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Bro. Chris Hodapp has a new poll at his Freemasons for Dummies blog asking Masons if there is just ONE appendant group that they could join, what would it be?
A tough question especially that most Masons are interested in joining both of the most well known appendant bodies- the York Rite, and the Scottish Rite. But in this poll scenario, there could only be one.
Anyway, I am one of those Masons which some may refer to as "esoterically inclined". I enjoy researching the works of Manly P. Hall and Albert Pike and because of that inclination, I'm kind of leaning towards joining the Scottish Rite.
But then again, knowing that there is no higher degree than the Sublime Degree of a Master Mason (aka the 3rd Degree), I find myself questioning my desire to gain more degrees beyond the Third.
So I guess I'll pass on this poll for now, but in 2 years, if my Lodge will have me, I will serve as the Master. And when my term is over, maybe I'll think about joining the "higher" bodies. But for now, I'm happy with my position as a self-fashioned Blue Lodge Fundamentalist.
I'm not very good with words so from time to time I like to express my thoughts through art such as this one. I hope you will enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it.
S&F,
John Paul Gomez
Doric Lodge No. 316
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FraternalTies would like to congratulate Living Stones Masonic Magazine on its first year Anniversary. Living Stones is a monthly magazine for Freemasons dedicated to the pursuit of Masonic enlightenment through education. Featuring articles from our generations foremost Masonic authors such as Bro. Timothy Hogan (The Alchemical Keys to Masonic Ritual), Bro. Cliff Porter (The Secret Psychology of Freemasonry), Bro. John S. Nagy (The Building Better Builder Book Series), Bro. Andrew Hammer (Observing The Craft), and many more! Living Stones is published by Bro. Robert Herd. Please visit the Living Stones Magazine website for more information.
Could it be possible that the Book of Revelations is referring to the code of carbon based (aka material) life? 
I met a dear old man today
Who wore a Masonic pin.
It was old and faded like the man
Its edges were worn quite thin
I approached the park bench where he sat
To give the old brother his due
I said, "I see you've traveled east."
He said, "I have, have you?"
I said, "I have and in my day
Before the all seeing sun
I played in the rubble of Jubala
Jubilo, and Jubalum."
He shouted, "Don't laugh at the work my son.
It's good and sweet and true.
And if you've traveled as you have said
You should give these things a due.
"The word, the sign, the token,
The sweet Masonic prayer,
The vow that all have taken
Who have climbed the inner stair.
"The wages of a Mason
are never paid in gold.
But the gain comes from contentment
when you're weak and growing old.
"You see I've carried my obligation
for almost fifty years.
It has helped me through the hardships
and the failures full of tears.
"Now I'm losing my mind and my body.
Death is near but I don't despair.
I've lived my life upon the level
And I'm dying upon the square."
Sometimes the greatest lessons
Are those that are learned anew
And the old man in the park today
has changed my point of view.
To all Masonic Brothers
The only secret is to care.
May you live upon the level.
May you part upon the square.
I want to express my sincerest gratitude to Bro. Arnie Cade and the members of Tupelo Masonic Lodge. No. 318, Tupelo, Mississippi for entrusting me to design their Official Lodge Seal. I also would like to thank them for publishing my bio which you may read by clicking this link. Thank you very much for everything.
Looks like this one is about to go viral! Thanks for all the likes and shares! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151283887905344&l=f45407c59f
Steve Wozniak
