USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ Guest Military Chaplain ~ The Signs of Christmas ~ DEC 21 2003

freemethodistchurch.org ^ | Marine Corps Chaplain Chuck Roots

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Welcome to
The USO Canteen FReeper Style

Today's Spiritual Journey takes us to

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Click on the graphic above to link to the original sermon.

 The Signs of Christmas

A couple of weeks ago I decided my room in the BOQ (Bachelor Officer Quarters,
sometimes simply called "the Q")
needed to be festive for the Christmas season.
In typical Marine Corps fashion, Camp Pendleton was established in 1942 as a major training command.

Interpretation: austere.
I like Webster's definition number 3:
Lacking adornment or ornamentation: simple or plain.
That pretty well describes a Marine Corps base.

So I ventured on a quest to brighten up my room at the Q.
I purchased a stuffed white dog wearing a Santa hat; a ceramic trio of angels singing joyfully (or so I imagine); a beanbag Santa; and an eighteen-inch potted (fake) Christmas tree with bulbs that light once plugged into the wall.
That's it. But it's a vast improvement.

The Q is located on a bluff overlooking the Oceanside Marina.
Each morning as I leave my room I pause for a few moments to enjoy the view where sailboats are tied to the docks. Early in December I noticed that Christmas lights began to appear on the sailboats, strung to the top of the mast, then down at an angle both fore and aft, creating a triangle of light. As I write this only days before Christmas, I see that at least half of the boats are festooned in this manner.

The Marine Corps Exchange, a place on base for tax-free
shopping for military personnel and their families, has been in full swing with Christmas sales and decorations. Last Sunday I stood in line for two hours at the Exchange waiting to have some publicity photos signed by R. Lee Ermey, the latest pop cult figure to make it to television. He's a former Marine who hosts the program, Mail Call, on the History Channel. The man is a real character! Ermey also played the Drill Instructor in the movie, Full Metal Jacket.
I mention this because the Marine Corps has a program that has been in place for a number of decades called
MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS FOUNDATION.
Each year presents and/or cash are collected to provide toys for children who would otherwise have a bleak Christmas. Ermey was signing the photos in exchange for a new toy or cash to help in this most worthwhile project.

Marines, like all of our American military, are suckers for kids. It is heartwarming to see the outpouring of compassion by our military and their families, many strapped financially, giving sacrificially to help brighten some child's Christmas.

Then I am humbled, realizing that these same people are in the military voluntarily in order to defend you and me against those who threaten our freedom and our very existence.

So, this Christmas, please take a moment to thank the Lord
for those who protect our freedoms.

God bless you and have a Merry Christmas!

Marine Corps Chaplain Chuck Roots
is serving with the I Marine Expeditionary Force

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of today's
Guest Military Chaplain Service


Please stop in and say a prayer of protection for the military. Prayers from all denominations are needed.

                                          




Dear God:
I ask that no Airman, Coast Guardsman,
Marine, Sailor, Soldier or National Guardsman
Feel alone or forgotten.
Please guide the people of Free Republic to
The USO Canteen Post Office
So they can e-mail a service man or woman today.
AMEN

CLICK HERE for Troop Prayer Thread 9

Thank You TEXOKIE

Sunday Liberty starts after the Guest Military Chaplain's Service!

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

From the men in the Military and the Canteen

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

To every service man or woman reading this thread.
Thank You for your service to our country.
No matter where you are stationed,
No matter what your job description
Know that we are are proud of each and everyone of you.

To our military readers, we remain steadfast in keeping the Canteen doors open.
The Canteen is Free Republics longest running daily thread specifically designed
to provide entertainment and morale support for the military.
The doors have been open since Oct 7 2001,
the day of the start of the war in Afghanistan.
We are indebted to you for your sacrifices for our Freedom.

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

[fatima]

Bump to our troops,Who loves you,fatima

[Kathy in Alaska]

Prayers for our troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
for a safe and peaceful week ahead.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Wishing all our Jewish troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
a peaceful and prosperous week.

[Trikebuilder]

It is that Season, where so many have forgotten the Reason, and I have a few words for you, and a challenge.

Trike


My little biker church went sort of corporate this year, and between us and the corporations we hit on, we made $750. This is now pretty well spent, on christmas trees, stands, decorations, food for several meals, and gifts for each of the 10 families we picked for this year. Once again I got to have the fun of watching large denium clad, leather wearing bikers select gifts for the kids on our list at the local toys R-us. Watching them debate the finer points of dolls and toy trucks is a hoot! Talk about your Santa's in the rough! We have the use of a small delivery truck this year for the deliveries, and we had one guy out today plotting the route, so we'll know how to pack the truck. We had one 'sponsor' who was going to nearly double the money we had, but we found out they were planning to follow the truck and film the whole thing, (including interviews with the families). We nixed that one right up front. they couldn't seem to get the idea that NO ONE was going to get any credit, NADA! (I guess they just didn't understand SECRET Santa at all.) We are going out one night soon here, and make the run, after that, we will gather at a local watering hole and toast the Season with some single-malt adult beverages and have a chuckle or two. Somehow, as rough as these guys are, I can get them to be the biggest soft-hearted Santas you ever saw for one night. Helping them find God is one thing I can do, what they have taught me is very precious in return. This small effort to help others has put a spring in their step and a smile on their faces, and for a little while, they are happy with who they are. It is both a quiet pleasure, and somewhat humbling to know that these hardcases have come to look forward to helping others along the path. When I see folks in big cars and fine clothes snub poor folks around them, I think God knew what he was doing when he founded this small chapter of Mechanized Elfs. None of us have much, but we somehow find ways to make this Christmas thing happen every year. Maybe in a way, these men are gaining a small forgiveness for the rough lives they lead. Whatever, I know these guys are standing a lot taller then any guy in a Lexus, sneering at a poor family who can only look at the lights at Christmas. I see that here way too often, and it is a sad sign of the times, that the ones with less by all standards, have greater hearts. If you want to really make Christmas special, gift someone (in any manner) and do it without taking any credit, or let them see you. Be a secret santa to another, I can tell you from first-hand experience, the glow can light a whole heart!

[kayak]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Hi Trike, what a wonderful experience for you and your biker church buddies. The mental picture of the Santas in the rough brings a huge smile to my face. It is truly amazing what happens to most folks when they really put forth the effort to do for others.

Watching them debate the finer points of dolls and toy trucks is a hoot!

My kingdom for a video. For private viewing only. I am so proud of you all for nixing the extra money for "coverage". How easy to lose the pride you gain from the "secret" part.

Merry Christmas to you and Mrs Trike, and all your secret Santas.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning, kayak. Your Christmas wreath is always such a pleasure to see. Thanks for sharing with the Canteen.

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are,God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

Bless This House

Bless this house O Lord we pray;
Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall,
Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove
ever open to joy and love.


Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there,
with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within,
keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be
Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we
May dwell O Lord with thee.

(Click on praying hands above, or on banner at the top to hear the music)

[Aeronaut]

Good Sunday morning Tonk and all. May your day be blessed.

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Sunday !

Have a cup while you Freep !

For those who prefer hot chocolate.....

[Kathy in Alaska]

Click!

[MeekOneGOP]

Dean goes to bat for his man in Iraq ...

[Kathy in Alaska]

Now that is a cool graphic, and it sure seems to be true. You would think "they" thought they would croak if they gave credit where credit was due.