An Unfailing Process ~ Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

An honest look at where we are in life can reveal much.  We must think reasonably about what we do and why we do it.  Failure to think well leads to words and actions that harm us and others.  This leads to character that has habits, practices, and a destiny that we do not desire.

“As a man thinks in his heart, so is he.”  We become what we think we are.  We are the product of the thoughts we had yesterday.  In our current culture we blame so many things on external forces and circumstances.  It is not what happens to us or around us that defines us unless we let it.  If we wallow in the things that are unpleasant we become unpleasing. 

The thing is, it is never too late.  “Yes, there are two paths you can go by but in the long run, there's still time to change the road you're on.”  We can change the way we think any moment we choose to do so.  We can be different in our minds and allow the unfailing process to let us become characterized by love, peace, grace, and kindness. 

We see the flaws of others so clearly and use them to mitigate the need to address our own.  This kind of thinking is what keeps us from healing and being able to follow Christ well.  I want to react to the current distresses in my life by forcing others to do what they said they would do.  That is not good thinking or the path of peace. 

What I will do is allow the unfailing process to have its way.  They do, after all, belong to God and not me.  He will care for them far better than I could even when they deny his power and authority.  Whether it is a human of the Father, how can we say we are thinking clearly if we deny showing love and grace to those we once claimed to love as family?  Whether that is biological or spiritual family, our assurances of love are supposed to be unwavering, unfailing, and always visible. 

As I make the turn in my thinking toward the holy days and the closing of the year, I do so with little certainty in many areas.  The thing of which I am certain is that if I order my thinking to capture every thought, the unfailing process will unfold as it should.  If I cast my thoughts on Christ and following him, he will lead me into more than I can fathom. 

I know no more of the road ahead than today.  If, however, I order my thoughts on Christ and his love then it will be the right road.  I still yearn for your company on the journey Dear Reader.  You are always welcome where I am going.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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An Unfailing Process ~ Destiny

Greetings Dear Reader,

I am not a fatalist.  I do believe that there is reconciliation between predestination and free will.  We choose what we become based on our thoughts, words, actions, and character.

Our character defines our destiny.  Since the Father knows what we will choose; has foreknowledge of it, he predestines us accordingly.  God is a counter puncher.  He knows what we will do in every situation and knows his response to every situation.  We have the disadvantage of living in linear time.  We see things as they occur and form our destiny as we move through life.

The Father predestines us based on his view from outside of time.  He sees the entire timeline and has already planned every response to our choices.  Those choices are the unfailing process that becomes our destiny.  Our thoughts lead to what our lives become as time unfolds with us. 

It is my thoughts that form my destiny.  I have made and must accept my choices.  I cannot undo the past.  I can, in this moment, think on love, kindness, reconciliation, and peace.  I can follow the example of Christ and give my heart to the wisdom of realizing the past was destined to unfold as it did and it cannot be changed but also does not have to be given the power over today. 

When I choose that today I will shape my destiny to be that of Christ as my only hope, faith, and joy, then the journey can become something beautiful.  No matter where it began the journey can lead to that which is good.  It is up to me to choose my destiny and follow in faith knowing that the Father already has things worked out.  The odds are ever in my favor.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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An Unfailing Process ~ Character

Greetings Dear Reader,

Character, defined as the mental and moral qualities of an Individual, is revealed in our actions.  Further, our actions are what reveal the mental choices we make that define our morals, revealing the sum of them that is our character.  The unfailing process is that the words we think and the actions we take are what make up our character as individuals.

When we choose to develop a pattern of thinking that is harmful, self-centered, or selfish we become someone of that character.  If we are dishonest internally we become liars.  It is in this pattern that we find out who we are.  It is our words and actions growing out of our thoughts that define our character.

We do not spring into adults as narcists or abusers.  We make thousands of small choices that translate into actions that reveal our character.  We reject counsel that tells us that there is a pattern to our behavior that is unhealthy.   We do not end relationships that have invested life and love in us on a whim.  We build resentment and bitterness through years of failing to think in love, grace, and mercy.  Pride and anger become our character when we fail to think about humility and peace.

If we are to avoid character that is deadly and dangerous then we must realize that the unfailing process must follow the path of good thinking, loving words, and kind actions.  Daily attention to tending these things are what build good character.  It is in the millions of small choices that we create who we are. 

