Tribute to Joyce
By Her Husband, Karl
Joyce Arlene is a true
queen. She was and still is, royalty! When we were married, I told her that I
loved her, dearly, but that I loved Jesus, even more. She told me, essentially,
the same thing.
She’s the most
attractive, and finest lady I’ve ever met. I am so thankful to God He’s let me
take good care of her for more than 60 years. The last three or four years have
been some of the most special years of our lives. I’ve been right at her side
through all of our 40 years here in one church in Lakeland, but also in Indiana,
in Florida at South-Eastern University, from Tallahassee to Key West in Youth
Work, in Conferences, Camp Meetings, and Missions Trips all over the world.
She’s had her own radio broadcast, and has helped me in all kinds of special
Productions, especially for Christmas and Easter, and has taught public school
in Lakeland for many years.
When she finally went to
the hospital after avoiding it for more than 80 years, except to have our four
children, her nurses told me, privately, that they’d never taken care of such a
lovely person, (she always gave them that “big smile of hers”), more than any
other patient they’d ever ministered to!
Our four children, all
of them, including Dan with his phone calls, and when she visited him, and our
grand-children, all of them, and even the two great-grandchildren when they came
to see her, have been right with her to help her with all her needs throughout
their whole lives. We have a loving, wonderful family, along with their spouses,
who love their mother, grand-mother, and great-grandmother, dearly. Our extended
family members, many of whom are here today, have a remarkable relationship with
Joyce as well. Also, here today are many of her choice friends that through the
years she has personally ministered to, including many of our fairly new friends
we have made at the Estates, the Villa, and the Manor, which is now our home in
Lakeland, and has been for the last ten years. We have grown to love all of you
that have changed your schedules around so you could honor her here this
morning. Thank you for showing kindness honoring both Joyce and me and our
family members. We love you so much.
Now what about me! I’m
hurting…like crazy. I need prayers like anyone else that’s lost someone so very
dear. I had no idea that it would be this severe! But in talking with the Lord
about it the Tuesday night after Joyce went to heaven, Monday noon, during the
middle of a nap, He wants me to spend the time, whatever it is, that I spent in
being married, for God; that is, I believe God wants me to revive a prison
ministry, to work with my son, Stephen, on an out-reach to our local ministers
in this area, and to develop a world-wide radio, TV, and web site ministry, in
English, Russian, and Spanish…until God calls me home, in addition to the six
services a week I have going on right now at the Estates, at Auburndale Life,
and at Ignited. Plus, I want to give a minimum of at least 10% of my time to God
in prayer, and I want to study the Scriptures and the articles of great
Christian leaders on how to “Rule and Reign with Jesus” throughout Eternity. But
I still want to be “available”, as much as you really need me, for my precious
family and friends!
When we helped to build
the Estates, back in 1985, I never planned to retire there. I thought we were
building it for people who “missed the rapture”. Well, Jesus delayed His Coming
in order that more folks could be “saved”. So, I figured God wanted us to be
there to be “salt” and “light”. That’s where I plan to live for the next 35
years, or until God comes for me, sooner!
Thank you for offering
up a prayer for me. I really need you!!!