.  The Gospel cannot be heard or seen for the cloud of faces asking for something instead of offering the truth. 

I must never wear a Jesus mask.  I must instead assure that I represent Jesus as he is.  I must not have any other agenda than to share what he is to me without mask or pretense. My agenda here is never hidden.  I follow Christ and wish that all walked with me; not following me but as equals.

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 ͡°)

Masks ~ Family

Greetings Dear Reader,

It should be that the one place where one could go bare-face and without pretense is with family.  Too often, however, it is the place that is a constant masquerade.  It is the most dangerous ground we tread.

I was once traveling with a couple who are dear friends to have dinner with the parents of the young lady.  All the way there she instructed me on what was the right behaviour amongst her family.  I had seen this same wonderful person on many occasion apply her makeup whilst driving.  In this instance, she was constructing a mask for me that was suitable for her family.

The experience was entertaining for me but also very sad.  I watched an entire family spend an evening acting out parts assigned them by years of living in a household devoid of the freedom to be the person he or she is when away.  Not being inclined to this kind of theatre I chose a strategy of silence. 

I became good friends with the young lady’s siblings.  I once had a very real conversation with her oldest sister who commented, “We do not show our true selves to each other. We act our part and pay a lot of money for therapy.”

Home and family should be the place where who you are is welcome no matter who you are.  I must create space where my family can speak their minds.  Yes, it must be done with love and kindness.  Home must be at all costs a harbor for our true selves that is safe from the storm that is the world.

I must create a harbor for my family and not a place of fear and pretense.  It must be a place where the love of Christ is the rule and all things are viewed through the ideas of forgiveness and reconciliation.  It is never too late to create this space for others.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Masks ~ Affixing the Iron

Greetings Dear Reader,

I like to read.  When I was young and less socially inclined I would read for hours alone in my room.  Then and still one of my favorite authors was Alexander Dumas.  His stories of the Musketeers, Edmond Dantès, and Louis XIV have entertained me over and over throughout the years.

In The Vicomte of Bragelonne: Ten Years Later, Dumas tells the story of Louis XIV and his twin brother who is imprisoned and forced to wear an iron mask to hide his identity.  I will not spoil the story for you.  It is an excellent read.  In fact, I find all of Dumas’ novels great companions when I need to stir my imagination.  This one, however, so fits my thoughts at this time that I re-read it last evening.

One of the great sins we visit upon each other is forcing people we claim to love to wear masks.  We tell children not to feel a certain way.  We make people behave in a certain manner to be accepted.  We meter how others may express their feelings, needs, and concerns.

I am not saying that we should not teach politeness and civility.  I am saying that we should not force others to live a lie.  We must not, even in the name of good, tell others how they must be toward others when it is a lie.  We can be honest and be loving and kind.  We can be angry and not be mean or violent. 

Too often I have congress with people who say everything is “fine” through venomous words and scouting faces.  Worse yet, they force a smile that flashes and fades in an instant hoping to leave an image of credible civility that is actually a lie.  We both know it is a lie and they wish to force us into and iron mask of denial.

It became a matter of survival to read these masks and those who would force me to wear them when I was young.  For a time, I adopted this and tried to fit my mask to others.  It was a catastrophic and harmful failure. 

We cannot do what is right and force others to lie.  We can fit iron to their faces and then ask them why they do not smile.  We cannot force a smile from them and either of us believe that there is truth and love in it.  We go too many places where we must pick up the mask of that place at the door, affix on their say so, and become less that we are to get along.

I must create space where one may be whomever he or she is.  I will insist on kindness and love but the person must be free of masks that hinder being accepted for who they truly 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 ͡°)

Masks ~ Social Situations

Greetings Dear Reader,

I overheard a conversation between two friends who were planning an evening out.  They were discussing what persona they would adopt depending on where they would go for the evening.  They discussed what they would pretend to be or what they had already pretended to be at places they already visited.

How often do we put on masks for our social situations?  We become something we are not in order to fit in or impress.  Instead of being who we are we take on the acceptable visage of the party.  We adopt the mask of the moment to be who we think other expect us to be in the setting.

The problem is that if that is what the majority of people in the setting are doing then everyone is not who they are.  Just thinking about that gives me a heartache (and perhaps a headache).  When we spend time and effort being something we are not to impress those who are not what they are then we gain nothing.

