Second Thoughts ~ The Silence of God

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am sure that I will write more about the silence of God at a later date.  This song shattered me today.  One of the places where I am arrogant is in forgetting that when God seems silent to others it can be a great crisis.  Today I was crushed by the weight of those I love who struggle with or have given up on faith.

My faith that God is there and that he hears me is easy.  My faith that he will do for me what I want him to do for others is another matter.  I have been weeping all day for the ones I love who need to feel the love and healing of the Father.  I have been aching all day at how painful it must be to lose faith when it was once so strong.  It must feel so lonely to have seen God do things in your life and reach the place where you dismiss them or rationalize them away. 

If only to understand their plight I welcome the places where I cannot find the answers I seek.  The things that break us apart are so powerful.  I can see that I am being torn all the way down to that which is basic and vital.  We have all seen God move and make himself known to us.  In our pain and sorrow we forget it.  Palindrome, Maxim, Bezel, Christmas, and Avalon.  Please forgive me for not seeing the depth to which this is a failure in me and for not being better at seeing your needs.

I have no idea how to make restitution to you for not seeing this.  I assure you that I feel the depth of it now.  I love you all more than I can express.  My timbers are shaken to the foundation.  If you will, please listen to this song and pray for me Dear Reader. 

The Silence Of God – Michael Card

It's enough to drive a man crazy; it'll break a man's faith

It's enough to make him wonder if he's ever been sane

When he's bleating for comfort from Thy staff and Thy rod

And the heaven's only answer is the silence of God

It'll shake a man's timbers when he loses his heart

When he has to remember what broke him apart

This yoke may be easy, but this burden is not

When the crying fields are frozen by the silence of God

But when you have to listen to the voices of the mob

Who are reeling in the throes of all the happiness they've got

When they tell you all their troubles have been nailed up to that cross

Then what about the times when even followers get lost?

'Cause we all get lost sometimes...

There's a statue of Jesus on a monastery knoll

In the hills of Kentucky, all quiet and cold

He's kneeling in the garden, as silent as a stone

All His friends are sleeping and He's weeping all alone

And the man of all sorrows, he never forgot

What sorrow is carried by the hearts that he bought

So, when the questions dissolve into the silence of God

The aching may remain, but the breaking does not

The aching may remain, but the breaking does not

In the holy, lonesome echo of the silence of God

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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Say Something ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

We all hunger to feel that others care about us.  Even when we do not realize it, we benefit from both receiving and giving kind words.  This part of my journey has been to focus on giving them.

Kind words are honey to the soul

The day unfolds and I will interact with other humans.  I will choose how I treat them.  I will impact others for good or ill.  My heart is to always leave others better than I found them.  The desire is to allow others to feel valued and loved. 

The choice is to greet everyone with kindness.  When I succeed it does not matter whether I know the impact or not.  My obligation is to put good things into the mix.  I must do so selflessly.  I must do so with great kindness and love. 

The day consists of the footprints I leave as I walk through the lives of others whilst I attempt to follow Christ.  In that attempt I can leave a path of kind words that will make a difference for others.  Whether I ever know the impact or not, I must do so.  The Father is responsible for the results.  When we meet, Dear Reader, I have a kind word for you.  Count on it.

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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Say Something ~ The Strategy of Silence

Greetings Dear Reader,

My Grandfather used to tell me, “It often shows a fine command of the language to say nothing.”  He usually did this when he wished for me to listen instead of talk.  He also mastered the art of saying nothing in a way that gave deafening approval.

When I threw my first successful curve ball, he tossed the pitch back to me without a word and gave me the two sign for another one.  He repeated this six times allowing me to master the move and the feel without instruction or interruption.  His strategy of silence let me know that he was there but that I was the focus.

Sometimes the best way to say something is to say nothing.  We can encourage and show approval without a word.  We put others at ease or reveal that we are patient with silence if we work at it.  We even have a family signal to tell each other “I love you” without a word. 

