Second Thoughts ~ April Snow

Greetings Dear Reader,

Avalon used to always remind me as the winter turned the corner toward spring that there is always snow that stays until April.  She pointed it out in its weak patchiness.  One year it snowed on May 2^nd as we were coming out of church.

As I was in the Mid-West last week, the temperatures were warm and only one night was below freezing.  Things are already turning green and except for snow piled up by plows, most of the snow was gone.  One of the parking lots held a high deep mountain of snow made by the constant clearing of the car park.  It looked like it would not melt until June.    Still, I found no snow that was still where it had fallen and un-melted.

I wondered if perhaps Avalon’s axiom had finally proved false.  Then I drove west before the time came for me to depart for the next and longer part of my journey.  I love snow and have missed it this year.  Living in the South offers few opportunities for reveling n the white wonder makes of rain, cold, and physics.  Every crystal is beautiful and treasured by me.

As I drove to my destination, I saw what I thought were the long white tubes of fertilizer that appear on farms each year.  It was not giant fertilizer grubs.  It was a long thick strip of snow.  Then there was another and another.  I was west of the city and no further north.  Still, there was snow and given the temperature, it has little hope of melting before April. 

I smiled and whispered a prayer of gratitude.  I also prayed for the faith of Avalon and my continued faith in her.   There is snow that stays until April.  There is delight and beauty in the snow.  There is a reflection on the passage of winter that is important.  Spring brings hope with it.  It is true, however, that when we are discontent with winter, there is always something beautiful to remind us of its value.

The seasons are there to teach us about our faith and following.  It is never the snow or absence of it that matters.  It is recalling that the Father is an artist who paints the world with the colors he chooses.  It is our duty to look at his artistry and remember how much he loves us.  Enjoy the seasons, Dear Reader.  See the artistry reflected there so that you may reflect on the Father’s purpose.

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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Creation, Recreation, and Procreation ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

One could feel the difference in the air yesterday as the temperatures turned from snow to sun and warmth.  Most of the snow that fell on Wednesday has melted but the places with constant shade still have small patches covering them.  The warmth of the sun in my Volkswagen had that quality that gently removes winter coats and opens sun roofs.

In the stream of constant creation my part of the world sheds its blanket of cold.  I see buds and birds that make me remember how life keeps going forward.  So many see the Robin as the sign of spring.  For me it is the Red Winged Blackbird.  I find them lovely and daring.  They perch atop reeds and cattails in dance of balance and beauty.

All over the northern hemisphere creation awakens, people rush to outdoor recreation.  Plants and animals are busy at procreation.  We will soon see buds, berries, and flowers everywhere.  The farmer’s market is open and baseball is in full swing. 

In the midst of all this life I need to remember that I am also constant creation.  I am being renewed in every moment.  In the long term I am being recreated and refined.  I will eventually be completed when my journey is done.  Until then I need to embrace all that life is and procreate good things in others. 

It is in this constant creation from the Father that moves us along the path to home.  In our death-based ecosystem we pursue life.  It is in the relationship with the Father that we find the deepest essence of that life.  I must allow him to remake, RE-create me into what he designed me to be.  All of life is better with this in mind.

Doulos – Kemper Crabb

You are my God

And I am your man

I will follow you

With the work of my hand

And the thoughts of my mind

And the love of my heart

If the world could know

If they could understand

Ah, the exquisite touch

Of the Creator's hand

Brings a blur to my eye

But makes my vision clear

Ring, rainbow ring

Encircles the throne

Fiery ring of love

Around your own

A golden ring to show

Just where I stand

A ring that binds my heart

Into your hand

And looking back across the years

I can see that you were constantly there

Constant creation

That’s what I am

As you are making me into your man

Here is my ear

Drive through the nail

The world will know

By the ring that I wear

That I am not for sale

For you are my God

And I am your man

Ring, rainbow ring

Encircles the throne

Fiery ring of love

Around your own

A golden ring to show

Just where I stand

A ring that binds my heart

Into your hand

For You are my God

And I am your man

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 ͡°)

Creation, Recreation, and Procreation ~ Procreation Part 2

Greetings Dear Reader,

It is intriguing to watch children exhibit traits that one clearly sees in their parents.  Some are inherited and part of that mysterious package we pass along through our genetic makeup.  The other part is that which is both caught and taught. 

Even when they do not wish it, children adopt habits of their parents.  They see us and emulate us for good or ill.  We set an example that is followed, adopted, and adapted.  Often we do not see “where they get it from.”  We understand, however, “that the apple does not fall far from the tree.” 

