Greetings Dear Reader
It has been a very good year for me. My career, my home, my family, and my faith seem to all be on a good track. I have friends that I value. My Sons are doing well and I have a Grandson that I love deeply.
There is more I would have done. There is more I could have done. I mark the passing of 2010 quietly and deeply changed. So little matters any more that used to matter. Most of it was only fodder for my falleness. I seek to sharpen my focus on Christ and following him. I will not be making resolutions but rather seeking to keep the one resolution that matters. I will take my stand in Christ and hope by his grace to be more his and less anything else.
For you my dear Readers, I wish you grace, peace, and joy. I hope that the blessings of God are poured out upon you. I love you all and value your interactions and custom.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
31 December 2010
28 December 2010
12 Days of Christmas on a Lighter Note
Happy Christmas Dear Reader, 
I know that we all love and endure the song the 12 Days of Christmas. Fortunately for us there are those who care enough about such things to add us the cost for us. Each year you can find the PNC, Christmas Price Index calculated for you. Enjoy and then return for my own whimsy on the matter.
Another View
By Aramis Thorn
Christmas 1996
The partridge perched upon the pear to sing his cockle song,
And merrily proclaim the day to all the gathered throng.
“Bob-white” he called amidst the branches of the potted pear,
My true love had tied his leg, so he was stranded there.
“Bob-white” again he issued forth all throughout the eve
The first day of Christmas had my guests all fit to leave.
Morning smiled the second day, as I greeted my true love,
As in each hand there was perched a cooing turtledove.
“Their wings are clipped, they will not fly.” She cooed reassuringly,
So, she propped them with the Partridge in the potted tree.
“Bob-white, coo-coo. Bob-white, coo-coo” they called to and fro,
I spent most of Christmas day the second, seeking solitude in snow.
The noise had quelled on day three, and peace I thought I’d found,
‘Til from the breakfast pantry rose a murderous cackling sound.
Armed with broom, to the kitchen I rushed, to face the denizens,
Instead of monsters or cockatrice, I found three French hens.
My true love smiled so warmly as she presented them to me,
I took them in their cages, and placed them 'neath the pear tree.
Day four saw me besieged by “cackle, coo, bob-white,”
I surmised to roast them all, but my true love I would not spite.
As evening came, my calm returned and the wild life seemed to quiet,
Until my love presented me with a brand new form of riot.
For in choosing a fourth gift, she had hit on the absurd
In that she presented me with four squawking calling birds.
The fifth day hardened fright and fear with “bob-white, cackle, squawk, and coo.”
For I was intrepidly bemused at what my true love next would do.
The pear tree looked so burdened with its zoo of noisome birds,
Were she to add five to the flock of ten, I could not contain harsh words.
At dinnertime, she presented me with a box battered and old,
To my delight my true love gave to me, five SILENT rings of gold.
Optimism held me in its grasp as day six broke cold and snowing,
I gazed upon my golden rings, admiring silent warmth a-glowing,
Down to breakfast I trotted, to my true love, with triumph in my breast,
Only to find her in the kitchen, with six geese upon six nests.
I sat upon the kitchen hearth and dwelt on roasted geese,
To my horror I realized each had eggs, three or four apiece.
To the hot tub on the winter porch I went, to soak away day seven
The silence and the steamy bath promised to resemble heaven.
I’d just relaxed in the warm pool, when I was set upon,
By the paddling and pecking of seven swimming swans.
Enough I screamed of feather and foul, I don’t want flocking gifts,
“Very well.” My true love sadly said. The day ended in a tiff.
The eighth day of Christmas dawned with a fresh snow falling.
My true love woke me from my slumber by gently, sweetly calling.
She suggested that I quickly join her by the stable, near the shed,
With trust that no bird would brave the cold, I trundled out of bed.
What met me at our barn brought forth oaths and shrieks and vows,
For there upon eight stools sat eight maidens milking cows.
Day nine came, and I thought, my mind was coming loose,
But I was, at lunch, satiated by feasting on beef and goose.
Dinnertime tempted me to dine on both partridge and hen,
But the thoughts were interrupted by my true love once again.
The view within the parlor set my wits to madly prancing,
For my true love had hired nine ladies who were dancing.
Madness seized me on day ten, and I would not leave my room.
I met each cajoling of my love with bitterness and gloom.
Around eight in the evening time, a clamor filled the house,
Pushing me to investigate so I sneaked out like a mouse.