We can and do say so much with silent communication.  Perhaps we should be more intentional about it.  It is possible to discipline ourselves to communicate silently in a way that builds up and benefits others.  It is a matter of choice and action.

I work at practicing this.  I strive to put people at ease with kind gestures and actions.  I can do more.  I can be more intentional in showing love, patience, and kindness without words.  I can encourage through silence and build up others.  I want to say something powerful and good even when I am employing a strategy of silence. 

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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Say Something ~ Encouragement

Greetings Dear Reader,

Throughout my teaching life I have observed that when encouraged, students perform better.  We must correct and guide but we are privileged to encourage.  When others take the risk of learning from us in any situation encouragement is the fuel that powers effort. 

When we encourage others, we let them know that they are not alone.  We give them a place to stand whilst they try.  If you look, right there in the word is “courage”.  It takes courage to try new things, to learn, or to change for the good. 

I know good people who withhold encouragement on purpose.  They think that being a hard task master helps.  It can be good to be firm but even in that we can provide encouragement.  We are meant to build up each other.  We are designed to be fueled by the positive kindness of others.

I can run for a long time on a kind word.  When you encourage me I dig in and do more.  I have observed that others are like this as well.  We feel more than good when others encourage us.   There is motivation and hope in genuine encouragement.

It is vital that I encourage others whenever possible.  I try to do so genuinely on purpose every day.  I challenge you to do the same Dear Reader.  “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” —Mark Twain.

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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Say Something ~ Facial Expressions

Greetings Dear Reader,

We all know that only a small percentage of our communication is what we see.  Body language, emotion, and facial expressions comprise most of our communication.  We may control our words but do we make sure the rest confirms them?

Instead, however, of dwelling on the negative, I want to think about how we can use our facial expressions to say something positive.  At a recent funeral, the man who has passed away was remember by many with a phrase similar to this; “He always had a smile and a kind word for you.”  It was not just his words but his face that communicated his kindness.

We need to be people whose eyes, mouth, and face communicate kindness.  One of the things that we fail to do is really engage with people in the moment.  When we make eye contact and allow good things to show on our faces we make a genuine difference.  As I have become more intentional about what my face says to others I can see that difference.

A friend recently said that when he saw me coming he felt better because he knew I would smile at him.  Since a facial expression can make such an impact we must monitor that impact.  We say things with our faces constantly.  We communicate our feelings without a word.  When we focus on kindness and love for others we can communicate it even when we say nothing. 

I must discipline my thoughts so that when they translate to my face there is no dichotomy.  It is required that I be kind to others.  Further, that kindness must be genuine.  If it is, then it will translate to my expressions.  It will be easier to communicate good things to others with integrity.  Never underestimate the power of a kind look.

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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Say Something ~ Kind Words

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the mysteries of following Christ is that we do not know the outcome of all we do until the end of all we do.  We are supposed to do good things in secret.  We are not supposed to look for reward or recognition.  Our purpose and motivations are to be external and pure.  Not knowing the outcome can aid in this if we allow it.

This preamble is a lead-in to the understanding of how much impact kind words can have.  If I make the effort to be kind knowing that I will not know the outcome, I can more freely offer kindness without being concerned about myself.

One of the areas where this is a dire need in our culture is the simple offering of kind words.  When we say something kind and unexpected we rarely know what difference it will really make.  Sometimes, however, we get a glimpse.

Recently I went into a diner that I visit infrequently but enjoy.  My server was the same young lady who waited on me four months ago.  When she saw me at the door she immediately came up to me and showed me to a table in her section.  Before I could get out a proper greeting she teared up and started talking.

“I have been hoping you would come back.  What you said to me last time you were here has changed everything.  I am in school.  I am working toward my dream job and I am so much more hopeful than when we met in January.”

She went on to explain that when I visited the diner in January she was about to leave the city and move to what would have turned out to be a bad situation.  The people she was planning to live with had all gotten into serious trouble.  Since business was slow, we talked about her future for the next hour as I enjoyed my breakfast.

