The Twelve Tales of Christmas - Preview Part 6

Greetings Dear Reader,

In part SIX of the preview of The Twelve Tales of Christmas I give you a closer tease of one of the stories.  The promotion below lasts until midnight October 15, 2019.  Please share this if you can.

Dinner With Father

Short Introduction:  On the seventh tale of Christmas, the season gave to me, a son departing home to go to war.  Partings are difficult.  The ones we speak about the least may be when sons part from their fathers.  Odd little things fathers and sons.

My first Christmas book premiers this fall in time for the Christmas season.  I am offering a special promotion for those who PREORDER the book directly from me.  Keep in mind that the orders will be processed in late November or early December.  The promotion will include the following:

A personalized copy of the book The Twelve Tales of Christmas.

A Christmas ornament designed to go with the book (the first in a series that will be issued with each of my Christmas books {Magi, The Christmas Wish, The Man Who Hated Christmas}).

A high-quality pen.

Another surprise Christmas Gift.

Inclusion in my advanced promotions for upcoming books in 2020 (there will be at least 2).

Here is what you need to do to claim your promotional copy of The Twelve Tales of Christmas and all the swag.  Copy this table into an email and send it completed to the following: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com .

Your Name:____________________________________

Your Email Address:_____________________________

Your Mailing Address:____________________________

Quantity Requested:______

Desired Inscription for each book:

1. ____________________________________________

2. ____________________________________________

3._____________________________________________

4._____________________________________________

5._____________________________________________

You will receive an invoice acknowledging your order.  Payment forms may be check, money order, or pay-pal.  Once your invoice is paid your book(s) will be personalized and sent out during late November/Early December.  You may submit requests for multiple books in a single email.  All books will be mailed via USPS and in packaging that does not reveal the contents. 

These ornaments will only be available with this first pre-sale of the books.  The total for each package is $19.99 plus shipping (determined based on your zip code.).  Anyone who orders 5 or more books sent to the same address will receive free shipping.

This offer is only good through 10/15/2019 to allow for ordering the right quantity of items to meet your requests.  The first 10 paid orders will receive an additional item from my collection of book promotional supplies. I look forward to hearing from you Dear Reader.  These stories are years in the crafting and I long to share them with 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 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   Twitter 

Medium   Instagram  Kids BLOG   

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

The Twelve Tales of Christmas Preview - Part 3

In part three of the preview of The Twelve Tales of Christmas I give you the titles of the next three short stories.  The promotion below lasts until midnight October 15, 2019.  Please share this if you can.

Dinner With Father - A son prepares a final meal to share with his father before going off to war.

The Kindness of Others – An angry man with vengeance in his heart encounters unlooked-for kindness.

Christmas in Summer – A little girl on the verge of growing up wishes for the impossible.

My first Christmas book premiers this fall in time for the Christmas season.  I am offering a special promotion for those who PREORDER the book directly from me.  Keep in mind that the orders will be processed in late November or early December.  The promotion will include the following:

A personalized copy of the book The Twelve Tales of Christmas.

A Christmas ornament designed to go with the book (the first in a series that will be issued with each of my Christmas books {Magi, The Christmas Wish, The Man Who Hated Christmas}).

A high-quality pen.

Another surprise Christmas Gift.

Inclusion in my advanced promotions for upcoming books in 2020 (there will be at least 2).

Here is what you need to do to claim your promotional copy of The Twelve Tales of Christmas and all the swag.  Copy this table into an email and send it completed to the following: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com .

You will receive an invoice acknowledging your order.  Payment forms may be check, money order, or pay-pal.  Once your invoice is paid your book(s) will be personalized and sent out during late November/Early December.  You may submit requests for multiple books in a single email.  All books will be mailed via USPS and in packaging that does not reveal the contents. 

These ornaments will only be available with this first pre-sale of the books.  The total for each package is $19.99 plus shipping (determined based on your zip code.).  Anyone who orders 5 or more books sent to the same address will get free shipping.

