Slow Down ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

In this time where some things pass to fast as we try to move more slowly, it seems that we all need more hope.  The combination of fear and lack of preparation has many of us grasping for what we think will make us feel secure.  When we think and act out of fear, we almost always choose poorly.

The toilet paper crisis is seemingly a fear response causing a bandwagon mentality.  If we slowed to ponder the idea, we would not be buying toilet paper in bulk.   We would see how foolish it is.  The same is true concerning the hoarding of anything as a response based on fear.  We must slow down and consider everyone, not just our own needs and fears.

We are not supposed to be ruled by fear but it seems our society has been training to be dominated by it for years.  We have marketed products based on fear.  We use fear to inform us of our needs.  Fear is the tool used to direct our politics and social environments.  We teach each other to buy, elect, and live based on fear.

If we slowed down and looked at reality, we would not have a worry as to what to do.  We would not fear not being in step with the culture so we would not spend money frivolously.  We would not tolerate fear-mongering as a way to run our government at any level.  It would not be fear that sowed the seeds of social division among us.

We are not supposed to be guided by fear, Dear Reader.  Slow down, pray, take a beat, and look around you.  The world will only right itself if we slow down and reject fear.  The answer to any crisis is to love our neighbors and take care of each other.  The only way out is through.  The millions of us, standing together can overcome anything.  We have to learn to be better to each other.

I will do my part.  I will be here and will continue to post.  I have not hoarded anything.  I do not desire to treat anyone with disrespect or disregard.  I cannot do much but I will keep my faith and keep my head.  I will move slowly and tell you what I see.  Perhaps we can learn a better way to treat each other through all of 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 homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

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Slow Down ~ Something New

Greetings Dear Reader,

This is the second Sunday that I have not had church to go to.  I was able to take in a couple of services online.  It is not the same but must suffice.  I am adjusting to many parts of my routine being modified.

That gave me the idea to create a list of things that I can do to enrich my life that I can do from home.  Here are some suggestions and where necessary, links.  It is time to think new thoughts and try new things.

Reading online is easy and can be free.  Here is a link to my free eBook that is a short collection of stories that would have been in Sheetrock on the Road.  This is free to prime users. 

MIT offers many courses free online through its MITOPENCOURSEWARE program.

If you are an artist of any kind, this is a great time to market you work or create more of it.

Start an online book club.  If  you wish I will gladly make an appearance to talk about writing and any of my titles.

There are many ways to build intellect and character during this time.  Feel free to share yours with us, Dear Reader.  If we keep developing our minds we will better weather this time.  As always, I cherish your thoughts and questions.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

Slow Down ~ Headed Home

Greetings Dear Reader,

As we slow down and try to adjust to the changes, the media ramps up the fear and warnings.  Store shelves are empty.  Large cities are seeing an uptick in violence.  Medical facilities are stressed.  It is the uncertainty that is triggering our fear.  It is the fear that is causing our loss of perspective.

We are all headed to the same destination.  Some will get there sooner than others.  Everyone will have the same barrier to pass.  The Father wants to know about our faith.  He wants to see our love for him acted out by that faith.  We are all headed home, Dear Reader.

If our path ends today or 100 years from now, we will all eventually step out of time and into that clearing at the end of the path where all that does not matter rolls away.  In that transition all that will remain is love.  Everything else is contained in time.  We will transcend time and the Father will show us all that is ahead.

Slow down and see the moments as they pass.  Spend them loving each other well.  Understand that we can control only our faith and our responses.  We cannot control the trouble or the world.  What we control is that only thing that will last; we control how well we love others and show the Father our love through that.

I do not know when it will be but I am going home.  This place is beautiful and bright, dark and dangerous, and long and lonely all at once.  What makes it bearable is the company of the Son we follow and you Dear Reader.  As my fellow traveler, my love for you is how I show my love for the Father.  I want to live this out in every moment.  Slow down and join me if you wish.  I am going to love you no matter what you choose.