It took some time to remember what I had said to her on my first visit with her.  I remembered eventually that I was impressed with her vocabulary and complimented her on it.  She was articulate and intelligent.  We had a great conversation about words and their use.  I mentioned that her voice was also one that was easy to listen to. 

What I did not know was that she had always wanted to work in radio.  She had an opportunity to get a scholarship in that field but was not confident enough to take it.  Apparently, our short conversation tipped the balance.

I could only be a part of this good thing because I try to always find something kind and genuine to say to someone.  Doing this makes an impact whether I ever see it or not.  It leaves behind seeds of hope that I may never see bloom.  In this instance I was blessed to see the outcome of my practice. 

We are supposed to encourage and build up each other.  We are designed to be kind.  Our words have so much more power than we realize.  I must be kind whenever possible.  I must also be kind whenever it seems impossible.  The reward is in the act.  Say something kind Dear Reader.  It will make a difference.

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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Say Something ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have always been fascinated by the hour glass.  I often use the metaphor of the hour glass to focus on the passage of time.   One of my reasons for this is that each grain of sand represents a moment to me.  As that grain passes through the pinch I see it passing through the present.  I think you get the idea.

There are moments; moments when we know what to say and who needs to hear it.  It often is true that we see that moment as it hits the pinch.  Instead, however, we sit silent as the moment passes.  We let it fall from the future, through the present, into the past without grasping the opportunity.

I have areas of my life where I, perhaps, should say things but I do not.  Moreover, I have often spoken when I should have remained silent.  Since there is balance required in all things, I clearly have had to learn it here. 

Over the next few days I will try to deepen my balance by thinking through when I should and should not speak.  I primarily need to deepen my understanding of when I should speak.  I need to deepen my ability to grasp the moment and say what needs to be said.

Please walk with me for a bit whilst we speak about speaking.  I want to learn how to better say things that encourage and enlighten.  I desire to follow Christ more closely by using words to build up others.  As always Dear Reader, your questions and comments are welcome.

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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Listen and Silent – Closing Thoughts – The Final Word

Greetings Dear Reader,

Using two ears and one mouth, listening with the heart, and speaking in love are all great things.  I think that the failure of the church to listen to the world has caused it to lose its right to be heard.  We do not seek to understand before we demand to be understood.  That is shameful and prideful.

As Christ followers we have something to say to the world.  We cannot be that voice for Christ if we do not earn the right to be heard.  We can only do that through listening.  The object is not for us to be heard.  It is for Christ to be heard. 

It is not our words that matter.  It is our hearing what the world needs.  It is responding with silent giving, grace, and goodness.  It is not Bible thumping to prove a point.  It is humbly living out the Gospel socially.  It is not chest pounding over our good deeds.  It is listening when the world sees us not being what we are supposed to be and taking corrective action.

We have no need to speak unnecessarily.   God provided the final word on all things.  It is my duty to live in such a way that people wish to hear that word.  I must be silent until they do. I must listen to their needs and act on them. 

The Final Word - Michael Card

You and me we use so very many clumsy words.

The noise of what we often say is not worth being heard.

When the Father's wisdom wanted to communicate His love,

He spoke it in one final perfect Word.

He spoke the incarnation, and then so was born a Son.

His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.

Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.

And so was born a baby who would die to make it mine.

And so the Father's fondest took on flesh and bone.

He spoke the living luminous word, at once His will was done.

And so the transformation that in man had been unheard,

Took place in God the Father as he spoke that final Word.

He spoke the incarnation, and then so was born a Son.

His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.

Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.

And so was born a baby who would die to make it mine.

And so the Light became alive and manna became Man.

Eternity stepped into time so we could understand.

He spoke the incarnation, and then so was born a Son.

His final word was Jesus, He needed no other one.

Spoke flesh and blood so He could bleed and make a way Divine.

And so was born a baby who would die to make it mine.

And so was born a baby who would die to make it mine.

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 ͡°)

Listen and Silent – Strategy of Silence

Greetings Dear Reader,

I do not argue over theology.  I used to do and do so well.  Then it occurred to me that we are not to quarrel over words.  We are not supposed to be argumentative but rather to let the good we do speak for us. 

