The Deathly Hallows ~ A Transition More than A Close

Greetings Dear Reader,

All around the commercial world has sprung into ads for Christmas trees and holiday savings.  My first thought is that any time someone offers to save me money it is accomplished by spending it.  I do not feel the resistance to the “early” mention of Christmas.  I think about Christmas every day.

This is a time of real opportunity for me.  I am facing a hard candy Christmas.  My resources are slim.  My options are few.  Family fractures hang like a specter over my entire reality.  None of this, however, keeps me from my true thoughts on the holy days that will unfold before me.

My entire reason for seeing Halloween and the days that follow as holy is that I wish to set my mind on the things that matter.  I have a letter from my eldest Son that I cherish.  In it he thanks me for reminding everyone what the true spirit of Christmas is.  If I cannot live this when I have little resources then I never knew it at all.

Before I get too far down that path, however, I want to say loud and clear how important the days are that lead up to it.  From now until the end of November is the opportunity to be thankful for what we have.  It is the time to set aside, or that we should set aside to see the blessings in our lives even in our darkest times.  There is always something for which to be thankful. 

As I turn toward my favorite time of year, most of my practices and traditions have been stripped away or abandoned out of necessity.  I may lose more before i transverse the time between now and the closing of the year.  For today, I will invest my life in being thankful for what I have and seeking the Father for my needs.

The things that matter about Thanksgiving and Christmas are all within my hand and heart.  Everything else belongs to the Father anyway and he will give me what I need.  I do wish to keep your company Dear Reader.  Even in the worst of times you are a source of encouragement along the way.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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The Deathly Hallows ~ All Souls

Greetings Dear Reader,

In the movie, O’ Brother Where Art Thou, Tommy Johnson says that when considering selling his soul to the devil, his reasoning was that he was not using it right now.  It causes me to wonder how many people think like this.  I ponder if people consider that they are eternal beings with souls that are on a journey.

Today is the day when I dedicate my mind and heart to focusing on the soul.  It is not that I do not ponder it often.  It is the day in the progression toward the holy days that the world pauses for a moment to consider that they have souls.  We are all equal in this.  We all have an eternal soul. 

The deeper thought is that we are always using it.  It is the thing in us that is constantly drawn toward the Father.  It is the part of our being that desires to be reunited with our source; our Creator.  When we ignore it we ignore the very core of what we are designed to become.

In my present journey I am working hard to reset and realign what I pursue.  I am trying to get to the place where all that my soul yearns for is the Father and his plan for the universe.  I am not trying to be mystical but. rather, practical.  This journey is taking me to places where I never imagined internally.  I am facing some very old ghosts and a devil that wants to derail my progress.

I am becoming more dependent on the Father and less on my own ideas and machinations.  I have a clear understanding of my flaws and failures and I am trying to own them and make it clear to others that my heart hurts over the wrongs I have done.  I see people as souls more than I have in quite some time. 

Jesus asked, “What profit is it for a man if he gains the whole world but loses his own soul?”  What we fail to see is that if we pay attention to our souls and the journey back to the Father, we gain an entirely new world far beyond what we can dream or imagine.  Please keep walking there with me 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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

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

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The Deathly Hallows ~ All Saints Day

Greetings Dear Reader,

I think that we all understand the power that is held in unity.  When we act in concert we can harness far more power and effectiveness than when we strive alone.  Humans moving in harmony are able to accomplish what seems impossible.

Please remember that the questions I ask are so that I can examine my heart, mind, and motivations in following Christ.  I am never trying to judge others or make anyone feel guilty.  That does not mean that there will not be genuine guilt in our short-comings relative to following Christ.

We are supposed to be united, serving, and following as one in Christ.  This day is the day that we honor all saints.  We are far better at division than unity.  We are more skilled at shooting our wounded than at restoration and healing.  The idea of being one in Christ is very far from our reality.

