The Road to Bethlehem – Rest, Comfort, Joy

Merry Christmas Dear Reader,

For some rest is elusive in the days before Christmas.   We burden ourselves with distractions and wrapping instead of finding the rest that is intended in celebrating Holy Days.  We are supposed to rest.  

I always make time to rest during this season.  I use the rest to ponder the gift of Christ and the reason for our revelry.   I use the rest to remember to not to let things get to me.  I use it to avail myself of God’s wish for peace.

For some comfort is unattainable.  There is often pain associated with Christmas.  Hurts and damage from the past revisit us.  Loss and pain spring fresh from old wounds.  Instead of finding comfort in Christ we embrace the thorns of Christmas past as if their damage is more precious.  There are past pains and continued losses that try to rob me of my spirit but I refuse to dishonor the gift of Christ by focusing on them.

We are meant to receive comfort from the birth of Jesus.  We are meant to find solace in the hope of his being with us.  There is relief from all that we fear and all that has harmed us in the love of Christ.

For some Joy is unwanted or painful or unattainable and we must respect that.   My mirth must not be a source of pain for others.   I must acknowledge that some will spend their first Christmas with the loss of a parent or a child.  Some will be alone whose hearts have been broken by another.

My hope is that you can find rest, comfort, and joy in the gift God intends for you.  I like him would not force it on you.  I do hope that you find a way to embrace it on your own.

God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen – Annie Lennox

God rest ye merry gentlemen, let nothing you dismay

For Jesus Christ, our Savior was born on Christmas Day

To save us all from Satan's powers when we were gone astray

Glad tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Glad tidings of comfort and joy

In Bethlehem, in Israel this blessed Babe was born

And laid within a manger upon this blessed morn

The which His Mother Mary did nothing take in scorn

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

From God our Heavenly Father a blessed angel came

And unto certain shepherds brought tidings of the same

How that in Bethlehem was born the Son of God by name

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

"Fear not then, said the angel, let nothing you affright

This day is born a Savior of a pure virgin bright

To free all those who trust in Him from Satan's power and might"

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises, all you within this place

And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace

This holy tide of Christmas all other doth deface

Oh, tidings of comfort and joy

Comfort and joy

Oh, tidings of comfort and 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.”

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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.”

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Pieces of Time – Leisure Time

Greetings Dear Reader,

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

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

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

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

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On Leisure Pursuits – Closing

Greetings Dear Reader,

As a Christ follower I am accountable for all my time.  This means that even my leisure pursuits must be in line with the Father’s design for us.  I must rest purposefully.  I must recreate my life as necessary to conform to the gospel.  I must not abuse sleep.  I must avoid stress and adopt relaxation. 

It seems that managing all this could defeat the purpose of it but this is not how it works.  As will all things I must assure that I make the most of my leisure time.  My leisure pursuits must be ones that recreate and restore me.  Neglecting this will hinder my ability to work and serve will all that I am.

My entire life must be yielded to following Christ.  If I do not follow him in my leisure pursuits then I will not be equipped to do so in the work he has set before me.  It is about being committed to Christ in all that I do.  Even when I am bone weary or emotionally exhausted what I do to rest and recharge must be yielded to Christ and his purposes. 

It comes to assuring that in all that I do I am yielding what I have to Christ.  It comes to monitoring every step of the journey so that they are in the steps of Christ.  I will fail but I must lessen the failures and shorten the time between successes.  Rest well Dear Reader;  we still have work to do.

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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On Leisure Pursuits – Honest Recreation

Greetings Dear Reader,

Most of you read that word as “rec·re·a·tion (/rekrēˈāSH(ə)n/)”   I try to always read it as “re-cre·a·tion ˌ(rē-krē-ā-SH(ə)n/).   We define recreation as the pursuit of activities done for enjoyment when not at work.  This is a great way to spend leisure pursuits but I think we leave out something vital.

I think that we need pursuits specifically designed to re-create us.  We all know what that is.  We all know what energies who we are over what we do.  If we have forgotten what does this for us then it is vital to rediscover it. 

