We are not sure where 2009 has sped by to but we are thankful for many people, visits, and projects shared in this year.

There is a new addition to our family (Sept.) her name is Raini (future Leader Dog #3).

We have had to say goodbye to our precious Noble (her heart wouldn't make her legs move). Raini is growing like a weed. Sunny Lady is doing well with helping train the pup. Grandma Sue (K) and Josie help sometimes too.

We get a weekly blessing by hanging with our grandson, Trey. He and Raini entertain one another. I've been blessed with being next generation "Nanny". Grandpa is a push over for whatever Trey desires.... I love humming any song and rocking him.

Each morning generates another day of which to serve the Lord. In the quiet of the house reflection and petition to God for all our family and friends set the day in motion (hopefully asking Him, our honored guest, to lead.)

LD Puppy Raiser Updates...

Maija - German Shepherd - in training doing Great! She returned to Leaderdog in July. It was pouring down rain when she was being tested. Her giant ears went back and she looked at me like you want me to go out in that storm?
We must admit she wiggled her way into our hearts and no other dog will match her abilities and love of her handlers.

Pup #3 - arriving Saturday, 9-19! Her name? Not sure yet... Sidney? Raney? Danika? We do know she is a yellow lab and her mom is black and dad is yellow.

OK - we will hopefully share our new pups picture and antics soon.......

Realize, Relax, Remember......

Reminscing is so relaxing these days. I guess it just goes to show us that keeping memories fresh in our minds helps us to realize we learned many lessons that we can apply even as we 'grow older' [kicking and screaming / moaning and groaning]....
Miles between family members is also challenging. Dad Joyner has been facing a few major health issues since February. Spending time with family up in Bear Lake is pricesless. God is working in many people in their little Grace Community Church.
Justin & Tiffany in NY seems so far away. But... when we arrive at their home, it feels like an extention of ours in MI. They have great friends and share in lifes happenings in many ways.
Wednesdays are 'Trey' days at our house. We try to clear the calendar and just hang out with our grandson. Unfortunately for me work sometimes gets scheduled on that day. The little guy is crawling now. Wow is he fast! His dad, Chris restructured their bathroom and Trey loves bathing and splashing. He also gets a gleem in his eyes when his mom approaches. I think he Loves her Ton's!
Aunt Franny is busy redecorating her house for Fall. That girl has an eye for color.

We enjoyed an adventure in Eagle River, MI (in UP) at Gitchee Gumee Bible Camp.

Sure wish I had taken my flip video. Maybe a slide show will get inserted someday.

Slowing down and relaxing in God's word in the mornings sure makes for a day with a punch of love and wisdom from my Father. When I think oh man I don't have time... He makes the time and it is oh so worth it.



There is a great sermon on http://www.hillcrestjamestown.com/sites/default/files/sermons/Fake%20People%20Real%20Problems.mp3

Someone most of us know and love was God's messenger.....

Enjoy each day. Savor making memories. Know what you believe.... love to All!

Trey and Mom

Just Wondering Where 'Time' is Going...

Family and friends spread all over the USA and time flying by makes for the need to refresh ourselves to the basics of Loving the Lord, sharing His life and desires for everyone who believes in Him and learning more of Him in us.

Our children are continued blessings to us.  Jodi has adapted wonderfully to being a mom to a beautiful four month old son.  She also continues to work for Stonebridge Financial.  Christopher receives his Master's in Business this June.  They both enjoy their church and helping wherever they are needed.

Justin is sharing in weddings of past college classmate, Jason Redelman and planning a missions trip to Puerto Rico for his youth group along with keeping the youth group active and overseeing their  website updates with happenings.  I think it is http://www.hillcrestyouthministry.com   Tiffany is part of the IWFL Football Team, "Erie Illusion".  Her home games are played in Erie PA.  She is great at the game.

Our leader dog puppy, Maija, is doing well.  It has been real different to raise a shepherd.  She keeps her skinny body and doesn't seem to forget a thing she learns.  Soon that letter letting us know when she goes back to school will be in the mail.

Our friend, Sue K. is recovering from her broken hip at the beach.  God has been faithful and provided for all of her needs.  Her children and grandchildren have come alongside of her to make the journey bearable.  Sure do wish the person that owned the dogs causing the accident knew to keep them on leashes.  

Dad Joyner is combating several health issues.  He is keeping mom and Paula very busy.  

Pray with me that as people get older they are reminded God doesn't make mistakes nor does He ever stop completing all His plans for His children.  

Special prayers:  Bill Brown - recover his strength and feel Joy of Lord

                               Dad Joyner - sores heal and strength of Lord be present.

                               God lead all believers in His truths.

Erie PA Adventure - Tiffany's Erie Illusion Game

May 2nd Don and I began a road trip with borrowed family members of the Hubbard Clan. One of which was excited to see our daughter-inlaw, Tiffany play football for Erie Illusion of the IWFL League.
The drive to Erie PA was filled with movies being viewed by all but the driver, Don. The consumption of Junk Food brought back memories of many youth trips with Community Bible teens.

