Ruminations from the Temple

it’s the simple things... It's the simple things that truly make us all happiest, isn't it? Sometimes, life gets so hectic and full of obligations, that I just have to stop and remember what makes me, and those around me, happy. Happiness is... ...the sound of the kittens scampering down the hallway ...chips & salsa ...an unexpected free latte... thank you, Larry! ...a long, hot shower ...getting to carve as long as I want to (which is a loooong time!) ...wearing my Jedi robes ...laughing until I cry ...exchanging a knowing look with a good friend ...hearing my Mom say 'I love you' at the end of our phone conversation ...a smile from my husband ...a good hair day ...that first cup of coffee ...being led by the 'Force' ...curling up late at night and savoring a good Star Wars book ...feeling strong and smart ...being warm ...feeling skinny ...when all the laundry is caught up ...the feeling of belonging ...making a stranger smile ...sacrificing for someone e...

When I was a kid, I loved to throw a penny in the fountain. Any fountain would do, and I really never knew why folks did that. All I knew was that you were to make a wish; not that the wish would come true, or anything. It was just for fun. Now, I have noticed that parks and places that have fountains ask that you don't throw pennies in the water. *shrug* So much for wishes, eh? Well, I can make wishes without the penny, I think. I wish my cat would quit yelling at me. I wish my darling children would be motivated to do their chores without hounding. I wish my house would stay cleaner and that the laundry didn't pile up so quickly. I wish prices were lower - I think that would help most folks out. I wish I didn't have to go shopping quite so often; I really don't enjoy it like I used to. I wish gas cost less... doesn't everyone?? I wish some were more considerate of other's feelings. I wish the grass didn't grow so fast and require so much maintenance....

I have been pondering the whole idea of respect the last couple of days. What a vague thing it is, to have respect for someone and why...very subjective, I'd say. I guess, in my sequential way, the first thing I want to know is the actual definition of the word. re-spect , n, to consider worthy of high regard or to esteem . re-spect-able , adj, 1. worthy of respect, 2. decent or correct in character or behavior . Well, I have to admit that the above definitions are pretty cut and dried, in my view. But what is your definition of decent and correct? My standard is the straight stick of Scripture, but I know that others have differing opinions. I always instantly know when someone does not respect me, for whatever reason, and I suppose that is true for most. I find this offensive (as I diligently work at doing the right thing in all situations) and have to work hard not to react negatively towards that person. There are some that I don't respect, as well, however I usuall...

Being raised not attending religious services, I am always baffled by the traditions and thoughts of those raised regularly attending. I bump up against these traditions often; the most common one is the roles of women and men. Don't get me wrong, I believe what Scripture has to say about the marriage relationship, and try to adhere to it closely. I believe that, when married, the man and woman become one, the man being the head and the woman the help-mate. However, I find that definitions differ as to what this really entails. I always end up with questions; not about my own perspective, but about the perspective of others. So, if the man is the 'head', does that mean that he makes all the decisions? So, if he makes all the decisions, why does he need a 'helper'? Didn't the Almighty give a brain to both men and women? If so, then why would the woman not need to think about decisions also? I could get real cynical and think, by the actions of some, th...

our time with X Marks the Spot in Mobile, Alabama So, where do I start? We are home. We are unpacked, the van is returned to the rental agency, and I am dutifully detoxing. I am kind of in a state of disbelief that it is over. I was asked if I still had the 'travel bug' today, after the big trip. The answer to that is a resounding 'Yes!' I am definitely a restless spirit, that's for sure. So, where do I start to journal all that we experienced on our journey? I guess I could start with some numbers... 8,311 miles driven, almost 4,000 pictures snapped, hundreds of dollars spend on gasoline, shelter and mementos, and over 100 letterboxers met along the way. Or, I could talk about all the things I learned about myself, my companions and traveling... I like Quality Inns the best, sometimes swimming pool chlorine makes me sick to my stomach, I can be with Lisa for a very long time and not get tired of her company, that I require a little bit mor...

I have been pondering friendship quite a lot lately. It would seem that there are many different definitions of the word friend, in all it's various degrees of intensity. That thought led me to think about what would be the qualities of The Perfect Friend. So, join me in my little, happy bubble as I brainstorm all the attributes of the perfect friend... My perfect friend... has my best interests at heart. wants to spend time with me, even doing the mundane. enjoys trying to appreciate the different kinds of music I'm into at times. laughs at my jokes, even if they are not that funny. likes me for who I am, not for what they think I should be. lets me buy them little gifts, and even says they like them. allows me to postulate the deeper meaning of life, even to the sublime. takes mocking like a pro. dishes it right back like a champ. doesn't talk behind my back... or anyone else's either. doesn't mind if we are wearing the same outfits by accident. ...

So, since this is my personal journal, I guess I can be as revealing as I would like, right? And, where does one write all these random thoughts down, just to get them out of their head? I have thinking a lot about the juggling analogy as of late. How many balls can one keep in the air and still maintain balance? Ball 1 - Homeschooling & Family I’m feeling like I’m just hanging on by the skin of my teeth. The kids want to take every day off, and why shouldn’t they? It does seem the right of the young to try to avoid all that challenges their brains in any way. I just have one question: will my youngest ever remember the rules for vowel sounds? Will I continue to have the patience to tell him those rules over and over? (OK, so that was two questions.) Aside from the schooling aspect, the dynamics of our family has changed so much. The children have grown to the point that they are flexing their ’independence’ muscles, which causes ripples to radiate into the fabric of our da...