The Music Makes Me ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Even as I begin to write this a sad song floats through my mind.  This journey is such a vast conglomerate beginnings and endings; stops and starts.  The many steps pave the way through an all-to-short life.  The life is short but the road seems so long at times.

Yesterday I read something posted by my closest companion.  “The worst nightmares are the dreams where she still loves you.”  The dream he referenced was one where his life was the life he wished for with the woman he loves who no longer loves him.  The world contained his dream home and his children were all well.  He related that it was one of those dreams where the nightscape seems more real than the waking world.  The terror came from waking to realize that it was not true.

When we discussed it I asked him what song came to mind.  His instant answer was a Dan Fogelberg song, Scarecrow’s Dream:

Seldom seen, a scarecrow's dream
I hang in the hopes of replacement
Castles tall, I built them all
But I dream that I'm trapped in the basement.

And if you ever hear me calling out
And if you've been by paupers crowned
Between the worlds of men and make-believe

I can be found.

Plans I've made a masquerade

Fading in fear of the coming day
Heroes' tales like nightingales
Wrestle the wind as they run away.

And if you ever hear me calling out
And if you've been by paupers crowned
Between the worlds of men and make-believe

I can be found.

Garden gate, an empty plate
Waiting for someone to come and fill
Scarecrow's dreams like frozen streams
Thirst for the fall ut they're running still.

And if you ever hear me calling out
And if you've been by paupers crowned
Between the worlds of men and make-believe

I can be found.

We cannot avoid sorrow.  It is part of the journey.  My friend’s use of music to deal with it is wise.  We talked long about this and we share this sorrow at a deep level.  It is the sorrow as much as the joy that brings us close to each other.  They journey requires music to make it tolerable. 

I am going to increase the music I pour into my spirit.  This part of the journey closes with a renewed sense of appreciation of the value of music in my life.  As I end each theme in my blog posts I hope to do so a better man than when I started.  This one closes with me sadder but wiser.  To me that is an equitable trade.  The sadness will not endure.  Hopefully the wisdom will. 

Thank you, Dear Reader for your songs and interaction.  Perhaps we can get ahead of the storm for a bit as I venture into something new in my thoughts.  Your company makes things better. 

Closing Time – Semisonic

Closing time
Time for you to go out go out into the world.
Closing time
Turn the lights up over every boy and every girl.
Closing time
One last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer.
Closing time
You don't have to go home but you can't stay here.

I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home

Closing time
Time for you to go back to the places you will be from.
Closing time
This room won't be open 'til your brothers or you sisters come.
So gather up your jackets, and move it to the exits
I hope you have found a friend.

Closing time
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

Yeah, I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home

Closing time
Time for you to go back to the places you will be from

I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home

Closing time
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

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 ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ The Lost Verse

Greetings Dear Reader,

I think we all know that songs tell stories.  When someone writes a song, they have something to say.  They want to take this on a journey through a tale.  The completeness of the journey is determined by the writer with every verse he or she pens.  Often, for the purpose of time verses are left out of songs.  Sometimes the intent is to covey certain themes in the song or to enhance a visual in a movie. 

When we leave out verses, we leave out part of the story.  We would not remove a part of a painting or take a chapter out of a book and believe that we had the entire intent of the creator.  A great example of this is the song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.  The full version live in London has all the verses.  Below is the album version.

It is vital to get the entire meaning of the song that the last two versus are included.  It makes all the difference in whether the song has hope or despair.  We cannot expect the popular versions by groups like Pentatonix to convey the entire message of the song.  Do not get me wrong; these cover versions are all excellent and serve a purpose.  They do not, however, conveyed the same message.

It is vital in my opinion that we understand the intent of the creator each song we listen to and that we see the entire picture.  This is one of the reasons that I’m very careful which songs I put in my brain. There have been many instances where I have learned at a later date that the version of the song the I love is not the original.   I seek out the original so that I know who the meaning of the song and the intent of the artist. 

Since music is so very powerful, I must be circumspect in my listening, understanding, and referencing songs.  Music should challenge our minds to understand the message the artist is transmitting.  It takes effort but is always worth it.  I am accountable for what I take in and what it does to me.

Halleluiah by Leonard: luiah – Leonard Cohen – Original version from the album Various Positions

I’ve heard there was a secret chord

that David played, and it pleased the Lord,

but you don’t really care for music, do you?