Too often in our culture we seek to blame our patterns of behavior on external influences rather than our own choices.  My flaws may be influenced by my past, my troubles, and my situation.  Every choice I make is mine, however, and if I hope to reflect the character of Christ then I must accept that.  I must realize that my choices based on my thinking yield my character. 

There is, however, hope.  There is always hope.  We can become better.  We can renew our minds, change our words and actions.  We can remold our character.  It will not be easy.  It is possible and we can start wherever we are to seek love, grace, and peace.  It is in this choice, Dear Reader that we must constantly live.  We can, like Ebenezer Scrooge, choose to reform so that our future is characterized by things worthy of a timeless tale.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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An Unfailing Process ~ Actions

Greetings Dear Reader,

We think, we speak, then we act.  Actions are not possible without at least the basics of thought.  The brain must function at some level for us to take action of any kind.  The actions of intent, however, always come from our thoughts and words. 

This part of the unfailing process should not surprise us.  It is the fruit of the words we think.  We act based on how we have thought and the words that are true to us. When we act based on raw feeling it is because we have at some point thought with words about what we would allow ourselves to do in certain situations.

We only act violently when we have allowed violence to be an option.  We only act rudely to others when we have considered the needs of others beneath our wants and needs.  In the same manner our loving and kind actions are the result of thinking words that lead to love and kindness.  We act kindly because we have thought it through and chosen the words of love and kindness as our weapon.

In the reverse, our actions reveal what is in our mind.  Our actions confirm or deny our words.  What we do speaks so loudly that our words are borne out upon them or proven a lie by them.  It is in acting that we gain or lose the veracity, the integrity of our words and thoughts. 

I sat in a circle of strangers this past week and openly explained the failures that I am attempting to overcome through honesty and accountability.  It was the actions that I have already taken in seeking forgiveness for my wrongs that assured me that my mind was thinking well and my words were honest.  In the midst of my pain and loss there is the joy of knowing that I am backing up my words with actions. 

The unfailing process demands that what we think and say be lived out in action.  It vows that our actions will reveal our words and thoughts to others.  It promises that if our actions are true then less words will be necessary and that those words will have great power.  It is in our actions that we prove the purity and power of thoughts and words.  It is also those actions that determine what comes next.

I must DO what is right even when it hurts.  It is useless to refuse to act when what I think demands it.  It is required that I back up my words with proper action.  When I act, if my thoughts have been centered on love, grace, kindnesss, and mercy then it will be easy to infuse those things into the lives of others.  To modify slightly what my Grandfather used to say often, “We do what we believe.  Everything else is just talk.”

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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An Unfailing Process ~ Words

Greetings Dear Reader,

Words come from thoughts.  I do not think you are dumb Deer Reader.  At this point I am supposing you have ferreted-out where I am headed with this.  Even when we act thoughtlessly we turn thoughts into words.

We are clumsy and foolish with our words most of the time.  Our indulgence is to fail to think, filter, and temper our words with love and kindness.  We create words that are vile and vulgar.  We say things with our feelings without thinking through the impact of our words. 

Aside from love, words may be the most powerful weapon we possess.  We say things to those around us, especially those we love that leave deep abiding wounds.  In moments where we need courage and strength those words, placed in our minds by others, return to hinder and harm.  Even if we do not believe the words said to us we use thought and energy needed for other things to fend of the reopening of word-wounds.  Our thoughts become words. 

Words are a weapon against the darkness as well.  They have the power to heal, encourage, and restore others.  We can infuse the heart, mind, and soul of another human with courage.  Words can turn death into a fighting chance to live.  We have the power to speak life into death. 

When we abandon measuring and controlling our words we fail to follow Christ.  He has warned us that we will give account for every idle word we speak.  The Father demands that we pay our vows to him because to do so makes us fools.  When we use our words to lie we are as guilty as if we have murdered.  Let that get through to you. 

When we embrace reason and temper our words with love and grace we can follow Christ.  We can choose to speak life to others.  I can use my mind to say clear things that show truth wrapped in love that heals and frees.  Too often we allow fear to keep us from saying what is good and right.  Too often we allow anger to have lease where love, forgiveness, and restoration have rightful ownership.

