Halloween

I'm so glad that October is almost over! Years ago, I heard in a faculty devotion that we would encounter more problems with the students during October because the spirit of Satan is more active. There is also a fun side to Halloween. Mission Shawnee is giving candy and jackets to children in need. After school, SEI is having a pumpkin carving contest and party. Some simply decorate with marker pens. Some teachers are dressing up. Since I have two new teachers observing my writing classes today, I'm just wearing a pumpkin necklace that lights up.

Kirk wrote that his church is having a "Hallowed Be Thy Name" concert with 5 rock bands. The church is in California. One of the bands is named, "Scare the Hell Out of Em"

Keri called. She has been feeling sick with this baby. The last time she felt bad and layed down, Sofia pulled up her little chair, sang some songs and read her a book. So sweet! Selah got on the phone and sang, "Jesus Loves Me". The words were clear, and she was in tune. I was surprised because she just had her 2nd birthday!!

Tonight, Bill and I will be taking dinner to Mom. I will stay and play games with her and Bill will come home to work on his new class, "Technology of Media".

I had better get to my classes. I really don't like having other teachers watching me because the students get shy and don't discuss as well. I've prayed over it, so we'll just have some fun!

Nice Mail Today

In spite of the beauty of the season, sometimes fall makes me feel meloncholy when the shadows grow longer and the wind feels cool. However, today the sun was shining brightly and I got some nice mail. In the midst of brown envelopes, Keri sent me pictures of herself next to the Dead Sea in Israel. She looked beautiful! She also sent pics of Sofia and Selah. Sofia will be 5 years old soon. I sent her pink jeans with a matching jean jacket.

I also received an email from a former student in Japan. Kaori Iida was in the High School English Club and reminded me that I taught them the song, "In His Time". Kaori is in college now. I feel humble that she remembered me and took the time to write.

God answered our prayers. Kelli's divorce was final today, and she had to go to court to fight for complete custody of Hannah and Caleb. Anyone who knows Kelli, knows that she is a sweet quiet person who is on the shy side. She told me that before heading to court, 12 year old Hannah noticed tears in Kelli's eyes. She put her arms around her mother and said, "Mom, remember what you always tell me, "Give it to God!" It didn't take the judge long to give Kelli complete custody of the children. I called Gramma to tell her the news. She sighed, and said, I am so relieved! God will take care of our sweet little Kelli!"

What a Sunday!

Sunday was cool and cloudy. However, the trees are putting on the biggest show this year. I don't remember them being so brightly colored. Perhaps it is because we have had more rain than usual, and we haven't had our Indian summer.

There were 17 in Bible Study Class. Four members were absent, and one new member joined. I continue to be amazed at the transparency of the class. One fellow spoke up and said that he was a negative person, but wanted to be around positive people. He asked us not to reject him! I assured him that it would not happen in our class. The comment didn't seem to follow the lesson for the day, but it met his need. Our lesson was about the trial of Jesus. The focus was on the fact that Jesus became silent. He knew when to speak and when to be quiet. We don't always have wisdom in that regard.

Pastor Larry spoke from his heart as he always does. He talked about the demonic spirits that inhabit our community. As a chaplain at Unity Hospital he has been asked to subdue demon possessed people because they exhibit extra strength. He told us the signs to look for in people who are troubled by demons. They have low voices, have unpredictable tempers and often have gastric problems. These demons cause people to have extreme depression and anger. There is hope for these people in Christ! Our church is having a Street Party next month. Free haircuts, oil changes, car washes, etc. will be given to anyone who comes in need. We will give food and jackets also.

After church, we went to Abuelita's for lunch with Sun and Masashi (a Japanese business student at St. Greg's Univ. ) Sun shared that she will stay at OBU after graduation and study media technology. It will enhance her degree in Sports Journalism.

Bill and I bought a large pumpkin from the United Methodist' and Bill carved it. It sits on our front porch and greets our visitors with a smile. Fall is so beautiful!

Pictures

One is with Noel and Janice at the Delta Cafe on their 35th wedding anniversary; One is with Kelli after church. The other is at the PowWow with Kelli, Hannah and Caleb. It was the year to honor the Bergeron family (my mother's maiden name is Bergeron. She is French/American Indian).