What I think we do not realize is that we do this in others as well.  We become an example of what is good or ill by our daily lives.  As I have been in this time of difficulty I have worked hard to make sure that I set a good example for my family.   I have worked to assure that I keep my faith, effort, and attitude in proper alignment.

This is what we do.  We live our lives the way we choose and procreate our attitudes, values, and character in others who observe us.  We will be a good example or a bad one.  We will create poor or proper attitudes in others by ours.  By our actions toward others we can build good or tear down the proper example.

It is my duty to procreate the attitudes of Christ in others through my example and actions.  If I do not exemplify those things then my words will mean nothing.  I am going to procreate those attitudes in any event.  It is necessary that I am sure to do so with intent by making my best effort to live out love and kindness. 

When I do this, I can refine my efforts.  Through intent and action I can weed out the thing I do not wish to pass on to others.  I can also enhance the things that are good and right.  Love, kindness, and goodness can be procreated if I make them a reality in my 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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Creation, Recreation, and Procreation ~ Creation Part 2

Greetings Dear Reader,

It is interesting that whilst we await the weather we associate with spring that the local channels are calling for another few inches of snow.  The snow is a frustration for many and too wet for snow lovers.  If one is to keep one’s spirit it may take creativity.

This brings me to the thought that we are supposed to be creators.  Tolkien put it that we are to be sub-creators.  When I taught a course on creative teaching for many years I would encourage my students to always create.  We need to do this.

We are to find creative ways to express our hearts and minds.  We are meant to think new thoughts and try new things.  It is in us as created beings to emulate our Creator.  I realize that some of you just laughed at me.  That is understandable.  One of the places we need to be more creative is in the harmonization of faith and science.  As with most things we can surely work together to find truth if we are creative about our methods and keep our integrity.

Not only do we need to be creative as problem solvers in our world.  We need to create art, music, and words that motivate and inspire.  We need to create beauty in the world that reminds us why we are different from other living things.  This is one of the reasons I write.  It is why I dabble in music.  It is why I do not try to draw or paint. 

As we wait for creation to exhibit the weather we desire we must continue to create that which shows the beauty of life.  I must work daily to live out my role as a sub-creator using the gifts that I have.  Neglecting them is a waste of time.   It is the failure to use time that I am given. 

As I journey toward another spring I hope that I use the resurgence of life to be more creative.  I wish to be renewed in the return of life to the world.  I also need to remember that the other half of my world is in Autumn and that life is going dormant for them in many ways.  I must create so that they have something to savor in their long cold winter.

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 ͡°)

Creation, Recreation, and Procreation ~ Procreation Part 1

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I mentioned in my opening thoughts I am not talking about the birthing of children.  What I am pondering is that procreation of things that are good.  We do this simply enough when we plant a garden or write a song.

The other aspects of procreation that can be difficult are those which require us to pass on the life of kindness, goodness, and love toward others.  I refuse to think of it as replicating those things.  That is too impersonal.  It is that I am required to intimately and personally infuse these things into the lives of others. 

I am to be a source of constant procreation of that which is best in all of us.  This is the lateral purpose of our journey with Christ.  My purpose is to help to infuse life into others through faith, example, and service.  Instead of seeing the great power of doing this through humility we often do this through intimidation and threat of punishment.  This is not what creates new life. 

My purpose is to create life wherever I can through obedience to the commands to love God and my fellow humans.  I am to rather woo others to this new life through love and social justice.  It is allowable for me to want everyone to believe what I believe as long as my putting forth of that is done in love and respect.  It must be absent of judgment and condemnation.  It must be consistent humble acts of love and sacrifice that bring about new life.

In following Christ, I am called to procreate life through the living out of the Gospel.  I am required to use the love of Christ in my life to build it into the lives of others.  If done properly it will aid others in learning to do the same.  Life finds a way.  Love finds a way.  It is up to me to make sure I do not hinder 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 ͡°)

Creation, Recreation, and Procreation ~ Recreation Part 1

Greetings Dear Reader,

We are supposed to do things.  Some of us are more sedentary than others.  No matter what form of activity best suits you, there is a level of activity required for us to remain healthy.  Beyond that, we are supposed to renew who we are through rest and leisure activity. 

