Second Thoughts ~ End of the Big Bang

Greetings Dear Reader,

Twelve years of weekly thirty-minute encounters and countless syndicated reruns are making their exit this week.  The last new episode of The Big Bang Theory has aired. The behind the scenes farewell has run as well.  Over the decade and a bit, much of how I feel has been reflected by the ensemble cast.

The writers and actors combined to make me laugh when I was sad and when I was just fine.  It may be the show that has impacted me most since Star Trek.  The nerdy side of my nature relates to the social struggles of the characters.  My eldest Son once referred to me as a nerd with social skills. 

Few know how much I struggle socially because I rarely let it show.  The inner struggles are trumped by my desire for others to feel loved and welcomed.  Still, in the quiet dark, I wrestle the fears and foibles that I feel so define me.  This weekly half-hour sitcom always made me feel that someone related. 

All good human things come to an end.  I never want them to end but they do.  Over the course of this show, many things in my life have ended.  All of them relational and painful.  It reminds me of the value of a circle of friends and how much those friends are often actually undervalued.  If I could speak to the cast of The Big Bang Theory, I would offer them a hearty thank you. 

I would also recall that I am not alone.  I feel that way often but I have friends who love me loyally and dearly.  The journey is hard at times.  Still, there is an opportunity to share that journey with others and I will fight to ensure that no one feels the way I feel most of the time.  It is our love for each other, even the quirks, that makes it all possible.  I love you, 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 homeowner. He liberally hands out new and old things from his great treasure store.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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

Novels on Amazon             

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook        Google +    Twitter     

Medium   Instagram  Kids BLOG   

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

Fellow Travelers ~ Closing

Greetings Dear Reader,

We travel with others whether we wish it or not.  From the lifelong journey with family to falling in step with someone in line for buying groceries, we encounter people.  They journey with us and we have the opportunity to be good to them.

I realize that it can be much more complex than this.  That does not mean that there is not the opportunity to be kind in every moment.  We all have failings that grind on the nerves and feelings of others.  If we hope for others to overlook them and be kind to us, we must be active in doing the same. 

The joy in our journey is found in discovering the unique beauty in every fellow traveler.  They all have something to teach us and we have lessons to learn.  Their gifts and ours can combine to make the world better one encounter at a time.  I must be vigilant to do my part.  I must look for the needs of my fellow travelers. 

We are intended to love each other as we travel together.  We are meant to take care of each other.  The needs we see are our responsibility.  I find so much richness in the infinite diversity of my fellow travelers.  As I move on down the path I hope that I can give as good as I get.  You, Dear Reader, are always welcome to walk with me. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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

Facebook      Google +   

Twitter            Medium    

Kids BLOG

Novels on Amazon             

Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Fellow Travelers ~ Where are We Headed

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am aware that all of you do not believe the same things that I believe.  It makes me grateful that you travel with me despite our differences.  I have said before that we are all on a journey back to God. 

Since I believe this is true of all of us, it becomes vital to understand how I treat my fellow travelers.  I am not sure what the clearing at the end of the path looks like. I am sure that when I get there I will have to account for how I treated my fellow travelers.  What I said and what I did will be measured as to their value.

This does not mean that I have to earn or merit my place with Christ.  That is not possible.  I am unable to earn redemption.  No one can earn redemption.  One cannot buy the love of someone who already loves completely and unconditionally.  It is just not possible.

We are headed to the end of things not being good.  We are unable to get there on our own.  We are supposed to help; each other get there.  This is accomplished by loving the one we follow and by loving our fellow travelers. 

Where we are headed does not tolerate hatred or evil.  It is good.  I must, therefore, be good.  I must live my love for Christ by loving my fellow travelers.  We carry a cross along the way but are promised joy at the end of the journey.  That has to be enough for me to keep traveling with others showing them love and compassion along the way.

