Ruminations from the Temple

Something about the beach makes us truly alive. Our memories of the ocean will linger on, long after our footprints in the sand are gone. photo by Padawan :-)

When I was young, I tried to keep a diary. I had a small diary complete with the lock and tiny key, in fact I probably had several. Many times I would try to record my thoughts, in fits and starts, only to rip out the pages deeming them nothing but trash. Are you really supposed to go back and read these things? I hated to...my own words always sounded so silly and useless. What was the point of that? However, with modern technology, anyone can keep a diary, or journal as is a more updated term, online and public. A diary...public? Doesn't anyone want to keep their private thoughts, well...private? Apparently not, at least it wouldn't seem so. Just google the term 'diary' and you will see pages and pages of both new and old personal writings available for public consumption. My favorite published diary, of course, is the Diary of Anne Frank. I'm sure she never figured her writings would be made public, but I for one am glad I had the chance to read her

One foot in front of another. Slowly watching as the water is pressed out of the sand under the pressure of each step; footprints recorded temporarily in the gritty ground beneath my feet. The crashing noise of the water, waves rushing towards me and stopping just short of catching me. Slamming water against water, shallowly sneaking along the shore, reaching towards my feet and further. Loud enough to drown out the torrent of doubt that beleaguer my thoughts, my rationale. The wind plays with my hair, creating it's own idea of style. Gentle but insistent, begging me to turn my face towards it and breathe it into myself. The Spirit is waiting, coaxing me to stop and listen. Listen to the wind, not biting but cleansing. Bits and pieces washed upon the shore catch my attention, reminding me of the souls surrounding me. Unique shells, some broken and sad, some whole and gleaming. Smooth pebbles that are so inviting to slip into your pocket, so comfortable and familiar.

"You will know them by their fruits. Grapes are not gathered from thorn bushes nor figs from thistles, are they?" " Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or make the tree bad and its fruit bad; for the tree is known by its fruit." "Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh." "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law." Is this possible? Can we have the audacity to look at those around us and watch for what fruit comes from their lives? We can all instantly think of someone who produces good fruit. They give of themselves, speak kindness, are welcoming and compassionate. But what about those that don't exhibit these qualities? We are to be aware, to know , them by observing their behavior and what comes from their life. Does strife, conflict a

"...and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, not forsaking our own assembling together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another; and all the more as you see the day drawing near." Believers in Messiah the world over are familiar with this verse from the writer to the Hebrews, especially if you regularly attend weekly services. Who hasn't been niggled with guilt for staying home to watch the football game of the season, or taking a day just for yourself on your chosen day of worship instead of sitting in the pew? I have been faced with these words more and more recently.  I ponder these words and wonder what was the original motivation of the author. They obviously were very familiar with human behavior, or else they would not have had to record the admonition. In my own mind, it is a no- brainer to think that we are to encourage each other; not only in the faith that sustains us, but in bearing one another's burde

This past weekend, while at Norwescon , I was interviewed for an internet magazine. The gentleman was interviewing all kinds of folks and I guess he liked my smile. I have to admit I was a little nervous about being filmed and recorded. My mom always told me on picture day not to smile too big - I'm positive I muffed it this time, Mom. Anyway, in light of current events of which I've talked too much about here on the blog, I feel that there are questions that are just begging to be asked. Well, sorta. Perhaps you will see what I mean... Q: So, how did you acquire the, um...unique name of Hendel D'bu ? A: It is actually a mix of my real name. Hend is taken from my married last name, and el is the first two letters of my given first name. The D'bu part is a little more tricky; D is the first letter of my mother's maiden name and the bu part is the first two letters of my city of birth. So, now you know. Just to make it look and sound more Star W

Pain is a funny thing. OK, so probably funny isn't the right word, but it is interesting to ponder. We have all experienced it, both physical and mental or emotional. It can be a dull, persistent pain that just won't leave you alone, or a sharp stab of sensation that takes your breath away. It can be intermittent and hard to pinpoint or so specific that you can't even look at the affected area without wincing. Sometimes seeing stars, nausea or washes of red can accompany pain, and if it's really severe, the body just shuts down completely leaving you unconscious. I just don't see much difference in physical pain and emotional pain, to be honest. The pain of betrayal and hurt leaves a person stunned, shell-shocked even. What follows is a parade of tears, anger, outbursts, melancholy. Yeah...painful and hard to forget. My poor friend Rose is living minute by minute in pain. If you are familiar with the 'pain scale' where 1 is A-OK with no pain,

In an attempt to organize my thoughts, the title seems most appropriate. Can I order the blur of the last few weeks into three simple categories such as these? Possibly... The Good: The stage production, Passover and two trooping events are over. My laptop didn't get stolen (thank you, LORD!) I managed to not mangle my reputation in one of the circles of people I enjoy being with (don't ask about the others, though.) My husband put in an offer on a piece of property he really likes - I'm happy for him. My children are all mentally and physically well. The relationship with my best friend still exists - she's pretty tough. We didn't get a ticket for parking in a fire lane two days in a row. Quite a few visitors went to visit Rose in the hospital - I know she enjoyed their care and compassion. Sitting talking with Chuck - that was definitely a highlight. Getting to dress, once again, as a Jedi. :-) The Bad: I haven't worked out properl