I’m Going Home – Chris Daughtry

I'm staring out into the night
Trying to hide the pain
I'm going to the place where love
And feeling good don't ever cost a thing
And the pain you feel is a different kind of pain

I'm going home
Back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from
No, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me

But these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home

Well, I'm going home

The miles are getting longer it seems
The closer I get to you
I've not always been the best man or friend for you
But your love remains true
And I don't know why
You always seem to give me another try

So I'm going home
Back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from
No, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old

Be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all
And then some you don't want

Be careful what you wish for
'Cause you just might get it all
You just might get it all, yeah

Oh, well I'm going home
Back to the place where I belong
And where your love has always been enough for me
I'm not running from
No, I think you got me all wrong
I don't regret this life I chose for me
But these places and these faces are getting old
I said these places and these faces are getting old
So I'm going home, I'm going home

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

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Medium         Instagram 

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

Slow Down ~ Disappointment

Greetings Dear Reader,

Usually this week I would be ramping up my excitement for the baseball season.  I was supposed to take in a game Tuesday at the local high school.  Since the season is delayed if not canceled, I feel disappointed. 

Man Proposes, God Disposes

We are all likely disappointed by something since we see things moving to further isolation.  Travel plans have to be canceled.  Social gatherings are unwise and not allowed.  If we go to get food, we can be disappointed there as well.  Shelves are empty, stores are closed, and fear scents the air.

There will always be disappointments in life.  It is because of our plans, aspirations, anticipations, and expectations.  As I was pondering this last night, my friend Adam called me.  We spoke about this very thing but in a way that is very liberating if we slow down and consider it.

We spend so much of our energy planning and anticipating that we forget that these things are tied to time.  We live in a world where we plan and hope.  When our plans do not pan out the way we hope we become disappointed.  That which we have appointed to happen had not and we do not like it.

Where this all goes wrong is in our forgetting that "Homo proponit, sed Deus disponit" or “man proposes, and God disposes.” (Thomas à Kempis)  We may plan all that we wish but we must not forget that it is the plans of God that matter.  He already sees the entire parade of time and knows how things will unfold. 

Nothing surprises the Father.  He already knows every choice we are going to make.  He already sees what we will do before we consider it.  Since the Father absolutely knows what will happen, he does not expect us to do anything differently.  What this means, and it is important, is that we cannot disappoint God. 

I must slow down and consider that we have anthropomorphized the Father to the point that we have incorrectly assigned him human faults.  It is a fault to place expectations on someone.  When we do this with God, it limits our ability to see his love for us.  It chokes our understanding of the depth and breadth of that love.  It causes in us resentment based on a lie.

During this time when we have to slow down, perhaps we change our thinking.  Perhaps we can see that the Father loves us far beyond expectations and appointments.  We can retrain our minds to see him as someone who is not surprised by the events unfolding in our lives and he has already fitted that into the design to get all things back to good.  If I am to follow the Son well, I need to realize that the Father has everything planned.  He has it all under his control.  He responds to our propositions with dispositions intended to bring us closer to our understanding of him and the unfathomable nature of his love.  

I am trying to learn not to be disappointed. All of MY plans must be in pencil and I must rejoice when the Father pens in what is to be for me. In this moment I must seek to hear his love for me in setting the path. Then instead of disappointed obedience, I can follow the Son in joyous anticipation of what will unfold.  The best parts are when you walk that path with me, Dear Reader.  Let us keep walking more slowly and look at how deeply this is true.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

Slow Down ~ You Do Not Have to Lick Anything

Greetings Dear Reader,

I promised to give you some simple things to do.  This one is so simple that it is a lost art that is often forgotten.  I have friends who are masterful at it and find great joy when I receive mail from them. 

I am going to keep this post short so that you can write rather than read.  You see, writing letters possess a special kind of joy.  Whilst you are in this limbo of isolation, take the time to write letters to people you love or those with whom you wish to reconnect.  It does not need to be long or eloquent.