Pilgrims to the City of God – Michael Card

Pilgrims of passion we follow the One

Who holds out a cross and a crown

We travel a dark road that has but one Light

For we have here no lasting town

Sometimes we run by the power of His might

On our own at the best we can plod

What we hopefully look for is just beyond sight

We are pilgrims to the city of God

The stigma of strangers lost in a strange land

In a fallen world that's not our home

But we are not just homeless prodigals here

Because we have someplace to go

Sometimes we run by the power of His might

On our own at the best we can plod

What we hopefully look for is just beyond sight

We are pilgrims to the city of God

Behold you have come to Mount Zion

The City of Great King

To thousands and thousands of angels who've come

Assembled to joyfully sing, they sing

And sometimes we run by the power of His might

On our own at the best we can plod

What we hopefully look for is just beyond sight

We are pilgrims to the city 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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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

Facebook      Google +   

Twitter            Medium    

Kids BLOG

Novels on Amazon             

Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Fellow Travelers ~ Walking not Standing

Greetings Dear Reader,

Traveling implies movement.  We are on a journey and we travel together for a day, a moment, or a lifetime.  What matters is not what we carry or the speed at which we travel.  What matters is how we treat each other along the journey.

Instead of treating each other with love and respect, we lie, harm, and avoid each other.  We stand where our hurts and offenses have stopped us instead of walking together.  We become cemented into ways of thinking and acting that reject those who would travel with us.  This is what destroys friendships and families.

My Grandfather used to often say, “You do what you believe.  Everything else is just talk.”  He would also remind me when I would boast about what I was going to do, “Well you have the talking part done.”  

When we fail to do right by those around us we stop traveling with them.  We put them in doubt of our value of them as fellow travelers.  I fail to travel “with” someone when I do not show him or her the love, loyalty, and kindness I am obligated to show.  I stand in my own opinions when I should be walking with someone; listening and caring. 

When we fail to care for each other we collect baggage that slows us down or even stops us altogether.  If we truly believe that we are meant to travel together and care for each other, then we must do so.  We must be walking and not just standing.  We are fettered to the future and, therefore, cannot afford to stand in the prison of the past.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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

Facebook      Google +   

Twitter            Medium    

Kids BLOG

Novels on Amazon             

Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Fellow Travelers ~ Compartmentalizing

Greetings Dear Reader,

We put our fellow travelers in boxes, or perhaps bubbles.  It would be difficult to travel in a box.  Still we compartmentalize our relationships into areas that are comfortable for us.

In some ways doing this is necessary.  One does not have the same relationship with everyone.  Some compartments are necessary and good.  Some are more important than others.  The trouble is that we also form compartments with fellow travelers that are unhealthy.

I had a co-worker once tell me that it is allowable to lie to another group of co-workers because they do not really understand the technology.  Since lying is inherently wrong to treat any fellow traveler this way is to create barriers and risk.  The other thing that it does is that it withholds love and kindness to someone for the purpose of gain. 

All of my fellow travelers are entitled to love and respect.  When I compartmentalize them into groups that do not get this I am harming everyone involved.  This extends to how I view those who disagree with me socially, politically, and in faith.  There are natural and chosen differences but none of them require me to compartmentalize my fellow travelers in a way that harms them.

The journey is difficult and we need each other.  If I relegate someone to a bubble of rejection then I lose out on the uniqueness of his or her gifts.  I miss out on the things they bring to the journey that I need. 

We need each other more that we admit.  I cannot travel alone.  Since I do not always know what I need, it is vital that I not ignore the potential of others.  It might be that their gifts fit my need in the moment.  Better still, it might be that my kindness can reach through the bubbles they create and help burst them.  That is always a beautiful thing.

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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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

Facebook      Google +   

Twitter            Medium    

Kids BLOG

Novels on Amazon             

Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Fellow Travelers ~ The Unlikable

Greetings Dear Reader,

On Thursday last week a friend told me that she feels like nobody really likes her.  I reminded her that I did like her and that I have a choice about it.  Her response was that I like everyone.  I am required to love everyone but not to like everyone. 

I am supposed to be kind to all humans.  I think that people confuse kindness with approval, agreement, and friendship.  I try to be friendly to everyone.  I will be friends with almost anyone who needs a friend.  I can disagree with you on most things and still be your friend.

The difficulty is that we are forgetting that there will be fellow travelers that we do not like.  As long as it is not based on some rejection of the person it is allowable to dislike someone.  I find it difficult to find people to dislike when it is not my own problem.  When I look at the genuine reasons for my dislike they are almost always based on my own preferences or prejudices. 