It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth

the minor fall, the major lift;

the baffled king composing Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof.

You saw her bathing on the roof;

her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you.

She tied you to a kitchen chair

she broke your throne, and she cut your hair,

and from your lips she drew the Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the Name in vain;

I don’t even know the name.

But if I did, well, really, what’s it to you?

There’s a blaze of light in every word;

it doesn’t matter which you heard,

the holy, or the broken Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best; it wasn’t much.

I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch.

I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you.

And even though it all went wrong,

I’ll stand before the Lord of Song

with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

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 ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ Intimate Insights

Greetings Dear Reader,

As a preamble to this part of our journey I asked you to share some music with me.  I have listened to every song you have sent me.  I have seen pieces of you that I may not have before this effort.  I am honored to know you better. 

The messages in music have helped me see the joy and pain you carry on our shared journey Dear Reader.  Most of what I write is for my own growth and ability to follow well.  Today I dedicate this to you.  You are precious to me. 

One of the gifts given me in your responses is that of new music in my journey.  I have listened to ancient hymns and modern melodies over the past few days.   Your entries have shown me hope, pain, loss, and gain.   They have reminded me that I am never the sole possessor of things painful or rapturous. 

There are standouts that have touched me deeply.  Some of the songs given to me will become a permanent part of the concert I carry in my heart and mind.  I pause here to thank you because my gratitude will not allow me to wait until the summation of the series. 

Since music makes so much of my spirit resonate I want you to realize just how much this gift means to me.  When the journey is over and we meet at the celebration I hope that I can find words to express how you have helped me along the path.  The songs we carry change us and what you have given me so far this week is changing me for the better.

Today, I express gratitude and will return to the improvement analysis tomorrow.  I promise to keep listening to your responses and responding to every single one of them.  Thank you, Dear Reader for enriching my life by sharing a cut or two of yours.   

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 ~ Praying in School

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things you encounter as a teacher and a Christ follower is that in school you must be very careful about the things you would naturally say.  Twice in the last two weeks the subject of God has come up with students.  The first time I was able to deflect the subject to something acceptable it in the classroom from a legal standpoint.

The second time the idea of God caught me by surprise.  We are studying insects and today we were listing various types of insects.  The children were excited to talk about crickets, grasshoppers, and lightning bugs.  We talked about the parts of insects; the head, the abdomen, and the thorax.  We discuss that they have six legs.  It was pointed out that they have the antennae.

Class was humming along and all of little minds were participating and contributed. Then Lydia (not her real name) broad up another insect.  She has very politely if a Praying Mantis was an insect.  I, instead of answering asked a question.  I asked Lydia if that Praying Mantis had six legs, antennae, and the body parts of an insect. Lydia loudly proclaimed that it did.

I began to explain why the Praying Mantis is a very interesting insect.  At this point, Paul (not his real name) raised his hand but did not wait for me to call on him.  He proclaimed loudly that I was not allowed to talk about God or prayer in school.  He made it very clear to me that if I did not stop talking about praying he would tell me.

So here was my dilemma: how does one explain the difference between the Praying Mantis and praying?  I chose to take the risk of explaining the difference between the word prey and pray.  I realize that the Praying Mantis is spelled like the prayer we offered to God.  Unfortunately, so did Paul.

At this point I tried to explain to Paul that the Mantis only had that name because of how it held its arms when it was hunting.  Paul insisted that I was still talking about for prayer.  Fortunately, a very intelligent young girl named Siyanna (not her real name) came to my rescue.  She pointed out that there were many words that had more than one meaning and that this could be one of them.

This seemed to mollify Paul and we went on with a lesson.  It troubles me greatly that children who so desperately need to understand prayer and how it works have learned that the word itself is not a good thing.  I will never violate the law and the school classroom by talking about prayer.  I will, however, constantly pray for these young children who need to see how much God loves them.  We need to understand his compassion, mercy, and grace to face a world we’re talking about talking to him is seen as either foolish or forbidden.  I respect the institution that has given me a job and I understand the need to obey the rules.  This does not prevent my heart on the yearning for everyone I encounter, especially children to see the love that Christ offers them.

This motivates me to pray, show these children love, and teach them to think.  It also makes me understand that the Praying Mantis may have caused the fodder to about prayer.  I will not take advantage of the situation but it will teach me to be kinder, gentler, and to find ways to live the Gospel without saying a word.

