FReeper Canteen ~ Guest Military Chaplain ~ THAT'S WHAT YOU THINK ~ October 14, 2007

The Canteen Crew ^ | October 13, 2007 | Serving the Best Troops in the World!

[Brad’s Gramma]

 

 

 

 

 

HIGH FLIGHT

John Gillespie Magee, Jr. was a pilot with the Royal Canadian Air Force. Shortly before his plane was shot down during World War II, he wrote a poem called "High Flight." The last stanza reads:

Up, up the long delirious, burning blue

I've topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace,

Where never lark, or even eagle, flew;

And, while with silent, lifting mind I've trod

The high untrespassed sanctity of space,

Put out my hand and touched the face of God.

John Magee was only nineteen years old when he wrote these words. Today this poem is held sacred by pilots throughout the world.

The first time I heard this verse was in April on an early morning, meditation TV program, one of those which starts the day. As the words were read, the film showed a solitary jet plane soaring straight up as if to the heavens, straining to reach its limits, then twirling and moving in the air with a sense of graceful dignity. Somehow a true sense of awe was communicated, and I have ever since felt that when reading this stanza.

It speaks to me of a sense of freedom and grace, of reaching beyond one's limits, as if beyond oneself, conveying a sense of unity with God and nature. There are several phrases in the poem which I like to reflect upon. One of these is "silent, lifting mind," which is a goal I have in prayer - to have a silent, lifting mind unto God.

John Magee ends this verse with words which express a heightened spiritual awareness: "... and while with silent, lifting mind I've trod the high, untrespassed sanctity of space, put out my hand and touched the face of God." That, my friends, is called a "holy moment," a moment when you experience a deep, personal encounter with God, when you and your God are one. Rabbi Abraham Heschel, a leading Jewish theologian, says there are three things needed for a holy moment to occur: "God, a soul and a moment, and the three things are always here," he assures us. Three things: God, a soul and a moment. What you and I must do is be open to that God and live as if we were a soul, a sacred whole being ... and then cherish moments, one at a time. For John Gillespie Magee, Jr. the feelings he had when flying were cherished, sacred moments. This is a "felt" experience, which is hard to describe in words.

Based on what could have been seen as routine ops for a pilot, this 19 year old wrote a poem which long outlived his brief life, a poem which has since become inspiration to millions for its depth and poetic beauty. I suggest such is not only possible for you but exists each day in your daily routine, that is, if you open your heart and mind to seeing and experiencing sacred moments as did John Magee.

For me, John Magee is a champion, not only because he died a hero's death in WW II, but because he saw beyond the "here and the now" and the superficial frustrations of everyday life, to that which is greater and beyond us all.

CAPT Jane F. Vieira, CHC, USN

 

[Brad’s Gramma]

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 FR Canteen Post Office
So they can e-mail a service man or woman today.
AMEN

Some of these links are broken. I’m using this post out of respect to Mr. Tonkin as he used this for his first post. My apologies, as I’d change the broken links if I could.



WHEN YOU NEED REASSURANCE OF GOD'S PRESENCE

"Lord you have been our dwelling place through all generations. Before
the mountains were born or you brought forth the world."
Lord, God, during deployment, we leave our family homes behind, and our
ship becomes our physical home. Yet the saying, "Home is where the heart
is, "reminds us that home is a state of love and trust, a feeling of being
secure and cared for. To those who trust in you, you have promised never to forsake. We can
have the security of home wherever we go. Amen.

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 FR Canteen Post Office
So they can e-mail a service man or woman today.
AMEN

[HopeandGlory]

Good morning Troops, Veterans and Canteeners.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Our Flag Flying Proudly One Nation Under God

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Lord, Please Bless Our Troops, They're fighting for our Freedom.

Prayers going up.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Thanks, HopeandGlory!

Happy Lord’s Day to you!!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

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.

                                          


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

[SevenofNine]

Well report from Sunday UK Times is reporting remember last month smackdown by israel of Syria reactor claim it was half build and half finish WTF

Also anohter report off Sunday UK Telegraph look like if you are Muslum female you better take off Muslum headress or burka PM Howard claim that start in January of next year it going be ban at all airports

[HopeandGlory]

You’re very welcome Mother of the Bride . . . ;-)

[Brad’s Gramma]

Well, well well........

It’s our In-House-N00b again! Hi! Welcome back!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Hey! I read RESPECT in that! Thank you!!!

Bwwwwwaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh!!!!!

[AZamericonnie]

LeAnn Rimes~Amazing Grace

[stephenjohnbanker]

B T T T

[AZamericonnie]

Thank you for Chapel Grammie & big *Hugs* to ya!

[Brad’s Gramma]

Love you two.....Have a WONDERFUL Lord’s Day!

[stephenjohnbanker]

Brad’s grammie has no taste : )

[Kathy in Alaska]

To our Military -

Thank you for protecting us. Sleep well and safe.
May you be protected. May your families' hearts be at ease.

Thank you to our Allies.

**********************************

To those of our Military and Allies who gave their all,
- May your souls rest in peace. May your families be comforted.
May your/our country remember.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Huh. Do too.

[Kathy in Alaska]

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

[stephenjohnbanker]

:)

[onedoug]

Chaplaincy, High Flight bump!

[Raffus]

All I want to say to all our military men and women We are praying for you daily!

Coming back from IA (where the Farmers rule - we love our military fams) The Farmers aren’t liberal. That is a fact Jack!

Go to IA and you’ll be right in line with the USA. Good food and good company. I LOVE my family from IA. I know IA isn’t doing good football wise, but that is the breaks! 8)

GOD LOVES the USA! *0