Second Thoughts ~ The Day Finally Mattered

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have seen so many mentions of D-Day today on the news and in social media.  One of my favorite thoughts said, “Their day at the beach made it possible for our days at the beach.”  I take time each year to think about the day and some of the connections I have to it.  Today matters to me for a much deeper reason.

Today my paternal Grandfather, the one who comes up so often in my writing would have turned 109 (you can read about him in Sheetrock on the Road).  This year also marks the fiftieth year since his reaching the clearing at the end of the path.  I miss him in some way almost every day. 

He once talked to me about his time in the service.  He said he could not discuss what he had done to serve because he had promised not to talk about when he left the service.  My Grandfather kept his promises. 

He did talk about D-Day.  It was his birthday and we were eating coconut cake and homemade peach ice-cream.  I told him happy birthday and he said, “It is D-Day and that is more important.  Those boys on that beach gave today real meaning.”  Then tears formed in his eyes and he continued, “I wish I could have been there with them.  By then I had another job to do.”

That was all he said about and he changed the subject by giving me another scoop of ice-cream made with Georgia Peaches frozen the previous season and cream from his North Georgia farm.  That was the last we ever talked about the war or had peach ice-cream together. 

There are many times throughout the last fifty years that I have wished my Grandfather could tell me what to do or guide me in a decision.  I long to see him, go fishing together, or just sit in the cool of the evening sipping sweet tea together.  I miss hearing him sing old gospel songs, preach with fire about love and grace, and speak kindly to everyone he met.

Today I think about the fact that I have more years behind me than ahead of and that I am at the same age he was when he passed.  My goals are still in place and I am working to live every minute to honor God and the things my Grandfather taught me about him. 

He used to say that he was sure I would outlive him.  He promised he would save me a seat at “the big dinner”.   He also knew I would find faith and follow Jesus.  I will introduce you when we catch up to him Dear Reader.  You will like him too.

For F.F.B. – Michael Card

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 homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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On Bezel

Greetings Dear Reader,

Before today slips through the pinch I wanted to take a moment to wish my younger Son, Bezel a happy birthday.  I am so proud to be his father.  He has a heart that is filled with compassion and he cannot abide injustice leveled at anyone. 

He always knows when I am out of sorts and draws me into an uplifting conversation.  He can counsel me to be wiser than I am and often does so in a way that motivates me to be a better man.  I am thankful for his compassion and kindness.

As he celebrates his day I am also proud of the work he does and his attitude about that work.  He does an honest job with pride.  There is not much more he can do to make a father proud.  I do wish him on this advent anniversary to chase his dreams until he catches them.

I love you Son.

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

Second Thoughts ~ Two Birthdays in my Heart

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.

Please remember that my second thoughts are not after-thoughts or lesser thoughts.  Today two streams of thought manage a conjunction that is precious to me in the river of time and thoughts that run beside my path.  Both center around birth.

My Grandfather would have turned 108 today.  He always referred to himself as “a June bug.”  In ten years he will have been gone as long as he was here.  I probably think of things like this more often than most.  What it brings me to is the significant good he did in the nine years that I knew him.  I would give so much so often to be able to speak to him. 

Today is also my friend, Samantha’s birthday.  She is much younger than 108.  Her impact on those around her, however, is eternal and timeless.  She has a heart that supports and cheers others at every turn.  She is passionate about creating good food for her friends.  When it comes to this she is genuinely an artist. 

When she became my friend, it was clearly a divine appointment.  She supports my writing and my vision whenever possible.  I am thankful for her friendship and ask you to join me in wishing her joy and peace on her advent anniversary.

We do not get enough time to celebrate each other properly.  I wanted to take a moment to be sure to do so for her.  Happy Birthday, Samantha.

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

Celebrations

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I mentioned yesterday we are celebrating Bastion’s birthday tomorrow.  He will be six.  You may ask why this is blog-worthy.   Let me ‘splain; is too much; let me sum up.

We all need a Bastion in our lives.  When he greets me the brilliant flash of his smile and his call of “Grandpa” can drive away the cares of the world in an instant.  He only says “I love you Grandpa” when he means it. 