The unfailing process is to accept that our thoughts yield words and that we are accountable for every single one of them that we say.  We will damage or heal others with them.  “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”  We must keep our words righteous Dear Reader and we must keep our word.  It binds us whether we like it or not.  How about it Dear Reader?  What words have you said for which you need to seek forgiveness?  What words have you said that you need to fulfill no matter how painful or costly you think it may be for you.

I am on the path of seeking forgiveness for words I violated that still echo damage in the lives of others.  I walk under the words of others that continue to damage and try to destroy me.  I journey alone because others will not keep their word.  All of this, however, pales in the light of the Living Word who will make all things good again.  On that Word I can place all my hope and faith.  His thoughts yield words that are all I need.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

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An Unfailing Process ~ Thinking

Greetings Dear Reader,

In case you need reminding, the title of my blog is Thoughts and Questions.  The reason for this is because of the beginning of the unfailing process.  If I am to do well I must think well.  I am required to think.

It seems that the world increasingly embraces emotion and reaction over thought and reason.  One need only to scan a social media feed to see virulent statements based more on feelings than fact.  How one feels has supplanted clear thinking and sound reason as a basis for being.

When we fail to think we allow how we feel to dictate our choices.  This is indeed what is our undoing.  Following Christ requires thinking.  It is what renews our minds.  It is what transforms us.  When we fail to think critically and honestly, we have no place to stand when our fears and anger assail us. 

It is in thinking that we can reason our way to love that is not based on emotion.  This kind of love that is unconditional and unstoppable.  It is not a feeling.  It is a choice in how we treat others based on reasoning that this is how the Father wishes the universe to function.  It is the way of wisdom and life. 

I realize that to the emotional mind unfettered by reason it also sounds foolish.  This is the kind of fool I strive to become.  It is the reasoned, thinking, loving fool that has the most impact.  It is in thinking well that we can begin the unfailing process.

In the process of thinking well we can see the reasonable nature of faith and following.  It is in reason that we can filter out the visceral responses that cause us to hate, harm, and kill.  We use our refusal to think as a means to justify our rejection of Christ, truth, and each other.  How we feel takes precedence over truth.   

I must think and allow truth to inform that thinking.  I must filter how I feel through truth and reason in a way that allows me to love as unconditionally as humans are able.  It is in this thinking that I can find the way to follow with my heart as well as my mind.  In this I can live out the truth of Thomas Trahern’s thought that, “To think well is to serve God in the interior court.”

We become what we think.  Thinking is the seed that yields an unfailing crop.  If our thoughts are on our past, ourselves, or our woes we will not be thinking of and loving others.   We will be following that which destroys our better natures.  We will be creating that which cannot survive.  That, Dear Reader is why we must think well and avoid letting how we feel determine who we 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 ͡°)

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The Clauses in our thoughts – Closing Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Thomas Traherne said that “to think well is to serve God in the interior court.”  My mind is constantly the source of my worst criticism, my deepest sins, and my greatest successes.  Controlling my thoughts increases my ability to do well.

It is the moment that I must capture.  I think well long term.  I have had an excellent education thanks to the sacrifices of my parents.  I have read thousands of books.  I have written several.  I have ten years of post-secondary education.  I had worked as a college professor for twenty.  I know how to think.

The thinking I must master daily is the thought of the moment.  It is the thoughts born of emotion that are the dangerous ones.  When I feel fear or anger the next thought is the one I must control.  I must burst the thought bubbles that are negative, hateful, unkind, and selfish. 

It is the clauses in my thoughts, when not controlled by faith and following that get me into trouble.  It is my responsibility to assure that every idle thought is brought into captivity in faith. 

So as I toss out the thoughts and questions that dance through my mind I must assure that I kill the ones that are harmful, selfish, and unloving.  I must also assure that I nature and give full life to those thoughts that are wholesome and good. 

“Finally, Dear Reader, keep your thoughts on whatever is right or deserves praise: things that are true, honorable, fair, pure, acceptable, or commendable.”  ATT – If I focus on this type of thinking the environment will not be suitable for thoughts that are inappropriate.

If You Want to get Free – Waterdeep

In the gas station bathroom by the condom machine

I heard the word of the Lord

He said "Take off your shoes, this is holy ground too

You know I came for the sick and the bored."

