The Road – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

An uneventful journey back to my abode was extended by almost two hours due to Labor Day traffic.  Floods of people from Illinois are escaping into Wisconsin for the official end of summer at lake houses and woodsy cabins. 

This was the first time in some time that I have made the drive back alone.  I was not just alone.  It was lonely.   I realized as I thought on this that it is the first time I return alone to a place where I live alone. 

There will be no more delays traffic or otherwise to avoid this reality.  The tune has been called by others but I must pay the piper.  I am unsure what journeys are next for me.  There are some avenues I wish to explore.  This recent one had both joy and sorrow in it.  I will need some time to process the reality of both.

I still have some dreams to build on but face the evenings and long dark alone.  I can busy myself with unpacking and arranging for a bit.  Then comes winter with its early dark and bitter cold.  We will see how things unfold.

I will face them all in faith.  The road still calls.  I can truly understand why Tolkien chose to have his travelers always in company.  Even to Mount Doom Frodo did not go alone.  It is not good for man to be alone.  The road, trail, or path that I follow next will test me.  I must as always depend on Christ in the testing if I am to endure.

Dear Reader I promise to hold to my faith during this time of testing and adjustment.  I will also share honestly how I am faring in the journey.  As always I value your thoughts and questions. 

The Road Goes Ever On – J.R.R. Tolkien

Roads go ever ever on,

Over rock and under tree,

By caves where never sun has shone,

By streams that never find the sea;

Over snow by winter sown,

And through the merry flowers of June,

Over grass and over stone,

And under mountains in the moon.

Roads go ever ever on

Under cloud and under star,

Yet feet that wandering have gone

Turn at last to home afar.

Eyes that fire and sword have seen

And horror in the halls of stone

Look at last on meadows green

And trees and hills they long have known.

.

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 – The Road Returning

Greetings Dear Reader,

The latter part of my journey has been much more pleasant.  News from home disquiets me and urges me down the way.  I will have ample travel time to pray for those in peril.  I part from my Brother and his family with joy in my heart over their new home and its potential.

I have not found the answer I sought nor did I get to counsel with the wizards I sought.  Perhaps that opportunity will avail itself over the holy days of autumn.  As I return to the place I live that is not home I long for a lighted inn where I and my pipe would be welcome.

Many tales I have to tell and I must get to them before the shadows grow too deep.  I caught a glimpse of my mortality on this journey.  I found bit more of my self and lost some of my hesitation.  I will have to see in I can secure the courage to follow the small side path that may lead to great adventure.

As the miles slip by the remaining burden is that of uncertainty.  I know not yet how I will fare in the solitude.  I know not how I will craft the life I need within the life I have.  God loves me and this is not some form of abstract vengeance.  It is instead a place wherein to find what I must be next.

So I follow in faith.  Returning to the haunts and hills that I call home but knowing that Bag End is sacked forces me to trust.  We shall see what the light on the marshes holds.  We shall see if this winter becomes one of discontent.  I shall follow wherever I am led.  I have learned that the road is just as lonely alone as that which must pass for “home”.  After all it is not good for man to be alone.

The Road – J.R.R. Tolkien

The Road goes ever on and on

Out from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

Let others follow it who can!

Let them a journey new begin,

But I at last with weary feet

Will turn towards the lighted inn,

My evening-rest and sleep to meet.

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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Road – The Affairs of WIzards

Greetings Dear Reader,

In Georgia there is a town called Toccoa.  I had a brief happy life there.  I journey there to visit my brother in his new home and to reacquaint with some old friends.  I had hoped to meet with one friend in particular but he is called away to care for a flock recently bereaved of their shepherd.

When I lived in this place I lacked some to the wisdom the years have given me.  Instead of holding to Christ for all I needed I looked to other things and it was my downfall.  I was one of the wizards there.  I got to provide cousel, entertainment, and the odd adventure for others.  Alas I meddled in affairs I should not have.