He always has a story to tell if he thinks you are listening.  His imagination can build and destroy worlds in a moment.   He has drawn entire armies of robots.  He can read much better than he lets on to the adults. 

When he focuses no task is beyond him. When there is crisis or pain his compassion has amazing powers to create hope and promote healing.  Almost every time I visit he asks if I have taken my “cat allergy medicine” because the cat still lives there.  He speaks his mind even when it makes everyone else uncomfortable.

I hope the adventure that is planned for him makes him feel celebrated.  My love for him is boundless.  He draws out my desire to be a better example.  As I said, we all need a Bastion in our lives.  Happy birthday, Grandson.

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 ͡°)

I Do Not Know and That is OK...

Greetings Dear Reader,

This is the first day of my next year.  Most people see their opportunity for a new year at the beginning of the calendar year.  I choose to start mine the day after my birthday.  I ponder what the year will hold.  I have two book projects near completion.  I have other ventures that will emerge or fail this year. 

I have been working at improving my process and doing better marketing.  My web page has been revised and renewed (aramisthorn.com).  I started a Kid Friendly BLOG so that my Grandsons and their friends can get some good safe content geared to their age.  This is also in preparation for the launch of my first children’s book in 2019. 

As I ponder how the year will unfold I know that there are things I would like to accomplish.  Aside from the two new books I would like to schedule some more speaking engagements.  I would also like to get into some high school English classes to challenge and encourage young writers. 

The answer to how the year will unfold is this: I do not know.  I am not aware of how I will get through this month.  That is OK.  I am determined to work hard and live by faith.  I am sure that as things unfold I will gain better understanding of where I am headed.  I start the new year of my journey with few answers, stable faith, and great hope. 

Keep me company Dear Reader as we travel the path together.  I promise to keep encouraging you along the way.  I will keep sharing my journey and ask questions that we can discuss as intelligent humans. 

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 ~ Shared Advent Anniversary

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 always found it fascinating when folks share a birthday.  I am privileged to share my birthday with my closest friend, my pastor, and a young friend who works hard to serve his country and be a good father.  I just learned yesterday that I share my birthday with Steph, who is a best friend of a dear friend.

My close friend, Michael, who is eight years my senior, crafts amazing birthday greetings each year that he writes on New Year’s Day.  This year it was especially good: “Each grain of sand waits in the future to fall through the pinch of the present into the past.  Today those grains of the present mark the advent of your presence in the journey with us.  The Management made those grains beautiful and bright because he gave us you as a unique gift to the world.  We celebrate you with lifted voice and lifted glass.  We join you in the dance within the pinch and thank the Management for your partnership in the journey.  Revel on knowing that you are loved.”

I like the idea of sharing my birthday with people I know and love.  If I choose to live my life in a way that every human matters, I must celebrate their lives.  If I could work my will in the world everyone would feel loved and celebrated on his or her “advent anniversary”. 

My pastor is perhaps one of the most humble men I know. His commitment to lead us with that humility in the foreground is very encouraging.  His example and love for us is clear in all that he does.

As I close this day marking my fiftieth year I do so with great gratitude.  I am working to get to the place where love and gratitude are the focus of all that I value.  I see how much my family loves me.  I see that vast ocean of friends that I have and their value in my life.  I hope that when your birthday comes that you too feel valued and loved 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 ͡°)

Second Thoughts – Progressing Princess

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.

When I wrote this post last year it was from a luxury room at a Disney Resort.  I was weary from an amazing day of escorting my Daughter, Christmas around the Magic Kingdom where she dressed like a true Princess for our dinner at Cinderella's Castle. 

Tonight our dinner was a simpler fare at a local steak house.  Her Brother and I did our best to make her feel beautiful and celebrated.  Nothing I can do even with my vast power over words can express how much she is loved and valued. 

As each year slips through the glass I am amazed at her power to rebound and recover.  She has the ability to dazzle and delight others.  She is a gifted artist who uses imagination and insight to help others see what they envision.

I am proud to be he papa and blessed to see her impact in the lives of others.  Happy Birthday Christmnas.

