Hobbits ~ Power

Greetings Dear Reader,

“[Gandalf]: Go away and leave it behind. Stop possessing it. Give it to Frodo, and I will look after him.’
Bilbo stood for a moment tense and undecided. Presently he sighed. ‘All right,’ he said with an effort. ‘I will'.”

Bilbo had possessed the One Ring of power for sixty years.  He held the power to rule over many things in his possession.  In some way or another, we all have power.  Some of us crave it over anything else.  Some of us wield it well.  The most difficult thing about power is letting go when necessary.  It is a clinging corrupting force that wishes to be used.

The One Ring exercised its power over the one holding it.  I would submit that no one but its creator every owned it.  The ring was designed to wield power over the other rings.  The intent of its maker was always to use it to hold power over the entire world. 

Three Rings for the Elven-kings under the sky,
Seven for the Dwarf-lords in their halls of stone,
Nine for Mortal Men doomed to die,
One for the Dark Lord on his dark throne
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.
One Ring to rule them all, One Ring to find them,
One Ring to bring them all, and in the darkness bind them,
In the Land of Mordor where the Shadows lie.

Power is a tool that must be used for the benefit of others.  It must never be grasped as a possession or sought for as a treasure.  The effort to hold power is one that demands all from us and gives back only the desire for more.  When seen as a treasure it reveals itself to be fool’s gold instead.   I have had power and wielded it poorly.  I have had it and used it well.  Only the latter satisfied.

When Bilbo voluntarily gives up the One Ring, he is the first but not the only one to do so.  He lets go of power and is free to pursue the road to peace.  Others will offer to give it up.  Frodo offers it to both Gandalf and Galadriel.  Sam willingly gives it back to Frodo.  Only a few, including Hobbits it seems, understand that the power the ring offers is a lie.

I no longer desire power over anything except my own choices and only that so that I can do what is good and right.  I must not seek it.  I must have the wisdom to refuse it when offered.  Gandalf and Galadriel both had the grace given them to refuse the ring.  Knowing when to refuse power is a very valuable grace to receive.  We all need such grace when offered even the smallest power if that power is unsuited for us.

As we travel the way home there will be times when we have power over each other.  What we must do is see that only through humility, love, and grace can we use that power to further the journey and live it out well.  When we find that we are standing in the cloak of our power demanding things we are likely wrong.  It is when we use our power to show love even to those who are wrong that we wiled it well.  Perhaps the best use of power is to give it up so that others see our love for them.

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 ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Even as I begin to write this a sad song floats through my mind.  This journey is such a vast conglomerate beginnings and endings; stops and starts.  The many steps pave the way through an all-to-short life.  The life is short but the road seems so long at times.

Yesterday I read something posted by my closest companion.  “The worst nightmares are the dreams where she still loves you.”  The dream he referenced was one where his life was the life he wished for with the woman he loves who no longer loves him.  The world contained his dream home and his children were all well.  He related that it was one of those dreams where the nightscape seems more real than the waking world.  The terror came from waking to realize that it was not true.

When we discussed it I asked him what song came to mind.  His instant answer was a Dan Fogelberg song, Scarecrow’s Dream:

Seldom seen, a scarecrow's dream
I hang in the hopes of replacement
Castles tall, I built them all
But I dream that I'm trapped in the basement.

And if you ever hear me calling out
And if you've been by paupers crowned
Between the worlds of men and make-believe

I can be found.

Plans I've made a masquerade

Fading in fear of the coming day
Heroes' tales like nightingales
Wrestle the wind as they run away.

And if you ever hear me calling out
And if you've been by paupers crowned
Between the worlds of men and make-believe

I can be found.

Garden gate, an empty plate
Waiting for someone to come and fill
Scarecrow's dreams like frozen streams
Thirst for the fall ut they're running still.

And if you ever hear me calling out
And if you've been by paupers crowned
Between the worlds of men and make-believe

I can be found.

We cannot avoid sorrow.  It is part of the journey.  My friend’s use of music to deal with it is wise.  We talked long about this and we share this sorrow at a deep level.  It is the sorrow as much as the joy that brings us close to each other.  They journey requires music to make it tolerable. 

I am going to increase the music I pour into my spirit.  This part of the journey closes with a renewed sense of appreciation of the value of music in my life.  As I end each theme in my blog posts I hope to do so a better man than when I started.  This one closes with me sadder but wiser.  To me that is an equitable trade.  The sadness will not endure.  Hopefully the wisdom will. 

