I marveled at his ability to see his own place in the circle of life at such a young age. His statement has stuck with me for many years and came back to me again as we recently said goodbye. He is now off to serve a mission in Concepción Chile for the Church of Jesus Christ of Later-day Saints. Some 26 years ago, I said goodbye to my own family to serve a similar mission in Maracaibo Venezuela. It is now his turn.

A Sacrifie of Self

He left just a week and half ago and will not be back for two years. Our contact with him will be very limited. Saying goodbye, was one of the hardest things I have ever done. Don't get me wrong, I am very happy that he made this choice, but that doesn't make me miss him any less.

His final week at home was spent packing his bags and packing up the things he would ultimately leave behind for the next two years. It was difficult to watch him decide what to do with so many of his childhood treasures. He spent a lot of time sorting and resorting the few things he wanted to make sure were available to him when he returns. 

A missionary leaves everything behind. On the day of his departure, he handed us his iPad and his cell phone. Then he deactivated his Facebook account. There is nothing inherently wrong with any of these items. He willingly left them behind so that he could focus all of his energy on serving the Lord. He even gave up his name and will be known simply as Elder Thorn. This was difficult for me to watch, but because it was once my turn I understood. I know that what he is about to gain is worth so much more than what he just let go.

Finding Joy

The pursuit of happiness is common to all of us. We look everywhere for it. Unfortunately, this search often results in the development of some very selfish behaviors. Over the years, I have known many who have come to realize that there must be something more than the ways of the world. They look to find a better life. They look to find their better self.

Elder Thorn is doing that now, and he is about to learn one of Jesus' greatest lessons. He taught – "For whosoever will save his life shall lose: and whosoever will lose his life for my sake shall find it". My beloved son is now about to find himself. Through his efforts, he will realize that self-denial is an accelerated path to self-discovery. 

Yes, he will find happiness, but more importantly, he will find joy. So many people have wondered how Stacy and I can let our son go. They want to know how we will survive with only one brief email a week for the next two years. We will survive because we know our son is nobly dedicating himself to a cause that is much bigger than his individual desires. He will benefit in so many ways. He will learn things that are never learned in college. He will learn to lead others as he will be blessed with leadership opportunities that are rarely available to those so young. He will learn to boldly walk in the world and to take care of himself. He leaves a boy, and will return a man filled with joy.

Until We Meet Again

Goodbye Jacob. We will miss you. The noise in our home is not as rich without you here, but we are already feeling the blessings of your service. Thankfully, there is an image of you emblazoned upon my mind. As you walked out the door, you paused at the piano and played a few short notes. I had never heard the song before, and I cannot recall its melody. Instead, I can only see you sitting there and blessing us one last time with your beautiful music.

Now, the people of Concepción Chile get to hear your music and see your smile. Give it to them freely and share it openly. As you stand on the banks of the stream of missionary service remember: Now it is your turn. Don't waste a moment.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Why Can't Every Day Be Like Christmas?

This year I decided to start the season early. I broke out the Christmas music and movies on November 1st. I was determined to really enjoy the spirit of the season and spent my time in the car listening to Christmas music and my time in front of the television watching Christmas movies. I was amazed at how connected I felt to the spirt of Christmas. I went through each day with a smile on my face and felt very little of the normal pressures you would think a father of seven children would feel.

I am a fan of both aspects of the season. I love the sacred opportunity to celebrate Jesus' birth and I love the visions of the gifts Santa Claus will bring. To me, Jesus gave us all a great gift. It is wonderful for me to be the "real" Santa and to emulate His great gift to mankind by giving great gifts to "my kind". The commercialization of Christmas actually provides me an opportunity to be "Christ like" with my giving. 

I stand all amaze at the love Jesus offers me and I love to see the wonder in the faces of my small children as they consider the magic that Santa offers on Christmas morn. Because my focus is on the birth of a Savior the giving of gifts seem like part of the story. 

I Want A Magic Carpet

As Christmas approaches, I love to ask my children what they want for Christmas. Each year, we receive some marvelous requests. It is fun for Stacy and me to make it all happen. We love the time together in the stores looking for just the right thing.

This year, Leah, our youngest child (4), held fast to a fantastic request. Each time we asked her what she wanted, she resolutely replied "a magic carpet". My first inner response was – "I am sorry, you won't be getting one of those". The more she requested it, the more I realized that she really wanted it. I had to find a way to make it happen.

During one of our shopping excursions, we wandered into the rug section. There, in front of us was a magic carpet. It was a beautiful gold and silver rug. There is no other way to describe it than to say that it looked magical. We knew we had our rug.

The Spirit of Christmas is Here For All

Finding the rug was the easy part, making it fly would be another story. Several days before Christmas I began talking about imagination and how important it is in our lives. I wanted the children to think about creating the impossible in their own lives. I wanted them to wonder how imagination works. It was my hope that they would all make the connection that a magic carpet is powered by imagination. I hoped even Leah would get the message and be content to imagine flying on her beautiful rug. 

Christmas morning finally arrived and the first gift Leah opened was her magic carpet. She let out a scream letting us know that she had received her magic carpet and immediately began to lay it out on the floor. As she sat down on her rug, our other children spontaneously, without prompting from us, gathered around Leah, each taking a hold of the carpet. They lifted her up and began to fly her around the room. The magic of imagination filled the air and the smile on Leah's face is one that I will never forget.

We Lift Each Other Up

It was a wonderful display of love and I was reminded of the story in the New Testament of the paralyzed man. He wanted to see Jesus so He could heal him, but he was too sick and feeble to move through the line. The sick man's friends arrived and lifted him up. They tore the roof off of the house where Jesus was at, and lowered him down to be healed. Jesus, touched by the display of love from the man's friends said, "your sins are forgiven you." He gave him the greatest gift, but the people were appalled and wondered how it was that Jesus could forgive sins. Jesus, perceiving their concern looked at the man and said "arise, take up thy bed and walk", and the man walked. He wanted to show the people that it was just as easy to heal spiritual problems as it was to heal physical problems. He could do both and so He did.

Leah's magic carpet ride reminded me of this story because her siblings lifted her up and gave her the transportation she needed to receive a great gift. I have often wondered who would lower me down when I need it and now I know. 

How are you regarding the great gifts you receive?

The thoughts expressed in this column are allowing me the opportunity to share with you what I value most.

How connected are you what you value most? 

Are you willing to share it with others without requiring conversion?

Each of us live a life of value. Sometimes what we value is different than what others value. This does not mean that we should forget those values. Instead we should remember them and share them. I feel most connected with you when I can be who I am without worrying if you will still like me. I am a Christian man and I believe in Christ.

