MORE PICTURES & STORY

The pictures:



The change that took place in David's heart on October 14th, when he became a new creature in Christ, is beginning to take place in the outward appearance on October 28th. THIS if our son and a child of the King!!

David and Nicole before church.

David and his dad horsing around and having fun. David is pointing to his new watch, but dad, Mickey will not be outdone!

One PROUD mama and her first born son

Now the story: Nicole called David at 9:30 pm, Wednesday, October 24th, informing him she was flying in from California the next day at 3. She was here for a whirlwind 5 days, flying out on October 29th at 4 pm.

The glory of it all........she arrived a sinner needing and searching for God........she left a sinner saved by grace, redeemed and a Child of God!!!!. We are rejoicing and praising God for HIS faithfulness and patience as He persues us. That He is a God who not only hears our prayers but answers them.

We covet your prayers for all of us, especially David and Nicole as they both make some of the most important decisions of their lives. BUT.....the most important decision has already been made. David Joyce and Nicole Joyce's names were added to The Book of Life in October, 2007. David on the 14th and Nicole on the 28th.

A NEW NAME IN GLORY

There's a new name written down in glory, And it's mine, O yes, it's mine.

And the white-robed angels sing the story, "A sinner has come home."
For there's a new name written down in glory, And it's mine. Oh yes, it's mine!
With my sins forgiven I am bound for heaven. Never more to roam.
Words & music by C. Austin Miles copyright 1910

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David's wife, Nicole, flew in from California Thursday, October 25th. David witnessed non-stop to her, as did we. The 4 of us attended our Sunday morning services at Coweta Assembly of God. Nicole did not make a decision for Christ during the service but upon leaving she stated she would like to meet and talk to Pastor Gary Rogers. David called Pastor Gary, at his home, and they meet at 5 p.m.

Her life changed when she met Jesus and made Him her Savior, at 5:30 pm, October 28th. We have been praying for Nicole since first meeting her in May of 2004. We have been witnessing non-stop to both Nicole and David since their marriage on April 3, 2005.

GOD ANSWERS PRAYER

PRAISE HIS HOLY NAME

SHOW & TELL #25 - David's Bible

Here we are again....Friday and Show & Tell time at Kelli's. Write your post and go here for Mr. Linky. Then join the fun and read ALL the other Show & Tell posts.

Many happy days and occurrences going on in our lives.

This is a great big one.

Monday morning David said he'd like to go purchase himself a brand new bible.

He was using a King James Version that had belonged to his Grandmother Errett

that I had given him several years ago and he brought with him from California.

David and I went to the Christian book store and I told him to take his time selecting his new bible.

This is the New International Version he selected. It has a soft leather cover in black with the edges of the pages silver. He selected block letters in silver for his name..

Believe me, this picture does not do it justice.

It is truly a beautiful bible.

Mickey & I purchased it for him as a gift.

We had already planned to do so for him at Christmas.

Another wonderful piece in the mosaic of his returning to His God.

David pointed out to me that the picture on my header for Penless Writer was one he had taken in 1980, at the age of 16.

YES, OUR PRODIGAL HAS INDEED RETURNED!!!!

Continue to rejoice with us

BLOG FRIEND FOREVER

"Presented to awesome BLOG owners who keep their readers excited about their posts. Their blog posts are interesting (NOT spammy) and worth reading and keep their subscribers looking forward to each and every post."

Karen passed this Blog Friend Forever along to me. As always, Karen, I thank you. I know you and I will truly be Blog Friends Forever!!

Because of all the WONDERFUL happenings that are going on in our lives right now I just don't have the time to pick and select, copy, paste, etc. that is involved in passing these awards along. David is currently sharing my computer with me and is on it a LOT for very important things: posting his resume' and job searching, So THIS TIME, if I may I pass it along to:

ALL of you to whom I leave comments

Trust me, your blog posts are interesting (NOT spammy) and worth reading

or I would not be commenting and my sincere trust and hope is that we will be

BLOG FRIENDS FOREVER!!!

I especially want to say thank you to some brand new people who came out of lurkdom and left a comment after reading my last two posts regarding the return of a Prodigal.

They are: Kimmie, When We Were Young, Charity Grace, Kansas Bob, Karen (a new one!), Cheryl, Anonymous (who ever you are!), Cherdecor, Monkey Giggles, Musicaljean, Johnnie, Folded Wings, Barb (a new one!) and Patriot.

Our prayer, in sharing David's story, is that it will touch lives and encourage you to never give up in your BELIEVING and FAITH as you hold fast until your prayers come forth from the invisible realm into sight. You 14 new commentors encouraged me greatly in this regard and I truly hope you will become my Blog Friends Forever!!