There are times when we need major re-creation.  Our lives can become in need of a major overhaul.  We also need daily minor course corrections.  We need episodes where we do things to re-create the little things that impact relationships and focus our pursuits. 

We can re-create attitudes, actions, and assumptions.  We can always find ways to rediscover who we are created to be and reinvent our lives in more pleasing and productive ways.  I must re-create who I am in any area that limits my ability to follow Christ.  I must use my leisure pursuits to re-create the things that nourish my kindness and love.  The activity may exhaust or rest me physically.   What matters is that my mind and spirit are drawn closer to being more like my creator.

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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On Leisure Pursuits – Focused Relaxation

Greetings Dear Reader,

Relaxation is defined as an easing of tension or anxiousness.  Since Christ followers are not to be anxious over anything it seems that one should be relaxed most of the time.  This is not the case.  We become anxious and tense over many things both serous and mundane. 

This means that one must focus on being relaxed.  Worry and tension must be intentionally purged.  Our need is further than that though.   It is not enough to release tension.   We must at times truly do nothing.  We must push away even thinking about the things that plague us.

We employ many things to turn off our thinking.   Some of those things are unhealthy.  We indulge in excesses to deal with worry and tension.  This leads to many maladies that in turn increase worry and tension. 

Another form of failure to relax is when we deny our tension.  We avoid and bury problems that make us anxious.  This leads to short tempers, excesses, and failure to be as good to others as we should. 

I must seek focused relaxation.  I must not carry worry and anxiety intentionally.   Further I must assure that I do not use my tension as an excuse to be unkind or impatient.  If I am to follow Christ with my whole heart I must create space for focused relaxation that seeks calm and serenity.  I must become an instrument of peace.

Prayer of Saint Francis – Sarah McLachlan

Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is hatred, let me sow love;

Where there is injury, pardon;

Where there is doubt, faith;

Where there is despair, hope;

Where there is darkness, light;

Where there is sadness, joy.

O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek

To be consoled as to console,

To be understood as to understand,

To be loved as to love;

For it is in giving that we receive;

It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;

It is in dying to self that we are born to eternal life.

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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On Leisure Pursuits – Segmented Sleep

Greetings Dear Reader,

I do not sleep much.  It is not lost on me that I had planned this topic for today and I awakened two hours earlier than intended.  I have never like naps and there was even a wayward attempt in high school to wean my life fully from any sleep.  Three weary days and some terrifying hallucinations cemented in my mind that I need sleep daily.

The advantage of needing little sleep is that once I am asleep I do so deeply.  This may account for my needing little of it.  Still sleep is required and missed when elusive.   I realize that as there are those who need less sleep than the norm there are also those who require more.  Sleep is a necessity but can also be a leisure pursuit.  It is in the pursuit of sleep for leisure that we must be vigilant not to abuse it.

As one who does not like to sleep this is not an issue for me but I must consider how I think and feel about those who seem to abuse it.  I have a friend who has admitted that she is addicted to naps.  The Bible does not say a great deal about sleep but warns against too much of it.  It does teach us that we are accountable for all of our time. 

In this pursuit I must get enough sleep to be healthy and not so much that I waste time that should be used for other things   I owe it to my family and work to get enough rest so that I am truly present at required events.  I need to be rested enough to give my best both practically and socially.   I need to be careful not to judge those who need more sleep and those who abuse it.  It is not place.

I am not sure why the Father designed us to need sleep.  Were it up to me I would abandon it completely.   In this as with all things though, I must be subject to how I am designed over what I desire.   Then again I would value it if things stopped mid-day for warm cookies, cold milk, and a short rest.  I would prefer not to nap but I must be aware of the needs of others.  I prefer not to be asleep in the light.   

Asleep in the Light – Keith Green

Do you see, do you see all the people sinking down?

Don't you care, don't you care are you gonna let them drown?

How can you be so numb not to care if they come?