My hope is to find some of myself that I left there in order to recapture what I can be.  I feel the first part of my journey has been a failure but I know I did my best.  I tried to help but one cannot control what others will do when given good choices.  My Grandfather, whose counsel I could sorely use, would say, “A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still.” 

The second part of the journey is for me.  I need to choose wisely.  As I said, the one whose counsel I value is unavailable.  We will see what God provides.  I will see my younger Son, Bezel this morning and then off to the Lonely Mountain.  I will see my sisters Ivy and Echo later today.  It is in my siblings that I find my deepest connections.  That is something I have longed for all my life and it is growing.

My children are good counsel as well.  They ask me always to be the man I should be.  The heart of this journey is to steel myself to be the man I must be for this new chapter of my life.  So far I have found nothing external to sustain me.  Perhaps the there is something in valley called beautiful that I can carry with me.  Even if there is not I have found that I must follow this fitful fire wherever it leads.  For now that must be enough.

Far Over the Misty Mountains Cold – J.R.R. Tolkien

Far over the Misty Mountains cold,

To dungeons deep and caverns old,

We must away, ere break of day,

To seek our pale enchanted gold.

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,

While hammers fell like ringing bells,

In places deep, where dark things sleep,

In hollow halls beneath the fells.

For ancient king and elvish lord

There many a gleaming golden hoard

They shaped and wrought, and light they caught,

To hide in gems on hilt of sword.

On silver necklaces they strung

The flowering stars, on crowns they hung

The dragon-fire, on twisted wire

They meshed the light of moon and sun.

Far over the Misty Mountains cold,

To dungeons deep and caverns old,

We must away, ere break of day,

To claim our long-forgotten gold.

Goblets they carved there for themselves,

And harps of gold, where no man delves

There lay they long, and many a song

Was sung unheard by men or elves.

The pines were roaring on the heights,

The wind was moaning in the night,

The fire was red, it flaming spread,

The trees like torches blazed with light.

The bells were ringing in the dale,

And men looked up with faces pale.

The dragon's ire, more fierce than fire,

Laid low their towers and houses frail.

The mountain smoked beneath the moon.

The dwarves, they heard the tramp of doom.

They fled the hall to dying fall

Beneath his feet, beneath the moon.

Far over the Misty Mountains grim,

To dungeons deep and caverns dim,

We must away, ere break of day,

To win our harps and gold from him!

The wind was on the withered heath,

But in the forest stirred no leaf:

There shadows lay be night or day,

And dark things silent crept beneath.

The wind came down from mountains cold,

And like a tide it roared and rolled.

The branches groaned, the forest moaned,

And leaves were laid upon the mould.

The wind went on from West to East;

All movement in the forest ceased.

But shrill and harsh across the marsh,

Its whistling voices were released.

The grasses hissed, their tassels bent,

The reeds were rattling--on it went.

O'er shaken pool under heavens cool,

Where racing clouds were torn and rent.

It passed the Lonely Mountain bare,

And swept above the dragon's lair:

There black and dark lay boulders stark,

And flying smoke was in the air.

It left the world and took its flight

Over the wide seas of the night.

The moon set sale upon the gale,

And stars were fanned to leaping light.

Under the Mountain dark and tall,

The King has come unto his hall!

His foe is dead, the Worm of Dread,

And ever so his foes shall fall!

The sword is sharp, the spear is long,

The arrow swift, the Gate is strong.

The heart is bold that looks on gold;

The dwarves no more shall suffer wrong.

The dwarves of yore made mighty spells,

While hammers fell like ringing bells

In places deep, where dark things sleep,

In hollow halls beneath the fells.

On silver necklaces they strung

The light of stars, on crowns they hung

The dragon-fire, from twisted wire

The melody of harps they wrung.

The mountain throne once more is freed!

O! Wandering folk, the summons heed!

Come haste! Come haste! Across the waste!

The king of friend and kin has need.

Now call we over the mountains cold,

'Come back unto the caverns old!'

Here at the gates the king awaits,

His hands are rich with gems and gold.

