Harmony Lodge #340

10/17/2026

10/17/2026

We often judge ourselves by our intentions, while judging others by the impact of their actions. We know what we meant. They know how it felt.

Freemasonry calls us to examine both.

A cutting remark disguised as honesty. A Brother interrupted before he can finish his thought. A sarcastic joke that earns a laugh at someone else’s expense.

We may move on within minutes, satisfied that we spoke the truth or simply meant to be funny.

We are the axe. We forget.

But the person receiving those words may carry them long after the conversation ends. They may remember the embarrassment, the dismissal, or the disappointment of being hurt by someone they trusted.

They are the tree.

The common gavel reminds us to work on our own rough edges. That work includes our temper, our pride, and the way we speak to others.

Being right does not excuse being cruel. Good intentions do not erase harm. And our ability to move past an interaction does not mean the other person has healed from it.

Brotherly Love, Relief, and Truth should be evident in our conduct. Sometimes relief begins with refusing to add to another person’s burdens. Sometimes truth requires admitting that our own behavior fell short.

These responsibilities extend beyond our Brethren. Every person we encounter deserves the courtesy and consideration our Masonic values teach us to practice.

When we cause harm, the work continues through listening, offering a sincere apology, and changing our conduct. We cannot demand that someone forget simply because we are ready to move on.

Before delivering that sharp remark, pause and ask:

**“Is the satisfaction of these few words worth the scar they may leave?”**

*Inspired by the proverb, “The axe forgets; the tree remembers.”*

10/16/2026

YOUR WORD IS A WORKING TOOL

Don Miguel Ruiz wrote:

"Avoid using the word to speak against yourself or to gossip about others. Use the power of your word in the direction of truth and love."

There is a remarkably Masonic lesson in that.

We spend considerable time learning to govern our actions.

But what about our words?

A Brother can build another man with a sentence.

He can also tear him down with one.

Gossip is particularly dangerous because it often disguises itself as fellowship.

"Did you hear about Brother so-and-so?"

"Don't repeat this, but…"

"Between you and me…"

And before long, we're using our tongues to create disharmony in the very place where we're supposed to be building Brotherhood.

But Ruiz's lesson goes deeper.

Stop using your words against yourself, too.

I'm not good enough.

I'll never be able to learn that ritual.

I'm too old.

I'm too inexperienced.

Nobody wants to hear what I have to say.

I don't belong here.

Sometimes the most destructive voice a man encounters is his own.

Our Working Tools teach us to remove what is unnecessary, correct what is out of square, establish boundaries and devote our time toward becoming better men.

Perhaps we should occasionally apply those tools to the words we speak—including the words we speak internally.

And there's another powerful part of Ruiz's teaching:

"Nothing others do is because of you. What others say and do is a projection of their own reality."

That doesn't mean criticism should always be ignored. Sometimes another Brother sees something in us that genuinely needs correcting.

The wise man examines criticism without allowing it to define him.

Take what is useful.

Examine yourself honestly.

Correct what needs correcting.

And leave the rest where it belongs.

That's a form of self-mastery.

Before speaking about another Brother, ask:

Is it true?

Is it necessary?

Am I building something—or am I tearing something down?

And before speaking against yourself, perhaps ask the same questions.

The tongue may not appear among the Working Tools laid before us…

But learning to govern it might be some of the most important work we ever undertake.

Build with your words, Brethren.

Especially when the man you're speaking to is the man in the mirror.

10/16/2026

10/16/2026

🎃🎬 THIRD TIME’S THE CHARM, PIKEVILLE! 🎬🎃

Mother Nature may have won the first two Saturdays of October, but we’re ready to FINALLY get Pikeville Pictures in the Park on the big screen! 🙌

We may see a little rain Saturday morning, but the forecast is looking much better by evening — so we’re planning to fire up the projector, pop the popcorn, and welcome everyone back to Dee’s Memorial Park for our FIRST movie night of the month!

And after making you wait this long, we figured one movie just wouldn’t cut it. 😎

🐾 7:30 PM — SCOOBY-DOO!
🧙‍♀️ 9:00 PM — HOCUS POCUS!

🎟️ Admission is completely FREE!
🍿 Concessions available for purchase
🪑 Bring your chairs & blankets
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Bring the whole family
📍 Dee’s Memorial Park | Pikeville, NC

We’ve battled rain, changed schedules, shuffled movies, and probably checked the weather app more times than any reasonable person should. 😂 But Saturday night, we’re ready to make it happen!

Come early, grab your spot, pick up some snacks, and settle in for TWO Halloween favorites under the stars.

After two weekends of cancellations, Pikeville — WE’VE GOT SOME MOVIES TO WATCH! 🎃🍿👻

Share this post and help us pack the park!