God Hates This ~ Avarice

Greetings Dear Reader,

It bears repeating that even though there are things that the Father hates, he does not hate any human.  This does not mean that he will not sternly deal with those who oppose him.  It does not mean there is no judgment. 

The clear command for those who follow Christ is to be lovingly generous to everyone.  We see its antithesis in our culture today.  We define rich by a much narrower standard than God does.  We do have poor people in our society but most of us have more than we need.  We can all find ways to share better than we do right now.

Instead, we focus on those who are very wealthy and push the burden on them.  It is true that if they are given much, much is expected of them.  Everyone who has great wealth is required by the Father to do what he can to help others in need.  It is not wrong to be wealthy.  It is wrong to feed your wealth instead of feeding hungry humans.

But wait, there is more.  You see, Dear Reader, if I have more than I need, I am obligated to share what I have with others no matter how meager it seems compared to the very wealthy.  My time, materials, and money do not belong to me.  They belong to the Father and are entrusted to me for the purpose of showing love to others.  The Father hates avarice and loves generosity.

If I hope to follow Christ then I must be generous.  I must share what I have and never think of things more important the humans.  Nothing I “own” should be withheld when it is necessary to showing love to others.  Jesus was clear that we are to care for those in need.  The first council of the Apostles in Jerusalem concluded that we must care for the poor. 

The Father hates greed; avarice.   Greed is not limited to the rich.  We all practice at times.  We all are guilty of failing to share when we can.  We do not like to think this way because we want to think better of ourselves.  We feed our pride with greed as well.  We compare our good to that of those who obviously have more than us and think we are generous.  We are not.  We can all do more.  I know that I can and must.  Before I judge the very wealthy for their avarice, I must address the plank of my own greed.

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 ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

On Fear ~ It Badgers and Blinds

Greetings Dear Reader,

When we ponder fear and what it births, we cannot escape the ever-looming specter of possessions.  Unless we are genuinely destitute, we all have too much.  We buy things just to have them.  We possess things just to store them.

My eldest Son once commented that I had too many shirts.  He was right.  I reduced that number drastically and will be doing so again.  I am a collector by nature and have to fight the urge to collect things that I do not need nor fit my future.  This is all good to review and resist.

But wait, there is more.  You see, Dear Reader, we can be greedy and have avarice about the good things as well.  We can buy and hoard because we are looking out for our family or being prepared.  Neither of those things are wrong.  They are required.  It is that they must be in balance.  They must take into consideration that we should also depend on Christ for everything.  We must not have more when others are in need.  We must not hoard out of fear.

It is not wrong to have a full pantry but it is wrong to neglect hunger in others.  It is wise to save money for the future but greedy to fail to share our wealth with others.  The problem is that when we make our wealth and possessions what matters, we have adopted a new god no matter how well we justify it to ourselves.  We have masked fear with greed.

We rarely honestly look at our possessions and take account of where our faith is relative to them.  When we do, we often justify our abundance as just rewards for our faithfulness to the Father.  If we cannot share out of our abundance when we have little, then we should not expect that we will when we have plenty. 

Possessions and money have great power over us if we allow it.  As Christ-followers we are required to be generous, even sacrificial in our giving.  We need to remember that every good thing we have is a blessing from the Father.  I must share what I have without reservation.  I must not worry if I will have enough.  That is the Father’s concern. 

What I must be is generous and kind.  I must live out my love for my fellow humans by openly and secretly providing for the needs of others when I can.  It is vital to my journey with Christ that I hold on to only him.  Everything else is part of the journey that passes.  Everything else is provision for me and for those with whom I travel when they are in need.  Our fear of not having enough is blindness to the promises of the Father.  Let us agree to share what we have and see how the Father responds.  He promises it will be glorious. 

The Power of Gold – Dan Fogelberg

The story is told of the power of gold,

And its lure on the unsuspecting.

It glitters and shines, it badgers and blinds,

And constantly needs protecting.

Balance the cost of the soul you lost,

With the dreams you lightly sold,

Are you under the power of gold?

