Thursday...

Thursday I was feeling so very defeated. I felt as thought God had told me what to do slong ago, I was passionate then it got and I quit. I was feeling as though there is nothing a sixteen yearold from a little town in the South could do about abortion. Hope, as always could tell I was not myself. I didn't want to tell what was botherng me but because I was honest with her she helped me so much! She told me how Sonny Perdue can' do anything about abortion in our state because it is a federal issue; that things like this take time, perserverance and patients. While she was telling me elderly friend of ours was over helping us learn "The Star Spangled Banner" (we have been to sing at a Thrasher's game). As I was listening to the words I began to wonder what Francise Scott would think of our country now? And that just me feel een worse. But then, something awesome happened! God is so amazing!! It was late in the evening and I hadn't practiced piano yet. I really didn't want to but I knew I needed to. I was ending my practice with the hymn that I am learning and something told me to play all the ones that I knew in the book. As I was playing I began to sing and it was the most amazing feeling! It felt like the Holy Spirit was filling and lifting me up! The last song I sang was "It is Well With My Soul."

And I pray and hope that everything today is well with your soul!
God Bless and continue to pray for Haiti!
Leah-Joy.

Thank you

• Going to church
• Blowing bubbles with a little one
• Going on a Mission for God in Louisisana
• Being with my family
• Having reunions
• Blogging whatever I want
• Shopping
• Fishing with my little brother's
• Spending a day in the kitchen
• A night on the town with my sister's
• Watching a movie with my family
• Driving my Daddy's Ford

This list could go on and on. What is the list for you ask? It is things that I know that I do and don't even think about them. Today I have thought a lot about them and why we CAN do them. We CAN do them because of what I and my brothers and sisters and mama witnessed this morning. The homecoming of a fallen soldier. This brave, 21 year old Sargeant left his home and family to go fight for you and me. Not knowing at all what the future held. Sure, none of us know what our future holds, but he was going to a land where he was hated and going to be shot at WITHOUT MERCY. A land where his brother's are dying for others who don't even care anymore. You and I are safe, here in our homeland, the motherland. He left his young wife and newborn son. A couple weeks ago I was at the docters office with my grandmother. As we left I saw an older gentlemen, nicley dressed witha cap on that said, "Veteran of Vietnom." AS we left, I hesitated and then thanked him for his service to our country. After I told him thank you, he thanked me for thanking him. Mama and Daddy have taught me and my siblings to thank these men and obviously, they don't get thanked enough. I not to brag or anything, I just want to give you something to think about. Thank a soldier when you see one. As I write this I wonder if Sgt. Jordan was ever thanked; I hope that he was. I haven't cried like I did this morning at the airport in a long time. I kept thinking of his familiy, his young wife and 1 year old son who's birthday is the day that his life was taken. June 4th. I also kept think of the "This is just a dream" by Carrie Underwood . How I wish that had been a dream, but it wasn't. It was real. IT IS REAL! Please keep his family in your prayers. Please for all of our troops.

Thank you for taking time to read, and, if you take the time to thank a soldier,

Thank you again.

Remembering Memorial Day

Memorial Day was designed for those that this soldier is saluting: the fallen. The ones that gave their lives so that me and you could be here today. I can't imagine being one who has lost a loved one. My Great Grandfather was in the Caost Gaurd for 21 years, active duty. AT one time he was away from his wife and two sons for 22 MONTHS. He sacrificed so much. In one incident, he put his own life in danger in order to try and save a fellow gaurdsmen. And he did. If it hadn't been for him that man would have died. My Grandpa IS a HERO.

But But, others did make it home. Like my Grandpa and this man and many more. But there are more who didn't make it home. I have written the song below for those who did make it home. If any service man happens to read this, thank you so much for your sacrifice. You re in my prayers everyday and I pray that God's hedge of protection will be with you.

God Bless,

Joy.

As I stepped on the train with my Bible in hand

The first thing I saw was a soldier man

Sittin' all alone

I took a seat as we started along,

and asked if he'd been gone long

And he looked at me and said,

Chorus

My Mama loved me to death

But to my Daddy my ears were deaf

Ever since I was eighteen I been gone

Joined the Army and never been back home

He looked at me with tears in his eyes

and said, "I told 'em I wasn't comin' back after I said my goodbyes

I wrote my Daddy and asked if he could forgive and forget

So I'm headin' home but I hadn't heard from 'em yet.

But I said if he had to tie a yellow flag

To my Mama's apple tree that always sags.