This offer is only good through 10/15/2019 to allow for ordering the right quantity of items to meet your requests.  The first 10 paid orders will receive an additional item from my collection of book promotional supplies. I look forward to hearing from you Dear Reader.  These stories are years in the crafting and I long to share them with 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 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/ 

Boxing Day 2017

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday was lovely.  I was the first one awake on Christmas morning.  If this surprises anyone you do not know me well.  My eldest Grandson followed at 4:30 AM.  He and I had a beautiful Christmas morning palaver that ranged from the Christmas story to his saying he would rather sit with me than look at all the presents.

His brother awakened at 6:00 and the boys then roused my Son and my Daughter, Christmas.  Stockings, gifts, and a lazy day ensued.  My Son prepared a lovely duck and trimmings for dinner.  I wandered home in the early evening and slept through a perfect Christmas dream.

Today I awaken grateful and blessed.   For many it is a return to work.  For some of those is will be dealing with unhappy people returning gifts of the wrong size, colour, or kind.  On a day that is supposed to be set aside for those who serve us, those who serve will likely receive surly treatment from exasperated exchangers.

We pack so much baggage into our Christmas packages that we forget that no one intends to get it wrong.  We forget to be thankful that someone thought of us.  We can choose to be even more thankful for those who wait on us to help us satisfy our wants.  Perhaps we can celebrate Boxing Day by being the bright spot in the day of a server or clerk.  They work hard and do not get wealthy serving us.

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 ͡°)

Choosing What to Give ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I need to turn my thoughts toward the gratitude aspect of the season.  Frist, I would like to wrap up my thoughts on the gifts to choose.  It seems that after some deep self-examination I have a good attitude about this.  This means I need to find new ways to live this out since some of my common customs are not available to me this year.

In choosing what to give others it is vital that I consider what will endure.  I have more time so I can be more available.  I can give more time to the charities I support.  I can help with the odd schedules of the season with my Grandsons.  I will have to make an effort to be out and about more.

The primary need is to choose to give love and hope to others.  If I am to truly celebrate the love and gift that is Christ I must give him in every moment.  This is done through love, patience, selflessness, kindness, and compassion.  It is accomplished through seeing the needs of others.  It is fulfilled in having a spirit of gratitude for what I already have and avoiding the “I want more” culture of the world.

The entire material world is going to beg me to buy and get and want.   I will buy good spirits by sending out my spirit to everyone with good thoughts and kind words.  I will get new opportunities to show love and kindness to others.  I will hone my want to see all humans filled with the true spirit of the season and increase my attempts to be a constant source of it for others.  In this will I consider every moment the good things I can give.

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 ͡°)

Choosing What to Give ~ Some Gifts that Matter

Greetings Dear Reader,

I often ponder the things that I can give that will mean the most.  I make a very organized and detailed list for everyone for whom I will be purchasing presents.  I keep this in a document so that I can review what I have given over previous years.

At the top of the entry for each person I put the most important gifts.  The first thing I list is ways in which I want to show the person that I am thankful for his or her place in my life.  It is one of the ways I prepare my heart for the Thanksgiving season. 

It may be that I have a conversation with someone reminding him or her of how they have positively impacted me.  I may make a small gift or buy a meal.  The core is to find a way to specifically show my gratitude for the life of the individual and how it intersects mine in a good way.

Also on this page I keep a list of things I wish to do to show charity, love, and compassion to others throughout the season.  There are volunteer opportunities.  Some I do without including anyone who knows me.  An anonymous time of volunteer work is very rewarding.   Some like Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army is an annual event in which I involve my family. 

The focus must be on choosing gifts that matter.  If I give gratitude, love, charity to others then I can choose tangible gifts with the right heart.  This mindset also makes me more present when I am out and about interacting with others.  When I am at restaurants and shops the right mind helps me remain patient, respectful, and polite with clerks and servers. 

Many gifts are needed to fill out my list.  The most important ones only cost me effort and a little time.  The rewards of being in the right mind and heart make the season unfold in a way that keeps Christ at the center of it.  That is the most important gift that I can give myself.

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 ͡°)

Choosing What to Give ~ What about the Box?