I am not saying that differing behaviors for diverse social situations is wrong.  Rather, it is often called for.  That does not mean that within the suit of the moment that we cannot be our true selves.  I do not have to falsely become someone else. 

In truth, I must always be who I am in any situation.  I must be polite and respect the customs of others.  I might even have to suit up for the social requirements.  The man in the suit, however, must always be an honest loving follower of Christ.  If I wear any other mask I do great wrong.

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 ͡°)

Masks ~ Social Media

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am weary today so I am going to grab some low-hanging fruit here.  This does not mean that I am not serious or committed.  It is just that I am going to point out a bit of the obvious. 

Recently someone with whom I am very close posted a concern on his social media page requesting prayer support from his friends.  One of those “friends” proceeded to suggest that he was not doing enough for himself and launched a verbal argument that distracted from the honest need.

Too often we use the mask of social media to appear other than we are.  I am not being hypocritical.  I acknowledge that I use a nom-de-plum but I do not use this persona to attack anyone or pretend that I am other than I am.  My purpose in doing this is that I do not desire to be famous or infamous.  I desire to be a teller of tales and transparent follower of Jesus. 

Many, however, use the relative anonymity of social media to attack others, lie about their lives, and hide the truth of their nefarious deeds.  It is too easy to build a mask from behind which we can snipe and snarl.  As I said last week when discussing Minced Words, we forget that what we say has great power.  My improperly used words have done much more damage than my improper actions.

We use our social media to say hateful and hurtful things thinking that we can do so free of consequence.  There is always accountability for what we say.  Worse, we use it to manipulate and deceive others.   We exact control from behind the mask of our fake profiles and inflated statuses.  We seek attention and favor instead of being open and honest about our true status.

As a Christ follower, I am supposed to be transparent.  I am required to live with the understanding that I will give an account for “every idle word.”  Even if you do not share my faith Dear Reader, it is vital that you allow those of us who care about you to see the unmasked you.  It is the only way we can learn to love you for who you really 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 ͡°)

Second Thoughts – In Defense of Early Risers

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.

I have been a short sleeper most of my life.  I usually sleep only four or five hours out of any twenty-four.  If I sleep longer than that it is due to illness or medication.  Because of that I am a very early riser.  I am usually up by 4:00 AM without the aid of an alarm clock.  It is really quite a wonder that I survived childhood and that my mother dared to give me siblings.

When people discover that I am a short sleeper (as opposed to being an insomniac) they offer all kinds of advice on how I could sleep longer.  A former college roommate suggested that he could hit me in the head with a rubber mallet each night.  Thusly concussed he was sure that I would sleep longer and more soundly.  I declined the offer.

Other offers have been sleep studies, drugs, and brain surgery to name just a few.  It makes me wonder what bothers others so much about my not sleeping more.  Some express guilt at sleeping too much.  Some explain how they need much more sleep or they will become murderous.  Too often the revelation brings questions about and speculation concerning what must be wrong with me.

I want to assure you Dear Reader that I use the time for good and not nefarious purposes.  This early morning time when I am up and most of those I know in slumber is when I have my quiet time with God, write my BLOG, and work on my novels.  It is also when I take the time to pray for you and your expressed needs. 

When I lived in a colder house and not alone I would shower early to assure that there was ample hot water for those who followed.  I could use time to prepare substantial breakfasts for those who would awaken later.   The curse comes for others when I am up and ready to go when they are just clearing the cob webs.

Recently someone told me I had no right to be witty at six in the morning.  I explained that I had already been up and creative for two hours.  She looked at me as if I had just confessed to drowning puppies in the tears of toddlers.  She assured me that my being up doing anything at that hour on purpose was surely a form a madness.

Fear not Dear Reader.  I will not require you join me during the wee hours of the morning.  I will not speak to you loudly when you do arise from your slumber.  I will almost always have already prayed for you, made a fresh pot of coffee, and be happy to see you. We are irritating because we have been up longer than 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 ͡°)

Masks ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

It occurred to me whilst I was out this weekend that Halloween is upon us.  The shops are filled with costumes, candy, and decorations of the macabre.  My first thought for Halloween is always toward candy.