Thank you, Dear Reader for your songs and interaction.  Perhaps we can get ahead of the storm for a bit as I venture into something new in my thoughts.  Your company makes things better. 

Closing Time – Semisonic

Closing time
Time for you to go out go out into the world.
Closing time
Turn the lights up over every boy and every girl.
Closing time
One last call for alcohol so finish your whiskey or beer.
Closing time
You don't have to go home but you can't stay here.

I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home

Closing time
Time for you to go back to the places you will be from.
Closing time
This room won't be open 'til your brothers or you sisters come.
So gather up your jackets, and move it to the exits
I hope you have found a friend.

Closing time
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end.

Yeah, I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home

Closing time
Time for you to go back to the places you will be from

I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
I know who I want to take me home.
Take me home

Closing time
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ The Lost Verse

Greetings Dear Reader,

I think we all know that songs tell stories.  When someone writes a song, they have something to say.  They want to take this on a journey through a tale.  The completeness of the journey is determined by the writer with every verse he or she pens.  Often, for the purpose of time verses are left out of songs.  Sometimes the intent is to covey certain themes in the song or to enhance a visual in a movie. 

When we leave out verses, we leave out part of the story.  We would not remove a part of a painting or take a chapter out of a book and believe that we had the entire intent of the creator.  A great example of this is the song Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen.  The full version live in London has all the verses.  Below is the album version.

It is vital to get the entire meaning of the song that the last two versus are included.  It makes all the difference in whether the song has hope or despair.  We cannot expect the popular versions by groups like Pentatonix to convey the entire message of the song.  Do not get me wrong; these cover versions are all excellent and serve a purpose.  They do not, however, conveyed the same message.

It is vital in my opinion that we understand the intent of the creator each song we listen to and that we see the entire picture.  This is one of the reasons that I’m very careful which songs I put in my brain. There have been many instances where I have learned at a later date that the version of the song the I love is not the original.   I seek out the original so that I know who the meaning of the song and the intent of the artist. 

Since music is so very powerful, I must be circumspect in my listening, understanding, and referencing songs.  Music should challenge our minds to understand the message the artist is transmitting.  It takes effort but is always worth it.  I am accountable for what I take in and what it does to me.

Halleluiah by Leonard: luiah – Leonard Cohen – Original version from the album Various Positions

I’ve heard there was a secret chord

that David played, and it pleased the Lord,

but you don’t really care for music, do you?

It goes like this: the fourth, the fifth

the minor fall, the major lift;

the baffled king composing Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Your faith was strong but you needed proof.

You saw her bathing on the roof;

her beauty and the moonlight overthrew you.

She tied you to a kitchen chair

she broke your throne, and she cut your hair,

and from your lips she drew the Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

You say I took the Name in vain;

I don’t even know the name.

But if I did, well, really, what’s it to you?

There’s a blaze of light in every word;

it doesn’t matter which you heard,

the holy, or the broken Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

I did my best; it wasn’t much.

I couldn’t feel, so I tried to touch.

I’ve told the truth, I didn’t come to fool you.

And even though it all went wrong,

I’ll stand before the Lord of Song

with nothing on my tongue but Hallelujah!

Hallelujah, Hallelujah

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ Intimate Insights

Greetings Dear Reader,

As a preamble to this part of our journey I asked you to share some music with me.  I have listened to every song you have sent me.  I have seen pieces of you that I may not have before this effort.  I am honored to know you better. 

The messages in music have helped me see the joy and pain you carry on our shared journey Dear Reader.  Most of what I write is for my own growth and ability to follow well.  Today I dedicate this to you.  You are precious to me. 

One of the gifts given me in your responses is that of new music in my journey.  I have listened to ancient hymns and modern melodies over the past few days.   Your entries have shown me hope, pain, loss, and gain.   They have reminded me that I am never the sole possessor of things painful or rapturous. 

There are standouts that have touched me deeply.  Some of the songs given to me will become a permanent part of the concert I carry in my heart and mind.  I pause here to thank you because my gratitude will not allow me to wait until the summation of the series. 