Merry Christmas!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Ramadan

September 10 – marks the end of Ramadan. It is a day of forgiveness, fellowship and unity, a time of giving and sharing. Our Muslim friends have spent a month fasting through the daylight hours to demonstrate their love for Allah. It is an amazing time of personal sacrifice and self-discipline. Their quest is to develop greater levels of patience, humility and spirituality.

During Ramadan, Muslims ask forgiveness for past sins, pray for guidance and help in refraining from everyday evils, and try to purify themselves through self-restraint and good deeds. it is observed during the ninth month to commemorate the month in which the first verses of the Qur'an were revealed to the Islamic prophet, Muhammad.

We can learn a lot from this Holy season. Ramadan is a time of reflecting, believing and worshiping God. Muslims are expected to put more effort into following the teachings of Islam and to avoid obscene and irreligious sights and sounds. Purity of both thoughts and actions is important. The act of fasting is said to redirect the heart away from worldly activities, its purpose being to cleanse the inner soul and free it from harm. I wonder how the world would be if each of us paused to remember and practice these ideas.

Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur

September 8th marked the beginning of the Jewish High Holy Days. It begins with Rosh Hashanah and ends ten days later with Yom Kippur. During these holidays, our Jewish friends look back on the past year and atone for their mistakes against one another and against God.

As part of the High Holy Days services, the Rabbi blows the shofar or ram's horn. This ancient custom serves to awaken the soul of a person to make amends for their mistakes and encourage teshuvah (repentance and rededication).

Rosh Hashanah is a day of remembrance. It is the official Jewish New Year's Day. It is a time in which Jews look back over the year just passed and forward to the year about to come. 

Jews believe that, during the days between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, God judges each person's deeds, deciding who shall live and who shall die in the year to come. Therefore, Jews pray fervently, fasting for the entire day of Yom Kippur, the "Day of Atonement." This day is devoted to praying for forgiveness for any sins which a Jew may have committed, or which the community may have committed. As the day comes to an end, the shofar is again sounded — in one long, clear blast. Then with a feeling of having a slate wiped clean and a fresh beginning, Jews enter into the new year.

Holy Days

These are special times. The devotion and reflection our Muslim and Jewish friends are simultaneously feeling are of great value to our society. I am thankful that many of us are beginning to understand these days and to respect them.

I am thankful for those from these faiths who are honoring their spiritual roots. I hope that they feel joy in serving and honoring our God. 

There is nothing to fear from these beautiful beliefs. As a Christian, I find it very easy to celebrate the beauty and to learn from the wisdom developed by these practices. I do not feel threatened. Instead I feel enlightened – by participating in some of them with some of my special friends, I have felt like a better Christian.

Have you wished your friends who celebrate Ramadan or the Jewish High Holy Days joy and peace?

What can you learn from these special times?

Are you able to see how closely our sacred beliefs match up with each other?

We are a people who search to know God. We do it in very different ways and I think that is a beautiful part about life. It provides opportunities to experience beauties that we would otherwise miss. I hope you will pause to see what else is out there. I am certain that it will be a faith building experience for you.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

The Family Puzzle

We have a backyard pool that we put in about 15 years ago. It still looks pretty good, but some of the tile has fallen off. One of my tasks was to make sure that it got fixed. About 45 tiles had come unglued, so I spent a couple of hours figuring out where to put each one and then began attaching them back in place.

As I installed each tile, I thought about all of the memories in our backyard pool. I remember our very first swim as if it happened yesterday. We had only three kids at the time and as we played in our Jacuzzi, Christina, who was only five years old said, "now we can spend even more time together as a family". 

We have grown since then, and our family continues to change. My tile project helped me to see things as they really are; our greatest joys come from the time we spend with our family. The definition of family changes as we grow. 30 years ago, it was defined by my role as a son and a brother. Now it is defined as a husband and a father. I suppose, I will always occupy all of those roles, but each one takes on more of a focus at different times in our life. Someday, I will add Grandpa, and Great Grandpa to the list of family roles that belong to me. 

This week, my family will gather, one-by-one, to watch my daughter enter into a covenant marriage. They are not coming to see our beautiful home or to taste the wonderful food that we will offer. They are coming to witness the union of two people who are covenanting before God, angels and earthly witnesses that they will be true and faithful to each other.

The Road Ahead

The other day, Mike, my new son-in-law, told me that he had spent a sleepless night thinking about Christina. He told me how much he loved her and how thankful he was to be receiving her as his wife. We spoke for a moment about his current feelings and then we reflected on the state of marriage in the world today.

I reminded him that many people enter into marriages today with the exact same feelings, and they think that they will always feel that way, but for some reason lose that loving feeling. At one time, our society accepted the words "until death do you part", as words that defined the marriage commitment. Now, marriage has become a temporary phase of life. Many are entering into marriage with the thought that if it doesn't work out, they can always get a divorce.

Mike and I then spoke about a much bigger picture. When he marries Christina, he will enter into a covenant that we believe, through their faithfulness to each other, will extend throughout time and all eternity. I asked him, if he would love Christina 500 billion years from now. He of course said yes.

His love for Christina, will not be measured by what he feels today. Instead, it will be measured by how he grows that love, how he honors that love, and how much he makes that love the center of his life. Anything short of that, will make the love that he feels for her today temporary.

Our Period of Waiting Is Over

Tomorrow, the union of Mike and Christina begins. It is an exciting time. They have prepared themselves for this moment. They will now give themselves to each other. Their efforts will now be combined. They will give up many of their individual pursuits for collective goals.

Our family is changing again. We are saying good-bye to some roles and responsibilities and hello to some new ones. It will take some time to adjust, but those adjustments will happen, and we will enjoy the process.

Stacy and I have long looked forward to this day. We have taught our children about the importance of family. Our lives are a testimony of those beliefs and values in action. Our children understand that our greatest successes are found right here at home, and not out in the world. They know that a missing piece in our family is much more significant than a missing piece of tile in the pool. They know that what is about to happen for Mike and Christina is not about the party, the guest list and the gifts. They understand that it about entering into a sacred covenant to be one.

We feel a great sense of satisfaction to know that our daughter learned that message and that she is now forming her own family. She is the first, so we are thankful that she is setting an example for those that will follow. Families are forever. There is a new one forming this week. How incredibly awesome is that!

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

A Time of Famine

In the record my Jewish friends call the Tanakh and my Christian friends call the Old Testament, we learn about the prophet Elijah, and his mission to bring those who were practicing idolatry back to practicing a belief in their God. 

The leader of that time period, king Ahab, felt that he was unable to control the people when they worshipped God, so he created many ways to convince the people that they were the gods and that the material things a successful society could offer, were the only blessings they needed. As a result, the people began to forget about spiritual things and began to focus on gaining the material things of this world. 