That is really all the use I have for the American version of Halloween.  I don’t really go in for the costumes, decorations, and parties.  Since my health forbids the candy the whole thing is rather lost on me.  Except of course when it comes to my Grandsons. 

They are already planning and plotting their costumes and candy haul.  Should you like to see something further about Halloween from me you might enjoy my chapter on it in Sheetrock on the Road.   What has my focus right now though is masks. 

We wear them all year round.  We hide who we are for certain situations to people not in that situation.   Someone told me this week that when you are with me in any situation you get me.  I wonder if that makes people uncomfortable.

The story is almost cliché.  Someone shows up at the masquerade without a mask (should I be spelling that masque for continuity?).  He or she is out of place due to the lack of hidden identity.  To be just there is also the opposite where the party is not a costume party and he or she has been told it is. 

The point here is that we are out of place if we do not wear the mask when we are supposed to be wearing it.  We are not fitting into the spirit of things.  For me masks bring on thoughts of hiding who we are.  That is all fine for celebration and a little mystery.  The thoughts dancing through my head this week are concerning the ones we wear to get through life.

I have never really fit in anywhere.  I am sure that part of the reason is that even as a small boy I would be the one to point out if the Emperor had not clothes.  If you do not know this tale then here is a link to it:  The Emperor’s New Suit.  It is a very short read but will provide excellent context to our journey this week.  I hope you join me as I ponder the wearing of social masks and my need to make my way in a culture that is uncomfortable when we reject them.  As always, Dear Reader, I value your input.

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 ͡°)

Minced Words ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Please remember that I ponder these things so that I align my life and actions with what is right.  I am attempting to be transparent not judge others or dictate to them.  It is sometimes necessary to generalize to set the hard deck.

There are certain things that are required of Christ followers.  One of them is that we are to be straight with each other.  Another is that we are supposed to take care of each other.  We are supposed to love each other at any cost.  It is the example that Christ sets for us.

We fail to do this.  We say we will but we must actually do it.  I remember my Grandfather in one of his little churches on a Sunday morning.  The poor community for which he cared would take up an offering and give part of it to him for being their preacher for that Sunday.  He had gotten word that one of his congregation was in need.  He quietly gave the money to that man.

He was always that way.  You could count on him.  He was not one to mince words.  If he said he would help you could be assured of his help.  If he thought you were wrong he would lovingly tell you.

I want to be someone who lovingly says what he means and follows through.  I would rather be there for you and fail than fail to be there for you.  I must care for those in need and not just serve up promises of support in words that I can later mince.  I must pray when I say I will pray.  I must support when I say I will support. I must give when I can.  I cannot follow Christ without doing this.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Minced Words ~ Perception Becomes Reality

Greetings Dear Reader,

I often ponder what the world would look like if we saw things as they are unfiltered by our own perceptions.  I try to do this.  The problem is that we create so many filters that they blend and become almost fused with reality.  Whether due to political correctness, religious rhetoric, or social tirades we rarely get unfiltered information.  Even I struggle with assuring that I do not impose my filters on others.

Not all filters are bad but we must honestly and often weigh our preconceptions and perceptions to assure that we are filtering for purity and not policy or politics.  The truth is the truth.  It is absolute and irrefutable.  The difficulty is that we are in a constant smoke screen of opinions, slogans, and positions that ignore the truth or worse try to hide it.

The perception that a thing is true that is not gets promoted through the shouted opinion of the masses.  A misdirection gets reported in the news cycle with all of the readers using the same terms.  A false perception becomes the group think.  The lie becomes the truth. 

We mince the words until we have successfully created a word cloud that hides reality but pleases the will of the throng.  I know that the truth is there.  I know that I must seek it with all my heart.  The perceptions out there that seem to be reality mollify or outrage us to distraction.

Freedom is only found in real truth.  I have an agreement with my grandsons.  I will never tell them what to believe.  I will, if asked, tell them what I believe.  I know what I believe Dear Reader.  I also know about the things of which I am unsure.  It is in being honest about the latter that we can clear some of the smoke.

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 ͡°)

Minced Words ~ ‘Till Death…

Greetings Dear Reader,

I need to be absolutely clear before I embark on these thoughts that I do not speak from a position of innocence or judgment.  My own failures disqualify me from both. I know my experience and I know what others tell me to the degree that they are honest.  This does not change the raw truth of things.