MORE ON HIM MONDAY #2

Diana, at Sunshine On My Shoulders, hosts More Of Him Monday. It consists of two choices to write about: Scripture Speaks and Him In My Life. I participated in writing on Him In My Life the first week.
I had chosen Him In My Life for that first one because I KNOW God was very much at work in our lives. Now I am choosing to write about Scripture Speaks.

You can go here to read my Him In My Life.

The instructions for Scripture Speaks are: share a specific piece of scripture that has spoken to you this last week. Share what you feel God is telling you through that passage and how you plan to apply it to your life.

If you will forgive me, Diana, I am going to bend the instructions a little. This is not a scripture that God spoke to me last week but many years ago and I have been standing firm on it. Because I have witnessed, in the past three weeks this scripture being FULFILLED I want to share it and my story with you.

I posted The Prodigal Son Returns here Saturday.

When David first disappeared from our lives, in 1986, I began to stand on and cling to, "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Proverbs 22:6

This is a very familiar verse that most mothers claim as they are raising their little ones. I know I did. Then when David left it became even dearer to me and I stood in faith on the words "when he is old". Believing with all my heart that the final chapters had not yet been written in any of my children's lives.

Then on January 1, 1987 the Lord gave me a new verse:

"Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for they work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. And there is hope in thine end, saith the LORD, that thy children shall come again to their own border." Jeremiah 31:16 & 17

The part that REALLY spoke to me was, "they shall come again from the land of the enemy." and "thy children shall come again to their own border." I knew that my children were in the land of the enemy but they would come "from" it and return to "their own border", come back to God.

I stood firmly on these two scriptures from that point: Proverbs 22:6 and Jeremiah 31:16-17.

Then on May 13, 2001, as I was meditating on Jeremiah, a piece of the scripture just jumped off the page at me. "Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears"!!!! Don't you just love the way you can be so familiar with scripture and then the Lord gives you totally new revelation on that very scripture? What a God we serve.

As these words jumped off that page I KNEW what God was saying to me was, "you have been crying to me about this for 14 1/2 years......quit crying, wipe your tears and begin rejoicing in what I am doing". WOW!!!

Can I tell you that in the following 6 years I never shed a tear over David and my other 3 children? No! But I can tell you they have been few and far between and when I prayed I was no longer weeping and pleading before the Lord, but was indeed rejoicing, thanking him and standing firm on "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things NOT SEEN" Hebrews 11:1

I trust the Lord has lead me to share Jeremiah 31: 16 & 17 and my story with you today. To all of us, who's children are not making Jesus the LORD of their lives, I know the Lord is saying, "Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to STAND." Ephesians 6;13

IT IS ON GOD'S WORD AND GOD'S FAITHFULNESS THAT I STAND

Thanks to Diana, at Sunshine on my Shoulder, for hosting More Of Him Mondays. Clink on her site, check it out, write your post and then go back and sign up with Mr. Linky and bless the rest of us with what God is doing in your lives

THE PRODIGAL SON RETURNS

On February 22nd I wrote a little about raising our wonderful first born son, David. Please go here to read a little of our background in this venture.

From an early age I always felt God had a special calling on David. In December, 1975, at the age of 11, he made a profession of faith and was baptized on January 2, 1976.

As the years went along David began to act out and behavior problems arose. David is going to write his own story, so I am not going to take his thunder but only report where we are today.

In 1986 at age 22 David began to get into serious trouble with the law and he literally disappeared for 10 years. Friends use to talk to us about how we stood not knowing where our son was, or what he was doing. It was indeed ONE of the most difficult periods of our lives. We always knew it was God David was running from and not his family!

In December, 1996, at a very early hour, we got a phone call from David. 10 years we had not heard from him. He returned to Tulsa and his family just prior to Christmas, 1996. What a wonderful and joyous day that was!!!

After being in Tulsa for 1 1/2 years David moved to Northern California. He continued to harden his heart against God & Jesus and chased various "other" beliefs. After moving, David was finally diagnosed as being Bipolar and for the first time in all of our lives, including his, we understood why he was having some of the problems he had.

In May, 2004 we visited David and his roommate, Mal, and met Nicole, the girl he was dating. During this visit we took David to see Mel Gibson's movie, The Passion of the Christ. David was very moved and driving home that evening he made comments such that we knew God was working in his life.

In April, 2005 he married Nicole. It was his first marriage. Nicole had three sons that entered the marriage with her. Two teenagers and one pre-teen. Our entire family was at the wedding and so delighted and pleased.