You close your eyes and pretend the job's done

Bless me Lord, bless me Lord You know it's all I ever hear

No one aches, no one hurts no one even sheds one tear

But He cries, He weeps, He bleeds and He cares for your needs

And you just lay back and keep soaking it in

Oh, can't you see it's such a sin? 'Cause He brings people to your door

And you turn them away as you smile and say

God bless you, be at peace and all heaven just weeps

'Cause Jesus came to you door you've left Him out in the street

Open up, open up and give yourself away

You see the need; you hear the cries so how can you delay?

God's calling and you're the one but like Jonah you run

He's told you to speak but you keep holding it in

Can't you see it's such a sin?

The world is sleeping in the dark that the church just can't fight

'Cause it's asleep in the light

How can you be so dead, when you've been so well fed

Jesus rose from the grave and you, you can't even get out of bed

Jesus rose from the dead, come on, get out of your bed

How can you be so numb not to care if they come

You close your eyes and pretend the job's done

You close your eyes and pretend the job's done

Don't close your eyes, don't pretend the job's done

Come away, come away, come away with Me my love

Come away from this mess, come away with Me, my love

Come away, come away, come away with Me my love

Come away from this mess, come away with Me, my love

Come away, come away, come away with Me my love

Come away from this mess, come away with Me, my 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.”

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On Leisure Pursuits – Accurate Re-calibration

Greetings Dear Reader,

Many of us no longer need to calibrate things hence the word bears defining.  To calibrate is to “correlate the readings of (an instrument) with those of a standard in order to check the instrument's accuracy.”   We need to consistently re-calibrate. 

If left to my own measures I do not always assess my instrument well.  I push too hard when I am ill.  I can at times be too sedentary.   I should exercise more than I do.  I do not always assess myself honestly both on the positive and negative side.

I need to set honest baselines for what I need in leisure.   Diet, exercise, activity, and rest must all become measured and intentional.   This is not a secular issue.  It must not be my priority but it must be prioritized.    

Paul notes that “bodily exercise is of little profit.”   This does not mean that one should not exercise but it does mean that it must be seen in relation to other things.  An honest and accurate re-calibration of how I spend my leisure time is vital to assuring that I follow Christ in all things.

There is no down time from following Christ as I am to use all of my time to do that.  The Father has prescribed rest and relaxation but as with all things it must be tempered.  If I am to manage leisure pursuits properly I must know what I need and discipline every part of it.  This is not a stressful or worrisome discipline.   It is a part of following Christ with all that I am.  Even assessment must be done in faith.

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 ͡°)

On Leisure Pursuits – Intentional Rest

Greetings Dear Reader,

Since creation the Father has considered rest important.   When he rested after creation the word used to describe it is the same word from which we get Sabbath and sabbatical.  Rest is designed into the Law of Moses. It was a part of Christ’s weekly life. 

The idea of rest here is to cease from work.  It is important that rest is not doing something as opposed to doing something.  It can be better explained as I am not working instead of I am resting.  It is intentional refraining from work or intentional rest.

In our culture it is expected that we take work home with us.  I have coworkers that work every day.   In my years as a professor I did work outside of work almost every night.   If you do not think almost every teacher does this you are deluded.  I have friends who put in long hours at work and are still spinning late in the evening at home.  

As a writer I have to make sure that there are times when I do not sit down and begin to spin out lines.  I can get distracted by ideas and inspiration.   I must discipline my life to capture the idea but then return to whatever pursuit in which I am involved out of respect for my fellow travelers. 

I must also never assume that it is proper to impede on others when I work.  I must not assume that I when choose to work late that I can involve others without consideration for their needs.   When I supervise others it is my obligation to consider their time and need for rest.    

We are created to rest.  We are created to keep this in balance with our other pursuits.  I must assure that I focus on intentional rest.  I must not allow worry and circumstance to keep me from the rest the recharges me for the next day or the coming week.  I do not live under the law but the practice of intentional rest does make me a better follower. 