As they shifted their focus to their own strength, a period of famines began. At first, the famine they experienced was that of hearing and doing the will of God, but eventually they experienced a second famine which resulted in all of their material possessions becoming valueless. This temporal famine affected the believers and non-believers. In other words, even those who continued to rely upon God suffered the consequences of the devaluation. 

Sound Familiar?

During this famine, God did not protect the believers from the economic hardships. They experienced the sting of the times too. This caused many of them to forsake their beliefs. They wondered how God could let them suffer when they were doing all the right things.

Others remained faithful, and though they lived in a time of poverty, God blessed them with peace in their lives, and the ability to get by. Even Elijah the Prophet suffered the consequences of the famine, but he was blessed to be fed by ravens during those challenging times.

Standing In Faith

Today, we find ourselves in scarce times. Some say it is a result of poor financial management, others say it is just a cyclical event that happens every few years, and others say it is a result of our collective wickedness. Whatever the case my be, the consequences are affecting nearly every household.

I believe in God, and I understand that our belief in Him must be tested. During times like these, many will turn away from Him, and many will turn toward Him. Those that turn toward Him, will not always have their burdens removed, but He will make them bearable. 

Being fed by ravens is not generally thought to be abundant living, but the nourishment received is enough and that is usually all we really need. 

Which way are you looking?

Do you recognize the ravens in your life?

Have you expressed your thanks for the simple things of life?

I have been fed by ravens during this time of trouble. I admit, that at times I have wanted more, but I have always felt grateful for that which I have received. In my moments of want, I have a heard a still small voice whisper to me – "Be still and know that I Am God". These wonderful words always bring peace to my soul, even in the most challenging moments. Every time I wonder where the next meal will come from, a raven appears. I am thankful for this sweet truth. For me, it is what makes life so good!

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

We are in Nephi, Utah, our home away from home. It feels so good to be here. I enjoy the simple and relaxing pace of life, which fosters a natural relief from the cares of my world. I don't feel the way I feel here, anywhere else. Simply put, I feel free.

The First Breath

We arrived Saturday evening. When I stepped out of the car a powerful image came to my mind. The only way I can describe it, is to say that I felt as if I were coming up for air. Let me explain.

I like to swim, and when I am in our pool, I often swim several lengths under water. I always begin with a goal in mind, hoping to set a new record for underwater swimming. As I make the turn for the last lap, I am almost always out of air. I push on, knowing that I can surface whenever I want. Sometimes, before I reach the top, my eyes feel like they are going to bulge out. When I finally surface, that first breath is magical. It fills my lungs with the oxygen I need and life quickly returns to my oxygen-deprived body.

That is what it felt like when I arrived here in Nephi. My first breath out of the car was a cleansing breath. It filled me with a quiet calm feeling. I immediately felt oxygen returning to my tired body and soul. I knew I needed it, I just didn't know how badly.

A Place To Repose

I am thankful for this special place. Every time I come here, I feel refreshed and renewed. It is great to have a place like this to escape from the cares of the world.

Where do you go when you need to get away?

How long has it been since you came up for air?

This year, we will only spend a week here in Nephi. It feels like such a short moment, but I am sure it will be enough. Life has already returned to my being in so many different ways. Life is good!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548 

I was staying in a Hilton Hotel, and while I was arranging my things, I discovered a little book called Be My Guest - The Autobiography of Conrad Hilton. I opened the book and was immediately captivated by this unusual story of success.

A Man of Faith

At the time, the only thing I knew about the Hilton family, was that they had a famous heir who was traipsing around the world in a spoiled and erotic frenzy. I assumed that the she came from a long line of excessive living and believed that she accurately represented her roots.

Conrad's story painted a much different picture. He was a man of faith. His mother taught him that prayer was the best investment that he would ever make and so he began nearly every day at his place of worship on his knees in prayer.

He credited the power of prayer to have saved him from the pains of economic turmoil. He said it brought peace in his life. Conrad did not keep his belief in prayer to himself. He spoke about it everywhere he went. His efforts led to the initiation of our National Day of Prayer. He was a very powerful leader, and he was not alone in his belief in prayer, as many other powerful leaders of his time, including many of our government officials, regularly espoused the power of prayer.

What Happened?

Today, just a mere 30 years after Conrad Hilton's death, most business people see prayer as an absurd habit and not a behavior worth developing. I know only a few leaders who consider it an important use of time. I have written about it before, and received emails stating that I am foolish to write about such a topic and that doing so will lead to an erosion of my reader base. Some have gone so far to suggest that praying is a lot like believing in Santa Claus and that it is something only a child would believe in doing.

I wonder what happened? How have we moved so far in so short a time? How is it possible, that only 30 years ago, some of our greatest leaders were speaking of prayer and its power in their lives without any fear of being called childish or foolish.

We Need To Pray

Conrad Hilton's story influenced me. His was not an easy journey. He nearly lost everything during the Great Depression, but he remained faithful to his belief in prayer and eventually rebuilt his empire. My mother taught me to pray too. It was a difficult habit to learn and I admit feeling the pressure from those who scorn its practice, but I stuck with it until I learned to view it as one of the most important investments I make each day. I am grateful for Conrad's willingness to extol this virtue. I love learning from successful people who have the integrity to share their keys to success.

What are your thoughts about prayer?

Is it an investment you regularly make?

Have you experienced its power in your life?

Many believe prayer is a passive process, but it is much more than that. I view it as an active conversation that continues throughout the day. I also learned that the answers to our prayers do not always come in the way we hoped they would come. Generally speaking, we must be willing to submit our will to the will of God. That is a hard thing to do, because it requires faith. In way, the critics of prayer are right – it does require child like faith.

I pray with the attitude that everything depends upon God, and then I get up and begin to move my feet as if everything depends upon me. As I am working, I listen for the guiding responses that always come. It is not always easy to align myself with those messages, but I have learned that it is worth it. The times when I decided to do it my way, are the times when I have suffered the most. I am grateful for my understanding of the power of prayer. I dare you to make it one of your most important daily investments.

Live Today! Love Today!

Dr. Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I was asked to play the role of the Landlord, which is the dark role representing the influence of Satan. I didn't want to do it at first, because I couldn't really imagine myself playing a dark role. My life is focused on seeking the light, so I didn't want to let any darkness into my character. I struggled with the thought of allowing myself to authentically play the role without gaining a new level of understanding of the real darkness that often influences the world in which we live. I didn't want to act out the confusion and hate that I knew would be directed toward One that I love.

I loved the music that I would be singing, so I agreed to do the part. I struggled with getting into character. I just couldn't let myself portray the darkness that was required to make it real. Two days before opening night, I was still refusing to go the distance. Suddenly, a burst of light entered my mind as I was running. I saw an image of the impact of the show if I did not do justice to the part. I realized that if I did not allow myself to get into character, the people watching would not recognize or feel how darkness really feels. They would see it as humorous instead of dangerous. Then, I knew that it was OK for me to let it all out. In that moment, I gave myself permission to portray this evil in such a way that those watching would feel its reality. From that point on, the fear of becoming lost in the darkness departed from my soul.