Greetings Dear Reader,

We all have heard the adage that little children may be more interested in the box than the gift.  I know people who are masterful at wrapping gifts.  I admire this skill but sorely lack it.  I sometimes wonder if the wrapping takes more effort or cost than the gift.

I have a solution for this that is both elegant and economical.  For my children and grandchildren, I have a set of very festive nesting boxes.  Their gifts or clues to their gifts if they are too big go into the boxes.  I do not ever have to worry about my poor wrapping skills or figuring out how to present the present.

This also frees me to put more thought into the gifts and saves a great deal of time in the wrapping of the gifts once chosen.  If I am going to choose what to give well I must focus my energy on the substance rather than the style.  I can make things look nice so that those who receive the gifts feel valued but the true value must be in what is in the box.

Too often we put all our effort into appearance instead of into the substance of what we give.  We can be polite without being loving.  We can be tolerant without caring.  We give empty time where we do not truly engage.  It does not matter how pretty the package is if it is hollow or without love. 

If I do not engage my heart in choosing what to give others at every level, then my pretty packages are simply empty promises.

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 ͡°)

Choosing What to Give ~ Focus

Greetings Dear Reader,

Over the weekend I was privileged to spend some long good time with my Grandsons.  I had a sales catalog from one of the chain stores that is dedicated wholly to toys.  In the wee hours of the morning they sat on either side of me as I paged through the offerings.

Their response took me back to the arrival of the Sears Wish Book.  They pointed out what they liked.  They talked about how they would play together with the toys they wanted.  One could imagine that they already possessed them. 

I recall as lad getting the Wish Book.  Our postman gave me my own when he delivered the one for the family.  I would sequester it and myself in my room.  Turning to the toy section I would flip hastily past the little kid toys.  I would circle in pen the items I wanted the fold the page over at the corner. 

The focus of children is what they want.  It is their nature.  We must teach them to be giving and to focus on others.  What I felt watching my Grandsons live out the Christmas wish moments of every child was the desire to give them everything.  It flowed from me like a might river delight them as my Grandfather delighted me as a boy.

When thinking what to give it is the focus that matters.  It is learning to focus on giving from the heart to others.  It is giving out of love and care not duty.   It is creating a space where others can freely express the heart’s desire and know that if you have the power you will grant it.  It is allowing them to focus on that for which they hope.

My focus must be on the gifts I can give to others whether they be material, social, or spiritual.  I wish every gift, no matter which form it takes to be wrapped identically in love and sharply focused on Christ.

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 ͡°)

Choosing What to Give ~ It is not the Things

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I was out and about yesterday I was at a store where Christmas shopping is in full fervor.  There were still Halloween clearance items Thanksgiving food and decorations around the fringe.  As I perused the Christmas isles I noted a few things that I wished to acquire.

It lead to me thinking about why those things found their way onto my list.  They are not for me.  These are intended gifts for others.  What is it about these mere things that brings to mind those I love?

Part of it is that I never give thoughtless gifts.  I consider the person and what I know of the needs and likes in choosing gifts for Christmas.  I want every gift to say to the receiver that I know and love him or her.  I wish it to touch more than the hands.  I wish it to touch the heart.

Too often we try to get through the gift acquiring without really considering what we are doing.  We are transferring a piece of our lives into the lives of others.  Our money comes form our work which is trading a piece of our life for money.  When we spend the money on a gift for someone we transfer that piece of our life to their possession. 

When we treat this process like a chore to be completed we are wasting a bit of our life.  We are also cheapening the life we invest in others when we do it without care.  Gifts are never just about the thing.  We send a message.  As we enter the time of giving thanks and gifts I must consider this.

When Items leap to mind I must assure that I consider my love for the person in choosing if it is given.  My gifts must come from my heart and life with a full measure of my desire so show my love and the love of him I 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 ͡°)

Choosing What to Give ~ He Has Had Enough Sorrow

Greetings Dear Reader,

As we prepare our thinking about what to give we may wish to tick off a few things not to give.   One of things that we are good at giving each other is sorrow.  We are excellent at resurrecting pain and hurt and inflicting them on one another during the holiday season.

