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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


 
 

 

 

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

 

 


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; chaplain; freepercanteen; military; troopsupport
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1 posted on 12/26/2009 5:00:05 PM PST by Brad’s Gramma
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Dear God:
I ask that no Airman, Coast Guardsman,
Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Reservist, or National Guardsman
Feel alone or forgotten.



O Israel, hope in the Lord;
For with the Lord there is lovingkindness,
And with Him is abundant redemption.
And He will redeem Israel
From all his iniquities.

Psalm 130:7 & 8


2 posted on 12/26/2009 5:00:26 PM PST by Brad’s Gramma (BG x 2 (and a heartbeat was heard today....))
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To: Brad's Gramma
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.

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

God Bless Our Republic

I pledge allegiance to the Flag
of the United States of America,
and to the Republic, for which it stands;
one nation UNDER GOD,
indivisible,
with liberty and justice for all.

Prayers going up


3 posted on 12/26/2009 5:00:54 PM PST by HopeandGlory (Hey, Liberals . . . PC died on 9/11 . . . GET USED TO IT!!!)
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To: Jet Jaguar

Oh Hai! Oh Hai! Oh HAI DERE!


4 posted on 12/26/2009 5:00:58 PM PST by Brad’s Gramma (BG x 2 (and a heartbeat was heard today....))
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To: Brad's Gramma
Thanks, Grammie, for today's Sunday Chapel...3 seconds.


5 posted on 12/26/2009 5:02:04 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: HopeandGlory

Happy Lord’s Day H&Glory!!!


6 posted on 12/26/2009 5:03:01 PM PST by Brad’s Gramma (BG x 2 (and a heartbeat was heard today....))
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Welcome to the Canteen!


7 posted on 12/26/2009 5:03:22 PM PST by Brad’s Gramma (BG x 2 (and a heartbeat was heard today....))
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To: Brad's Gramma; xzins; bethelgrad; lightman; LiteKeeper; MoJo2001; 007; 1 FELLOW FREEPER; 11B3; ...
Please join us for Sunday Chapel and Liberty






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!

8 posted on 12/26/2009 5:05:31 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Brad's Gramma

Never tire in your praise or prayers.


9 posted on 12/26/2009 5:09:55 PM PST by SandRat (Duty, Honor, Country! What else needs said?)
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To: MoochPooch; Alouette; American Preservative; Yehuda; yonif; Tamar1973; richardtavor; USAF_TSgt; ...

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


10 posted on 12/26/2009 5:12:40 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: MoochPooch; Alouette; American Preservative; Yehuda; yonif; Tamar1973; richardtavor; USAF_TSgt; ...

He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Force, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our G-d from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.

May HASHEM cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighting men from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.

May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is Hashem, your G-d, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.

G-d bless and keep your children safe, Alouette.


11 posted on 12/26/2009 5:14:46 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Brad's Gramma; MoJo2001; StarCMC; HiJinx; laurenmarlowe; AZamericonnie; beachn4fun; The Mayor; ...

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


12 posted on 12/26/2009 5:15:59 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Dear God:
I ask that no Airman, Coast Guardsman,
Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Reservist, or National Guardsman
Feel alone or forgotten.


13 posted on 12/26/2009 5:20:35 PM PST by ColdOne (ColdOne(Vote Them Out))
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To: Brad's Gramma

This is a really nice thread. It’s like an oasis!

Aaaaahhhh.....


14 posted on 12/26/2009 5:21:47 PM PST by Nea Wood (Silly liberal . . . paychecks are for workers!)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
Thanks Kathy and have a Blessed Lord's Day tomorrow.


15 posted on 12/26/2009 5:34:31 PM PST by Arrowhead1952 (I am tired of being PC. It's time for torches, pitchforks, tar, feathers and GUNS.)
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To: redrock; All

Hello Veterans, wherever you are!!

Good Lord's Day to you!


16 posted on 12/26/2009 5:36:19 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: ColdOne

Good Lord’s Day, ColdOne...thank you for the prayer for our military men and women.


17 posted on 12/26/2009 5:38:53 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Nea Wood

Welcome to the Canteen, Nea Wood, and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you.


18 posted on 12/26/2009 5:40:49 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Arrowhead1952

Thank you, and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours, Arrowhead. How is the fence painting coming along?


19 posted on 12/26/2009 5:42:24 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: SoldierDad; vigilante2; PERKY2004; jackv; Jemian; Azbushgal; LUV W; mystery-ak; armymarinemom; ...
Thanks, Military Families, for your service to our country.


John Conlee ~ They Also Serve


20 posted on 12/26/2009 5:43:04 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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