The letters and calls got you climbing the walls,

And everyone wants a favor.

They beg to remind you of times left behind you,

But you know the past is a loser.

The face you're wearing is different now,

And the days run hot and cold,

Are you under the power of gold?

You're a creature of habit, run like a rabbit,

Scared of a fear you can't name.

You own paranoia is looming before you,

But nobody thinks it's a game.

Balance the cost of the soul you lost,

With the dreams you lightly sold,

Then tell me that you're free of the power of gold.

The women are lovely, the wine is superb,

But there's something about this song that disturbs you.

The women are lovely, the wine is superb,

But there's something about this song that disturbs 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 ͡°)

Every human story is part of the great story that leads to the Father getting everything back to Good.

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

#aramisthorn

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

Novels: From My Publisher or on Amazon          

Web Page:  www.aramisthorn.com

Bookings: aramisthorn@aramisthorn.com

Facebook       Twitter        

Medium         Instagram 

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

A Stone Too Heavy to Hold ~ Avarice

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am not wealthy.  I am also quite rich compared to most of the world.  I try to be generous and giving.  I long to do more than I can.  I still feel like I do not do enough to help others. 

Avarice is greed for wealth or material gain.  Chaucer said that “avarice is to withhold and keep such things as thou hast, without rightful need.”  It is a word that we do not consider enough when we ponder our way in the world.  It is a stone far too heavy to carry and yet we throw it easily without thought or even realization at times.  Avarice is at the heart of the possessions we hold onto that we do not need.

I am not talking about having good things or even being wealthy.  I am talking about the desire to possess.  The stone is the longing to have things we do not need so that we feel good.  We have dedicated closets, attics, and rental storage facilities to our avarice.  We surround ourselves with possessions.  We surely have more than we need.  We do this for many reasons and none of them are centered on following Christ.

The way in which we carry this stone is varied but always harmful.  I am not going to make a list.  We know what we have out of need and we know what we have out of greed.   The possessions that are ours out of greed weigh us down and make the journey increasingly difficult.  We have heard often that we cannot take our possessions with us when we reach the clearing at the end of the path.  This does not prevent us from carrying them to the very end.

I still have more than I need and hear the constant siren call to carry more.  There is great freedom in having little.  There is also so much good we can do with our excess if we choose to do so.  Let us dabble in practical application for a moment Dear Reader.  Think about a need that you know someone has.  Then think about what you can do to help that need.  What do you possess that could help?  What holds you back from helping?  What are you holding that you do not need that could help you help if you parted with it?

 I am not telling you what to do.  I am not judging you.  These are questions I ask now when I see others in need.  I consider the things I have and look to see how I can further the Gospel by sharing what I have.  I am not there yet, but I long to drop the stone of avarice and have Jesus as my only true possession.  This also makes it easier for me to depend on the Father for my daily provision.  I want my confidence to be in him and not in my bank account or my store of canned goods.  There must be balance in being prepared and having too much.  Avarice will always hunger for more.  It will devour us if we try to carry it.  We must drop the stones of avarice even if they are rubies.  

The Things We Leave Behind – Michael Card

There sits Simon, so foolishly wise

Proudly he's tending his nets

Then Jesus calls and the boats drift away

And all that he owns he forgets

But more than the nets, he abandoned that day

He found that his pride was soon drifting away

And it's hard to imagine the freedom we find

From the things we leave behind

Matthew was mindful of taking the tax

And pressing the people to pay

Hearing the call, he responded in faith

And followed the light and the way

And leaving the people so puzzled he found

The greed in his heart was no longer around and

And it's hard to imagine the freedom we find

From the things we leave behind

Every heart needs to be set free

From possessions that hold it so tight

'Cause freedom's not found in the things that we own

It's the power to do what is right

With Jesus, our only possession

And giving becomes our delight

And we can't imagine the freedom we find

From the things we leave behind

We show a love for the world in our lives

By worshiping goods we possess

Jesus has laid all our treasures aside

And love God above all the rest

'Cause when we say no, to the things of the world

We open our hearts to the love of the Lord and

It's hard to imagine the freedom we find

From the things we leave behind

And when we say no, to the things of the world

We open our hearts to the love of the Lord and

It's hard to imagine the freedom we find

From the things we leave behind

Oh, and it's hard to imagine the freedom we find

From the things we leave behind

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/  

A Season of Gratitude – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have so very much for which to be thankful.  I could dedicate a daily blog to just gratitude and it would only be a drop in the ocean of acknowledging the Father’s providence.  I wish to never forget to be grateful.

