A Season of Gratitude - Friends

Greetings Dear Reader,

A few times in my life I have had that one close friend; a confidant with whom I shared many adventures.  It is interesting that I am no longer close to any of them.  I have recently reconnected with my dearest friend from my youth, Glenn.  We have yet to have the long conversation that we both crave but it will come when the time is right.

I like people in general.  My Grandfather used to that the only friends I did not have are the people I have not yet met.  My Daughter maintains that I already know every third person.  I want the former to be true but find the latter an exaggeration.  

It is true that I hold everyone in positive regard as long as they will allow it.  I still try to think well of even those whose actions harm others.   The call to love everyone is clear.  If I do not do this I am too easily disposed to hatred and unkindness.  The diversity of my friends helps me mateine a proper perspective.

I think of what the world would be if we all started with positive regard for everyone.  The world could be a place where we cared for each other.  I realize this is idealistic but that is my nature.  That is what Christ wishes for us so it is not an impossibility.

I am so very thankful for the friends that I have.  They all fit into my life in ways that encourage me in my journey.  I hope that I am also of service to them. 

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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The Big Blue Ball

Greetings Dear Reader,

I offer for your consideration a short story that makes the world a little less significant and much more important.  Enjoy.

Big Blue Ball

By Aramis Thorn

November 4, 2016

In control station seventeen on Rigel Six sit two hundred thousand observers.  They are the

only inhabitants of the desert plant.  Most of them sent from the nearby systems to serve their obligatory four years as observers and controllers.  Observer 87153 is overdue for his break.  Staring at the six screens attached to his console for an entire shift always gives him a headache.  Today it arrived just one third of the way through.  8108 considers asking for early relief.  Then he considers that Controller 1020 is assigned to his section.   He knows that Controller 1020 is an ass.  He knows that his request will be denied and still counted against him.

87153 returns his attention to his screens.  As is always the case his assignments are mundane, boring, and inactive.  He scans the six screens for anything odd, strange, or even slightly irregular.  Of the six systems, he observes five of them are barren of any intelligent life.  He only watches them in case one of the exploring species ventures there. 

Only one of the planets in the sixth system under 87153’s care has sentient life. In terms of sentience they are very low on the gamut.   The species barely gets off their planet.  They are not willing to risk enough to truly get out into space.  They have no idea how many times the Observers had prevented other species from taking their backwater system to plunder it for its many valuable assets. 

A couple of centuries ago the Controllers had decided that the species was not worth persevering.  They were developing too slowly and seemed too uncivilized to invest any further assets in their survival.  The vote had been taken within the rules set by THE COMPOSER.  He allowed for the Controllers to withdraw protection from systems that proved to be destroying themselves.  The final session to authorize withdrawal convened.

87153 had just been assigned to the system.  He took up observation after the vote but before the final session.  As a matter of protocol, he was to deliver a final observer’s report to be filed with the authorization.  Everything in the report agreed that the species on Blue Ball 8844 was dangerous, depraved, and deplorable.  THE COMPOSER had even visited the planet in an attempt to compose a redemption song for them.  None of the Controllers understood why they had not been allowed to withdraw when the species tried to silence him.

The final report made it clear that the species had little to offer the One Song.  Their notes were more sour that harmonious.  Their songs rarely held out the values of THE COMPOSER.  They were at war with each other.  They enslaved each other.  They were unworthy of the effort needed to sustain their protection.  All 835 pages of 87153’s report bore out the truth that hope for this species was ill placed. 

THE COMPOSER always attends the final decision.  He rarely intervenes.  He rarely overrules.   As the Controllers take their seats each thumb through his or her copy of the report.  There is a long section on the industrial growth of the planet.  Inventions abound along with some creative growth.  None of it, however, mitigates their violence and greed.  The final approval is a formality. 

Each Controller is polled and votes for withdrawal.  The lead Controller is about to pronounce when THE COMPOSER gently clears his throat, “What about page 233 in the creations section?  Let us have a look at item 143.”

The lead Controller quickly turns to the page.  He reads the few paragraphs written by 87153 under the heading “Baseball”.   Looking up respectfully but confused he asks THE CONTROLLER, “What is this?  It seems to only be a game.  It seems to only be played by ruffian and ne’re-do-wells.  It was invented as a past time for soldiers during war.  Respectfully, I do not see its value.”