I only know of one person that said both the vow, “’Till death do us part” and later “I only expected the marriage to last ten years or so from the beginning.”  This is just a single example of the way in which we mince the vows we take.  We shave away at the bedrock of them until they are sand. 

I rather want to focus on those who are experts and mincing words but choose integrity.  I think of my dear friends “J” and “L”.  I do not have permission to discuss their marriage so I will not reveal their names.  I do, however, have nothing but praise for the way they daily choose to choose each other.

They have had trouble and adversity.  They still choose each other.  There have been times of deep darkness, health issues, and derailed dreams.  They still choose to choose each other.  They are open about the challenges and struggles with those who listen.  They love each other and join forces to live out that love no matter what life throws their way.

No matter how we feel or think this is the right thing to do.  We cannot mince the words of our vows and hope to be “in the right.”  Before you start raising the situational flag Dear Reader, I get that there are circumstances where it becomes unsafe to stay with someone.  If we drew the line there it would be understandable. 

Instead we find ways to diminish our vows to wishes made when we were younger.  Our personals goals, wishes, and desires take precedence over promises we made on which others bet their lives.  The number of lives damaged because we mince these particular words astounds me.

As I said at the beginning, I have failed too much to judge anyone else on this.  I have also learned enough from those failures to know that going down the road of vow shredding is a dangerous choice.  I am not sure that I will ever have the chance again to live out the choice to “keep to my first sworn vows”.  I do, however, find great peace and joy in those like J and L who do so.    

  

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 ͡°)

Minced Words ~ I Will Always Be There for You

Greetings Dear Reader,

I try not to talk about the things I do for others.  I sometimes discuss them with my children to set an example and because I want to be accountable for what I do.  Mostly I want to do good in secret. 

Over a twenty-five-year teaching history I have taught over five thousand students.  I have explained to every class on the first day of class that once someone is one of my students they are for life.  Pass, fail, hate or love me, I will care about them for the rest of my life.  Every once in a while, a student reaches out to me for questions, concerns, or to share his or her success.  I find great joy in all of this. 

I will always respond to them.  I will help if I can.  Each time, however, I am reminded of the times I have failed to be there when I said I would be there.  I am reminded of the people who promised to always be there for me who are not because they found me wanting in some way or something else mattered more to them.

We see memes so often that speak of crisis or difficulty teaching us who our friends are.  This is such a sad commentary to me.  We are supposed to be a community that is bound by the requirement to care for each other.  We are supposed to be there whenever there is need not just during hurricanes and death. 

I must find ways to help others no matter what my situation is.  I can always find a way to be kinder, more generous, and present.  Even if I cannot help I can be there.  I can listen, comfort, or just sit in silence.  I can set aside my agenda and be present for the needs of others.  I do not want to mince the words that I will be there for others. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts – Counting the Losses

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.

Do we still have the ability to empathize with others?  This week is filled with so much loss on so many scales.  There are still people from Key West, Florida to Toccoa, Georgia without electricity.  In the Keys so many cannot even get to their homes to assess the damage.  Basics like food, water, and shelter are in great demand but short supply. 

A continent away a family suffers because a loved one, too young and too alive was suddenly tragically taken from them.  I cannot console them.  I can be there and love them and listen without cliché or advice.  I can be a guardian of grief embracing them from two thousand miles away.  I can be open to their need to rage against the universe, the world, and God.  They are family to me and their loss is not lost in the storm of loss sweeping our world.

We get so caught up in the things that numb our brain that we forget to look for things that need, yea require our compassion.  We come together briefly but now we politicize along the way.  We need to spout our agenda instead of simply loving those in need in the moment.  Worse, we use the loss and grief of others to promote our agenda.  Even if this is a good agenda it is the wrong way to do it.

To those who have lost things, please know that I care.  To those who have lost others to death because of these universal and individual horrors please be sure that I see you and I love you.  Death rides hurricanes, falling trees, and all the secret passages we do not see or suspect.  He comes unbidden and will have the price owed him by every man.  Billions of dollars in property loss devastates those who owned, used, and depended on that property.  I would chuck it all to save the relatively few lives that were lost.    