This activity that we call recreation is better viewed as RE-creation.  We recharge our batteries.  We reclaim our passions.  We find the paths to things we enjoy.  If we focus on it we can find the thing that recreates us daily.  If we try we may be able to make that thing sustain us.

Creation is renewed in the seasons.  It is reborn as the cycle of life churns through the cosmos.  When we take the time to recreate ourselves we can purge that which is harmful and embrace that which is beneficial.  We can do this mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually.  The thing is that we have to choose.  Not choosing is choosing to remain the same or to decay.

Writing re-creates me.  I do it every day.  I have not missed a day in almost two thousand days.  Over time I can see the cumulative impact on my mind and spirit.  I can see how much it helps me to focus on what is good and right.  It aids me to process how to be more loving and kind. 

I must recreate my life daily and then use as much life as I have for that day.  I must use it to make things a little better than they were yesterday.  I must use the anticipation of recreation as a generator of hope for tomorrow.  Eventually it will all be re-created.  Eventually it will all be good again.  For now, I must take my place as a sub-creator and do my best to re-create the world in good ways.  This is part of the essence of following Christ.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Creation, Recreation, and Procreation ~ Creation Part 1

Greetings Dear Reader,

In response to my pondering yesterday our Wisconsin Spring saw a few inches of snow and ice grace our mid-April morning.   As I gaze out my window it looks more like winter than spring.   It is beautiful but my social feed is filled with those bemoaning the apparent lateness of warmth and access to outdoor activities so longed for by those who have come through the long winter.

I try to take the approach that God never gets the weather wrong.  We may not get the weather we want but the weather we get is what we are supposed to have.  I look for the beauty in the weather that is there.  The sea of ice and snow on my lawn is lovely.  It may be fleeting because temperatures will rise before the new week is out.  It is still something I can value if I choose to see it for what it is instead of for what it is not,

Perhaps that is the life key for me that is held in the weather.  All of creation moves as it does.  I cannot control any of it.  I can find beauty in it if I choose to look for it.  I can obtain a perspective that the world unfolds as it should.  I must find the good, the beauty, and the moments of grace in that unfolding.  They are always there.  In finding them I can more easily see the path to following Christ.  In that there is complete beauty no matter what the weather.

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 ͡°)

Creation, Recreation, and Procreation ~ Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Even though it is mid-April the weather does not yet feel like Spring.  This time of year does put me in mind of the way in which the world seems to awaken from its slumber to remind us that life is still moving forward.  I can hear the buzz of people at the places I frequent humming about the need for the weather to get warm so they can do the thing they want to do outside.

I have seen hints of daffodils and buds on the trees but they have been hindered by the return of snow and ice.  Still my mind turns to the thing of spring and summer and I wonder how the seasons touch me this year.   As April slips through the hourglass I am drawn to baseball and thoughts of shorts and sandals.  My mind considers the farmer’s market and swimming. 

Drawn toward thoughts of creation and its children, recreation and procreation I ponder how I give place to all of these when the weather that allows them delays.  I am going to palaver about it for a few days and truly desire your company as I do so.  Just to set you at east the bit on procreation will not be about human children.  Hopefully we can find a of Spring whimsy whilst we await spring weather that suits us.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Spring 2018

Greetings Dear Reader,

If you live near me in the northern mid-west you know that spring arrived yesterday feeling like a mild winter day.  Wind chills today are expected to take the feeling down to 12 degrees.  There are no buds on the trees and the groundhogs are still hibernating.

The date does not determine the weather here.  The season arrives and the weather usually catches up on the spring side of things.  We have had a couple of warm days but the life has not sprung out of its winter rest.

I hear my friends and the media reminding us that spring does not feel like spring.  Instead I would remind others that the equinox is a promise.  The quality of sunlight already feels different.  The days are growing longer in the light they give.  The human signs of spring are abundant.

Soon enough the world will come back to green and life.  We count on this promise.  We live for it in some ways.  It is the same for that time I await when all things return to real life.  Some day there will be that spring of faith.  There will be that time after the long dark winter when all things return to good. 

I must see my future reflected in the seasons.  As I enter the autumn of life I look toward the spring past the winter and the long dark.  I follow as quickly as I can to find home, hearth, and rest awaiting the budding of life without the decline of the season.  I long for the day when it is always Christmas and never winter.  The undiscovered country promises this.  The world is not well but the King returns.

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 ͡°)

Ode to Spring, no Winter, wait err…um…

Greetings Dear Reader,

Two days ago we recorded the highest temperature ever for that day in February.  Today there is a fresh covering of snow on the ground.  That is the way of things in late winter in the northern Midwest. 

