Ruminations from the Temple

Favorite Jedi You're kidding, right? It's really hard for me to pick any one Jedi (other than Obi-Wan Kenobi) as my favorite Jedi.  Since I already tipped my hand at how I feel about my hero, I felt I should pick another.  The female Jedi are always fascinating, and Siri Tachi the most of all for me. "No one owns me, Krayn." ~Siri Tachi Siri Tachi was a female Human Jedi Master, apprentice of Adi Gallia and Master to Ferus Olin. She was a talented pilot who served in the Clone Wars, and helped to overthrow the operations of the notorious slave trader, Krayn. She was one of Obi-Wan Kenobi's closest friends, and at one point they were romantically involved. After Olin resigned from the Jedi Order, Tachi never took on another Padawan. She went on many other missions, particularly against the Trade Federation. During the Clone Wars she met an early death on Azure, while on a mission with Kenobi. ~Wookieepedia Other fascinating female Jedi of note: Pad

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things. ~Paul I'm grateful for my bestest friend in the whole wide world...even when she's mad at me. I'm grateful for toothpaste and modern toothbrushes. It wasn't so long ago that folks didn't have the dental hygiene tools that we have today, and I spent some time pondering that as my electric toothbrush quickly cleaned my teeth this morning. I'm grateful to be loved. I'm grateful that my daughter has wonderful, quality friends. I'm grateful that Taylor wants to watch Clone Wars with me. I'm grateful for the excellent teaching I heard on Saturday. A wise man once said, 'When you get into a tight situation, and you just can't see a way out, relax. Relax, slow down and breathe.' (my paraphrase

Identity is an umbrella term used throughout the social sciences to describe an individual's comprehension of him or herself as a discrete, separate entity. Perhaps it's because I've past the mid-forties mark, or because of my current life circumstances, I'm not sure.  This idea of identity has been gnawing at me for a bit now.  Who the heck am I, and how is that defined?  It seems when inevitable changes happen in life, they bump up against this subconscious notion of identity and make us feel very uncomfortable, stressed...even lost. I continue to be fascinated by how people respond when prompted, "tell me about yourself."  It is quite revealing what they state first.  That would be a main indicator of their identity - that which gives them the most validation and worth.  It could be their job, family relationships or perhaps something else.  There are many factors which can, and do, form our identities.  However, the one they state first, logic would d

It is no secret that I have been going through a rather difficult season in my life.  It happens to the best of us, eh?  I can't help but to notice that my appreciation for the sweeter things in life goes up substantially with the contrast of more trying times. Just for fun, and a lift, here's some of the things that make me smile.  Perhaps they make you smile, too... puppy breath how my cat makes himself into a fur ball with his front paws tucked up under his chest modern piano instrumental of the old hymns old photos of my parents good night hugs from my youngest son laughing with beloved friends until my stomach hurts heartfelt worship a long, hot shower good hair days feeling strong hearing my Mom's voice in my head the feel of speed upon entering the freeway that first sip of hot coffee in the morning snuggling in for another hour of sleep in the morning singing with good friends sweet memories my Jedi boots gettin

Favorite member of the Empire. Imperial Stormtroopers Biker Scouts Snowtroopers Sandtroopers Stormtroopers were the elite soldiers of the Galactic Empire. Like Imperial-class Star Destroyers and TIE Fighters, stormtroopers served as ever present reminders of the Emperor's power, extensions of his will, and a method of keeping the Empire's thousands of star systems in line through fear. "The Empire has a legion of loyal soldiers that are in endless supply." ~Darth Vader Yeah, Stormies are my favorite Empire 'characters', I have to admit.  Every one I have ever met has been wonderful!  So kind and considerate.  I know there are some that are truly terrified at the sight of their white armor and heavy weaponry, but truly, they are just softies inside.  Really. I've seen Stormtroopers tap dance, give high-fives to small children, even show their true hearts.  I'd like to suggest a little love for these oft-forgotten servants of the

Yes, I know...it's pretty amazing.  The sun was actually shining yesterday and today here in Seattle. Everybody and their brother was at Alki to take advantage of the free vitamin D, so it was kinda hard to find a parking spot.  When we did, though, we were able to enjoy a spectacular view of the best city skyline in America.  OK, so I'm biased. Click on the photos for a closer view...can you find the jet over the Jet City? I absolutely love the red boat! OK, so how 'bout that crow?  He was chattering at us while we were snapping his portrait... beautiful blue sky only topped by the blue of Puget Sound Iconic, to be sure!

