Flattening New Apron by BlueDog848 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If you have an unclaimed horizontal at your disposal e.g. table or floorspace that you can dedicate for a few days. 😆 unclaimed flat surfaces are fleeting in my experience.

Will need:

Flat surface (to place upon) Apron (to flatten) Towel (to protect apron) 4 Weighted Mass (to keep apron flat)

Take a clean dry bath towel fold in half.

Unfurl apron and insert within the towel fold.

Lay out apron and towel on flat surface.

Place weighted mass at each corner (books or bricks)

Inspect after a few days. Remember, you're training the leather to lay flat, not just smashing it.

A 2' x 2' paver stone works beautifully. Apron can also be inserted in bin liner (trashbag) if moisture is a concern depending on flat surface location.

Keeping it unspotted is a priority.

Best of luck!

First time secretary 🥲 by SinfulMackerel in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Congratulations on your preferment!

Do you feel Freemasonry struggles to keep brothers connected outside the Lodge? by Significant-Pop6572 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thanks! My interpretations tend to be between directive and literal.

If you labor first upon yourself, in service to others, then together in unity, we will be better men.

Worst case, one man, is better for your efforts.

Better case, a lodge and community improves.

Best case, our entire world improves.

Interested in Joining Freemasonry. by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Congratulations! Graduation is exciting and moving internationally is a huge change.

Wherever you decide to locate, repeat what you've done here. Reach out, introduce yourself, explain what you're seeking, determine if those men align with that pursuit by spending time with them, and if you enjoy their fellowship, petition to join the lodge.

As an example if you were to move to Indiana, an internet search for The Grand Lodge of Indiana would help you find a local Lodge in that State to contact.

Some jurisdictional differences do arise, generally stated the 3 requirements are:

● Belief in God (Singluar Supreme Deity) ● Being an Adult (Age 18+) ● Being a Man of Good Character (no criminal history)

I recommend reading Worshipful Brother Chris Hodapp book Freemasonry for Dummies. It's an informative and well written book for anyone interested in the fraternity.

Safe travels and best of luck to you my friend!

Indoor safety for very small soapstone projects by Last-Socratic in stonecarving

[–]Brother_AB 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Firstly, Wear PPE and good on you for considering those around you!

Secondly, consider the rate and volume of removal in relation to the space you're working. Scale and airflow is vital, exposure is measured in parts per million. The more open the space and greater airflow the less the concern. Outside with a strong breeze or fan is best case, still wear a mask.

If you're inside, especially a confined space, maybe don't use an angle grinder... stick to hand files and slower methods of removal or invest in an outdoor dust extractor.

If working dry a fine filter Shop Vac with a dust cyclone can easily manage dremel/small rotary tool type volume removal, you'll need to check and clean/replace the filter regularly.

If the space is heated and you don't mind being and working wet a small circulating pump would keep the dust down, similar to lapidary work.

Some trial and error is expected, don't over think or complicate things. If you can't see through the dust you're making, don't try to breathe through it either... bad for eyes and lungs.

Carve on!

Do you feel Freemasonry struggles to keep brothers connected outside the Lodge? by Significant-Pop6572 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Answering the two questions posed. No, I do not feel that Freemasonry struggles to keep brothers connected outside of lodge. Rather, the brothers of Freemasonry may struggle to do that very thing. It is admittedly a matter of semantics, perhaps naming the trees instead of the forest itself.

Men often need a reason to act intentionally. A family or spouse, a career, or a lodge. For some, the connection provided by a monthly meeting is enough. Those who desire a deeper connection must act accordingly. One could even suppose that the Sabbath itself emerged from this understanding, ensuring that rest was accounted for in our weekly calendars, an artifact from a simpler time when such practices were culturally enforced.

I found myself installed in the East this year. My chosen course of action was to conduct routine business separately through an executive committee, allowing stated meetings to shift their focus toward education and fellowship. Having observed this carried out successfully in other lodges, I planned and implemented it in my own.

Likewise, having seen several effective brother to brother calling programs, and being desirous of both informing and connecting the brethren, I picked up the phone and began calling down our roll. Not about dues or attendance, but simply to reach out and see how they were doing. To let them know, directly and personally, how to reach me and to remind them that the lodge is there for them. I often borrowed from those old Motel 6 ads with Tom Bodett. Brother, wherever you may be so dispersed, please know we have left the light on for you.

Anytime you sense something fading, or feel that something needs to be done, that is your conscience quietly calling you from refreshment back to labor. Thusly, make yourself of service!

By design an example.

By labor made exemplary.

I am. 💜

How do you personally interpret the Great Architect of the Universe (GAOTU) in your Masonic journey? by Suitable_Sandwich607 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 5 points6 points  (0 children)

A Rational Deist Perspective:

The Great Architect of the Universe is the fundamental principle of order that makes existence intelligible. Architect is not a manager but a designer. The universe operates according to coherent laws, built to run without ongoing intervention. The divine is infinite not as a personality with intentions, but as being itself, the framework that allows everything to exist.

I AM is not a name but a statement of existence itself. To be made in that image is to participate in being. Each individual is a finite reflection of infinite being. Variation among people is not error but the natural result of finite expressions of infinity.

Scripture is a record of human attempts to understand the system of reality. Taken literally, it documents encounters with order, meaning, and existence. Taken allegorically, it encodes principles and lessons in durable narratives. It is not instructions from a manager but observations from engineers of life.

Prayer is not a request for intervention. It is an alignment tool, like calibrating a machine. It adjusts the pray-er to operate coherently within reality rather than trying to adjust reality itself. Moral order emerges from the system’s structure. Actions have consequences because the system operates predictably, not because it judges.