We bring to the gatherings our own anger and bitterness over things of the past.  We wrap them up in pride and self-centered thinking.  We blind ourselves to the good in others and only focus on what has hurt or angered us in the past. 

We could choose to approach things with a truly thankful heart for our family.  We could, simply put, decide that others have had enough sorrow.  We can choose to infuse the world with joy and love.  We can be forgiving, kind, loving even when it hurts us to do so. 

We choose how we treat each other.  We choose what we do to each other.  We choose to visit the past and its sorrows on people.  If we are going to enter into a time of thankfulness and giving why not do it by first laying aside our own pride and resentment? 

As I prepare my heart for this time that closes the year I have so much for which to be thankful and so much I wish to give.  I must do so first by assuring that my private hurts and losses are not center stage.  I must put Christ center state and allow all the love he holds for us to radiate in all that I think and do. 

We have all done enough to hurt each other.  It is time to grow up and be the ones who give forgiveness and kindness wrapped in the love of  the one who always forgives us.

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 ͡°)

Choosing What to Give ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that you may think I am getting a bit cart and horse here.  I promise to get to gratitude and the giving of thanks.  I do want to address something that is already bombarding our senses and making demands on us.

I saw my first Christmas advertisement before Halloween.  It was enticing me to visit a local chain store for the revealing of their great toy wall.  The local department stores are already ribboned and wreathed.   The airwaves are filled with suggestions of what is best and what to buy.

Now I want to be clear that I think it is never too early to talk about Christmas.  It is never too early to think about giving.  I do think that if we take some time to ponder what we are giving it can make us better prepared for the onslaught of expectations.  The demands for our time and attention do not have to rule us.

In pondering what to give we should also ponder what not to give.  This can prepare us to give thanks properly as well.  I am going to spend a few days pondering what to do to prepare for giving, not giving, and giving thanks.  Please join me Dear Reader as I impose a little positive preparation prior to the onslaught of all that is commercial about Christmas. 

I love Christmas and want to assure that in preparing for it I have the right spirit and attitude.  Please walk with me Dear Reader and let me know your thoughts and questions. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Road to Bethlehem – What Does God Want for Christmas

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

There are so many paths one could take to answer this question.  I am not a fan of country music but when I came across a song by Darius Rucker that asks this question I was instantly captivated.  The rich style of this song causes me to ponder seriously what God may want from us as a gift.

As we travel the road to Bethlehem we perhaps find ourselves in the place of the Magi instead of the family.  We have chosen what we carry and wonder what is the best gift for the King.  We do not know everything we need to know but we are following just the same.

Or sometimes we forget to think about whose day it is we celebrate and worry about other things more.  Perhaps we have lost our faith and we celebrate the day out of tradition or pressure.  Perhaps we reject the day altogether out of scorn for those who follow Christ poorly.

So, we still have the question.  What does God want for Christmas?  He wants what he said he wants.  He wants to gather us.  He wants to seek and save.  He wants us to be drawn to him.  He want our hearts.

What does God Want for Christmas – Darius Rucker

Old man playing Santa Claus

Blue in a town with old Jack Frost

Now he's handing out candy canes and smiles for free

People scoring with their lists

Rushing around to buy those gifts that will

End up wrapped up underneath the tree

I'm sitting at this red light looking at a manger scene

Watching snowflakes kiss that baby

And it makes me think

I wonder what God wants for Christmas

Something that you can't find in a store

Maybe peace on Earth, no more empty seats in church

Might be what's on His wish list

I wonder what God wants for Christmas

What do you give someone

Who give His only Son

What if we believe in Him

Like He believes in us

I wonder what God wants for Christmas

What might put a smile on His face

Every bubble with no dust, the devil given up

Might be what's on His wish list

I wonder what God wants for Christmas

What kind of gift from you and me

More sister, more brother, more lovin' one another

Yean I wonder, I wonder what God wants

By now we oughta know what God wants for Christmas

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 ͡°)

Talismans – Rocks Part 2

Greetings Dear Reader,

I mentioned yesterday that Bezel’s gift was the first one he ever gave me.  Last summer, at age two my youngest Grandson also gave me a gift.  He and his brother had spent the night with Grandpa and it was about this same time early in the morning. 