My desire is for gratitude to be a at core part of my being.  I never wish to take anyone for granted.  I want to acknowledge and value every kindness.  I need to treasure all the good things in my life.  I wish to assure that from that gratitude flow generosity and compassion.

As I make the turn toward Advent I will carry this thinking with me.  It is not a season of getting.  It is a season of giving.  A truly grateful heart loves to give.  I wish to use a heart of gratitude to enter the Advent season with a song of hope for everyone. 

I am so very thankful for you Dear Reader.  Your questions, your comments, your support, and your friendship make the journey so much sweeter.  I hope that you  find things for which to have great gratitude.

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 Season of Gratitude – Jesus

Greetings Dear Reader,

Every time I ponder the name of Jesus it is something awesome to me.  I realize that not all of you value Jesus as I value him.  You will never receive judgment from me over it.  Nonetheless, I see Jesus as the most precious thing in the universe.

I know where my life was headed before my encounter with Jesus.  I would not be here.  My Children would not be here.  My Grandchildren would not exist.   I would not have been privileged to teach thousands of students. 

It is because of Jesus that I have created stories and novels.  It his providence that allows me to craft songs and poems.  It is through his many gifts to my life that I get to share good things with others. 

I know that many who say they follow Christ do not show him as the loving sacrificing God that he is.  I realize that through history many things have been done in his name that should not be done.  I am thankful that an honest look at Jesus shows him to be so much more.

As I end my “season of gratitude” and make the turn toward Advent I long for you, Dear Reader to see how thankful I am for Jesus.  He is the reason for all that we can be that is good.  He is the one in whom we can live, and move, and have our being. 

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 Season of Gratitude – Amazon (but not what you may think)

Greetings Dear Reader,

The nature of my shopping is that I buy many things on line.  I would say that seventy percent of my presents given arrive via Amazon or other online stores.  I am thankful for this but it is not the main reason why I am thankful for Amazon.

What Amazon does that is so great is that they have created a site that one can use to direct funds to a chosen charity or civic organization.  It is www.Smile.Amazon.com .  It is simple to sign up and then you shop just as you would on regular Amazon.  Prime works just the same.  The same discounts and deals apply.  The only difference is that others benefit from your purchases at no cost to you.

My chosen organization is Community Living Connections (CLC).  They are a well-grounded local service “provides community supported living services to adults with developmental disabilities who live in their own homes”.  They have served my community for many years and every cent helps them to do it better.   If you have no organization you want to support, Dear Reader you might consider them.

I know that I have purchased more through Amazon since the launched Smile.  I want my dollars to also support CLC.   I want to know that even refilling my supplies or buying a new novel helps those with greater needs than mine.   I see no reason not to use this service if you make purchases this way.  I am thankful that such a retail giant has invested in helping our local community organizations this way.

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 Season of Gratitude – Smiles

Greetings Dear Reader,

Last Tuesday evening I was walking through a parking lot when I passed a young lady leaving the shop I was entering.  In that moment I was pondering how much I dislike being alone.  The young lady made eye contact with me and smiled a deep and genuine smile.  I smiled back.

As we passed I said, “Thanks for the smile. I needed it.”

She responded back, “Thank you for accepting it.  I needed to give it.”

Having been out among the masses over this busy shopping weekend I have been able to give smiles to people of all ages.  It is one of those practices that keeps my eyes on others.  It keeps me kind and thoughtful.   It is what made me understand that woman’s “I needed to give it.”