The show was a success, and many people commented that I was an incredible "bad guy" and that they were sure glad to know that I was on the good side. Many said that I made them feel uncomfortable, and that I successfully captured the darkness of evil. It took a lot energy to get to that point. I was thankful to authentically play that role, but even more thankful that it was behind me.

My Amazing Dreamcoat Experience

My efforts in The Garden, opened the door for an amazing community theater experience. Shortly after, I was cast in the title role of Joseph, in Andrew Lloyd Weber's Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

This role seemed much more comfortable for me. I identified with the role and felt like it was a role that I was born to play. I loved the experience and enjoyed singing and dancing in my very own amazing technicolor dreamcoat. It was great to play a light bearing role. 

I had no problem getting into character. The biggest challenge was preparing to be onstage in nothing more than a loin cloth. I was exercising a lot and eating very little. This time, it took very little emotional energy, but every ounce of physical energy that I had to prepare for the part. 

The happiness and disappointment I felt in the show were easy to portray because they reflected many similar experiences that I had faced in my own life. The show was a success. When it was all over, the people spoke of how much they enjoyed my energy and how comfortable I looked on stage. At the end of each rehearsal and show, I felt energetic and ready for more. I truly felt like I was in my element.

The Next Level

Before my run as Joseph was over, I was approached by a new director with a request to play the role of Jesus in the musical production of Godspell. I enjoyed breathing life into the directors dream, but I kindly declined the request.

The director wouldn't take no for an answer. I gave him all my excuses – I believed Godspell was a sacrilegious experience, I didn't want to be involved in something that would make a mockery of the teachings of Jesus, I thought the show was goofy, and I didn't have time. He patiently broke through all of those excuses, which left me with only one – I really didn't think that I could authentically play the role of Jesus. I didn't even know how to approach it – I felt like a hypocrite even trying. He assured me that I could do it, and I eventually listened to the music and decided to play the role.

Interestingly enough, my permission to play this light role came in a similar way that the permission came to play the dark role. I was out running and contemplating the possibility. I just didn't feel like I could do it. I knew there would be people who would say, "who does he think he is?" I knew that I would need to raise myself to a new standard of living and take one more step toward perfection. I worried that I would somehow fail. Suddenly, I heard a voice saying, "Andrew, this your opportunity to prepare the way for me. You don't have to be like me, or carry my weight – I will do it for you. I will breathe the life into you, that will you need to represent me." The message was beautiful and freed me to deeply embrace the role.  

Our show opened last week, and we are now entering the second week of our three week run. I can't adequately describe the experiences that I have had and the emotions I have felt as I have prepared for this role. In the daytime, I still do not feel capable of playing this role, but something happens when we open the show. I am able to raise myself to a new level.

The experience is draining, At the end of each show, I am totally spent. The person who betrays me is someone that I really love, and I feel the emotions over and over again of being betrayed by someone I love. The people in the cast are people that I really love, and the experience of saying goodbye to them moves me to shed very real tears every time we play that scene. The desire to escape is just as real as my willingness to submit my will to the will of my Father. The pain of the crucifixion scenes are intense. Dying and being carried around by those who love me is surreal. Coming back to life and seeing the joy on the faces of loving disciples is exquisite. Words cannot describe the whole experience. I wish you could witness and even see it through my eyes.

There are people who have seen me in all three productions and at the end of this show, they are saying that this is my finest hour. I feel what they mean. 

The Road To Redemption

I share this story with you, because it is not just my story, it is our story. I never thought last April, that over the course of the coming year I would play the roles of Satan, Joseph and Jesus. That is quite a progression. Thankfully I moved in ascending spirals and not in the dreaded downward spiral patterns. 

Naturally, we are all captivated by the energy of this world. The world tells us that we can float without purpose, that we can do whatever feels good, and that there will be no lasting consequences. The world is wrong. 

We must be anxiously engaged in making forward progress. There are things we do today, that seem ok, but tomorrow we will realize that they cause us pain. We must learn how to move forward and leave them behind. That journey is made more difficult, even impossible, when we attempt to do it by ourselves. We need to follow the One who advocates so lovingly for our redemption. The dark ways of the world, no matter how enticing, can only lead us to the cruel cul-de-sacs sin and despair. 

Where are you at in your journey toward the light?

Are you making progress?

What is your next step?

I am thankful for the spiritual intelligence that I posses and the impact that it has in my life. I invite you to develop your own. I love you for who you are and I look forward to watching you grow. As one who has studied and portrayed both light and darkness, please accept my findings. The dark paths of the world bring fear, confusion, worry, despair, frustrations, feelings that we are not good enough and hate. The paths of light bring us peace, understanding, acceptance, happiness, goodness and love. Where do you stand?

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

This question, caused me to wonder about the formula for being and several questions began to enter my mind. What does it mean to be? What is the role of doing in that formula? How are doing and being related? Is there any relation at all?

It didn't take me long to realize that it is possible to do, without being, but I do not believe that it is possible to become, or to be, without doing something. Are you with me on that?

Permission To Soar In Ascending Spirals

This is actually a conversation that I have had with myself many times and it represents the vision of my work. I believe that achievement, the result of our doing, by itself is worth very little. If we spend our life achieving and doing, we will never be filled. We will simply move from one quest to another without ever gaining any sense of satisfaction. That said, we can't just throw away any and all forms of doing in pursuit to be. In all reality, we must be anxiously engaged in many good causes.

Buddha taught this lesson beautifully. He began his journey to enlightenment by sitting under a Bodhi tree. He believed that if he denied himself all his privileges and desires and sat under that tree suffering all manners of affliction, he would soon suffer his way to an enlightened state of being. It didn't take him long to discover that that was not the way. He realized that the true path required both active (doing) and passive (being) activities.

The journey to being begins with a careful clarification of what it is that we value. Our values, must then influence our dreams and aspirations. Our dreams and aspirations, must then guide the things we do. Aligning all that we do, with what we wish to become puts us in a state of balance and we are then free to soar in ascending spirals. This is important, WE GIVE OURSELVES PERMISSION TO DO THAT!

Living The Commitments That Accelerate Growth

What we do, determines our ability to grow and to be. Paul, taught us this lesson in a letter he wrote to the early Christian community that was living in the Roman Province of Galatia. He warned them to be very careful about how they spent their time by saying, "Whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." Hence, our version, you reap what you sow, was born.

If you really want to "BE" something, you must be willing to live the commitments that are associated with that quality or behavior. You can't smoke and be a "non-smoker". It takes effort to be, and that effort translates into doing. Do you see the natural connection?