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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On Leisure Pursuits – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have begun planning vacation time for the summer.  In discussing vacations, rest, and leisure with my friend Marsha I mentioned “Intentional Rest”.  I use this phrase so often the impact on her surprised me.  I will talk more about that in a couple of days.

It did trigger my thinking on the leisure pursuits and how I follow Christ in them.  Leisure like everything else in our lives must be an act of following.  There is not “down time” from following Christ.   Our idle words and leisure time belong to the journey as well.  It is, therefore, imperative that our leisure pursuits yield faithful following and not be squandered.

Please walk with me as I think through some various aspects of faithful leisure.  I need to assure that I follow Christ in all things.  Perhaps we can discover together how to better use down time to increase who we are Dear Reader.  As always I treasure your thoughts and questions.

Cool Change – Little River Band

If there's one thing in my life that's missing

It's the time that I spend alone

Sailing on the cool and bright clear water

It's kind of a special feeling

When you're out on the sea alone

Staring at the full moon, like a lover

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

Well I was born in the sign of water

And it's there that I feel my best

The albatross and the whales they are my brothers

There's lots of those friendly people

And they're showing me ways to go

And I never want to lose their inspiration

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

I've never been romantic

And sometimes I don't care

I know it may sound selfish

But let me breathe the air

Let me breathe the air...

Well I was born in the sign of water

And it's there that I feel my best

The albatross and the whales they are my brothers

It's kind of a special feeling

When you're out on the sea alone

Staring at the full moon, like a lover

Time for a cool change

I know that it's time for a cool change

Now that my life is so prearranged

I know that it's time for a cool change

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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A Feverish Reflection

Greetings Dear Reader,

So I avoided the illness that has been sweeping my coworkers for over a month.  It has finally found me and forced me to rest.  Since I love what I do missing it for the sake of a fever and the sniffles seems an intrusion.

The truth, however, is that I probably am pushing myself too hard.  I probably need the rest.  So a couple of days of hot soup, hot tea, and rest are in order.  I like that it gives me time to pray.  I like that it lets me catch up on my reading.

I hate feeling that I have to nap.  I hate naps.  When I am sick I am always glad I did.  I think that following Christ in all of this is a lesson in yieldedness.  It is a reminder of how little I control.  It is a call to follow in faith that I cannot be everything I want to be without taking care of my health.

Even in the obedience of rest I can follow.  So that is what I will do. 

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 – A Bit of Rest

Greetings Dear Reader,

I awakened this morning very rested.  The cacophony of my four nieces and nephews is very peaceful.  This new home that is my brother’s holds great potential. It is a beautiful place in a place named beautiful.  I slept deep and well last night.

Today I will have some more time with my brother and then I will reconnect with some other friends.  A part of me wishes that I could go back in time and change the moments that changed everything for me here.  I know that is neither possible nor right.  There are good things that have resulted from my poor choices that I would not undo.

I am reminded that God works out good in every situation.  I failed here but he did not.  The path that I chose yielded my beautiful Grandsons and my Daughter Christmas.  It was not all predetermined but God worked through my failures to produce good.

I must remember this always.  No matter what I feel or do my Father is at work to render good from my mistakes and the mistakes of others.  He is at work to bring all things back to good.  He is involved in infinite counter moves that will ultimately offset my wrongs and the wrongs of others.

Faith is the engine that moves the universe from our side of things.  My wrongs are not lessened but they are mitigated by the Father’s work to bring things back to the good he pronounced in the garden.  It is my obligation to do good in harmony with him.  My role is to do good no matter what the cost.

I attempted to do that earlier this week to no avail.  My failure to try and help was rejected.  I cannot control what others choose whether it is ill or good.  I can only do what is right in response to that ill or good.  I cannot undo the past but I can learn from my failures and do right going forward.  In the council of wizards or dragons this is always the truth.  My faith must hold on to this if to nothing else.