We form our opinions of people based on our standards.  If, however, we are obedient to the command to love everyone, it becomes difficult to justify dislike.  There it is.  We have to justify our dislike of our fellow travelers.  We have to have reasons that almost always turn out to be some social choice that we find unpleasant.

I never know their whole story.  I never know what my kindness and compassion toward someone can unveil.  Not everyone is “likeable” by our standards.  If we remove that filter we may find more in common than we realize.  No matter how I feel I am obligated to treat everyone with kindness. 

I have often found great beauty in the souls of those who I thought I did not like.  Once I set aside my own prejudices to walk with them a bit I found common footing.  If I am going to love everyone and be kind to them, I must look past my own preferences to the unique gift that everyone is to the world.  Each fellow traveler has something to teach me if I clear space to learn.  I have a choice about who I like.  I must always choose wisely. 

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 ͡°)

Contact for Aramis Thorn:

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

Facebook      Google +     
Twitter     Medium     
Kids BLOG

Novels on Amazon              
Bookings at aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com 

Fellow Travelers ~ Aliens and Strangers

Greetings Dear Reader,

I was shopping at the local grocer last week.  I watched, amused, as a fellow shopper walked a circuit of two isles three times.  Moved to compassion I asked if she needed help finding something. 

Greeted with a radiant smile, she responded that she was trying to remember if she forgot something.  We chatted a moment about this common grocery store malady.  The shared laugh and interaction were met with kind gratitude for my caring enough to ask. 

As I was pondering this series on fellow travelers this moment reinforced the vital nature of the moments when we travel with those we do not know.  Whether it is standing in line to pay for my groceries or a conjunction of paths at the park, it is vital that we recognize the opportunity to share kindness with momentary fellow travelers. 

We are given the opportunity to, at minimum, be good to someone.  Sometimes, we are given the chance to make a difference in another life.  I have life-long friends that are in that position because one of us took the chance to just be kind to the other when we fell in step on the journey.

I am alive because a stranger saw me and had compassion when I was much younger.  As one who used to feed on anger and pain, dining on kindness and being good to others is much more satisfying.  I may never know what the outcome of my kindness to strangers is.  What matters is that when we share the path, that I am aware of the need to be kind live it out whilst we travel together.  When I do so I feel very good.  That is a good enough reason on its own.

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 ͡°)

Fellow Travelers ~ The Long Haul

Greetings Dear Reader,

In The Hobbit, as Thorin, Bilbo, and company are about to enter Mirkwood, Gandalf warns them, ” Stick to the forest-track, keep your spirits up, hope for the best, and with a tremendous slice of luck you may come out one day and see the Long Marshes lying below you, and beyond them, high in the East, the Lonely Mountain where dear old Smaug lives, though I hope he is not expecting you.”

He warns them not to stray from the path.  He explains that finding it once left is not an easy task.  The path was the safe way through though.  It was the way in and the way out.  Then the path became their reality and they forgot its goodness.  “But they had to go on and on, long after they were sick for the sight of the sun and of the sky, and longed for the feel of wind on their faces. There was no movement of air down under the forest-roof, and it was everlastingly still and dark and stuffy.”

Sometimes the road can seem long and we become weary.  We become tempted to try shortcuts, take a different path, or go it alone.  These things do not work.  The path is the path. It is narrow and hard to find again once we leave it.  Even when things are dank, dark, or suffocating the path is the place to be. 

As fellow travelers we are meant to be on the path.  We are designed to support and care for each other.  We are to keep each other on the path through love and encouragement.  The group of fellow travelers in The Hobbit failed to care for each other and got lost first in their own complaints and wants.  They were lost long in their minds before they ever set foot off the path.  They forgot that the path was the safest way through when they needed it most.  They forgot to keep each other on it.

The long road home will have place where we do not walk in the sun.  It will be Mirkwood at times.  We will feel like we are suffocating under the oppressive environment.  The truth is that the only way out is through.  The fellow travelers we have need encouragement to stay the path.  We do too.

It is in the caring for each other when the path is dark and dank that we realize the great value of fellow travelers.  We must not reject them when they come along side us and remind us that we need to stay the path.  We must not disregard them when they warn us not to dwell on our wants over keeping to the course.  We must encourage them when they need it as well.

