Greetings and Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year Beloved Readers,
It took some time to settle on this one. It is late in the day and I usually write in the mornings. This is a simple list; things that Christ has done just to show me why I should love him with all my heart. Here are ten among the countless reasons why I should give him nothing but my very best.
Christ is the one who seeks me when I constantly question, ignore, hurt, and reject him
Christ is good, constantly, in every situation, no matter whether I see it or not, he is good to me
Christ is working for me best even when I am working against it
Christ knows what I need even when I am lost, confused, or prideful and sure he is wrong
Christ is gentle, firm, kind, and patient no matter how long it takes me to get it right
Christ knows me, warts and all, to the depth of my being and still chooses to love me
Christ does not fear but instead already knows what I will do to hurt him tomorrow and chooses to stay with me anyway
Christ will carry me when I cannot walk and run with me when I am whole
Christ experienced the human condition so that he could truthfully say he understands
Christ died so that I might live
Christ promised to someday replace all that is wrong in me with beauty and grace
So on the tenth day of Christmas my Savior gave to me ten reasons to love him, nine men to guide me, eight men I can help see, seven figures under the tree, six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year
Aramis Thorn
03 January 2009
Pondering My Christmas Gifts - The Tenth Day of Christmas
02 January 2009
Pondering My Christmas Gifts - The Ninth Day of Christmas
Greetings, Merry Christmas, and a Blessed New Year Beloved Readers,
As most of you have read the last nine months have been very trying for me. Not only has Avalon left us but I have had to face failures from my past including those in my relationships with my beloved Sons. I have had a life-long struggle with building lasting relationships with adult men. I know why and will not belabor you with the details but it is a struggle I fear I will carry through life.
That said, I wish to count among the precious gifts Christ has granted me, the men currently in my life who challenge me to be more than I am. They lovingly have built bridges to me when others are tearing me and those bridges down. Four of them are pastors at my church. Each has in his own way helped to guide me through the rocky waters of Avalon’s divorcing me. They have reassured me that I am doing what is right and been a sounding board when I am unsure. They have kept me from doing some pretty stupid things and shown me that who I am in Christ has value.
Three others are teaching colleagues who are serious Christ followers. They are good steady men who listen when I need an ear and check me when I seem rough or harsh. They have prayed with me and for me. They have honored who I am as a man and as a teacher. They are slowly teaching me that I can trust other men.
The last two are my Sons, Maxim and Bezel. They are my best friends and are willing to ask me hard questions in dangerous times. They stand by me even when they have to show me errors in my thinking and actions. They have fought to keep our relationship whole and strong. They even love me enough to stand against me when I am wrong, reassuring me that they love me. I will never find the words to express the depth of my love for my Sons.
All these men have helped, guided, and built me up in some way. I am humbled and thankful for their love and support.
So on the ninth day of Christmas my Savior gave to me nine men to guide me, eight men I can help see, seven figures under the tree, six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year
Aramis Thorn
As most of you have read the last nine months have been very trying for me. Not only has Avalon left us but I have had to face failures from my past including those in my relationships with my beloved Sons. I have had a life-long struggle with building lasting relationships with adult men. I know why and will not belabor you with the details but it is a struggle I fear I will carry through life.
That said, I wish to count among the precious gifts Christ has granted me, the men currently in my life who challenge me to be more than I am. They lovingly have built bridges to me when others are tearing me and those bridges down. Four of them are pastors at my church. Each has in his own way helped to guide me through the rocky waters of Avalon’s divorcing me. They have reassured me that I am doing what is right and been a sounding board when I am unsure. They have kept me from doing some pretty stupid things and shown me that who I am in Christ has value.
Three others are teaching colleagues who are serious Christ followers. They are good steady men who listen when I need an ear and check me when I seem rough or harsh. They have prayed with me and for me. They have honored who I am as a man and as a teacher. They are slowly teaching me that I can trust other men.
The last two are my Sons, Maxim and Bezel. They are my best friends and are willing to ask me hard questions in dangerous times. They stand by me even when they have to show me errors in my thinking and actions. They have fought to keep our relationship whole and strong. They even love me enough to stand against me when I am wrong, reassuring me that they love me. I will never find the words to express the depth of my love for my Sons.