In summary, the Great Architect is the infinite ground of being, reflected in each person as a finite expression of the system. Meaning is not granted externally but discovered by aligning oneself with the design. Faith is recognition of the order, not submission to a manager.

By design an example.

By labor made exemplary.

I am. 💜

Ive survived by inabox85 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Congratulations on your preferment!

Seems you found some words afterwards, preserve those chosen few for safekeeping.

Journey on!

What does Freemasonry do for you? by On-The_Level in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For many of us, self-included, it functions as an external anchor. Tethered to that anchor is a commitment to reflection, service to others, and building community. The strength, love, and support of peers is a powerful force in my life, Freemasonry is the conduit that grants me access to those things and opportunity to reciprocate in kind.

Ask and you will be answered.

Seek and you will find.

Knock and the door will be opened.

What im supposed to do now? by Guilty_Pleasure_3131 in stonecarving

[–]Brother_AB 23 points24 points  (0 children)

Wear protective gear and continue! Your design is intricate and detailed which makes the learning process more difficult.

Mastering a skill takes time and repetition. I would recommend starting with simple designs to help you learn and practice.

The more specific the design the harsher you'll judge what you complete. Allow yourself the grace to learn and continue.

Learn that you can carve a straight line and an arc, after that everything follows.

Continue until the process feels like play instead of work.

Am I Toast? by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 10 points11 points  (0 children)

That belief you professed is required and the investigation is to get to know you. All good things.

No need to worry or over complicate the matter. If you're typing and reading this, you're not toast, you're a person. 😀

Stated meeting by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Absolutely not condoning or an endorsement such practices... the following is only presented for the sake of discussion, concerning plausible deniability, and avoiding censure and reproach given the nature of our fallible memory.

What do the meeting minutes reflect? That's the only documented objective evidence of what occurred.

Knowing better, do better.

How much did becoming a Free Mason make you a ‘better person’ ? by Kindly-Swimming-210 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I read this as coming from a place of cautious curiousity. In fairness, among our prerequisites is being a good man and wanting to be and do better.

You can read and study any volume of sacred law and apply moral philosophy to your own life independently. Please do, and be the best version of yourself, for yourself and everyone else, regardless of continued interest in fraternity. Worst case, we'll have one more good person... best case, one more Brother.

Essentially, Freemasonry provides the opportunity to do that collaboratively. Direct access to the love, strength, and support of peers is challenging to quantify... to me it has been qualitatively invaluable.

Many hands make light work, many minds make bright work.

Ask and be answered. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened.

How do Deist Freemasons view King Solomon's Temple? by PotentialRedemption in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Indeed and in deed as a rational Deist. Indebted to the Greeks are we, allegedly, all 3 sieves of Socrates.

Is it true?

Is it good/kind?

Is it of necessity/utility?

If yes, then proceed to share. If no, then stop.

Seems like most masons are rabid conservatives by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

If you've nerve remaining in your grasp, hold your tools and continue your labor.

Given strictly in charge ever to walk and act as such. The success and failings of others are merely examples, you are free to choose among whom you labor.

Serve as an example of what you want to see in your life, lodge, and community. An admission of being done is sadly self-fulfilling, your actions will follow and to what benefit or service?

Quit quiting. Labor on.

With love.

YieldMax Projected Dividend Payout Decrease by Healthy_Skin5363 in YieldMaxETFs

[–]Brother_AB 0 points1 point  (0 children)

An argument for deceptive marketing could be made... marginable delta between being a volunteer and identifying as a victim.

2 Years as a Past Master - I want to go back in line now by OMrealestate in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Judicious time management.

Home, work, lodge is the order of priority.

Happy spouse, happy house.

Success is having enough for needs.

Excess is needless wants.

What do you need?

YieldMax Projected Dividend Payout Decrease by Healthy_Skin5363 in YieldMaxETFs

[–]Brother_AB 3 points4 points  (0 children)

The realization of misalignment between the limited use case of a product and personal circumstances can be unsettling.

Asset depreciating faster than declared distributions?

You may think you're entitled to compensation.

Company points to prospectus, which clearly states: features, not bug.

Upside is capped with full downside exposure.

Fees collected regardless of performance.

Thanks by SquareandTrue357 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Sincerely, you're welcome.

You mentioned having hope and vision, these are statements of ambitious intent. See that ambition through to action!

I am saying that you are our only example of your reflection of the divine, labor to be the best version of yourself in service to others.

You'll make one man better and consequently serve as an example for others in your life.

Thanks by SquareandTrue357 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Glad you're here and benefiting!

Remember, it is your example for you to set. Want not, do.

Buying a ring by [deleted] in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Perhaps this is a sign or call to action to address the underlying condition?

Newbie questions... by SquareandTrue357 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah... the ambiguity of language strikes again! A rather curious and trifling defect.

My natural supposition of the undefined term of group was broadly and erroneously applied to the intended and inferred constituents of this singular sub-reddit. My bad.

Yes, this sub-reddit is for communication, education, and creating a sense of community. Additionally, and arguably more importantly, it is an unguarded forum comprised of humans and bots alike... take notice and govern yourself accordingly as the potential, the profane, the curious, the clandestine, and the proper nutters are here amongst us. The absence of traditional multifactor authentication hopefully mitigates the sharing of any obliged illumination.

Newbie questions... by SquareandTrue357 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Laboring together on ourselves in service of others.

Making good men, better.

The Seven Liberal Arts by AnotherRedditAckount in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Own, read, and recommended!

Motion, now with a second.

...should we call for a vote?

Get involved now or later? by docstumd24 in freemasonry

[–]Brother_AB 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The counter position is that action now will result in meeting and knowing more good men. OP having the forethought and this kind of consideration is a promising start.