The lad walked sleepily into my writing office and asked for a snuggle.  He was carrying his tiny blue jeans.  I pulled him up into my lap and we snuggled for a bit.  I reminded him how much I love him and gave him some of my water.

After about fifteen minutes he remembered the blue jeans.  He began to dig in the tiny pocket of the tiny pants.  One at a time he pulled out eight tiny rocks about the size of a sesame seed.  He insisted that I take each one of them.  When he was finished he simply said, “For you Grandpa.” 

He was not extremely verbal at this point and just given me a gift with an explanation.  It was obvious there was intent.  I carefully put the tiny rocks into one of those gumball machine capsules and wrote his name and the date on it. 

I may never understand why he wanted me to have those rocks.  I do understand that they are a talisman of the moment when a child wanted to give to me out of love and intent.  They remind me of the importance of gifts.  Gifts can reach deep into the hearts and minds of others to touch the need for love and acceptance.

It is in giving that we express our love for others.  It is in giving from the heart without pretense or expectation that we show unconditional love.  Every morning that tiny capsule of tiny stones reminds me that even the smallest gift, honestly given, can speak love into the lives of others.  That is a powerful talisman indeed.

Wond’ring Aloud – Jethro Tull

Wond'ring aloud --

how we feel today.

Last night sipped the sunset --

my hands in her hair.

We are our own saviours

as we start both our hearts beating life

into each other.

Wond'ring aloud --

will the years treat us well.

As she floats in the kitchen,

I'm tasting the smell

of toast as the butter runs.

Then she comes, spilling crumbs on the bed

and I shake my head.

And it's only the giving

that makes you what you are.

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 – An Amazing Day of Sacrifice

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 know my Sons and Daughter love me.  Today they went above and beyond.  If you read my writing in more than a passing way you know that my love for Star Trek is a part of my marrow.  Since I was a wee lad Captain James Tiberius Kirk has been the hero who gave me hope.

My children worked in concert to arrange for me to meet William Shatner today.  He was appearing at the local Comic Convention.  They bought tickets to the event and the admission to meet William Shatner.  They arranged the transportation and keeping me entertained whilst we waited.  They sacrificed financially.  They gave of their free time.  Maxim sacrificed time with his Sons to be a good Son to me.

In the few moments I had to speak to the embodiment of a life-long hero I said what I had rehearsed saying to him for years.  “I was a fatherless boy when you show premiered.  You taught me that there was always hope.  I would not have made it without that.  I thank you sir.”

He looked up and looked me in the eye.  I saw tears there as he realized I was serious.  He gave me fist bump and thanked me in return.  You see what was in my heart was to really thank him.  He received that gratitude graciously. 

As I mark a milestone that I did not ever expect to see I also wish to express gratitude to the children I love.  You sacrificed for me to show me you love me.  This man of words cannot express the gratitude he feels.  Thank you Maxim.  Thank you Bezel. Thank you Christmas.

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 ͡°)

Opening the Year – Twelfth Night

Greetings Dear Reader,

After today I will not likely mention Christmas for a bit.  It is not that I will not ponder and embrace it. It is that I have other things about which I must write.  Today, however, is one of those holy days that I would celebrate properly had I the wherewithal to do so.

No one knows what day the Magi visited the family in Bethlehem.  It is also hidden to history the length of the visit and when the holy family departed for Egypt.  What is known is that star led wizards thought the portents strong enough to undertake a perilous journey.  They thought it significant enough to bring valuable gifts.

I consider the few words recorded about them.  Their question to the priests and rulers in Jerusalem is significant.  “Where is he that is born King of the Jews?”  They knew he was king.  They knew he was born or about to be born. 

Furthermore, they stated that they were come to worship this King.  They brought the gifts they had for a King.  They were going to worship him as a God.  We need to remember that they were not only intelligent men.  We need to keep in mind that they were influential and powerful. 

Already the Christmas babe is worthy of worship. He is already King of the Jews.  He is already becoming the things that Isiah wrote about him.  He already is the God Man who will redeem us all.