I pray for sunshine and blue skies; For smiling friends and cooing babies; For happy mommies and proud daddies; For good food and comforting family. I pray for two candles with sweet voices raised in song; For loving conversation and open hearts; For security and trust. I hope for good days in the future, with companionship and knowing looks; For passionate teaching and meaningful learning; For days when I'm so tired from fully living that I don't even remember putting my head  on the pillow when they are done. I long to share my heart, my love, my connection to those close to me, To make them feel wanted and cared for; To strengthen and cherish relationships; To stop the bleeding, heal the wounds and comfort the grieving. I pray diligently for all these things and more, often, again and now. Shabbat Shalom.

I'm grateful my hubby always remembers me on a certain day in February... I'm grateful that Miss Marilyn returned home safely. I'm grateful for times of heartfelt worship. I'm grateful when my jeans fit...and when someone says my hair looks cute. I'm grateful for friends who care about the details. I'm grateful for texting - I never thought I'd use it, but sometimes it's a lifeline. I'm grateful that this time won't last forever. I'm grateful for shared memories and sharing memories. I'm grateful for Zumba...it's good to be humble. But oh! the blessing it is to have a friend to whom one can speak fearlessly on any subject; with whom one's deepest as well as one's most foolish thoughts come out simply and safely.  Oh, the comfort - the inexpressible comfort of feeling safe with a person - having neither to weigh thoughts nor measure words, but pouring them all right out, just as they are, chaff and grain to

Favorite member of the Rebellion. I'm a prequel girl.  I know, I tend to be in the minority on this one.  There are many, many die-hard SW fans that are purists, you could say, and are very staunch on the fact that the Original Trilogy (OT) offerings are the best.  I beg to differ on so many counts.  Don't get me wrong, I love the OT just as much as the next SW geek, but I just think the prequels are...well...better.  *gasp* Well, now that the cat is out of the proverbial bag, I do enjoy watching the OT, and just spent some time immersing myself in A New Hope (ANH) and Empire (TESB), just for fun.  Watching these classics always takes me right back into the theater.  You, too?  Especially the opening scene of ANH...just incredible.  Star Destroyers are impressive...most impressive. Anyway, so my favorite character from the Rebellion, huh?  Had to think about that one a bit.  Not Luke.  Sorry, staunch Luke fans, but he's a bit whiny for me to consider him a Jedi in any

Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD ; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.  Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song . ~Psalm 95 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him . G-d is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.” ~John 4:23-24 Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth. Worship the LORD with gladness; come before him with joyful songs . Know that the LORD is God.  It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture. Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.  ~Psalm 100 We believers are all very familiar with the above Scriptures commanding us to worship the LORD.  And why would

I'm grateful for a light at the end of the tunnel. I'm grateful for all that has been revealed; only the LORD can facilitate revelation of people's hearts. I'm grateful for good, good friends who trust me and I trust them. I'm grateful for time passing; not always, but right now, I do. I miss my mom.  Nope, that's not a grateful, but a thought I wake up with frequently. I'm grateful for the quiet mornings when I can hear the train whistles down in the valley.  Reminds me of my childhood. I'm grateful for clarity. I'm grateful for opportunities to speak what's on my heart. I'm grateful that my kids want to hang out with me sometimes. “All blame is a waste of time. No matter how much fault you find with another, and regardless of how much you blame him, it will not change you. The only thing blame does is to keep the focus off you when you are looking for external reasons to explain your unhappiness or frustration. You may s

Well, I have to say that I've never been in a pit before.  I suppose a lot of others have felt this way before me, and unfortunately, more will experience it after me.  Watched and judged, betrayed and beaten down, then thrown into a pit of despair, hopelessness and grief.  Left with the only chance of rescue being the Almighty Himself...but wait, didn't He facilitate this in the first place? This happened to Joseph.  Favored by his father even so much as to be gifted with a beautiful robe.  However, jealously ruled the day in his brother's hearts.  Hidden for who knows how long, this envy manifested itself as Joseph shared his dreams.  And, then it happened...the pit experience. Without getting cocky, I'd like to think I'm sitting on the edge of the pit now, dangling my feet into the abyss, looking down into where I've been.  It sure was dark down there.  Dark with depression, dark with the endless waiting for someone to do the right thing and throw a rope

Good friends who are really family... Healing conversation and laughter... Sunshine, seashells and sandy shoes... and Twizzlers. Now, that's what I'm talkin' about. photo credit: Morgan