A beautiful poem sent to us by Dan Ursom
(Our neighbor in Manistee, Michigan who loves flowers.)

GOD'S Rosebud

It is only a tiny rosebud,
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.

The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I...
GOD opens this flower so easily
But in my hands they die.

If I cannot unfold a rosebud
This flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?

So I'll trust in God for leading
Each moment of my day,
I will look to God for guidance
In each step of the way.

The path that lies before me,
Only my Lord knows.
I'll trust God to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.

Friday Morning

Yeah! It's Friday! It's casual day at school which means I put on my jeans, London sweatshirt and my Reeboks. Everyday is extremely interesting! Yesterday, I was teaching the meaning of the phrase, "to be in shock". When I asked my students if they had ever experienced something traumatic which left them in shock, one young man raised his hand. I asked him if he would like to share. He nodded, and then told the class about watching a beheading several times in Saudi Arabia. I asked if this was common, and if the public was required to be in attendance. Students nodded in the affirmative all around the room. Then, a student asked me if I was afraid to die. Of course, that opened the door for me to express my faith. I'm afraid of pain, but not death.

I also learned that Saudi boys get their first cars and learn to drive when they are 10 years old. When I asked if that was a bit dangerous, I was told that driving is very safe in their country because there are no women drivers. That made me laugh! I also learned that the three cars of choice in Saudi Arabia are 1. Toyota 2. Ford 3. GMC/Jeep

We had an international dinner at St. Gregory's yesterday. This weekend, the students will go to the Philbrook Museum in Tulsa. Our former director, Desiree, lives in Tulsa now while her husband is in medical school. She wants us to visit her.

Afterschool today, we are having the duct system in our house cleaned and sanitized. That should take care of the dust problem. I don't think the ducts have been cleaned since the house was built!!

Galen's Best Friend

Yesterday, Galen's best friend, Jim Murcray, had emergency colon surgery. Galen and Jim went to college together and have pastored in California since that time. Patty, Jim's wife, taught school with Sondra until her retirement recently. The doctor has given Jim a 50/50 chance for survival. He is 59 years old. Galen asked that we pray. I know how much Galen is hurting emotionally at this time. It is such a comfort to know that in times like these we have a God who knows what is going on and loves us. If God chooses death for Jim, Galen knows without a doubt that death is not the end ----only the beginning. Recently, Bailey Hill had dinner in our home. Yes, he cried when he talked about losing his wife, Berthena, but there was still joy in his face. He talked about the peace he had that was unexplainable. When I'm feeling sad and don't know how to handle losing friends, I'm so glad I have God to hold me in His arms!

Thoughts on Aging

This morning I looked out my kitchen window and saw the remnants of Hurricane Rick blowing through our neighborhood. Orange and yellow leaves were floating to the ground. I was reminded that fall is here and summer has gone. It caused me to reflect on my life. I am in the fall of my life, but I am NOT old. I have worked in two nursing homes as recreation director (Del Rosa in San Bernardino, CA and San Francisco Nursing Facility in downtown San Francisco). I have looked back on those experiences and asked myself what made the difference in the patients that I came to know well. In most cases, it was the family that made a difference in the attitudes and spirits of the people. Some spouses and children were so condescending. They made the patient feel stupid and old. I have to admit that it would upset me to hear spouses make such remarks as, "Didn't you hear me??" "Didn't you see that??" "How many times do I have to tell you ....." and on and on. On the other hand, there were families who would just smile and be helpful. They knew that you don't have to be "old" to have a physical problem.

I notice that I tend to look right through people's physical appearances, and focus on their personalities. I appreciate the people in my life who see me as the same person I was 20 or 30 years ago. I love it when my family tells me how young I look. I hope that I have more wisdom now and have learned a few things along the way. My mother and her friends have taught me that the purpose of life is to love God and show Him by serving others. That keeps them young! St. Paul wrote that his body was getting older, but his spirit was getting younger each day. A young spirit will show on one's face.

Goal for the Week

I realized how much I appreciate looking at other people's pictures on their blogs! I'm going to try to put some pictures on my blog this week. Friends, don't hold your breath, it may take me a few days to do it. I have never been photogenic like other people, but it's time to be brave and go public. Smile! I really do thank you all for sending your pictures. It keeps us close!

Perspective Is Often Based On One's Limited Experience

This weekend I was talking to my daughter, Kelli on the phone. She shared with me that she had been chatting with her friend, Chris. Chris is a Stanford Univ. graduate and is a pilot for Delta Airlines. Kelli attended a military ball with Chris in high school. Oh, did I forget to say that Chris is black! That is not unusual if you grew up in California where people of all nationalities live side by side, and go to church and school together. My family is colorblind when it comes to people without a doubt. I am writing because I recently heard two former presidents say that people who disagree with President Obama must be racists. When I heard those remarks I immediately credited them to where those men were raised. If you are from the deep South, you might think those thoughts. However, there are millions of people who have close friends of color and do not agree with Obama's policies. In fact, there are many Black people who are not far left in their politics. I'm glad God will judge me as to whether I am racist or not.

Where you are raised may also influence your thinking about Christianity and faith. I was raised in California where the majority of my friends were Catholic, Jewish or nothing. Baptist churches were few and far between. I think the closest one to my church may have been 7-10 miles. It was not popular to be a Christian. I never thought that being a follower of Christ was in the culture, a part of the government or mandated by the community. Being a Christian was something you considered very seriously. When I moved to Oklahoma, I was amazed at all of the churches, and the culture. There were a lot of unspoken rules in the community that I didn't agree with. I have never considered myself as "regligious". I have a relationship with God that no church or community can mandate. I choose that relationship for myself, and how I will manifest it. The Holy Spirit will communicate to me what the Bible says , not a denomination or preacher, or the culture in which I live. Christians in the South need to rethink how they are ruining the cause of Christ and the church He intended.

Weekend Activities

I cleaned the house and ran to the grocery store while Bill worked on his on-line class Saturday morning. I figured out why he is working so hard. We are going to the Bahamas next March! He doesn't want to touch our retirement money until he reaches 62 years old. My dream vacation is New England, but I don't want to go there until next fall. Roger and Julie just got back from a cruise to Alaska. They loved it! I'm not in a hurry to go there because we flew over the ice flows several times going to Japan. I must say, they were absolutely breathtaking! My granddaughter, Selah, has the same color eyes!

Saturday afternoon, it was time to veg. Bill and I saw, "G-Force". I thought it was a kid's movie, but I don't think the kids understood it. They just loved the hampsters! Just pure fun! We also ate at the new Braum's that just opened. We learned that we are getting one in Tecumseh this spring. Wow!

Sunday, I taught my Bible Study Class. I'm always in awe because God just keeps bringing new people to our class. I knew the whereabouts of 6 of our members who could not attend this week, and we still had 16 people!! The lesson concerned the topic of "Betrayal". You think that someone loves you and is your truest friend, then they drop you. People had stories to tell about that topic! The point of the lesson was that we should not let disagreement in relationships ruin a relationship. We can love without always seeing eye to eye. It is so sad to see our nation torn apart by extreme differences.

Tonight, we are going to the Delta Cafe to celebrate Noel and Janice's 35th wedding anniversary. Noel is still fighting his heart problems and we are enjoying everyday that we can be with him!

Family Matters

I have a few minutes before my guests arrive. Noel, Janice and Janice's father, Bailey are coming for a few days. They will be staying at the LaQuinta Hotel, but will have dinner with us tonight. I have chicken vegetable soup in the crockpot and cornbread in the oven. I also made two key lime pies yesterday.

David called this afternoon. I hadn't heard from him for about a month. He said the Congressman and the Parole Board are playing a game. Anyway, a new date has been set for his release next June, and he won't have any parole. Good news!

Keri called. She is expecting baby #3. We are all surprised! I told her that Kevin may not get his boy. He may get twin girls. Ha!

Kelli called. Her divorce will be final October 26th. Yeah! She is selling her home and looking for a townhome. We're looking forward to her and the kids coming for Thanksgiving which is her birthday. She's loving her writing job at Cornerstone University. I'll write more later.

Listen to My Heart

Yesterday, six young men strode into my classroom and sat down. While I was making checks in my rollbook, Fahhad said, "Teacher Marti, you are very gentle." It made my day because I felt that I had been too hard on him when he didn't do his homework. I thanked him, and then apologized for having been so stern with him the day before. I explained that I know how smart he is, and I want him to do well in my class. He looked across the room at me and said, "I know! You are like my mother. You care about me because you have a warm heart." That meant more to me than he will ever know. I began teaching Fahhad last year when he could not say anything more than "hello" in English. Sometimes my words may sound harsh, but not on purpose. I pray that my family and friends will listen to my heart. It hurts when you make speak out of love, and you are misunderstood or rejected.

Study of Afterlife Experiences

A recent poll revealed that 12 million people have experienced some kind of spiritual experience during an accident or a surgery. C.S. Lewis wrote that people yearn for "that which is possible". If we yearn for water, water is possible. If we yearn for love, love is possible. If we yearn for life after death, it is possible.

Howard Storm is a former atheist and free-thinker who relates a very negative spiritual experience he had while on vacation. While waiting for emergency surgery in a Paris hospital, he felt that he was being transported into a very dark place with hostile beings. A voice kept calling to him to cry out to God. He resisted because he didn't believe in God. After almost being torn apart by these hostile beings, he tried to remember how to pray. He relates now that he said parts of Psalm 23, parts of the Pledge of Allegiance, and whatever he could think of from his childhood experience. Howard Storm has written a book, "My Descent Into Hell". In his sixties, Howard has made a complete turn around that has influenced his wife and family greatly. I refuse to give up on those I care about who have turned their backs on God!

New Session

SEI has 12 sessions each year. That enables new foreign students to start when they can, and graduate at their own pace. The goal is to ready them to enter an American university. We began a new session this week. Due to the increase in enrollment, I was drafted to teach 4 classes. I teach advanced reading and writing in the morning, and beginning reading and writing in the afternoon. Our new students are from Saudi Arabia and Japan. We also have several new teachers. Yesterday, a new teacher, Dennis Jennings, asked to sit in on my advanced class. He is Sac and Fox, and has taught at San Francisco State. I took all of my advanced English Literature courses from that institution, so I thought it ironic that I was teaching one of their professors how to teach! Smile!

Bill continues to teach at SEI full-time, and has 4 more weeks of his music on-line class in the evenings. He has been discouraged with the quality of work that he is receiving from his Grand Canyon University students. Perhaps it is a sign of the times. God is still in control and knows the plan. I'm glad I don't have to worry about the outcome! I can relax!

Weekend Activities

Saturday morning was cool but sunny. I trimmed the bushes under the shutters in the front of the house, and picked up broken branches in the backyard from the last storm. Bill worked on his online class until noon and then suggested we go to Abuelita's for lunch. From there, we went to Dillard's. They had a sale on Lancome cosmetics, and I love their mascara! Even if I don't look better, I feel better. Ha! After spending an hour at the mall, we drove to the Hornbeck to see, "Harry Potter". We were both very disappointed! The story was slow, and had no real ending. Nothing was resolved.

Sunday felt cold. I wore one of my pullover winter sweaters. Sixteen people sat around 3 round tables that had been pushed together in a clover shape. I always sit while teaching. The lesson was from Mark when Jesus became angry and told off the religious leaders. We were reminded that there is a problem when the messenger becomes more important than the message. Sun brought her roommate at OBU to our class. Lin is from China, and is the captain of the women's soccer team. She also sings, and wants to be in the Christmas choir.

I watched two interviews on TV this weekend. One was with Marvin Olesky, Provost of King's College in New York. He was once a card carrying Communist and atheist. He spoke of earning a Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, and learning the Russian language. A friend gave him a Russian New Testament and he felt challenged to read it because he had never read the Bible as a "book". He took the challenge and was changed.

The second interview was with Michael Moore. He's a very funny man! He made me die laughing! He admitted that in spite of the things he said in his documentary on "Capitalism", that capitalism has made him who he is. He owns two homes that are worth a million dollars each. One of them is in Michigan. He was laughing and said that it is very paradoxical. I felt like he was secretly saying that people will believe anything, and if he can make money off of them, so be it! I also noticed that he hasn't missed any meals lately. I think he has been sneaking some hamburgers and fries from his favorite fast food chain. I have a guy in my Bible Study class that reminds me of Michael Moore. He says things that are "off the wall" at times just to see what people will say and do. I smile because I know that he is just getting a conversaton going --he doesn't really believe what he says because his life tells me differently. A smart person knows that extremes are dangerous. We are all looking for balance. Democracy and Communism are only as beneficial as the leaders are mature and responsible. Both can be good or bad!

Can't Believe I'm Doing This!

Last night, Pete and Lorna came over for dinner. I cooked spaghetti and made banana pudding from scratch. (Gramma's recipe) After dinner, Pete and I practiced a violin duet to play in church in 2 weeks. Neither one of us have played much since high school orchestra. Bill arranged a medley of "Spirit of the Living God" and "Greater Is He That Is In Me". After about 30 minutes, it was actually sounding pretty good. I was surprised at how quickly my arm and shoulder was tiring. Could it be that I'm much older than I was in high school?? A fellow in Japan encouraged me to buy a new Suzuki violin while living in Yokohama. I'm glad he did!

I must be a sensuous person! Yesterday, a graduating student gave us long-stemmed red roses, and Lorna brought me a gorgeous plotted plant of spider mums. They look and smell so sweet! It's that time of year! I want to burn cinnamon scented candles and get a pumpkin to carve. Fall is wonderful!!!

Bobby Walker

My life is making a circle back to me. Thirty-five years ago my family lived on the campus of Golden Gate Seminary in San Francisco. During that time, we took in a 16 year old boy named Bobby Walker. There was trouble in Bobby's home and he didn't know where to turn. In spite of having two baby girls, we made room for him. Bobby smoked, wrecked his car and in short, was a troubled teen.

Last week, Bob's wife was dying and he turned to the internet to find us. Kirk drove to San Francisco with his Dad to meet Bob. When they arrived, his wife had just passed away at 50 years old. Kirk and his Dad officiated the funeral. It was next to a swimming pool in a recreation room. Kirk called when he returned home to pass on Bobby's message. He wanted me to know that my efforts were not in vain. He has seen the hand of God in his life and is telling his friends. Bobby wanted to apologize for the trouble he caused. Kirk laughed, and told Bobby that he had prepared us for hinself. Kirk told Bobby about his drug addiction and how God had delivered him. I had just told Kirk last week to "keep building the ark" when the world around you is so discouraging. I felt that God was speaking those same words to me when I heard that Bobby had given his life to Christ! Those challenging months suddenly became worth it, and I admit, I shed a few tears.

Celebration Service for Berthena

I had just turned onto the James River Freeway when my cell phone rang. It was Noel asking me to drive to the GreenLawn Funeral Home on Battlefield in Springfield. When Mom and I arrived, there was a host of immediate family members. Berthena looked absolutely beautiful! Everyone thought so! After the viewing, we ate a light dinner and then Noel asked us to get some ice cream from Andy's. We ate it in the La Quinta Hotel where we stayed. Noel checked us in. I about flipped! He had booked a suite for each of us!! There were 3 phones and 2 TVs in each suite. (Sondra, Galen's wife, was staying with Noel and Janice.)

The funeral was at the First Baptist Church in Nixa. It was the largest funeral I have attended. The new sanctuary doubles as a gymnasium during the week, and it was filled with people. Family and friends came from 6 different states. We all enjoyed the gospel quartet that sang with an acoustic guitar. The pastor was inspiring and reminded us that we are now writing our own funerals. We were also reminded just how thin the veil is between the spiritual world and the earth. Only those who are spiritually alive are aware. The rest have chosen to remain spiritually dead. When he asked how many had enjoyed Berthena's homemade pie. Hands went up everywhere!

Such occasions are always reunions. I talked to Larry Martindale who dated my college roommate at Cal Baptist. Larry retired from the Air Force and lives in Missouri now. I talked to Julie Hill who was a flowergirl with my Keri in Noel and Janice's wedding. She had flown in from Bakersfield, CA. I had not seen these people for 35 years. Our lives are short, but we will enjoy one anothers company in heaven forever! That makes me smile!