All these men have helped, guided, and built me up in some way. I am humbled and thankful for their love and support.
So on the ninth day of Christmas my Savior gave to me nine men to guide me, eight men I can help see, seven figures under the tree, six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year
Aramis Thorn
01 January 2009
Pondering My Christmas Gifts - The Eighth Day of Christmas
Greetings and Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year Beloved Readers,
As promised I am writing twice today to catch up so that this series will end properly on the twelfth day of Christmas or Epiphany. I found that I am missing the workings of school but that will be handled soon enough as we begin again next week. As a dear friend said last night, I will not wish away the time in between as it is her vacation from teaching as well and she needs the rest. That said, I am anxious to see some of my students who are both very important to me and not in my normal circle of movement. In them I see something for which I am eternally grateful. I see that Christ still has a purpose in both my life and my current distress.
I want to focus though on a particular gift Christ has bestowed upon me as I enter the year. It is that there are these people in my life who need to see Christ and that Christ sees fit to clean me up enough for them to catch a glimpse of what he has to offer in me.
I can attest to how far I have come because of Christ’s love and grace. Long ago in my far past I was headed only for death and destruction. But even then he saw fit to send along a flawed broken human who he had polished up just enough for me to see Christ in him.
I can think of eight men who I interact with daily who need to embrace Christ fully or need a deeper relationship with him. Avalon’s departure has forced me to examine myself and see how I can better be the example Christ wishes me to be. It is in this trail that I have found that I care so much more about the hearts and spirits of my students than I ever thought I could. And in that caring there is a list of eight young men who need all that Christ has for them and the richness that is found in being his and his alone.
I have put their names on a sticky note by my monitor. I will spend the year praying for them daily just so I can have a small part in their journey toward Christ. More importantly, they help me keep my eyes off of myself and on things that matter eternally.
So on the eighth day of Christmas my Savior gave to me, eight men I can help see, seven figures under the tree, six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year
Aramis Thorn
As promised I am writing twice today to catch up so that this series will end properly on the twelfth day of Christmas or Epiphany. I found that I am missing the workings of school but that will be handled soon enough as we begin again next week. As a dear friend said last night, I will not wish away the time in between as it is her vacation from teaching as well and she needs the rest. That said, I am anxious to see some of my students who are both very important to me and not in my normal circle of movement. In them I see something for which I am eternally grateful. I see that Christ still has a purpose in both my life and my current distress.
I want to focus though on a particular gift Christ has bestowed upon me as I enter the year. It is that there are these people in my life who need to see Christ and that Christ sees fit to clean me up enough for them to catch a glimpse of what he has to offer in me.
I can attest to how far I have come because of Christ’s love and grace. Long ago in my far past I was headed only for death and destruction. But even then he saw fit to send along a flawed broken human who he had polished up just enough for me to see Christ in him.
I can think of eight men who I interact with daily who need to embrace Christ fully or need a deeper relationship with him. Avalon’s departure has forced me to examine myself and see how I can better be the example Christ wishes me to be. It is in this trail that I have found that I care so much more about the hearts and spirits of my students than I ever thought I could. And in that caring there is a list of eight young men who need all that Christ has for them and the richness that is found in being his and his alone.
I have put their names on a sticky note by my monitor. I will spend the year praying for them daily just so I can have a small part in their journey toward Christ. More importantly, they help me keep my eyes off of myself and on things that matter eternally.
So on the eighth day of Christmas my Savior gave to me, eight men I can help see, seven figures under the tree, six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, Merry Christmas, and a blessed New Year
Aramis Thorn
Pondering My Christmas Gifts - The Seventh Day of Christmas
Greetings and Merry Christmas Beloved Readers,
As I ponder the first day of this New Year, I awaken neither hung over nor over partied. I am surrounded by a fresh snowfall and the temperatures outside are in the teens. It is both cold and beautiful. I have so much to be thankful for as the year begins and so much to look forward to. Traditionally the tree comes down and Christmas is pack up in decoration today. We have decided to leave it up a little longer.