I perched upon the staircase and downward started creeping,
And was horrified to find the hall filled with ten lords a leaping.
I barely slept throughout the night amidst the noise of birds and cows,
I was glad my true love leaned toward the kosher, or I might have gotten sows.
Sunrise came early on day eleven, and I thought to sneak to town,
For no new terror-gift would I find, if I were not around.
But my true love laughed as she realized my victory she was swiping,
For in the driveway of the dawn, there were eleven pipers piping.
The Twelfth Day of Christmas had arrived with our house quite full,
But no one for a hundred miles could say that it was dull.
I’d grown accustomed to the noise, to dodging lords leaping, ladies dancing,
I’d even realized that dairy cows, my larder were enhancing.
My true love sat with me by the fire, holding my hand and humming,
As I tried to grow accustomed to twelve incessant drummers drumming.Day thirteen has come and gone, and fourteen was quite peaceful.
I realize now that my true love intended no malice, harm, or evil.
As peace and quiet reclaim my home and I see where I was wrong,
I'll transform my true love’s gift parade into a Christmas Song.
Many will sing of my adventure and never know its pains and ills,
I'll even leave out day 24: the arrival of, the postman with the bills.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
I know that we all love and endure the song the 12 Days of Christmas. Fortunately for us there are those who care enough about such things to add us the cost for us. Each year you can find the PNC, Christmas Price Index calculated for you. Enjoy and then return for my own whimsy on the matter.
Another View
By Aramis Thorn
Christmas 1996
The partridge perched upon the pear to sing his cockle song,
And merrily proclaim the day to all the gathered throng.
“Bob-white” he called amidst the branches of the potted pear,
My true love had tied his leg, so he was stranded there.
“Bob-white” again he issued forth all throughout the eve
The first day of Christmas had my guests all fit to leave.
Morning smiled the second day, as I greeted my true love,
As in each hand there was perched a cooing turtledove.
“Their wings are clipped, they will not fly.” She cooed reassuringly,
So, she propped them with the Partridge in the potted tree.
“Bob-white, coo-coo. Bob-white, coo-coo” they called to and fro,
I spent most of Christmas day the second, seeking solitude in snow.
The noise had quelled on day three, and peace I thought I’d found,
‘Til from the breakfast pantry rose a murderous cackling sound.
Armed with broom, to the kitchen I rushed, to face the denizens,
Instead of monsters or cockatrice, I found three French hens.
My true love smiled so warmly as she presented them to me,
I took them in their cages, and placed them 'neath the pear tree.
Day four saw me besieged by “cackle, coo, bob-white,”
I surmised to roast them all, but my true love I would not spite.
As evening came, my calm returned and the wild life seemed to quiet,
Until my love presented me with a brand new form of riot.
For in choosing a fourth gift, she had hit on the absurd
In that she presented me with four squawking calling birds.
The fifth day hardened fright and fear with “bob-white, cackle, squawk, and coo.”
For I was intrepidly bemused at what my true love next would do.
The pear tree looked so burdened with its zoo of noisome birds,
Were she to add five to the flock of ten, I could not contain harsh words.
At dinnertime, she presented me with a box battered and old,
To my delight my true love gave to me, five SILENT rings of gold.
Optimism held me in its grasp as day six broke cold and snowing,
I gazed upon my golden rings, admiring silent warmth a-glowing,
Down to breakfast I trotted, to my true love, with triumph in my breast,
Only to find her in the kitchen, with six geese upon six nests.
I sat upon the kitchen hearth and dwelt on roasted geese,
To my horror I realized each had eggs, three or four apiece.
To the hot tub on the winter porch I went, to soak away day seven
The silence and the steamy bath promised to resemble heaven.
I’d just relaxed in the warm pool, when I was set upon,
By the paddling and pecking of seven swimming swans.
Enough I screamed of feather and foul, I don’t want flocking gifts,
“Very well.” My true love sadly said. The day ended in a tiff.
The eighth day of Christmas dawned with a fresh snow falling.
My true love woke me from my slumber by gently, sweetly calling.
She suggested that I quickly join her by the stable, near the shed,
With trust that no bird would brave the cold, I trundled out of bed.
What met me at our barn brought forth oaths and shrieks and vows,
For there upon eight stools sat eight maidens milking cows.