It is the reaction of people that has my attention.  On Thursday as the sun was shining people where smiling and rejoicing over the spring-like weather.  Yesterday as the temperatures fell and the falling rain turn to sleet the same people were complaining about the weather.  I am not condemning these people.  It is our nature.

We complain about the weather instead of seeing the beauty in it.  We rejoice when it is the weather we like and complain when we dislike it.  It is our nature to only appreciate the things we like.  I must assure that I am aware of the value in all things about creation.

I must see the beauty in each season.  I must see my journey in them and accept changes as they come.  I have no power to control the changes in the weather or life.  Rather I get to follow the one who sets the seas in their courses and directs the wind.  The kindler of stars loves me and promises to guide me through it all. 

I will rejoice in the sparkle of lights on the snow until it gives way to the rebirth of Crocuses and Daffodils.  I will enjoy the sun when it is warm.  I will try to take each moment of the journey as it is given instead of how I wish it were. 

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

A Win and Some Warmth

Greetings Dear Reader,

My beloved Braves finally won Friday evening and Saturday dawned warm, sunny, and full of Spring.  I saw my first daffodils as well.  My Son, Daughter, and my Grandsons accompanied me to the local municipal baseball team’s opening pitch event.  My younger Grandson was thrilled to see the team mascot and upset that there was no game.

The pinnacle of the day, however, was after it all.  The younger Grandson fell asleep instantly in the car.  My Son decided to drive for a bit so that the lad would remain sleeping.  We drove for about forty-five minutes.  The windows were down.  The music was loud. 

We road in mostly silence but my Son was singing with the music. I love it when he sings.  We have a long ride ahead of us in a few weeks as we all journey to the beach for vacation.  I find great pleasure in long drives.  I also enjoy the company of my children on such ventures.

In those moments on the road I find the journey so real.  My thoughts are my own and often I am in solitude in company.  I am able to pray, worship, and ponder the big questions dancing through my head. 

The warmth of the day and the time with family reminded me of how much I find joy in those things.   My Children and Grandchildren are a constant oasis in my journey.  As summer and all it activity winks at me from the horizon I find hope and anticipation in the coming events.  Fun times with those I love are truly a blessing.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

Second Thoughts – A Golden Death

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.

This past week the colour of the sugar maples in our area reached a crescendo of beauty and brilliance that seemed to assault my senses.  I marveled at the sun on the leaves writhing and twisting to be free from their tethers.  A place where I walk is already littered with those who have achieved this goal.

We celebrate the colours of autumn as our world is painted in the most brilliant reds, oranges, and golden hues.  The beauty of this temporary art always captures me deep in that part of me which is an artist.  As I revel in the colours of autumn I forget that I am celebrating a golden death.

So many deaths accompany the turn of the season from summer to winter.  The deaths that surround me are beneficial.  The harvest is a death of plants.  The fall colours are a vibrant death of the leaves that make our air breathable.  I ponder the death of bees as they scurry to gather the last fleeting drops of nectar from dying flowers.

Autumn in all its beauty is a time of death.  It is also, however, the time of seeds.  It is the time when all of creation exercises hope and faith.  It is the golden death of leaves that reminds us that spring will come and life will return.  It is the Creator reminding me that although the world is shrouded for now, the eternal spring will come.  Death will be no more and my hopes will be realized. 

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 ͡°)

Warm Winds and Hot Snow

Greetings Dear Readers,

As the temperatures rise and we near air conditioning weather I am surprised to look out my window and see it as white as January. In our back yard stands an old and vast cottonwood tree. Each spring it spreads its fairy-like seeds across our lawn literally covering it.

Today is that day. The fairies dance upon the wind that whips about the tree that was their home. When I was a boy I used to catch these and make wishes on them. They will cover the newly mown lawn by sunset and the anticipated rain will melt them away tomorrow.

This is a day unique in so many ways but the greatest for me is the dance of the fairies on the wind telling me that Spring has passed its zenith and summer looms on the horizon. It says that soon the sound of fans drawing cool outside air will be replaced by the AC providing quiet cooled inside air. The cool season has been long this year and I am thankful for it. My allergies have been quiet and I am more thankful for that. The world is warming and soon I will swim and enjoy the cool waters.

For today, however, I am content to sit and write with the fan trained on me and the cottonwood fairies knocking on the screen door begging refuge from the coming rains.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn