"R" is for retirement - and so much more

R - for retirement...and once again Jerry is in to the retirement mode and we are thoroughly enjoying ourselves. R - for relaxation...and how much more can you relax than enjoying friends' pool or sharing a hot tub with your daughter. R is for reunion...a special evening with our college friend, Meredith. Many years ago Mere's Dad lived part of the time with us while he went to college...and now 20-some years later, Mere goes to college near Jo's, and just finished spending her 2nd summer living with daughter Carla in KC while she did an internship. R is for rewarding...and thats what this week has been. R is for rejuvenation and restoration. And what better way to relax than with Jo's stylist, our friend Robert, who somehow manages to work miracles. And indeed we did feel refreshed and radiant as we headed off to some of J&S's good friends for a magnificent evening - and plans for a fly fishing trip come December! R is for rest...and could there be a prettier place to relax than around this pool? R is for rejoice! And that's what we are doing as we begin yet another phase of our adventures in retirement as part of the Family of God. We relish the time you spend with us...whether we see you in Missouri, Texas, or Kansas..and the time you spend reading our blog and following along with us. We plan to leave late tomorrow afternoon to head across east Texas into Arkansas, and then southwest Missouri, after going to a matinee celebrating the History of Country Music at a theatre on the Riverwalk. These weeks that lie ahead of us promise to be days of reflection and re-creation in one of our favorite parts of the country--Table Rock Lake. Come on - let's go!

120th Camp Meeting

What a joy to be a part of the Bloys Camp Meeting once again. This is Jerry's 3rd year as the Bible Study leader representing the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Bloys preached 4 times a day to the cowboys and their families back in the beginning, but later invited a pastor from the Baptist, Disciples of Christ and Methodist Churches to share in the leadership--and so it is to this day. Our leadership team was incredible--including Tommy Potter (Brite Divinity), Keith Wyatt (New Braunfels TX) and Jim Denison (Center for Informed Faith, Dallas.) At the top you can see our dear friends from Redmond WA, Peter and Diane Wilson...they are long-time Bloys folks. We met them two years ago on our first day there, just when we knew we were going to Sammamish WA for a year, and we shared a lot of wonderful times in WA. Our picture was snapped by their grandson, Chandler, who couldn't resist getting himself in one photo! Ralph & Sally Green joined us for part of the week, and we ate dinner one evening at the Paisano Hotel in Marfa--a nice outing. Before camp actually opened, we were invited up to a nearby RV park to join several other couples for a hobo lunch--and here you see those yummy foil packets cooking over the open fire--they were delicious! In the photo on the middle left you see that long white thing hanging from the rafter?

That is a rattlesnake, caught and killed by Diane's nephew..and provided great entertainment for all of us as we watched him gut and skin it. I'm glad I didn't see it when it was alive and rattling along the road! Along with the gifted preaching and teaching we heard all week, the music was heavenly--we have both piano and organ, as well as shared talents from many of the attendees, whose talent is all beyond description. It is an opportunity for many family reunions, and the fellowship and conversation is great. Not only that, we had plenty of rain early on, so the Ft. Davis area is beautifully green--and cool at night or in the shade during the day. I wish each of you could have the Bloys experience--it is a page out of the past and a real treasure. The Holy Spirit permeates the whole place--it truly is a sacred week.

Blessings in the summer

Picking up the challenge from Jo's latest blog, please let me share one of my favorite blessings of this summer season...our tiny little feathered friends who live on our patio. On Facebook I shared pictures of our first summer inhabitants, but not on my blog. Imagine my surprise earlier this week when I discovered a NEW nest on our patio - this is our sixth nest we have, and the first new one in a couple of seasons. That little critter built it right under my nose and I did not even see her do it! Notice its cute location..on the shoulder of our little Irishman on a wind chime! Mama is so tiny that it makes me wonder if she is one of the babies that hatched and flew away last month? Who knows..not being familiar with the habits of hummers. But what a treat! Two of the tiniest eggs you can imagine..and she is a faithful mama, sitting on it most of the time, leaving only for very short periods of time. Mama fights with the purple finches, who also feed at our feeder, and sometimes she has support in the form of other hummers who join her in shooing them away! You are right, Jo - summer is rich and full of fun. I accept your challenge to blog about some of those things in the next couple of weeks. Meanwhile, what are you grateful for in the summertime? (You can read Jo's blog at http://cjoshoot.blogspot.com/)