Day nine came, and I thought, my mind was coming loose,
But I was, at lunch, satiated by feasting on beef and goose.
Dinnertime tempted me to dine on both partridge and hen,
But the thoughts were interrupted by my true love once again.
The view within the parlor set my wits to madly prancing,
For my true love had hired nine ladies who were dancing.
Madness seized me on day ten, and I would not leave my room.
I met each cajoling of my love with bitterness and gloom.
Around eight in the evening time, a clamor filled the house,
Pushing me to investigate so I sneaked out like a mouse.
I perched upon the staircase and downward started creeping,
And was horrified to find the hall filled with ten lords a leaping.
I barely slept throughout the night amidst the noise of birds and cows,
I was glad my true love leaned toward the kosher, or I might have gotten sows.
Sunrise came early on day eleven, and I thought to sneak to town,
For no new terror-gift would I find, if I were not around.
But my true love laughed as she realized my victory she was swiping,
For in the driveway of the dawn, there were eleven pipers piping.
The Twelfth Day of Christmas had arrived with our house quite full,
But no one for a hundred miles could say that it was dull.
I’d grown accustomed to the noise, to dodging lords leaping, ladies dancing,
I’d even realized that dairy cows, my larder were enhancing.
My true love sat with me by the fire, holding my hand and humming,
As I tried to grow accustomed to twelve incessant drummers drumming.Day thirteen has come and gone, and fourteen was quite peaceful.
I realize now that my true love intended no malice, harm, or evil.
As peace and quiet reclaim my home and I see where I was wrong,
I'll transform my true love’s gift parade into a Christmas Song.
Many will sing of my adventure and never know its pains and ills,
I'll even leave out day 24: the arrival of, the postman with the bills.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
25 December 2010
25 Ways to Give – December 25th
Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
I hope that at this moment you feel the joy I do. That is half of the gift today. Try going through the day expressing joy and showing gratitude. Let small things go and focus on the gift that is Jesus and our redemption.
I love you all collectively and individually.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store.”
I hope that at this moment you feel the joy I do. That is half of the gift today. Try going through the day expressing joy and showing gratitude. Let small things go and focus on the gift that is Jesus and our redemption.
I love you all collectively and individually.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store.”
24 December 2010
25 Ways to Give – December 24th
Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
Family has arrived from the south. Everything is chilled or ready to cook. I still need to roast some coffee and make a desert for tomorrow. Most of the presents are wrapped and so the social and material parts of Christmas are pretty well done.
The important part of Christmas can become my primary external focus. It is always my internal one but I will share it with who allow it now. The gift I suggest you give is that tonight or in the morning, whenever you open gifts, is to read Luke 2:1-16 to your family and guests. It matters. Here is the text provided for you in the King James. I do not think that it is the best translation for everyday use but it is beautiful to read out loud. I will drop in briefly tomorrow, but after that I will have a long winter’s nap. Read on…
Luke 2:1-16
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)
5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store.”
Family has arrived from the south. Everything is chilled or ready to cook. I still need to roast some coffee and make a desert for tomorrow. Most of the presents are wrapped and so the social and material parts of Christmas are pretty well done.
The important part of Christmas can become my primary external focus. It is always my internal one but I will share it with who allow it now. The gift I suggest you give is that tonight or in the morning, whenever you open gifts, is to read Luke 2:1-16 to your family and guests. It matters. Here is the text provided for you in the King James. I do not think that it is the best translation for everyday use but it is beautiful to read out loud. I will drop in briefly tomorrow, but after that I will have a long winter’s nap. Read on…
Luke 2:1-16
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.
2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)
3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.
4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of
Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.
11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.
15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.
16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.
17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.
18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.
19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store.”
23 December 2010
25 Ways to Give – December 23rd
Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
As I head out the door to gather my last few things for our Christmas dinner, I would advise a single gift to give others. Be calm. Be the center of calm. Realize that nothing is as big as it seems in the moment. It will make you happier and infect those around you.
If it gets hard, then take a moment, take a breath, just let things go. I promise it will be worth it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store.”
As I head out the door to gather my last few things for our Christmas dinner, I would advise a single gift to give others. Be calm. Be the center of calm. Realize that nothing is as big as it seems in the moment. It will make you happier and infect those around you.
If it gets hard, then take a moment, take a breath, just let things go. I promise it will be worth it.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store.”