On August 27, 2006 David had a dream that disturbed him and he could not get it out of his mind. He asked if he could e-mail the dream to me, which he did. The moment I read the dream I knew it was a Spiritual Dream and I called him on the phone and began to translate the dream to him. I didn't get too far into it when he said, "Oh, my God". He began crying and turning back to God after running from Him for over 20 years.

Then the attacks of the enemy really began. Finally, on Sunday, September 30, this year David returned to his family and Tulsa. I posted about his return here.

On the following Sunday, October 7th David was in church with us and also with a commitment to attend church with us every Sunday. He was so touched during the sermon, and with our wonderful pastor, as we left the church that morning he said, "I want to talk to that man". He called and made an appointment and met with the Pastor on Thursday, October 11th.

On Sunday, October 14th David Wayne Joyce, at the age of 43 years old, returned, not only to his family, but to HIS GOD.

His father and my prayers of over 27 years were answered. I ALWAYS KNEW THEY WOULD BE. "Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11: 1

Will the road be smooth......no, he will be tested......but he will pass the test and fulfill the destiny God has had for him from the beginning as that small child. His days of running from God are over.

No matter what it is that you are believing for. No matter how many years it has been that you have been believing. DON'T GIVE UP!!!! God is faithful to HIS word and HIS promises to us. In a future blog I will post about dreams that God gave Mickey & I during that 10 year period when we never heard from David and I will also post the scriptures that we stood FIRM on during these 27 years.

David will write and post his own testimony and story in the near future for all of you to read and share.

For now we ask that you 1) rejoice with us that one of God's prodigal sons has returned, 2) pray for David, 3) pray for Nicole, who is not a believer, and is reeling with all that is taking place, and 4) pray that David submits to the calling that God has for him.

ALL four of my children WILL serve the Lord and love HIM with all their heart.

I BELIEVE!!!!!!!

SHOW & TELL #24 - Wallpaper border

Friday AGAIN - Where or where does the time go. Being Friday it is time for Show & Tell at Kelli's. So drop over there and participate by putting up your Show & Tell for this week on Mr. Linky. Be sure and drop by and visit all the other Show & Tell postings for this week.

My Show & Tell for this week may seem a little odd but I love wallpaper border and thought I would share with you two that I have in our home.

Everyone knows my love for angels!!!!!

These little angel cherubs adorn the upper walls of our master bathroom. The minute I saw them I knew I had to have this border. The walls are painted a very, very delicate shade of pink and the tub enclosure is a delicate shade of pink marble like material. I am very pleased with the look and effect.

This is the wallpaper border in my office where my computer is. You can see the wall paint is green. Being a lover of books this border appealed to me. Please note the inkwell and quill. Very appropriate for Penless Writer :o)

Thanks for letting me share a little bit of our home decorating with you.

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LOTS of exciting things going on in our household and with our family that I will be sharing shortly!!!!!

God's faithfulness never ceases to amaze me.

WHAT IS TRUTH?

Have you ever pondered this question?

"Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." John 14:6

In today's society is is easy to speak of GOD. Because GOD can mean many different things to many different people. God to some can mean the god of Mohammad, the god of Islam, the Secret, the Universal god, the Spirit god, it goes on and on.

It is becoming harder and harder to find acceptance to the name JESUS. Yet Jesus is the way, the truth, the life. Did He say "no man cometh unto the Father, but by me"? What does that do with the theory that there are many ways to God.

The worst danger is in 1/2 truths. That is the ploy that satan has used from the beginning. When he tempted Eve in the garden: "And he said unto the woman, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of EVERY TREE of the garden?" Genesis 3:1b

What God had said was, "And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, of EVERY TREE OF THE GARDEN THOUS MAYEST FREELY EAT: but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shall surely die." Genesis 2:16-17

"Not eat of every tree" - Satan - VS - "Thous mayest freely eat, but of the tree of knowledge of good and evil" - God

Eve answered in a 1/2 truth saying, "But of the fruit of the tree which is in the midst of the garden, God hath said, Ye shall not eat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die." Genesis 3:3 No where did God say "neither shall ye touch it".

Full lie: "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die:" Genesis 3:4 God had said they would surely die.

In our society we are bombarded with 1/2 truths, or out and out lies on every side. We know, even as we watch and hear them, that the claims of advertising we see and hear, day in and day out, on TV and radio are not truth. We listen to the politicians, and know that 1/2, or more, of what we are being told is not truth. We have become so accustomed to it that we readily accept it. The really sad part is we hardly know truth when we do hear it.

If we are not careful, all the above is conditioning us to believe 1/2 truths, and out and out lies. Causing unbelief about what God, our Lord Jesus, the Christ, and the Bible, God's Holy Word, are telling us Truth is.

"Jesus saith unto him,

I am the way,

the truth,

and the life

no man cometh unto the Father,

but by me."

THIS IS TRUTH!!!!

John 14:6

ON AGING

This is not original to me but an e-mail I received some time ago. It so spoke to how I feel about the subject of aging that I decided to post it for all of you, who haven't seen it, to read.



The other day a young person asked me how I felt about being old. I was taken aback, for I do not think of myself as old. Upon seeing my reaction, she was immediately embarrassed, but I explained that it was an interesting question, and I would ponder it, and let her know.

Old Age, I decided, is a gift.

I am now, probably for the first time in my life, the person I have always wanted to be. Oh, not my body! I sometimes despair over my body, the wrinkles, the baggy eyes, and the sagging bottom. And ofter I am taken aback by that old person that lives in my mirror (who looks like my mother!), but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly. As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself, and less critical of myself. I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat, to be messy, to be extravagant.

I have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60&70's, and if I, at the same time wish to weep over a lost love. I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.

They, too, will get old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten. And I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets hit by a car? But broken hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion. A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face. So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think. I don't question myself anymore. I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I like the person I have become. I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste

time lamenting what could have been, or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert every single day. (If I feel like it.)

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I must add my own personal thought here........I believe as we "age"... the reason we don't really feel that much older is because our Spirits are eternal and do not age. The real you, remember, is that person inside who is looking out of those eyes at the world. Not this "earth suit" we are walking around in.

AUTUMN SEASONAL TREAT & MATHETES AWARD

Can we say WOW? That's what I was saying, repeatedly, as I opened up my wonderful box of Autumn Seasonal delights from Janice at Wildflower Cabin.

Janice had a drawing on her sight on October 1st and my name was drawn.

There were 10 (count them - 10 items in this box)!!!! First of all, it smelled divine of autumn aromas when I opened the boxes. Love the aroma of cloves. I will describe all 10, from the left side going around: 1) refrigerator magnet of a fruit basket - 2) 2 bags of Pumpkin spice tea - 3) tiny golden spoon with a rose handle - 4) adorable stripped tea towel with pine cones - 5) adorable tiny (2"x3") note pad - 6) 3 darling little pumpkins stacked up together like a snowman - 7) a bar of Vineyard Harvest scent soap - 8) the cutest little felt pumpkin - 9) a sparkling, lovely smelling spice trivet & 10) Homespun at Heart sachet. Each item a special delight in itself.

The magnet is on the frig, the tea towel hanging up and the little snowman pumpkins and felt pumpkin added to my small table display. I am very eager to use my spice trivet at my next dinner party. Mickey & I will share of hot cup of Autumn Spiced Tea tonight.

Thanks you so much Janice for sharing your delight in Autumn with me - the blessed winner

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Award
Annie, at My Life As Annie, wrote the following on her blog 10/12:

"I thought Susan wrote such an excellent post on blog awards yesterday. Thank you, Susan, for articulating my own thoughts, too :o) ! I love bloggy awards, it's just a big hug from a blog friend"

The Annie passed on two recent awards she had received: "You lift me up" and "Mathetes". Mathetes she has received three!!! times.

She pass the Mathetes award to me, (and four others), with these words....."I have enjoyed our emails and feel like she is a true mentor in Christianity. I WILL meet her, she lives in Oklahoma, too!"

Thank you very much Annie. I take very seriously the scripture: Titus 2:3-5 – The aged woman likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things. That they may teach the young woman to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed.

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I appreciate the comments that were left on the Award discussion. As I stated in the beginning, this is an area that there is a wide range of differing opinion and there is not, no should there be total agreement.

To those of you who have not yet commented and voiced your opinion I again ask that you do so.

SHOW & TELL #23 - Doll buggy

Here it is Friday again and Show & Tell time at Kelli's of There Is No Place Like Home. Go here and find out ALL about it, if you don't already know. Then pick something to Show and Tell us about. Put it on Mr. Linky's at Kelli's and then have a great time visiting all the other Show & Tell posts. It's such fun. Trust me!!!

Today I am showing this little wooden doll buggy that I got a couple of years ago at a garage sale. You can see I am using it to hold one of my plants. Sorry the picture is so dark. (double click on the photo and you can see it a little better)

Have a wonderful Friday as you visit the other Show & Tell postings.

TO AWARD OR NOT TO AWARD...

To award, or not to award, that is the question set before me..........

I've been noticing a lot of comments and talk about this subject and decided to jump in with my two cents.

This topic falls into the category of so many that can really divide people and seldom convince others: homeschooling vs public or private school; working; recycling; play days for children; global warming; just a few that come to my mind that I have observed divide people in blogland.