4th of July

 What a great country we live in!  We are so blessed, and our family experienced this 4th together in Midland, which was certainly a blessing.  Carla was here to welcome her Dad home from Uganda, and Jo and Scott arrived on Friday morning, so we were able to hear his stories from the mission trip firsthand and while they were very fresh on his mind and memory.  The creative girls made a DVD of all his photos, which will be a delight for us to watch...and hear even more stories. The time was spent visiting, enjoying the LaForce's swimming pool, time with Ray and Jane, our 92 year old friends here (only Ray made the picture with all his girlfriends!), playing bananagram around the kitchen table, eating fresh tomatoes from Ray's patio plants, and dining at Abuelo's, always a family favorite.  Jerry preached that Sunday morning, so the kids were most pleased about that, and they had a chance to renew some friendships at church as well.  We are so glad they were here with us, and we had that special time together.

San Antonio

I certainly did enjoy myself while Jerry was in Uganda...as soon as he left town, I packed up and headed for San Antonio. On Sunday my friend, Sally Green, and I moved in to the Hyatt Regency on the River Walk and spent 3 days attending a Renovare International Conference--WOW is all I can say--the opportunity to listen to Richard Foster, Eugene Peterson, Chris Webb, and attend several workshops of my choice was a great opportunity. Sally and I enjoyed dinner on the RiverWalk one evening, while Jo and Scott hosted all the Midland folks at their home on the other evening - great time for all! Jo saw a skirt on the internet made out of t-shirts...her seamstress friend, Blanca, said she would do it--and as you can see, its absolutely adorable. Blanca is a master seamstress, and obviously extremely artistic as well. On another evening, Jo & Scott's friends, Tom and Michael, had us over to their home for swimming and dinner--what a marvelous relief from the heat of the day to cool off in their lovely pool. Michael was our chef...and here you see Tom and Jo with the two resident dogs, Sister Bernadette and Sister Scholastica. On Sunday, Jo and I drove over to visit her very special friend, Miss Vicki--Vicki, her husband, and two precious daughters left last week to move (permanently) to Walla Walla WA. Its been so special for me to get to know Miss Vicki over the years that Jo has lived in San Antonio--I met her when she showed up at Jo's house in her painting clothes ready to go to work when they first moved into their home--and there was LOTS of work to be done. She is a delightful friend, outstanding mother, a creative artist in her own right, and the only thing that makes this move more bearable to me is that Miss Vicki blogs frequently and I will be able to keep up with her growing family. For Jo, it was very sad--but she already has a trip planned to WWWa next fall! Jo wrote a wonderful blog regarding Vicki's move which you can read at http://cjoshoot.blogspot.com/2009_05_01_archive.html Its wonderful to enjoy your adult children so much...I feel so blessed to have had special visits in both Kansas City and San Antonio while we have been back in Midland. Our kids are all great conversationalists, creative and artistic, with definite opinions, compassionate to a fault, and surrounded by friends....Jerry and I are so blessed!

Uganda 2009 Team is on their way!

The mission team should be in bed and asleep in Entebbe, after having departed Midland International at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday. Our theme "Sharing the Gospel Side by Side" is the logo on the team's shirts, as well as the shirts they will give to their interpreters in Uganda. These marvelous interpreters are students at the Bible College - and our team could not minister without their care! Sally Green and I were among many at the airport to see the team off. This is Ralph's 7th trip to Uganda, and Jerry's 3rd. We know they both look forward to returning, and seeing friends they have made in previous years. The scene at the airport looked chaotic...at the Packing Party on Monday night, we packed 37 suitcases with medical supplies, Bibles, Sunday School curriculum, games for children, surgical gloves, neosporin and who knows what else! But there they all were at the airport on Thursday morning, and suitcases were checked, weighed, repacked, and finally all loaded on to a Continental plane checked through to Entebbe. Each person is allowed two checked items, and we paid for ten additional suitcases to carry more supplies. They are all happy campers when they finally arrive at the hotel in Entebbe with all their luggage. (Last time, Jerry's suitcase didn't arrive until later, so this year he is prepared with extra clothes in his backpack!) We wish them God-speed, and we covet your prayers for all of them, for their health, for their rest, for their willingness to share the Gospel, and for all the blessings this will mean to them individually and to our brothers and sisters in Uganda.

