So...: October 2008

Saturday, October 25, 2008

October 23rd-26th, 1944

The Battle of Leyte Gulf, also called the "Battle for Leyte Gulf", the "Battles for Leyte Gulf", and formerly as the "Second Battle of the Philippine Sea", is generally considered to be the largest naval battle of World War II and also, by some criteria, the largest naval battle in history.

It was fought in waters near the Philippine island of Leyte, from 23 October to 26 October 1944, between naval and naval-air forces of the Allies and those of the Empire of Japan. On October 20, United States troops invaded the island of Leyte as part of a strategy aimed at isolating Japan from the countries it had occupied in South East Asia, and in particular depriving its forces and industry of vital oil supplies. The Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) mobilized nearly all of its remaining major naval vessels in an attempt to defeat the Allied invasion, but was repulsed by the US Navy's 3rd and 7th Fleets. The IJN failed to achieve its objective, suffered very heavy losses, and never afterwards sailed to battle in comparable force. The majority of its surviving heavy ships, deprived of fuel, remained in their bases for the rest of the Pacific War.

The Battle of Leyte Gulf included four major naval battles: the Battle of the Sibuyan Sea, the Battle of Surigao Strait, the Battle of Cape Engaño and the Battle off Samar, as well as other actions.

This all happened sixty four years ago. But, even though it happened sixty four years ago, this all happened so that you and I may be in the comfort of our home's today without fear. This all happened forty nine years to the day of which I was born, October 26th. This all happened when my great Granpa was in the Coast Guard and was told that was where he was going. He then was right in the middle of the said by most"greatest" sea battle in history. To me, it was the worst sea battle in history! It was also the worst sea battle in his story (Grandpa). He did it for me, he did for his wife, for his two sons, for my family and for yours! And because of God's Mercy and Grace he is still here with us!

This is my Grandpa, Buddy, and Little Man out getting pears from his back yard.

Granpa and his lady friend having lunch with us.

Father,
Thank you for the freedom that you have given us!
Thank you for allowing Grandpa to help preserve that freedom and then, you brought him back to us!
Thank you for our family and the strength that you have given to Grandpa to keep going even at ninety two!

Friday, October 24, 2008

I spy, with my little eyes...

An empty spot!

I don't know about ya'll, but me and my sisters were looking at this picture and the picture on my Blog header and we noticed something. There are TWO empty spots in both pictures big enough for TWO little children. What do you think?

Luke 17:6 (NIV)
He replied,
"If you have faith as small as a mustard seed,
you can say to this mulberry tree,
'Be uprooted and planted in the sea,'
and it will obey you."

Monday, October 13, 2008

Philippians 1:7-11~

7How natural it is that I should feel as I do about you, for you have a very special place in my heart. We have shared together the blessings of God, both when I was in prison and when I was out, defending the truth and telling others about Christ. 8Only God knows how deep my love and longing for you-with the tenderness of Christ. 9My prayer for you is that you will overflow more and more with love for others, and at the same time keep on growing in spiritual knowledge and insight,10for I want you always to see clearly the difference between right and wrong, and to be inwardly clean, no one being able to criticize you from now until the Lord returns. 11May you always be doing those good, kind things which show that you are a child of God, for this will bring much praise and glory to the Lord.

So, we left Friday morning for the airport to pick up Sissy! Everyone was full of EXCITEMENT!!! It seemed like it took FOREVER to get there, but the ride was full of a laughter, giggles(and there is a big difference between giggling and laughing), smiles and I think that the van was probably glowing because we were all so HAPPY! Wait, we weren't happy, we were full of JOY!! Then, we were all together again! Praise the Lord!!!

DoodleBug helping get us ready for the road
(notice the big smile on Baby Girls Face in the right hand corner)!

WERE ON OUR WAY!!!!

Our paster volunteered to drive us to the airport(we thought that was pretty BRAVE) since Mama had never been there.
We all agreed that this was a perfect picture of his personality!