I began blogging on January 21st of this year and one of the first controversies that arose, to my knowledge, was an award began circulating and a few people really got their feelings hurt. One person even passed the award along and then came back and withdrew it and apologized for passing it on. I realized right then, this was indeed a VERY sensitive issue and one that would be criticized regardless of which side you came down on. I knew I needed to give it serious thought and prayer as to what was right for me.

You all know that I both receive and pass on Awards. That is no surprise. What I am sharing here today is my perspective on the issue and why I do so.

None of us are the BEST at everything we do. God has given us all different abilities and talents. I love music, and I have really good rhythm, but I do not carry a tune very well. I would never try to get up and sing a solo or even in a quartet BUT I do sing my heart out in Worship service, in my car driving, in my home. I am not going to not sing, because I can't do it as well as many others. I applaud as loud, or louder, for those who do it well because I appreciate they have that talent. I like to see them receive the recognition they so well deserve.

This over sensitiveness to "hurting some one's feelings" has been taken to an extreme. I know some educators are even taking it so far as to not give "A's" for superior work because those getting the C's & D's "feel badly". Our boys were never really into sports, so we have no first hand experience, but I've heard of parents getting upset because their children are not given the awards in sports that some of the outstanding athletes are given.

In my view, this type of thinking handicaps our children. In the real world the ones who do the best job are going to get the promotion, and the higher salary. We need to teach our children, and ourselves, to do the very best we can at each and every thing. God's words teaches us: "Whether therefore you eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." I Cor 10:31

On the other side of the issue, we need to know how to graciously accept things from others. So many of us can give and give but do not know how to receive. How often has someone complimented you on how you looked and instead of saying, "Why thank you!" have replied "Oh, this old thing......". Or someone gives you a gift, just because they want to (and probably the Lord has told them to!) and you immediately think you must give something right back.

I personally give a lot of thought before passing on an award and I am truly touched and honored when I receive one. I am also truly pleased for each and every one of you who receive the awards you receive from others. Man looks at the outward appearance but Got looks at and searches our hearts.

To those who have awarded me Awards I truly am touched and Thank You. For those to whom I have passed the awards on, I trust you understand I have given it a lot of thought and truly say what I think and feel. I thank those of you who have chosen to pass them on. For those who chose not to pass them on , I honor and respect your differing view.

How that I have given my two cents, and my stand on this subject, I would truly love to hear your views, positions and comments!!!

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Here is another prayer request that just came to my attention today. Luke is a 7 year old boy who has requested to receive 500 prayers. Go here and bless him.

ALPHABET SOUP

Morning Glory of Seeds from my Garden does this fun post. I've never participated in it before but decided to jump in today. The letter today is "I".

INDIVIDUAL - I am so glad that God made us all individuals and not carbon copies!

INDEPENDENT - I am independent and yet aware of my total dependence upon my Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

IDEALIST - I am idealistic and always think and expect the best.

INVOLVED - I am involved with my children and their lives.

IDLE - I do not live an idle, unproductive life.

INVINCIBLE - I am invincible because I can do all things because Christ lives in me.

IDENTITY - I have my own identity.

IMAGE - I am thankful God has given me a good self-image.

INTROSPECTIVE - The ability to look into my own mind and feelings.

INCLUDE - I am thankful I am included in the Family of God.

This exercise was fun and really made me THINK!!

1/2 WAY AROUND THE WORLD

Remember these 2 lovely

dvd's that I received from England after the Salem BoyZ pulled my name out in a drawing The Salems had?

Coming all the way from the United Kingdom we were not able to view them in the U.S, because of the format used. I was going to return them to the BoyZ but Stephen did not want me to do that!!

Being very conservative and very frugal about money, things, and blessings from God, I could not stand the thought of no little children having the joy and pleasure of these lovely gifts.

SO, I contacted Stephen to see if I had his permission to pass them along. Of course, he was delighted with the idea and SOOOO these delightful Childrens dvd's are now on their way to New Zealand and Karen's lovely son and daughter. YEAH!!!!

Just think of the distance these blessings have traveled and the lives they have touched!! 4,535 miles from The United Kingdom to Oklahoma, USA, and now going to travel another 7,682 from Oklahoma, USA to New Zealand. A total of 12,217 miles!

As I was getting these in the mail, thinking about the two long trips they would make I thought about the fact that our typing fingers go flying across our keyboards and then literally around the world to one another. I know we are all aware of the far reach of Blogland and how God is orchestrating these connections between us. But today, as Postman Pat goes to the Post Office here in Coweta, Oklahoma to make this very long trip to 2 children in New Zealand the reality of it all really hit me.

It is so wonderful how we can, and do, bless one another with our words, our deeds and especially with our prayers. I am humbled daily and very, very thankful for what blogging means to me and those of you who have touched my life in such a meaningful way.