I keep tokens of Christmas around me all year. In my office where I write there is a lovely little manger scene always on my desk, an ornament of Santa sitting with his laptop hanging by my lamp, and up on a book shelf a stuffed Santa. But this year I want the full effect a little longer.
In times past I had difficulty putting away the tree and trappings. It actually caused me pain to do it. With some difficulty I have overcome that and feel grateful for the years that Avalon put things away for me to save me the hurt. I wrote earlier about the ceramic manger scene under our tree this year. I am thinking of those seven precious figures and how often they have spoken to me throughout this Christmas season.
So many aspects of the small piece of history that is represented by the manger scene touch me this year. Joseph was unwilling to see Mary hurt when he thought the worst of her and when God intervened to correct him, he took the opportunity to be a father and husband in hand with all his heart. Mary endured fear and shame for the sake of what was right for the world, disregarding her own happiness. The Magi left whatever home they had in search of the new King so they could honor him. And Christ stepped away from the eternal companionship of his Father to take on flesh and be with us.
None of them thought of their own happiness above doing their part in bringing salvation to men. All day today people will tell me Happy New Year. I cannot truly say that I am happy, but that is not what Christ intends us to be. He intends us to have something far less fleeting. He wants us to have the love, joy, and peace that comes from obedience to him.
That is one of the significant things I see in a manger scene. That all involved left their homes to take part in an event that redeems us all. They each put what was right over their own happiness and in that journey found happiness and much more.
So on the seventh day of Christmas my Savior gave to me seven figures under the tree, six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey a Merry Christmas, and a Christ filled New Year
Aramis Thorn
As I ponder the first day of this New Year, I awaken neither hung over nor over partied. I am surrounded by a fresh snowfall and the temperatures outside are in the teens. It is both cold and beautiful. I have so much to be thankful for as the year begins and so much to look forward to. Traditionally the tree comes down and Christmas is pack up in decoration today. We have decided to leave it up a little longer.
I keep tokens of Christmas around me all year. In my office where I write there is a lovely little manger scene always on my desk, an ornament of Santa sitting with his laptop hanging by my lamp, and up on a book shelf a stuffed Santa. But this year I want the full effect a little longer.
In times past I had difficulty putting away the tree and trappings. It actually caused me pain to do it. With some difficulty I have overcome that and feel grateful for the years that Avalon put things away for me to save me the hurt. I wrote earlier about the ceramic manger scene under our tree this year. I am thinking of those seven precious figures and how often they have spoken to me throughout this Christmas season.
So many aspects of the small piece of history that is represented by the manger scene touch me this year. Joseph was unwilling to see Mary hurt when he thought the worst of her and when God intervened to correct him, he took the opportunity to be a father and husband in hand with all his heart. Mary endured fear and shame for the sake of what was right for the world, disregarding her own happiness. The Magi left whatever home they had in search of the new King so they could honor him. And Christ stepped away from the eternal companionship of his Father to take on flesh and be with us.
None of them thought of their own happiness above doing their part in bringing salvation to men. All day today people will tell me Happy New Year. I cannot truly say that I am happy, but that is not what Christ intends us to be. He intends us to have something far less fleeting. He wants us to have the love, joy, and peace that comes from obedience to him.
That is one of the significant things I see in a manger scene. That all involved left their homes to take part in an event that redeems us all. They each put what was right over their own happiness and in that journey found happiness and much more.
So on the seventh day of Christmas my Savior gave to me seven figures under the tree, six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey a Merry Christmas, and a Christ filled New Year
Aramis Thorn
31 December 2008
Pondering My Christmas Gifts - The Sixth Day of Christmas
Greetings and Merry Christmas Beloved Readers,
As the sixth day dawns I am just settling into the idea that I am on vacation. In that spirit this installation will be brief. It is good that I rest as I was quite weary when my sabbatical began. This morning I awoke feeling refreshed but my sleep patterns are not back to normal yet. Today is a day of rest for me, as will be the rest of my vacation.
