On Giving Thanks – Music

Greetings Dear Reader,

Perhaps one of the things I am the most thankful for is music.  I have explained before that it permeates my thinking always.  As a way of expressing my gratitude I wish to share some of the music that has attached itself to my soul.

First my favorite piece of music in the universe.  Whether you like Star Trek or not this piece of genius stands on its own.  There are not words.  Let the music take you where it will.  I am thankful for the way it brings me peace.

The Inner Light – Jerry Goldsmith

Written by Randy Newman and featured on his debut album, this song has been covered by many artists.  My favorite is Neil Diamond.  When I cannot tag the sadness that I am feeling this song often gets me there.

I Think It’s Going to Rain Today – Randy Newman – Performed by Neil Diamond

Broken windows and empty hallways

A pale dead moon in a sky streaked with grey

Human kindness is overflowing

And I think it's gonna rain today

Scarecrows dressed in the latest styles

The frozen smiles to chase love away

Human kindness is overflowing

And I think it's gonna rain today

Lonely, lonely

Tin can at my feet

I think I'll kick it down the street

That's the way to treat a friend

Bright before me the signs implore me

Help the needy and show them the way

Human kindness is overflowing

And I think it's gonna rain today

Lonely, lonely

Tin can at my feet

I think I'll kick it down the street

That's the way to treat a friend

Bright before me the signs implore me

Help the needy and show them the way

Human kindness is overflowing

And I think it's gonna rain today

When I truly want to remember that I belong to God or need to pray and cannot find the words, this song helps.  I once listened to this song all night long when I was praying for a friend in great peril.

Hungry Falling on my Knees – Joy Williams

Hungry I come to You

For I know You satisfy

I am empty but I know

Your love does not run dry

So I wait for You

So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all my needs

Jesus You're all

This heart is living for

Broken I run to You

For Your arms are open wide

I am weary but I know Your touch

Restores my life

So I wait for You

So I wait for You

You're all I'm living for

So I wait for You

So I wait for You

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all my needs

Jesus You're all

This heart is living for

I'm falling on my knees

Offering all of me

Jesus You're all

This heart is living for

Hungry I come to You

For I know You satisfy

I could go on and on but you get the point.  What music moves you Dear Reader?  Please share it with me.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

On Giving Thanks – Grace

Greetings Dear Reader,

All too often I forget the power of certain words.  “Grace” is one of them.  I like the Merriam-Webster definition: “unmerited divine assistance given humans for their regeneration or sanctification.”  Let me explain.

"Grace" Eric Enstrom

Unmerited – a primary function of grace is that we do not deserve it.  God does not owe us anything. 

Divine – It is God that provides it solely of his good will

Assistance – It is something we need.

Given – once again it is a GIFT.  We cannot earn whatever it is that we are given by grace.

Humans – this is available to everyone.  There is no elitism or favoritism.  If you are human God has grace for you.

For Regeneration - We need to be made alive again.  Sin is what is killing us and by grace God wishes to give us new life in Christ.

For Sanctification – We also need to be “cleaned up”.  We are messed up, fallen, crooked sticks.  God uses his grace to draw us closer to him and make us more like him.

Paul wrote it this way – “It is by grace you redeemed through faith; not from your own good deeds, but as gift from God.”

I have said before that you can come as you are.  There is no need to clean up, shape up, or give up.  You do not need to do anything.  The gift is there if you will simply accept it.  Grace is one of the key reasons that we give gifts to each other.  We may not acknowledge it but it is true.

I am so thankful that God accepts me as I am.  It is in his grace that I find the power every day to follow Christ.  It is because of grace that I lived long enough to come to this place.  It is grace that will lead me on the journey until I find home. Come taste the grace.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

On Giving Thanks – Snow

Greetings Dear Reader,

Now if I offend you Dear Reader I will ask your forgiveness in advance.  I love snow.  I realize it poses challenges and often causes delays in our lives.  In most cases the adjustment is easy if we undertake it and prepare.