I have always loved the insect called the Praying Mantis.  Today I appreciate it more and the lessons it has to teach me.  There is no substitute for looking at the beauty of creation and finding a way to catch hold of the Creator.

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 ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ Where are We Going

Greetings Dear Reader,

Music transports us.  It takes us places.  The combination of music and lyrics touches us deeply and pushes us down a path.   It seeps into the fiber and sinew of the spirit to reveal how we really are inside.

Some people respond to this by saying this or that kind of music is bad.  They use moral arguments to say the music style is evil on its own.  That is just not true.  What the music says does reveal a great deal about its creator and those who listen to it.  That is not cause for judgment.  It is cause for discernment.

With every song I ask a simple question.  I ponder “Where are you trying to take me?”  I ask about the emotion, purpose, and world view of the song.  I seek to understand the artist’s world view as well.  The list of artists that I embrace their entire catalog of songs can be counted on one hand.

The responsibility is always mine.  Since music is so powerful I must be accountable for what I ingest.   It is not like having one too many drinks where the effects pass after a bit.  Music stays in us.  It impacts or infects us, drawing out the things that we hide and avoid.  It can harm or heal depending on the destination of the song. 

I must filter what I let in so that I am careful what parts of my nature I feed.  It required of following Christ that I monitor this with great vigilance.  When I ask the question, “Where are you taking me?”, I must insure that I ask and answer, “Do I want to go there?”

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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The Music Makes Me ~ When Sound is Light

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are dark times in our lives.  The darkness chases us always and sometimes overtakes us.  Too often it descends upon us unaware.  The music I have found that helps has become vital.

There are songs that help me work through anger.  Some help me emote that anger.  Some guide me back to calm so that I can deal with the anger properly.  Anger is not an emotion that I have difficulty touching but it sometimes gets the better of me.  I use music to guide my anger so that I do not do wrong.

Sorrow is harder for me to grasp.  It is there and harming me but I have more difficulty getting in touch with it.  The pain of that yields more difficulty in processing the sorrow.  Music and solitude can usually get me there.  Unfortunately, there are also times when the locked away sorrow and a song combine to emerge from me in a time and space not of my choosing. 

I was reminded of a song this morning by a friend.  It is one that plays in my head when I am in the dark and searching for a way out.  That is the searching that is the act of faith.  It is the seeking right even when I feel I have no light that is the key.  It is the pursuit of it that is required.

The way to find the way is remembering what the journey does.  It takes us home to a place we have never been before.   The joy in the journey is that hope.  Part of that hope is music in us to help us along the way.  Music is one of the lights I find in the darkness of my journey.  It is when sound become light for us.  When we are in the darkness we can sing together to light our way.

Joy in the Journey – Michael Card

There is a joy in the journey,

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

There is a wonder and wildness to life,

and freedom for those who obey.

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

Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind

To all who've been born of the Spirit

And who share incarnation with him;

Who belong to eternity, stranded in time,

And weary of struggling with sin.

Forget not the hope that's before you,

And never stop counting the cost.

Remember the hopelessness when you were lost?

There is a joy in the journey,

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

There is a wonder and wildness to life,

And freedom for those who obey.

And freedom for those who obey.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ Life’s Soundtrack

Greetings Dear Reader,

Often, I wish I could read minds.  Then I remember just how crazy I would seem to be if others could read my mind.  Since I should only do to others as I would have done to me, I must not learn to read minds.

Were you to read my mind, you would find that there is a soundtrack.  During almost every moment a song is playing in my head relative to what is occurring.  When I was having a conversation with a friend at breakfast we were discussing his trip to Alaska.  The songs North to Alaska, Cool Change, and Song of the Sea all floated through the background as I was listening.  I assure you that I was still listening.

In almost every situation this happens.  It is rarely distracting and I dampen it when it is.  I used to try to dampen it always.  I thought it was a problem.  Then I began to notice that the music provided insight into the conversation or situation.  It gave me a clue to emotions in the situations as I experience them.  I began to see the blessing in the oddity.

If I listen to the theme of the music playing in my head, I can better assess the situation and my feelings in it.  I can better see how to respond and interact with others.  It is good to use every tool available to me to become my best self.  If I am to follow Christ and serve others the music that makes me must be a part of the equation.  The soundtrack in my head cannot be the focus but it must be allowed to contribute. 