The Night of the Bees

Last night, as Ralph & Sally left our house and started down the sidewalk at dusk, Jerry saw LOTS of things flying in the air ahead of them, and cautioned them to stop. Its good they did...for on a low branch of a tree in our neighbor's yard just beside our garage was a huge beehive! Jerry called the police, who gave him the phone number for Bee Busters Inc. He arrived soon after, but by now it was totally dark outside. Tim estimated the hive to be the size of a football. Did you know that it takes 3500-4500 bees to weigh a pound, and this hive was probably 3 1/2-4 pounds? And further, it was not there when I walked over to my neighbors about noon. Those little rascals move fast! The Bee Buster (who turned out to be Tim, a member of our church family, and someone we have known for years) donned his uniform, and prepared a large white bucket (with a tight-fitting lid!) by placing some sticks and twigs in it. If he doesn't do that, to provide some airspace, some of the bees will die by being crushed in the confined bucket. He was glad it was night, because the bees don't like to fly in the dark, so I'm glad I didn't wait until this morning to call. He walked up to the hive, held the bucket up under it, shook the branch while pressing down on the hive, put the lid on it securely, and the job was over. The bees would then be on their way to a new location in the country. Tim told us that in the daylight we would be able to see white on the branch where they were beginning to build a honeycomb..but unfortunately, there were still a few bees who got left behind buzzing around this morning, and we decided it was not prudent to walk up for a closer look. But I think I'll go check it out now.....

Forty-six years today

May 23rd, 1963, 4 p.m., in the Chapel of Westminster Presbyterian Church, Oklahoma City OK, Mary Margaret Sparks became the bride of Jerry Max Hilton...46 years ago today. Its been an incredible journey. I am very grateful for my husband, for his many gifts and talents, but mostly for his sense of humor and putting up with me. We have shared a delightful adventure, and have enjoyed sharing that journey with you over the years. Thanks for being a very important part of our life together. I love you, Jerry.

Congratulations Dr. Peters!

Dr. Scott Peters, Assistant Professor, Texas A&M, San Antonio Campus. We are so proud of you. You have worked and studied very hard to achieve all that you have accomplished. It was our joy to share graduation with you last year, when you earned your PhD from the University of Texas (San Antonio). Now you are joining the ranks of the Aggies as you begin teaching next August full-time, having spent this year as an Adjunct Prof at both UTSA and TxA&M. Way to go, Son!

Jo's birthday

Its that time of the year when we Hiltons spend five weeks celebrating our four birthdays - and this past weekend we honored Jo on her 44th birthday. (How can that possibly be????) It was a joyous visit...Jo and Scott had made several changes and improvements to their home since we had last been there, so that was really a treat. They also have wonderful new neighbors next door since our last visit, and John & Connie joined us for dinner one evening so we could all get acquainted--and we had lots of friends and acquaintances in common, as so often happens. Jo's choice for dinner was the LaFonda, fabulous Mexican food, and we were joined by our young friends, Meredith Price and her friend, Paul...and then back to the Peters' home for birthday cake and presents. It just doesn't seem possible that 44 years have flown by--Jo was the first baby born in the Presbyterian manse in Hobart OK in many many years, and the church organist rang the church bells loud and long so everyone would know of her arrival! Our family doctor had to be called away from Rotary Club meeting to get her delivered. And it just couldn't have been that long ago--could it? Jo is now deep into her photography career, and several of her presents will enrich that gift of hers...but who would have thought anyone would be so excited about an old Polaroid camera? As we left on Saturday morning for home, Jo was taking off on her scooter to assist with graduation at San Antonio Community College, where she serves as Director of Interpretive Services. I look forward to spending time with them in mid-June, while Jerry makes his third journey to Uganda with FPC Midland to spread the Good News of Jesus and plant another church in Eastern Uganda. Jo & Scott will be over here to welcome Jerry back upon his return from Uganda. Jo's actual birthdate is the 13th, so Happy Birthday to our first-born...we are so proud of you, and the woman you have become. You and your younger sister are such a blessing to us, and to all those who know you.