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 ͡°)

Minced Words ~ I Will Never Abandon My Faith

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of my dearest friends expressed his concern to me some years ago that his adult child was “losing his/her faith.”  We talked long about it.  He told he was reassured by the child that he/she would never abandon the faith that we share.

At this point that child no longer believes in God and has given up all aspects of faith.  When we connected recently I could not be prepared for the well of grief in this father’s heart.  He is broken in so many ways because this child he loves has chosen to leave behind that which was once precious.

I realize that there are reasons why this happens.  I understand it is difficult to navigate the complexities of culture with one’s faith unchallenged.  What I do not understand is the failure to see the consequences of this choice as it impacts those we have assured that we will not lose our faith.

My faith must come first in all things.  I have journeyed through some dark times when it was challenged and I had to cling to it for all that I had.  I have failed at times to live it properly.  At times living out my faith costs more and is harder that I like. 

No matter what is in front of me I have promised others that I will never abandon my faith.  I will fail and have struggles but I will not betray those who see my faith as an example by mitigating my struggles through unbelief.  I will not betray God by disbelieving.

Further, there are things I want in my life that I could have were I to abandon faith.  There are things that would be easier were I to channel and focus my baser nature.  I have already traded too much for that in the past.  I will not cease to work daily to walk in faith and try to get a purchase on the humility required to do so. 

I can mince the words I promised to God and people.  I can explain away my faith with simple turning of phrases and suitable application of self-deception.  The problem is that I really do believe.  I have to lie to myself to accept that my faith is unfounded.  I have to betray hard-won reason and growth.  At the end of the day Dear Reader, the price is just too high.

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 ͡°)

Minced Words ~ Opening Thoughts (Words)

Greetings Dear Reader,

A series of ads currently running asks the what if of saying what we really mean.  This intrigues me.  My Grandfather used to say “You can say whatever you need to say.  It is how you say it that matters.”  My eldest Son, Maxim does not like to mince words in any way.  It struck me that we are forgetting how to say what we mean and more so forgetting to mean what we say.

We too often use too many words to say too little.   The influence of political correctness and double speak have replaced speaking the truth in love.  The words we use get filtered so as not to offend, make uncomfortable, or appear to disagree with the current public thought. 

In addition to accepting this form of thought police we have lost the understanding that what we say matters.  We do mince the words.  Firm statements we make become word hash as we look for a way out of our obligations.  Saying “I will do it” gets edited in our minds until it has enough provisos to make it sound like an entertainer’s contract.

I need to spend some time pondering how to deal with a world that wants to communicate in backdoors and escape clauses instead of solid reasoning and common understanding.  Words need to be selected, vetted, and honestly applied to others.  Walk with me Dear Reader as I craft words to explain the words that make me concerned about the way in which we use words.  Your words always are valuable to me.

Say What you Need to Say – John Mayer

Take all of your wasted honor

Every little past frustration

Take all of your so-called problems,

Better put 'em in quotations

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Walking like a one-man army

Fighting with the shadows in your head

Living out the same old moment

Knowing you'd be better off instead,

If you could only

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Say what you need to say

Have no fear for giving in

Have no fear for giving over

You'd better know that in the end

It’s better to say too much

Then never say what you need to say again

Even if your hands are shaking

And your faith is broken

Even as the eyes are closing

Do it with a heart wide open

Say what you need to say, say what you need to say

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 Was an Accident ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am not a scientist.  I try to understand as much science as I can and I am thankful for the minds who create so much that makes our lives better.  The church has not always given the scientific community all the respect it deserves.

Still, I cannot believe, and it takes belief, that all of the cosmos is a series of happy accidents.  I am not saying that all of the discoveries and the science are wrong.  They just have not answered enough of my questions. 

For me also there is the logic of it all.  It is not logical that the universe has no designer.  It is not logical that there is no purpose.  I find in the vast path from the beginning to now too many assumptions for the absence of a Designer to require anything but faith.  If I have to have faith for one or the other I will choose that there is a Designer.