Beneath the selling of beers

And the welling up of tears

Out beyond the beam of the remote control

There's a whispering voice

That the humble ear ears

that says "I am still waiting for you to ask just to be made whole."

And the bush it was burning on the mountain top

And though the leaves never blackened, the fire didn't stop

That's the way that it works in this old life of sin

You gotta let the fire burn you just to get clean within

I am so often deterred from my actual intent

by distractions in a cellophane wrap

And by a cruel voice that taunts me when I open them up

to find just one more box full of crap

It's where you're mocked while you abstain

and then cursed when you give in

It's all a game that's impossible to beat

But there's a peaceful refrain God'll sing in your brain

when you put the nails to your hands and your feet

And the smell of our sacrifices

still fills up my head

There's just a few left at the altar, Lord

all the rest of them fled

And we've cried and we've tried

We've sweat and we've bled

But we don't just need atonement

We need to be raised from the dead

When they took down the cross from that dark hillside

The blood on their hands was the blood from his side

That's the way that it works, that’s the way it must be.

You gotta let His blood stain you of you want to get free

If you want to get free

If you want to get free

Don't you want to get free?

I think you want to be 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.”

(͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

The Clauses in our thoughts – Criticism

Greetings Dear Reader,

As the caffeine kick starts my brain this morning and I approach this aspect of the topic I am haunted by times when I have been too critical of others.  That haunting pushes me to be less critical and deflect it when others are indulging in unkind criticism.

This is one of those things that begins in the mind and is so devastating to the thinker.  We do not realize how a critical nature erodes our ability to find joy and sweetness in life.  I have a dear friend who no matter what is said can spot the negative and call it out for all to see.   How did this person get there?  How did the positive become poison to her thinking?

It starts in the mind.  It begins when we let the negative take root in the mind.  Whether it is damage caused to us by others or selfish acts of want and jealousy, allowing negative criticism to have purchase in the mind is dangerous.  It is one of those things that grows within us and kills the good thoughts as quickly as possible.

A critical nature quickly poisons the thinking.  It also poisons others.  Friendships and relationships suffer.  Opportunities are lost.  A critical nature quickly becomes a lonely place.  It is just too dangerous a path to walk.

I must think on good things.  I must see the positive things in others.  If I feel critical I must ask why and control my thinking.  I must not dismiss cruel or unkind behaviour as “just being honest”.  I cannot justify negative criticism and claim that I am obeying the command to love others.  It just does not scan.  

It is not enough to not participate.  I must do more.  I must see and expose the positive in others.  I must recognize and call out the intrinsic value of every soul.  I must love them.  If I focus my thinking on this then there is not room for negative thought bubbles.

Prayer of Saint Francis – Sarah Maclachlan

Lord, make me an instrument of your 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,

And it is in dying that we are born to Eternal Life.

Amen.

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 Clauses in our thoughts – Lust

Greetings Dear Reader,

Realizing that for much of our culture this word “lust” no longer is negative it may seem odd that I address it.  First I would qualify the area in which I address this.  In most instances we associate this word with sex.  We need to associate it with a much broader range of thoughts.

We use words like craving, hunger, and hankering to soften the point.  It is the nature of our human condition to minimize things that are wrong.  Lust is a sin completely housed in our minds.  It leads to other failings but it is a cancerous thought bubble that wishes to permeate our entire lives.

I do not want to ignore the sexual aspect of lust.  An honest man must say that it is a daily battle to burst the thought bubbles implanted by our culture’s treatment of the female form.  We use lust to sell nearly everything.  I do not want to leave women out of the conversation.  Society is giving them equal time in this arena but as a male I must look to my own failings and struggles before I dare address those of others.

It is one of those places where a disciplined mind is necessary just to get through the day.  Bringing our thoughts into captivity is the only path to freedom from this form of lust. I do not wish to neglect the others areas where I must defend against lust.  The lust for food leads to gluttony.  A lust for control leads to manipulation.  The lust for control also yields lies, unfaithfulness, and betrayal.  We can even lust for a form of freedom that is not ours to pursue.  This lust leads to the breaking of commitments and vows.