Since music makes so much of my spirit resonate I want you to realize just how much this gift means to me.  When the journey is over and we meet at the celebration I hope that I can find words to express how you have helped me along the path.  The songs we carry change us and what you have given me so far this week is changing me for the better.

Today, I express gratitude and will return to the improvement analysis tomorrow.  I promise to keep listening to your responses and responding to every single one of them.  Thank you, Dear Reader for enriching my life by sharing a cut or two of yours.   

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 Music Makes Me ~ Where are We Going

Greetings Dear Reader,

Music transports us.  It takes us places.  The combination of music and lyrics touches us deeply and pushes us down a path.   It seeps into the fiber and sinew of the spirit to reveal how we really are inside.

Some people respond to this by saying this or that kind of music is bad.  They use moral arguments to say the music style is evil on its own.  That is just not true.  What the music says does reveal a great deal about its creator and those who listen to it.  That is not cause for judgment.  It is cause for discernment.

With every song I ask a simple question.  I ponder “Where are you trying to take me?”  I ask about the emotion, purpose, and world view of the song.  I seek to understand the artist’s world view as well.  The list of artists that I embrace their entire catalog of songs can be counted on one hand.

The responsibility is always mine.  Since music is so powerful I must be accountable for what I ingest.   It is not like having one too many drinks where the effects pass after a bit.  Music stays in us.  It impacts or infects us, drawing out the things that we hide and avoid.  It can harm or heal depending on the destination of the song. 

I must filter what I let in so that I am careful what parts of my nature I feed.  It required of following Christ that I monitor this with great vigilance.  When I ask the question, “Where are you taking me?”, I must insure that I ask and answer, “Do I want to go there?”

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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The Music Makes Me ~ When Sound is Light

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are dark times in our lives.  The darkness chases us always and sometimes overtakes us.  Too often it descends upon us unaware.  The music I have found that helps has become vital.

There are songs that help me work through anger.  Some help me emote that anger.  Some guide me back to calm so that I can deal with the anger properly.  Anger is not an emotion that I have difficulty touching but it sometimes gets the better of me.  I use music to guide my anger so that I do not do wrong.

Sorrow is harder for me to grasp.  It is there and harming me but I have more difficulty getting in touch with it.  The pain of that yields more difficulty in processing the sorrow.  Music and solitude can usually get me there.  Unfortunately, there are also times when the locked away sorrow and a song combine to emerge from me in a time and space not of my choosing. 

I was reminded of a song this morning by a friend.  It is one that plays in my head when I am in the dark and searching for a way out.  That is the searching that is the act of faith.  It is the seeking right even when I feel I have no light that is the key.  It is the pursuit of it that is required.

The way to find the way is remembering what the journey does.  It takes us home to a place we have never been before.   The joy in the journey is that hope.  Part of that hope is music in us to help us along the way.  Music is one of the lights I find in the darkness of my journey.  It is when sound become light for us.  When we are in the darkness we can sing together to light our way.

Joy in the Journey – Michael Card

There is a joy in the journey,

There’s a light we can love on the way.

There is a wonder and wildness to life,

and freedom for those who obey.

And all those who seek it shall find it, a pardon for all who believe.

Hope for the hopeless and sight for the blind

To all who've been born of the Spirit

And who share incarnation with him;

Who belong to eternity, stranded in time,

And weary of struggling with sin.

Forget not the hope that's before you,

And never stop counting the cost.

Remember the hopelessness when you were lost?

There is a joy in the journey,

There’s a light we can love on the way.

There is a wonder and wildness to life,

And freedom for those who obey.

And freedom for those who obey.

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:

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The Music Makes Me ~ Life’s Soundtrack

Greetings Dear Reader,

Often, I wish I could read minds.  Then I remember just how crazy I would seem to be if others could read my mind.  Since I should only do to others as I would have done to me, I must not learn to read minds.

Were you to read my mind, you would find that there is a soundtrack.  During almost every moment a song is playing in my head relative to what is occurring.  When I was having a conversation with a friend at breakfast we were discussing his trip to Alaska.  The songs North to Alaska, Cool Change, and Song of the Sea all floated through the background as I was listening.  I assure you that I was still listening.

In almost every situation this happens.  It is rarely distracting and I dampen it when it is.  I used to try to dampen it always.  I thought it was a problem.  Then I began to notice that the music provided insight into the conversation or situation.  It gave me a clue to emotions in the situations as I experience them.  I began to see the blessing in the oddity.

