Breathing Salt Air – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

The journey back from the sea was long.  I had many hours to ponder on the drive back.  It was a good time but I think that all of were touched by the siren call of the sea.  Having lived by the sea I know that call too well.

Here in my single dwelling there are not constant waves or shore bird calls.  Summer is short here and I am sure that in January I will again long for warm sands.  The memory of how much I love the sea had faded but with my first sight of it that love returned.

I was reminded of the vastness of the world and how small I am in it.  I was able to see people learn to love the sea.  I was able to see a part of the world that motivates me to free to write and be wherever I wish.

I have no complaints about a day job today.  It is a good job where I get to make a difference.  As with the sea there is constant change there.  The constant for me is the one I follow.  The fulcrum in the void is that Christ is always there. 

At the sea or in the frozen north in mid-winter I have the same journey.  I must follow.  It could be that my path will lead back to the sea on some permanent level.  Wherever I am drawn I will only go if I am sure I am following Christ.

For now I will return to the work I do energized and restored.  It is in the work that I find motivation to be more and to follow more closely.  It is in the journey that I find joy and peace.  This is true no matter where I am.

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.”

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Breathing Salt Air - Fleeting Fear

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am a fish.  No I have not lost my mind or become delusional.  I swim.  I have since I was three.  My Children all swim well.  I am teaching my Grandsons this week. 

One of them expressed serious fear of the water.  He would not go where he could not stand unless someone was holding him.  Then he moved past where he could stand when no adults were right next to him.  He was calling for help, freaking out, and swimming.

It is that way with fear.  We are afraid and we conquer it or it becomes part of our lives.  I am determined that my Grandsons will not fear the water.  I will assure that they respect it, but not fear it. 

There are fears I must conquer if I am to make the last act successful.  Facing them and killing them is the only way through.  The only way out is through.  It is fear that tries to hinder us from being what we can be.  It is fear that aims to destroy us. 

There will be many things on the journey that try to scare me off the path.  It is giving in to them that is dangerous.  It is listening that puts us in danger.  I must follow without fear wherever Christ leads.  If my eyes are fixed on the Christ the rest will be as it should be.

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 ͡°)

Breathing Salt Air – Ghost Crab Rehab

Greetings Dear Reader,

For those of you who do not know what a Ghost Crab is, they are small crabs that burrow in the sand.  They are very quick and quite nocturnal.  Chasing them om the beach at night is a practice that I have enjoyed since I was a wee lad.

Yesterday we needed to return a Ghost Crab to the beach.  It was quite important to my younger Grandson that he witness the rescue of this crab.  He is very concerned for all the sea life we encounter.  There was a bit of tension when I cooked the Blue Claw Crab we caught.

I suppose that if not a sparrow falls without the Father noticing this care applies to Ghost Crabs as well.  We released the crab and he skittered away in the sand.  The moment did remind me just how much the Father does to reclaim us.  He went to great lengths to arrange our redemption.  He cares deeply for us.

We are in need of rescue even though we may not admit it.  I know that my Grandson’s care for all living things has been a welcome reminder of it.  It is what allows us to make the journey home.  It is what makes the journey possess any potential for joy.

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 ͡°)

Breathing Salt Air – Drops of Jupiter

Greetings Dear Reader,

Most of this time has been beautiful.  It fills me with joy to watch my Grandsons enjoy the water.  Seeing them interact with others is amazing.  They are kind and generous to everyone around them.

A bit of dimness in the bright Florida sun has been the constant reminder that I no longer have a fellow traveler.  I am not blaming anyone but I do not know how to solve the problem.  I refuse to indulge in vices that dull the pain.  There is too much chronic substance abuse in my past to even put a toe on that path.

Still the things that a traveler needs are not there.  I also refuse to use women to satisfy my needs so I cannot “hook up” for the physical aspects of my loneliness.  I have gained a clear understanding of the things in me that drive others away.  I may have learned it too late to find someone willing to risk walking with me.

It is not that I will not travel alone if need be.  It is that I would prefer not to do so.  It is that the journey is so much more difficult when you walk with the knowledge that who you are is patently unrewarding to those who promised to love you and stay by your side no matter what. 

The sea always reminds me of this.  Perhaps that is why I do not return too often.  The last time I was hear my fellow traveler was already planning to leave me and I did not know it.  As the sea rolls in its constant symphony of waves it reminds me that it too is a love that I cannot hold. 

I look up a Jupiter and also spot Venus and Mars.  A song pops into my head and the tears come.  Even in this moment where I feel so surrounded and alone all at once I must travel on.  I must follow even if this place in me is never touched again. 

Drops of Jupiter - Train

Now that she's back in the atmosphere

With drops of Jupiter in her hair, hey, hey, hey

She acts like summer and walks like rain

Reminds me that there's a time to change, hey, hey, hey

Since the return from her stay on the moon

She listens like spring and she talks like June, hey, hey,

hey, hey

But tell me, did you sail across the sun?

Did you make it to the Milky Way

To see the lights all faded

And that heaven is overrated?