It is in the giving of warm kind greetings that we begin relationships, moments, events.  It is in this silent greeting that we can extend needed bridges and create opportunities to serve.  I am thankful for the smiles I receive from 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 ͡°)

A Season of Gratitude – Love

Greetings Dear Reader,

As each year passes it grows clearer to me why the motivation for everything is to be love.  It makes sense that a loving response to any situation creates more inner peace.  It reduces stress.  It keeps my perspective in check.

It is a privilege to love others.  Left to my own choices I would not.  Spending years focusing on being more loving takes me outside of my own wants and desires.  Putting others first and giving to their needs out of love reduces the time I spend brooding over my own situation.  My situation is not bad but there are things that plague me.  The greatest solace I find is in showing love to others.

The act of making love our truth north leads us further along the journey.  It allows us to follow Christ more closely.  It gives us the ground we need to handle the troubles of life.  It defines us more clearly as the people of God. 

It is also the best weapon in our arsenal in fighting the darkness.  It is the light we have when all others fail.  It is power to move through the deepest pain and most dangerous opposition.  I am thankful for love.  I am thankful that I get to show love to others.  I am thankful for the love I am shown.

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 Season of Gratitude – Black Friday and Gandalf

Greetings Dear Reader,

As a writer, I cherish the value of being a reader.  One of the authors who continues to influence my life is J.R.R. Tolkien.  This matters today because I will be out there among the Black Friday shoppers briefly.  My goal is always to be kind.  I like to amp that up today.  I want others to encounter kindness and humility amidst the spending and getting.

It is really very easy.  I step outside of the hubbub and remember to see the people.  I remind my heart and mind to see them as real humans with needs far beyond the deals and bargains.  I pray and smile and show deference.  I help if I can. 

The way in which we continue to live a life of gratitude and begin to show the Christmas spirit is to be patient and kind in the small things.  We can be good to clerks and shoppers.  We can smile at children.  We let someone go first.  We can give up a parking space.  We hold back the season of greed by continuing to live in a season of gratitude.

“Saruman believes it is only great power that can hold evil in check, but that is not what I have found. I found it is the small everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keep the darkness at bay… small acts of kindness and love.”

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 Season of Gratitude – Thanksgiving (With apologies to Dr. Seuss)

Happy Thanksgiving Dear Reader,

A day of Thanksgiving

We have every year

We gather and feast

With folks, far and near

We make turkeys and taters.

We cook gravy and pies,

Cranberries, stuffing,

Piled up to our eyes.

We bake and broil

We sauté and fry

We feast and we feast

Then sit back with a sigh

We wash up the dishes

We store all the scraps

Perhaps some more pie

Some take their naps

With our full bellies

We sit ‘round the fire

We chat with our fellows

And soon retire

To beds that are warm

In homes that are filled

With family and heat

To keep out the chill

But I’ve noticed a change

In the way we do things

It’s the kind of a shift

That some sadness brings

When we should be lounging

With sis, mum, and pop

Instead we go out

To the shops just to shop

We turn a day of Thanksgiving

Into shopping and greed

When we exchange quiet for chaos

There are warnings to heed.

It troubles me much

That we shop and we spend

Be the day of giving thanks

Has its chance to end

Put up a tree

Play and old song

Stay with your family

It won’t be that long

Wait for tomorrow

The shop doors to crash

You needn’t worry

They’ll still take your cash

It is a day of Thanksgiving

So please take some time

To show you grateful

For the good things you find

You could start a list

You could write a new song

Gather your family

And pass thanks along

You could help a neighbor

You could find a stranger in need

You don’t have to stay home

There are poor folks to feed

Whatever you do

Dear Reader know this

On this day of Thanksgiving

You are one of my gifts

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 Season of Gratitude – Rest

Greetings Dear Reader,

The physical malady with which I have been battling was keeping me up through the night.  I do not sleep much to begin with so what sleep I get is vital.  This is not insomnia.  I have never slept much since infancy.  For nearly six weeks I had not slept more than a couple of hours a night.