The king has come unto his hall

Under the Mountain dark and tall.

The Wyrm of Dread is slain and dead,

And ever so our foes shall fall!

Farewell we call to hearth and hall!

Though wind may blow and rain may fall,

We must away, ere break of day

Far over the wood and mountain tall.

To Rivendell, where Elves yet dwell

In glades beneath the misty fell.

Through moor and waste we ride in haste,

And whither then we cannot tell.

With foes ahead, behind us dread,

Beneath the sky shall be our bed,

Until at last our toil be passed,

Our journey done, our errand sped.

We must away! We must away!

We ride before the break of day!

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Road - Wandering Aloud

Greetings Dear Reader,

Thick as a Brick has been playing through my head all night.  If you follow the link and get stuck there please come back in 44 minutes.  Real battle is always fought in the heart and the mind.  It is won or lost there as well. 

I am trying to get at the root of the things that hinder me from being all that I am capable of being.  There are changes and healing and restorations that need to exist.  I can do what I am supposed to do but I cannot change anyone else. In trying to undo some locks I have had a couple of beam and speck moments that will lead to better choices on my part.

I realize that this all may sound disjointed Dear Reader but the flotsam and jetsam of my mind is not too organized.  My first duty is to Christ.  In doing that duty I must unlock the prisons of the past in order to attempt to set up good for the future.  The oldest of the family must move with authority but at what cost to the things he has sequestered away because they hurt so much. 

The war is to use the memories for good without embracing the anger and bitterness that cling to them like this Georgia humidity.  “The innocent young master, thoughts moving ever faster, has formed a plan to change the man he sees.”  Right on the heels of this thought is the fact that I am not alone in the process; “Constant creation, that’s what I am, as you are making me into your man.” 

But I also wonder how long the sins of my forebears will haunt the lives of my children and possibly my grandchildren.  I wander aloud seeking a way to undo these too often resonant tethers to a poison past.  I am less entrapped in the mire than my parents and it is obvious I have done better by my children.  I have, however,  not done as well as I could and some of that needs mending. 

Tomorrow I wander north to the place where my great failure lives.  The place is beautiful as it rest between the Misty Mountains and the Lonely Mountain.  How much of the loss can I lay to rest there?  Perhaps there is some attornment I can achieve.  Perhaps I can couple the forgiveness I already have from God with some human semblance of the same.   Perhaps not.  But it is only the asking that makes us what we are…

Wond’ring Again – Jethro Tull

There's the stillness of death on a deathly unliving sea,

And the motor car magical world long since ceased to be,

When the Eve-bitten apple returned to destroy the tree.

Incestuous ancestry's charabanc ride,

Spawning new millions throws the world on its side.

Supporting their far-flung illusion, the national curse,

And those with no sandwiches please get off the bus.

The excrement bubbles,

The century's slime decays

And the brainwashing government lackeys

Would have us say

It’s under control and we'll soon be on our way

To a grand year for babies and quiz panel games

Of the hot hungry millions you'll be sure to remain.

The natural resources are dwindling and no one grows old,

And those with no homes to go to, please dig yourself holes.

We wandered through quiet lands, felt the first breath of snow.

Searched for the last pigeon, slate grey I've been told.

Stumbled on a daffodil which she crushed in the rush, heard it sigh,

And left it to die.

At once felt remorse and were touched by the loss of our own,

Held its poor broken head in her hands,

Dropped soft tears in the snow,

And it's only the taking that makes you what you are.

Wond'ring aloud will a son one day be born

To share in our infancy

In the child's path we've worn.

In the aging seclusion of this earth that our birth did surprise

We’ll open his eyes.

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 – Merry Meet

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of the things I love about the road is meeting people both known and unknown.   I have stayed at the hotel I am in before and the front desk manager greeted me by name when I came into the lobby. 