THE COMPOSER smiles.  “The game is one of hope.  It is non-violent competition.  It is not governed by a clock.  The game constantly moves forward the idea of redemption.  In the midst of all their chaos they have found a way to learn that there is hope in every moment.  Eventually they will translate the game to life if we give them the chance.”

He turns to 87153, “What do you think Hank?”  THE COMPOSER always uses names.  He knows them all and values every observer.  “What are your observations about baseball?”

87153 clears his throat.  “I think that there is always hope.  I agree that this game holds it out to everyone.  Children dream of playing this game.  They make heroes of the participants.  They sell sugary ruminants with images of the participants.  They even include the entire planet in their final competition of the year.  They are a species worth watching.”

The lead Controller stands to speak but THE COMPOSER stays him with the lifting of his scarred right hand.  “Everything we do is to move forward hope and love.   This ‘game’ evokes those things in war hardened men.   This pastime is always about the present moment and finding the truth in it.  This hope is reason enough to protect this world.  This is well-observed Hank.”

The lead Controller speaks after THE COMPOSER lowers his hand.  “We have voted.  You have the power and authority to override it.  We will do as you wish.  How shall we measure their progress?”

THE COMPOSER turns to 87153, “We will allow Hank to be the umpire.  Tell us what you like about these beings and how you would measure their time.”

Hank revives from his reverie as the red beacon flashes on the Sol system screen.  He zooms

in on the Northern Hemisphere where autumn chills the air.  He further scrolls in on the middle of the American continent to an arena in Cleveland.  The final match of the baseball championship is in its final moments.  The team he chose as the benchmark is attempting to win the side, the match, and the series.  A single moment of hope blossoms as one player flicks the rawhide sphere to another.  The runner is called out.

The team he favors; the one named for the constellation Ursa Minor.  He chose them because of the hope found in the world through the Pole Star.  He knew THE COMPOSER would approve.  He knew that they would eventually win again.

He thumbs the call button on his console.  “I need a message sent to the council.  After 108 years the Cubs have won again.  It is time to reassess the planet.”

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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A Season of Gratitude - Music

Greetings Dear Reader,

I cannot remember a time when I did not love music.  I love most genres and can even find a song or two in the ones I do not like.  I do have some method to that which I listen to faithfully.

Music is the things that can most easily bring me back from the edge.  It is what calms my spirit when I am overwrought.   There certain pieces of music that are my escape when I need solace and sanctuary.  My favorite is The Inner Light by Jerry Goldberg.  It comes from one of my favorite Star Trek episodes of the same name.  Where I incapacitated long term, I would want this played in a constant loop.  It always soothes me and gives me hope.

There is other music that is precious to me.  Some of it is intentionally sacred but I also believe that all good music is sacred in some way.  I love songs that tell a story.  I love songs that help me see something more clearly.  I believe that nothing is secular so even songs about non-faith things are sacred in some way. 

Music helps me emote when I am struggling being real about how I feel.  The right song will help me undam feelings I do not wish to confront.  It helps me express negative feelings in a nondestructive way.

Music is a vital piece of my life.   It is a sustaining feature of my makeup.  I have almost 400 gigs of stored music.  I am thankful for all the labor that goes into creating great music.  I am more thankful for the songs that reach me no matter where I am.  In my season of gratitude, I will carry songs with me that reflect my heart and faith.  Sing along with me if you care to.

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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A Season of Gratitude - Writing

Greetings Dear Reader,

One of my favorite professors and lifelong friends once said “When we read we stand on the shoulders of those who have come before us and can, therefore, see a little further.”

The thousands of books I have read over the years have severed to let me see so many things.  They have helped me to reason, to understand, and to escape.   The writing of others gives me a place to go to learn.  It gives me reference to understand and refine. 

Fictional writing gives me someplace to go when my current world is intolerable.  A good story can set aside the real woes for a bit.  My favorite stories also teach me.  My favorite are the stories that focus on redemption in some ways.

