Haven Tobias

(LINK to ZOOM recording)

“Why Buddha Nature Is Human Nature”

Haven Tobias practiced law for 40 years. Either despite that, or because of it, she has been a student of Buddhist and Daoist philosophy for 24 years. She offered meditation classes at the old Central Library and for OLLI classes at the University of Oklahoma for a decade. Haven’s humility, wit, and wisdom have impacted many in the Norman area. She opens her home each week to all those desiring a place to meditate together. Presently, Haven is teaching meditation classes at all three Norman libraries and at the Well.

September 17

Frank Wang

(LINK to Zoom Recording)

“Providence or Coincidence?”

As a child, Dr. Frank Wang was diagnosed as having “neurological impairment.”  Where some might have been discouraged or defeated,  Dr. Wang refused to be defined by a label and went on to defy the experts. He earned a PhD in pure Math from MIT; but that was just the beginning. Dr. Wang became the Chairman and CEO of Saxon publishers, a major national textbook publisher. But he had another dream beyond success, fame, and wealth. He wanted to be a teacher and infuse young minds with a passion for and understanding of mathematics. He became president of the Oklahoma School of Science and Math and is well known throughout the state as an expert in his field. Even more importantly, he is recognized as a genuinely exceptional human being. He has spoken to 30,000 + teachers nationwide, always sharing his message that every child has tremendous untapped potential, far beyond what their teachers, parents, or even they themselves think possible.

Aurial Grace

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“Connecting with Angels”

Auriel Grace is a natural intuitive. Since she was five years old, she has been able to see and communicate with spirit guides, angels, and other unseen beings. In the late 1990’s, she became a Reiki Master Teacher and received her ordainment under the Order of Melchizedek. The Order of Melchizedek is a spiritual organization dedicated to seeking health and wellbeing for all beings everywhere. She is also the author of A Psychic’s Story Series and the host of a blog called the Clarity 101 Blog!Auiel loves bringing the energy of hope to the people she meets and works with in her practice as a Soul Coach and Soul Retrieval Practitioner. In 2004-2005, she learned the art of Soul Retrieval that she explains in this way, “Many times, our current life issues and blockages are due to past life events or traumas. During a soul retrieval I help people connect with one or more difficult past life experiences so they can reach resolutions and have a more peaceful and productive life.” Auriel will not only lead us in an Angel meditation but will also share some of the wisdom she has gained during her very full and dynamic spiritual journey.

Kim Zamin

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“Growing Onward with Adult Day Services”

Kim Zaman graduated from OU Summa Cum Laude, with a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in human relations. Kim has worked in all levels of the continuum of care and has developed a strong belief that we do not grow old, but we grow onward. She has studied a variety of religions and ways of life including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism. She spent a month in spiritual retreat at Kopan Monastaon Nepal. She has studied in America and India under spiritual leaders such as Thich Nhat Hahn, Lama Zopav Rinpoch, Geshe Gtltsen and his Holiness the Dalai Lama. Kim has been a practicing Buddhist for over 25 years and is currently the Executive Director of Full Circle Adult Day Care in Norman.

Because Kim believes in promoting every individual’s physical, emotional, creative, social and spiritual wellbeing, her life work has led her to focus on Senior Adult Care. In her talk at Morning Star she will discuss how adult day services help physically disabled and/or memory impaired older adults stay active physically, cognitively, socially and spiritually. Kim will provide resources available for those in a caregiver role as they endeavor to keep loved ones at home and in the community. Together we will learn how to adjust our perspective of this stage of life to Kim’s view of “growing onward”.

Rev. Dr. Barbara Skye Boyd

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“God With Skin on Him”

Rev. Dr. Barbara Skye Boyd retired from the University of Oklahoma where she served as Director of Outreach for the Religious Studies Program. She is a retired clergy person of the Presbyterian Church. Dr. Boyd completed her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from OU in Journalism and Human Relations respectively. She also received a Master’s of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degree from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago.

Her published writings span non-fiction, poetry and fiction works, including “Where the Wild Rivers Meet” which she co-authored with her spouse Rev. Dr. Tom W. Boyd. They worked together for years leading workshops and retreats all over the country, often teaching and preaching as a dialogue team. The Boyd’s have 4 children and 8 grandchildren who are scattered across the globe.

In her talk for Morning Star Barbara will introduce and explain the rare, but special experience of meeting, and in her case, living with, someone who is a god/goddess with skin on them. She believes her husband Tom possesses four inherent qualities that provide important life lessons for all of us who have not yet arrived at this Divine Status in our own journey. She also encourages us to begin to reflect on our own relationships to determine if we have any gods or goddesses in our lives whose very presence seems to be the embodiment of a Human Being with Divine attributes.

Josh Williams

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“Healing Emotional Pain”

Dr. Josh Williams is a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor with Advanced Certification through the National Christian Counselor’s Association. He graduated with a degree in Pastoral Ministry from Family of Faith College in Shawnee, Oklahoma before going on to obtain a Masters in Biblical Counseling and eventually a Doctorate in Christian Education from Anderson Theological Seminary. He is also a Certified Temperament Counselor through N.C.C.A. Josh has over twenty years of experience in faith-based institutions, education, and relationships. He’s served as a teacher, middle and high school principal, minister of music, pastor, counselor, and business owner. He is also a proud husband, father and grandfather.

Josh will speak at Morning Star on “Healing Emotional Pain.” Josh believes it is possible to live free of emotional pain. Like the body, the deepest of emotional wounds can heal given proper treatment. Anxiety, depression, stress and even conflict in relationships can often be traced to old trauma wounds. In his talk Josh will share how it is not necessary to settle for mere navigating or coping skills. It is possible to enter a new reality of walking in peace and healing.

October 29

Celebration Sunday

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“Oh the Places You’ll Go”

Dr. Seuss wrote a book about it and Morning Star Members are living proof of the quote from Rachel Wolchin, “If we were meant to stay in one place, we’d have roots instead of feet”.  Our October 29th Celebration Sunday will be the first in a series of hearing from two of our members about their travel experiences and how visiting or living in a place outside our country of origin changes us in a profound way. Zoom member Max Mayer has lived in a number of places in the world and will share one of his favorite travel stories. This will be an opportunity not only to learn from his journey, but get to know our Zoom friend on a deeper level.  Aline Amancio is from Brazil and has been a delightful addition to our in person gatherings. This will be an opportunity to hear more of her story and get to know more of how travel has shaped her life.

We will structure our Meet and Greet for all to briefly share a travel experience, striving to touch base with as many participants as time allows. Then, at our International Food Pot Luck afterwards, you can pick up those threads of conversation and expand upon them.  There will be International music during the Pot Luck and you are even invited to dress in an outfit you’ve picked up on your travels or bring a small object you collected that has a special meaning to you.  Please mark your calendars and plan to join us for this special celebration.