If I listen to the theme of the music playing in my head, I can better assess the situation and my feelings in it.  I can better see how to respond and interact with others.  It is good to use every tool available to me to become my best self.  If I am to follow Christ and serve others the music that makes me must be a part of the equation.  The soundtrack in my head cannot be the focus but it must be allowed to contribute. 

I wonder how music impacts you Dear Reader.  It is in all of us to some degree.  Please know that when we speak, the music is there to enhance not distract.  Even though I cannot read your mind, you are the part of the great song that matters.  It is true that life is a long song.   

Life is a Long Song – Jethro Tull

When you're falling awake
And you take stock of the new day
And you hear your voice croak
As you choke on what you need to say

Well, don't you fret, don't you fear
I will give you good cheer

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
If you wait then your plate I will fill

As the verses unfold
and your soul suffers the long day
And the twelve o'clock gloom
Spins the room, you struggle on your way

Well, don't you sigh, don't you cry
Lick the dust from your eye

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
We will meet in the sweet light of dawn

As the Baker Street train spills your pain
All over your new dress
And the symphony sounds
underground puts you under duress

Well, don't you squeal as the heel
Grinds you under the wheels

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
But the tune ends too soon for 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 ͡°)

Contacts for Aramis Thorn:

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The Music Makes Me ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I wrote last evening in Second Thoughts, there are songs that define us.  Music touches us in so many ways.  Even when we do not wish it, music can get inside us to pry out feelings we do not wish to engage.

Music is important to me always.  During summer and at Christmas it is more important and more invasive.  I love the sound of good music in the car on those summer days when it is cool enough to have the windows down and the sun roof open.  It is the kind of thing where you sit in the car to finish the song or start it over when you get back in because the song is speaking to the moment.

I used to make summer CD’s for the family when we would have long road trips.  Those play lists bring back so many good memories with my children.  I still make one every summer although I do not get to share it as much as I would.  The music calls and I list and listen.

As we walk this path on the journey I am going to work through some of the ways that music reaches me.  Since it does so with or without my leave, I would like to identify and enhance the benefits.  I want to get the most I can out of this intrusive beautiful force. 

In visiting this I hope to harness the power of music to more deeply propel me onward.  Since it is there, I wish to suck the marrow out of it for the fuel required to push me closer to Christ and following him well.  Your input and companionship is vital to me Dear Reader.  And now, a song from my favorite Piper.

My God – Jethro Tull

People, what have you done?

Locked him in his golden cage, golden cage

Made him bend to your religion

Him resurrected from the grave, from the grave

He is the God of nothing

If that's all that you can see

You are the God of everything

He's inside you and me

So, lean upon him gently

And don't call on him to save you

From your social graces

And the sins you used to waive, you used to waive

From the bloody church of England

In chains of history

Requests your earthly presence

At the vicarage for tea

And the graven image you know who

With his plastic crucifix, he's got him fixed

Confuses me as to who and where and why?

As to how he gets his kicks, he gets his kicks

Confessing to the endless sin

The endless whining sounds

You'll be praying till next Thursday

To all the gods that you can count

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:

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What Do You Fear? ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

That which we fear can control us.  If we allow it to control us it stops us from achieving.  Fear devours us.  When fear assails us we choose the way in which we will respond.

The other danger when I let fear control me is that I harm others by acting out of self-interest.  Once again that is not the way to follow Christ.  When fear guides me I look for my own protection and control.  Instead I must let love and grace be my moving force. 

So often we can defeat fear by facing it and pushing through it.  We do not have to do it alone.  I must not allow my fear to be my guide.  I must allow my security in Christ to give me courage and strength.

Fear must not have power over me.  I must think and act  in ways that weaken fear and diminish the power it holds.  “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, and love, and a sound mind.”

How Far this Road Goes – Gareth Dunlop

Come take this trip with me

Keep your eyes wide and keep me company

If you tag along you just might see

What is it I'm trying to reach

I'm still tied to my hopes and my dreams

Adventure I will always see

A child I will always be

So won't you come take this trip with me

Through the winding roads

Further then we've gone before

Past the `turn back now` sign post

And see just how far this road goes

To see just how far this road goes

I just can't wait for all we're gonna do

So let's go make a memory or two

And think what's ahead and all that's new

This journey was made for me and you

Through the winding roads

Further then we've gone before

Past the `turn back now` sign post

And see just how far this road goes

To see just how far this road goes

To see just how far this road goes

To see just how far this road goes

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 ͡°)

What Do You Fear? ~ Relationships

Greetings Dear Reader,

I think that I must first be very clear.  If you are in a relationship where you are being harmed, you need to do what it takes to be safe.  No one should remain in a place where they are being abused. 