A letter is something one can return to repeatedly to enjoy kind words and shared adventures.  We are able to craft the words we wish and deliver them as a surprise to others.  The best part, Dear Reader, is that there are self-sealing envelopes and peel and stick stamps.  You can send letters without having to lick anything.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

Slow Down ~ Greet Instead of Delete

Greetings Dear Reader,

Whilst we are in our homes, it is necessary to stay in touch with people.  We have the advantage over every previous global plague in that we have social media to support us in our social distance.  I have seen something a couple of times that I wish to ponder in a positive way.

It seems, in a time when people are experiencing forced isolation, one of the choices they make is to edit their “friends list”.  Sometimes they put out a post to see who responds and delete those who do not.  It always seems to me that this puts a narrow, heavy condition on friendships.

If we expect others to respond to us, we must know all of their circumstances.  We must understand everything about their lives and how they use their social media.  Without this knowledge, our conditions are unjust.  We have discussed often that any expectations make love conditional and can kill it.  It is the same for friendships.

I have been unfriended by people who are angry with me and by those who did not hear from me as often as they wished.  I think I want to propose something that could be healthier for everyone.  Instead of going on a public purge, quietly reach out to people with whom you have not connected in some time.

Post something positive on their wall.  Send an instant message that is encouraging.  Tag someone in a post that will be uplifting.  Give someone a surprise that is positive and kind.  These acts of love and kindness that encourage can be an oasis in the sea of fear and negativity.

We are seeing humans controlled by fear and panic.  We can provide a little light in this gloom.  Our positive interactions can give others a place to stand.  Our faith can help others have hope.  As we move more slowly through this time, let us consider investing in those we know who may need the encouragement.  Perhaps we can give enough light so that others can find their way. 

I spent some time yesterday evening looking over my friends' list.  I invested in praying for my friends and sending some of them encouraging notes.   I will use the fortnight of solitude to send them notes of encouragement and kindness.  It is a simple thing but it may help.  How about you Dear Reader; care to take up the challenge?

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

Slow Down ~ Turn the Page

Greetings Dear Reader,

I promised to suggest some things to do with your time.  According to the Pew Research Center, in 2019 roughly a quarter of U.S. adults (27%) say they haven’t read a book in whole or in part in the past year, whether in print, electronic or audio form.  As an author, this really hurts my feelings.  This means that for one-quarter of you, there is a zero percent chance of you buying my books. 

Since we are to shelter in place as much as possible over the next fortnight, I would suggest that you take advantage of Amazon’s amazing delivery options.  You can order many books to journey through and catch up on your reading time.  This link will take you to my Author Page on Amazon and this one will take you to My Publisher. 

What is more important, is that you read.  Reading feeds the mind and nurtures the soul.  It takes our focus off of the problems and allows us to escape from worry.  Books do not have commercials or news breaks.  One can dive into a world where anything can happen.  In Star Trek: The Next Generation, Guinan, the Enterprise bartender says, “Books can take you places a Starship can never go.”  Ponder that for a moment.

Some of you are thinking “but I do not read books.”  No one does a good thing until they do it.  Your past need not be your future.  There are great books out there that can take you on adventures whilst you sit in your comfy chair and enjoy your favorite beverage. 

Books change us.  They teach and guide.  They reward and warn.  If you dare you should read more.  I know I am going to do so.  I would prefer that all of you buy my books and read them.  I care more that you read.  As always, I would suggest that you share your thoughts and questions with me, but if you get lost in a book and forget to, that is a great reward.  You give me more insight when we share our book adventures together.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

Slow Down ~ The Value of a Thing

Greetings Dear Reader,

The entire quote is from Larry Niven in the book Lucifer’s Hammer.  This is one of my favorite dystopian novels.  “The value of a thing is what that thing will bring.”  When we consider this, we find it both true and a lie.  It cannot be accepted as an axiom.