God was truly with me as I drove to Springfield and back home in 24 hours. The rain had stopped and I had no traffic to deal with.

Rainy Monday

I will teach my grammar classes this morning and then pick Mom up for the drive to Springfield. Berthena's funeral will be on Tuesday morning at the First Baptist Church in Nixa, MO. Noel called to say that he has arranged for two rooms at the LaQuinta Hotel. Many people are flying in from California. It is raining, but I know that angels will be with me as I drive.

Saturday, was sunny and cool. Bill wanted to take a drive, so I showed him the restaurant where I had eaten with the church people last October when he was in Singapore. It is O'Dells Farm Restaurant on the highway going to Ada. Their speciality is ribs and homemade pies. It was very relaxing! We passed a horse driven wagon and watched trucks unloading pumpkins.

Sunday, was another good day. There were many people sick, but there were still 14 people in my Bible Study class. The lesson was about the cursed fig tree. I had not really understood that story before. Now, I realize that God has the power to cut off any Christian who does not produce spiritual fruit. He is merciful and gives us many chances before He unleashes His wrath. I think my tomatoe plants taught me that lesson!

We began Christmas choir practice after the service. We are singing the musical, "Joy in This Place" by O.D. Hall. I had so many flashbacks as we practiced! Bill directed this same musical in Yokohama, Japan. The Public Relations Director for the LandMark Hotel/Convention Center heard the choir perform and ask us to do it again in the hotel lobby. Wow! We were taken in the security elevator to the Emporor's private suite. There was a new baby grand for our warm-up practice. After our performance ( on a stage which had a circle of restaurants around it) we were invited to have tea with the hotel's chef. He had won awards in San Antonio's International cooking whatever? The Japanese loved the Christmas arrangements! We were so completely humbled by their response to Christian music. We pray that the people of Shawnee will be blessed by this musical as well.

I'll Miss You! But I Won't Say Goodbye!

Last night, the phone rang. A broken voice on the other end said, "Aunt Marti, this is Mark. Gramma Hill is not doing so good, and Mom and Dad are at St. John's." We talked for about 10 minutes, and then I told him to call me back when he had more information. A few minutes later Noel called, but couldn't talk. He didn't have to, I knew that Berthena had passed away.

I met Berthena when I was 24 years old. Mom and Dad had moved to Wasco, California where Dad had taken a new pastorate. Bailey Hill was one of Dad's deacons, and his wife, Berthena took care of everyone! Noel fell in love with their daughter, Janice and married her. We became one big family. When Bailey and Berthena retired, they moved from California to Nixa, Missouri. It was natural for Noel and Janice to move to Springfield when Noel retired from the Navy. And then, Bill and I bought a home in Oklahoma. Everytime we visited Springfield, we enjoyed Bailey and Berthena's hospitality. We ate many delicious homecooked dinners together in their beautiful new home.

God knows everything! Steve, Noel and Janice's son, drives for Schneider Trucking but was home for the weekend. Dwayne, Janice's brother, is home from Singapore where he has been on business.

I'll be driving to Springfield with my mother for the funeral. Berthena, thank you for your love and for all of the happy times spent at your house! I will see you again. I don't have to say, "Goodbye"!

Vacation Week

This has been a vacation week for me. Now, I know what retired people do. They do all of the things that have to be done again next week at a relaxed pace. I cleaned closets, organized coupons, did laundry and washed the car. My plants have quite bearing, but they are still green, so I won't pull them up just yet.

Yesterday was just fun! Mom had been so disappointed when I had to cancel her birthday party due to her pneumonia in August, so I invited her Bible Study group to my house for lunch and Mexican Dominoes. I provided Dr. Pepper and ice cream bars. They brought tacos from Taco Mayo. Those 80 plus year old ladies are sharp! They play together every week and I felt challenged to keep up with them!

This morning, the jack hammers are making their own music around our house. Bill spotted two crack lines around the door in our family room. A foundation company is here to put supports on the corner of the house. I guess this is very common as houses age, and when there has been a lot of rain. The men said that our house is in a great condition compared to some they have seen, and that we were smart to catch it while the problem is minor. Without a doubt, God led us to this house so that we can bless others. After living in condos and apartments abroad, I never want to take my home in the States for granted.