I see this as a strategy of silence.  Not everyone gets that.  I still encounter people who want to argue theology with me when they learn that I have studied it.  I must not engage in argument.  Even if I win the argument I do damage to the cause.  God does not need my intellect, energy, and wit to make himself known to others.

He does need my example, service, and sacrifice for others.  He does use my silent love and compassion.   Not everyone will hear me.  I cannot always meet the expectations of others.  People expect me to be and do certain things.  Those things do not always line up with my beliefs or with how Christ followers who are supposed to live.

When others engage in boasting, arguing, or condemning others based on theology I abstain or I try to take the position of what we are supposed to represent.  Silence has lease to listen, hear, and be compassionate.  Silence is the strategy whereby others can see the Gospel without me getting in the way.

There are those who want me to engage in argument.  I can speak to the reason for the hope I have.  That is not the same as arguing.  I must speak love into the lives of others by being silent and living righteously.  I must perfect my life.  I must use silence to earn the right to be heard.

Stillness and Simplicity – Michael Card

In stillness and simplicity

In the silence of the heart I see

The mystery of eternity

Who lives in side of me

In stillness and simplicity

I hear the Spirit's silent plea

That You, oh Lord, are close to me

In stillness and simplicity

You're the Word

Who must be heard

By those who listen quietly

Is the reason we're not still

To hear You speak because

We don't believe You will

In stillness and simplicity

I lose myself in finding Thee

Oh Lord, You mean so much to me

In stillness and simplicity

So, seek the One who dwells in you

The kingdom that within is true

That innermost reality

In stillness and simplicity

Wishing you joy in the journey,

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 ͡°)

Listen and Silent – Not Listening

Greetings Dear Reader,

This is one of those things that as a species we seem to be losing.  We do not listen to each other.  We argue.  We fight.  We war.  We do not really listen.  We want to say our part, position, and piece but in our demand to be heard we do not remember that others must be heard as well.

Fully engaged listening communicates so much to others.  It is one of the ways in which we can communicate love, respect, and compassion.  It also helps the listener to understand and ask good questions.  It helps the listener think about others rather than be self-centered.

Christ followers should be seen a real listeners.  Listening does not equal agreement or approval.  Genuine listening does not hurt us.  It does not compromise us.  It does make it clear to others that we are engaged and that we care.  It does give us a path to see the needs of others.

I know I am good at listening.  I am not always good at making sure others know I am listening.  Sometimes my multitasking makes it appear that I am not listening.  Sometimes I do not really listen.  I must see the gift that someone being real with me.is.  I must love and respect that gift.  I must listen as I would have others listen to me.  It really is that simple.

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 ͡°)

Listen and Silent – A Clutch

Greetings Dear Reader,

My current vehicle is the first I have had in twenty years that was not a manual transmission.  Over the years I have taught many people how to drive a manual shifting car. In doing this I learned some lessons about silence.

The gas is responsive and communicates.  When one applies the gas the engine revs.  The clutch is silent and requires trust.  The clutch engages and does its job without saying anything.  There are rules we lean ahead of time.  There is a right way to apply the gas and release the clutch.  We learn to time the silence in harmony with the release to create the motion we need.  The clutch asks us to trust the silence and just engage.  We have to do to get the results.

God often asks the same of us.  He has laid out the rules and requirements.  He asks us to trust the silence.  He requires that we engage in faith.  He insists that we move forward trusting the silence and listening for the evidence in that silence.

If I am to follow properly then I must engage the silence.  I must engage the movement of God within that silence.  This is how I give hands and feet to my faith.  It is how I live it out without burning bushes and parting seas. 

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 ͡°)

Listen and Silent - Conversations in a Diner

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am out having breakfast as I write this today.  My favorite waitress is fussing at the cook.  Another is worried that her life is not going as she wishes.  Two elderly gentlemen next to me are discussing the Jumble.  One of them lives in chronic pain and tells about his progress each week when we dine together.