These particular clauses in our thoughts betray us as quickly as possible.  Their purpose is to distract us from our intent.  We can instantly go from our actual intent to improper cravings as a single thought bubble bursts over our mind.  It is only by moment by moment determining to think well that we can defend against this.  If I fill my mind with the things that Christ values then the thought bubbles of distraction are easier to reject.

The results are what matter.  If I control my thinking about women then I see them as humans with genuine talents, gifts and needs.  I see their intrinsic value instead of a place to get my desires met.  If I control my lust for food I am healthier.  I see the needs of others in want of food more clearly.  I am more thankful for what I have.  My lust to control is alone controlled by realizing that control over anything but my own thinking is a lie. 

That is the crux of it.  The thought bubbles of lust for anything are offering a lie in place of the truth.  They are offering to satisfy with a counterfeit of reality.  Nothing but truth will satisfy the mind.  I must avoid the counterfeit thought bubbles and think well.  In this is the path to truly following Christ. 

Playing Marbles with Diamonds – Steve Camp

Waking up to a very different world

We got mud on our flag before it’s even been unfurled

Our heroes have fallen and a leader is heard to find

The clock is running out and we’re casting our pearls before swine

There’s a whole lot more than preaching to the choir

Kneeling at the alter and paying our tithe

We've been treating God like he’s happiness for hire

We’ve been playing marbles with diamonds

Isn’t it a sin how his name how his name gets thrown around

We pat God on the back like a buddy from out of town

We thank “the man upstairs” for the things people praise us for

We give God the glory but we’re happy to take the award

There’s a whole lot more than raising lots of money

Building our churches and spreading our faith

If faith is just the dice you roll to get lucky

We've been playing marbles with diamonds

There are precious things of God

And we must guard them with our lives

Like an unborn baby’s dreams

Like a husband love his wife

May the hope of his returning

May it glorify our faith

As we hold onto his holy word

May the chaff be blown away

Can we ever live up to the things we say we believe

Because the world is watching looking for some honesty

Are we riding down a freeway instead of narrow road

We turned the passion for the lost into the business of saving souls

There’s a whole lot more than preaching to the choir

Kneeling at the alter and paying our tithe

We’ve been treating God like he’s happiness for hire

We’ve been playing marbles with diamonds

There’s a whole lot more than raising lots of money

Building our churches and spread

If faith is just the dice you roll to get lucky

We've been playing marbles with diamonds.

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 Clauses in our thoughts – Promises

Greetings Dear Reader,

In the movie Radio Flyer, which I highly recommend, the story begins with Tom Hanks explaining the importance of promises.  Tom Hanks’ character, Mike says, “Well, you can't just say, ‘I promise,’ then forget about it. ’I promise’ are the most important words you'll ever say... well almost the most important words you'll ever say.”

When we make a commitment we transfer something from our possession to the possession of another.   We make or give promises.  Part of that is there must be not thought bubbles involved.  When se make the promise we must not be creating a back door as we do. 

I once heard one person in a marriage say to the other, “I only thought it would last ten years or so when we got married.”  This person stood in front of a church full of people and promised a life of faithfulness whilst holding a thought bubble that was a time bomb on that promise. 

We do not see that sacred nature of a promise.  We inject thought bubbles into that sacred space and infect it.  We say that we will help someone whilst thinking of way out.  We agree to lunch knowing we will postpone it later.  The core of our spirit gets worn away by this practice. 

I truly believe that being honest in my thinking is the only way to be honest with others.  These thought bubbles burst with a poison that infect s our confidence, strength, and integrity.  How I think when I interact with others consistently determines who I am.  The thoughts become actions, habits, and eventually a life.  I do not want them to be poisonous to me or to others.

Promises Made - Dan Fogelberg

Promises made

Promises broken

Measures of our demise

Secrets of souls that

Rarely get spoken

Pleasure's a thin disguise.

Dozens of ways

Dozens of reasons

Shielding our hearts from pain

Riddles of romance

That distance may yet explain.

Certain of nothing

So fearful of love

Nobody seems to show you enough

Over and over

The scenes are replayed

And once again

Those promises made.

Feeling forsaken

Broken in two

How did this ever happen to you?

Taken for granted

Bruised and betrayed

Lonely survivors

These promises made.

