Hostility

Inevitably, we run into hostile people.  And they can be easy to dismiss, unless...

...they are a co-worker, and employer, family members, or a fellow Freemason!

What is an effective way to handle them, while maintaining your obligations?

Uncut Diamond

Have you ever seen an uncut diamond?

Imagine what you could make with just some simple working tools!

Is Freemasonry Dying out?

"I dunno... it just seems 'irrelephant.'"

Is Freemasonry dying out?

Absurd

 

Release the Quacken!

If you let your problems grow out of control, they become a public spectacle for everyone!

What is a better way to handle this?

Archaic Ideas

There is a point where holding on to archaic ideas becomes ridiculous.

But some of our traditions should be maintained.

How can we discern the difference?

Etymology

Etymology

effort (n.)

late 15c., "laborious attempt, strenuous exertion," from Middle French effort, from Old French esforz "force impetuosity, strength, power," verbal noun from esforcier "force out, exert oneself," from Vulgar Latin *exfortiare "to show strength" (source of Italian sfortza), from Latin ex "out" (see ex-)+ Latin fortis "strong" (see fort).

So remember, that effort is literally "a force to be reckoned with."

Old English - Norman French

Many of the words used in our ritual come from "Old English." Which comes from "Norman French."

Why do you think we are still using these old words, in such a modern time period?

7.0 Earthquake - Alaska

"Umm... Worshipful Master, I may not be able to make it to Lodge this evening.

Yeah... something has kind of 'come up.'"

In the days following a7.0 earthquake, I am happy to report that there have been no major injuries, no looting, and no earthquake related deaths.

Peace and harmony is prevailing.

Picture of: Vine Rd., Matanuska-Susitna Valley, Alaska

Cinder-Block

A cinder-block is the pseudo-ashlar used by cowans.

They are made of casting cement that is formed into a hollow block.

A mold is used to perfect the cement's shape, not the other way around.

Why does it not work this way?

Inculcate

If "inculcate" means "teaching an idea by persistent instruction," how can I learn anything if I don't keep working at it?

Calvin & Hobbes - Apprentices - Part 2 of 2

...they may end up finding that they are extraordinarily good at what they've learned.

Calvin & Hobbes - Apprentices - Part 1 of 2

Apprentices should be careful when trying something new...

Calvin & Hobbes - Veteran's Day

"Is there a difference between 'Veterans Day' and 'Memorial Day?'"

"Yes, but I think they cost the same."

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.
- John 15:13

Calvin & Hobbes - Wasted Time

What if I told you,

"There is no such thing as wasted time?"

Calvin & Hobbes - Other Things

The more meetings you schedule, the more time you take.

Try to remember that there are other things to do.

Calvin & Hobbes - Mystery & Mastery

The real "mystery" about "Mastery..."

… is that the most difficult part, is just finding your path.

Calvin & Hobbes - Stated Business Meetings

"How Boring."

Stated Business Meetings

What can be done to change this problem?

Calvin & Hobbes - Etymology

"Etymology is the study of the origins of words and the way in which their meanings have changed throughout history."

"If the meanings of words have changed throughout history, why do we still try to apply current definitions to older texts, and think we understand their meaning?"

Calvin & Hobbes - Abstract Thinking

Is abstract thinking considered chaotic, or orderly?

Turnout

After Brother Skippy took months and months to organize an event for all of the Masons in his area...

… this was the turnout.

Why does this happen?

Vice or Superfluity?

At what point does it stop being a leisure activity, and start becoming a Vice or Superfluity?

Apprentice Work

"Excellent work!  Your schedule shows time for work, family, lodge, leisure, even refreshment and sleep!"

What other ways can you implement Entered Apprentice Work at your Lodge?

Scheduled Out?

Monday

Stated Meeting

Tuesday

Finance Committee Meeting

Wednesday

York Rite Meeting

Thursday

Shrine Meeting

Friday

Scottish Rite Meeting

Saturday

Masonic Event

Sunday

Fall asleep studying for Monday's 3rd Degree

Did you forget something?