Arya was asking about the relationship between doing and being, but I believe he was also asking about the place of rest and meditation. Is it necessary to be doing something all the time? The answer of course is yes, but you are the one responsible for choosing your activity. 

My perfect day includes a lot of time to meditate, pray, study, and ponder. I like to be alone in my thoughts. It is how I reinvent myself. It is how I recharge my batteries. When I give those activities up for the pursuit of others, I find myself out of balance. These are the things that I am willing to commit to, and they work for me. You may find your energy in totally different places doing totally different activities. The key is deciding what commitments we are willing to make and then sticking with them. 

This, is where the balanced feeling of being comes from. When our dreams are aligned with our commitments, we create harmony. Life begins to feel like, and appear as if, we are running on auto-pilot. Growth is accelerated, and we are ready to become.

Standing Whole and Ready To Lead With Purpose

But alignment is not enough. Your light, the essence of your being, will never reach its full potential until you learn to shine brightly. It is only when we learn to radiate the vision of who we are to the world, that we begin to lead with purpose.

Leadership – that is the purpose of becoming. The greatest work we will ever do is to lift another to a new level. It is the most fulfilling and satisfying experience. It is the essence of being. When we become our best, we see for the first time that there is room for everyone to be their best.

Arriving at this gateway to enlightenment strips us of all forms of toxic competition. We learn to cheer others on without any worry that they will somehow surpass us. We are inspired by their efforts. We feel a desire to be better for our own account, because we see that there is so much potential that is yet to be realized. We see so very clearly that we are all connected and that we are all one. 

Life moves fluidly. The doing that we do appears to happen without any effort. From the outside to the inside, we are filled with peace. We know who we are and we are being that person. The struggle to do, is no longer found within us. We simply live on purpose and we lead that way too.

Have you identified your aspirations? 

Are you willing to live the commitments that are necessary for their realization?

What are you doing with your light? Are you willing to shine brightly?

I don't have all the answers, but I know that I am anxiously engaged in becoming my best. I understand where balance comes from and what it takes to get it. I want you to create harmony in your own life and leadership responsibilities because I know it will bring you great joy. Please do me a favor today. Take a moment to write down what you value most in life. Then examine how you are spending your time. Then take a step, no matter how small toward balancing the ledger. You are now free to move about the cabin!

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I realize, that doing so, is not an option that will lead to success. If I want to become the person I am striving to become, I must be willing to press forward, even in these dark and confusing moments. If it were easy, it would not be worth it.

Not My Will

This realization is particularly poignant at this moment, due to my involvement in the Stephen Schwartz and John-Michael Tebelak musical production of Godspell.

Opening Night is looming and there is much work to do. I sometimes wonder why I allowed myself to be involved in this extra-curricular activity. It is consuming a lot of my energy, and I would rather focus that energy on many different things. 

I understand, that this project is bigger than me, and that I was called to be a willing participant in this effort. The role is very humbling. Nearly every day, I ask myself how I can possibly pretend to be good enough to play the part of Jesus. I think we would all agree, whether we believe in His divinity or not, that He was one of the most influential historical figures, but to me, He is much more.

Last night, we rehearsed for the first time the scenes leading up to His crucifixion. I felt extremely hypocritical when I found myself, (caught up in my own tiny struggles and wondering how in the world I could make it all happen), uttering the words, "not my will, but thine be done".

What He so willing gave, suddenly became very clear. I don't mind putting aside any theological attributes for a moment and just considering the man. For whatever reason, this man set aside all of his own personal interest, and willingly chose to follow the will of the somebody else. I stand all amazed at that decision!

Seeking Higher Ground

I know, that all of the challenging experiences I face are given to me for my own good. They have a refining effect. They polish me and create the energy and space for real growth to occur.

It is easy, in the moment of these trials to feel like a victim. Sometimes, we may even feel abandoned, but these are the defining moments that shape us and carry us forward to higher ground. Feeling sad, or cursed by our present circumstances disqualifies us from reaching the next level.

Those who become their very best, learn how to set aside their own interests for the good of helping others soar to new levels. We cannot do that, until we learn to submit our will to something much greater than ourselves.

How often are you able to submit your will to the will of someone else without complaining?

Do the Christian references mentioned above make you feel uncomfortable?

How can you apply the basic principles in this post to your life?

There are many times during our lives when we need to follow someone else's agenda. Typically, if it does not conform with our own desires, we find ourselves murmuring and getting in the way. I dare you to examine the consequences of that type of behavior. I am certain that if you do, you will come to see what I have come to see. That is, that all of the noise will not change the fact that if we want to move forward, we must submit to that agenda. It is true, that we can choose to opt out – and I wish more people would make that choice instead of continuing to complain about thing, but if we want to move forward, we must put our own self interests aside. 

Let's see – I can move forward kicking and screaming, or I can move happily on. That doesn't sound like a tough choice to me.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Earlier in the day I had washed my car and it was pretty clean, so I politely told him "no thank you" and went about the business of filling up my car. I turned my back on him and I did not plan on giving him a second thought.

He did not go away. My answer only dissuaded him for a moment and his next statement was even more direct. He simply said, "I am out of work and I need gas in my car to get home to my family. I don't have any money. What can I do for you?"

Abundance

At that moment, I realized just how good life really is for me and my family. Things are tough for us too. We are constantly engaged in the struggle to make ends meet. It is a continual battle, but we are blessed with the opportunities we need to make it all happen.

Abundance, is a state of mind. None of us every really have enough, until we think we do. The resources that accumulate over a lifetime are wasted, if we do not learn to give them away. As we prosper, there will be many opportunities to help others. I truly believe that when we help those in need, we are really serving God. When we do that, the heavens open upon us and we receive even greater blessings from above.

Our Test

The test I faced last night was not that of figuring out how I was going to get gas in my car. My test, was figuring out if I would be willing to put gas in someone else's car. Those types of decisions are the ones the produce the most growth in our lives.

What would you have done?

Who do you know that needs your help today?

How can you meet their need?

It is my hallucination that most of the trials you and I face are mere inconveniences. If you are reading this, then you probably don't know what it is like to really suffer. You most likely don't know what it is like to beg for your existence, and if you do, you somehow found a way out of that significant challenge.

Because you and I have been given much, we must give to others. It is our opportunity to be the "way out". Sometimes, it will be a tank of gas. Other times it will be a listening heart. You will know what it is, in the moment it is requested of you. Please listen to your heart and give, even if it hurts a little. I promise you that if you give someone a piece of bread, you will get it back with peanut butter and jelly on it.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

To Think Own Self Be True

I know the source the of freshness I feel. It comes, from my willingness to live according to my values. I believe in setting aside one day each week to rest from the busy life I lead. I find it critical to set all of my normal cares aside and focus on developing greater levels of spiritual intelligence. 