He not only remembered me but had my room key ready and assured that the internet signal was strong it the room I received.  I asked if they kept notes on guests and he said that he remembered I had troubles with the signal the last time I was here but I was so nice about it he wanted to assure that it did not recur.  It is a merry meeting when you reencounter a stranger to whom you have been kind. 

Later today I will see family that I have not seen since last Thanksgiving.  It besieges my heart that I live so far away but it also true that where I live is much more to my liking.  I am still looking for my Rivendell where I can enjoy writing my tales and sitting in the evening with my pipe and mug.   I begin to lost hope that I will ever find it.

Seeing my family will still be a good thing.  I love them and wish we could be closer without me having to move.  It is an odd thing that I feel so isolated as sit in this room where strangers welcome me and no one knows me.  Avalon once said of a friend she loves that this person had to be taken in small doses.  After I met the friend I realized this was true.  I think it may be true of me as well.

I will also re-encounter family that does not know me well.  Nieces and nephews who do not know me will be my entertainment for a couple of days.  As I journey to the place of the Misty Mountains and the Lonely Mountain I identify more with the latter.

The meetings will be merry as will I be so.  The time will be brief.  I continue to wonder as I wander where I fit in under the naked stars.  Perhaps the journey will show me.  Even if it does not I will find the joy in it. 

Farewell we call to hearth and hall – J.R.R. Tolkien

Farewell we call to hearth and hall!

Though wind may blow and rain may fall,

We must away ere break of day

Far over wood and mountain tall.

To Rivendell, where Elves yet dwell

In glades beneath the misty fell,

Through moor and waste we ride in haste,

And whither then we cannot tell.

With foes ahead, behind us dread,

Beneath the sky shall be our bed,

Until at last our toil be passed,

Our journey done, our errand sped.

We must away! We must away!

We ride before the break of day!

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Road - Journey in Solitude

Greetings Dear Reader,

This will be a late post as I have just driven through the night.   I am about to take some much needed rest but first wished to share my thoughts about the journey.  It was a lonely one.  There was a bit of entertainment when my Daughter realized she had left her car and house keys in my car.

The morning was pleasant as I stopped to breakfast with some dear friends.  Beyond that respite the journey was a lonely one.   It did give me thinking time before I run aground on some haunting memories.  The long stretch is complete.  I will complete the journey tomorrow.

I bypassed a side trip I wished due to weariness.  Perhaps it will fit into the return journey.  I did manage to find an open FedEx office to ship my Daughter’s keys to her.  She also found her spare car key.  All will be well there.

So I will spend the evening resting in quiet solitude.  I realize that to some of you this sounds like bliss.  To me it is a horror to which I must be accustomed.  I already noticed that I talk aloud to myself.  I wonder if this is something about which I should be concerned.  I noticed that the room seems much more uninviting than when I have had someone with which to share it. I wonder if I will ever become accustomed to solitude.

The road and rain have left once again wishing for hearth, mead, and pipe.  Perhaps a little further down the path I shall find these things.  Perhaps I may also find company that finds my company worth of keeping.  I feel I have been thrown back once too often.

I will settle in for some reading, prayer, and rest.  Perhaps my pondering will have more cheer afterwards. Christ is faithful and ever with me.  

Wond’ring Aloud – Jethro Tull

Wond'ring aloud --

how we feel today.

Last night sipped the sunset --

my hands in her hair.

We are our own saviours

As we start both our hearts beating life

Into each other.

Wond'ring aloud --

Will the years treat us well.

As she floats in the kitchen,

I'm tasting the smell

Of toast as the butter runs.

Then she comes, spilling crumbs on the bed

And I shake my head.

And it's only the giving

That makes you what you are.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Road – I Sit Beside the Fire

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I prepare to embark on my travel I find that I am leaving so many things behind.  It is a brief journey but much will transpire when I go.  I return to the roots of my pain and failure.  I return to the places where I could have made my life but instead sacrificed all that mattered for what I no longer have.

I will also see people I love with whom I do not get to spend enough time.  I pack light but this journey has so much baggage.   It also holds a few dangers from some of the old sources of pain.  I will return to the new abode that is not a home.

