Honoring My Grandpa, "Poppy"

This was a newspaper article that was published in "The Reporter" (Newspaper) and a part of my grandpa's book.

 Thomas Lane, of Camby, also fought in the war, lived through a typhoon in the Philippines and was at Bikini Island when the atomic bomb was tested. 

He enlisted in 1944 in the Navy and was assigned to the LSM 481. He served on that ship through the war. Part of the time he was stationed in the Philippinies, which is where he encountered the typhoon. He was strapped in his bunk for three days because no one could walk around on the ship. After the Japanese surrender, his ship was sent to Japan to help unload tanks for several weeks. 

    When he finished there, he was transfered to the USS Rockbridge which was assigned to Bikini Island for several months.  

Thomas explained that the U.S. dropped one bomb from a plane and one was set off in the hold of a ship. Animals had been placed on one ship for observation by scientists. "Our job was to take the scientists in to check on the animals and feed them," he said.

He remembers the submarines, aircraft carriers, destroyers, and battleships which were arranged in a two to three mile circle around the target battleship. He also remembers that it was "awful" out there. The island itself was hot and dry and there wasn't anything to do on it but play games and visit a tavern. He said, "I didn't like their beer, so I didn't go ashore." 

What was it like to see an atomic bomb detonated? 

"I'll never forget that," he says flatly. "All of us sat on the deck with our heads like this (covered by arms). But I looked up, right square at it."  

He said the second detonation especially scared him. "There was a mountain of water. You could see the ship going up in the middle of the water." Although his ship was anchored 7-1/2 miles away, he said he could "look up and see montrous water coming your way." He stayed in an area two or three weeks after the test, then came home. After his discharge in 1947, he worked for Bridgeport Brass for 32 years. He also worked as a carpenter for the Indiana Boy's School in Plainfield for 11 years and then retired

Wait, I Say

My problem is, that I try, too hard sometimes. Finally, when I have exhausted myself, and my own resources the Lord steps in and makes happen, just what He said He would happen all in an instant. (Habakkuk 2:3) says, "For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarries, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay."

 Just cause He spoke it doesn't mean I'm the one to go out and make it happen on my own terms. (Proverbs 19:21) says, "There are many plans in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand." It is the Apostle Paul that has said in (1 Corinthians 3:6) who says, " have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase." After many attempts in the past to make stuff happen all on my own I finally received great revelation of (Philippians 4:13) "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

 I know that only in Jesus do I succeed! All the devices of the heart and flesh have ill intent in them. Ohh, but when I am lead of the Lord, failure is hopeless and my success is inevitable! (Romans 8:31) If God is for me who can be against me? (Romans 8:38) For in Him I am more than a conquerer!

Heleighluiah!

What kind of words are coming out of my mouth? WWJS?

Instead of trying to make those things that are as though they weren't,(by whatever means of choice) start calling those things that aren't as though they were! Romans 4:17

Instead of wallowing in regret, dissatisfied with the way things are now because of what happened then, I will move on to those things which are ahead knowing that what I do now will determine what happens then.

The power of life and death is in the tongue and they that love it will eat the fruit thereof. Proverbs 18:21

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. Romans 8:11 

Not only have I been given life from God through Christ Jesus, but I have been given also the power to speak life through the life that dwells within me by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Come on and just let God's life giving power flow out of you today. People's hurting and defeated souls can be quickend-(made full of life) by the words that you speak today if you would just let it happen. 
He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. John 7:38
There have been times that I have not known what to say when being confronted with someone who is hurting, but as the scripture hath said....John 7:38 took place and then that person that wanted to commit suicide is miracuously crying out to God and accepting Jesus as Lord. In what almost seemed like an instant what came out of me that I didn't even know was there, had just quickened a soul. That is the power of the Almighty God.

My Personal Mission Statement

I believe in walking by faith in love, honestly, patiently, and humbly doing so in all diligence.  I will love and seek the Lord with all that is within me.  I am building my foundation upon the Rock of Jesus Christ.  Without Him I would fall.  I will love my neighbor as myself overlooking his or her flaws because He first loved me.  I will forgive.  I will pray always my setting my hope on the Lord looking not at things of this earth, but things above.  Walking by faith not by sight of this natural realm, putting no confidence in the flesh, not letting my good be evil spoken of, and giving no place to the devil.   

It is not good for a man to be alone, so as Christ is married to church, so one day will I be a man of one wife.  I will care for those of my own house hold first. In that day will I train up my children in the way they should go, while lovingly refusing to spare the rod.  I will live transparently, walk uprightly allowing the Word of God to live inside me, and The Holy Spirit to have His way with me, that my life may be as an open book for all men to read, and see Jesus. 

When you Pray

1. BELIEVE
And all things, whatsoever you shall ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive (Matthew 21:22)
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3)
But if ye believe not his writings, how shall ye believe my words? (John 5:47)

2. IN JESUS NAME
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. (John 14:13)
In that day you will no longer ask me anything. I tell you the truth, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete. (John 16:23-24)
3. OUT OF A PURE HEART
If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; but God has surely listened, and heard my voice in prayer. (Psalm 66:18,19)
He that loves pureness of heart and has grace on his lips, the king shall be his friend (Proverbs 22:11)
The King is Jesus! 

4. ACCORDING TO THE WILL OF THE FATHER
And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: (1 John 5:14)

VICTORY

I won't stop, I won't give up now. Life is far to precious I see that now. Not saying I've arrived, but I've come way too far to throw in the towel.

 I've been given purpose I can't just sit on the couch, and say that I'm tired.  Father, You showed me to  whom much is given, much is required. To live this life, and please You is what I've desired.

Your Word says, I'm blessed in the city, and in the field.  I will walk uprightly never lacking my sword, and my shield. I know no pain no heartache is to be compared to the glory that's to be revealed. Battles may be lost, but the WAR has been WON! Because satan was defeated when Jesus said, "It is done"!