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Speaking of blessings: Jenileigh blessed me yesterday with the Mathetes Award for Excellence in Discipleship. Here are her kind words to me:

"Next is Susan the Penless Writer. Susan is a sweety. She is faithful to me even when I cannot be faithful to her. Susan is family. That is the only way I know to describe her. Not just an acquaintance but family. Her blog is real, passionate and she shares so beautiful and there are many times I leave with tears falling. Susan's heart is big and she is quick to be in prayer for others in their time of need. She is a true servant, a selfless servant! I love you Susan!"

Thank you so much Jenileigh. I am deeply touched by your kindness and your kind words. If you don't know Jenileigh check out her link and meet this delightful young mother at Jenileigh's Journey.

Since I have already passed this wonderful award on to my 5 choices I will not be passing it along again.

THIS & THAT FROM ANOTHER BUSY WEEK

Mickey & I were not able to celebrate our 49th Anniversary on Thursday night because we pick Aric up from school each Thursday and keep him while Marc bowls with a league until 9:30 pm.

Mickey had told me Wednesday night, "Don't plan anything for Friday evening".

So last evening, after giving me a beautiful, weepy (for me!) type card he took us to Lone Star Steakhouse where we had a wonderful steak dinner. It was just the two of us and that was nice, after all the going and doing we've had lately.

I am not into decorating the house for various seasons or holidays, except Christmas which I love and go ALL out for. But since I've been seeing all the beautiful pictures of the extensive decorating some of you do for fall I thought I'd share this picture of my little table setting. I just purchase the blue & white, and gold & white checked napkins and I think they are so cute. I love cloth napkins. The pumpkin holds a candle and I've had it a few years. The man & woman I just purchased at a garage sale a few days before. Again, I am not really into garage sales but I've seen so much neat stuff that you all find and show and when I passed in my neighborhood on the way to the post office I stopped. I found this cute pair for $1 and I love them. Also, got 4 really pretty blue & pink floral placematts for $1. They are definitely not for fall but will look great next spring.

Meet Beryl, Aric & Oksana's other grandmother.

Actually she is great-grandmother! Beryl was in town to visit Marc & Aric for a few days so we took all of us out to our favorite Italian restaurant. Beryl is one super, fantastic gal and we've loved her dearly from the day we first meet her some 14 years ago.

Here are Mickey & I. No wonder I never lose weight!!! We celebrate ALL the time with meals and going out. Oh well, it's fun and we enjoy it. Mickey must have been in the middle of saying something when this was taken from the position of his mouth!!! lol

Here are our 3 guys: Marc, Aric & Uncle David

Here is Aric's new school picture. 8 years old - 3rd grade

Growing up FAR to fast for us.
Starting next week I am going to begin picking Aric up 3 days a week from school. We are adding Monday & Tuesday as Marc has some special projects at his job that need a little more of his presence in the office. I'll only be there until 5:30 on those two days. In fact I think I'll bring him home with me one of those days and Marc can pick him up here and we'll have a weekly family dinner together. See!!! I Told you we are always eating!!!!

The biggest issue for us, and why I don't just bring him to our home all 3 days, is the fact we live in Coweta and they live, work and go to school in Tulsa. The driving back and forth gets a little much.

David's spent most of this first week on the phone taking care of this and that type business. He has spend these first few days at Marc's but we've seen him each day except yesterday and I spoke to him on the phone at least 5 or 6 times!!!

Trust all is well with you and yours!

SHOW & TELL #22 - William Marshall Joyce, Jr.

Okay.....Here it is Friday again and Show & Tell time at Kelli's of There Is No Place Like Home. Go here and find out ALL about it, if you don't already know. Then pick something to Show and Tell us about. Put it on Mr. Linky's at Kelli's and then have a great time visiting all the other Show & Tell posts. It's such fun. Trust me!!!

This weeks Show and Tell has very important sentimental value

It is a picture of William Marshall Joyce, Jr. who was born 11-26-1923. This picture was taken some time in 1930 as he died 3-15-1930 at the age of 6 years old of spinal meningitis.

This is Mickey's oldest brother who would have been 9 years old, had he lived, when Mickey was born 11-24-1932.



Mickey had heard of him all his life but had never seen a picture. He did not even know a picture of Junior existed. When Mickey's younger sister died in January, 2006 one of his cousins came to the funeral in Tennessee and brought Mickey this picture. You can imagine how thrilled Mickey was to receive this wonderful gift.


The white area at the top of the photograph is actually a flaw in the picture taking for this post. The picture was taken outside and the sun shown through the back. The original picture is in perfect condition and in it's original 1930 era antique frame and glass. The picture had to be taken outside because of the glare of the flash on the glass if taken inside.