On either end of this is the road.  It will be time to think.  There are things of which I used to dream that will never be now.  I must bury those dreams and discover what new ones might take on life.  I will rediscover some old stories and discover some new ones.  Even my sleeping dreams have taken on a different character.

The road will always be there with its siren call.  The thoughts in solitude will be there as the miles slip beneath me.  The windmills and farms will be in full tilt as I drive through the night.  I wish that my arrival would be to hearth, pipe, and chilling ale.  Instead it will be to questions and expectations.

I will seek only the counsel of Christ for my heart and future.  I will miss the sounds of the door opening to family arriving home when I return.  This is where my feet have carried me and the only way out is through.  Journey with me Dear Reader and I will show you some beautiful haunts and hollows.  Perhaps we can find a fire, bowl, and cup yet.

I sit beside the fire and think – J.R.R. Tolkien

I sit beside the fire and think

Of all that I have seen

Of meadow-flowers and butterflies

In summers that have been;

Of yellow leaves and gossamer

In autumns that there were,

With morning mist and silver sun

And wind upon my hair.

I sit beside the fire and think

Of how the world will be

When winter comes without a spring

That I shall ever see.

For still there are so many things

That I have never seen:

In every wood in every spring

There is a different green.

I sit beside the fire and think

Of people long ago

And people who will see a world

That I shall never know.

But all the while I sit and think

Of times there were before,

I listen for returning feet

And voices at the door.

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 – Inns and Waysides

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have often read the quote, “The safest place for a ship is in a harbor, but that is not what ships are meant for.”  As I have moved, downsized, and accepted solitude I wonder if I have left harbor for the first time in some time.

I have planned my journey south to help with the transition.  Now I feel that first tinge of breeze catching my sails.  I feel the call of the road.  I will rest where I am welcomed and ponder things as I travel.  The road has lessons to teach and I have more lessons still to learn.

Not everything about this transition has to be bad.  I can find Christ in the moment if I continue to seek him.  There are larger questions to which I would find answers but those answers are not guaranteed.  I have, however, felt that the questions tell us more about God than the answers ever do.  I am learning that they also reveal more about me and where I am in my journey.

I love inns and taverns.  I must be careful that I do not get so comfortable that I forget I am on a journey.  Perhaps I can turn feeling that I no longer have a home into a constant reminder that that is where I am headed.  After all, what use is a good ship and a star to steer her by if I never set sail.

Sail On – The Imperials

Sail on

When the water gets high

Sail on

When the wind starts to die

Sail on

It's just a matter of minutes

Till His ship comes to get us

And we'll all get in it

When we're all born

We set out to sea

Looking for answers continuously

Then when we find out

To Him we belong

We watch for the signs

And keep sailing on

Cast up your sails

And let the wind blow

Jesus will never

Let your ship lose control

Just keep your compass set on the Son

And He'll guide you safely

To His beautiful Home

We can't afford to throw our lives

To the wind

To the wind

We've got the Lord

In control of our ship

And He'll guide us safely in

He'll guide us in

Cast up your sails

And let the wind blow

Jesus will never

Let your ship lose control

Just keep your compass set on the Son

And He'll guide you safely

To His beautiful Home

Sail on

When the water gets high

Sail on

When the wind starts to die

Sail on

It's just a matter of minutes

Till His ship comes to get us

And we'll all get in 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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Road – Wandering Youth

Greetings Dear Reader,

When I was first in my teen years I had access to a large wooded area and most of the entertainment I valued was within walking distance.  I ranged far and often in those days.  I was lean and adventurous.  That all changed at one point.

I have not thought of that time in decades.  As I ponder those days and my forthcoming journey ahead I am reminded of the few times in my life where solitude was a welcome companion. 

How to recapture the contentment of that time eludes me.  There is damage and isolation in the years between that impact it.  Some of the things that hinder me are my own doing.  Some of the hindrances are circumstances outside of my control.

