Breathing Inn - Holiday Perspective.....

Joy or the meaning of it is every expanding for us!

Though I find myself experiencing the feeling life is flying by I know beyond a shadow of a doubt Jesus is Alive and His works are our commission!

When I hold our youngest grandson in my arms I can feel energy and love and joy and he isn't doing a thing but the warmth he gives combined with the knowledge that he is a gift from God fills my heart!

As snow continues to pile up outside our NY family's home, I know they are together and warm inside their house.

I've been wandering through old pictures the last day or so and been adding them to my FB page to share and hopefully get some giggles.

Slow down your life. Soak in the tools to encourage and love as we approach Jesus' Birthday celebration. Write notes, visit those who are lonely, if your lonely visit people! They are lonely too.

Give the gift of your abilities that God himself gave all of us.

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Family Times.... (Road Trip)

It is a great blessing to be with your children 24/7. The opportunity to watch Tiffany M. Joyner (Justin's wife), play a home football game for Erie Illusion of Erie PA occured this last Saturday.

Our road trip which happily included Jodi and her son, began on Friday evening with our drive to the Joyner's in NY. Jamestown was filled with basketball hoops as they were hosting Gus Macker Tournament. Don and our children went and checked out our friend, Seth playing in Tourney.

The rain held off as we made our way to Erie for T.'s game. Grandson puddle jumped, ate, smiled, flirted with little girls, hugged on his Papa.... It was a great time.
The game went into double overtime! Something was always happening.

With amazing modern technology we called ahead to a restaurant and picked up dinner for our ride home. Baby t. was so tired and dirty he splashed in tub and was all ready for heading to bed.

The Lord blessed the trip. Seeing friends from Justin's church the following day was nice.
Bob E. cooked lunch and off we went heading home to MI.

I am thankful we were kept safe from all the tornado's that were spalshing down.
I am thankful God never sleeps and my refining is never complete until I am joined with Jesus in Heaven.

Great times!

Growing... in Age, Size, Wisdom, Desire...

Hello world,
What is the reasoning of days flying by and memories getting foggy? Ah maybe reaching the 50 yr. old mark and not doing anything to keep myself (my mind and body) 'tuned up'?
Well in July I choose to begin such a journey with a fitness club membership and a trainer named "Steve G". It's been a sweaty journey but filled with met challenges and some goals I am still seeking... My favorite blessing midway was that Don began sharing in the sessions. An added topping on the training was when Justin joined in on one. An hour of following instructions on what to do, how many to do and "get it right" statements can be rather interesting. Then the all out 'good job' shared by trainer added with can you give me some cardio now?????
Projects and trips... The Ehlen household has implemented a water proofing system in their basement. Two outside walls are insulated and plans for additonal walls will complete a nice living area and possible office/playroom in 2010. We had a wonderful Christmas Morning with them (Fran too). Christmas Eve J & C gave up their bed so Don and I could sleep in it!. Trey was the center of attention and enjoyed it very much. Fran got him an ornament that had a message recorded for him on it. I thought the batteries might run low with numerous plays of message. His mom and dad got him a slide with stairs to go up. Of course as a boy, he wanted to go up the slide... Christmas evening Justin and Tiffany arrived (through much snow on the roads) and we had Ham and Pineapple dinner. Saturday we all hung out and shared in fun and fellowship. I am very thankful for our children, their spouses are wonderful blessed additions to our family.
New Years Eve was spent in Bear Lake MI with the Joyner's, Ken, Carol, Paula, (Matthew had headed to Grand Rapids to be with Lacey). I don't believe it quit snowing the entire stay up there. Paula and Don cleared the driveway and sideway lots! We had stopped in Beaverton and dropped Aunt Franny off at Aunt Goldies. They never seen but an inch of snow!
It was a good time to stay snuggled in and watch the ball drop 12:05 a.m. I headed to bed.
January 9th - Party time - Trey turned 1 year old. We meet many of his parents close friends and had a wonderful time watching him eat a cool car cake his Aunt katie made him. Elmo even stopped by to wish him well. He knapped and then even went to Texas Road House that night to celebrate his Uncle Justin's birthday (1-04).
Whew.... this catching up needs to be done more often. More than that, I pray God directs and refines my thinking in getting over my 'wants' and uses what I / we already have to meet peoples needs. Clear thinking and submission to God's will are some of my daily goals. Today I was in Psalm 73 it begins with talk of almost losing my foot hold... when I got to 73:21 it reads: When my heart was grieved and my spirit embittered, I was senseless and ignorant; I was a bruite beast before you. Yet, I am aways with you; you hold me by my right hand. You guide me with your counsel and afterward you will take me into glory. Whom have I in heaven but you? And earth has nothing I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. Those who are far from you will perish; you destroy all who are unfaithful to you. But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell all of your deeds.

*Remember this is old testament prior to Jesus Birth, Life, Death (for all who accept and believe).

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!