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 – Bezel’s Birthday

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 miss my younger Son today.  We spoke earlier and I was able to wish him a happy birthday in an un-rushed manner.  We talked about his dreams.  He is anxious to get there but has learned the valuable lesson of putting in the work to do so.

I am more proud of that than I would be if here were a successful “fill in the blank”.   He understands hard work and can work hard.  He has learned that you have to build to success and is willing to do that.  I believe in his dreams.  I believe in him.

Take a moment and raise a glass to my Son on his advent anniversary.  He is a good man with a promising future.  I am honored to be his Father.  Happy Birthday Bezel.

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 ͡°)

A Noble Son

Greetings Dear Reader,

I can still recall speeding through Atlanta traveling north from Peachtree City where I worked to Ashford Dunwoody.  The others involved were amazed at the speed of my arrival.  I had hurried there to wait.

It was not long until my eldest Son made his advent into the world.  He insisted on giving us a scare at first by lowering his heart rate to the point that the doctor thought to excise him surgically from the womb.  Just as his mother reached to sign the papers he declared that his exit was forthcoming. 

In a short time I was holding tiny boy full of energy and action.  Even when the nurses first placed him in his bed in the nursery he was already lifting his head.  I loved him so instantly and deeply on that first day. 

He is now a man with two sons of his own.  He loves them to the depth that I love him and perhaps more.  He is intelligent and hard working.  He has compassion for those in need and chooses to work in a place where he does good instead of chasing money. 

Today is his advent anniversary and I celebrate him.  We will gather this evening with his coworkers to bolster the effort of caring for those with great need.  He chose to ask us to participate in this rather than some special celebration for him.

I only love him more as the years pass through the glass.  I would find better ways to show it.  I love you Son.  Happy Birthday.

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 ͡°)

Loving What We Will Become ~ Name Days

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday my youngest Grandson turned five.  I truly love what he is becoming.  He has such deep compassion for others. He always has an adventure going on in his head.  He has something to say and loves to report the news of the day.

He notices injury on others and offers comfort and care.  So much of his energy is already devoted to showing his care for others.  He remembers it and checks on you when he sees you again.

He can dance.  Not just jump around and move but he feels the music and moves well to it.  He does not constantly move but when he does there is always a rhythm and energy to it.  There is imagination to it as well.  He has such creativity.  I have seen entire stories or games leap from his mind in a moment.

I love him and what he is becoming.  I see the beauty and wonder in him.  I see that the world will benefit from having this bright and beautiful boy in it.  Happy birthday Grandson.  I am proud to love what you become.

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 – Meteors and Wireless Phones

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 was privileged to have dinner with my Son and Grandsons on Thursday.  It had been the first night of the Orionid Meteor Shower and I shared with them how much fun I had watching it.   I explained the relationship between the meteor shower and Haley’s Comet.

I then asked my eldest what he wanted for his birthday.  He first deflected the question by reminding me that I should know since I am Santa Clause.  My Son and I gently pressed him to tell us what he wanted. 

After some hesitation, the soon to be six-year-old said he wanted his own phone.  The look that passed between my Son and I was one that every parent knows.  I watched as my Son gently inquired as to why he wanted a phone.  

The lad’s explanation was that he wanted to be able to call his family whenever he wanted.  My Son deftly explained how my Grandson could use his phone to do that whenever he wished.

The moment carried me back to when I would call my Grandfather.   My mum never knew about the long talks he and I had when I was home alone.  We would listen to afternoon baseball games together and talk about baseball and fishing or hunting.  We would plan our adventures when next I visited him. 

The heart longs to communicate with those we love.  It desires to be with others in any way possible.  Perhaps this is why I find that I pray so much more of late.  I long to talk to my Father and know that he is there with me.  I long to hear his voice reassuring me that all is unfolding as it should.  I long to lay under the stars with those I love and see the meteors streak across the autumn 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 ͡°)

Say What You Need to Say - Milestones

Greetings Dear Reader,

“You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind; a journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead—your next stop, the Twilight Zone!”

I ponder sometimes the vast number of signs we pass every day.  I contemplate what we take in and what we ignore.  I question some of the things we celebrate as the their value in celebration. 