I will spend the day watching a movie, putting away some things I do not need, and writing if I feel the urge. Daughter Christmas has a cold and will rest as well. We will spend New Year’s Eve quietly with my Son Maxim. I fear that midnight will be painful and hard as my beloved Avalon maintains her absence.
I start the New Year with plans to improve several things in my life but first I will rest and recharge. So on the sixth day of Christmas my Savior gave to me six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
PS - Hey Santa, pass us that bottle will you. There's a good fellow.
As the sixth day dawns I am just settling into the idea that I am on vacation. In that spirit this installation will be brief. It is good that I rest as I was quite weary when my sabbatical began. This morning I awoke feeling refreshed but my sleep patterns are not back to normal yet. Today is a day of rest for me, as will be the rest of my vacation.
I will spend the day watching a movie, putting away some things I do not need, and writing if I feel the urge. Daughter Christmas has a cold and will rest as well. We will spend New Year’s Eve quietly with my Son Maxim. I fear that midnight will be painful and hard as my beloved Avalon maintains her absence.
I start the New Year with plans to improve several things in my life but first I will rest and recharge. So on the sixth day of Christmas my Savior gave to me six more days of rest, five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
PS - Hey Santa, pass us that bottle will you. There's a good fellow.
30 December 2008
Pondering My Christmas Gifts - The Fifth Day of Christmas
Greetings and Merry Christmas Beloved Readers,
We try so hard to do so much to give the perfect Christmas gifts to others and we seldom allow ourselves to receive perfect gifts. God in his infinite wisdom gives them to us anyway. Today I had the happiest of accidents and in its serendipity God provided me with both joy and wonder at the meticulous nature of his care for me. Perhaps I am starting in the middle, so I will return to the beginning.
I am having dinner tonight with my in-laws. I love them dearly and that love has grown much over the last ten years. They are good people but as Avalon divorces me they have mostly ignored me in the situation.
Their one communication about it said that she is “our daughter and we are supporting her at this time.” I guess I expected better of them. They always seemed more interested in the truth and in following what was right rather than in following a formula. So they have left us out of Thanksgiving and Christmas but wished us to come over for dinner. Needless to say I am not sure what to say to them.
In the midst of my consternation over yet another open wound to my heart, God saw fit to arrange, without my asking or thinking of to present me with five perfect things. These things on their own can be great, but today, at this time and place they worked together to magically call forth memories of better times and people who truly loved me for me.
Just before I left for Georgia this Christmas, I had Maxim and his bride Raven over for dinner and to exchange gifts. Since I did not feel like making a big Christmas dinner and it was International Hamburger Day, I made hamburgers with all the fixings. That meal forgotten and many days past, I came to lunch time today not knowing what I wished but wanting something special.
Just before I left for Georgia this Christmas, I had Maxim and his bride Raven over for dinner and to exchange gifts. Since I did not feel like making a big Christmas dinner and it was International Hamburger Day, I made hamburgers with all the fixings. That meal forgotten and many days past, I came to lunch time today not knowing what I wished but wanting something special.
I looked in the fridge and realized there was a pound of bacon thawed that needed cooking. Then my eye caught something else, lettuce and tomato that remained from Hamburger Day. They were both still quite fresh and good. I knew I had Miracle Whip® in abundance and I had brought back from Georgia one of the most precious products from my childhood; a large loaf of Sunbeam Bread®. You see these five things, properly prepared combine to make the favorite sandwich of my childhood, the BLT. 
The bacon sizzled, the bread toasted, the Miracle Whip was spread, the tomato sliced and the lettuce torn. I spent a good half hour properly building and cutting those sandwiches. I spent a good hour savoring them. Memories of my Grandfather and fishing swam through my mind. Forgotten was my current pain and longing for my missing spouse. Far from my mind was anything other than the tangy sweet joy of those five things combining to make the little boy in me awaken with a fervor. I recalled the many times this particular meal had chased away my blues and lightened my heart. God is good. He arranged for all the necessary parts to be in play at just the right moment. It had to be Sunbeam Bread. It had to be Miracle Whip. It had to ripe juicy tomato and crisp green lettuce. 
