TRAVIS HAD wandered outside the bunkhouse, walked to the concrete, and stood on the first step. "Travis?" Anne called out, surprised to find someone in the darkness outside. Maybe he can help, Anne thought to herself. She approached Travis.
"I'll see what I can do," Travis said, after Anne explained that
Marge had diarrhea and needed to go home.
Anne felt she had enough of the rositas working on getting Marge home. Kenny flashed in her mind . . . I almost left him. Poor Kenny, he would be lost without me. Best tell Marge what she
had accomplished, and that soon there would be a car for her and
Bill.
SHE ENTERED the Women's dorm. She found Marge in the bathroom, and after some time told her that a car would be on the way.
"What about Bill?" Marge asked, sitting on the throne, "Nobody told him I'm going home. Actually, he needs to go home with me. Someone needs to tell him."
Anne said, "I will find Bill and tell him." Anne left Marge still sitting there, to go and find Bill.
Some of the women didn't know of Marge's troubles. They were at the afterglow or playing cards.
Those who knew Marge were greatly relived that Marge and Bill had the use of Travis's car, and wished her well as they drove off. They were all tired, and went back to sleep.
Anne wondered about Sunday. What will they do?
--15--
ON SUNDAY, ANNE NORMALLY WENT TO church. I didn't see anyone that looked like clergy. If they were there, I never saw them.
The rain had stopped sometime during the night. The blue sky shone like Christ had just ascended. Anne remembered that He resembled the Lily of the Valley. The sun felt warm as she walked up the steps to the Dinning Room.
She knew something would happen today. Maybe, she would tell Kenny what she had been thinking. Anne kissed Kenny outside the Rollo Room after a quick breakfast of cereal, coffee and juice.
They went into the Rollo Room, and she reached over squeezed
Kenny's hand. Anne thought about Kenny and her backing off.
* * *
Anne remembered Kenny holding her feet so gently and washing her feet. She remembered the scriptures, the girls found last night, and she prayed about pleasing God.
SOME SURPRISE filled the Rollo Room when Pastor Ernie came through the door, and made his way into the room heading toward the podium. He stood 5-11”, a plump fellow, some gray hairs coloring his receding blonde hair.
Pastor Ernie had a hard time getting to the podium. Everybody wanted to shake his hand, or get a hug. He didn't hurry. Pastor Ernie gave everyone what they wanted, or needed. A hug for Jodie, hand shake for Robert, another hand shake for Noel.
Georgia had a special problem. Pastor Ernie knowing that he didn't have time right now: "Can I get with you on Tuesday at
10:00 AM?"
"That would be fine. It can wait till I see you. Tuesday morning at ten," Georgia agreed.
Pastor Ernie started.
"Thank you for your warm welcome. It is so good to see so many of you. This weekend is special to me, because you have set
aside this time to examine your marriages. And . . . to examine yourselves. Time well spent – I would say.
Anne had her Sunday church service, complete with Pastor Ernie. Maybe this was the time Kenny would ask Jesus into his heart.
Pastor Ernie began to speak: "To see if His followers were really disciples, and that's a good thing. Jesus asked a man, not in so many words, what he would do if God blessed him. It was really a parable for the disciples. It gave them a way to measure
themselves.
“If you have Bibles, turn with me to Matthew 7:24, Pastor Ernie read:
“'I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“'But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand, and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell. And great was it's fall' (Matt 7:24).
"Jesus started his story about a wise man and a foolish man with the opening: 'Judge not, that you be may not be judged.' Good advice, but more than that.
“Jesus had been talking to His disciples in Galilee on the side of a hill looking over the Sea of Galilee. A beautiful place, we always go there on our trips to the Holy Land, and so appropriate for getting across His message about discipleship. He was laying the groundwork for those who would be My disciples.
This parable gives us a children's story, maybe you know it, about three little pigs building a house.
"The first pig built his house of straw. And the wolf, he's in the story too, came along and he knocked at the door. The little pig didn't know what to do, but he was adamant telling the wolf, 'No, no, by the hair of my chinny, chin, chin. I'll not let you in.' And the story goes on.
“The wolf declared, 'Then I'll huff and I'll puff and I'll blow your house in. And he huffed and puffed. and he blew the house in.
"The second pig wanting to be wiser, built his house of sticks, rather than of straw. And the wolf came to the pig's house. The pig was stubborn, and wouldn't let the wolf into his house of
sticks. He said also, 'No, no, by the hair of my chinny, chin, chin, I won't let you in.'
“Then, said the wolf, 'Then I'll huff and puff and blow your house in.' And the wolf huffed and puffed, and blew the house in.
"The third pig didn't want to be foolish, so, he built his house of bricks. Well, you probably know what happened. The wolf came by, and after the little pig said, 'No, no, by the hair of my chinny, chin, chin. I'll not let you in.'