Tell me, did you fall from a shooting star?

One without a permanent scar

And did you miss me

While you were looking for yourself out there?

Now that she's back from that soul vacation

Tracing her way through the constellation, hey

She checks out Mozart while she does Tae-Bo

Reminds me that there's room to grow, hey

Now that she's back in the atmosphere

I'm afraid that she might think of me as

Plain ol' Jane told a story about a man

Who was too afraid to fly so he never did land

But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet?

Did you finally get the chance

To dance along the light of day

And head back to the Milky Way?

And tell me, did Venus blow your mind?

Was it everything you wanted to find?

And did you miss me

While you were looking for yourself out there?

Can you imagine no love, pride, deep-fried chicken

Your best friend always sticking up for you

Even when I know you're wrong?

Can you imagine no first dance, freeze-dried romance

Five-hour phone conversation

The best soy latte that you ever had, and me?

But tell me, did the wind sweep you off your feet?

Did you finally get the chance

To dance along the light of day

And head back toward the Milky Way?

But tell me, did you sail across the sun?

Did you make it to the Milky Way

To see the lights all faded

And that heaven is overrated?

And tell me, did you fall from a shooting star?

One without a permanent scar

And did you miss me

While you were looking for yourself?

na na na na na na na na na na na na na

And did you finally get the chance

To dance along the light of day?

na na na na na na na na na na

And did you fall from a shooting star?

Fall from a shooting star?

na na na na na na na na na

And were you lonely looking for yourself out 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 ͡°)

Second Thoughts – Breathing Salt Air – Proving I was Here

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.

Yesterday my Daughter,, Christmas asked me to take some photos of her at the beach.  She is the family photographer so this is an important thing to do for her.  She wanted to assure that there was proof that she was here.

We all know she was here but since she takes the pictures she is rarely in them..   I clicked away on my phone.  My approach to photography is spray and pras.  I take dozens of the same shot and pray for one or two good ones.  In this effort I was successful.  We have solid evidence that she was with us. 

As I pondered the sky tonight I wondered what would mark that I was here.  What have I done that will tell those behind me on the journey that I passed this way?  My hope is that it is kindness and love that leave the mark.  I hope some of my writing survives me.  Will my great great Grandsons know who I am,?  I am unsure.

All I can do is follow and be in the picture when I am invited.  I can love and give.  I cannot control anything else.  After all it is the Father who will determine the level to which I need to be remembered.  Hopefully it is in his image that I am seen.

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 ͡°)

Breathing Salt Air – Drops in the Ocean

Greetings Dear Reader,

An aspect of sea for me is the vastness of it.  Planet Ocean seams more appropriate than Planet Earth.  They kicked out Pluto from the planet club then perhaps we can get a thing going to rename our big blue marble.   I was explaining this to my Grandson he puzzled on it for quite some time.  Later in the day he explained that when he grows up and is a scientist he will figure how many drops are in the ocean. 

It occurred to me that the love and grace of the Father are like this.  The amount that I comprehend is merely a drop in the ocean of love and grace.  There is enough love and grace in the Father for each of us and beyond.  The Father imparts our ability to show love and grace in the measure that we need and above.  It is supposed to be our stock and trade.

When we put limitations on the love of the Father we follow a path that ends in sorrow and loss.  Whether it is through discipline, provision, or guidance the Father dispenses love to us at every moment.  I need to be part of creating an ocean of love and grace that sweeps us all up in its tidal change.

Drops In Ocean – Hawk Nelson

I want you as you are, not as you ought to be

Won't you lay down your guard and come to me

The shame that grips you now is crippling

It breaks my heart to see you suffering

Cause I am for you

I'm not against you

If you wanna know

How far my love can go

Just how deep, just how wide

If you wanna see

How much you mean to me

Look at my hands, look at my side

If you could count the times I'd say you are forgiven

It's more than the drops in the ocean

Don't think you need to settle for a substitute

When I'm the only love that changes you

And I am for you

I'm not against you

I am for you

I'm not against you

If you wanna know

How far my love can go

Just how deep, just how wide

If you wanna see

How much you mean to me

Look at my hands, look at my side

If you could count the times I'd say you are forgiven

It's more than the drops in the ocean

Open your heart

It's time that we start again

Open your heart

It's time that we start again

If you wanna know

How far my love can go

Just how deep, just how wide

If you wanna see

How much you mean to me

Look at my hands, look at my side

If you could count the times I'd say you are forgiven

It's more than the drops in the ocean

The drops in the ocean

I am for you

I'm not against you

I am for you

I'm not against 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 ͡°)

Breathing Salt Air – Moon Glow

Greetings Dear Reader,

It was a wonderful reminder of the sea that our first full day was also a full moon tide.  Low and high tide were magnificent.  The water has had a light chop but no real big waves.  This morning it is grey and flat.  The air smells like salty rain.