The bacon had to be hickory smoked and almost crisp. They were all just as they should be.
The bacon had to be hickory smoked and almost crisp. They were all just as they should be. So for the fifth day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me five perfect things, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
Wishing you joy in the journey and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
29 December 2008
Pondering My Christmas Gifts - The Fourth Day of Christmas
Greetings and Merry Christmas dear Readers,
A visit from a dear fellow pirate and a good night’s sleep show me much recovered from my travels. I was blessed last night to receive The Asphalt Pirate and his lovely Bride in my home. I have not seen them for over two years and it was a brief and joyous meeting. Bride is with child and Pirate will make a great father. I already see his love for the child sparkle in his eyes. We talked long of meetings and partings until he had to part.
As I retired for the evening, much weary and already thinking on this morning’s writing and a good cup of coffee, I pondered on what I was most thankful for that fit the number four. Having been some time with Pirate I realized it was my children. The four of them fit so perfectly who Christ designed them to be in person and spirit. So if you will indulge me I will dote on each of them for a moment.
Maxim, my oldest is a firebrand for justice, right, and truth. He and I are so alike in some things that we strike many sparks in our interaction. He is one I would seek for a friend in any world and I love him with a passion I cannot quite put into words. Holding him for the first time changed me forever. Knowing him now constantly changes me for the better.
Bezel, my second son is both passion and tenderness in a strong and kind man. He is just beginning to find his way, though it was revealed to him when he was a babe. My time with him this Christmas grew our friendship and communication. He is charming and is learning to use that charm to draw others to Christ. His tenderness heals much in me.
Rachael, my first daughter, is with Christ. Even so, she teaches me, for she has never sinned, never rebelled, never broken her father’s heart. I still do not know why Christ chose to keep her to himself, but neither will I shame her by questioning that wisdom. Though I rarely share it, I miss her every day. There is no day I do not think of her and ask the Father to kiss her cheek for me and give her a hug from daddy.
Christmas, my adopted daughter is so like me it is startling. She has compassion and love for the entire world. Her faith grows daily and it is a joy to watch Christ claim more and more of her. Bezel commented on the beauty of seeing someone in the midst of their “first love” with Christ and it moved me much to see them understand each other. It is an honor to be a part of her life.
There you have it. So on the fourth day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
A visit from a dear fellow pirate and a good night’s sleep show me much recovered from my travels. I was blessed last night to receive The Asphalt Pirate and his lovely Bride in my home. I have not seen them for over two years and it was a brief and joyous meeting. Bride is with child and Pirate will make a great father. I already see his love for the child sparkle in his eyes. We talked long of meetings and partings until he had to part.
As I retired for the evening, much weary and already thinking on this morning’s writing and a good cup of coffee, I pondered on what I was most thankful for that fit the number four. Having been some time with Pirate I realized it was my children. The four of them fit so perfectly who Christ designed them to be in person and spirit. So if you will indulge me I will dote on each of them for a moment.
Maxim, my oldest is a firebrand for justice, right, and truth. He and I are so alike in some things that we strike many sparks in our interaction. He is one I would seek for a friend in any world and I love him with a passion I cannot quite put into words. Holding him for the first time changed me forever. Knowing him now constantly changes me for the better.
Bezel, my second son is both passion and tenderness in a strong and kind man. He is just beginning to find his way, though it was revealed to him when he was a babe. My time with him this Christmas grew our friendship and communication. He is charming and is learning to use that charm to draw others to Christ. His tenderness heals much in me.
Rachael, my first daughter, is with Christ. Even so, she teaches me, for she has never sinned, never rebelled, never broken her father’s heart. I still do not know why Christ chose to keep her to himself, but neither will I shame her by questioning that wisdom. Though I rarely share it, I miss her every day. There is no day I do not think of her and ask the Father to kiss her cheek for me and give her a hug from daddy.
Christmas, my adopted daughter is so like me it is startling. She has compassion and love for the entire world. Her faith grows daily and it is a joy to watch Christ claim more and more of her. Bezel commented on the beauty of seeing someone in the midst of their “first love” with Christ and it moved me much to see them understand each other. It is an honor to be a part of her life.