Most of the time I eat here alone.  It gives me a chance to listen.  It gives me opportunity to pray for and be good to people who will talk out loud to each other about their woes.  They presume that the booth gives them anonymity.  It gives me opportunity to be someone who cares just by listening.

I would challenge those of you who pray to go out there and listen.  Hear the snippets around you and pray for the people you do not know.  Take the opportunity give to someone who cannot repay you.  Take the opportunity to use your faith to make a difference that they may never know.

Johnny’s Café – John Fischer

Wasting the day down at Johnny’s Café,

All kinds of people there with plenty to say,

If you got nothing to say to folks at Johnny’s Café,

You got nothing to say at all.

Walk in any day and you’ll find a slice of life at your table;

One man leaving his wife another wishing he was able,

An old man trying to forget a young one looking for a label,

And the stories they tell you can’t tell if they’re true of they’re fable.

And the lady pouring coffee she knows the regulars by name.

If she doesn’t know you she calls you “honey” just the same.

And we all love to hear it,

Even if she has to fake it,

‘Cause it’s nice to think that someone really cares;

Someone cares.

Go spend the day down at Johnny’s Café,

All kinds of people there with plenty to say,

If you got nothing to say to folks at Johnny’s Café,

You got nothing to say at all.

Half a mile down the road you’ll find a church with a steeple.

And on Sundays the pews are full of well-dressed beautiful people.

There’s a leading politician whose wife is musician in the choir.

A corporation head who is trying to get a little bit higher.

And the preacher pouring sermons he knows the regulars by name.

If he doesn’t know you he’ll shake your hand just the same.

And we all love to hear it,

Even if we have to fake it,

But it would be nice if someone really cared;

Someone cared.

Go spend the day down at Johnny’s Café,

All kinds of people there with plenty to say,

Now if Jesus were here I think we’d find him today down at Johnny’s café.

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 ͡°)

Listen and Silent – Listening with the Heart

Greetings Dear Reader,

It is not enough to listen.  It is not enough to listen attentively.  I was reminded recently that even though I know I am listening the person speaking make not.  It is not enough to listen.  One must listen with the heart.

It is easy to move away from real listening.  We think we know what the other person will say.  We believe we know the answer and we do not let the other person work it out.  I have people in my life who work out how they feel by talking to others.  If I am too quick to think I know the answer then I am not listening. 

My interruptions and solutions, even when they are spot on are a signal that my heart is not engaged with the person talking.  It does not matter if I present a solution that could work world peace if I do not hear the heart of the other person with my heart.

Listening must be with all that I am.  I must consider how I wish to be heard.  I need to seek first to understand before trying to be understood.  I need to see the heart of another in what they are saying.  I must listen with my heart not just my head.  I must see the needs spoken and unspoken in the conversation of others.

It is in this that I can inject kindness and compassion.  If I ask someone to trust me with how they feel.  If I offer to listen and do not respond with compassion I am not keeping faith. I am not worthy of trust.

If I do listen with my heart and show love and compassion then I can perhaps make a difference.  I can perhaps make the journey easier for someone else.  I must listen with my heart to do this.

Good Man – Burlap to Cashmere

He was walking down the highway

And you saw him straggling along

And you reached out

Opened up your door

And you gave him a ride

To your heavenly home

God his mother, she won't listen

And his father hated his old man

But you listened to his feelings

And your eyes consistently understand

Yes, your eyes consistently understand

He was a good man.  He lived a good life

He was a good man.  He lived a good life

But he was dancing to the bright lights

He was dying for some love

Well, you see him with his guitar

Down the highway, he would walk along

Singin' old songs, singin' Sunday blues

But his school bells were his only song

Yes his school bells were his only song

Through the fire, through the lying sun

Through the smoke and fog

Through the day that's done

There was strength there

There was hope alive

There were strings of peace

From the other side

There were strings of peace

From the other side

He was a good man.  He lived a good life

He was a good man.  He lived a good life

But he was dancing to the bright lights

He was dying for some love

Don't you see he's falling away?