I wonder how music impacts you Dear Reader.  It is in all of us to some degree.  Please know that when we speak, the music is there to enhance not distract.  Even though I cannot read your mind, you are the part of the great song that matters.  It is true that life is a long song.   

Life is a Long Song – Jethro Tull

When you're falling awake
And you take stock of the new day
And you hear your voice croak
As you choke on what you need to say

Well, don't you fret, don't you fear
I will give you good cheer

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
If you wait then your plate I will fill

As the verses unfold
and your soul suffers the long day
And the twelve o'clock gloom
Spins the room, you struggle on your way

Well, don't you sigh, don't you cry
Lick the dust from your eye

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
We will meet in the sweet light of dawn

As the Baker Street train spills your pain
All over your new dress
And the symphony sounds
underground puts you under duress

Well, don't you squeal as the heel
Grinds you under the wheels

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
But the tune ends too soon for us all

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I wrote last evening in Second Thoughts, there are songs that define us.  Music touches us in so many ways.  Even when we do not wish it, music can get inside us to pry out feelings we do not wish to engage.

Music is important to me always.  During summer and at Christmas it is more important and more invasive.  I love the sound of good music in the car on those summer days when it is cool enough to have the windows down and the sun roof open.  It is the kind of thing where you sit in the car to finish the song or start it over when you get back in because the song is speaking to the moment.

I used to make summer CD’s for the family when we would have long road trips.  Those play lists bring back so many good memories with my children.  I still make one every summer although I do not get to share it as much as I would.  The music calls and I list and listen.

As we walk this path on the journey I am going to work through some of the ways that music reaches me.  Since it does so with or without my leave, I would like to identify and enhance the benefits.  I want to get the most I can out of this intrusive beautiful force. 

In visiting this I hope to harness the power of music to more deeply propel me onward.  Since it is there, I wish to suck the marrow out of it for the fuel required to push me closer to Christ and following him well.  Your input and companionship is vital to me Dear Reader.  And now, a song from my favorite Piper.

My God – Jethro Tull

People, what have you done?

Locked him in his golden cage, golden cage

Made him bend to your religion

Him resurrected from the grave, from the grave

He is the God of nothing

If that's all that you can see

You are the God of everything

He's inside you and me

So, lean upon him gently

And don't call on him to save you

From your social graces

And the sins you used to waive, you used to waive

From the bloody church of England

In chains of history

Requests your earthly presence

At the vicarage for tea

And the graven image you know who

With his plastic crucifix, he's got him fixed

Confuses me as to who and where and why?

As to how he gets his kicks, he gets his kicks

Confessing to the endless sin

The endless whining sounds

You'll be praying till next Thursday

To all the gods that you can count

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 ͡°)

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Second Thoughts ~ One Song Only

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 is making the rounds on my social media feed: “Give me one song; one song only, that means a lot to you.  I will listen to it.  Then, I will know you better.”   You may see this as a preamble to my blog journey for the coming week.  I believe that this statement can be true. 

I have discussed often how much music means to me.  I love to discover new music and find those songs that move me through the journey.  Music often unlocks things that I cannot get to on my own.  It releases that which is bottled up for good or for ill.

So, I do want to know what songs reach you.  Share something with me and let me know you better.  Tell me about your life through one song.  I will not let it define you but your choice will teach me more about you.

Here is mine:

In Christ Alone – Stuart Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found,

He is my light, my strength, my song;

This Cornerstone, this solid Ground,

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm.

What heights of love, what depths of peace,

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease!

My Comforter, my All in All,

Here in the love of Christ I stand.

In Christ alone! - who took on flesh,

Fullness of God in helpless babe.

This gift of love and righteousness,

Scorned by the ones He came to save:

Till on that cross as Jesus died,

The wrath of God was satisfied -

For every sin on Him was laid;

Here in the death of Christ I live.

There in the ground His body lay,

Light of the world by darkness slain:

Then bursting forth in glorious day

Up from the grave He rose again!

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me,

For I am His and He is mine -

Bought with the precious blood of Christ.

No guilt in life, no fear in death,

This is the power of Christ in me;

From life's first cry to final breath,

Jesus commands my destiny.