Each Friday and Saturday evening, I feel the weight of my work. I often wonder how I can set things aside and even think that some things just cannot wait. Then Sunday comes and I feel the strength of my commitment to rest and I put off the thought of working. I rest and heal.

When the new work week begins on Monday, my energy is restored and I am ready to work with maximum focus. It is true, that there are many more emails to manage than other days, but somehow, I am consistently able to muster the energy I need to handle them quickly.

We Need Our Rest

Taking a day of rest is something societies have been doing since the beginning of our recorded time. For me, it is a spiritual principle, but its effect is felt whether we make it a spiritual practice or not. That is because truth is truth. Our bodies and minds need the opportunity to put off the cares and stresses of the world. 

Many of my clients and friends tell me that they are too busy to rest. They often think that resting means to stay in bed all day. That certainly doesn't sound like any "day of rest's" that I have ever honored.

What I am suggesting is that we put aside our normal agenda and engage in something different. It could be getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of our planet. It could be finding ways to serve others. It could be going to church. It could be spending focused time with the family. It really could be anything you want it to be, as long as it is something different than your typical daily routine. 

One Break Coming Up

The people that do this, avoid feeling "burned out" by the demands that come from career opportunities. Those demands really never stop. If we let them, they will consume every moment of every day. 

When was the last time your felt fresh and ready to run to work on Monday morning?

What do you do to restore your energy?

How willing are you to let the demands of your career wait for a day?

Time belongs to each of us. We choose how we want to use it. We invent much of the urgency that prevents us from getting away and resting from our labors. I appreciate the fact that we are busy, and that it sometimes feels impossible to take a time out, but that is exactly what we need. It is one of the secrets of continuous improvement. Build it into your schedule. You will see an immediate difference.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

The table was delivered to the office last year. It is an impressive work of art, even when nobody is sitting around it. I am fortunate enough to see it every day that I work in the office. I marvel at the fact that not a single power tool was used to create its beauty. 

A Symbol of Love

The table is inscribed with a giant banyan tree. In the Hindu culture, the banyan tree is a symbol of unity and wish fulfillment. It certainly lives up to its symbolic nature, but to me it stands for something even greater.

Every day, when I walk into my office, I am reminded of my beautiful wife and her never ending support for my efforts. She believes in me and that great blessing inspires me to believe in myself. The work that I do is continuously stretching me and creating new opportunities to step up. Sometimes, the seeds of doubt creep in and frustrate my self-belief for a moment. When I find myself wondering if I am up to the task, I take a moment to regard this beautiful table. Every time I do so, I remember the trust and confidence Stacy places in me and I receive the energy I need to act with poise and purpose.

Seeds of Gratitude and Generosity

Remembrance prompts a sense of gratitude. The expression of a grateful heart is usually manifested through some generous act. A thankful heart is more than willing to speak a kind comment or perform an act of service. When we allow ourselves to live in the moments of gratitude, we are reminded that because we have been given much, we too must give. 

Service to others is the natural desire of an enlightened being, and these selfless acts increase our ability to love the other. They create a comfort within us that removes the fear of being passed over and the anguish of living in scarcity.

The abundant life is the result of our conscious choice to live abundantly. Yes, it it a choice we make and we must make it before it can ever be bestowed upon us. Growth is a positive function and it cannot occur when we act defensively. To truly grow, we must be open to the whisperings of the spirit. Those whisperings only come to us when we are willing to do something more than seek after our own agenda. 

What moves you to remembrance?

What evokes gratitude in your heart?

When was the last time you expanded the reaches of your generosity?

I know these are difficult times. Each day, there is bad news. We can fight against that by abandoning our selfish pursuits and meeting the needs of others. We live in abundance. There is a seat for you at our table.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

This year I find myself playing the role of the expectant parent who longingly looks out the window for the arrival of an adult child. Later today, I will travel to the Ontario airport to pick up Christina and bring her home for a few short days. We are excited to receive her. We feel fortunate, that she is able to be here during these special days.

A Loving Father 

I love the spirit of gift giving that is so closely tied to the holiday season. For me, there is no greater exercise than considering the individual needs of those I love, and then deciding on a gift that meets the need. I love giving the unexpected gift. There is no other way to say it, I just love the feeling of giving.

As I strive to be a loving father to my children, I am reminded of my loving Father in Heaven. He loves giving us good gifts too. I am thankful to know Him and even more thankful to know that He knows me. There are no words to express how wonderful it is to know that I am a child of God. This knowledge confirms my individual worth and breathes purpose into my life.

The Greatest Gift

Christmas was originally established to commemorate the world's receipt of our Heavenly Father's greatest gift. He loved us, so He sent us His Son. He gave us this Gift so that there could be a way back. A way in which each of us could overcome the world and return to be with Him again.

The Gift was given to us with no strings attached. We are free to accept or reject it. He said that He gave us this Gift to save us, not to condemn us. We can only receive this Gift if we are willing to see the wisdom in this great message. It is a message of hope and of life, not a message of death and despair. 

If we want the world to receive the message of Christmas, then we, the believers of Christ, must be similarly willing to share this message. No one should feel forced to receive it. Agency is a principal component of the Gift. His example of freely giving is the one we must follow.

A Great Example

Shortly after I finished playing the role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, I was cast to play the part of Jesus in the dramatical production of Godspell. I did not audition for this role, and at first I was reluctant to accept it. For obvious reasons, I just didn't feel like I could measure up. 

The director encouraged me to thoughtfully consider the opportunity. As I did, I began to see it as a way for me to raise my personal bar. I knew that I could not authentically portray this role without developing an even greater love and understanding of the life of Jesus Christ. The thought of increasing my faith and living a more Christlike life thrilled my entire being. 

I accepted the role and began a serious study of His life. This study is bringing a new light to my eyes. I am beginning to see things in a way that I have never seen them before. I am doubtful that I can authentically portray this incredible role model, but the more I seek to follow Him, the more I hear His voice assuring me that He will fill in the gaps of my inadequacies. The incomprehensible is becoming clear and I am seeing how my one voice can add to His glory.

I am not ashamed to say that, now more than ever, I am trying to be like Jesus. In all my searching, I am unable to find a more worthy mentor and role model. 

Merry Christmas

Jesus, is the reason for the season. May those of us who proclaim to be His disciples shine the light of love to the world. May we never engage in judging or condemning others. May each of us remember his great request. He said, "As I have loved you, love one another." Then he told us that our acts of love would be the measure in which others would identify us as His disciples. 