Then there is the aspect of me writing.  When I write this BLOG Dear Reader I gain so much.   It allows me to process the issues that hinder my journey.  It is an outlet for my questions and thoughts that provides space to gain perspective.  I also hope that it helps you in some way Dear Reader.

When I tell stories, I am energized.  I find that this is also a productive escape from the things that besiege us in the real world.  When I craft a tale, I find great joy in setting up and solving problems.  I gain much from thinking through how the Father would guide others through a problem.

I am thankful for writing because it is what gives me means to take in and give out.   It is a cornerstone of communication.  It is a way to be clear and expressive.   I am grateful for writing.

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 – The Cubs

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.

Those who know understand that I love baseball for many reasons.   Tonight, I want to celebrate the Cub’s victory in this year’s world series.  The long drought for so many Cub’s fans is over.  It took 108 years to regain the crown but for all my friends who are Cub’s fans, I cheer for you.

This celebration for me springs out of my love for baseball.   This victory ties directly to the eternal hope and renewal that is baseball.  The fact that the entire season turns on the cogs of countless choices.

It may be a stolen base in game three that sets the path.  It could be an early pitching change on opening day.  Baseball is such a stark reflection of the truth that there is always hope.  With Christ, there is always hope.  Cubs’ fans hoped for over a century and they had to hope through seven games, a lost lead, a rain delay, and extra innings. 

That is the nature of hope.  It renews.  It lives.  It sustains.  I am happy for the Cubs and their many fans.  I am more thrilled that they have served as an example of eternal hope.

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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A Season of Gratitude – Opening Thoughts

Greetings Dear Reader,

As I transition into my favorite time of the year I am determined to count my blessings.  I am also determined to be specific and clear about things for which I am grateful.  My hope is to journey through the month to the Advent season with a heart full of understanding.   I want to be sure that I understand the full gamut of all that I have in my life.

In general, I feel that much of the unhappiness in the world is a result of not being truly thankful.  We fail to see all that is good in our lives and so we want more things, money, and attention.  We try to control things so that we have what we want.   Our fear of not having and our greed drive us to forget just how deep the provision is in our lives.

This year I want to celebrate Thanksgiving by being thankful every day.  I will discuss things for which I am truly grateful.   My hope is that my gratitude and appreciation deepen.  I challenge you too Dear Reader.   Walk with me toward the season of giving by acknowledging what we already have.   As always I value your company and thoughts.  As always, I am thankful for you every day.

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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All Souls Day

Greetings Dear Reader,

I was reminded last evening by a dear friend that the uniqueness of every soul is precious to God.  My friend was telling me what was beautiful about her day.  She mentioned the morning mist that visited our state yesterday.   It was that same mist that caught my eye.  I even took a picture of it.

When I took that picture, I had no idea that twelve hours later I would get to connect with a soul that I cherish over it.   That is the point of it all.  We are meant to connect as souls.  We are meant to see the value of every soul.

It is the soul that continues.  It is the that which carries the spark that defines us.  Every soul is unique.  Every soul is created to be something of value to the entire song.  Every soul sings its own note. 

The key is to understand that every note matters.  The whole is incomplete without each major or minor sounds.  My place is to hear and value each note that I encounter.  My obligation is to encourage every note to sound clear and strong so that we reach that universal harmony.

Every soul matters.  I must assure that every soul matters to 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.”

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All Saints Day

Greetings Dear Reader,

There are those who have reached the end of the journey ahead of me.  I miss them more than I admit to anyone.   In the top three are my Grandfather, my Sister, and my Daughter.

The empty places left by their departure are unfillable.   God is faithful and consoles me when the longing for them is deepest.  They will not come to me but eventually I will catch up with them.

This day belongs to those who are already with Christ.  I think of my friend Jason who has only been gone a year and those who loved him still feel the pain of his parting.  I consider the loss of friends one with which I will become familiar as I age.  I work hard to balance the sorrow I feel and the hope I wish to live.

I used to worry about partings much when I was little.  My Grandfather would comfort by reminding me that at the end of our lives, when all things are brought back to good we will have a vast celebration including a very special supper.   He always called it ‘the big dinner.” 

