In Memoria ~ Simple Freedoms

Greetings Dear Reader,

So many people are traveling for this holiday weekend.  Last year at this time my family was on a journey back from a week at the beach.  A few weeks ago my Daughter and I packed a bag and drove to spend a weekend in northern Wisconsin. 

Freedom of travel is just one of the things we take for granted.  In many countries travel is restricted and just a simple weekend getaway requires someone else’s approval.  The things we take for granted are so precious to others.  We have no requirement to report our whereabouts, participate or abstain from religion, or support a specific political agenda.

We, unfortunately use these freedoms to ignore the greater good and feed our own selfishness.  We are quickly becoming a nation that does not tolerate dissenting options.  We use our freedoms to try and limit the freedoms of others. 

When we do this we dishonor the blood and lives of others who died to give us these freedoms.  It is vital that we allow others the same freedoms we enjoy.   There is risk in it but it is how the Father deals with us.  We are free to follow Christ or not.  We are free to obey the commands to love or not.

It is in this paradoxical position that our freedom in Christ lives.  I must cherish this human form of freedom because it reflects the perfect freedom that Christ wishes for us all.  I must honor those who died to provided and protect 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.”

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Of Mice and Men – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I use my last day of vacation to rest I think about what this trip has done for me.  I have driven and walked very far.  I have been witness to someone being celebrated for her life and freedom. 

The land of Mickey Mouse has much to teach us about hope and dreams.  It also has much to teach us about what we can do if we set our minds on being good to others.  If humans can work together for a paycheck to ensure that others are happy then what can we do as Christ followers?

It is possible for dreams to come true.  It is possible for us to change the lives of others.  It is possible to make a difference. As one who follows Christ I must assure that my actions produce joy in the lives of others.  It is my obligation to make the impossible possible.  It is my duty to see to it that the dreams of others get a foothold in Christ.

People go where they get their needs met.  They flock to the Magic Kingdom to be briefly happy.  We need to create a space where people can find lasting joy.   We need to be an example.  I need to carry the lessons of joy and whatever it takes to created it with me every day.  The journey is both too long and too short to avoid 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.”

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Of Mice and Men – All Good Things

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I write this I am still recovering from the journey back and velocitation.  I still feel like I am hurtling down the highway when I am sitting still.  This too shall pass.  As with all good things vacations end.

I have a day to recover.  I think I have celebrated my Daughter well.  My brain and fingers are weary.  I cannot even type one sentence without an error.  I will rest and draw some conclusions tomorrow.  Good night 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 ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Land Down Under

Greetings Dear Reader,

I know that Christmas misses several aspects of Australia.   As the last stop on our trip we stopped at a small zoo called Kentucky Down Under.   It is a collection of Australian animals and some cultural knowledge created by Bill and Judy Austin in 1990.  

It is worth a day to pet the kangaroos, see the animal show, and learn about sheep and sheep dogs at the sheep barn.  It is also fun to watch the staff react to an authentic Australian visiting their park.

The place has not changed much since I last visited it in 2009.   Today I watch my Daughter pet the kangaroos and even coax a young joey out of the pouch so some other visitors could see it.  I was reminded that there are so many lovely facets to her personality that sparkle when she is given the light and time to do so.

I was also reminded of how much I enjoy the diversity of culture.  We are in a rural southern town.  We are in an ancient motel run by a zealously polite Indian couple.  We spent the day infused with Australian culture.  I am supposed to be a man who embraces infinite diversity in infinite combinations. 

It is in these moments that I value just how easy that diversity is if I set aside my expectations.  I need to see and revel in the differences.  I need to see the beauty and grace in every culture.   It is in these things that the Father reveals the depth of who he is.

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 ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Beautiful

Greetings Dear Reader,

As we leave Disney today we head north to Toccoa, GA.  The word Toccoa means Beautiful.   The place is beautiful.  It puts me in mind of when I took my Sons to Disney many years ago.  We spent three days then at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom.

On the way back home we stopped at a place called Ichetucknee Springs.  It is a spring fed river where one can snorkel and see beautiful fresh water wild life.  My Sons commented on how much better it was than all of Disney.

Remembering that day puts me in mind as I travel away from the illusions of Disney that it is the real things in life that can give us wonder.  It is the natural world that reveals to us the magnificence of creation.  I do not want to take anything away from what has been done here.  I do with to assure that I see the wonder in all good things.

I will write more about yesterday later.  There is a final Disney moment that should be shared and I must say farewell to someone.   As I travel today, however, I will be thanking the Father for the many blessings he poured out on us at Disney World.

