FReeper Canteen ~ Guest Military Chaplain ~ May 23 2004

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Thank the Veterans who served in
The United States Armed Forces.

Looking forward to tomorrow's freedom?
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THE MAN IN THE GLASS

I first heard the poem some years ago as a song performed by a former pop musician turned Christian entertainer. Its words had a powerful impact. They were a challenge to self-examination, and a warning about the consequences of life lived without integrity. A reminder that each of us must live with his or her self. And that we KNOW what's behind our image, no matter how carefully crafted, or how convincing it may be to others. I wonder if it might also speak to you. It's entitled "The Man in the Glass."

"When you get what you want in your struggle for self, And the world makes you king for a day, Just go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what THAT man has to say. For it isn't your father or mother or wife Whose judgment upon you must pass. The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life Is the one staring back from the glass. Some people might think you're a straight-shootin' chum And call you a wonderful guy, But the man in the glass says you're only a bum If you can't look him straight in the eye. He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest, For he's with you clear up to the end. And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test If the guy in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years, And get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you've cheated on the man in the glass."

In the end, our ability to learn from that man or woman in the glass depends on the power of our conscience. But sometimes a conscience can be an untrustworthy guide. We may feel guilty about the wrong kinds of things. Or we may not feel guilty about ANYTHING. The Bible speaks of people whose consciences have been "seared" as with a hot iron. (I Timothy 4:2) The modern term for such a person is "sociopathic." Such a person, it is said, may even be able to pass a lie detector test while lying because they feel no guilt, shame or remorse. Their conscience is clear only because it is nonexistent. Better we should DEVELOP our conscience, and inform it through a study of the timeless truth in God's word. James warned, "If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." (1:23-24)

Here's to hoping that all of us will take a good look,
and learn from that man or woman in the glass.

CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN

MILITARY REQUESTS

Operation Semper Fi
(formerly Operation FR Canteen Support Our Troops!)

Who: Our Wounded Troops in Iraq

What they need: Toiletries, slippers, hospital pajamas, candy, reading material, get well cards, letters of encouragement. Anything you can think of.

Who do I contact: FReepmail Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, or MoJo2001 for the direct mailing address in Iraq. (Make sure to put Operation Semper Fi in the subject line.)

Who made the request: MoJo2001's husband, The Sailor, Division received the request from a Lt.Col currently in Iraq.

Operation Iraqi Children

Who: Iraqi Children

What they need: Shoes, school supplies, toys, and anything you can think of. The ages of the children are 3 years old to 11 years old. (According to the FReepmail.)

Who do I contact: This request came from one of our Active Duty FReepers. So? We are not sure how quickly he can respond back to you. If you would like to help, FReepmail MoJo2001 or Brad's Gramma. They have the contact information in Iraq to send items. (Make sure to put Operation Iraqi Children in the subject line.)

Who made the request: smaagee (His father is Graybeard58).

CARE PACKAGES

Who: Our Troops

What They Need: A little something from home. They like food, reading material, socks, or anything you can think of. If you'd like to send letters, please send those as well. Anything friendly from home is greatly appreciated.

Who Do I Contact: FReepmail Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, or MoJo2001 for more information.

I'm not sure what to send. What do I do?
CLICK TO VISIT THE CANTEEN POST OFFICE.

Who made the request: Requests have come from different places.

DONATIONS FOR CARE PACKAGES

Who: Our Troops

What Is Needed: If you are someone who would prefer to send donations to another trusted FReeper who will do the shopping for you, then this is your lucky day.

Who Do I Contact: patriciaruth!! She is a trusted FReeper who has been receiving donations to help our Troops. She has been doing this for a long time. Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, MoJo2001, and many other FReepers can vouch for her.

OPERATION CONVOYS

Who: Our Troops (specifically those in the Transportation companies)

What Is Needed: Our Troops keeping the supply lines going are in need of basic necessities, reading material, candy, letters of encouragement, and anything else you can think of. They are sometimes unable to return back to their base of operations due to terrorist attacks or other adventurous Iraqi issues.

Who Do I Contact: Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, or MoJo2001. We can give you the information to send it specifically to Iraq. (Please put Operation Convoys in the subject line.)

Who made the request: archy. He has been in contact with a Chaplain that has asked for help.

OPERATION EMAIL AND FREEPMAIL

Who: Our Troops

What Is Needed: Our media is beyond pathetic. We need people to email our Troops with words of encouragement or a simple "Thank You" or "We are thinking about you". Very simple, but very effective. If you don't have money to spare, NOT A PROBLEM. This is cheap, free, and easy. We all like that, huh?

Canteen Post Office Click

OR

FReepmail Brad's Gramma, Kathy In Alaska, or MoJo2001 to get an email for one of our Sailors. If you'd like to email a message, we would be happy to pass it along in one of the packages.

OPERATION USMC
*added May 22, 2004

Who: Our Marines & Sailors on the ground in Iraq. (There is a contact person and all items will go through him. This is to ensure the safety and security of the other military members.)

What Is Needed: Care packages and correspondences.

Who Do I Contact: FReepmail MoJo2001, Brad's Gramma, or Kathy In Alaska for further details. (Please put Operation USMC in the subject line.)

Who made the request: It has come from outside Free Republic.

If you would like to add your military request, please FReepmail MoJo2001 to add your request. We would be happy to help out.

