- Plastic bags tend to dry out or discolor leather. Use a cotton garment bag for off-season storage, or hang coats as usual, draping a tea-towel over shoulders to deter dust.

- Avoid pressure-sensitive labels (the stick-on type)as gummy residue left behind by these labels can stain or ruin finish on leather.

- Professional cleaning is best for stain removal. Some commercial stain removers can be absorbed and leave a mar. Home remedies include gently rubbing at minor stains with a pencil eraser or rubbing alcohol (these methods work only on finished leather;; test on inside facing first, to be sure leather will not be marred). Copyright © 2005 Jane Lake All Rights Reserved

During her teenaged years, Joy was attacked by an evil spirit. I kept praying and praying for God to deliver her. She experienced severe anxiety attacks and became hypochondriac. I had to throw away all medical books because every time she would read them, she would fear she was dying. Finally, after three years of much prayer and fasting, and spiritual battles, Jesus delivered her.

Because of her torment, Joy missed many days of school when she was a senior. Her grades were above average, but her absences were many. In April, she dropped out of high school. I was really upset and prayed to Lord about Joy. He spoke these words to me, "Irvin, who does Joy belong to?" I said, "Why Lord, I guess she belongs to you." He replied, "Don't you think that I love her more than you?" When He spoke these words, I experienced immediate peace as I turned Joy over to one who had died for her. Three days later, she dropped back in school. At her graduation, I think she was happiest one there. She knew she had barely made it.

Before Joy's class of '92 graduation ceremony, I went out in field and prayed and asked Lord to make this day a memorable one for Joy. As soon as class marched out (it was dusk), a huge shooting star streaked across sky. Everybody oohed and watched in awe. I just smiled and whispered, "Thank you, Lord."

After graduation, Joy worked some, and then was married. She gave birth to a beautiful son, Dusty. After a while, this marriage broke up and Joy remarried. This marriage, too, broke up. Both were primarily because of spousal abuse involving use of drugs and alcohol (not on Joy's part).

During all her trials, Joy was a good mother to her son. He, too, was very intelligent and witty. Joy completed technical school during these ordeals and worked outside home as a job coach.

In early January, 2003, Joy moved to England, leaving Dusty behind. She had met someone on internet and despite my strong objections decided to go ahead over there and marry.

I struggled with this as Dusty would call me from his Dad's (Dusty does have a good Dad) and ask me to pray for him because he missed his mommy so much. I took all of this to Lord in prayer, and he said, "Irvin, remember when Joy dropped out of high school, and I told you she belongs to me? Well, she still does. Trust me."

I love Joy so dearly. She has suffered much adversity in her life, but I know that weeping may endure for night but Joy cometh in morning.

Luke 15.18 "I will arise and go to my father, and will say unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven, and before thee."

This was written in May 2003. Today is March 3, 2005. Joy and her husband David are still living in Westbury, England. They have a one year old son, Joshuha. Joy and her family came last summer, and Dusty met his new brother. Joy calls Dusty every day and she recently told me that her and David and Josh are moving back near me. They have already started paperwork. David is a great husband to Joy and a good father. Pray Lord would work out all details for them. I talked to her yesterday and I do miss her. She is my firstborn.

Irvin L. Rozier