22 December 2010
25 Ways to Give – December 22nd
Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
With just a few days to go until Christmas Day, I sit in my writing room and look out at the snow. I consider how much I love my job and the opportunities it gives me to make a difference in the lives of others. I also appreciate that it is a demanding and sometimes busy endeavor.
In recognizing that, I am giving the gift to all of taking some time off until the New Year. I do this so that I can recharge, spend time with family, and give more of myself when I return to work. When I do not take time off from time to time I become less focused on the good things and more focused on myself. This is bad for all concerned.
It is easy to believe that we need to be at work all the time, but what we do when we believe that is diminish our effectiveness in the lives of those around us. During this time off I will delve into some things that revive and recreate me. I will indulge in some leisure activities that I just enjoy. I will make myself available to those I love.
Take some time off is you can. It is a valuable gift to you and those around you.
“Have some time off for good behavior,
Fourteen days give or take a few,
Oh the little baby Jesus,
I’ll share a birthday card with you.” - Ian Anderson
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store.”
With just a few days to go until Christmas Day, I sit in my writing room and look out at the snow. I consider how much I love my job and the opportunities it gives me to make a difference in the lives of others. I also appreciate that it is a demanding and sometimes busy endeavor.
In recognizing that, I am giving the gift to all of taking some time off until the New Year. I do this so that I can recharge, spend time with family, and give more of myself when I return to work. When I do not take time off from time to time I become less focused on the good things and more focused on myself. This is bad for all concerned.
It is easy to believe that we need to be at work all the time, but what we do when we believe that is diminish our effectiveness in the lives of those around us. During this time off I will delve into some things that revive and recreate me. I will indulge in some leisure activities that I just enjoy. I will make myself available to those I love.
Take some time off is you can. It is a valuable gift to you and those around you.
“Have some time off for good behavior,
Fourteen days give or take a few,
Oh the little baby Jesus,
I’ll share a birthday card with you.” - Ian Anderson
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, “That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store.”
21 December 2010
25 Ways to Give – December 21st
Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
Since today is the Winter Solstice I thought I would indulge in a little syncretism and honor those who do not follow my faith. There is an implied arrogance in following any system of belief that claims to be the only way to God. I do not have to agree with the faith of another to be respectful and kind to them. I do not have to water down my faith to treat another with love and acceptance.
That said there are those around me celebrating Hanukah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice and other days particular to other belief systems. No one may truly follow Christ and treat others with disrespect. As a gift to others, remember where your faith comes from. It has become unpopular and to some even wrong to wish others a “Merry Christmas.”
As one who knows the richness and peace available in follow Christ, when I wish this to others I am being inclusive not exclusive. In wishing another “Merry Christmas” I am inviting them to see that there is a richness in Christ hidden by the failures and selfishness of some of his followers.
No one has the right to degrade the beliefs of another. Perhaps if we follow Christ closely enough, wishing others a Merry Christmas will not be seen as exclusion but as inclusion.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
Since today is the Winter Solstice I thought I would indulge in a little syncretism and honor those who do not follow my faith. There is an implied arrogance in following any system of belief that claims to be the only way to God. I do not have to agree with the faith of another to be respectful and kind to them. I do not have to water down my faith to treat another with love and acceptance.
That said there are those around me celebrating Hanukah, Kwanzaa, the Winter Solstice and other days particular to other belief systems. No one may truly follow Christ and treat others with disrespect. As a gift to others, remember where your faith comes from. It has become unpopular and to some even wrong to wish others a “Merry Christmas.”
As one who knows the richness and peace available in follow Christ, when I wish this to others I am being inclusive not exclusive. In wishing another “Merry Christmas” I am inviting them to see that there is a richness in Christ hidden by the failures and selfishness of some of his followers.
No one has the right to degrade the beliefs of another. Perhaps if we follow Christ closely enough, wishing others a Merry Christmas will not be seen as exclusion but as inclusion.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
20 December 2010
25 Ways to Give – December 20th
Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
All of have family and friends about which we say that we do not see them enough. We think of them, miss them, then the business of life dismisses them from out mind. Imagine what it must be like not to have even the opportunity for others to visit us or to visit them.
We all know someone who had distant or no family around. We all know people who lack genuine friends. A great way to give is to invite them into our circle. If you hesitate at this, consider that whomever we would avoid is also someone Christ came to redeem. The love of genuine friendship and thought family is a great weapon toward that end.
