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Freeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel Thread ~ PERSISTENCE -- THE KEY TO SUCCESS? ~ December 27, 2009
The Canteen Crew ^
| December 26, 2009
| Serving the Bestest Troops in the UNIVERSE!!!! And don't give me any guff! ;)
Posted on 12/26/2009 5:00:03 PM PST by Brad’s Gramma
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PERSISTENCE -- THE KEY TO SUCCESS?
Walter Wintle once wrote:
"If you think you are beaten, you are; if you think you dare not, you don't; If you'd like to win, but think that you can't, it's almost a cinch that you won't. If you think you'll lose, you're lost, for out in the world we find Success begins with a fellow's will; it's all in the state of mind. If you think you're outclassed, you are; you've got to think high to rise. You've got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win a prize. Life's battles don't always go to the stronger or faster man; But soon or late the man who wins is the man who thinks he can."
President Calvin Coolidge had a similar philosophy. "Nothing in the world," he once said, "can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent."
Inspiring words. But they can be deadly. Because they are only PART of the equation for success. In fact, contends Price Pritchett, "If you stake your hopes for a breakthrough on trying harder than ever, you may kill your chances for success." He reinforces this assertion with the example of a fly "burning out the last of its short life's energies in a futile attempt to fly through the glass of the windowpane." It is persistent, single-minded and determined. But it is also doomed. It will die there on the window sill because it's strategy is flawed. And all the while, just a few steps away, the door is open! This kind of persistence, Pritchett points out, is an idea that can kill. Some times "trying harder" is part of the problem!
Persistence IS vital. But it doesn't always mean sticking with the same strategy. There's an old story about a businessman in a three piece suit who took a shortcut across a pasture on the way to work. He was almost halfway across when a bull in a distant corner saw the trespasser and charged after him. Running as fast as he could, the businessman threw his briefcase over the fence and slid to safety just in the nick of time. A bystander helped the man to his feet, dusted him off and commented, "Boy, that was a close call; that bull almost got you." The businessman shrugged and smiled. "Yes," he replied; "he almost gets me every time."
All around us, we see people pursuing flawed "visions" for success and happiness. In business, in politics, and in their personal lives. And when the strategy proves empty and unfulfilling, unfortunately the response is often simply to "try harder." Scripture is very practical in encouraging us to examine the long-term view. Centuries ago, in fact, Moses spoke to the Israelites saying, "I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants shall live." (Deuteronomy 30:19) The promise of God through Jeremiah the prophet was similar: "You will seek me and find me, when you search for me with all your heart." (Jeremiah 29:13)
As some wag once said, "If you always do what you've always done, you'll always get what you've always got!" But is that what we really want? Better that our persistence should be devoted to finding and following God's "better way." Jesus promised, "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33).
CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; chaplain; freepercanteen; military; troopsupport
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To: unique; USMCPOP; JFoxbear; Dad of Chris Mason; debm29palms
God Bless our military men and women who have given their all.
Thanks, unique.
21
posted on
12/26/2009 5:52:39 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Jet Jaguar; txradioguy; Laurita; CMS; OneLoyalAmerican; tongue-tied; Defender2; Beagle8U; ...
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 always remember.
22
posted on
12/26/2009 5:55:15 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: All
23
posted on
12/26/2009 5:57:08 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Brad's Gramma
To: HopeandGlory
25
posted on
12/26/2009 5:58:48 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Kathy in Alaska
I still have to stain / paint the entire inside of the fence. I had the pup inside as I stained the outside, but there is no way I can have her in the fenced area as I finish the inside. She is already wearing stain on her nose.
26
posted on
12/26/2009 6:02:37 PM PST
by
Arrowhead1952
(I am tired of being PC. It's time for torches, pitchforks, tar, feathers and GUNS.)
To: Kathy in Alaska; All
MAN UK Sunday papers digging up dirt on that bomber not only dude come from Wealthy Nigarian family they HAVE BIG BUCKS also what happen to him on UK Sunday Indepedant how he became terrorist
BOY if I get into trouble I hope Fleet street don’t come after me
27
posted on
12/26/2009 6:14:36 PM PST
by
SevenofNine
("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us, resistence is futile")
To: Arrowhead1952
LOL! A stained pup...for sure. Good luck.
28
posted on
12/26/2009 6:15:05 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Kathy in Alaska; All
Here we go again another Phillipines Ferry has sunk
BreakingNews At least 25 people missing as ferry sinks off central Philippines, the second accident in less than a week, coast guard officials say — AP
29
posted on
12/26/2009 6:16:19 PM PST
by
SevenofNine
("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us, resistence is futile")
To: txradioguy; sxytxredhead73
30
posted on
12/26/2009 6:16:55 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: All
31
posted on
12/26/2009 6:17:25 PM PST
by
SevenofNine
("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us, resistence is futile")
To: All
32
posted on
12/26/2009 6:20:57 PM PST
by
SevenofNine
("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us, resistence is futile")
To: SevenofNine
Oh no, Seven....another ferry. So many ferrys sink in the Philippines. Prayers for those missing.
33
posted on
12/26/2009 6:23:22 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Brad's Gramma
Thanks for the welcome...pretty cool place, this Canteen. Are you plugged in?
34
posted on
12/26/2009 6:25:23 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: AZamericonnie
Good Lord’s Day to you, AZ, and thanks for LeAnn’s Amazing Grace.
35
posted on
12/26/2009 6:47:20 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Brad's Gramma; Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; La Enchiladita; EsmeraldaA; ...
GOD BLESS AND PROTECT OUR TROOPS!
Amazing Grace
by John Newton
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound That saved a wretch like me! I once was lost, but now am found; Was blind, but now I see. . Twas grace that taught my heart to fear, . And grace my fears relieved; How precious did that grace appear The hour I first believed! . Through many dangers, toils and snares, I have already come; Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, And grace will lead me home. . The Lord has promised good to me, His Word my hope secures; He will my Shield and Portion be, As long as life endures. . Yea, when this flesh and heart shall fail, And mortal life shall cease, I shall possess, within the veil, A life of joy and peace. . The earth shall soon dissolve like snow, The sun forbear to shine; But God, Who called me here below, Will be forever mine. . When weve been there ten thousand years, Bright shining as the sun, Weve no less days to sing Gods praise Than when wed first begun.
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Lamh Foistenach Abu!
36
posted on
12/26/2009 6:48:53 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska
And a very blessed Lords day to you Ma! *hugs*
To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; La Enchiladita; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; ...
38
posted on
12/26/2009 6:50:16 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska; laurenmarlowe; BIGLOOK; alfa6; La Enchiladita; EsmeraldaA; SandRat; mylife; ...
THE NAVY HYMN
Eternal Father, Strong to Save
The Marine Corps Verse:
Eternal Father, grant we pray To all Marines both night and day, The Courage, Honor, Strength and Skill Their Land to serve, Thy Law Fulfill. Be Thou the Shield forevermore From every peril to the Corps!
This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. Psalms 118:24(KJV)
Have a Blessed Lords Day!
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Lamh Foistenach Abu!
39
posted on
12/26/2009 6:51:49 PM PST
by
ConorMacNessa
(HM/2 USN, 3/5 Marines, RVN 1969. St. Michael the Archangel defend us in battle!)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Yeah they don’t have really have safety code like we do here in the US and perhaps Europe that reason
40
posted on
12/26/2009 6:51:51 PM PST
by
SevenofNine
("We are Freepers, all your media belong to us, resistence is futile")
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