But I'm nervous as a shakin' leaf,

cause,

Chorus

Now we're nearin' home and

I'm afraid I still might be alone

This is my home town here all about

Around the bend is the apple tree and I can't bear to look out

Sir, would you look at the tree,

And see if my Daddy has forgave me

I leaned out the window and saw a sight

And I grinned like a kid flyin' a kite

And looked at the soldier man and said

"Everyone is welcoming you home lad,

And it's not just a rag

On your Mama's apple tree that sags,

That tree is completely yellow

Surrounded by folks by folks full of love for a fella

Cause...

Your Mama loves you to death

And your Daddy has forgave and forgot

You won't be gone and alone anymore

You can stop running in those boots

Everyone in town is ready for you to return to your roots!

Augstine Once Said...

If we live good lives,

the times are also good.

As we are,

such are the times.

Please pray that we will all live good lives.

I read in Ezra that the people were full of happiness because God had changed

the king of Assyria's mind.

Ezra 6:22

"The Lord made them happy by changing the mind of the king of Assyria so that he helped them on the work of the Temple of the God of Israel."

If God can change a kings mind, He can change a presidents mind.

And not only did the King LET them work on the Temple, he helped them!!

Please pray with me that God will send a revival to our country.

That it will be irristable,

that it will be like a wild fire as we enter into these hard times.

Lord,

Thank you for the protection that you have given to our country.

Please, Lord, do not lift your hedge of protection from our country and from our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen, and Gaurds.

Amen.

My Newest Blog...

Hey everybody, you may think that I am a little nut like the rest of my family does, but, anyway, I now have three blogs and have just put up a new post on one and would for you read it pray as you feel so led.

One Million, Two Hundred, Ten thousand

God Bless,
Joy.
"I am sure of only two things. That I am a great sinner. And that Christ is a great Savior.

2Chronicles 14:1-6

King Abijah was buried in Jerusalem. Then his son Asa became the new king of Judah, and there was peace in the land for the first ten years of his reign, for Asa was careful to obey the Lord his God. He demolished the heathen alters on the hills, and broke down the obelisks, and chopped down the shameful Asherim-idols, and demanded that the entire nation obey the commandments of the Lord God of their ancestors. Also, he removed the sun images from the hills, and the incense alters from every one of Judah's cities. That is why God gave his kingdom peace.

Please come see my new blog:
Joyprolife.blogspot.com

May Have Your Attention Please...

http://joyprolife.blogspot.com/

Life is Precious

Life is precious, priceless, a gift and so much more. This is what was the minds of many Thursday, January, 22nd. In that many was me, Grace*, Hope, two dear friends and two pasters, as we stood on the lawn outside the courthouse in our town and prayed. You may ask why we did this, Thursday, January 22nd, 1973 the case of Roe vs. Wade was settled. Abortion was made legule on this day. Now, thirtysix years later, this slaughter of innocent lives has killed 43 million children. This is why we gathered and prayed. We prayed that this act of abortion would be aborted, that the ones who have done this would be forgiven, that those considering to do this would be set on the right path, that we, as Christians, in a free nation would have the courage to take a stand against this act of murder. We prayed for the hearts of the leaders of our nation, that they would be softened, that they ask for forgiveness and that they would have the wisdom to do what it will take to lead our country in this crisis. And that our country must be brought to its knees and if bringing us to our knees with our economy and finances, then, let it be! Please join me in praying for President Obama, Vice President Biden, Sec. of State, Mrs. Clinton and all the many others. What all they believe we know is not right, but, who changed his heart right before he died and was still forgiven? The theif on the cross. If that theif, who commited crimes and was condemned to death because of them and still asked for forgiveness, humbled himself and was forgiven, then anyone can! Please, if you feel so led, please join me in praying for our nation, abortion, the leaders of our nation and the new genaration that is rising up, that we would have the courage to stand during this time of crumbling and hold our standards high for the Lord!

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am humbled at the fact that Christ forgave me and loves me and is preparing a place for me. He has forgiven me and He will forgive anyone!

God Bless,
Joy.
"There are two things that I am sure of. That I am a great sinner. And Christ is a great Savior!"
Amazing Grace.

May we never take anything for granted!

This is forward that I got and wanted to share with you.

Your cell phone is in your pocket.
He clutches the cross hanging on his chain next to his dog tags.

You talk trash about your 'buddies' that aren't with you.
He knows he may not see some of his buddies again.

You walk down the beach, staring at all the pretty dolphins.
He patrols the streets, searching for insurgents and terrorists.