To all who will read this post, I humbly declare that His gospel is a message of peace and goodwill. He wants us to follow His example. He walked the roads of Palestine healing the sick, causing the blind to see, and raising the dead. He wants us to walk in our communities using our gifts and talents to bring others hope and light. When we follow Him, we understand the joy of lifting and building others. He is the Way.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

Celebrating Each Other's Beliefs

The other day, I read in my local paper that Radio Shack was advertising a sales event in conjunction with a Muslim Holiday. Many people were upset with them and were calling for a boycott. I do not really understand this way of thinking.

The desire and right to celebrate Chanukah, or any another religious holiday, does not take away from my desire and right to celebrate Christmas. I feel that there are many truths in the world and I feel at liberty to embrace every truth. Consequently, I don't feel at all shackled by superstition, bigotry or ignorance. This does not mean that I understand all truth, but it does mean that I am willing to search for it without limitation. I never have heard of a person being ignorant for believing too much, but it seems to me that there are quite a few who are ignorant because they believe too little. 

Finding The Way

I love the story of Chanukah. It is called the festival of lights. because it celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, purity over adulteration, and spirituality over materiality. More than twenty-one centuries ago, the Holy Land was ruled by the Syrian-Greeks, who sought to forcefully Hellenize the people of Israel. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth.

When they sought to light the Temple's menorah (i.e turn on the power), they found only a single cruse of olive oil (a one day supply) that had escaped contamination by the Greeks; miraculously, the one-day supply burned for eight days, until new oil could be prepared under conditions of ritual purity. Chanukah commemorates this amazing event.

On Chanukah, faithful Jews recite the Hallel and the Al HaNissim, which are prayers to offer praise and thanksgiving to God for "delivering the strong into the hands of the weak, the many into the hands of the few and the wicked into the hands of the righteous."

Standing For Something

This is a great story from the history of he world that helps all of us remember the power of God. It helps us remember how He treats those who are faithful to His teachings. It helps us remember that even when it is not popular to stand up for what is truth, and even when there are fewer that stand for truth than there are that stand against it, the Lord can and will deliver His people if they are faithful.

Standing for truth does not really mean silencing those who stand for something else. One of the greatest truths is that each of us possess agency, or the ability to choose what we want to be and how we want to live our lives. I truly believe that our right to choose is really the only right we have and the only right that can never be taken away from us. You and I can choose how we want to live our life, but we cannot choose the consequences that come from our choices. The consequences will always follow. Our only option is to choose how we will respond to those consequences. 

I realize that for every truth for which I stand, there is somebody else on the other side opposing my stance by standing for what they believe is truth. This is why I say that my only real right is my right to believe what I want. I believe those that oppose my viewpoint enjoy the same right. I will stand for that right until I die.

Happy Chanukah!

To all those who celebrate Chanukah, I wish you the happiest time with your family and friends. It is my wish that you will remember your heritage and the wonder of that miraculous event when a day's worth of oil lasted eight days and nights. May you always look to the source of that great event.

Live Today! Love Today

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I feel inspired to share the entire text of that proclamation with you today as we prepare to celebrate our day of thanks. It is my prayer, that we, as a nation, and even as a world, can return to regularly acknowledging the hand of God in our lives. I truly believe that happiness comes from following His ways.  

General Thanksgiving – A Proclamation

WHEREAS it is the duty of all nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey His will, to be grateful for His benefits, and humbly to implore His protection and favour; and Whereas both Houses of Congress have, by their joint committee, requested me "to recommend to the people of the United States a DAY OF PUBLIC THANKSGIVING and PRAYER, to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many and single favors of Almighty God, especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness:"

NOW THEREFORE, I do recommend and assign THURSDAY, the TWENTY-SIXTH DAY of NOVEMBER next, to be devoted by the people of these States to the service of that great and glorious Being who is the beneficent author of all the good that was, that is, or that will be; that we may then all unite in rendering unto Him our sincere and humble thanks for His kind care and protection of the people of this country previous to their becoming a nation; for the single and manifold mercies and the favorable interpositions of His providence in the course and conclusion of the late war; for the great degree of tranquility, union, and plenty which we have since enjoyed;– for the peaceable and rational manner in which we have been enabled to establish Constitutions of government for our safety and happiness, and particularly the national one now lately instituted;– for the civil and religious liberty with which we are blessed, and the means we have of acquiring and diffusing useful knowledge;– and, in general, for all the great and various favours which He has been pleased to confer upon us.

And also, that we may then unite in most humbly offering our prayers and supplications to the great Lord and Ruler of Nations and beseech Him to pardon our national and other transgressions;– to enable us all, whether in public or private stations, to perform our several and relative duties properly and punctually; to render our National Government a blessing to all the people by constantly being a Government of wise, just, and constitutional laws, discreetly and faithfully executed and obeyed; to protect and guide all sovereigns and nations (especially such as have shewn kindness unto us); and to bless them with good governments, peace, and concord; to promote the knowledge and practice of true religion and virtue, and the increase of science among them and us; and, generally to grant unto all mankind such a degree of temporal prosperity as he alone knows to be best.

GIVEN under my hand, at the city of New-York, the third day of October, in the year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-nine.

Signed – George Washington

The great questions of this human experience, are answered by developing spiritual intelligence. Its pursuit focuses us, on personal meaning making experiences. This practice, makes it possible for each of us to know what we want, and more importantly, who we want to become, which enables the spiritually intelligent individual to clearly express what his or her impact in the world will be. 

Spiritual Exercises

I often speak of a set of behaviors that help us develop spiritual intelligence. I like to call them, spiritual exercises. It is not a term I coined. I discovered it when I read the biography of Ignatius Loyola, the founder of the Jesuit Movement.

Loyola practiced a month long program of meditations, prayers, considerations, and contemplative practices. He said that the exercises were the foundation of his spirituality. Though he had a system that worked for himself, he encouraged others to follow their own hearts and develop their own individual programs. He believed that if a person chose his own method, he would more likely conform to it. 

I took his suggestion to heart and developed my own exercises. One of the things I decided to do is to study the sacred writings of the various faiths of the world. I wanted to get to know the minds of their great leaders, the doctrines that define them, and the teachings that inspire them. It is proving to be a very rewarding experience. I am constantly uplifted by the beautiful messages and the many similarities that exist between the many different groups. It is hard to believe that they all could be wrong on so many different things. 

The Mystery of Equanimity

I recently read The Essential Kabbalah by Daniel C. Matt. I came across a passage that stopped me in my tracks. I found it to be mysterious and did not really understand what it meant. The passage reads as follows:

"Whoever attains the mysteries of cleaving to God will attain the mystery of equanimity, and if one attains the mystery of equanimity, one will attain the mystery of aloneness."