I am sure that the dismal parts of the journey have much to teach me.  I am tempted to find a shortcut or blaze a new path altogether.  I have tried that before and failed. It is hardest when I get my eyes off of the journey, the purpose and only see the darkness and feel the humidity.  The long haul is weary but the only way out is through. 

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 ͡°)

Fellow Travelers ~ The Vital Nature

Greetings Dear Reader,

'No Man is an Island' – John Donne

No man is an island entire of itself; every man

is a piece of the continent, a part of the main;

if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe

is the less, as well as if a promontory were, as

well as any manner of thy friends or of thine

own were; any man's death diminishes me,

because I am involved in mankind.

And therefore, never send to know for whom

the bell tolls; it tolls for thee.

When John Donne wrote that “no man is an island”, he was writing about death.  The bell that was tolling was the death bell he could hear from his sick bed.  When he told us to seek not for whom the bell tolls he reminds us that we all face death.

When we consider the fact that it is rare for someone to want to die alone, we must also consider that if this is to be prevented we need fellow travelers.  We need people who walk with us.  We need those who see us and value our part in the journey.  The makeup of our being is to connect and have community.

Pain and joy will be part of the journey.  We will travel through darkness and light.  We are not meant to do so alone., We need fellow travelers with whom we can share our joy and sorrow.  We not only benefit from sharing this but we give benefit to those with whom we share it.  It is the sharing of our pain and joy that brings us closer and makes us stronger.

The other aspect of this is perspective.  When we share our journey with fellow travelers we see that we are not the only ones who suffer or have joy.  We get the resounding reminder that we are not alone.  The first thing that the Father ever said was not good was that it is not good for man to be alone. 

The bell will toll for us one day.  We will reach the clearing at the end of the path.  The fellow travelers we have collected along the way will go on without anything of us but that which we shared with them whilst we walked together.  I want to be know for loving them.  I want to be remembered as someone who saw every encounter whether life-long or single serving as an opportunity to show kindness and love.  How about you 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 ͡°)

Fellow Travelers ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Imagine for a moment your deepest fear.  Whatever it is, I want you to know that I care.  Since I have brought thoughts of it to the surface, I feel it only just that I tell you mine.  I feel it when I touch my oldest memory.  I am immersed in it almost daily. 

Ever since I can remember, being alone, especially at night fills me with almost debilitating fear.  I manage it most of the time.  I have spoken with counselors about this over the years and nothing really helps.  We cannot get at the root of what causes it. 

I cope in both good and bad ways.  Lately I have been coping in some ways that are unwise.  I am not doing anything that is dangerous for me physically but I have been exerting more control and that is not healthy.  I am not sure how long I need to navigate this path but I know that I need to do so.

We have so many fellow travelers along the journey.  Some are closer than others.  Some get close enough to help.  We fall out of step with some whilst falling in step with others.  Our need is to do the most good we can for each other whilst we are in step.

There are fellow travelers I miss.  There may be travelers who miss me.  I know that I have developed specific thoughts about the journey, community, and our inter-dependence that I want to solidify into something that I can keep with me as I continue.

The source of this is dark but in it I am seeking light.  I could use your company Dear Reader.  As always, your thoughts and questions 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 ͡°)

Gratitude ~ Friends

Greetings Dear Reader,

Beyond my family there are friends for whom I am quite grateful.  Some have been my friends for decades.  Others are new additions to that cadre and have become dear to me. 

I try to be friendly to everyone.  I enjoy those single serving friendships with clerks and service personnel.  I find joy in being kind to strangers.  This, however, is often a one-way exchange. 

The type of friendship that I am thinking of today is that rare kind of friendship where I can be genuine about everything.  It is the small circle of people with whom I can be honest about my struggles and fears.  They celebrate with me when there are triumphs.  They mourn with me when there is loss. There is opportunity to listen and be of help to them as well.

This journey is one of both solitude and companionship.  I must walk my path and that often requires more solitude than I desire.  Along the way there are friends that fall in step with me and help me stay that path.  They motivate, care, and sustain. 

I am so very grateful for these friends.  I will always try to live the gratitude I feel for them.  Moreover, I will try to live a life worthy of such precious people.  I will remember to thank the Father for them.  I must live out the gratitude I feel by striving always to be a better man.