“So . . . the wolf resorted to: 'I'll huff and puff and blow your house in.' So, he huffed and puffed, and he puffed and he huffed, but the wolf could not blow the house in.
"Jesus says you will be wise to build your house on the rock. Once you have asked Jesus to take over your life, He gives you the where-with-all to handle many things that can happen in a marriage."
Anne said a prayer to Jesus. She thought, maybe now is the time. Pastor Ernie continued: "Many things will happen in a marriage.
Some of you may be experiencing, or may have – if you haven't;
you will. Satan is alive and well.
“God hasn't finished with you. God will test you, and Satan will tempt you. But don't get these two confused.
“James said, 'God will tempt no one.' God wants you to become like His Son, Jesus. It says in Philippians'. . . being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ' (Phil 1:6). That is a
powerful verse for any marriage.
"You may be experiencing a bad time at work, difficulty getting ahead, the loss of your job, expenses with your marriage, sickness, change in relationship. Perhaps a change in location, vacations, finances, world situation . . . I'm convinced that Jesus will come back soon, and the world will end. We don't know exactly when . . . maybe soon.
“One thing is certain . . . we are all going to die.
"Lets talk about that. Death puts a great stress on a marriage. This is a marriage retreat, we should be straight forward in discussing those things that you know will happen.
“Not just the one you married, or your child, an illness or disease, a deadly car accident can bring death into a marriage. Someone in your family, if all goes normal, our fathers and mothers, who maybe advancing in years, uncles, aunts, even cousins will die.
“When this death occurs, many questions face us. Should we go there? Should we spend the money? Should we send flowers, pay some of the costs?
“How should I react? What is my spouse feeling? Should the kids know? What should they know? Should we tell the kids? Maybe you're too young to have ever faced death. You will face death – sooner, or later.
"I remember I was
in the Denver Airport and it occurred to me that everyone I saw, whether it was the young mother running, with luggage behind her, a baby in a carriage in front of her, or the athlete turned businessman looking dapper and strong, or the black woman and her two children sitting across from me, would die.
“The Bible says: 'It is appointed for men (women and children, included) to die once, but after this the judgment . . .' All of them will die. You will face death in your marriage. This weekend prepares you.
"Loss of a job almost puts as much stress on a marriage as a death. I remember losing a job once. The most telling indicator . . . the loss of the company car.
“The company had let me drive home, and in a few days they just took it out of the driveway. I remember my wife told me, 'Well, we just became a one car family, and I suppose you will need it to go to interviews.
“How will I drive the kids to piano and ballet lessons?' We became much closer during those days . . . well, some time passed, before we became closer. In time, I was blessed with another job at more money if you can believe it. God is good.
“We never forgot that time in our lives, and we still drive one car. It made the transition to the pastoral ministry much easier.
"The same questions arise. The same as death. What do we tell our children? How is my spouse feeling?
“Death in a family and loss of a job put a tremendous stress on a marriage. The time of a death can happen at any time. It becomes uncontrollable. The loss of a job may be controllable or uncontrollable.
"I almost left this out, my notes and all. Menopause . . . menopause can also have an disastrous affect on your marriage. “Your marriage might be affected by this change in a woman's life sooner than the death of a loved one.
“Both will occur, I guarantee it. We know that death will occur.
“We don't think about menopause, or that it will have a significant affect on our relationship with our husband, because menopause may be considered a woman's thing. Wives don't think of the man to whom they wed. Somehow it will affect him.
“Maybe sooner than you think. Some women become very upset by menopause, others don't. Either way, it will last a few years or maybe, a lifetime, depending how the woman looks at it, and
this will effect a marriage.
“My wife, Terri, can tell you more, but I will tell you do not keep the start of menopause a secret from your husband. It will effect your marriage, and the two of you will need to deal with it and discuss it together.
"Illness, which we may can see coming, changes a marriage A time of fun, kids gone, college paid off, etc. becomes a time of trouble for both of you, if one of you or a relative becomes ill.
“Travel may be out, due to trouble with knees, sex may be effected, the retirement fund may not cover all the expenses, time is spent in Doctor's offices or plans may have to be adjusted to span operations or the possibilities of an operation.
"Jesus said a wise man builds his house on a rock. He who does
His will, is wise.
"Why does He say this? He knows the truth. He said the truth shall set you free. Jesus also told Martha, 'I'm the way, the truth, and the life.'
“He knows that the trouble will come like a heavy, strong wind. He also knows that wise men will withstand the wind, no matter when it occurs or how strong it blows.
"So, let me hurry this up. I know you are eager to return to discussing marriage. All of those who need to ask Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, and want to be wise; come forward.
Some movement.
Pastor Ernie went on: "Why do I call you publicly? Jesus called all those that follow Him publicly. Look at it as a test. If you
want Jesus to be your Lord and Savior, would you not follow Him publicly.