I was pretty confused by the word equanimity. I looked it up because I didn’t really know what it meant. I knew by its root that it must have something to do with being equal, but even the definition did not really help me understand the meaning of the above sentence. After pondering the question for a while, I decided to continue reading. I came upon a new passage that answered my query by sharing an ancient story.

A lover of wisdom came to one who secluded himself in meditation and asked to be accepted as one of them. The master replied, "My son, may you be blessed from heaven, for your intention is good. But let me know: Have you attained equanimity or not?

He responded, "Master, clarify your words."

He explained, "My son, if one person honors you and another humiliates you, are the two equal in your eyes or not?"

He answered, ‘By the life of your soul, my master! I do feel pleasure and satisfaction from the one who honors me and pain from the one who humiliates me – but I am not vengeful, nor do I bear a grudge."

The master said, "My son, go away in peace. For as long as you have not attained equanimity and still feel humiliation from something done to you, you are not ready for your thoughts to be linked on high. You are not ready to come and seclude yourself in meditation. But go and humble your heart further, genuinely, until you attain equanimity. Then you can experience aloneness."

Raising The Bar

This is a goal that I am striving to attain. It is not an easy pursuit. Humiliation is a difficult pill to swallow and it happens frequently. For me, it is much easier to practice equanimity with those who are further away from me, and much more difficult to practice it with those closest to me. Their offenses sting so much more deeply. It is very hard to receive it without feeling that pain, let alone seeing it as equal to the appreciation that I feel from being honored. 

I am growing in this area, and I am learning many lessons. Learning to see all forms of feedback as equal is opening my eyes to so many improvements I can make to become my very best. I still find myself feeling defensive, but that feeling is quickly becoming a sign to pause and truly hear what is being said. Some of the most difficult messages are proving to be the most life giving message. They are providing me with the impetus I need to look inward and to focus on what I need to do raise my own personal bar.

The Quantum Leap

With each step, a new understanding is entering my core. It is something that I really did not expect.

Initially I thought that learning to see honor and humiliation as the same would free me from worrying about how others interpreted my behavior. My hallucination was that because I was developing equanimity, others should too. To me, this meant that how they chose to see my actions was their own responsibility. If they felt humiliated and got upset about it, then that was their fault.

The "aha" moment came when I discovered that developing equanimity gave me a greater capacity to love others. Seeing the value in the feedback helped me appreciate the person who was willing to give it to me. I see now that when I can successfully remove the honor or the humiliation from the words, and more importantly from the messenger, then I can begin to see what is really going on around me. This new level of awareness is bringing light to my understanding. I am nowhere near perfection yet, but I can see progress being made. That inspires me to stick with it.

Invitation To Progress

My invitation is for each of us to consider our responses to the feedback we receive.

Are you able to learn from your fanatics and your critics? If so, how do you show gratitude for their voices? If not, what is preventing you from seeing how these messages can really help you grow?

This is not an easy process, but it is worth it. Each step along this path brings us closer to reaching our true potential. That is a trail I expect to be on a long time.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

I recently invited all of my virtual connections to come and see me perform the role of Joseph in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Tommy received the invitation and decided to contact me. He wanted to know if I would be willing to be interviewed so he could write an article about the upcoming performance for Canyon News, an online publication dedicated to delivering the news without a political slant or agenda. They are especially focused on printing positive stories and have vowed to never printing anything that is demeaning to another human being. 

My Lucky Break

One of my favorite lines that I sing in the play is that "anyone from anywhere can make it if they get a lucky break." I see Tommy’s request as one of the many lucky breaks that bless my life. 

Canyon News serves the greater area of Beverly Hills and Tommy normally writes about famous people and what is going on in their lives. He told me that he likes to interview people who have something going on in their lives. He said he especially likes to "write about people who should be famous, people who are actually doing positive things." That is why he chose me so that he could live according to his mission, which is to "promote positive people".

The Power of Prayer

The most amazing thing happened the day before I received Tommy’s request. My friend Eddie made a commitment to me. He told me that he is going to pray everyday that I will be successful in bringing my business ideas and dreams to the world. He said that he is going to pray that people would begin to recognize the positive things that I am doing so that I can get my message out. He said, "I am going to pray that you and your work will become famous. Of course I was thankful for this declaration and that I knew it would help me, but I must admit, I did not expect it to yield immediate results.

Imagine my surprise when Tommy, a complete stranger to Eddy used nearly the exact same words that Eddy used just the day before. I was even more surprised when I found that Tommy’s articles regularly draw the attention of over 4 million readers each week. I was stunned. I sent a note to Eddy telling him thanks and to keep praying for me. He assured me that he would and said, "this is only the beginning."

Spiritual Exercises

I often use this forum to talk about the power of developing spiritual intelligence. Prayer is one of the exercises that helps us develop spiritual strength. It is an active exercise that requires faith. If we want the blessings of God, then we must approach him in prayer. It is a sign of those who believe in him. Many of us, never have been taught to pray. We don’t know how to do it, so we don’t do it. I think that is sad, because it really is not that difficult. All we really have to do is talk to God. It is tempting to only ask for the things that we stand in need of, but the most meaningful prayers also include thanking God for the many things we receive that truly bless our lives.

Do you pray? Do you know how to talk with God? If not, are you willing to give it a shot? The only rule is that you must be willing to understand that God answers prayers according to His will. I am a witness that He answers every pray, but he doesn’t answer yes every time. The answers to our prayers may not always be the way we imagined or hoped them to be, but I am certain that He will answer them in the way that we need it most. I know this, because I have experienced this tender mercy in my own life. Prayer works.

Perhaps the topic of prayer is uncomfortable for some of you. I understand. It is not my intent to make you feel uncomfortable, I simply desire to share with you something that is special to me, something that I believe is one of the best parts of me. I believe that by doing so, it makes it possible for us to develop an intimate relationship with each other. You don’t have to agree with me to be my friend, but if you really want to know me, this is a big par of who I am. Don’t worry if you have other ideas or thoughts, I love you just the way you are. And I truly believe that if we were all the same, there would be no need for all of us.

Live Today! Love Today!

Andrew Thorn

760-559-3548

"I think the greatest discovery will be made along spiritual lines. Here is a force which history clearly teaches has been the greatest power in the development of men. Yet we have merely been playing with it and have never seriously studied it as we have the physical forces. Someday, people will learn that material things do not bring happiness and are of little use in the making men and women creative and powerful. Then the scientists of the world will turn their laboratories over to the study of God and prayer and the spiritual forces, which as of yet have hardly been scratched. When this day comes, the world will see more advancement in one generation that it has seen in the past four."

"spiritual intelligence is a set of adaptive mental capacities specifically related to the nature of one’s existence, personal meaning, transcendence, and heightened states of consciousness. When applied, these processes are adaptive in their ability to facilitate unique means of problem-solving, abstract-reasoning, and coping."