Thank God for the love that you gave

Only love can put out a fire

And only love was calling him

Higher and higher

He was a good man.  He lived a good life

He was a good man.  He lived a good life

But he was dancing to the bright lights

He was dying for some love

He was a good man.  He lived a good life

He was a good man.  He lived a good life

And you were right there, for the hard times

You were there again and again

Again and again, again and again

He was walking

Down the highway

Gave him a ride to your heavenly home

Gave him the ride to your heavenly 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 home owner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Listen and Silent – Will You not Listen

Greetings Dear Reader,

If I believe that life is a listening and I do believe it, then I must always listen for the voice of God.  I realize this sounds mystical and hearing God cannot be empirically proven.  I do, however, hear him.

Perhaps one of the reasons that belief is hard for people is because they do not take the risk of listening.  If we enter into any other conversation believing that the other person will not speak then we are likely not to hear even if they do so.

My Grandfather used to always say that God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason.  We should listen twice as much as we speak.  We should listen for the purpose of hearing.  We listen to others to get to know them.  Why will we not do the same for God? 

I am not talking about listening to the things other Christ followers tell us to hear.  I am talking about an honest look at what God asks us to see in him.  Believers and unbelievers ask us to put so many filters in place.  All Christ as is that we follow in faith the commands to love God and love humans. 

If we look into the Word of God with only that filter things become much clearer.  If we listen to everything with that understanding it becomes easier to see God.  The strategy is to really listen, then hear, and follow.

If I listen perhaps it can benefit others as well.  If I practice listening to God perhaps I will listen to others better.  One cannot hear if they do not listen.

Will You not Listen – Michael Card

Is not He who formed the ear

Worth the time it takes to hear?

Should He who formed our lips for speaking

Be not heeded when He speaks?

Will you not listen?

Why won't you listen?

God has spoken love to us

Why will you not listen?

Listen to the sacred silence

Listen to the Holy Word

Listen as He speaks through living

Parables that must be heard

Will you not listen?

Why won't you listen?

God has spoken peace to us

Why will you not listen?

He spoke a word of flesh and blood

Flesh and blood that bled and died

Bled and died just to be heard

How could you not hear this Word?

Why will you not hear this Word?

Will you not listen?

Why won't you listen?

God has spoken hope to us

How could you not listen?

Why will you not listen?

How could you not listen?

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 ͡°)

Listen and Silent – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Someone reminded me the other day that listen and silent are spelled with the same letters.  It takes a proper application of both to hear someone.  We cannot just listen with our ears.  We have to have a real strategy of silence to hear others.  We have to earn the right to be heard.

I have been told I am a good listener but I also do not always communicate good listening.  I need to think my way through the parts of me that need fine tuning so that I become a better listener and hearer.  I need to remember when to speak and when to be silent.

I have adopted a strategy of silence in many areas.  I may have been too silent in some areas.  I think that it is that I have felt like I lost the right to be heard.  It does not matter how I feel if I do not reach our when I should.  There are times when I must engage no matter how I feel.

I will spend some time working through this.  I will ponder the balance toward which I must work.  There are still places where I must keep silent.  I am still learning there are places where I must speak.  I am also remembering to make sure people know that I am listening.  Feel free to walk with me Dear Reader.  I always value your company.

The Vigil – Kemper Crabb

Waiting for flame in eye of night, I am the fuel for your fire

Light calls ever unto light. Make me a fleshen pyre.

Touch my lips with the altering coal; leave your shining upon my soul.

Zion shall ever be my goal; Zion the telling of light.

Scanning the silence with inward ears; life is a listening.

Enfolded in echoes of timeless years; the Word comes whistling.

Build my being from your throat; meld my meaning with every note.

Wrap me round in an aural cloak, so I may truly hear.

Drawn towards destinies darkling kite, riven by reality

Riding the passion to terrible height, life upon death’s tree

Cause me to drink from the chalice of fire. Forge me anew in the heat of desire

Let me inhabit the holy empire and make war on the armies of night.

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 ͡°)