There you have it. So on the fourth day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, four children to gather round me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
28 December 2008
Pondering My Christmas Gifts - The Third Day of Christmas
Greetings and Merry Christmas Dear Readers,
I am composing this in my head as I drive back from Atlanta to Madison. The drive is 14 hours give or take rest stops, fuel fills, pee breaks, and food. My daughter Christmas and I are discussing the week's events and I realize that the three things that mean the most to me this Christmas is God in all his persons. I need Fathering right now so much to deal with my pain and confusion. God is so good and faithful as he does this for me. He holds me close and whispers correction and comfort in just the way I need it right now.
Jesus is so real in my life right now and still I can only think to follow him. The babe in the manger, the angry carpenter at the temple, the suffering servant on the cross, and the risen King are all so present in me as I walk such an uncertain path. I stumble and he lifts me. I stray
and he shows me where to put my foot next. I try to strike out on my own and he shows me the brambles and pitfalls I face if I do. I cry and wail for my lost bride and he reminds me that she and so many others are lost to him too. I am not alone.
Inside, comforting, judging, guiding, guarding, speaking truth rest the Holy Spirit of the living God. There are no signs and wonders. There are no strange tongues. There is the constant conviction of sin and leading in truth and righteousness that is the evidence of his presence. He is the surety of my salvation and he will guide me home no matter how long or short the path.
So on the third day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
I am composing this in my head as I drive back from Atlanta to Madison. The drive is 14 hours give or take rest stops, fuel fills, pee breaks, and food. My daughter Christmas and I are discussing the week's events and I realize that the three things that mean the most to me this Christmas is God in all his persons. I need Fathering right now so much to deal with my pain and confusion. God is so good and faithful as he does this for me. He holds me close and whispers correction and comfort in just the way I need it right now.
Jesus is so real in my life right now and still I can only think to follow him. The babe in the manger, the angry carpenter at the temple, the suffering servant on the cross, and the risen King are all so present in me as I walk such an uncertain path. I stumble and he lifts me. I stray
and he shows me where to put my foot next. I try to strike out on my own and he shows me the brambles and pitfalls I face if I do. I cry and wail for my lost bride and he reminds me that she and so many others are lost to him too. I am not alone.Inside, comforting, judging, guiding, guarding, speaking truth rest the Holy Spirit of the living God. There are no signs and wonders. There are no strange tongues. There is the constant conviction of sin and leading in truth and righteousness that is the evidence of his presence. He is the surety of my salvation and he will guide me home no matter how long or short the path.
So on the third day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, the blessing of the Trinity, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
27 December 2008
Pondering my Christmas gifts – The Second day of Christmas
Greetings and Merry Christmas Dear Readers,
Perhaps to avoid confusion and explanation is in order. You see, the12 days of Christmas song which I am so shamelessly pillaging for my little notes is based on the 12 day between Christ-mass and Epiphany (the day the Wise Men showed up). My intent is to share something of my Christmas with you over those 12 days. I am running a day behind but will catch up with a double dose along the way.
Each year, PNC Wealth Management calculates the cost of the 12 days of Christmas. This year’s price tag is $86,609.00. That is 10% higher than last year. I spent less than 1% of that on Christmas this year. I have spent more on Christmas is most of the past years but this year I embraced the challenge issued by adventconspiracy.org and spent less. My daughter Christmas and I made gifts for most of our family. It was great fun to think of, plan, and prepare the things we gave. She is artistic and talented. She made all
the Christmas cards we gave from bits and pieces of her other art supplies. I shared pre-measured jars of my special pancake mix and we bought coffee cups from good will to use with pre-measured mixes for a 5 minute chocolate cake in a cup that you bake in the microwave.
We spent less. We had loads of fun. We made people just as happy and I believe I got the best of it because my joy was doubled that we had money to give for those in real need out of our Christmas budget.