Then again I cannot truly control anything but my responses.  I must find the place in me that made good use of the time and recapture it.  I need to allow Christ to recapture this part of me and revive it if he wills. 

Since it is all a journey back to God I must allow the journey in me to awaken and unfold.  I must recapture the elusive ability to find joy in the journey no matter what is around me. 

Recapture Me – Michael Card  

Fleeing what I do not know

Recapture me, recapture me

I flee to where I cannot go

Recapture me

The bridge between my heart and mind

Recapture me, recapture me

You come across myself to find

Recapture me

You come and knock on imaginations door

You come to show to

To know You is what eyes and ears are for

With ears that hear but not receive

Recapture me, recapture me

With eyes that see but can't perceive

Recapture me

Your paradox and poetry

Recapture me, recapture me

You speak one sacred certainty

Recapture me

You come and knock on imaginations door

You come to show to, to know You is

What eyes and ears are for

To know You is what eyes and ears are for

Through prophets madness make me wise

Recapture me, recapture me

Through foolish faith open my eyes

Recapture me

With sacred words, with silent words

Recapture me, recapture me

You're the living Word that must be heard

Recapture me

Recapture me

Recapture, recapture me

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Road – The Call

Greetings Dear Reader,

Even as a child I loved the road.  I enjoyed long car trips.  We had a VW van and I reveled in riding and sleeping in it  I enjoyed the ride, the sights, and the call of the horizon. 

I have often reached the place where the road calls me.  In some of my stories I write about a drifter whose only goal is the journey.  The road calls me now and I will answer for a bit.  I will journey south to the place where I grew up.  I will take some time to visit family and rest.

The drive will be just as restorative as the visit.  I know the road well and the landmarks will remind me of past journeys to and from Georgia.  The call of the road is so strong when I am tired and stressed.  The call home, to my real home is even stronger.

I will use the solitude of the journey there and back again to think through my future endeavors.  I will use the time for prayer and reflection.   I will not leave you behind Dear Reader.  As always when I follow Christ I will carry you with me.

Christ calls us all to himself.  This journey is an effort to grow closer.

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 – Revisiting an Old Map

Greetings Dear Reader,

I have spoken at length of the maps I use on my journey.  When on roads such as this one a map is a vital treasure.  I have traveled the paths suggested on this map before with great success.  As I reset my vision of this journey I look to it for a haunt or hollow that will provide a shorter path to closer following.

The map of which I speak is Paul’s letter to the Romans.  I have begun a deep dive into this treatise on what it means to follow Christ wholly.   The Roman road has long been a clear path to understanding who Christ is, what it means to find salvation in him, and how to follow him. 

A line by line reading and analysis will take the better part of a year.  It may take more.  These words that are almost two centuries old possess much truth.  They are worth the time it takes to process and apply them to the modern world, the current state of faith, and my life.

I am endeavoring to read through the text without presupposed filters.  It is working so far.  I will follow the map and see where it leads.  It reminds me that the path home is one that everyone needs.  It reminds me that my faith is what sustains me on the journey. 

The road goes ever on and on.   There is no way to get from here to the clearing at the end without some guidance.  At some point I will share more of my mapping with you Dear Reader.  For now I challenge you to give Paul’s letter an honest unfiltered read.  You may find a few shortcuts for your own journey.

The Road – Sweet Comfort Band

I'm livin' it out on the road

And I've got so far to go

The one that I love is at home

And she is a part of me

I stare at the road 'til my eyes turn red

The book on my lap

And the thought in my head of you

Somethin' keeps drivin' me on

When I just don't want to go

I carry this feelin' inside

That nobody want to know

So why would you choose to be using me

I've never been quite what they want to see from you

The road is so demanding, Lord

I can't give more than I have

I know how much I need your love

I can't give more than you've given me

And I stand in some corner backstage

And eat what's not good for me

I sleep in another hotel

With the radio on

And I dream of my home where I belong

And I didn't just travel this far for a song or two

But I'll do it for you

The road is so demanding, Lord

I can't give more than I have

I know how much I need your love

I can't give more than you've given me

Well I know that the number one thing

Is spending my time with you

And this road gives me plenty of time

To hear what you have to say

Sometimes you don't speak a word at all

But here I am waiting to answer your call to me

And I hope you can see

I'm out on the road.