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 ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Hollywood Smiles

Greetings Dear Reader,

The day spent and Disney Hollywood Studios was amazing.  My Daughter was chosen as one of the extras for the Indiana Jones production.  Because much of the park is under reimagining for the new Star Wars area we made it a shorter day.  We came back to the resort and truly rested.

Christmas was once again surprised by the Disney staff with a surprise that is yet pending.  I am constantly amazed at their creativity in meeting the needs of guests.  They work together, network across the parks, and act to go above and beyond for people.

In the vast illusion that makes up the Disney parks there is no illusion when it comes to being good to their visitors.  Once again I am astounded at what can be accomplished if people work together for a common goal.

Those of us who follow Christ could do the same to meet the real needs of the world if we chose to do so.  We could network, go above and beyond, and work to provide for the needs of others.  The people we meet along the way need this.  They need to feel that the real Kingdom of God has something to offer than illusion and promises.  They need to see it in reality.

I saw real people, with real tears of joy at the opportunity they were given to help my Daughter live the magic.   When was the last time we felt that emotional over the opportunity to feed the hungry or help those in need?  I need to get to that place.  That needs to be my desire.

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 ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Advent Anniversaries

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday truly was magical.  The Disney people lived up to their reputation for excellence.  At every turn my Daughter was treated like a princess including Disney providing all that was needed for a true makeover for our dinner at Cinderella’s castle. 

I saw real people with real lives outside of their jobs find great joy in drawing smiles and awe from a twenty-eight year old who for the day was just an eight year old.  The world spun a little slower and grew a little smaller.  This is expensive but worth every penny.

Always having an eye for managing the project I saw many things that impressed me.  The way in which the park moves people is so efficient.  The other aspect is how they manage feeding and hydrating everyone so well, with quality, at a fair price.  The entire movement of thousands of guests amazes the organizer in me.

I did not encounter one cast member who was not kind and friendly.  It once again put me in mind of just how much of a difference just being nice can make.  I was also put in mind of the impact having the power to do good and then doing it can help.  Two Disney staff members took my Daughter Christmas in hand and saw to it that she was made to feel like royalty.  They did not have to do this.  I did not pay for it.  They saw her, responded with compassion, and did great good.

What humans did in the name of a mouse I am supposed to do in the name of Christ.  What the church is supposed to be is echoed by the Disney people.  I am more determined to assure that am this whenever I can be.  If I do well then I will be able to create a kind of magic in the lives of others. 

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 ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Magic Kingdoms

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today we venture into the Magic Kingdom.  When we checked in last night Teresa made my Daughter feel as if she were the only person to arrive at this place where thousands arrive daily.  Today is Christmas’ birthday. 

This kingdom raised out of central Florida swamp land really is magical in a sense.  It is easy to forget that those who serve us here are real people with real lives outside of work.  In the moment when Teresa and my Daughter exchange conversation it was obvious that two real people were exchanging compassion for each other.   

As I move through this magic kingdom I will remember that the illusions here must not hinder my view of the real souls behind the smiles who deserve my kindness and grace.  They deserve to be appreciated, loved, and thanked. 

The Magic Kingdom is a place like any other that needs see the truth and love of the hidden Kingdom of Christ.  The Gospel is the herald of its imminent emergence.  I am to be its ambassador.  It is my obligation to represent the Gospel in every encounter but especially when others are working hard to serve me.

My focus will be on my Daughter today.  My heart will be to celebrate her freedom and healing from trauma and abuse.  I will mostly be celebrating her life.  I will also honor her by being good and kind to those we encounter.  I will do my best to honor Christ here as an example and as a gift.  The emerging Kingdom of God is much more vital than any Magic Kingdom derived for illusions.

The Kingdom – Michael Card

So near and yet still so far, far away

So close, and yet still to come

Concealed, the seed is mysteriously growing

In hearts that will listen and hear

A treasure that's hidden, a pearl of great price

A fortune for fools who believe

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

For now this kingdom's a land of the lowly

A place for the tired, plundered poor

image: http://static.urx.io/units/web/urx-unit-loader.gif

Now our gentle King comes in peace on a donkey

But then on a charger for war

A battle in heaven, a war on the earth

To shatter the long darkened siege

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

Not by our own strength

And not by the power of might

But by His Spirit it comes

Blinded eyes will see

And deafened ears will hear

The praise from the lips of the dumb

A kingdom of beauty, a kingdom of love

A kingdom of justice and peace

A kingdom that holds all the wiles of creation

A kingdom where children will lead

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 ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Varsity Blues

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday we stopped at the original Varsity Restaurant for lunch, This world class drive in had be best chili dogs I have ever had.  Pairing then with amazing onion rings is a wise and glorious thing.   Washing it down a frosted orange is divine. 

