Ruminations from the Temple

In contrast to how a child belongs in the world,  adult belonging is never as natural, innocent, or playful.  Adult belonging has to be chosen, received, and renewed.  It is a lifetime's work. ~John O'Donohue Have you ever wanted to be included? To fit in? Yeah...me, too. Well, I have a simple suggestion for you. It may be a no-brainer, but hang with me, here. Don't go to a private university if you are 40-something or over. When I went for the competitive interview for academic scholarship, I took the (rather cheeky) opportunity to ask my interviewers about the percentage of "older students" currently attending. I was quickly corrected that the term is "returning students," and that there was a small, but important contingent of these older wannabe scholars. In retrospect, that small number of students must be hard to find, as I have seen only 1 or 2 in the 3+ weeks I've been walking around campus. No, they are not in th...

is this the definition of what it means to be masculine? I will assume that you may not have heard this song before, but it is worthy of a listen. When I heard it on satellite radio, it was intro'd by the artist saying that he was so excited to perform it in concert. Well, hell yeah...doesn't it have all the markings of a perfect party-concert song? Let's take a peek at the lyrics and see what the song is really saying, shall we? "That's My Kind Of Night" sung by Luke Bryan I got that real good feel good stuff Up under the seat of my big black jacked up truck Rollin' on 35s Pretty girl by my side You got that sun tan skirt and boots Waiting on you to look my way and scoot Your little hot self over here Girl hand me another beer, yeah! All them other boys wanna wind you up and take you downtown But y ou look like the kind that likes to take it way out Out where the corn rows grow, row, row my boat Floatin’ down the Flint River, cat...

In the few short days I have been on college campus, I have pretty much been walking around in my little individal bubble...just like most everyone. No one ever told me about this phenom prior to my coming, so it has taken me a bit by surprise. I am getting used to it, and little by little beginning to relax a bit. I certainly never expected to really see anyone I personally knew, much less someone I spend a good number of years considering a good friend. But it happened today. Yeah, I saw him...how could I not? Coming out of the commons, I saw him immediately. That old feeling of moving to call out and smile greeting was barely held in check as I realized him hurrying and hoping I didn't see him. Or maybe he didn't care how I felt; perhaps he was just disgusted to see me. Only the Lord knows what he has heard...what he believed. Paths crossing and people pretending the other doesn't exist. Shunning is so much the way of the believer, right? It would seem that way. So...

I have started this blog post about a million times. In fact, I have started many, many posts in my head only to have them vanish into thin air before I have the quiet space to get them written down. Yes, that means that my life is completely and amazingly different (read: chaotic) in so many ways. One of those ways impacts all the rest. As I sit in the library of Pacific Lutheran University, I marvel at the incredible turn of events. Yes, I was admitted. Yes, the funding came through. But even with those facts on the table, I still never believed I would be sitting waiting for my next class to begin. Anyone who knows me has heard my skepticism in the oft-repeated phrase, "I'll believe it when my buns are in the seat"...well, they are now officially in the seat. Now, if I can just keep them there! This place is absolutely amazing. Y'know, since I started talking about going to PLU, there have been so many that have shared that they also attended. Funny how I didn...

So, did I mention I got new wheels? Speeder has been retired and Annie has taken its place. "Annie" as in Anakin - dark and a bit dangerous. getting acquainted the cockpit a happy new owner of a 2013 Subaru BRZ the much-awaited sports model This car draws much attention; men, young and old, have all heard about this joint effort by Subaru and Toyota. (The Toyota model is offered under the Scion brand.) This little sweetie was highly anticipated by car enthusiasts and received great reviews from sneak-peek-drives by auto-mag-rag writers. This beauty is fun and fast, despite the 4-cylinders, and gets fab gas mileage (I'm recording 30-ish miles/gallon). With its low center of gravity, it drives and corners like a dream. It has all the bells and whistles I wanted; I love the iPod jack, navigation, bluetooth and satellite radio. We also added cilajet sealant, security system (with push button start - cool!) and tinted windows. Perfect. The only downs...

Who knew about this little jewel of a place on the Skagit River? With the feel of my beloved Cannon Beach, LaConner features the sweetest little boutiques, galleries, eateries and wonderful views of the river. Since we stumbled upon it only a couple of hours shy of them rolling up the sidewalks, you know we will be returning for a more comprehensive visit - perhaps even an overnight. It would be worth it, to be sure. street views in the cool antique store, Nasty Jack's if you visit Jack's, you'd better bring money... you will surely want to buy something! can you believe this stuff? Until next time...

Yes, it's Friday. But, any day is the right day to feel grateful. I am grateful for the protection and provision of our LORD. I am grateful we were able to travel and see relatives and special friends. I am grateful for my family. guess who we ran into at Disneyland? I am grateful for all the things that made this summer great: sunshine, the YMCA, memories, day trips, digital cameras, travel planning...really living. I am grateful for a safe and peaceful place to live...and laugh. This sounds strange, but I am grateful that I am not a part of a religious congregation right now. The LORD has me right where He wants me. Praise His Name!! I am grateful for all the incredible, awe-inspiring, grand, glorious, and mostly unbelievable sights and sounds we experienced while traveling. What a thrill! Zion Nat'l Park I am grateful for music and for itty-bitty tuned chimes. I am grateful for my new car. just like Anakin... dark and a bit dangerous ...