When we see people willing to sell hand-sanitizer for $79 we understand the idea behind it.  Price-gouging is a recurring theme when there are disasters.  There is a federal agency, The National Center for Disaster Fraud.  Their job is to prevent a package of 320 Lysol disinfecting wipes that usually cost $13.57 being priced at $220.

If we accept this practice during a time of trouble, we are not loving our fellow humans.  We are moving fast when we should slow down.  If we truly believe that the Father provides our needs, we do not have to engage in either end of this kind of transaction.  We are always better off than our fears tell us. 

When we move too fast, we hoard when we should be sharing.  We raise the price when we should be giving.  When we move slowly, we see the needs of others.  We share, give, and love.  During times of trouble, we can stand out by moving slowly.  Dear Reader, it is far better to give than to receive.  It is what will reflect Christ to others.  It is what puts us on the path where the Father can care for us as we care for others.

This is the path that we all must walk.  It is the journey that gets us closer to home and further from our lower selves.  It is where the joy is.  It raises the opportunity to be moving slowly enough to see the Father at work in the world.  That is priceless.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

Slow Down ~ Panic Buying

Greetings Dear Reader,

When we consider the spectrum of things that we need, I wonder sometimes if we have a misunderstanding of need.  If the needs are genuine, we should find good ways to meet them.  We should also realize that getting our needs met is never permission to neglect the genuine needs of others.

If we think we need toilet paper that is not a problem.  No one needs all the toilet paper.  Further, no one needs to explain why they need toilet paper.  No one needs to justify meeting his or her genuine needs.  The danger in panic buying is that it is a loud proclamation that we are not trusting the Father to meet our needs.

In truth, if we claim to follow Christ, there is never a time to panic.  We may feel fear but fear is never supposed to be in charge.  When we fear not having toilet paper, we are expressing our lack of belief that the Father will care for us.  We are walking without faith.

As we slow down for a bit whilst the world shelters in place, perhaps we can adopt a different view.  Perhaps we can inventory our needs honestly.  We can consider others when we buy what we need.  I wonder how many people buying toilet paper got some for a neighbor who might need it.  I ponder if we really get that we are our brother’s keeper. 

Perhaps a calm, slow, and loving accounting of what we need can lead us to better seeing where our faith falls during a pandemic.  I would never promote not being cautious.  I would also never deny you a hug.  It is good to wash your hands.  You do not need a 55-gallon drum of hand sanitizer.  It is a good idea to wash your hands slowly.  You do not need a song to do this if you are intent on the moment of handwashing.

If we truly wish to follow Christ, everything must be deliberately devoted to him.  That means that we must slow down.  We must not panic about anything.  The Father has never gotten the weather wrong, missed the death of a sparrow, or not known what is coming next.  Put the energy of panic into slow deliberate expressions of faith.  As we travel Dear Reader, I am content to set a slower pace for us if you wish.  Just let me know what you need.  I know that I am going to slow down.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

Slow Down ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I must confess that I am surprised that I am surprised at the response to the Coronavirus.  If you had told me a week ago that people would be panic buying toilet paper, I would have expressed greater confidence in my fellow travelers.  I even expressed this to some friends, thinking that people would ignore it.  To my chagrin, I was very wrong.

If I had considered it, we have been training to be fearful and panicked by this.  Our fiction and our fears have honed our ability to react in ways that are not the best.  We have taught ourselves to be led by our fears through our politics and entertainment.  We rush to react instead of thinking and responding.

With schools closing and events being canceled, we have an opportunity to slow down.  We have the chance to reconnect, unplug, and touch down in our lives in ways that we have not in a long while.  Since I have spent most of the last year doing this anyway, I wish to ponder how I can improve my walk with you during this time Dear Reader. 

I hope you will walk with me and share how you are going to make this time meaningful for you and yours.  Perhaps together we can turn reactions from fear into responses of faith.  The journey is about the one we follow and loving each other along the way.  Fear and panic have no place.  Let us slow down a little and see if we can gain some permanent changes that better suit our lives.  As always, I treasure your thoughts and questions.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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