Joyce Penner

Born over a half a century ago (Wow, never thought of it that way ! ) on a farm in southern Manitoba, Canada. A mere 30 miles from the United States Border. Grew up around animals (dogs, cats, horses, cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese) and survived more bites, kicks, licks and snuffles than most. Still appreciate the absolute freedom and privacy a farm yard provides, the unlimited view of the sunsets and sunrises, the silence (although the birds, crickets, frogs have to be considered a part of the sound of silence) and the absence of neighbours judgmental stares if I choose to read a book curled up, out of sight, on a tree branch.

My labels?

Label #1 – A Child of God

Exhausted, drained of all energy and hope, I reached out to God for strength, not for me but for my mom. Dying of a rapidly, fatal cancer, I made a vow to my mom she would not die alone.

It was the beginning. The beginning of a fantastic journey of faith, reconciliation and love.

God did not give us a spirit that makes us afraid but a spirit of Power, Love and Self-Control – 2 Timothy 1 v 7

Label # 2 – A Mom

Pictures of my whole family will have to wait. I raised and am raising 5 children. The oldest is 33 (Oh MY, I don’t think I’m old enough to have a 33 year old), a son, married and enjoying a new career two provinces away ! The middle (of that batch) will be 31 this year, adopted at birth, struggling with fetal alcohol syndrome and the biological mother of the two little ones I am currently raising. The first youngest son, soon to be 30, is in Military training right now, again two provinces away (in the other direction ! ) and will probably be looking at Afganistan in the future.

NOW MY TWO YOUNGEST BLESSINGS – I have been blessed with two of the most beautiful babies. I brought both of them home from the hospital at birth, both victims of a mother who doesn’t understand the devastation caused by ingesting alcohol and drugs during her pregnancy. My beautiful little girl is officially adopted and my son is in the process. Hence I cannot publish any pictures as he is still currently a ward of the state until we have cut through all the red tape ! (Red tape? – Another long and very stupid story) With a lot of hard work, dedication and support from a variety of professionals, my beautiful youngest daughter is doing very well in school, has embraced riding lessons, ice skating and trampoline acrobatics. Still with some physical challenges and working hard on the intellectual issues, she will be a contributing member of society as she matures.

Label #3 – A Business Owner/Entrepreneur

Being an independent business owner was a deliberate choice to not only allow me, personally, to fulfill the dreams and desires I have but also to provide me the freedom to be with the two youngest kids as we work through the challenges of the effects of alcohol.

The journey was not easy. Learning how to do more than turning the computer on was a challenge. A complete novice to shark invested network marketing opportunities, I jumped into the first body of water that looked inviting. Jumped out of that one, over to another. The same type of sharks were there too. Literal crooks !

By this time I’m single again, no income, still not making any money online. I did everything my upline told me to do (I could have written a book by now) and I was searching for free systems and trainers who would guide me in the right direction. Found one ! Sounded like heaven – I succumbed to the soothing, caring message – “You’ve found a home, we love you, friends for life, mastermind groups, free training, free web pages, free autoresponders, free everything” EXCEPT the system was flawed, the message carefully crafted to lure others into the primary opportunity by appearing to help, mentor and coach for free. A lie and I had to get out.

Still no online business training under my belt, two children to feed, house and clothe, no significant income coming in from my network marketing opportunity – it was time to start using my head. It was time to reach out and start studying the people who HAD succeeded. What were they doing? What were they teaching? What tools did they use? Finally answers ! Answers to years of failure and frustration !

Now it’s my turn. My turn to give to others what those men and women gave to me. Some have risen above horrific circumstances to achieve the success they have now. But they all had one thing in common with me and possibly you – the desire to succeed. So if I’m talking about you -let’s go do it !

When he realizes that he is a creative power, and that he may command the hidden soil and seeds of his being out of which circumstances grow; he then becomes the rightful master of himself.”  – As A Man Thinketh