There are people out there who need who you are. Take time to recognize them and extend your heart to them. In doing so, your own heart will grow bigger.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
All of have family and friends about which we say that we do not see them enough. We think of them, miss them, then the business of life dismisses them from out mind. Imagine what it must be like not to have even the opportunity for others to visit us or to visit them.
We all know someone who had distant or no family around. We all know people who lack genuine friends. A great way to give is to invite them into our circle. If you hesitate at this, consider that whomever we would avoid is also someone Christ came to redeem. The love of genuine friendship and thought family is a great weapon toward that end.
There are people out there who need who you are. Take time to recognize them and extend your heart to them. In doing so, your own heart will grow bigger.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
19 December 2010
25 Ways to Give – December 19th
Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
Before I get to today’s way to give I want to report on something that happened yesterday. Christmas and I were in a store where every register had a line five or six people deep. The manager of this store and I are on very friendly terms and earlier he had said how busy he had been all morning. He seemed a little harried and I offered what encouragement I could.
After we finished our shopping we were in the end of the line on the register he manned. Christmas and I began to sing, as is our habit. Immediately the lady in front of me joined in as we started the second line of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
Two rows over a young mum encouraged her children to join as well. In just a few moments easily half the people waiting in line were singing this old Christmas hymn and the cashiers were all smiling.
I wrote earlier this month that this has always been one of my Christmas wishes. As I reached the manager and he rang up my purchases he told me how much the singing had lifted his spirits. It was the start of a beautiful day for me. I hope you are smiling as widely as you read this as I am in writing it.
Now on to the gift you can give for today. This one is very simple. It is infectious, will spread rapidly, and is very healthy. As you go about your day give this gift to everyone. Just smile. Smile big and broad.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
Before I get to today’s way to give I want to report on something that happened yesterday. Christmas and I were in a store where every register had a line five or six people deep. The manager of this store and I are on very friendly terms and earlier he had said how busy he had been all morning. He seemed a little harried and I offered what encouragement I could.
After we finished our shopping we were in the end of the line on the register he manned. Christmas and I began to sing, as is our habit. Immediately the lady in front of me joined in as we started the second line of “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.”
Two rows over a young mum encouraged her children to join as well. In just a few moments easily half the people waiting in line were singing this old Christmas hymn and the cashiers were all smiling.
I wrote earlier this month that this has always been one of my Christmas wishes. As I reached the manager and he rang up my purchases he told me how much the singing had lifted his spirits. It was the start of a beautiful day for me. I hope you are smiling as widely as you read this as I am in writing it.
Now on to the gift you can give for today. This one is very simple. It is infectious, will spread rapidly, and is very healthy. As you go about your day give this gift to everyone. Just smile. Smile big and broad.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
18 December 2010
25 Ways to Give – December 18th
Happy Christmas Dear Reader,
In the academic world we talk about the necessity of understanding something before one can apply it. You cannot configure a network server properly until you comprehend what the server will be doing. One cannot fully do until one understands.
I am sure that you get this but I wonder how often we translate it to the ways in which we interact with our fellow humans. It is so easy and weak to judge others harshly. It takes effort and an act of will to try to understand another’s perspective on an issue.
If we hope to apply the love, mercy, and grace that others so desperately need then we must first seek to understand things from their perspective. As you go about your business, remember that we can choose to understand before we seek to be understood. This gift will enrich the lives of everyone you give it to and allow them to feel the significance they need. Perhaps in this we can lay the groundwork for them to see Christ and just how deeply he understands us.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
In the academic world we talk about the necessity of understanding something before one can apply it. You cannot configure a network server properly until you comprehend what the server will be doing. One cannot fully do until one understands.
I am sure that you get this but I wonder how often we translate it to the ways in which we interact with our fellow humans. It is so easy and weak to judge others harshly. It takes effort and an act of will to try to understand another’s perspective on an issue.
If we hope to apply the love, mercy, and grace that others so desperately need then we must first seek to understand things from their perspective. As you go about your business, remember that we can choose to understand before we seek to be understood. This gift will enrich the lives of everyone you give it to and allow them to feel the significance they need. Perhaps in this we can lay the groundwork for them to see Christ and just how deeply he understands us.
Wishing you joy in the journey,
Aramis Thorn
Mat 13:52 So Jesus said to them, "That is why every scribe who has become a disciple of the kingdom of heaven is like a home owner. He brings new and old things out of his treasure store."
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