Still too many relationships are ruined by fear.  People fear that things will not improve.  They fear that they will not get what they want or at some level need.  They fear forgiving slights and wrongs.  They fear not controlling things.  They fear being alone so they stay in dangerous or damaging relationships.

When we let fear dictate how we relate to others it destroys trust and love.  It is love that casts out fear.  It is love that gets us to courage and kindness.  When couples wed the promise “till death do us part” is bedrock for facing the unknown in love and respect.  When someone plays the leaving card he or she violates the bedrock of the relationship.  The promise that you make to work things out together is meant to hold back the flood of fear and give time to learn to love more deeply and build on that foundation.

It is too easy in our world to discard others.  God makes is clear that fear is not a good reason to refuse to love.  Love is the perfect antidote for fear.  If I allow fear to rule my heart then I cannot love.  I cannot relate. 

We forget that even our relationships belong to God.  We forget that our commitments to others are the opportunity to create something beautiful and it is not ours to throw away.

It Ain’t Yours to Throw Away – Clare Bowen & Sam Palladio

That same road that brought you here

Will sure as hell take you home

The life you left behind will have you back

You're tired of paying dues in worn out shoes

And Broadway blues

And any fool will tell you

The damn ol' deck is stacked

What if you're just a vessel?

And God gave you something special

It ain't yours to throw away

It ain't yours to throw away

Every time you open up your mouth

Diamonds come rolling out

It ain't yours to throw away No...

And all of the players, the movers, and shakers

The story maker suits have gone home

You drew the last slot

You thought it was your shot

But now it's just one more chance blown

What if you're just a vessel?

And God gave you something special

It ain't yours to throw away

It ain't yours to throw away

Every time you open up your mouth

Diamonds come rolling out

It ain't yours to throw away, No...

And our town is cold as January

Life comes true, and dreams get buried

Every day...

Destiny won't be denied

It ain't yours to throw away

No, it ain't yours to throw away

'Cause every time you open up your mouth

Diamonds come rolling out

It ain't yours to throw away

It ain't yours to throw away ...

Throw away

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 ͡°)

What Do You Fear? ~ People

Greetings Dear Reader,

Not every introvert is afraid of people.  Some people prefer to be alone.  Some people like solitude.  Before I delve into those who fear others I want to point this out.  If you have a friend who is an introvert then they have chosen to let you in.

Honor this and learn from it.  Learn that there are others who fear interaction with people.  They have been harmed by people.  Perhaps they had poor family examples or a bad relationship.  Perhaps they have been damaged by prejudice or injustice.

At the bedrock of my faith is the requirement to be good to everyone.  At the core of my beliefs is that every human soul is worth knowing.  There is the image in which they are created.  There is the spark of their Creator whether they accept it or not.   It is my obligation to see the treasure that is every life.

I must be a builder of bridges.  I must be the one who is willing to see those who need a friend and be that friend.  I have done this often and found such beautiful people.  It is in the extending of friendship that I find amazing people who just need the space to get past their fear of others.  It is also in this that I find ways to conquer my own fears.

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 ͡°)

What Do You Fear? ~ The Unknown

Greetings Dear Reader,

For some of us the unknown and undiscovered wields a siren call that draws us to risk all for the sake of discovery.  For others it freezes and frightens.  The unknown, the future is always a mystery.

When I think of how daunting it must be to need to know the unknown to have peace it fills me with compassion.   We bet so many things about our lives on an unknown future.  We make vows and promises based on the unknown future.  We assure others of our intentions without knowing how things will unfold.

Not knowing and getting burned can teach us to fear the unknown.  We forget that we have no control over the future.  Things change and we cannot prevent the tide of that change.  We can choose to face the future and realize our lack of control.  We can choose to let fear freeze us. 

The essence of the unknown is that we do not know.  It is that we cannot see past the horizon or the next minute.  This is when I must screw my faith to the sticking place.  This is when I must put what I do know in perspective.  In the moment I make the choice.  In the nexus I pick a direction.