Pine Ridge connections

Pine Ridge Presbyterian Church north of the Missouri River in Kansas City is a spirit-filled mission-involved congregation that we are very fond of. Carla has been on the staff almost nine years now (and part-time for three years before she went to seminary). The church is pastored by Jim Gordon, shown here with his wife Marcia. Our family involvement goes w-a-y-back, when Jim was a youth in our church in Marshall MO, and his Dad chaired the PNC that called Jerry to Covenant Church in 1972. Jim received his seminary training at McCormick Theological Seminary (as did both of us), and Jerry married them about 23 years ago. This week Jim's sermon touched on the Living Water mission trip he had just attended, learning to build fresh water systems in 3rd world countries--a mission dear to our hearts since Midland First has dug 23 water wells in our Uganda mission. The new sanctuary at PRPC is beautiful, and my favorite part is baptismal font, which is located in the middle of the center aisle near the front. It constantly bubbles gently. The bowl is filled with glass pebbles, and when someone is baptized, they are given one of those...or, when baptismal vows are renewed, the person can take one as a reminder of our life in Christ. The baptismal font is also a memorial to Jim & Marcia's fathers. This is Jason Brock, his wife and two precious sons, who are new members of PRPC. Jason and his wife were born and raised in Marshall MO, where we lived for 13 years...and Jason was born two years after Jerry began his ministry at that church, so we did literally watch him grow up. This, my friends, is one of those joys of ministry that Jerry and I are always awed about--seeing little ones raised in the church, crossing paths with them years later, and being able to rejoice in what God is doing in their lives. Jason's Dad was the principal of Marshall High School for many years, fortunately including the years our daughters attended MHS. Now meet Marve & Joyce Hohensee...we don't go quite as far back with them as we do with Jim Gordon and Jason Brock...but the Hohensees were members of our church in Enid OK, moving to Enid at almost exactly the same time we did, and leaving Enid for KC when we moved to Midland, so we have been friends for almost 25 years. When Marve was transferred to the KC area, I mentioned PRPC as a possible church home for them, if they settled in that north part of town. The first time they went out with a realtor to look at homes--guess what was lying on the front seat of her car? A bulletin from Sunday worship at Pine Ridge PC...and listed in the bulletin as part of the staff was our daughter's name. Marve told the realtor that Carla was the daughter of their former pastor in Enid...and now you know the rest of the story. It is such a joy to see them whenever we visit KC. And there are others - remember in a previous blog I mentioned Jerry's cousins in KC...we Worshipped with Jane on both Sundays I was there...one year the youth mission trip helped with a "Faces of Children" Conference in Washington DC, sponsored by FPC Midland...and another year, their youth came to Midland on their mission trip and worked with Midland Habitat for the week, staying at our church and being royally treated by FPC members. (One of the advisors told me he expected to lose weight on that mission trip, since there would be lots of outdoor manual labor, but every time he turned around, another FPC member was showing up with "goodies" for their break times on the job site...and how they enjoyed the hospitality of some of our members with the opening of their swimming pool for them each day, and good Texas barbeque one lunch.) Those youngsters are all away in college now but the adult sponsors remember those trips vividly. And so the Family of God connects and reconnects as we continue on our journey. Praise Him!

Happy Birthday, Carla!

To make Carla's 42nd birthday very special, we did something she has been wanting to do ever since the Courtyard Marriott bought her former apartment building, the Park Lane Apartments, and turned it into a hotel. We rented the King Suite, which we thought would be her entire former apartment, but turned out to be only half of the apartment and invited friends to stop by to celebrate. It was a great evening...the view of the Mill Creek Park across the street is still fantastic, and she and her friends shared lots of memories of 1990-1993, when she called that home. Carla's apartment is on the top floor right, the one with the balcony (which is no longer accessible but only for looks, but in the old days served as a usable balcony overlooking KC!) Since it is on the National Historic Register, the exterior has been totally preserved, and much of the inside including the tiny "icebox" doors next to each apartment for use of the iceman and milkman. The Courtyard Marriott may think that THEY are the pride of the plaza, but we know better, don't we? Congratulations, Carla, on your birthday and for being the very special person that you are. We are so proud of you! To view an album of pics from Carla's orange birthday party, click on this link (or cut and paste), click "view slideshow", and on the bottom click on "show captions" icon. http://www2.snapfish.com/thumbnailshare/AlbumID=472726007/a=28011805_28011805/t_=28011805

