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.

Holiday Adventures... more Joy!!!!

Great Niece & Nephews singing you a personal holiday greeting! We had a wonderful time sharing in old memories, watching the children try walking on their stilts Uncle Don made them and we laughed until tears appeared as Uncle Don opened his white elephant gift of a "pair of cows". Then... low and behold, Lori stole them from him on her turn to pick... Aunt Franny had spruced up her basement and everyone brought great things to eat! We were surprised by oldest nephew, Trevor showing up. He had been away playing army. Our New York family members were'nt here but will be in this coming weekend!!!! We thank our Father in heaven for family.

Each "Joyous Day"

Where did November go? Well... I know where we went in November. It was our annual trip to the hills of Tennessee to celebrate Thanksgiving with my brother and sister. Though I do miss the awesome shopping times with my kids when in MI on the 'biggest shopping day of the year', it brings great joy to see my siblings from far away.

Many people have been dreading the holidays. When I ask why they refer to not wanting to be around family. I praise God that he always wants to be in and around us. I thank Him for our children and their spouses. I am learning to thank Him for placing us around those who chose to be unhappy most of the time. We can pray for anyone, anytime. The holidays hustle and bustle tries to ruin the tenderness and caring people need.

That night when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, I bet they too felt lonely and afraid.
God provided and still does.

The Wonder of It All....

We journeyed north for our 30th Wedding Anniversary and it was awesome scenery. Crystal Mountain view was something I've never experienced at the peak of Fall during the year.

Our family is experiencing so many happenings. Jodi and Christopher are watching as God's little miracle in Jodi's tummy grows and grows. The nursery is painted and the closet cleaned out. The crib is up and a dresser / changing table is being created.
Chris is diligently working on the last phase of his masters degree.

In NY our Newlywedds, Justin & Tiffany, (celebrated Six month Anniv.), successfully spruced up their laundry room and replaced the washer & dryer that were soiling and eating their clothing with a new set.
Previously we visited them and Don, Jay & and Tiffany installed a beautiful new kitchen window.

It is in awesome wonder that I see everyone learning new capabilities. We all have inside of us abilities to start and finish tasks we never thought possible.

My rush to accomplish my to do list each day almost squ ished my priceless time with God.
I thank Him for all that He is. God knows all that I am. Thankfully I am His.
Hunger for His will brings direction and renewing His desires in me to love and encourage others around us.

GREAT NEWS... our niece, Emily, is coming to our area to student teach! This Thursday is her interview. She will be with our dogs while we are at beach this winter.

My verses on my mind....directed at my life.

Ephesians 4:21-23 (New International Version)

21Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23to be made new in the attitude of your minds;