FReeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel ~ THE MAN IN THE GLASS ~ 06 November 2011

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !! | The Canteen Crew

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

 

 

 

THE MAN IN THE GLASS

I first heard the poem some years ago as a song performed by a former pop musician turned Christian entertainer. Its words had a powerful impact. They were a challenge to self-examination, and a warning about the consequences of life lived without integrity. They were a reminder that each of us must live with his or her self. And that we KNOW what's behind our image, no matter how carefully crafted, or how convincing it may be to others. I wonder if it might also speak to you. It's entitled "The Man in the Glass."

"When you get what you want in your struggle for self, and the world makes you king for a day, Just go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what THAT man has to say. For it isn't your father or mother or wife whose judgment upon you must pass. The fellow whose verdict counts most in your life is the one staring back from the glass. Some people might think you're a straight-shootin' chum and call you a wonderful guy, but the man in the glass says you're only a bum if you can't look him straight in the eye. He's the fellow to please, never mind all the rest, for he's with you clear up to the end. And you've passed your most dangerous, difficult test if the guy in the glass is your friend. You may fool the whole world down the pathway of years, and get pats on the back as you pass, But your final reward will be heartaches and tears If you've cheated on the man in the glass."

Was this poem written by a pastor to caution his congregation, or by an educator seeking to energize our conscience and encourage some set of core values? No. But I didn't know that, didn't know the REST of the story until this week. It seems that newspaper columnist Ann Landers received it some years ago from a young woman in Louisiana. In her letter, the young woman requested that the author's name be kept anonymous. He had died a few weeks earlier, you see, after years of struggling with a drug habit. He was only twenty-four years old. Hopefully, we can learn the lessons he discovered without repeating his mistakes. As a quote from a Farmer's Almanac of the late 1700s phrased it, "Eny dern fool kin learn from experience...; it takes a smart feller to learn from someone else's experience!"

In the end, our ability to learn from that man or woman in the glass depends on the power of our conscience. But sometimes a conscience can be an untrustworthy guide. We may feel guilty about the wrong kinds of things. Or we may not feel guilty about ANYTHING. The Bible speaks of people whose consciences have been "seared" as with a hot iron. (I Timothy 4:2) The modern term for such a person is "sociopathic." Such a person, it is said, may even be able to pass a lie detector test while lying because they feel no guilt, shame or remorse. Their conscience is clear only because it is nonexistent. Better we should DEVELOP our conscience, and inform it through a study of the timeless truth in God's word. James warned, "If anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away and immediately forgets what kind of man he was." (1:23-24)

Here's to hoping that all of us will take a good look, and learn from that man or woman in the glass.

CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN

 

[Kathy in Alaska]

And a lovely evening and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours, Sarge.

A good weekend so far? Cold outside?

[oldteen]

Evenin' ML! *hugs*

Day ending on the positive?

[Old Sarge]

It’s a little chilly today, and the temps took a nosedive, but I’m nice and warm.

Just watching Doctor Who as well.

[oldteen]

Good for the both of you!

[The Mayor]

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

Mighty Waters

November 6, 2011

While in Brazil, I went to see Iguazu Falls, one of the greatest waterfalls in the world. The massive falls are breathtaking, but what impressed me most at Iguazu was not the sight of the falls or the spray of the water. It was the sound. The sound was beyond deafening—I felt as if I was actually inside the sound itself. It was an overwhelming experience that reminded me how small I am by comparison.

Later, with this scene in mind, I couldn’t help but think about John in Revelation 1:15. While on the island of Patmos, he saw a vision of the risen Christ. The apostle described Jesus in the glory of His resurrection, noting both His clothing and His physical qualities. Then John described Christ’s voice “as the sound of many waters” (v.15).

I’m not sure I fully appreciated what that meant until I visited Iguazu and was overwhelmed by the thundering sound of the falls. As those mighty waters reminded me of my own smallness, I better understood why John fell at the feet of Christ as if dead (v.17).