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 ͡°)

The Mail We Discard

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am relating this tale as told to me by Michael Sharp, my closest friend and deepest confidant.  The puzzle dragon was also present but all she cares about is books.  She had no comment as she considers trusting the Father a given.  The names are fictitious to guard the anonymous.  The events reported are pure fact. 

It is my experience that we get about three million pieces of junk mail for every item we get that matters.  I have long held the practice of keeping a rubbish bin by the mail table so that I do not handle junk mail twice.  Today the events unfolded thusly: 

• At nine in the morning I informed by realtor that I could not make my monthly payment as I did not have the funds. 
• At five that evening I received a note assuring me that I would lose my home in five days if I did not pay. 
• At five ‘o two I reassured my daughter that even though I felt discouraged I refused to give up on my faith. 
• At five ’o seven my daughter prayed for the Father to show me how he would meet my needs so that I would not worry and so that I would sleep.
• At five fifteen my daughter left for her child care job and I checked the mail.

There were three pieces of mail:

1. The first item was a cardboard mailer from the local grocer promising me wonderful deals on excellent food, Cokes, and Easter Candy.  I could not buy food this week because I might not have a place to put it next week.
2. The second item was an offer from a lender offering me $20,000 in a signature loan if I would just confirm my employment.  (I do not think that “unemployed” would do the trick).
3. The third item was a plain white envelope with a window for my address, a return address in numbers and arcane symbols, and a metered mail postal payment reading $00.27.  I thought that they could at least let me know who they are if they were going to spend 27 cents to send me the letter.  Then again, I considered, since they had invested more than a quarter getting the letter to me I should at least open it.

I carefully opened the mail and was gravely disappointed.  It was almost as plain as the envelope.  The first third of the single tri-folded page was the date (February 16, 2018).  I received this on March 5^th and wondered where it had gone for two weeks.  The rest of the third of the page was blank save for my name, mailing address, and more arcane numbers.

The second third contained an invitation to log in and update my investment portfolio.  I laughed at God’s sense of humor at sending this to me and started to throw it away in the rubbish.  It was good enough that I had been reminded that my needs were not met by any portfolio but by a Father who loves me.

As I tossed the letter and envelope in the rubbish something happened that I NEVER ignore.  That small spot on the left center rear of my neck began to ping.  Not “one ping only” but pinging like a closing torpedo.  The kind of pinging that is all the alarms going off at once.  Some people, even some who do not believe in God refer to this as the “God Spot”.  Whatever it is I never ignore that ping, once or otherwise.  Listening to that ping has saved my life at least twice.

If only to stop the pinging I retrieved that letter and read the bottom third VERY carefully.  It was this line for which the torpedo was intended: “Please contact us immediately regarding the disposition of your OLD 401k account”.   I said to myself, “I do not have any old 401k accounts.  What could they mean?”

I dismissed it and thought to return the letter to the rubbish.  I heard the pinging ramping up at just the thought.  Instead I called the investment institution’s 800 number.  I spoke to a lovely southern lady named Carol. 

She took me through 3,721 security steps to verify I was the person to whom they had intended to send the letter.  I thought how glad I was that the letter had been so short as this process was so very long. 

I was very glad that I remembered what street I lived on when I was seven (Crest Hill).   I struggled but recalled that the first car registered in my name was my Grandfather’s 1965 Dodge Dart.  I was nervous for a moment when I had to verify that I have never had a license to be a beautician in Phoenix, a chiropractor in Bangor, or an insurance sales person in Opelika. 

Having passed all of the steps, Carol explained that an error had been made when transferring my 401k from one company to another and there was money in the old account but since I was not employed they needed to resolve the account.  She intoned sweetly that she had one more question for me.  She asked me how I would like to deal with the funds in the old account.  I nervously asked her how much it was, hoping it would be enough to cover my housing for the month.  It was more than that.  I began to weep.  I began to tell her without reservation that I had been praying for God to sustain me.  Carol began to cry as well.

I am sure that the Father got a good laugh out of my concern for March when he had already mailed me the answer in February.  I am certain that he got a kick out of me joking with my daughter, “I better check the mail in case someone sent me some money” (that happened this week and last week so I have learned my lesson about joking concerning it).