You complain about how hot it is
He wears his heavy gear, not daring to take off his helmet to wipe his brow.
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You go out to lunch, and complain because the restaurant got your order wrong.
He doesn't get to eat today.

Your maid makes your bed and washes your clothes.
He wears the same things for weeks, but makes sure his weapons are clean.

You go to the mall and get your hair redone.
He doesn't have time to brush his teeth today.

You're angry because your class ran 5 minutes over.
He's told he will be held over an ext ra 2 months.

You call your cousins and set a date for a get together.
He waits for the mail to see if there is a letter from home.

You hug and kiss your parents, like you do everyday.
He holds his letter close and smells his love's perfume.

You roll your eyes as a baby cries.
He gets a letter with pictures of his new child, and wonders if they'll ever meet.

You criticize your government, and say that war never solves anything.
He sees the innocent tortured and killed by their own people and remembers why he is fighting.

You hear the jokes about the war, and make fun of men like him.
He hears the gunfire, bombs and screams of the wounded.

You see only what the media wants you to see.
He sees the broken bodies lying around hi m.

You are asked to go to the store by your parents. You don't.
He ;does exactly what he is told even if it puts his life in danger.

You stay at home and watch TV.
He takes whatever time he is given to call, write home, sleep, and eat.

You crawl into your soft bed, with down pillows, and get comfortable.
He tries to sleep but gets woken by mortars and helicopter s all night long.



REMEMBER our Troops, and do not forget them LATER
Lest we forget.






Please pray with me for all our Marines, Solders, Airmen, Sailors and Guards! May we never forget them and the price that they have paid so that we may do whatever we are doing!

As I look at these pictures I am reminded of a story that Our great grandpa told us. He was in Coast Guard for twenty-one years. He served during WWII. He was in the Battle of Leyte Gulf and many more. He was in the deck of the ship and a Japanese plan flow so low that Grandpa could see his face. To this day, at ninety two years old, he remembers what this mans face looks like. Then, the Japanese fighter pilate dropped a missile. Right then Grandpa thought, "I'll never see Jeanette (his wife) and my two boys again." And only by a miracle of the Lord was granpa and all his men saved! A wave came up and knocked the missile off course! If you don't call that a miracle I don't what you would call it!

Please pray that God would protect these young men and women as he did Grandpa!

God Bless,
Joy.

MAY YOU HAVE A BLESSED THANKSGIVING!!!!

May we all remember that it is God who has given us the opportunity to live in this free country, may we also remember all those who have willingly sacrificed their lives so that we may be doing what we are doing today with no fear!

Keep our Country in your prayers!

God Bless,
Leah-Joy.

Jeremiah 29:11-13

11"For I know the plans I have you,
declares the Lord.
They are plans for good and not for evil,
to give you hope and a future.
12In those days when you pray ,
I will listen.
13You will find me when you seek me,
if you look for me in earnest."

May America look and seek for the Lord in EARNEST during this time.
May we all keep our Country and Senator Obama and Senator Biden in our prayers!

God Bless,
Joy.

EGA

This is the Eagle, Globe and Anchor, Marine symbol.
This was made up of 9,000 Marines.

This many and more have died for you and for me.
So many lives have been sacrificed so that we can do what we did today WITHOUT FEAR!
Without thinking that someone might learn of who or what we voted for and destroy our families.
They have given so much for US,
so that we might live the way we do today!

And I hope and pray that not a single one of us takes what they are doing for us for granted!
May we ALWAYS remember them, may we ALWAYS thank them,
and most of all,
may we ALWAYS keep them and the leaders of our country in our prayers!

Dear Lord,
Please be with all the men and women of the United States Military safe and in your hands. Please guide the leaders of our country in the way that you know is best for us!
And Lord, please open all of our eyes to all of the blessings that you HAVE ALREADY given to us!
Amen.

God Bless,
Joy. ;)

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!

May We Always Remember...

I don't know where or when this picture was taken but I do know that this picture was taken during a moment of silence. The leaders of this group were told that they were NOT allowed to pray aloud, but that didn't them from.





Please keep all our Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Guards, and Pilots in your prayers.


P.S. Sorry about the two videos. They are the same. I don't know how two of them got on there. Hope you like it! :)

May We Always Remember...

The price that was paid and still is being paid to this very day and will continue to paid for so that we may celebrate Independence!
Thank you Lord for the Freedom that you have blessed us with!
Please awaken our country and may we turn bake to You!