It is interesting to be reminded how other relax.  I prefer to be in the water.  My older Grandson likes to stand on the edge of the surf and the younger is determined to excavate the entire beach.  He and my daughter built a race track in the sand.  It was still standing when I went out to view Mars and the full moon last night.

This is all just an reminder of the infinite diversity that is in Christ.  Too often his followers focus on the differences instead of the commonality.  Here everyone is seeking to disconnect and relax.  In Christ we should know each other by our love. 

My younger Grandson observed, “Everybody is here to be at the beach.  That’s all.”  It is in this simplicity that I am reminded that we are all on the same journey.  We are all headed back to the Father.  Under the full moon last night and the grey skies this morning the journey remains the same.  I will follow.

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 ͡°)

Breathing Salt Air – Reunions and Reminders

Greetings Dear Reader,

We arrived in the evening and I was both road-weary and excited.  Our other family who are staying with us arrived from Atlanta.  We dined at the café’ across the street.  It was quite good. 

The best part of the evening had to be the seamless reunion of loved ones. This morning, however, as I am the only one astir it is the sea that calls me.  Warm air and a light breeze were my companions as I walked and prayed.  I was reminded of the vast power that the ocean holds and of the power that created it. 

Gulls, pelicans, and sandpipers remind me that the diversity of creation is just a sample of that power.  It is the Creator that I must worship and not all the beauty of creation.  As the day unfolds it is in this time that I will find my compass direction for the next step.  It is in this place that I will make choices about where the Father calls me next. 

More important it is where I am reminded that the one I follow is the one who created all of this beauty.  He is the place I must always be.  In him in every moment is the rest and peace we all crave.  I have an ocean of opportunity but it will only be realized in following Christ will all my heart.

Cool Change – Little River Band

If there's one thing

In my life that's missing

It's the time that I spend alone

Sailing on the cool

And bright clear water

Lots of those friendly people

They're showing me ways to go

And I never want to

Lose their inspiration

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

Well, I was born in the sign of water

And it's there that I feel my best

The albatross and the whales

They are my brothers

It's kind of a special feeling

When you're out on the sea alone

Staring at the full moon like a lover

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

I've never been romantic

And sometimes, I don't care

I know it may sound selfish

But let me breathe the air

Yeah, yeah

Let me breathe the air

If there's one thing

In my life that's missing

It's the time that I spend alone

Sailing on the cool

And bright clear water

It's kind of a special feeling

Out on the sea alone

Staring at the full moon

Like a lover

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

It's time, it's time

It's time, it's time

For a cool, cool change

(Time for a cool change)

I know it's time for a cool change

(Time for a cool change)

Now that my life is so prearranged

Well, I know, I know

I know, I know

(Time for a cool change)

It's time for a cool change

Yes, it is, yes, it is yes, it is

You know it's time for a cool change

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 ͡°)

Breathing Salt Air – Road Trip Reminder

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things I love is driving.  I like road trips and was sorely in need of one.  I am impressed with how well my Grandson’s (4 and 5 years old respectively) travel.  They are energetic and wiggly but there were not many complaints.  So far there has only been one “are we there yet?”.

My Daughter, Christmas has been asleep most of the trip thus far but we will see what the day brings.  The most precious piece of this thus far has been watching my Son, Maxim interact with his Sons.  He talks with them.  He listens to them.  Even when he has to be firm with them it is thundering velvet.

We will hit the road again soon.  The sea beacons and the waves already whisper in my brain.  I am already relaxed and enjoying the journey.  I received a clear reminder of just how intently and lovingly my Father in heaven listens to me.

I always speak to him when I drive.   I speak to him about the family sleeping in the car around me.  I will be thanking him today for time with them.  I will be thanking him for using me Son to remind me how much he loves 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 ͡°)

Breathing Salt Air – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Later today I will leave for a much needed vacation.  My family is gathering at the seaside for some time of respite.  I have not been to the ocean in some time and it always quiets me. 

I am going to be a little more free verse than planned thinking in this series of entries.  One of the processes that I value highly whilst at the ocean is morning prayer by the power of waves.  “They that go down to the sea in ships, and do business in great waters; these see the works of the Lord and his wonders in the deep.”

As I travel with my family I do so with a heart full of love.  I am excited that we will be introducing my Grandsons to the majesty of the sea.  I am also thankful for the provision of the Father that we can take this journey.

Please travel with me Dear Reader.  You are part of the joy in all my journeys.

They That Go Down to the Sea in Ships – Kemper Crabb

They that go down to the sea in ships,

And do business in great waters;

These see the works of the Lord,

These see the works of the Lord,

And His wonders in the deep.

They that go down to the sea in ships,

And do business in great waters;

These see the works of the Lord,

These see the works of the Lord,

And His wonders in the deep.

And He is with us, with us always.

Jesus is with us, with us always.

They that go down to the sea in ships,

And do business in great waters;

These see the works of the Lord,

These see the works of the Lord,

And His wonders in the deep.

And He is with us, with us always.

Jesus be with us, be with us always.

Jesus be with us, be with us always.

Jesus be with us, be with us always.

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 ͡°)