We arrived in Erie during the day and ventured to Presque Isle State Park. Hubbard guys competed against each other skipping rocks. The day was beautiful. Justin joined us after taking Tiffany to game location.
Dinner took place at a chineese restaurant which began 'the adventure with Mushoo Pork' -- only John H. can explain it.

With camera's and flip video we watched as Tiffany and many other players took Erie to a 61-8 victory over the Central PA Vipers. After the game she and some of the players talked with all of us and thanked us for coming.

Next stop was Jamestown NY to sleep at the Joyner's of NY home. Prior to falling asleep the boys did some diving onto T & J's giant pillow and competing of their own with Guitar Hero.

The morning brought a little time for Bob Evan's breakfast and then off to Justin's church, Hillcrest to share in a sunday service. It was great to show the Hubbard gang where J. works and how God has used him and Tiffany in their setting in NY.

Trip home was quick and uneventful (other than boys seeing weird things in restrooms...).

We thank the Lord for this opportunity. It is wonderful to see children becoming adults and the characteristics of their parents with Godly values in them.

Family -- Memory Making -- Priceless....

Gathering together and sharing in making new memories with old friends or new additions to the family is what the Month of March has been about. Our arrival to our favorite vacation spot brought a tinge of saddness as two good friends, Fred & Gordon went onto heaven since our last trip there. They were mentors to us.
Being able to laugh at ourselves and or see ourselves in our children adds to the adventure. Our newlywedds celebrated their one year anniversary on 3-15. Our grandson touched his toes in the ocean with his father for the first time at two months old.
The children have been doing some physical training while at the ocean (Running). Don loves walking and sometimes he has company in doing so.
Beach days are few and taken advantage of when they occur.
There are twists and turns to life and the question of why??? always is present. Our good friend was plowed down on beach by two loose dogs. Sue is recovering after hip surgery in a hospital. I wonder if the people that own the furry wild ones even realize what occured. Sue's lab sure misses her.
We can see how loneliness brings on thoughts of what if....
But we can also see how Jesus stayed steadfast in carrying out His Father's plans in teaching others of His love.
Know Jesus love you! We thank Him for Family time past, present, & future!

Wow what a week....
It's a wonder that God is still with us. I've been reading my Bible (each day I get a taste of new and old testaments)... With craziness of last weeks happenings, I got behind and instead of giving up, I've asked God to slow me down and him catch me up.. Well time in a waiting room in Traverse City I didn't give to Him accept in lifting up Grandpa (Ken) Joyner in prayer as doctors repaired and replaced arteries and a valve. Conversing with the Lord brings out the truth that He alone has power to sustain life or bring a person on into Heaven.

Getting out of her comfort zone (home front), Jodi and baby Trey packed up and climbed in Grandpa Don's van for our adventure to be with family during medical happenings

The gleem in mom Joyner's eyes when she would watch Trey girgle and make funny facial expressions helped to take her mind off worry during GG surgery.
When she held Trey her shaking hands slowed as they lovingly hugged him.
.
Niece Emily was blessed by teaching staff where she student teaches sending her pictures via text letting her know she was missed. But.. Traverse with family was where she was meant to be..

It's a week later and we are blessed with GG doing better. Prayers still needed in GG's rehab and getting home and back on his feet.

Praise to God for all the safety in traveling for all family members as far away as GA.

So... I am reading in Number's and God's people really made Him frustrated in whinning and wanting more... My goodness how do we measure up in our mind sets today?

I received a blessing in hearing from a loved one yesterday.

Hours, days, years go by but when prompted by God... do as He commands.
Love is unconditional and He proves that every second of every day.

"Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life" Psalm 23:6

We are safe and desire His will.

Trey - Dedication

What touches the heart? When family and friends share in the miracle of birth and the act of acknowledging a precious baby is a gift from God.

Family and friends shared in Jodi & Chris' public thanks to the Lord for their precious son. They acknowledged that with out God's Word they wouldn't have a blue print for raising their son. Loving Trey unconditionally and learning as they go was how they describe it.

We thank God for all the great weather during all the traveling of family. Also for the health of Great Grand Parents and their participation in the event.

Wonder, Amazement, Thankfulness, & Joy!

A miracle from above - God has blessed our family with
"Trey".
His given name, Christopher Anthony III, He weighed in at
8 lbs. 14 ozs. and was 20.5" long.
Gift to Jodi & Christopher.
His grandpa Ehlen is on cloud nine!

In labor his mom said "He or She better be cute with all the contractions I am having" ;O) Grandpa J. was pacing so much I thought we would witness the tile being worn out where he walked. Grandma E. kept changing her guess' of when and what the baby was....
I just kept praying God be present. The day was long and filled with milestones. The hospital staff great with our children. Uncle Justin arrived in time to surprise his sister with a huge hug. Baby Trey and him had a few conversations. There is a video on youtube search... Hillcrest Youth Pastor, "Little Trey".

We love you all, Family & Friends. Blessings! Keep this precious family in your prayers.