For the last ten days, however, I have been able to sleep through the night and most of my discomfort is gone.  Thank you Jessica and Sara for your efforts in helping me heal.  I am on the right path and will get back to what passes for normal with me.

This malady has reminded me of the value of real rest.  In the healing process I had to spend some time just lying still.  It game me time to pray and think.  It also reminded me of the value of being still.  It brought back my freedom to do nothing.

The Father insists that we rest for a reason.  It is in the simplicity of stillness that allows the clearance of the noise and business.  I am thankful for rest and the things it can teach me. 

Learn to be Still – The Eagles

It's just another day in paradise

As you stumble to your bed

You'd give anything to silence

Those voices ringing in your head

You thought you could find happiness

Just over that green hill

You thought you would be satisfied

But you never will-

Learn to be still

We are like sheep without a shepherd

We don't know how to be alone

So we wander 'round this desert

And wind up following the wrong gods home

But the flock cries out for another

And they keep answering that bell

And one more starry-eyed messiah

Meets a violent farewell

Learn to be still

Learn to be still

Now the flowers in your garden

They don't smell so sweet

Maybe you've forgotten

The heaven lying at your feet

There are so many contradictions

In all these messages we send

(We keep asking)

How do I get out of here?

Where do I fit in?

Though the world is torn and shaken

Even if your heart is breakin'

It's waiting for you to awaken

And someday you will-

Learn to be still

Learn to be still

You just keep on runnin'

Keep on runnin'

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 Season of Gratitude – Me Eldest Grandson

Greetings Dear Reader,

Today is Orion’s birthday.  I cannot believe he is already six.  His precocious constant analysis of the world keep us all on our toes.  I am often surprised at the depth of his thinking.  He asks questions that one constantly wishes to answer and ones that have no answer. 

He is not just a clever boy.  He is loving and kind.  He has moments of spontaneous generosity that amaze me.   He also feels as deeply as he thinks.  He asked for a phone for his birthday because he wants to be able to talk to his family.  He tells me quietly how much he misses me when he does not see me. 

We talk about words and science.  He loves bad jokes and puns.  We work together at this to make his father and brother groan.   One of my favorite things is to tell him a really bad joke and have him say, “Good one Grandpa.”   Of all the souls I know his is a good one for sure.  Happy Birthday Orion.

Knock, Knock.

Who's there?

Hoo.

Hoo who?

You talk like an owl!

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 Season of Gratitude – Me Youngest Grandson

Greetings Dear Reader,

Recently I had an injury that required that I have a lie down right after work.  My Son and Grandsons had brought me dinner to accommodate my rest.   Bastion rushed to my bed and began suggesting all kinds of things to make me better.   He gently stroked my arm and assured me that he would take care of me.

This child has such sweet compassion.  He shows gentle kindness to everyone.   He is a kind child with energy and passion.  He can already dance.  He loves good music.  He creates adventures every moment.

Almost every time I see him, which is weekly at the minimum, he runs to hug me and says, “Grandpa, I haven’t seen you in so long.”   He is my favorite five four-year-old in the whole world.  I am so very thankful for him and the way in which he changes us all.

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 Season of Gratitude – Me Daughter Christmas

Greetings Dear Reader,

When I think of my Daughter I think of eternal perseverance.  She constantly overcomes challenges that would like me cause me to give up.  She works hard at a difficult job.  She is respected for her work there and valued by her employers.  She kind and compassionate to those in need.

When determines to accomplish something, she finds a way.  I watched master a paddle board in an afternoon on a choppy ocean.  I have seen hear tackle new art forms brilliantly.  She is an amazing artist with great creativity.

Her love for others extends to every area of her life.  Watching her grow in her love for Christ is heart healing.   In a season of gratitude I am so thankful for my Daughter.