I live my life around the liturgical calendar.  I do not venerate the saints or most of their feasts.  I do follow the thread of Christ through the year.  I see each cycle as a spiral in the universal dance.  We spin around the sun from solstice to solstice.  Each evening from December to December I ponder that we are a minuet closer to the time when the King calls his children home to celebrate the Son eternally.

As we draw closer to the end of the journey home I identify with the Magi.  I long to find him and present him with great gifts worthy of his station.  I yearn to have him look at me and know that I have celebrated him every day by being good to others.  I desire to present him with a lifetime of moments that evidence that there is always time for another Christmas song.

Another Christmas Song – Ian Anderson

Hope everybody's ringing on their own bell, this fine morning.

Hope everyone's connected to that long distance phone.

Old man, he's a mountain.

Old man, he's an island.

Old man, he's a-waking says

"I'm going to call, call all my children home."

Hope everybody's dancing to their own drum this fine morning ---

The beat of distant Africa or a Polish factory town.

Old man, he's calling for his supper.

He's calling for his whisky.

Calling for his sons and daughters, yeah ---

Calling, calling all his children round.

Sharp ears are tuned in to the drones and chanters warming.

Mist blowing round some headland, somewhere in your memory.

Everyone is from somewhere ---

Even if you've never been there.

So take a minute to remember the part of you

that might be the old man calling me.

How many wars you're fighting out there, this Christmas morning?

Maybe it's always time for another Christmas song.

Old man he's asleep now.

He's got appointments to keep now.

Dreaming of his sons and daughters, and proving ---

Proving that the blood is strong.

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 ͡°)

Opening the Year – That’s Why It’s Called the Present.

Happy New Year Dear Reader,

A week ago today at this time I was waiting for my Daughter to awaken so we could open our presents to each other.  That was last year.  It is in the past.  I still feel the waves of joy rippling through me as I watched each of my children and grandchildren open their gifts. 

Alas, I have already heard the sighs and moans of returning to normal.  I have already heard the joy and mirth being dis

missed by those who see the day in and day out of life as a grind.  I cannot approach the world this way.

My favorite way to articulate this since 2008 has been through the instruction given in Kung Fu Panda.  “Yesterday is history and tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift; that’s why it’s called the present.”  Each morning that I awaken is a gift from God.  It is my privilege to give it back to him one moment at a time.

I plan and God guides so that I do not get lost in my plans.  I try to pull on the tethers to the past and God gently turns my head back toward the path in front of me.  Today I open a year, a month, and a day.  What I forget is that I am also opening hours, minutes, and moments.  Every one of them is a gift from God for me to use as I will.

Living in the moment must be an eternal exercise in not looking for more in the future.  It must be seeing that the tethers to the past are guides and not puppet strings.  I need to give each moment back to God by assuring that I look for him in it.  I cannot stress this enough. 

In the last two weeks some very painful and dangerous places in my heart have been stirred to a fearful contentious wakefulness.  My thoughts try to push me to think more of the past and the future that the moment.  If I do this I will fail so miserably in living in the moments and that is the only place where my hope and faith work.

So as I open the gift from God that is a new year I pray that he keeps pointing me back to the moment.  I hope that he does not lose patience with my constant looking back or ahead in unhealthy ways.  Perhaps he will be merciful and make my looking back in the wrong way cause me to see things in the right way.  Perhaps as I look to the future I will only see what is good for me to see and try to over think what comes next.

Just like Christmas day with my Grandsons, I want to be so caught up in each gift that I open that I forget that there are others waiting for me to open.  I want each moment to be so filled with the presence of Christ that those around me are anxious for me to open the next one but I am content with the moment until it passes naturally.