Thank you for letting me share this wonderful Joyce Family treasure with you.

ANNIVERSAY & MATHETES AWARD

October 4, 1958 - Flagstaff, Arizona

First Baptist Church

Susan Errett became Mrs. Mickey W. Joyce

October 4, 1958 Mickey Joyce became father to Suzette & Jacque

None of us have ever looked back and continue to look forward!!
Thank you honey for 49 wonderful and exciting years together.

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I was just awarded this award!!

Mathetes is the Greek word for disciple, and the role of the disciple (per the Great Commission) is to make more disciples. I'd like to take the opportunity to award five other bloggers with this award and badge for acting in the role of a disciple of Christ. These five all share the message in their own creative ways, and I admire them all for what they do.

In the spirit of this award, the rules are simple. Winners of this award must pick five other "Disciples" to pass it on to. As you pass it on, I just ask that you mention and provide links for (1) this post as the originator of the award (Dan King of management by God), (2) the person that awarded it to you, and then (3) name and sites of the five that you believe are fulfilling the role of a disciple of Christ..."

2) This award is from Karen of Karen's Ramblings. Here are Karen's words:

"I want to pass this on to 5 others and hope that they are blessed and affirmed afresh in their callings. I have witnessed their hearts for Discipleship (via blogland)and the qualities of this Award in their characters."

"Susan - I know I am awarding you again. But you really fit here. Susan I feel has been through some deep waters; spent hours in prayer and seeking God; plus she is a woman who I believe has wept with passion for others, with love, with longing. Her heart is to reach out with truth and purity. She will not compromise the Word or her convictions and that is a beautiful quality. "

On my comments for October 3rd Karen left me this comment: "Susan, I hope you don't think I am being 'award giving' friendly, I do take serious consideration over any award I pass on, but you have so touched my heart and when I got this one 'Mathetes Award', well you came to mind and I want to encourage you that what you share, all those prayers - they are heard, valued and you are very effective in the Kingdom, you DO make a difference. Most of all though - Father just loves you, because you are wonderful YOU."

Karen, I take this award VERY SERIOUSLY and am deeply honored that you have passed it on to me. I treasure your kind words and comment.

3). As seriously as I receive this award I have given serious thought in selecting the following 5 names of my choice:

Karen - I know you've been awarded this Mathetes Award but I must give it to you again. This young woman never ceases to amaze me with her deep spiritual insight and love of Jesus. On those busy days, when there is time to read only a few blogs, I will always select Karens. I am eager to glean and learn what new message and wisdom she is passing on to us in Blogland. Her reach in being a Disciple maker is just beginning.

Jennifer - Jennifer is a blogger that truly "walks her talk". She is one of the most uncompromising bloggers that I have found. She is consistently standing for what she believes is right, honest and truth. She is the Proverbs 31 Woman. She wears many hats, and wears them all well. She is a Home School Mom extraordinaire. She maintains 4 blogs (I do well to keep up with one!!!) Jen's Pen is powerful. I am honored to call you friend and sister-in-Christ.

Stephen - I first met "Inspired" on 5/29 when he signed my guest book. stated he was from England, United Kingdom and "A sinner saved by grace." The Salems are known for the wonderful photography of the 2 BoyZ, ages 4 1/2 & 2 1/2. I have recently really gotten to "know" Stephen and his heart for not only his boyz and wife, but for his Lord, Jesus Christ. He is a true disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. He has touched my heart and life in a very profound way.

Ginger - Sweet, is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Ginger because of her gentle, caring ways and words. But underneath that sweetness is a strength as strong as iron. Ginger's goal is to make a difference, to have her life count and she does this consistently day after day here in Blogland. She was one of my very first true blog "friends" and I treasure her and her friendship. She is a Disciple in every sense of the word.

Michelle - Many are called but few are chosen. Michelle is one of the chosen ones who has left the comforts of home and home land to live and serve 1/2 way across the world. Michelle's love for the people, especially the children, of South Africa makes her a true Disciple maker. It was a privilege to meet this sweet, gentle young wife, mother and Child of the King. You deserve this Award.

TOTALLY FABULOUS FRIENDS

These awards are in reverse order because this "You Lift Me Up" came yesterday after I had already begun working on the post below. This one was also given to me by sweet Karen, of Karen's Ramblings. Thank you Karen.



There are MANY of you that Life Me Up and you know who you are. BUT, I am going to pass this award onto only one person, Deby at Apples of Gold. Deby really lifted me up yesterday with her testimony here. Please go and read it and you will understand why.

Deby's story is why I believe so strongly in our blog world.

Deby you earned this Lift Me Up Award big time!

