Freeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel Thread ~ YOU ARE SPECIAL! ~ February 27, 2011

The Canteen Crew ^ | February 26, 2011 | Serving The Best Troops In The UNIVERSE AND BEYOND!

[Brad’s Gramma]

 

 

 

 

YOU ARE SPECIAL!

"I don't know why I was even born," the young sailor confided! "I'm ugly. I'm not talented. I've never been what you would call smart. I don't really have any friends. And I can't seem to do anything right. I feel like I've spent my whole life letting people down. Sometimes I wonder if even God could love me!"

That conversation took place more than a decade ago, but I still remember it as if it were yesterday. That one and a lot of others over the years with the same message: "I'm no good; I'm just another loser."

Unfortunately, our society places a great premium on looking good, being popular, and being the best -- or at least being "special." Those who don't quite measure up often feel like that young sailor. Sometimes a person can spend his or her whole life trying to earn acceptance, and still end up an outsider. ... Sometimes even when others really DO care for them and want them to be part of the group! Maybe you have felt that way at times. If not, it's probable that someone you know has... or does.."

Nearly two thousand years ago, the Apostle Paul described how God has made each of us special, given each person a unique combination of "gifts". It was an important message. It must have been. His letters preserve three different variations on that theme, written to three different communities. (You can read his comments in Romans 12, I Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4.) A more recent author phrased it this way: ."

"You Have A Special Message To Deliver"

There is an old Jewish-Christian tradition which says:
God sends each person into this world
With a special message to deliver,
With a special song to sing for others,
With an act of love to bestow.

No one else can speak my message,
Or sing my song, or offer my act of love,
These are entrusted only to me.
According to this tradition,
The message may be spoken,
The song sung, the act of love delivered
Only to a few, or to all the folk in a small town,
Or to all the people in a large city,
Or even to all those in the whole world.

It all depends on God's unique plan for each person.
To which we might add:
The greatest gift of God, one would think,
Is the gift of life.
The greatest sin of humans, it would seem,
Would be to return that gift,
Ungrateful and unopened. Anonymous

If you're feeling down and discouraged today, there's good news. No matter what your appearance, background or position, you're one of God's unique gifts to the rest of us. God loves you, has a special purpose for you, and believes in who you can become. Lift up your heart. Despite all you may have been told, despite all you may have felt, you ARE special after all!

CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN

 

[Jet Jaguar]

Enjoy!

:o)

[Brad’s Gramma]

If you're going to "borrow" it...you MUST do it RIGHT! :)




And Army Air Corps....have a very Blessed Lord's Day...

[The Mayor]

Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list

A Bouquet Of Praise
February 27, 2011

Corrie ten Boom (1892–1983) was a World War II concentration camp survivor and Christian who became a popular speaker around the world. Thousands attended her meetings as she talked about how she had learned to forgive her captors just as Christ had forgiven her sins.

After each meeting, people surrounded her and heaped accolades on her for her godly qualities and thanked her for encouraging them in their walk with the Lord. Corrie said she would then return to her hotel room, get down on her knees, and present those compliments in thanks to God. She called it giving God “a bouquet of praise.”

The Lord has given each of us gifts to use to minister to one another (1 Peter 4:10) so that “in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belong the glory and the dominion forever and ever” (v.11). We have nothing to offer others that we have not first received from the Lord (1 Cor. 4:7), so the glory does belong to Him.

To learn humility, perhaps we could follow Corrie’s example. If we receive a compliment for something we’ve said or done, let’s privately give a bouquet of praise to God for the glory He alone deserves.

Immortal, invisible, God only wise,
In light inaccessible hid from our eyes,
Most blessed, most glorious, the Ancient of Days,
Almighty, victorious—Thy great name we praise. —Smith

Praise is the fairest blossom which springs from the soul.

Read: 1 Peter 4:7-11

. . . that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. —1 Peter 4:11

Bible in a year:
Numbers 17-19; Mark 6:30-56

[Dubya]

"The Meaning of the Flag Draped Coffin"

I hope you take the time to read this ... To understand what the flag draped coffin really means ... Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers.

Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all.

The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded.

The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit.

The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today.

There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Amen, Russ.....thank you...

Have a BLESSED Lord’s Day...

[Dubya]

Lord,
hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us.
I ask this in the name of JESUS our Lord and Savior.
Amen.

[Army Air Corps]

Bien sur! :-)

[ColdOne]

**hugs** *hugs* It was minus 6 at 5pm. Pretty much stay indoors. We have portable heaters throughout the cabin. Looking for a 4000watt one. Still have not found it.

Good evening to you AZ!! God Bless!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

God Bless our military men and women who have given their all.

Thanks, unique.

[Arrowhead1952]

Good evening Kathy. Have a wonderful Sunday tomorrow.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Military Families, for your service to our country.

John Conlee ~ They Also Serve

http://patriotden.com/fotki/christmas/military_camotree.jpg

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Grammie, for today's Sunday Chapel

[Kathy in Alaska]

ONE OF THESE DAYS I'll get 5:00! :)

Not with FR's clock. LOL!

[Kathy in Alaska]

A Blessed Lord's Day to you and yours, Nana Hope, and thanks for today's Pledge. Thanks, AfghanMan and Penguin Girl, for your service to America.

[Kathy in Alaska]

And to you, Arrowhead, good evening and a Bless Lord’s Day for you and yours.

[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 always remember.

[Kathy in Alaska]

A Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours, Idaho.

A roller coaster weather ride for you. Stay warm. ((HUGS))

[Kathy in Alaska]

The Lord's Prayer

[Kathy in Alaska]

A Blessed Lord's Day to the family in Germany.

The 23rd Psalm

Prayers for your safety and success of mission, tx, in Kandahar

[Kathy in Alaska]

Shorty GiggleLips & the Canteen Kids – click