1 posted on 05/22/2004 8:39:39 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

To: xzins; Kathy in Alaska; MoJo2001; LindaSOG; LaDivaLoca; Fawnn; Bethbg79; bentfeather; ...

2 posted on 05/22/2004 8:42:26 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (God Bless and Protect our Military and our Allies Military)

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

3 posted on 05/22/2004 8:46:14 PM PDT by Old Sarge (It's not Bush's fault - It's THE MEDIA'S fault!)

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

WooHoo! It's Sunday!!!

4 posted on 05/22/2004 8:48:29 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (?sdrawkcab siht gnidaer eb uoy dluow esle yhW .derob eb tsum uoY)

To: cjk; XtreMarine; gorio; The Sailor; thumperusn; armyboy; txradioguy; kjfine; aft_lizard; ...

FYI : Look in upper right corner of "My Comments" page.
Set it for "Brief" instead of Full.
You only will get title of thread and who pinged you.
No graphics will load.

5 posted on 05/22/2004 8:50:14 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)

To: Kathy in Alaska; MoJo2001; LindaSOG; LaDivaLoca; bentfeather; beachn4fun; Ragtime Cowgirl; ...

From the men in the Military and the Canteen

6 posted on 05/22/2004 8:53:14 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Wow!

I'm ready for breakfast.

I'm ready to feast!!

7 posted on 05/22/2004 8:54:45 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (?sdrawkcab siht gnidaer eb uoy dluow esle yhW .derob eb tsum uoY)

To: MoJo2001; Old Sarge

Breakfast is served!

8 posted on 05/22/2004 8:55:54 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Um, great!!

Don't know if there will be any left for Sarge, but I'll try to save some for him. LOL!

*HUGS*

9 posted on 05/22/2004 8:57:18 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (?sdrawkcab siht gnidaer eb uoy dluow esle yhW .derob eb tsum uoY)

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub

Did you see Bush's face after that bike accident?

Looks like he took quite a spill. He finished the 17 mile mountain bike ride anyway, must've been wearing gloves.

10 posted on 05/22/2004 8:57:29 PM PDT by Lady Jag (used to be sciencediet but I found the solution)

I missed dinner,how are you.

11 posted on 05/22/2004 8:57:42 PM PDT by fatima (My Granddaughter Karen is Home-WOOHOO We unite with all our troops and send our love-)

Wonderful!

How are you?

12 posted on 05/22/2004 8:58:47 PM PDT by MoJo2001 (?sdrawkcab siht gnidaer eb uoy dluow esle yhW .derob eb tsum uoY)

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 FR 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.

FR CANTEEN MISSION STATEMENT
Showing support and boosting the morale of
our military and our allies military
and the family members of the above.
Honoring those who have served before.
CLICK HERE TO FIND LATEST THREAD.

You will stay right where you are on the thread.
Please take a moment and Thank a Service Man or Woman.
Just Click on the graphic to send an e-mail.

13 posted on 05/22/2004 8:59:10 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Have you said Thank You to a service man or woman today?)

Well Sunday UK Times is reporting tonight that leaked Brit memo written by one Tony Blair has raise controvsary he run smack chat on US troops heavy handling in Iraq and Dubya not listen to him on he warn him on abuses of Iraqi POW in that prison that he got info from Brit troops

OH OH

Also Sunday UK Telegraph raising some sercurty issue there is good possibity that old tradition of Wednesday question with Brit PM may be way of Brit empire report they have different days not just Wednesday

Also Sunday UK Times is also reporting that before smackdown on Saddam Iraqi Free Congress fallen leader Chabari met with Iran leaders before the smackdown on Saddam

Also another report off Sunday UK Telegraph because of reform of human right in Pakstein they be allow in to Queen Betty commonwealth of nations

14 posted on 05/22/2004 9:00:56 PM PDT by SevenofNine ("Not everybody , in it, for truth, justice, and the American way,"=Det Lennie Briscoe)

Just great cutie,Saturday night means Sunday off,you know,a day of rest.

15 posted on 05/22/2004 9:01:38 PM PDT by fatima (My Granddaughter Karen is Home-WOOHOO We unite with all our troops and send our love-)

I hope President Bush is OK.
Thankfully it looks like he is.

16 posted on 05/22/2004 9:03:10 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; MoJo2001; Kathy in Alaska; Long Cut; MS.BEHAVIN; StarCMC; LindaSOG; ...

HEY, GRANDPA! WHUT'S FER BREAKFAST?

"Biscuits n' Gravy, eggs right out o' the bird an' made to order, hot coffee an' juice, hash browns an' wheat toast sloppin' over with butter, an' fresh maple syrup over waffles!"

YUM, YUM!!

17 posted on 05/22/2004 9:03:25 PM PDT by Old Sarge (It's not Bush's fault - It's THE MEDIA'S fault!)

Hi fatima!
Have a good Sunday.

18 posted on 05/22/2004 9:04:02 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)

Hi SevenofNine
How's California these days.
It hasn't fallen in the ocean yet. LOL

19 posted on 05/22/2004 9:07:54 PM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Thank You Troops! Past, Present and Future)

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; MoJo2001; Kathy in Alaska; Long Cut; MS.BEHAVIN; StarCMC; yall

Well, the Witching Hour is upon us once again, and Sarge goes back to drill.

I'll just see all y'all tomorrow!

'Nytol!

20 posted on 05/22/2004 9:09:56 PM PDT by Old Sarge (It's not Bush's fault - It's THE MEDIA'S fault!)

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