Everything's Up to Date in Kansas City

Its spring in Kansas City..and what better to do than fly kites, right? So Carla's high school friend, Michelle, and her two daughters from Independence KS joined us for the Flights of Fancy Kite Festival...these youngsters are absolutely delightful, and the four of us had a marvelous time picnicking on the lawn, watching all kinds and sizes of kites flying, getting faces painted, and seeing many other families enjoying themselves as well. What fun it is to see old friends..thats friends of long-standing, NOT friends who are aged, right? Gretchen, Nancy and I met in 1972 and shared family life in Marshall MO for a number of years. Nancy still lives there, while Gretchen lives in Pella IA, and Carla's home was a great place to meet for much visiting and eating and laughter. How did Carla grow up from a little girl to adulthood when none of the rest of us have changed? Jerry has some very special cousins who live in Kansas City, folks whom we always enjoy seeing when we are here. Tonight Carla and I met Jim & Jane for dinner at The Blue Moose..a delicious meal but even better was the conversation. Jim's Dad was a real favorite of Jerry's, and Jerry tells lots of stories from Lynn...and I know that Jim has inherited his Dad's story-telling ability! The evening passed all too quickly...and while Jim enjoyed these three women, I know he missed Jerry's presence. Tomorrow Carla and I are going to celebrate her birthday..and we will tell you more about that next time...so stay tuned.

He is risen indeed!

What a glorious resurrection morning at First Pres, Midland! Jo and Scott came from San Antonio for a couple of days, amidst weekend weather that ranged from strong winds to beautiful sunshine to large hail...quite eventful. All our children are devoted to our dear friends, Ray & Jane, so it was very special to spend a morning with them over breakfast at Manor Park. These remarkable folks are over 90 years young, and an inspiration to all of us. My special moment came with a hug from David Bingham of Edmond OK...a college student at OSU, whose Dad was chair of the Pastor Nominating Committee in 1992 when Jerry was called to Midland. Thus David and his brother became our first "surrogate grandchildren". Its been a special joy to watch David grow and mature, and follow our Lord. In the summers, David has been working at Camp Barnabus in southwest Missouri, a camp for special needs kids. Camp Barnabus is located on the campus of what used to be the Presbyterian church camp where Jerry went to camp as a youngster...small world, isn't it? We visited David there a couple of summers ago and Jerry could share that with David. Our Easter worship closed, as is our tradition at FPC, with anyone in the congregation who wished to sing, joining the sanctuary choir in the choir loft as we praised our risen Lord with the "Hallelujah Chorus". Amen and amen.

Birthday are such fun--even if we are elderly!

The first part of April means birthdays..and it seems the older we get, the more we manage to stretch it out! We celebrated our birthdays by going to El Paso to spend a couple of days with our cousins, Bill & Wayne...and were treated to a magnificent birthday dinner at The Edge of Texas in EP - I do highly recommend it, if you find yourself in El Paso. It was also special to spend time with our EP friends, Lynn and Judy. The three of us who were 70 years old had our picture taken together to commemorate the event..that would be Mary, Jerry and Judy! Jerry was attending a Faces of Children Prayer Meeting at FPC and was delighted to see his friend, Getanah and his wife. They are from Ethiopia, but sought asylum in the US after Getanah was persecuted for his Christian faith, and they now have a prayer ministry in the Washington DC area called "Watch and Pray". Jerry asked Mrs. Getanah if she would like a cup of coffee. She replied that she would, so Jerry got up to get it for her when she said something to her husband. Jerry turned and asked Getanah what she had said. Getanah told Jerry his wife had said "it is not right for the elderly to wait on me." So happy birthday...and we are glad to be elderly...we are just grateful to be alive. We appreciated all your cards, calls and Facebook remembrances.