The gist is this: God does care for me.  He does know what he is doing.  He will reward my faith and the work I do to show that faith.  I thank Aramis for his platform to share this adventure in the journey.  I thank my friends and family who pray for me and wish me well.  I am humbled by the ones both anonymous and known who have given to help me.  Faith works.  God is good all the time.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Guest writer Michael Sharp and…

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 ~ Shared Advent Anniversary

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.

I have always found it fascinating when folks share a birthday.  I am privileged to share my birthday with my closest friend, my pastor, and a young friend who works hard to serve his country and be a good father.  I just learned yesterday that I share my birthday with Steph, who is a best friend of a dear friend.

My close friend, Michael, who is eight years my senior, crafts amazing birthday greetings each year that he writes on New Year’s Day.  This year it was especially good: “Each grain of sand waits in the future to fall through the pinch of the present into the past.  Today those grains of the present mark the advent of your presence in the journey with us.  The Management made those grains beautiful and bright because he gave us you as a unique gift to the world.  We celebrate you with lifted voice and lifted glass.  We join you in the dance within the pinch and thank the Management for your partnership in the journey.  Revel on knowing that you are loved.”

I like the idea of sharing my birthday with people I know and love.  If I choose to live my life in a way that every human matters, I must celebrate their lives.  If I could work my will in the world everyone would feel loved and celebrated on his or her “advent anniversary”. 

My pastor is perhaps one of the most humble men I know. His commitment to lead us with that humility in the foreground is very encouraging.  His example and love for us is clear in all that he does.

As I close this day marking my fiftieth year I do so with great gratitude.  I am working to get to the place where love and gratitude are the focus of all that I value.  I see how much my family loves me.  I see that vast ocean of friends that I have and their value in my life.  I hope that when your birthday comes that you too feel valued and loved 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 ͡°)

Second Thoughts – One Small Things, Part Two

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.

If you read my last post on this topic about a coffee shop, you may enjoy this moment.  I know that I did.  As I was sitting composing my writing outline for the morning I was seated at a larger table.  I had not gotten out my laptop yet as I was awaiting space at a smaller table.  A group of five mirthful maidens were attempting to fit around a just emptying smaller table.  Another customer with whom I have become acquainted pointed out their need.  I immediately agreed that we should switch.

What resulted was one of those single serving friendships that I so cherish.  I explained that I was a writer and they happened to love my genre.   I was privileged to hear them talk and laugh whilst I hammered away at my newest novel.

It turned out as we chatted that we shared not only a love for good coffee but our faith and a one time the same place of worship.  In this brief connection my spirits were lifted and I got to see women of quality being good to each other.

They invited me to join them but I had words to get onto the page.  I did, however, carry the kindness throughout the day.

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 ͡°)

A Pause to Pray

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have a friend or two in real need.  Instead of writing this morning I spent the time in prayer for these people.   I realize that all of you do not pray and I neither expect nor require it.  I do pray for you Dear Reader.

It is not proper for me to go into the details of the friends that have needs.  The Father does not need that to know what to do.  Rather prayer is an act of obedience and faith.  I know that my friends and family for whom I pray will benefit because the Father knows his plans no matter where we are in the mix.

If you wish to pray for those things on my mind it is simple.  There are people that matter to me that are injured, ill, hurting, healing, have lost faith, have found faith, are seeking guidance, are taking risks, and so many other very specific things.  I know new parents and empty nesters who have asked me to pray.  I have friends who are seeking work and ready to retire. 

I could go on and on but you get the point.  This is the first morning I have set aside my writing time to only pray in quite a while.  Three of the people I prayed for this morning reached out to me today updating me on how they are.  That is such a reward.  Tomorrow I will continue examining the journey and my place in it.  Hugs and prayers for you 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 ͡°)

Things Lost in the Fire – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

We will not get through the journey without loss.  One of the things that makes us who we are is how we deal with the loss.  It is vital that I treat every loss as something that can make me more aware of who I am and how I must follow Christ.

If I do not assure that I see things this way then I giver foothold to doubt and bitterness.  I must not allow anything to prevent me from seeking Christ in the smallest loss.  He is there waiting for me.  He is there longing to comfort and guide.  I just need to really 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 ͡°)