Magic Every Moment – Dan Fogelberg

I awoke this morning to a shattering sound

And I went downstairs and found these shards of glass strewn all around

There upon the floor I found this poor broken dove

And it made me realize how very fragile is this life that we so love

I came back up to bed and I held you so tight

And I prayed up to the Father, oh I prayed with all my might

That He'd always keep you with me, that He'd always keep you safe

And when I went downstairs I found that dove had somehow up and flown away

There's a magic every moment

There's a miracles each day

There's a magic every moment

Oh won't you let the music play

Oh won't you let the music play

On a high and windy island I was gazing out to sea

When a long forgotten feeling came and took control of me

It was then the clouds burst open and the sun came pouring through

When it hit those dancing waters in an instant all eternity I knew

There's so much we take for granted--there's so much we never say

We get caught up in the motion of just a living day to day

We are fettered to the future; we are prisoners of the past

And we never seem to notice 'til our lives have finally

Slipped right through our grasp

There's a magic every moment

There's a miracles each day

There's a magic every moment

Oh won't you let the music play

Oh won't you let the music play

You can see forever in a single drop of dew

You can see that same forever if you look down deep inside of you

There's a spark of the creator in every living thing

He respects me when I work but He so loves me when I sing

There's a magic every moment

There's a miracles each day

There's a magic every moment

Oh won't you let the music play

Oh won't you let the music play

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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Why I love Christmas – Giving Gifts

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

When I was a boy I could not wait to get the Sears Wish Book and begin circling the toys what I wanted.  I remember the sadness I felt when Sears quit publishing the Wish Book.  I truly miss it, although, I wonder if I would find it as enchanting now.

At the moment one cannot get to our Christmas tree.  It is besieged by boxes and bags.  So much joy exists for me in giving good gifts to my family.  As I have mentioned I Christmas shop all year round.  I am constantly taking note of my children’s needs.  I am always on the lookout for things that will please and delight my Grandsons. 

I love giving to others.  I plan my secret plans for helping others in need.  I long to reflect Christ in a spirit of giving out of love and not obligation.  As a constant observer of people I listen to other shoppers when I am out and about.  I hear people complain about having to get a gift for this or that person.  I listen as people degrade relatives for who they are Christmas shopping. 

This is something that I will never understand.  Then again I used to be very particular about what I “wanted” for Christmas.  Now I really do not pay all that much attention to what I want.  When I my family get me gifts I find joy in that they have given to me from the heart. 

It is in giving from the heart that things make a difference.  It is what God does for me.  He gave me his Son when I deserved nothing. He promised to work toward peace on earth through that Son.  All he asked of me was that I accept the gift. I do not have to be on the nice list.  I do not have to do anything for him.

This is what I wish for my gifts to represent.  My Son, Bezel needed some help with his car prior to Thanksgiving.  He asked his mother and I to help as a Christmas gift.  Of course we helped.  He keeps preparing himself for a “small” Christmas in light to the expense of the repairs.  He still does not understand the nature of the gifts we desire for him. 

Like my Son I wish for everyone to see that God wishes only good things for us.  I everyone to catch a glimpse of God’s nature in my gift giving.  He gives his very best to us.  I try to do the same with those I love.  In a world where Christmas is more commercial every year I hope to recapture the image of grace and love from God in the way I shop, wrap, and give.  It is after all better to give that to receive.

My Grown Up Christmas List – Amy Grant

Do you remember me?

I sat upon your knee

I wrote to you

With childhood fantasies

Well, I'm all grown-up now

And still need help somehow.

I'm not a child

But my heart still can dream

So here's my lifelong wish

My grown-up Christmas list

Not for myself

But for a world in need

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start,

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end

This is my grown-up Christmas list

As children we believed

The grandest sight to see

Was something lovely

Wrapped beneath our tree

Well heaven surely knows

That packages and bows

Can never heal

A hurting human soul

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end

This is my grown-up Christmas list

What is this illusion called the innocence of youth?

Maybe only in our blind belief can we ever find the truth

No more lives torn apart

That wars would never start

And time would heal all hearts

And everyone would have a friend

And right would always win

And love would never end, oh

This is my grown-up Christmas list

This is my only lifelong wish

This is my grown-up Christmas list

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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Why I love Christmas – Wrapping Presents (not)

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I have friends and family that are gifted present wrappers.  I am not.  When I wrap gifts they look like very pretty paper held hostage by tape.  I do live by the one roll of tape per gift limit and the one roll of paper per gift too.

