During Jesus' last visit to the town of Bethany, Mary wanted to show her love for Him (Mark 14:3-9). So she brought "an alabaster flask of very costly oil of spikenard" and anointed Him (v.3). The disciples asked angrily, "Why this waste?" (Matthew 26:8). Jesus told them to stop troubling her, for "she has done a good work for Me" (Mark 14:6). Another translation reads, "She has done a beautiful thing to Me." Jesus delighted in her gift, for it came from a heart of love. Even anointing Him for burial was beautiful! What would you like to give to Jesus to show your love? Your time, talent, treasure? It doesn't matter if it's costly or inexpensive, whether others understand or criticize. Whatever is given from a heart of love is beautiful to Him. —Anne Cetas
For His blessings without end; Let's give to Him our full devotion— He's our Savior and our Friend. —D. De Haan A healthy heart beats with love for Jesus.
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Corporals help improve local orphanage
Submitted by: MCB Camp Butler
Story Identification #: 2005814201623
Story by Pfc. C. Warren Peace
ITOMAN, OKINAWA, Japan (Aug. 15, 2005) -- Twenty-six students from 3rd Material Readiness Battalion, 3rd Force Service Support Group's corporals course volunteered their time to make some improvements at Tai Chu En orphanage Aug. 2.
The Marines painted a mural of a landscape on a wall that is 6 feet tall and 35 feet long, cleared a 6 feet wide strip of sugar cane from the wall with gas-powered trimmer garden tools and played with the orphans.
The orphanage has more than 100 residents and was established 23 years ago. It is named after a Buddhist monk who brought Buddhism to the island 500 years ago, according to Makio Yamamoto, head of the orphanage.
Navy Capt. William F. Cuddy, chaplain with Navy Chaplain Corps, was the first to establish a steady schedule of events with the orphanage and the Marines, said Yamamoto.
"The biggest thing for me is having a schedule of events," Yamamoto said. "Even if the members (of the volunteer group) change, the orphans still have the opportunity to interact with Marines."
Volunteer efforts such as this are a great way to get to know and help out our Japanese neighbors, said Sgt. Paskell M. Elliot, a heavy equipment operator with Material Readiness Company, 3rd MRB, 3rd FSSG.
"It's good to get out and show the locals another side of the military other than (M-16A2 service rifles) and camouflage uniforms," Elliot said.
This is not the first time 3rd FSSG has volunteered at the orphanage.
"We have had this type of relationship with the Marines for over 15 years," said Yamamoto. "It's nothing new to the staff members who have been here for a while, but a lot of the kids haven't had a chance to experience things with service members."
Over the years, the relationship has positively affected both communities, he explained.
"It creates cultural benefits that help us and (the Marines)," said Yamamoto. "The Marines get to see Okinawan culture, and the kids at the orphanage get to see something they otherwise would not have the chance to see."
According to Elliot, volunteering has more than political benefits.
"It helps you feel good as a person," Elliot said. "Nobody will leave here without a smile on their face."
Ah, yes, Okinawa, Japan - the same Japan upon whom we dropped two atomic bombs when I was in grade school...have occupied them for 60 years -and the libs are upset we have been in Iraq for a year and a half??
The detractors deny the concept of helping others help themselves after the bullets slow down, and what the future *might/COULD* bring!
Should I have 'hated' the Japanese all my life, so many thousands of our sons and daughters fighting and dying to overcome Japanese aggression and barbarism all the way through China to Burma, and throughout the Pacific?
In occupying it after their surrender, should we have totally subjugated them?
No - we allowed them to see the advantages of another way of life,
as is our goal in all our deployments!
Only if we act as God would want us to, can mankind make forward strides.
God bless a President who has this vision and will not be swayed and relent in his efforts to do things the "right way."
- and Lord, especially bless our sons and daughters who go forth around the world in Your Holy Name.
~LadyX
Jemians Terror (my son) is on the left and two of his battle buddies are on the right.
It was pointed out at graduation that these young people VOLUNTEERED during TIME OF WAR!
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Good afternoon, all the Finest. Thank you, Rus - hope your foot is getting much better, your computer will soon be up and running again, and your campaign is going well!
After being away on business, Terry wanted to pick up some small gifts for his children. The clerk at the airport gift shop recommended a number of costly items. "I don't have that much money with me," he said. "I need something less expensive." The clerk tried to make him feel that he was being cheap. But Terry knew his children would be happy with whatever he gave them, because it came from a heart of love. And he was right—they loved the gifts he bought. 