Perhaps this is why the relationship with Christ is following.  We do not have to know the future.  We only have to know who to follow.  It is not his followers or what someone else says.  What I must follow is Christ alone.

New York Minute – The Eagles

Harry got up

Dressed all in black

Went down to the station

And he never came back

They found his clothing

Scattered somewhere down the track

And he won't be down on Wall Street

in the morning

He had a home

The love of a girl

But men get lost sometimes

As years unfold

One day he crossed some line

And he was too much in this world

But I guess it doesn't matter anymore

In a New York Minute

Everything can change

In a New York Minute

Things can get pretty strange

In a New York Minute

Everything can change

In a New York Minute

Lying here in the darkness

I hear the sirens wail

Somebody going to emergency

Somebody's going to jail

If you find somebody to love in this world

You better hand on tooth and nail

The wolf is always at the door

In a New York Minute

Everything can change

In a New York Minute

Things can get a little strange

In a New York Minute

Everything can change

In a New York Minute

And in these days

When darkness falls early

And people rush home

To the ones they love

You better take a fool's advice

And take care of your own

One day they're here;

Next day they're gone

I pulled my coat around my shoulders

And took a walk down through the park

The leaves were falling around me

The groaning city in the gathering dark

On some solitary rock

A desperate lover left his mark,

"Baby, I've changed. Please come back."

What the head makes cloudy

The heart makes very clear

The days were so much brighter

In the time when she was here

But I know there's somebody somewhere

Make these dark clouds disappear

Until that day, I have to believe

I believe, I believe

In a New York Minute

Everything can change

In a New York Minute

You can get out of the rain

In a New York Minute

Everything can change

In a New York Minute

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 ͡°)

What Do You Fear? ~ Intolerance

Greetings Dear Reader,

In a popular Star Trek episode from the Original Series, “Let That Be Your Last Battlefield” two aliens with vast power are fighting across the cosmos.  They are battling over their insurmountable differences.  The fight has been so fierce that they have destroyed their entire world and are the last two living members of their species.  Their difference is the cause of all the destruction.  Their faces are half black and half white.  The difference one is white on the left and the other on the right.

In continuing with thoughts on my friend’s response I realize that I have covered change. What my friend brought out though is the intolerance of society for unpopular differences.  It does not matter what the difference is.

This fear is as old as history.  We are intolerant of things we do not fear, understand, or accept.  We translate differences to discrimination.  We use the things we reject to reject people and think ourselves superior.  We put our values ahead of treating other with love and respect.

Even those who proclaim that tolerance is the only way to live are often intolerant of those who disagree.  The world continues to spin on battles over values.  Hatred and anger seem to be the most popular things given to those with whom we disagree.  I share the same fear as my friend.

I do my best to follow Christ without hating anyone.  Still I am mocked for things that I feel are wrong.  I am accused of fear, hatred, and bigotry for having standards.  So many do not see that those standards include love for everyone.  They include kindness to everyone.  Because I carry the label they have assigned to those who share my faith.  I will not hide what I believe but I honestly think that we all need a reset button. 

Perhaps everyone needs to really remember what tolerance means.  It does not mean that I accept all of your values or opinions.  It does mean that I love and respect you.  It does not mean that I hate you because I disagree with you.  It does mean that I will support the fact that we share common needs that should be provided for.

So tell me again why your philosophy allows you to hate me?

Which Way are You Goin’ – Jim Croce

Which way are you going, which side will you be on

Will you stand and watch while, all the seeds of hate are sown

Will you stand with those who say, let his will be done

One hand on the bible

One hand on the gun

One hand on the bible

One hand on the gun

Which way are you looking, is it hard to see

Do you say whats wrong for him, is not wrong for me

You walk the streets, righteousness but you refuse to understand

You say you love the baby

Then you crucify the man

You say you love the baby

Then you crucify the man

Everyday, things are changing, words once honored turned to lies

People wondering, can you blame them

Its to far to run, and to late to hide

Now you turn your back on, all the things that you used to preach

Now its let him live in freedom, if he lives like me

Well you light has changed, confusion rains, what have you become

All your olive branches turned to spears

When your flowers turned to guns

Your olive branches turned to spears

When your flowers turned to guns

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 ͡°)