Today we arrive at the resort.  The journey is reminding me why I no longer live in the South.  The heat and humidity are both assaulting me relentlessly.  My head is tired and words do not easily form today.     

It is the anticipation that keeps me moving.   Is occurs to me that the true nature of our motivation in life is the anticipation of things.  It is in the wanting that we find movement.  I think that this cuts both ways.  We can anticipate good things and this drives us.  We can anticipate things that are not so good and this hinders us.  Once again we are sculpted by that which we treasure. 

 

I must, therefore, align my desires with those of the Father.   If I do this he will help me desire the rights things.  I must focus on following even in the leisurely parts of 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 ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – The Road

Greetings Dear Reader,

At this point the road slips beneath us at speeds my Great-Grandfather thought dangerous to humans.  I love long drives especially when they take me to knew and unknown roads. 

This journey is mostly familiar and I have driven it dozens of times over the last twenty years.  There are moments and landmarks that mean much to me.  The hamlet of Paw-Paw with it windfarm and train museum is a byword in our family.  We have broken down twice there. 

The Effingham Cross is always a moment of prayer and reverence for me.  That such a great symbol of death inspires so deeply is a beautiful analogy of redemption to me.  It is also the gateway moment to Metropolis and the Superman Museum. 

My destination today is Macon.  I have not been to Macon in some time though it figures greatly in the first part of my dystopian novel currently under construction.  I first road in an old Thunderbird on my way to Macon as a boy.  The car had a slide over steering wheel and a thermometer speedometer. 

Driving always brings out so many memories.  Christmas is sleeping as is her passion when traveling.  The combination of the road and her snoring gives me so much time to muse and reflect.  I try to get the most out of the journeying part of the journey.  It is rarely the destination for me.

Both freedom and loneliness are constant companions for me when I drive long distances.  I pray and worship the God I love as I drive.  I ponder the lives of those I pass and who pass me.  I wonder where they are on the path back to God.  Everything about this journey is about the fellow travelers and our Guide. 

As I near each milestone I hope that I impart love and grace to the single serving friendships I encounter at gas stations and diners.  I hope that I am kind to those who seek hope and landmarks that guide them home.

I realize that there is no destination here that is more attractive to me than my final destination.  I long for that Undiscovered Country where the clearing at the end of the path yields welcome and true home.  For now, I must find what joy I can in the journey. 

Our real adventure begins tomorrow.  For today I will look at the sunrise, enjoy the road, and stop at a Cracker Barrel for breakfast.  As I meddle in the affairs of wizards and fairies I will take care not to get burned.  The road goes ever on and on Dear Reader.  Journey well today as I hope to do.  Spare a prayer for me if you are so inclined.

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 ͡°)

Of Mice and Men – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today begins an adventure that is much more a journey of love and grace than anything else.  My Daughter Christmas has journeyed so far to become the amazing young woman she is.   I have been privileged to be her “father” for barely a third of her life.  Before my part began things were not so  good for her.  That, however, is a tale best told in the safety of a book.

One of the things that sustained her during the dark times was the hope of one day going to Disney world.  We will set out on that journey today.  Amusement parks do not in general amuse me.  I have been to the Magic Kingdom a few times and found it interesting but not as magical as others find it.

What I anticipate on this voyage is the emergence of lost little girl in my Daughter.  I am doing all that I can to make it truly magical for her.  I will chronicle the observations and ponderings I encounter along the way.  Mostly I hope to be in the moment with someone who deserves some magical moments.

Travel with me Dear Reader.  I could use your companionship, questions, and prayers.

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 ͡°)

Pieces of Time – Leisure Time

Greetings Dear Reader,

We buy our leisure time with the pieces of time we trade for money.  I worked through some thoughts on leisure pursuits some months ago.  I am being more active and moving out of some of my zones of complacency (not really comfortable).   What I am pondering today is that I use my leisure time, that is purchased at a high price, for things that recreate me.

I see so many people who refuse to enjoy life because they get caught up in the barrenness of busyness.  I hear all the time people I care about concerned that their time away from work is so filled with other things.  They seem dissatisfied by those things.  Leisure time is meant to restore and recreate us.

This means that the pieces of time I give to leisure pursuits must be that which truly rebuilds me.  I must rest when I need rest.  I must adventure when I need adventure.  It comes down to listening to what my heart tells me I need.  It is proper to follow Christ in leisure pursuits.  I must as with all my time make the most of 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 ͡°)

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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 ͡°)