Some more movement. Both males and females were stirring. KB
stirs. He stands. He hesitates . . . deciding.
Anne brightened. She prayed to Jesus. She knew Jesus can make a difference. A Christian man. Christ in her home. Her talking
to Brutus, and he and Sally to sponsor them.
Anne said one more prayer, Lord Jesus in Your Word You say that the whole family would be saved. We are a family. I can't do anything; only Your Holy Spirit can change his heart."
Kenny stepped out. He went forward.
Anne mumbled: "Thank you, Jesus." She repeated her prayer, this time to herself, thank you, Jesus.
Pastor Ernie was talking: "Let me share a word or two with you." All that came forward, listened closely to Pastor Ernie.
"This is the biggest decision you will ever make. Let me be the first to tell you. Your sins have been forgiven . . . all of them . . . past, present and future. This is the Good News of the Gospel.
“Now, you're right with God, and when you die, we all will
eventually, you will go to heaven. All which is good.
“Jesus also puts His Holy Spirit in you. A unique power you have never had before. A power to make wise decisions, the power over sin, the power to understand the Bible, called The Manufacturer's Handbook, and the power to follow Jesus, even to death.
“This is all explained in the materials you can take home. Thank you for coming forward. May God bless you that you may accept and put into practice all the table leaders have and will say. Amen."
KB joined Anne halfway to the Angel Table. Happiness exploded out her. Him too. He exploded in happiness. They held hands. They hugged. Kenny whispered: "I have so much to tell you."
"I know."
"We can have kids!" Kenny whispered. "Kids!" Anne prayed, thank you, Jesus. "What is he saying?” Kenny asked.
KB stood still, and leading Anne: "We will wait here. He might say something important."
"Thank you, Jesus," Anne said again.
THEN, KB led Anne back to the Angel table. Everyone was clapping, KB wasn't the only one that went forward. There were many. But KB was one, and his table, the Angels, knew and welcomed him and Anne.
KB said: "What else could I do? The Holy Spirit was tugging. Anne was probably praying. She prays all the time."
Carolle exclaimed: "Well, you were the only one from this table. I am excited for you. I started clapping, and haven't stopped. I always thought you were a Christian."
KB explained, "I did too, but after listening to all the talks and Pastor Ernie. I didn't want to be foolish; I wanted to be wise. I had never asked Jesus into my heart. I don't know what to say. It makes a difference. I don't know how, but it does."
THE HEAD Rosita explained the morning: "This weekend will close this afternoon. We will have to return to work tomorrow.
“The sponsors will arrive shortly and drive you home. Now, there will be this much time, he separated his hands about thirty inches, for you to pack and get ready for lunch.
“After which we will have another two rollos. The sponsors will be here at the end of the second rollo.
“Wasn't Pastor Ernie wonderful? Coming all the way out here just to speak to us." Pastor Ernie accepted the warmth of everyone before leaving.
KB and Anne wanted to get together. Anne wanted to know more . . . especially about having children. She couldn't wait for the Head Rosita to finish, and talk to Kenny. The Head Rosita finished, and Pastor Ernie left. Anne thought, finally.
Kenny spoke first: "I'm so happy! I have Jesus in my heart . . . my sins are forgiven . . . I have a home in heaven."
Anne blurted out: "When can we have kids?" She forgot all about
her telling him about his new role, his being in charge and the head of the family.
"Right away. We can start tonight."
“Lunch is served,” the Head Cook let everyone know. He also reminded us: “That there were two more rollos after lunch.”
--16 --
“FOR THIS ROLLO, 'OPPOSITES ATTRACT', we, Chris and Marie, leave the theocratic, some may call it theoretical,
and move into the practical. This talk may be titled, 'But you don't know my spouse
.'
“I have heard you saying, all this is fine, but you don't know the person I'm married to. He or she puts on a good face for everyone, but me. You don't know anything about what I have to put up with.
“I have good news, and also some bad news.
"The good news first - all people have strengths, and as Paul's
said to the Ephesians, you are unique and special (Eph 4:6). There are various gifts and these gifts match our personalities.
"The last subject, which requires a drawing, we will undertake, examines our personalities. Although each person has a basic personality, that personality may change, I should say softened with experience, Christianity, divorce, etc.
“We present this change in personalities, so you will have been warned a head of time, and can plan accordingly.
“Here is another way to look at people. We know, and maybe you accept, or you will accept later, that God created man and women as different folks. So much so, that informed and wise men and women take these differences into account when talking---man to woman, or woman to man.
“Others, maybe psychologists, have grouped all personalities into four categories: choleric, sanguine, melancholic, and phlegmatic. Weird, huh? Now, since we change with time and knowing Jesus, those that say such things, say we contain a little bit of each personality in all people.