Ruminations from the Temple

So, why do I love Star Wars? Well, I have written much about Star Wars already, but here are the... Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Star Wars 10.   The Music. Gosh, who doesn't love a good fantasy story, full of good guys and bad guys, complete with beautiful women and strong men who act like heroes?  And then add in a fantastic, engaging music score and you have some incredible candy for the senses.  The music of Star Wars is iconic, to say the least.  Written by a genius, performed by highly skilled musicians and played over and over in my vehicle, for sure.  Love it! 9.   Lightsabers.   YES!!   Vzzzzzmmmmmmmm!   I'd love to be trained to use a real lightsaber, but even I have to admit that I'd probably lose a limb somewhere along the way.  What a cool weapon...the coolest, to be sure.  What a rush to watch a emotion-charged lightsaber duel with all the finesse of fencing and the killing potential of an oozy. 8.  ...

I have been oft criticized, even downright belittled, for blogging about trauma/drama concerning various situations in my recent past.  For whatever reason, some considered sharing my experience through the written word inappropriate, embarrassing, even slanderous.  I have even been told that I need to know that 'life is not a blog', whatever that means.  I respectfully disagree and always have...and will continue to do so.  (As always, they have a right to their opinion.) My best friend found this article  that had some interesting things to say about the matter.  Perhaps you will find it interesting, as well. I diligently make every effort to blog with integrity, and have vowed to do so.  I will never use names, events or the pain of others to mock, belittle or hurt for the sake of 'blog fodder'.  However, I will continue to state my opinions, doctrinal stands and outright finger-pointing at injustice with the intent to uphold righteousness ...

What if everything that happened was for a distinct and directed purpose? What if that intense pain, that bleeding heartbreak, those words that cut like a knife were meant to strengthen, empower and embolden?  Is that possible? What if the very situation that is the pinnacle of hurt, the thing you most dislike speaking about, the most degrading and humiliating position you have found yourself, was the very thing that gave you the ability, wisdom and words to help someone else? What if the unspeakable, unimaginable turn of events that made your life absolutely miserable was the only experience that could help another soul that had walked the same path? Hard to think about, isn't it? If I believe that the LORD is in control of everything, that He is truly sovereign in all things, then I have to affirm that the very thing that I begged to be taken from me was allowed and purposed for good. For if I had not been judged unjustly, my character assassinated mercilessly, my name ...

Gosh, it's so quiet in my house...odd. Perhaps the fog is making it more insulated or something. This morning I'm waking up with a new attitude, new outlook, new future...I'm so, so very grateful. I'm grateful for days at home where I can get myself organized . I'm grateful for morning greetings from grateful, hungry people.  ( I was blessed again to be able to help with serving a hot breakfast to the homeless in downtown Tacoma.  It is an honor.) I'm grateful to meet new people and learn new things.  I'm also grateful for hooking up with old friends through social media. I'm grateful for passionate debates, heartfelt conversations and loving hugs. I'm grateful to wake up from unpleasant dreams. I'm grateful that my children are happy and healthy and that they, too, are looking toward a bright future. I'm grateful my boyz are excited about the upcoming hunting season. I'm grateful for a new day. I'm grateful for h...

It's a great big world to a scared little girl. If you smile just right  no one knows you might have a heart full of pain and a soul that can't reign and a stomach full of butterflies... The pain of the last season of my life has been intense. Beyond measure, beyond understanding. But, even so, I still breathe. I'm alive and not without hope. As I begin a new day, I put the pain in a clean, new box and close the lid. Destined to be a collector of dust, I slide it up onto a high shelf. Turn out the light and close the closet door... it is time. I turn my back and walk into the light. The light of that new day full of possibilities and hope. Of love and promise... and friendship. And perhaps someday you will say you didn't mean it. Say you didn't mean to Say I wouldn't understand But it's time you say something G-d knows it's the one thing I need And the heart you broke, No it wasn't just anybody's heart

OK, this was a fun movie! I first discovered Daniel Craig, (who plays the main character Jake Lonergan in this movie), in the latest James Bond offering.  My hubby was 'watching' it on television; unfortunately, he falls asleep far before the plot of any movie is even revealed.  When I eventually come into the room, I end up getting sucked into whatever is playing...usually some shoot 'em up or disgusting horror flick.  But this time is was Daniel Craig, who plays an incredible Bond , by the way.   Who is this guy, and where did he come from??  Why had I never seen him before? (When I mentioned him to my husband, he said, "oh yeah, isn't that the guy who never smiles?"  Yeah, that's him. *chuckle*) yep...pretty easy to look at, eh? This movie had it all...well, except Obi-Wan, that is.  The hero of the story is exceptional, exactly what you'd want a hero to be like.  Talk about kickin' some butt!  Harrison Ford is such a jerk...

Best Star Wars related story/incident you’ve had. Oh gosh...what to share for this one? Trooping as Jedi for several years now has provided many stories of talking to little ones about being guardians and protectors of justice and others - I like that the best, for sure.  Or walking through a crowded place and hearing whispers behind you, "Jedi...Jedi...did you see the Jedi?"  I enjoy that, too. I enjoyed visiting the Presidio and posing with the Yoda statue on our last road trip.  That was way-cool.  Then, as we were walking around in the beautiful San Fran sunshine, enjoying the grounds of the Lucasfilm headquarters, we overheard two Lucasfilm writers discussing Force users and related issues.  It was a geek moment, for sure!  They were just on a smoke break, discussing things like it was a normal occurrence...well, it was for them! But, the biggest thing that happened to me related to Star Wars had to do with my former congregation, although it ...