We enter the new every day.  We breach a new horizon.  Many mark another Monday with disdain whilst yearning for Friday.  Wednesday becomes just the crest of the hill so they can glide into the weekend.  Every day is a gift and we do not treat it that way.

Time slips through the glass and we miss so many things that are intended to bring us awe.  During winter I make time to wonder at the constellations whilst other hurry into the house to escape the cold.  There is time in the day to embrace the wonder of the world if we allow it.

We make our way toward that “undiscovered country” with no hope of ceasing the journey.  We must find joy along the way to sustain us.  We must gather in the beauty of the universe so that we see just how much of it exists to prepare us.  I am honored to have been given another milestone at the advent of this milepost.

It is in the journey toward God that we are to find him.  If I waste a single day of that pursuit then I lose out.  I have less in which to wonder and marvel.  I have less warm winds to life the powdery wings of faith on which I fly.  I have less of Christ to share if I do not pursue him in every moment.

At this milestone I need to say just how much I love the world because I love the Creator of that world.  I love the journey because of the one I follow.  There is always joy in the midst of sorrow because of my fellow traveler.  There is also joy because of you Dear Reader.  Thank you for your company along the way.  This milestone reminds me so much of our destination: The Unknown Country, already discovered by others.  We must keep moving as the sun is at its zenith.

I’ve Got A Name – Jim Croce

Like the pine trees lining the winding road

I've got a name

I've got a name

Like the singing bird and the croaking toad

I've got a name

I've got a name

And I carry it with me like my daddy did

But I'm living the dream that he kept hid

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

Like the North wind whistling down the sky

I've got a song

I've got a song

Like the whip-poor-will and the baby's cry

I've got a song

I've got a song

And I carry it with me and I sing it loud

If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

And I'm gonna go there free

Like the fool I am and I'll always be

I've got a dream

I've got a dream

They can change their minds but they can't change me

I've got a dream

I've got a dream

I know I could share it if you want me to

If you’re going my way I'll go with you

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

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 ͡°)

On Giving Thanks – Orion

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday I wrote about the stars and I mentioned that today is Orion’s birthday.  My eldest Grandson turns four today.  I am so very thankful for him.  He has changed all our lives in so many ways.  He is intelligent.  He is kind.  He can already outwit us when he wants something. 

Beyond that he has drawn things out of me that are precious and vital.  He makes me want to be calm.  I need to be as close to Christ as possible so that I can be a good example.  My prayers are deeper.  My heart is more loving. 

I feel more connected to everyone.  I realize that who I am with strangers influences who I am with Orion.  I understand that I must be consistent, committed, and free of pretext.  As I celebrate this child today I am filled with a passion for gratitude.  I am carried away with the joy of God’s gift of family.

In this moment as I prepare to decorate, cook, and celebrate I want to tell the whole universe that I love the constellation of boy and spirit that is Orion.  He is a bright spot in the nighttime for us all.  Happy Birthday Orion: I love 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 ͡°)

Christmas in August

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today my Daughter Christmas turns 25.  I have been pondering the lessons Christ has taught me with her in my life.  It amazes me how my intent was to help her but that Jesus had in mind for me to learn so much. 

The primary lesson I have learned is the depth to which God will go to show me that he is there.  I have

watched him heal and nurture this person in ways I have not imagined possible.  His provision for her needs is astounding.  In turn I see in her someone who will stop on the side of a highway to comfort the child of a family who has been in an accident. She has a giving spirit that wishes for everyone to be touched by her joy in Christ.

Her ability to accept people where they are teaches me much.  I have learned greatly how to love others without placing expectations on them.  I have also learned to put my own problems in perspective.  Give the path she has had to walk or sometimes crawl to get where she is my biggest problem is quite small.

It amazes me that someone who has endured so much can still be so positive and loving.  She still has much to learn and struggles at times with the process.  She does remind me daily just how much of a celebration life can be for those who know Christ and his power to work in our lives.  Having her in my life is like having a little bit of Christmas every day.   

Today I wish to simply celebrate her.  I hope you will join me Dear Reader in wishing her a happy birthday and much joy in her journey yet to come.

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."