Home Sweet Home

Dear Friends and Family, Where are we, you ask? Midland, Texas - our home base Why are we here? Jerry is (once again) on the staff of First Presbyterian Church, Midland TX, as an Interim Associate Pastor with responsibilities for Mission and Evangelism for a six month period. What is he doing? Whatever it is, he is loving it! He has preached the two Sundays on either side of spring break, taught an adult Sunday School Class, teaching a Wednesday evening Bible Study on John, met with several committees, made hospital calls and home calls, and is getting acquainted with new staff and new programs at FPC. Where are we living? Friends are still living in our house while their new home is being built. So for the past 3 weeks, we are living in our motor home parked behind our house in the alley. It gives a whole new meaning to "alley cats" or "trailer trash" - take your pick! We have full hook-ups back here, and a perfect spot to park, and even a decent view! But the moving van for our friends arrives on April 2nd, house cleaner and carpet cleaners on the 6th and 7th, and then we will be back in our own house in time for Easter and company. What are our plans for the next few months? Jerry will be busy! In 1993, our Senior Pastor at FPC was an Associate Pastor here when we came to Midland, and he and Jerry had a couple of marvelous years working together. This is like a dream come true - back at FPC and working once again with Steve, who is incredible. Next week we will go to El Paso for a couple of days to celebrate Jerry's 70th birthday, back for Holy Week observances, and the arrival of our daughter Jo with her husband Scott, and our dear college friend Meredith. After Easter I am going to Kansas City to help Carla celebrate her birthday. Jerry is looking forward to being able to return to Uganda once again in June, while I attend the Renovare Conference in San Antonio and visit Jo & Scott. And in August, its Bloys Cowboy Camp Meeting once again. The time will pass all too quickly. What am I doing while Jerry is working? I am retired (remember?) so I am doing just what I want....back in my book club, beginning Pilates at the Y (and finding muscles I didn't know I had, and aches to prove that they are there!), visits with friends, being a "grandma" to a precious 6-month old daughter of one of our APs, and looking forward to living in our home for a little while. We are grateful to all of you who have been a part of our life. It warms our hearts to know you care, and you take the time to read our blog. We appreciate all your greetings, by email, snail mail, or Facebook. We rejoice that we serve a Risen Savior who binds us together in one family--I am SO glad I'm a part of the Family of God--aren't you? Love from Midland TX, home sweet home.

A book lovers dream come true

For YEARS we have heard about the VNSA Used Book Sale in Phoenix, because our sister-in-law has been a volunteer for over twenty years. The booksale held its 53rd sale this past weekend, and we could not only attend but also could be volunteers and help out. This exceptional group offers over 600,000 books which have been sorted, categorized and priced all year long in their warehouse, and then set up in the fairgrounds in the most amazing display you have ever seen. Given the economy this year, no one knew what might be the outcome..but when we arrived shortly after 7 a.m., the waiting line was huge..some folks come during the night before to be first in line. You can see them outside waiting for the main doors to open, as those of us inside had the "countdown" to 8 a.m. Grocery carts are available for customers, but lots of people come prepared with rolling luggage, backpacks, duffles, whatever--and the books go out in all manner of carry-alls! We bought our own choices of reading material for the upcoming months (since I no longer am living next door to the public library!) The charities supported by the VNSA will be blessed once again, as the group raised about $440,000! One of our treats at the booksale was to meet up with Nancy Howard and her friend Otto. Nancy is a Facebook friend of ours now, but she is also a friend of my brother's in Phoenix when they both served in the Air National Guard, AND her real claim to fame is that she is from southwest Missouri--grew up in Aurora MO and her family is from Crane MO..so she and Jerry go way back. And by the way, my little brother had a birthday while we were in Phoenix, so we had a marvelous family dinner and celebrated the fact that he now another year older, and trying to catch up to his older sister!

May it warm your heart as it warms mine....

http://cjoshoot.blogspot.com/ Some moments are just so special...like finding this on daughter Jo's blog. If you know our girls, I hope you will click on this link (or cut and paste) and read her blog entitled HER...and while you are at it, move on down and read HIM. Thanks, Jo and Carla, for blessing our life!