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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Home to House – A Pause to Rest

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have a three day respite from my task of turning my home back into a house.  Some friends are getting married at each other and I am going to journey north for the event.  I I will be traveling with my eldest Son and my Grandsons.  I truly look forward to the adventure. 

I finally slept last night and longer than usual.  I am beginning to remember the balance between activity and rest.   A rest at the proper moment is what makes the music work.  Amidst the emotional upheaval of this change I do not always choose the right playlist in my mind.

Keeping the playlist in my head straight helps me keep other things straight.  Keeping other things straight is what makes my life effective for Christ.  I must only follow the tune that he calls.  When I am weary I do not always listen for it well. 

I also do not remember to pray before I speak, think, act, or feel.   I am not who I am meant to be without proper rest.  I am not who I am meant to be with too much rest.  I need to work harder but in the right ways. 

I need to pray every moment I can.  I need to order what is necessary to live the life I am called to live.  I need to turn this corner properly.  I must use this time of respite to refocus.  Please pray for me Dear Reader.

Make My Life a Prayer to You – Keith Green

You make my life a prayer to You

I wanna do what You want me to

No empty words and no white lies

No token prayers no compromise

I wanna shine the light You gave

Through Your Son You sent to save us

From ourselves and our despair

It comforts me to know You're really there

Well I wanna thank You now for being patient with me

Oh it's so hard to see, when my eyes are on me

I guess I'll have the trust and just believe what You say

Oh You're coming again, You're coming to take me away

I wanna die and let You give Your life to me, so I might live

And share the hope You gave to me, the love that set me free

I wanna tell the world out there, You're not some fable or fairy tale

That I've made up inside my head, You're God the Son

You've risen from the dead

Oh I wanna thank You now for being patient with me

Oh it's so hard to see, when my eyes are on me

I guess I'll have the trust and just believe what You say

Oh You're coming again, coming to take me away

I wanna die and let You give Your life to me, so I might live

And share the hope You gave to me

I wanna share the love that set me free

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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Second Thoughts – The Empty Comfy Chair

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.

In my writing office I have an over sized comfy chair.  The chair itself is worn and ragged but it is covered so that one can enjoy it without pitying it too much.  I rarely use this chair.  Others have used it when they wished to be near me whilst I was writing.

When Christmas first came to live with us I would find her there every morning sleeping.  Both her need and her fear drove her there.  She feared not being available if I had some demand.  This was a ravenous echo of her past that she soon learned to release.  Her need was to know that I was there and that she was really safe.  I am glad both of these things have healed but I do miss her presence.

My grandsons often sit there when they spend the night.  Whichever one awakens first knows to find me at my desk writing.  They know that a blanket and juice box await them in the comfy chair.  The conversation in those early morning hours is precious to me.  The current difficulties severely limit my opportunities for them to sleep over.   So again the chair is empty more often than I would like.

Others who frequented the chair are very gone.  Writing about absent friends reminded me of them.  I have often thought of getting rid of the chair.  I could use another book shelf.   But the space is sacred.  It is a space of requirement.  I may be lonely for it to be filled but that space belongs to God.

It reminds of how often Christ wants us to be content just to be there with him.  It brings to mind my need to make time just to be in his presence.  I believe all of our good feelings come from God.  If that is true then that contented feeling that echoes in us when someone is simply there with us must be his as well.

Like my child or grandchildren I need to find time to just be there to be reassured that he is there.  I need to rest in his presence and be comforted by it.  In real love there is contentment in the context of proximity even if the chair is old and ugly.

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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All Saints Day 2014

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am taking a day of rest.  I need it to recharge and prepare for the things ahead both good and painful.  On All Saints Day I can rest.  I can rest in Christ.   He has promised that under his yoke the burden is light.  He has promised me rest.

All that is in my life is not perfect but my life is good.  Everything about following Christ is allowing ourselves to work, play, and rest in him.  Paul wrote that “in him we live and move and have our being.”

True rest is only found in Christ.  Enjoy your day Dear Reader.  Know that I love you and am praying for you to have rest in him as well.

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 ͡°)