Talismans – Oil Lamp

Greetings Dear Reader,

This tiny oil lamp is my source of light when I need some illumination but prefer the room to be dark.  When this happens it is usually sign that I want to withdraw from the world.  It means something in life has become too burdensome and I am seeking to shut out the rest of life.

The small oil lamp is there to remind me that I cannot isolate myself totally.  I cannot escape the presence of God and I cannot shed the burden of bearing the light.  During those times when I am hurting or despair I will usually awaken earlier than I desire.  I sit in the darkness, light the lamp, and listen to my favorite piece of music in the universe.  It is “The Inner Light” by Jerry Goldsmith. 

When I am besieged by feelings that try to overwhelm my focus and faith this talisman helps.  I am always surprised at how much that tine flame lights up the room.  I am reminded of what I am supposed to be in Christ.  I am supposed to be light.

I am not supposed to be the harsher glaring light of an LED.  I am supposed to be a candle or oil lamp.  I am supposed to have a warm light that is inviting and safe.  Carrying such a light is a burden because it is not self-contained.  It can spill or blow out.  I must carry myself carefully. 

It is not wrong to feel hurt, despair, or loneliness.  It is wrong to indulge them an fail to seek the Light that is our example.  We need to seek the Light that is our example.  He promises to make the burden lighter. 

Bearers of the Light – Michael Card

The Light we must bear

Is the Light we must share

Is the Light that illumines the darkness

The promises kept

Give us strength to accept

This burden of bearing the Light

He will walk beside us

A strong friend, Barnabas

He will be that sure shoulder to lean on

The promise we share

Is our burdens to bear

And our Light tells the darkness to be gone

He will come after me

A young Timothy

Looking for someone to guide him

I will kindle his Light

Make him strong for the fight

I will promise to be there beside him

And so we must claim

By His powerful Name

The Promise the Bible has spoken

We must understand

That a cord of three strands

Cannot be easily broken

The great need of a all

A true mentor, a Paul

Who has traveled the road that's before us

He has made good the pledge

To tale the Light on ahead

We can follow his footsteps before us

The Light we must bear

Is the Light we must share

Is the Light that illumines the darkness

The promises kept give us strength to accept

This burden of bearing the Light

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 – Music

Greetings Dear Reader,

Perhaps one of the things I am the most thankful for is music.  I have explained before that it permeates my thinking always.  As a way of expressing my gratitude I wish to share some of the music that has attached itself to my soul.

First my favorite piece of music in the universe.  Whether you like Star Trek or not this piece of genius stands on its own.  There are not words.  Let the music take you where it will.  I am thankful for the way it brings me peace.

The Inner Light – Jerry Goldsmith

Written by Randy Newman and featured on his debut album, this song has been covered by many artists.  My favorite is Neil Diamond.  When I cannot tag the sadness that I am feeling this song often gets me there.

I Think It’s Going to Rain Today – Randy Newman – Performed by Neil Diamond

Broken windows and empty hallways

A pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey

Human kindness is overflowing

And I think it's gonna rain today

Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles

The frozen smiles to chase love away

Human kindness is overflowing

And I think it's gonna rain today

Lonely, lonely

Tin can at my feet

I think I'll kick it down the street

That's the way to treat a friend

Bright before me the signs implore me

Help the needy and show them the way

Human kindness is overflowing

And I think it's gonna rain today

Lonely, lonely

Tin can at my feet

I think I'll kick it down the street

That's the way to treat a friend

Bright before me the signs implore me

Help the needy and show them the way

Human kindness is overflowing

And I think it's gonna rain today

When I truly want to remember that I belong to God or need to pray and cannot find the words, this song helps.  I once listened to this song all night long when I was praying for a friend in great peril.

Hungry Falling on my Knees – Joy Williams

Hungry I come to You

For I know You satisfy

I am empty but I know

Your love does not run dry

So I wait for You

So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all my needs

Jesus You're all

This heart is living for

Broken I run to You

For Your arms are open wide

I am weary but I know Your touch

Restores my life

So I wait for You

So I wait for You

You're all I'm living for

So I wait for You

So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all my needs

Jesus You're all

This heart is living for

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all of me

Jesus You're all

This heart is living for

Hungry I come to You

For I know You satisfy

I could go on and on but you get the point.  What music moves you Dear Reader?  Please share it with me.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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