The entire idea of following Christ, of honoring the others who share our faith is that we be united in love that heals, restores, and encourages.  As we turn toward the seasons of gratitude and giving it is the bond of Christ that must unite us if we are to celebrate fully.  Food and things are not what matter.  Love, gratitude, compassion, and generosity are what can unite us into an unstoppable force. 

Even though practically, materially I feel that I have nothing, I am given the indestructible love of God.  That is my foundation.  That is my barrier-crushing weapon.  Everyone who follows Christ should be my target.  Everyone who does not should be my mission based on love, not judgment.  They are to be the earthly objects of my affection and value.  If I put any item or cause above loving others then I violate the purpose of all saints.  I transgress the foundation that makes all other following possible.

So to all of you I confess my love and my imperfections in showing it.  I acknowledge that I do not show you love as well as I should but I want to become better at it daily.  Thank you for journeying with me Dear Reader.  I love you more than you know.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

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

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The Deathly Hallows ~ All Hallows Eve

Greetings Dear Reader,

The idea of things being hallowed is not as common to us as it should be.  To hallow something means to set something aside as holy.  This can be a bit confusing as holy means to be set apart.  Instead of pontificating on holiness I am going to be very simple and perhaps provide an image that may be helpful for our journey.

We are all supposed to be set apart to God.  The idea of being holy is not really given the attention it should.  We do not focus on the real purpose of Halloween.  The Father wishes for us to be set apart to him.

I have been using an image this month as I see the decorations, lights, and jack-o-lanterns appear around town.  That image is focused on the pumpkins.  I am using the idea of a pumpkin, hollowed out, re imaged by the creator, and filled with light to remind me to be holy.  Again, I do not mean the prideful approach to holiness that is false and hypocritical.  I am talking about being set apart to the Father as an obedient and loving child.

My desire is to remember that I am supposed to be emptied of self.  I am supposed to be recreated by the father to the image he wishes.  Then I am supposed to be filled with his light so that others can see what God does with his creation.

Enjoy your fancy dress parties and your children walking through the neighborhood to get candy.  I intend to see the pumpkins amidst the mirth and remind my heart and soul that we are all supposed to be hallowing our hearts for the holy days ahead.  I will be asking the Father to hollow me out and fill me with his light and love.

Happy Halloween Dear Reader.  May this holy day be safe and filled with the same for 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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

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

Novels on Amazon             

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

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Kids BLOG

The Deathly Hallows ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Tomorrow the corner is officially turned.  Our society makes the change from the season of returning to school and the beginning of Autumn to the season of celebrations and holy days.  For two months and a bit we focus on family, parties, and for some of us faith and hope.

I will spend a few days pondering the connection that exists between Halloween and the journey we share back to the Father; back to home.  We have so many ways we celebrate these days but so few of them are focused on the true purpose of our journey.  We need to remember to have fun and enjoy our children.  We also need to recall that there are no secular issues. 

Please walk with me as we take a short journey through a few days dedicated to that in us which is eternal.  We can ponder some of the symbols of the celebration and perhaps gain a better view of who we are destined to become.  I ask you to join me because your company is a treasure to me.

As always Dear Reader, I am delighted to hear your thoughts and questions on this.  Your insights and pondering fill me with joy.  Oh, and please remember to be safe.

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:

Support Page on Patreon: www.patreon.com/aramisthorn

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

Novels on Amazon             

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook      Google +   

Twitter            Medium    

Kids BLOG

All Saints Day

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are those who have reached the end of the journey ahead of me.  I miss them more than I admit to anyone.   In the top three are my Grandfather, my Sister, and my Daughter.

The empty places left by their departure are unfillable.   God is faithful and consoles me when the longing for them is deepest.  They will not come to me but eventually I will catch up with them.

This day belongs to those who are already with Christ.  I think of my friend Jason who has only been gone a year and those who loved him still feel the pain of his parting.  I consider the loss of friends one with which I will become familiar as I age.  I work hard to balance the sorrow I feel and the hope I wish to live.

I used to worry about partings much when I was little.  My Grandfather would comfort by reminding me that at the end of our lives, when all things are brought back to good we will have a vast celebration including a very special supper.   He always called it ‘the big dinner.” 