No power of hell, no scheme of man,

Can ever pluck me from His hand:

Till He returns or calls me home,

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand.

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 ͡°)

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You are a Terrible Teacher

Greetings Dear Reader,

I began my summer school adventure this week with a room full of five and six-year-old children.  They are all amazing, unique, and curious.  They express what they are thinking with few filters and little restraint. 

I have been asked why my beard is both so long and so short by the same child.  One child will not speak to me at all because she does not like boys.  She tells her friend the answers loud enough for me to hear when I ask her a question.  I am, however, gaining ground.  She accidentally answered me twice on Friday.

On my second day I was told by a very sweet child that I was “a terrible teacher.”  When I asked why the child said, “There are two green pencils in this pencil box.  There is supposed to be only one.”  I have been teaching in one form or another since I was sixteen.  This is the first time a student has ever said this to me.  I am sure it is not the first time a student has thought that but hearing it came as a shock.

The child was right.  There were two green pencils in one box and upon investigation, there were two black pencils in another box.  I showed the child the mistake and fixed it.  I was informed that I should have checked this before class.  I laughed.  I was not laughing at the child.  Rather, I was laughing at how much I had just learned.

The opinion of the child was not based in any justifiable measurement of my ability as a teacher.  It did remind me of just how much we let small things form our judgment of others.  We create arbitrary standards that we use to codify and classify each other.  We let those things determine what we think about another living soul.  That is at best unwise and can be very evil.

The other side of that coin is that we allow those arbitrary things to enable others to harm us.  We believe conclusions that are just not true.  We let the lies and illogical conclusions limit our success.  We let them limit our willingness to try.

At the root of the problem is that we collect the negative things and pin them to our souls.  We let the good things slide off and leave them behind.  We need to find that honest balance between striving to be our best and believing the lies both positive and negative that are put out there.

I must always strive to be good, better, and my best.  I must also avoid pride.  The words of others do not apply if they are illogical or untrue.  I am so much more than those words.  I have gifts and skills that I can use to enrich the lives of those around me.  This new part of my journey requires me to remember that I am defined by who the Father has created me to be and what I do with that.  Everything else is an opportunity to remember this and live 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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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Say Something ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

We all hunger to feel that others care about us.  Even when we do not realize it, we benefit from both receiving and giving kind words.  This part of my journey has been to focus on giving them.

Kind words are honey to the soul

The day unfolds and I will interact with other humans.  I will choose how I treat them.  I will impact others for good or ill.  My heart is to always leave others better than I found them.  The desire is to allow others to feel valued and loved. 

The choice is to greet everyone with kindness.  When I succeed it does not matter whether I know the impact or not.  My obligation is to put good things into the mix.  I must do so selflessly.  I must do so with great kindness and love. 

The day consists of the footprints I leave as I walk through the lives of others whilst I attempt to follow Christ.  In that attempt I can leave a path of kind words that will make a difference for others.  Whether I ever know the impact or not, I must do so.  The Father is responsible for the results.  When we meet, Dear Reader, I have a kind word for you.  Count on 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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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Say Something ~ The Strategy of Silence

Greetings Dear Reader,

My Grandfather used to tell me, “It often shows a fine command of the language to say nothing.”  He usually did this when he wished for me to listen instead of talk.  He also mastered the art of saying nothing in a way that gave deafening approval.

When I threw my first successful curve ball, he tossed the pitch back to me without a word and gave me the two sign for another one.  He repeated this six times allowing me to master the move and the feel without instruction or interruption.  His strategy of silence let me know that he was there but that I was the focus.

Sometimes the best way to say something is to say nothing.  We can encourage and show approval without a word.  We put others at ease or reveal that we are patient with silence if we work at it.  We even have a family signal to tell each other “I love you” without a word. 

We can and do say so much with silent communication.  Perhaps we should be more intentional about it.  It is possible to discipline ourselves to communicate silently in a way that builds up and benefits others.  It is a matter of choice and action.

I work at practicing this.  I strive to put people at ease with kind gestures and actions.  I can do more.  I can be more intentional in showing love, patience, and kindness without words.  I can encourage through silence and build up others.  I want to say something powerful and good even when I am employing a strategy of silence. 

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

This BLOG:  http://aramisthorn.blogspot.com/ 

Facebook      Google +   

Twitter            Medium    

Kids BLOG

Novels on Amazon             

Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com