Karen, of Karen's Ramblings, awarded me, and 11 others, this Award. As I shared with Karen, I have felt anything but Fabulous this week!! VERY loved and cared for, but not Fabulous.

I am passing this award along to ALL of those wonderful bloggers who's blogs bless me. You are all FABULOUS to me and have made blogging a FABULOUS adventure for me these past 8 months. Some times I have to wonder, "What did I do with my time before blogging?" I have to admit I think the house was a tad bit tidier. hee hee

I wish a FABULOUS day, week, month, year, to all my FABULOUS friends out there.

ONE EXCITING WEEK !!

Lots of exciting things going on in our lives.

Unexpected "good mail" yesterday !!! This lovely children's book arrived from The United Kingdom for Aric from the Salem BoyZ

Here is the lovely inscription in the book. Thank you BoyZ. What a lovely surprise!!

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Mickey is now working!!!

He received a phone call on Tuesday from Tulsa Abstract, where he used to work, wanting him to come back to work. He told them he'd come in Wednesday at 8:30 to talk to them. Well, he went in and they put him right to work!!!

When God opens a door we believe in walking through it. Truly, with having to buy the new car in July very unexpectedly, this was a real blessing to us.

As I say over & OVER again, God is SOOO good to us!!

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On Wednesday Jacque's friend, Benny, left for Alaska for a couple of months. He is dredging for gold!!!!! Now how's that for excitement? His son, who works for him, is running his Furniture Rental Business.

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Thursday, Jacque was promoted to Senior Pharmacy Tech at her job with Walgreens. She has worked really hard and done very well during the 2 years she has been employed with them. This is a real nice raise so she is very delighted. We are so proud of her.
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Saturday night Don invited us over to dinner to celebrate his birthday!!

He called it "dinner" but actually it was a feast!!!

left to right: Mickey, Barbara, Don, Mary Lou & Bob I'm taking the picture!

The steak we were served was so big Mickey & I cut one in half, huge baked potato, green beans, Greek salad, hot french bread, tea.

As if THAT wasn't enough, we had cheesecake with strawberries & whip cream and flavored coffee for dessert.

Don & Barbara are our dear friends of 32 years that we traveled some with in our RV days and the ones we had planned to go to Nova Scotia with last June.

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Here is the new Cub Scout, Aric.

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As I shared with you yesterday our oldest son, David, has come back to Tulsa for awhile to stay with us. His oldest step-son Stoney made the long drive from California here with him.

This is our 17 year old grandson, Stoney, with Aric in the background.

Stoney is a top notch student who is a senior. We are very proud of him and so glad we got to see him even if it was for only a few hours.
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Since David & Stoney didn't get in until 2 a.m. Sunday morning and Stoney's flight back to California was 1:10 p.m. Mickey & I did not attend Church and took everyone out for a big breakfast at 10:30.

Susan, David, and Jacque

Backs of Stoney, Marc & Aric

Mickey taking the picture

Dave & Suzette on a cruise !!

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This is just before Mickey took Stoney to the airport.

Marc, Jacque, Stoney, Aric & David

We love these guys soooo much!!! Can you tell?

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Monday - Sohoilah and I met for a 2 hour lunch, gab fest again. I didn't get pictures this time! She is off AGAIN on a 9 day tour to DC, Boston, etc. but we'll be having lunch again when she returns.

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David is spending a few days with his brother, Marc but will be moving into our 5th wheel, which is parked in our back yard.

This 5th wheel is yet another example of God's plans and purposes for us.

When we returned to Coweta from our travels in May, 2004 we planned to sell the One Ton Ram Dully and the 30' Jayco 5th wheel.

The truck sold immediately and the 5th wheel did not.

God knew we were going to need that 5th wheel.

Our oldest daughter and son-in-love, Suzette and Dave, lived in it 3 months (Oct, Nov & Dec 2004) after they sold their home and were having a new one built.

Then Jacque lived in it after she came back to Tulsa in September 2005 after Katrina Hurricane. She was in it 15 months up until she recently bought her home.

Now it is ready and available to David to use during this time he is here with us.

We are so grateful for His watchfulness and care of us in ways we didn't even know we would need.

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Last but not least I just learned on Monday evening that my name was drawn by Janice of Wildflower Cabin for her Autumn Seasonal Giveaway!!!

It is a "sight unseen gift box of lovely treasures symbolizing this wonderful season".

YEAH!!!! When it arrives you can be sure I'll be showing it to all of you. Thank you in advance Janice. I love surprises!!

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Can you believe ALL of this has happened in the past week!!!!

We live a very exciting and wonderful life and never a dull moment.

Most importantly of all GOD IS AT WORK turning us into wine!