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 – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

My eldest Son just began reading The Hobbit to my Grandsons.  If you have not read this and The Lord of the Rings you have missed the opportunity for some great adventure and philosophy.  One of the themes that underlies the story is the road. 

Like life the story is about a journey.  Like life the vehicle is the path to that journey.  We are on a journey back to God.  He wants to get back to good.  We travel this journey whether we wish it or not.  It is how we travel that matters.

I have been in a pause over the last few weeks trying to get back to the place where I could find joy in the journey.  I am not there yet but am closer to getting there.  I am still in upheaval but must go on as I have a journey to continue.

This time will be spent in remembering what the journey is about and how I must interact with it.  I forgot for a bit that my destination is still home.  I forgot for some time that none of the places I call home here are really home.  I must get back to remembering the journey.  Walk with me if you wish Dear Reader.  I always value your company. 

The Road goes ever on and on

Down from the door where it began.

Now far ahead the Road has gone,

And I must follow, if I can,

Pursuing it with eager feet,

Until it joins some larger way

Where many paths and errands meet.

And whither then? I cannot say.

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 ͡°)

Say What You Need to Say - Milestones

Greetings Dear Reader,

“You're traveling through another dimension, a dimension not only of sight and sound but of mind; a journey into a wondrous land whose boundaries are that of imagination. That's the signpost up ahead—your next stop, the Twilight Zone!”

I ponder sometimes the vast number of signs we pass every day.  I contemplate what we take in and what we ignore.  I question some of the things we celebrate as the their value in celebration. 

We enter the new every day.  We breach a new horizon.  Many mark another Monday with disdain whilst yearning for Friday.  Wednesday becomes just the crest of the hill so they can glide into the weekend.  Every day is a gift and we do not treat it that way.

Time slips through the glass and we miss so many things that are intended to bring us awe.  During winter I make time to wonder at the constellations whilst other hurry into the house to escape the cold.  There is time in the day to embrace the wonder of the world if we allow it.

We make our way toward that “undiscovered country” with no hope of ceasing the journey.  We must find joy along the way to sustain us.  We must gather in the beauty of the universe so that we see just how much of it exists to prepare us.  I am honored to have been given another milestone at the advent of this milepost.

It is in the journey toward God that we are to find him.  If I waste a single day of that pursuit then I lose out.  I have less in which to wonder and marvel.  I have less warm winds to life the powdery wings of faith on which I fly.  I have less of Christ to share if I do not pursue him in every moment.

At this milestone I need to say just how much I love the world because I love the Creator of that world.  I love the journey because of the one I follow.  There is always joy in the midst of sorrow because of my fellow traveler.  There is also joy because of you Dear Reader.  Thank you for your company along the way.  This milestone reminds me so much of our destination: The Unknown Country, already discovered by others.  We must keep moving as the sun is at its zenith.

I’ve Got A Name – Jim Croce

Like the pine trees lining the winding road

I've got a name

I've got a name

Like the singing bird and the croaking toad

I've got a name

I've got a name

And I carry it with me like my daddy did

But I'm living the dream that he kept hid

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

Like the North wind whistling down the sky

I've got a song

I've got a song

Like the whip-poor-will and the baby's cry

I've got a song

I've got a song

And I carry it with me and I sing it loud

If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

And I'm gonna go there free

Like the fool I am and I'll always be

I've got a dream

I've got a dream

They can change their minds but they can't change me

I've got a dream

I've got a dream

I know I could share it if you want me to

If you’re going my way I'll go with you

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

Moving me down the highway

Rolling me down the highway

Moving ahead so life won't pass me by

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 ͡°)