Perhaps that description will help you grasp the awesomeness of Jesus’ presence and prompt you to follow John’s example of worshiping the Savior.

Pay honor to our marvelous Savior—
Daily His wonders proclaim;
Dwell always in the presence of Jesus,
And worship His holy name. —Branon

True worship of Christ changes admiration into adoration.

Read: Revelation 1:9-17

His feet were like fine brass, as if refined in a furnace, and His voice as the sound of many waters. —Revelation 1:15

Bible in a year:
Jeremiah 37-39; Hebrews 3

[left that other site]

Oh yes...NOW my clocks match the rest of America (except for the States that DON’T! LOL)

[oldteen]

Went for a shot last FRiday but so far, no relief. But, that's life! :)

Haven't had my flu shot yet, long story, but hope to be able to have it within the next few weeks. Did they say how much they charge Medicare for the shot? The reason I ask is, we have a clinic here and they give them for free but will bill Medicare if you have it. I thought...why? If everyone can get it for nothing why do older folks have to use Medicare for one? I suppose it's all about the money! :)

[oldteen]

I’ve changed the one in the bedroom and both bathrooms. They’re the only important ones...lol.

[Kathy in Alaska]

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

Hope you’ve had a good weekend so far.

[oldteen]

Evenin', G-pa Sandy! *hugs*

Very nice, thank you!

A Sunday of Blessings to you and Mrs. SR. I see you're going to get to hold that sweet little one soon! Hope you plan on some pix to share with us. :)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Taking kids to warm malls seems to be becoming the route of choice.

[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]

Amazing Grace ~ Cherokee

Elvis ~ In The Garden

Jim Ed Brown ~ Chapel Bells Are Ringing

John Berry ~ Old Rugged Cross

Kitty Wells ~ Dust On the Bible

Red Sovine ~ Deck of Cards

The Statler Brothers ~ Church in the Wildwood

Tennessee Ernie Ford ~ Faith of Our Fathers

The Gaithers ~ What A Friend We Have in Jesus

Elvis ~ Precious Lord

Ray Cornelius ~ One Set of Footprints

How Great Thou Art ~ Choctaw

Amazing Grace ~ Cherokee

Elvis ~ In The Garden

Jim Ed Brown ~ Chapel Bells Are Ringing

John Berry ~ Old Rugged Cross

Kitty Wells ~ Dust On the Bible

Red Sovine ~ Deck of Cards

The Statler Brothers ~ Church in the Wildwood

Tennessee Ernie Ford ~ Faith of Our Fathers

The Gaithers ~ What A Friend We Have in Jesus

Elvis ~ Precious Lord

Ray Cornelius ~ One Set of Footprints

How Great Thou Art ~ Choctaw

[SandRat]

Evenin’ teen. *hugs*

Come Veterans Day afternoon. We’ll see how good G-ma is at taking photos and sharing them.

[Kathy in Alaska]

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

[BykrBayb]

Thank you Kathy. May the Lord shower you and yours with His blessings as well.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Funny you should ask....before we left my Mom said they usually go to a lab and it costs $35 (open weekdays), but today would be $40, which was fine. The local Health Department does give free shots, but is downtown. I said I’d take them, but she said today’s outing would be just fine.

After they were back in the car and telling me what happened, I said, “I thought you weren’t using Medicare, just paying for them”. I could hear the *sigh* from the back seat. Hindsight is good, said she. LOL!

All this to tell you I have no clue about Medicare payment.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good evening, ML...((HUGS))...did you and Linda have good lessons today?

A Blessed Lord’s Day and Shavua Tov to you.

[oldteen]

LOL...I’m sure they hit Medicare for all they can with everything. However, Medicare only pays certain amounts on things so I’m going to ask what they are charging them for the shots. Should be interesting.

[oldteen]

I’m sure she’ll do just fine. :)