Setting Maul

A "Setting Maul" is an instrument used to force Ashlars into place.

This is alluded to in our drama by a distinct individual.

What usually happens in situations of forced compliance?

Goat Simulator - Masonic DLC

Goat Simulator

Masonic DLC Coming Soon

Pulled On or Off?

Is the man being pulled onto the platform to be like everyone else, or, is he being pulled off the platform to be different?

Which direction would you go?  It's your decision.

What is a Bourn?

To grunt and sweat under a weary life,
But that the dread of something after death-
The undiscover'd country, from whose bourn
No traveler returns- puzzles the will,

And makes us rather bear those ills we have

Than fly to others that we know not of?

What is the real definition?

Bourne Identity?

This is a warning to all travelers!

If you encounter this man in an "undiscovered country," you may not return!

Cable Tow

Masons like to say: "I'll just pull on his cable-tow a little bit..." when they are talking about asking a brother for some of their time.

Just remember that if you feel the "pull," the cable-tow is already taught!

Emotion vs. Logic

It can be difficult to maintain respectful during a disagreement.

If you do not, you end up prioritizing emotion over logic.

Integrity

Ruffians come in many different forms.

They all have one thing in common...

...they want something from you in exchange for your integrity.

Fake Bricks

As you mature, through the craft of Masonry, you will see that it becomes more important to have real brothers, as opposed to superficial ones.

Combination Lock

Memorizing each degree's posting lecture, is like learning each number on a combination lock.

Once you know the combination, you still have to know the right way to apply it.

Maturity

You don't know what the craft of Masonry is all about?

Let me spell it out for you.

Working Tools

 It's frustrating to watch a Brother intentionally put his working tools away.

It's even more frustrating when they never picked them up to begin with.

How can we help our Fellow-Craftsmen in picking up their tools?

Zodiac Clock

And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:

- Genesis 1:14

Surprise Problems

Avoiding issues and problems will allow them to stack up, and surprise you when you least expect it.

Once you step in and address the problems directly, you find that further problems become easier to resolve.

Esotericism

Esoteric Knowledge 101

If you want to understand esoteric knowledge, you have to first study, and learn, one step at a time.

Transgenderism

 

Masonic Challenge

Have an open discussion at your lodge regarding the official policy of transgenderism in Masonic Lodges.

Inculcate

 in•cul•cate

verb

instill (an attitude, idea, or habit) by persistent instruction.

"the failures of the churches to inculcate a sense of moral responsibility."

synonyms:  implant in, fix in, impress in, imprint in;

teach (someone) an attitude, idea, or habit by persistent instruction.

"they will try to inculcate you with a respect for culture."

Way of life?

 Is Masonry considered a way of life?

Vices and Superfluities

Vices and Superfluities are behaviors.

What say you?

Charity

The best description of charity we have comes from the book of

1st Corinthians, Chapter 13 (KJV)

Why then is our modern view on charity all about monetary donations?

Curmudgeons

 The ol' "curmudgeons" at your lodge may seem like they disapprove...
...but realize that they went "through it" as well.

Just keep in mind that they are trying to maintain standards, as well as assist you in becoming a better Mason.

What say you?

Masonic Astronomy

For those who want a presentation for their Lodges, or even those who need to see the "research."

Please follow the link provided in the message.

Masonic Astronomy - Blue Lodge
 

Numbers 2 - The Cross Explained

What if you found out something new regarding the nature of this symbol?

Would it compromise your faith, or would it strengthen it in a different way?

 

What if I told you the truth was hidden in plain sight?

Numbers 2 - The Cross

What if you found out something new regarding the nature of this symbol?

Would it compromise your faith, or would it strengthen it in a different way?

Kit Kat Traveler

 What kind of subtle differences have you found when traveling to other jurisdictions?

Family

When you start to understand Masonry, you will start to realize that there is much more to life than Freemasonry.