In Christ Alone – Stuart Townend

In Christ alone my hope is found

He is my light, my strength, my song

This Cornerstone, this solid ground

Firm through the fiercest drought and storm

What heights of love, what depths of peace

When fears are stilled, when strivings cease

My Comforter, my All in All

Here in the love of Christ I stand

In Christ alone, who took on flesh

Fullness of God in helpless babe

This gift of love and righteousness

Scorned by the ones He came to save

'Til on that cross as Jesus died

The wrath of God was satisfied

For every sin on Him was laid

Here in the death of Christ I live

There in the ground His body lay

Light of the world by darkness slain

Then bursting forth in glorious Day

Up from the grave He rose again

And as He stands in victory

Sin's curse has lost its grip on me

For I am His and He is mine

Bought with the precious blood of Christ

No guilt in life, no fear in death

This is the power of Christ in me

From life's first cry to final breath

Jesus commands my destiny

No power of hell, no scheme of man

Can ever pluck me from His hand

Till He returns or calls me home

Here in the power of Christ I'll stand

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 Season of Gratitude – Me Younger Son

Greetings Dear Reader,

I was blessed to have dinner with my younger Son last night.  He lives in Georgia now so I do not see him as often as I wish.  There is a day that is as clear in my mind and hopefully will always be thus.  My younger son is five.  He is sitting in the back seat of the car and making up his own moves to a song I really like.   His smile is amazing.  His heart is soaring to the music.  His creativity is obvious as well as a predisposition to real rhythm. 

I am so thankful for my Son, Bezel.   He has a capacity to love others that is strong and powerful.  From his youth his intuitive ability to assess character and still accept people is invaluable.  I have life-long friends because he liked some people like Adam from the start. 

He never minds hard work and has some excellent visions for his future.  In a month of expressing my gratitude for things it is a joy to consider how much I love my Sons.  This man has the charm and wit to speak life to any who will have it.  I hope he one finds his wings.  The world would be better for it.

Valley of Dry Bones – Michael Card

Behold a valley filled with bones

Bones on every side

A valley vast, the floor so full

Of bones so very dry

The Lord did ask

Can these bones live?

Might these bones rise once more?

What else was I to say but

You alone can tell, O Lord

A legion now alive

A resurrected army

A living, holy host

Of a people born again

Then prophesy, O son of man

Cry out to this dead hoard

And when they come to life again

They'll know I am the Lord

And as I spoke what I was told

There came a rattling sound

As bone to bone they formed a mass

Of bodies on the ground

Your dead will come alive

Their graves will lie abandoned

And all those dwelling in the dust

Will wake and shout for joy

And then I called upon the winds

Upon these slain to breathe

At once they stood upon their feet

A mighty, vast army

A legion now alive

A resurrected army

A living, holy host

Of a people born again

Your dead will come alive

Their grave will lie abandoned

And all those dwelling in the dust

Will wake and shout 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 ͡°)

A Season of Gratitude – My Eldest Son

Greetings Dear Reader,

I was privileged to have dinner with my eldest Son last evening.   He is a good man and a good father.   He has deep compassion and strong convictions.  I do not get to have the amount of leisure time I would with him but when it is available I find great joy in it.

When I see him interact with others I learn from him.  Even his vocation is one of caring for people in need.   His aunt refers to him as “the best of all of us.” I am so very thankful for him.

I pray that he leans to see the beauty in his spirit.  I hope that he finds the joy he deserves in life.  More than anything I wish for him to know how deeply he is loved.

The Sunrise of Your Smile – Michael Card

Reject the worldly lie that says,

That life lies always up ahead,

Let power go before control

Becomes a crust around your soul,

Escape the hunger to possess,

And soul-diminishing success,

This world is full of narrow lives,

I pray by grace your smile survives.

For I would wander weary miles,

Would welcome ridicule, my child,

To simply see the sunrise of your smile,

To see the light behind your eyes,

The happy thought that makes you fly,

Yes, I would wander weary miles,

To simply see the sunrise of your smile.

Now close your eyes so you can see,

Your own unfinished memories,

Now open them, for time is brief,

And you'll be blessed beyond belief,

Now glance above you at the sky,

There's beauty there to blind the eye,

I ask all this then wait awhile,

To see the dawning of you smile

I would wander weary miles,

Would welcome ridicule, my child,

To simply see the sunrise of your smile,

To see the light behind your eyes,

The happy thought that makes you fly,

Yes, I would wander weary miles,

To simply see the sunrise of your smile.