It seemed that he was so assured of where he was headed back then.  It took me a long time to find that faith.   Today I have that faith for all who have gone on before me.  I celebrate the gift of redemption.  I celebrate all who live by faith and have found their faith fulfilled in Christ.

Daddy Sand Bass – Johnny Cash

i remember when i was a lad

times were hard and things were bad

but there's a silver lining' behind every cloud

just four people that’s all we were

trying' to make a living' out of black-land dirt

but we'd get together in a family circle singin' loud

daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)

me and little brother would join right in there

singin' seems to help a troubled soul

one of these days and it won't be long

I’ll rejoin them in a song

I’m gonna join the family circle at the throne

though the circle won't be broken

by and by, lord, by and by

daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)

me and little brother would join right in there

in the sky, lord, in the sky

now i remember after work mama would call in all of us

you could hear us singin' for a country mile

now little brother has done gone on

but I’ll rejoin him in a song

we'll be together again up yonder in a little while

daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)

me and little brother would join right in there

'cause singin' seems to help a troubled soul

one of these days and it won't be long

I’ll rejoin them in a song

I’m gonna join the family circle at the throne

oh, no the circle won't be broken

by and by, lord, by and by

daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)

me and little brother would join right in there

in the sky, lord, in the sky

in the sky, lord, in the sky

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 ͡°)

Allhallowtide - All Hallows Eve

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that to most of you this is a day to celebrate costumes and candy.  I am excited about my Grandsons and their costumes.  This is also the beginning of a very important season for me.

Allhallowtide is the three-day liturgical celebration for remembrance of the dead.   It includes All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day.  In the past this was an evening dedicated to preparing for the observation of All Saints Day.

This puts me in mind of how we are supposed to consider those who have gone on before us.  As a matter of faith, I work not to speak of the dead in the past tense.  As I ponder this on All Hallows Eve I ponder how this is the beginning of my personal season of gratitude and giving. 

I owe so much about my life and faith to those who have come before me.  There are lives that have influence mine.  There are souls that have invested in my soul.  There are lives that have sustained my life.

As I ponder those I have lost in the journey I ponder also the way in which we deal with death.  My Son, Maxim and I discussed this recently and I was reminded of how much the death of my Daughter Rachel impacted my Sons.  It was their introduction to death. 

Every person’s death diminishes me.  Some impact me more than others.  The point is that every life matters.  I will spend these three days remembering that in a world filled with so many injustices and horrors every life matters.  I am not disconnected from the world events that result in unjust killings.  I am never separate from the murder of unborn children. 

Every soul matters.  I will hallow my spirit and show my gratitude for those that have aided mine.  I will remember those I miss.  I will not forget those who need my aid.  The journey is not a solo one.  It is an opportunity to enrich others souls along the way.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

All Saints Day

Greetings Dear Reader,

The road home is a long one.  Some days it seems further than others.  Some days fly by like the autumn leaves in a stiff wind.  Some days are marked and stand out by gain or loss.  My Daughter Christmas has had two severe losses in the past weeks.  Friends she dearly loves have passed on.

Part of the journey is loss.  There is pain and heartbreak.  Others that we wish to have with us precede us to the end.  We are lonely for them.  My own Grandfather has been gone for forty five years and I still miss him often.  I miss a Sister and a Daughter that I did not really get to know. 

Today we honor those who have gone on before us.  We miss them and mourn our loss of them.  We also honor that they are still real.  We look forward in faith to the great reunion with them. 

As an act of faith I do not speak of the dead in the past tense.  They are past time but not reality.  It may be that they are more real than we are.  If I believe that God is working all things back to good then I must live it even in my losses.

The journey is long and there will be losses along the way.  I will have moments that include absent friends.  I must honor them in faith and practice.  I must live righteously for their sake as well as the ones who remain.  I will celebrate their lives and never forget that I will eventually catch up to them.  “We sorrow but not like those who have no 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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)