My solution to this has been to get reusable boxes for the people for whom I regularly get gifts.  It makes the wrapping and arrangement easy and enjoyable for me.  It makes the opening of presents less messy.  I am sure the drop in wrapping paper sales over the recent years is my fault.  The Scotch Tape people are not happy with me either.

What is fun for me is the placing of the gifts in the boxes.  I do not choose gifts for my family randomly.  I think and listen all year long.  Gift buying for my children and grandchildren is a sacred thing to me.  I pray and worship as I shop.  I want my gifts to them to reflect God’s love and gift to them.

As I fill each box I pray that the gift will meet the intended need for enjoyment or work.  I ask God to reveal his love for the recipient through my love for him or her.  It is after all the love that matters. The very foundation of Christmas is a celebration of God’s gift of love to us.  Without that core it is simply a time of getting and spending. 

I spent last evening boxing up the gifts for my Sons.  I am not done yet.  By tonight the boxes should be filled, stacked, and tagged.  I will continue to pray that these gifts reflect my love for my family and friends.  I will continue to monitor their lives for the things they like, need, and enjoy. 

This is what God does for me.  He brings into my life things that I need or the things that will help me see his love for me more clearly.   They journey is sweeter because of this.  The roughest parts of the path are bearable because of his provision.  Each day is a gift that I get to open and see the love that Christ has for me. 

“Yesterday is history.

Tomorrow is a mystery.

Today is a gift.

That is why it’s called the present.”

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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Why I love Christmas – Shopping

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

Before you t think that I have gone over the edge stay with me a moment.  When I say I love shopping it is not because of the rush, greed, and stress.  I rarely find myself in that position.  Since I plan for Christmas all year long I find that I am often finished shopping long before Christmas. 

When I go out among my fellow travelers at Christmas time I do so with the intent of being kind to others.  Sure there are few things I need to find to fill out the corners of my gift puzzle.  The joy for me though is the random opportunity to be kind to others.  I also am thrilled to spread a little Christmas cheer.

I sing as I shop.  I smile at people and say nice things to them.  I seem a little crazy but it is worth it.  I go out of my way to be good to clerks and shopkeepers.  I picture the Ghost of Christmas Present spreading the cheer from plenty’s horn as I move among strangers offering them a glimpse of joy.

I will never know if I make a long-term difference until God tells me.  I do know that I can create momentary smiles in the hearts of others.  I can be a bright spot in a grumpy checkout line.  I can be a moment’s peace for a harried cashier. 

I love shopping because it can be a real opportunity to remember why I celebrate Christmas.  I can go into the fray of the hustle and swim against the tide.  I can test my determination to be salt and light in a good way.  Perhaps I can even help someone else do the same.    

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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Why I love Christmas – The Real Saint Nicholas

Happy Christmas Dear Reader,

I often wish I could know the men who forged the foundation of the church.  There are many questions I would ask them.  Faith is so easy for us but these men were persecuted because of their beliefs.  I risk acceptance in some circles for my faith.  These men risked their lives.

Of these the standout for me is Nicholas of Myra.  He was a wealthy man who gave away his wealth to help the poor and sick in his town.  He loved them as Christ did.  He gave gifts to others.  Yesterday was Saint Nicholas Day.  We get much of what we do surrounding Santa Claus and Father Christmas from this man.

Hanging stockings or putting out shoes is a tradition related to Saint Nicholas even though we have moved the practice to Christmas Day.  The thing that I love is that the idea of giving is not just connected to Christ but to a wealthy man who chose to give all he had for the sake of those in need.

If Christmas is about giving and not getting then it is beautiful.  It grows each time we give out of love and grace.  The history of this man encourages me.  It motivates me to give more.  One can read more about him from the Saint Nicholas Center web page.  One of the ways I fight the greed that infects the season is by remembering how the gift giving started.

Gifts of the Magi and gifts from Nicholas are the root of the giving in my heart.  The gift of God of his Son moves me to give.  All of this is on my mind and I prepare to give good gifts to my family.  Focused on this it is very easy to avoid the avarice and stress of the shopping and preparing.    

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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