I will also continue to call for honesty on both sides.  Until we really speak without posturing and insults we cannot find truth.  Until we embrace humility in admitting that there are so many things we still do not know we cannot be honest about our conclusions and the faith required to hold them.   The difference for me is that an accidental universe requires nothing of us and my Designer requires that I have faith.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

It Was an Accident ~ A Matter of Method

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am sure we all remember learning the scientific method in primary school.  I am also sure that we have not thought about it much since.  Beyond that is a very important scientific practice of peer review.  This method of vetting work, when applied honestly, allows for validation and criticism that can move honest knowledge and understanding forward.

The scientists who wish to put forth positions that are not solid avoid peer review or find ways to manipulate the process.  One of the things that we need to understand about scientific peer review is that it is meant to be a neutral process.  It is required that our methods and conclusions be vetted as plausible by those who understand the science.

When it comes to intelligent design there is peer-reviewed literature.  This is a set of peer-reviewed scientific publications published in scientific journals, conference proceedings, or academic anthologies.  The point is that if we are going to be honest we need to let the scientific community see our work and critique it.  By “our” I do not mean to imply that I contribute to this work in any way.

If we do honest work and allow the world to vet it then we have the advantage of learning where our errors are, what we are getting right, and seeing the new questions that arise.  When we put forth honest work and we are accurate the truth stands on its own.  When we get real feedback from others we can better refine our position.

There will be detractors who deny our position no matter how clear the evidence.  Then again, we have been guilty of the same thing.  If we do not believe that our work can stand on its own then we need to hold back on presenting it until it can.  If we are certain that it will then the work will speak for itself.

It is our primary obligation to speak the truth in love.  It is my obligation to vet what I say through honest filters.  It is necessary that I also keep my priorities in line.  My obedience to love even those who hate what I believe must come before my desire to disagree.

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 ͡°)

Pausing to Pray - Hurricanes and Earthquakes

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am going to use my writing time this morning to pray for those fleeing from the storm, for those trapped by it, and for those impacted by the earthquake in Mexico.  My dear friend Jeff stated things so well I will just quote him.

“To all my South Florida family and friends, those I know well and those I don't. I want to help prepare you for what you’re going to experience. This is not to frighten you but to help you - The storm is not like anything you can really prepare for. It's not a stay at home off of work party for several days - but a life changing event. The fury will shake you to your core. The storm will spawn tornadoes and cause even more destruction. If it's a direct hit on Broward the devastation will be like nothing you've ever seen. Having your house boarded up is good but it will not protect you from tornadoes. Pictures are nothing like the real thing. You will be without power for weeks. No a/c, no way to cook, keep food for very long. Some of you won't have a work to go back to. Being able to depend on friends and people close by and far away will make a big difference. Community will be important. Helping each other and taking care of each other is what you do. Your friends want to know that you are alive as soon as possible. If you can leave please do. They should open the expressway to only go north on both sides of the turnpike - so use it. I know many of you can't leave - your taking care of others - helping those who can't help themselves - your running to the storm. I get that... The government can't take care of all of Florida so be prepared there will be little help at first. There is no safety net for this kind of devastation so just get yourself mentally ready. You will be numb for awhile. We will come for you. So just hold on. We will be praying for you all.”

Trying to Reason with Hurricane Season – Jimmy Buffet

Squalls out on the gulf stream

Big storm commin' soon

Passed out in my hammock

And God, I slept till way past noon

Stood up and tried to focus

I hoped I wouldn't have to look far

Sure could use a Bloody Mary

So I stumbled over to Loui's back yard

And now I must confess

I could use some rest

I can't run at this pace very long

Yes, it's quite insane

I Think I hurts my brain

But it cleans me out, then I can go on

There's something about this Sunday

It's the most peculiar gray

Strolling' down the avenue that's known as A1A

Feelin tired, then I got inspired

I knew it wouldn't last long

So all alone I walked back home

Sat on the beach and there I made up this song

And now I must confess

I could use some rest

I can't run at this pace very long

Yes it's quite insane

Think I hurt my brain

But it cleans me out, then I can go on

Well the wind is blowin' harder now

Fifty knots or there abouts

There's white caps on the ocean

And I'm watchin' for water spouts

It's time to close the shutters

It's time to go inside

In a week I'll be in gay Paris

Hell that's a mighty long airplane ride

And now I must confess

I could use some rest

I can't run at this pace very long

Yes it's quite insane

Think I hurt my brain

But it cleans me out, then I can go on

Yes it cleans me out, then I can go on

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 ͡°)