There are reasons why I love the snow.  First and foremost is the natural beauty of my home when surrounded by a fresh blanket of the stuff.  The billions of tiny crystals unite to form a new and fresh landscape outside my window.  It warms and wonders me as I write.

And then there is November 6, 2008.  It was just dark when the dance of white fluffy flakes began to fall.  Christmas had only come to live with us ten days earlier.  She had only ever seen snow once and at a distance.  I called her outside to show her the crystal beauty drifting down on a gentle evening breeze.

The gasp of wonder and awe is forever imprinted in my mind.  What burned even deeper were the tears.  Christmas was a new Christ follower emerging from a life of pain and abuse.  She had risked everything for a chance at a better life.  She had gambled it all on God and my family.

We had talked often about snow and how much I loved its beauty and grace.  Tears were running down her face as she watched the snow whiten our yard and cars.  I asked her why she was crying.  Her response made me value forever the creation of very flake.  “It is all true,” she said.  “Everything you told me about being safe and free is true.  You even told the truth about the snow.”

Today I am thankful for snow more than ever.  We had one hundred inches of it during Christmas’ first winter with us.  Many painful things unfolded during that winter.  The price for my attempt to do good carried a price I could not imagine. Every time, however,  I looked at the snow I was reminded of the power of Christ’s love to change lives and bring hope.

I am very thankful for Christmas and snow.

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 – Election Results

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.

All of the polls closed and the votes were counted.  Most of the campaigns are settled.  The responses I saw today overwhelmed me.  I know that I have friends on both sides of the isle that are Christ followers.  Some of the things that were said neglect the sovereignty of God at best.  It is possible that some of them outright deny it. 

One friend posted, “Proof there is no God.  The Governor was reelected.”   I know she is disappointed.  I think she was joking.  Another friend of mine expressed his disappointment with the entire state.  I had another friend who was crying over the results.  I was so moved to compassion because she cares so deeply for things that other neglect.

I realize that politics can be polarizing.  Someone very close to me attacked and insulted me because I dared to say something positive about an elected official whom he dislikes.  I can only imagine how hurt some people must be at the outcome of the election.

Win or lose though, every election is an exercise in faith.  We think that we determine who is President, Governor, or Jester.  We do not.  God chooses our leaders based on our needs and his plan.  If I believe that God is sovereign then he has already planned his response to whomever is elected. 

It is my duty to lose or win in my preference graciously.  It is my obligation to show respect for every elected official no matter how deeply I may disagree with his policies.  It is my calling to live above even the politics of the day and work toward showing the love of Christ to all in every endeavor. 

Whether you are red or blue if you claim to follow Christ then you are obligated to find common ground in Christ with those who disagree with you.  You are required to love them.  I am obligated to comfort, respect, and take the yelling by responding in love and compassion.  I need to understand the needs of those around me and care more about that than politics.  That is the only way I can win anything.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

On Giving Thanks – Freedom

Greetings Dear Reader,

As most of you know yesterday was Election Day.  I voted.  Let us consider that last sentence for a moment.  Those two words contain so much power.  I live in a nation where my voice has meaning.  Even when I feel weary of the political ads and politician posturing I am thankful for the freedom that I have.

I also have freedom in Christ.  I can choose so many things in the way I live out my faith.  I can worship as opening or secretly as I wish.  All that Jesus demands of me is faith and following.  He does bind me to a system of laws or practices.  He simple asks that I love the Father with all my heart and that I love my fellow humans.

If I am to have a grateful heart I must not squander either freedom.  I must promote it.  I must embrace it. I must live it.  It is a part of my responsibility to live the truth in any way that I can.  I must appreciate the freedoms I have and the responsibilities that are bound to them.

I cannot just have the freedom.  I must have the responsibility.  I cannot do whatever I wish.  I must function within the guidelines that make freedom possible.  I must love and respect others.  I must see that there is law that governs both my personal freedom and the freedom I have in Christ.  There are consequences to moving outside of either.