So on the second day of Christmas my Savior gave to me, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
Perhaps to avoid confusion and explanation is in order. You see, the12 days of Christmas song which I am so shamelessly pillaging for my little notes is based on the 12 day between Christ-mass and Epiphany (the day the Wise Men showed up). My intent is to share something of my Christmas with you over those 12 days. I am running a day behind but will catch up with a double dose along the way.
Each year, PNC Wealth Management calculates the cost of the 12 days of Christmas. This year’s price tag is $86,609.00. That is 10% higher than last year. I spent less than 1% of that on Christmas this year. I have spent more on Christmas is most of the past years but this year I embraced the challenge issued by adventconspiracy.org and spent less. My daughter Christmas and I made gifts for most of our family. It was great fun to think of, plan, and prepare the things we gave. She is artistic and talented. She made all
the Christmas cards we gave from bits and pieces of her other art supplies. I shared pre-measured jars of my special pancake mix and we bought coffee cups from good will to use with pre-measured mixes for a 5 minute chocolate cake in a cup that you bake in the microwave.We spent less. We had loads of fun. We made people just as happy and I believe I got the best of it because my joy was doubled that we had money to give for those in real need out of our Christmas budget.
So on the second day of Christmas my Savior gave to me, twice the joy of giving, and a purpose for carrying his tree.
Wishing you joy in the journey, and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
26 December 2008
Pondering my Christmas gifts – The first day of Christmas
Greetings and Merry Christmas Dear Readers,
This was definitely a “Hard Candy Christmas” for me and most of my family. There were so may little things that could have damaged my spirit but Christ kept opening my eyes to where he lurked in the events surrounding me. I resolved early on to make the best of the season in focusing on Christ and him alone. The resultant joy of this season has little to parallel others. There are some painful and bittersweet bits, but on the balance there is joy and peace in these anecdotes that are truly the spirit of Christ making himself real to me. I will endeavor to share some of it with you in hopes of extending your Christmas joy.
On the first day of Christmas I received a letter from one of my students who reads my blog. He is a fine and noble young man whose friendship I highly value. He related how events in his life had caused him to question the presence and purpose of Christ in the world. He went to tell me that my life makes him wish to believe. That Christ has used me to cause someone to seek Him is perhaps the best gift I can imagine.
My beloved Avalon has left me and is divorcing me for her own purposes. My sons and daughter are struggling in ways that I cannot repair for them. Yet had I not been immersed in these trials, Christ could not have used me to show a friend that faith is real; that there is hope.
As I sit here drinking my coffee, watching a movie while my children sleep, and eating one of the best cookies I have ever tasted, I see at least one gift I will cherish for life.
So on the first day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, a purpose for carrying his tree. I would trade all I have for others to see Christ.
Wishing you joy in the journey, and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
This was definitely a “Hard Candy Christmas” for me and most of my family. There were so may little things that could have damaged my spirit but Christ kept opening my eyes to where he lurked in the events surrounding me. I resolved early on to make the best of the season in focusing on Christ and him alone. The resultant joy of this season has little to parallel others. There are some painful and bittersweet bits, but on the balance there is joy and peace in these anecdotes that are truly the spirit of Christ making himself real to me. I will endeavor to share some of it with you in hopes of extending your Christmas joy.
On the first day of Christmas I received a letter from one of my students who reads my blog. He is a fine and noble young man whose friendship I highly value. He related how events in his life had caused him to question the presence and purpose of Christ in the world. He went to tell me that my life makes him wish to believe. That Christ has used me to cause someone to seek Him is perhaps the best gift I can imagine.
My beloved Avalon has left me and is divorcing me for her own purposes. My sons and daughter are struggling in ways that I cannot repair for them. Yet had I not been immersed in these trials, Christ could not have used me to show a friend that faith is real; that there is hope.
As I sit here drinking my coffee, watching a movie while my children sleep, and eating one of the best cookies I have ever tasted, I see at least one gift I will cherish for life.
So on the first day of Christmas, my Savior gave to me, a purpose for carrying his tree. I would trade all I have for others to see Christ.
Wishing you joy in the journey, and a Merry Christmas
Aramis Thorn
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