It seemed that he was so assured of where he was headed back then.  It took me a long time to find that faith.   Today I have that faith for all who have gone on before me.  I celebrate the gift of redemption.  I celebrate all who live by faith and have found their faith fulfilled in Christ.

Daddy Sand Bass – Johnny Cash

i remember when i was a lad

times were hard and things were bad

but there's a silver lining' behind every cloud

just four people that’s all we were

trying' to make a living' out of black-land dirt

but we'd get together in a family circle singin' loud

daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)

me and little brother would join right in there

singin' seems to help a troubled soul

one of these days and it won't be long

I’ll rejoin them in a song

I’m gonna join the family circle at the throne

though the circle won't be broken

by and by, lord, by and by

daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)

me and little brother would join right in there

in the sky, lord, in the sky

now i remember after work mama would call in all of us

you could hear us singin' for a country mile

now little brother has done gone on

but I’ll rejoin him in a song

we'll be together again up yonder in a little while

daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)

me and little brother would join right in there

'cause singin' seems to help a troubled soul

one of these days and it won't be long

I’ll rejoin them in a song

I’m gonna join the family circle at the throne

oh, no the circle won't be broken

by and by, lord, by and by

daddy sang bass (mama sang tenor)

me and little brother would join right in there

in the sky, lord, in the sky

in the sky, lord, in the sky

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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Allhallowtide - All Hallows Eve

Greetings Dear Reader,

I realize that to most of you this is a day to celebrate costumes and candy.  I am excited about my Grandsons and their costumes.  This is also the beginning of a very important season for me.

Allhallowtide is the three-day liturgical celebration for remembrance of the dead.   It includes All Hallows Eve, All Saints Day, and All Souls Day.  In the past this was an evening dedicated to preparing for the observation of All Saints Day.

This puts me in mind of how we are supposed to consider those who have gone on before us.  As a matter of faith, I work not to speak of the dead in the past tense.  As I ponder this on All Hallows Eve I ponder how this is the beginning of my personal season of gratitude and giving. 

I owe so much about my life and faith to those who have come before me.  There are lives that have influence mine.  There are souls that have invested in my soul.  There are lives that have sustained my life.

As I ponder those I have lost in the journey I ponder also the way in which we deal with death.  My Son, Maxim and I discussed this recently and I was reminded of how much the death of my Daughter Rachel impacted my Sons.  It was their introduction to death. 

Every person’s death diminishes me.  Some impact me more than others.  The point is that every life matters.  I will spend these three days remembering that in a world filled with so many injustices and horrors every life matters.  I am not disconnected from the world events that result in unjust killings.  I am never separate from the murder of unborn children. 

Every soul matters.  I will hallow my spirit and show my gratitude for those that have aided mine.  I will remember those I miss.  I will not forget those who need my aid.  The journey is not a solo one.  It is an opportunity to enrich others souls along the way.

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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Sitting and Centering

Greetings Dear Reader,

People are often surprised at how early I rise to write.  I might do so later if I were only writing for my sustenance.  I am not there yet but to get there I must write.  So each morning, when most of you are still sleep I face the blank page. 

Before I do this though I center my day.  No matter how I feel when I awaken I work to make following my focus.  I pray and ask to be focused on following Christ.  I look at what I will write and ponder how it will draw me closer to being the man I am supposed to be in Christ.

I also pray for my Children and Grand Children.   I pray for my friends and my enemies.  I ask that I might somehow show love and kindness to everyone I encounter each day.  I ask for help in fighting my weaknesses and the things that make me selfish. 

Then I pray before I write.  I pray as I write.  The purpose is to follow Christ more closely by wrestling with the questions that plague me about following Christ is an increasingly more fallen world.  When I ask you to walk with me Dear Reader it is because I love you and value your company.  I am so grateful when you join the conversation.

This morning I catered my spirit longer than usual to fend of pride and entitlement.  I needed to address some things that could have gone very wrong.  It is in being reminded that I am a crooked stick just like everyone else that gives me the level ground to be loving and forgiving. 

My writing for the next two months will be focused on gratitude and giving.  As we enter my favorite time of year I want to do so centered on Christ.  The only way I can do that is if I do it daily.  Sometimes I need to do it in every moment.  Imagine the difference we could make if we did this every day as one.  It is not impossible.

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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