All-time favorite character in Star Wars My first impulse was to put a pic of Jar Jar Binks... hahaha!   Well, I don't think the terrible things about Jar Jar that some do, but he definitely is not my all-time favorite SW character.  The answer to that question is hands-down... Obi-Wan Kenobi Artist rendition of my hero I know, you're shocked.  *smirk* OK, he is easy to look at, I concede.  However, there is more than that; his character is more than worth admiring and emulating.  Selfless service to others and acting as the consummate hero is only the beginning for me.  His dedication to what he believes, his self-control and discipline are to be commended, as well.  And, let's face it...he can be pretty witty, as well.  Sarcasm is one of his many, um, gifts, as well as knowing when to keep things to himself.  Well...usually. " Why do I sense we've picked up another pathetic life-form? One of my favorite portrayals of my hero is written by Karen M

You may have heard of the 30-day Photo Challenge , right?  We changed it up a bit, and we, a group of friends and I, are attempting our own version .  Interesting and fun it is!  But, I just heard of a new challenge specifically for Star Wars geeks - the 30-Day Star Wars Challenge.  Intriguing, to be sure! I'm sure I cannot live up to the challenge of a daily post, but I would be game for doing a weekly Star Wars challenge.  Further, you could do this with any geekdom you are into; Dr. Who, Buffy, Star Trek, Narnia...really anything would fit with a little tweaking.  It does help that Star Wars has so much to draw from, I have to say. I did consider creating a new blog similar to the blog I created for the Exposure Challenge, but since this blog is loosely Star Wars-themed, I decided to keep it here.  [And, for my readers that don't enjoy Star Wars, please accept my humble apologies.  My fascination with the galaxy far, far away is innocent and just for fun.] Here are th

Yeah. A four letter word. Many are afraid of it, it would seem. However, Scripture absolutely demands we LOVE each other. And not only those we deem worthy of love; we are commanded to show love towards all those with which we come in contact. So, what do we do with those believers who refuse to show love to others? Do we call them unbelievers? Do we wonder about their salvation? Yikes!   I'm not sure I'm willing to go that far, but I have to ask myself why is it so difficult for some to show love to others. By the grace of HaShem, I don't seem to struggle in this area; loving others has always come naturally to me.  However, I am most certainly struggling with accepting the fact that others have an aversion to loving others.  In my feeble way of looking at things, we should be able to ask the LORD to show us how to love and since He desires us to love one another, I am convinced He will make it very clear how we are to do that.  Is that too simple?   I have h

In my simple view of the world, the Jedi Code*, or philosophy, is amazingly close to the tenets of the faith called out in the Bible.  In discussing the parallels with my close circle of friends, my one non-Star Wars friend (who happens to be a devout Christian) wanted to see if she was getting the philosophy correct...in her own words, that is.  Below, each idea of the philosophy is listed first in bold, followed with my friend's paraphrase in italics.  Further, I have searched the Scriptures to find commands or verses corresponding to each idea.  An interesting search it has been. [*This is one form of the Jedi Code.  There are others that fit equally as well with Scripture.] Jedi respect each other, and all other life forms. Respect all of G-d's creation The earth is the Lord’s and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it. (Psalm 24:1) Honor all men; love the brotherhood, fear G-d, honor the king. (1 Peter 2:7) ** Jedi must put the needs of the co

I'm grateful for the opportunity to say the liturgy online...for as long as it lasts. I'm grateful for times when the house is quiet and everyone else is sleeping. I'm grateful for the escape of fiction. I'm grateful for laughter and acceptance. I'm grateful for opportunities. I'm grateful for my little friend Yofi - it was her 5th birthday this week. Never thought I'd say this, but I'm grateful for driving lessons because it affords Morgan and I some time together in the car that we wouldn't ordinarily have. Since she is 17, she doesn't much want to hang out with Mom. I'm grateful for gentleness. I'm grateful for a cloudless sky one morning this week upon my rising and a beautiful view of Mt. Rainier.  This time, there was a silly, little cloud perched just above the peak of Rainier that looked just like a halo. I'm grateful for ibuprofen. I'm grateful that my husband was concerned about me when he saw that

A young wife sat on a sofa on a hot humid day, drinking iced tea and visiting with her mother. As they talked about life, about marriage, about the responsibilities of life and the obligations of adulthood, the mother clinked the ice cubes in her glass thoughtfully and turned a clear, sober glance upon her daughter. "Don't forget your sisters," she advised, swirling the tea leaves to the bottom of her glass. "They'll be more important as you get older. No matter how much you love your husband, no matter how much you love the children you may have, you are still going to need sisters. Remember to go places with them now and then; do things with them." "Remember that 'sisters' means ALL the women... your girlfriends, your daughters, and all your other women relatives too. You'll need other women. Women always do." What a funny piece of advice, the young woman thought. Haven't I just gotten married? Haven't I just joined the