For I would wander weary miles,

I would wander weary miles

If I could see the sunrise of your smile.

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 Season of Gratitude – Civil Servants

Greetings Dear Reader,

Yesterday on my way to a meeting I saw a driver yelling at a Parking Enforcement Officer.  It has been oddly warm for November so my window was down.  I heard the driver yell, “I was only over by half an hour.  You did not have to write me a ticket.”  This was followed by a string of expletives which I would not use on anyone. 

I wonder how often we turn our anger at civil servants when the error is ours?   As I drove by I prayed for the Parking Officer.  He was doing his thankless and irritating job.  I am thankful that there are rules for parking and that they are enforced.  Were they not parking downtown would be more of a nightmare.

I am also thankful for those who work in civil service as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.    My Brother Ian is a paramedic.  I have dear friends who work in these professions.  I hear so many stories regarding the disrespect and abuse they take just for serving us. 

I am thankful that we live in a society where for the most part those who do this work are good people serving the greater good.  It takes little effort to say thank you and show gratitude when we encounter them.  Today my wish is that we all take a moment to pray for them, appreciate them, and thank them 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 ͡°)

A Season of Gratitude - Food

Greetings Dear Reader,

I love to cook, serve, and eat good food.  I live in a town where variety is as plenteous as one could wish.  Almost every world cosine is available.  I also have a very full larder.  I am blessed with the ability to cook and can easily prepare what I need daily.

In being thankful for food I cannot in good conscience neglect the problem of hunger.   It troubles me greatly that we do not coordinate better to end hunger in our communities.  We could.  Some of our laws make it difficult.  The problem is sometimes ignored.   We often do not realize how many people are hungry.

As we move toward a holiday that we celebrate with an abundance of food I am thankful for what I have.  I also will do things to mitigate hunger where I can.  My wish would be that everyone who can help would.   I think so many common ills would dissipate were we to do this.

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 Season of Gratitude - Giving

Greetings Dear Reader,

If this sounds odd to you, that I am thankful for giving, then I will try to explain.   I find great joy in treating others well.  I gain great peace from knowing I have helped others.   I see the needs of others clearly at times and an privileged with I can help. 

Yesterday I encountered my first Salvation Army Bell Ringer.   Gratitude for the thousands of people who will donate time and effort to standing by a kettle and ringing a bell rose up in me.  This organization does so much good. 

So many other aspects of giving are satisfying.   Part of giving is managing expectations.  I must assure that I do not take this for granted.  As a Christ follower, I am obligated to look for opportunities to be generous and kind.   I am required to give.  I am entrusted with the care of others.

If I am not giving to the needs of others then I am not fulling my obligation.   If I view as only an obligation then I am not getting the point.   It is supposed to be joyful for me to give.  It is supposed to come from the abundance of my love for the Father and for people.  

It is out of this that proceeds my desire to give.  It is out of wanting to share goodness and kindness with others that I express my gratitude to be allowed to give.  In a world where getting is a primary value those who give from the heart will stand out.  I am thankful for the providence and privilege. 

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 Season of Gratitude – Medical Care

Greetings Dear Reader,

As the fervor over the politics shifts from counter-punching to riots and blame-storming I wonder what will happen with healthcare in country.   I do not think that the current solution is the solicitor.  I do think that we should have a solution. 

My work provides me with healthcare.  It troubles me greatly that anyone thinks that a universal healthcare solution is a bad idea.  There are countries where it works.  There is a genuine need.  To speak against it is to lack compassion.

This does not mean that I am against also reforming the current medial system in our country.  It is out of control and things are too expensive.   Were the fat to be cut away there might be enough surplus to provide for the needs of others.  

Today, however, I am thankful for the medical care that I have and want it for everyone.   I cannot say that I follow Christ and that I want less for anyone.   I cannot claim to love others and deny them healthcare.   Their needs are more important than my excess.   Their lives are more sacred than my toys and games.

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 ͡°)