Dozens of ways

Dozens of reasons

Shielding our hearts from pain

Riddles of romance

That distance may yet explain.

Certain of nothing

You're so damn fearful of love

Nobody seems to show you enough

Over and over

The scenes are replayed

And once again

Those promises made.

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 Clauses in our Thoughts – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

How often in television and movies do we experience someone having a “thought bubble” that lets us in on what he or she is really thinking in a situation.  As the audience we are let in on the real emotion or intent behind what the listener is told.

We put clauses in our thinking.  We edit what we say out loud to temper our intent.  There is no light way to do this.  If we indulge in this practice we live in dishonest pretense.  We can communicate honestly if we choose to do so.  We can temper that honestly with love and compassion.

Jesus tells us that we will give account of every idle word.  Imagine if our “thought bubbles” were visible to others.  Would we be willing to do the damage?  We are required to love others.  There is not category of human that we are not required to love.  This means that our thoughts must be loving.

One of the ways I attempt to live this is by “bringing into captivity every thought.”  If I have a negative thought I look for the truth behind it.  If there is none I must dismiss it.  It I find I want to temper what I am saying with inward clauses then I must stop saying it until I am sure I can be honest.

This type of thinking permeates our lives without us truly pondering it.  As I travel I must assure that I am honest about how my actions evolve.  I must assure that the mind is disciplined to follow Christ so that the heart and actions fall in line. 

I am going to travel this part of the path for a few days to make sure that I capture my thoughts.  I hope you benefit from the time Dear Reader.  As always I value your thoughts.

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

(what eyes and ears are for)

(What eyes and ears are for)

To know You is what eyes and ears are for

(What eyes and ears are for

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

Read more at http://www.songlyrics.com/michael-card/recapture-me-lyrics/#VxdSfmew7PqB4fab.99

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 – Another Cyber Stalking

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.

Please do not be alarmed.   I am not talking about identity theft or someone being inappropriate or creepy.  I have discovered another form of cyber staling that is both intriguing and annoying. 

I noticed it was more pronounced after I made a certain online purchase during January.    Today the vendor from whom I purchased the product showed up in adds on no less than six pages what had border or banner adds.  It is like the company is stalking me.

A company from which I purchased some Christmas presents began sending me eight to twelve emails a day.  I have blocked the email and will not purchase from them again.  In contrast with my permission another vendor sends me one email per week explaining what is on sale and offering tips for better use of the product I purchased.

As I journey onward I will eradicate the commerce stalkers from my custom.  One vendor from whom I ordered suspenders insists  on filling my side panels with women in garters because they are considered a form of suspender.  There seems to be no filter in their filter. 

It all puts me in mind that I am ultimately responsible for filtering out the things that I do not want or need in my life.  I am the one who must open and close the gate of perception.  It is my place to decide what gets purchase in my thinking.  I am to bring into captivity every thought. 

All of those unwanted and relentless ads remind me that I am responsible for what I know.  I am the guardian of my thoughts.  I do, however, dislike be stalked by a tea kettle.

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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Did You Hear? – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

Whether it is social media, the entertainment portion of the local news, or friends at a gathering there is often a portion of the information that is filled with gossip.  That combined with my overdrive imagination caused me to wonder why words can do so much damage.

Even an indirect implication can cause others to think ill of someone.  We indulge in put downs, judgment, and slander.  We use words to shoot our wounded.   We feast on the woes of others.  We say things about others we would never or should never say directly to them.

Photo from Pathos.org

I do not mean to make this sound overly harsh but at the same time we are all guilty of this.  Whether it is a close friend, family member, or complete stranger what we say about others matters to us as to God.

One of the things I ponder is what it would look like if the words we said about others actually showed physically as damage or healing on their bodies.  I am sure I would have killed people.  I am also sure I would be dead. 

As I ponder this I want to make a clear distinction.  There is a difference between gossip and honestly reporting events to someone when seeking help.  There is a matter of the heart that must be considered.  If I speak to someone about a situation seeking counsel or direction that is not gossip.  If my heart is directed at restoration I will choose words that indicate that.

Whilst we walk through this together know that I am as guilty as anyone.  I work harder at it and am better than I was but I have far to travel.  Please feel free to ask questions and interact. 

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 ͡°)