I have not seen the election results yet.  No matter how it turns out my faith informs me that God is in charge anyway.  I must be thankful for the freedom I have in every moment and always remember that true freedom is only found in 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 ͡°)

On Giving Thanks – Education

Greetings Dear Reader,

No matter how I feel about any of it, I have had an excellent education.  My mum sacrificed so that I could go to excellent primary and secondary schools.  The colleges I attended were also excellent.  Good teachers invested time in me.  God gifted me with a good intellect.

I have been able to develop strong work and success at that work because of my education.  I am able to process and apply truth because of the training I have had.  I value learning as a lifelong process because of the training I have received.  I am able to help others.  I have been blessed to teach others and help improve lives because of education.

I have had teachers and mentors along the way who helped shape my knowledge, wisdom, and character.  They have built into me things that are eternal and enduring.  They have given me a higher purchase from which to view the world.  They have been my friends.

I am thankful for the education that I have and realize the accountability it holds for me.  If I do not have gratitude for this then I cannot hope to pass it on properly.  I must avoid the pride that accompanies knowledge and instead seek wisdom.  With gratitude begins the journey toward wisdom that will ensure that my intellect is used for 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 ͡°)

On Giving Thanks – A Grateful Heart

Greetings Dear Reader,

When I ponder the things for which I should give thanks I must first start with why I should give thanks.  I have more choices, food, and possessions that most of the world.  We hear a great deal of talk about the one percenters in our nation but on a global scale most Americans are one percenters.

I can get most of what I need with little effort.  Food is in abundance around me.  I own possessions I have not touched in years.  I can move about with complete freedom.  I can whatever I wish as long as it does not impede on the freedoms of others or harm anyone.  I can choose from hundreds of churches without fear of persecution.

I need to be thankful simply because of where I live and the life I have.  The basics are mine and in abundant supply.  I have family to love and support.  I have a good life.  If I do not see this daily I become dissatisfied and seek things that are unhealthy for me.  Worse I commit the error of pursuing more when I have enough.  I am too good at excess to risk that.

As I approach making my heart more thankful I need to look honestly at all that I have.  I must also be willing to reduce what I have in excess for the benefit of others.  I must share cheerfully with those in need.  I must be aware that the more I have the more accountable I am for those things.  My heart must be fixed on Christ and see all that I have in light of his blessings.

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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

On Giving Thanks – First Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

November is here and my thoughts are firmly fixed on the season for celebration and holy days.  This month I try to daily ponder the many blessings in my life and express gratitude for life I have.

I know people who spend so much time wishing for what they do not have that they are losing, neglecting, or throwing away what they do have.  They are miserable because of what they lack instead of seeing the joy in what they already possess.

In hopes to not becoming this person ever I need to spend time recalling the many blessings in my life and loving others.  A constant focus on gratitude also helps me keep perspective when I am in the midst of pain or troubles. 

I invite you to walk with me through a season of gratitude.  I would love to hear your responses to those things for which you are thankful as well.  As always my heat if filled with gratitude for you Dear Reader.  Walk with me as we count our blessings.

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 Journey for Friends

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.

Many years ago when I need shelter some friends took me in.  Today they are temporarily homeless as they journey to a new adventure in a new state.  I envy the people who do not know them yet.  Their new neighbors will find loving friends.  Their new church will find capable and willing saints.

These are the friends that when I suddenly needed a car gave me the one I was considering buying from them and asked me to pay them for it as I could.  They accepted me when the world was judging me.  They have supported me in hard choices. 

They love each other.  They have a find son whom I love dearly as well.  All around they are good parents, good spouses, and good friends.  As they take their journey to a new home and life I want them to know how valued they are.  I want them to know I will find a way to visit.  I want them to know that I love them as if they are blood family and perhaps even more.

I have been and will be praying for them.  I know that the journey will be wondrous.  I know that it will be difficult at times.  I know that faith and love will see them through it all.  For these two Dear Readers I wish joy, happiness, love, and laughter to this part of the journey.

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 ͡°)

All Saints Day 2014

Greetings Dear Reader,

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

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

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

Wishing you joy in the journey,

Aramis Thorn

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