USO Canteen FReeper Style....Pray for the Troops and President Bush....November 3,2002

FRiends of the USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ Coteblanche ~ Grantswank~ and Snow Bunny

[Snow Bunny]

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Although we are always aware
that the Canteen is operating
in Cyberspace, we want the troops
and anyone who is on the receiving end
of prayers at the Canteen,
to know that these prayers are very real.

I hope the troops and Canteeners
alike, will view this Canteen Chapel,
as a place where you might go in times of
trouble or times of joy to be with your God.

"Come unto me all ye who are weary and
burdened,and I shall give you rest." (Matt: 11:28).

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George W. Bush: A President of Faith

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A Man of Prayer

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A reporter on CNN was asked

"What did George W. Bush do
on his first morning as president-elect?"

This was Tony Clark's answer:

"He attended a prayer service with family,
friends and staff members."

George W Bush's priorities were established
on the first day of his Presidency.

The President Takes His Faith to Work

President George W. Bush looks over to Thomas Martello, 6,
during the signing ceremony of the Victims of Terrorism
Tax Relief Act in the East Room Jan. 23.
"We're joined today by families who have lost loved ones
in the great acts of evil," said the President.
"As you draw on faith and personal strength to cope with your grief,
I hope you'll also find comfort in the knowledge that
your nation stands with you and prays for you.
We mourn those whom we've lost, and we face the future together."

The President Lives his Faith

President Bush says he prays every day
in all kinds of situations,
and has been seen to quietly bow his head and pray
before news conferences and important meetings.
"I pray for guidance. I do not pray for earthly things
but for heavenly things, for wisdom
and patience and understanding."

"For strength and support, Bush turns to
the same things that have sustained
him for two decades: his faith and his family . . .
Bush prays and reads the Bible every day.
These days, aides say, they often spot
a Bible on his desk in the Oval Office.
In conversation or meetings, he often refers to
passages of Scripture that he has just read."

"There are prayers that help us last
through the day, or endure the night.
There are prayers of friends and strangers
that give us strength for the journey.
And there are prayers that yield
our will to a will greater than our own."

George W. Bush September 14, 2001
National Day of Prayer and Remembrance.

Listen to President George W Bush
in an Inspiring Song by Russ Lee

Don't miss this.

I'm Going To Live What I Believe

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Music for a Sunday

How Great Thou Art (Elvis Presley) ......A Mighty Fortress

Amazing Grace (Statler Brothers).....Praise Adonai (Steve Israel)

The Lord's Prayer.....Ave Maria

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Hymns of the Military

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Army Hymn: "God of Our Fathers"

Navy Hymn: "Eternal Father Strong to Save"

Air Force Hymn: "Lord Guard and Guide the Men Who Fly"

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We, at the Canteen, offer these prayers 
to those serving their country 
today. God Bless you all.

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Psalm 59:1,16&17
(Patti Vaillant)

"Deliver me from mine enemies,O my God:
Defend me from them that rise up against me.
But I will sing of thy power;yes I will sing
aloud of thy mercy in the morning; for thou
hast been my defence and refuge in the day
of my trouble. Unto thee, O my strength will
I sing: for God is my defence, and the God of 
my mercy."

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Our Prayer
(Celine Dion/Andrea Bocelli)

I pray you'll be our eyes, 
And watch us where we go.
And help us to be wise 
In times when we don't know.

Let this be our prayer, 
When we lose our way.
Lead us to a place, 
Guide us with your grace
To a place where we'll be safe. 

I pray we'll find your light,
And hold it in our hearts
When stars go out each night,
Remind us where you are.. 

Let this be our prayer
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace 
Give us faith so we'll be safe.

We ask that life be kind
And watch us from above.
We hope each soul will find
Another soul to love.

Let this be our prayer,
Just like every child,
Needs to find a place, 
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe.

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The Chaplain's Corner

J. Grant Swank, Jr.,
Pastor, New Hope Church

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A DIVINE INVITATION

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It was my first year at our church college, and I was homesick. Half the student body was laid low with the flu, and I was one of the sick--weak, confused, worried.

God seemed far away. Exams pressed in. My life was out of focus. I would have gone home and quit studies if I had had the physical strength to pull it off.

Then it was that God invited me to commit the entire situation to him. He welcomed me to spend one hour in prayer each day at the dormitory prayer room so that I could come to know him better.

"But I am not well enough," I pleaded. Nevertheless, the divine invitation stood fast.

I struggled out of bed with Bible in hand, making my wobbly way to the quietness of that prayer room. As I sat there, I opened the Word. I timed myself; I was determined to find help.

Day after day I stole away to the prayer place. On some days the entire hour was total boredom. Then it was that a dark whisper would come to my soul, saying, "See, this is not working. You are foolish. Why are you wasting such time with this project that is going nowhere? You could be using this hour more profitably."

I told that sinister voice to "get behind me" (Matthew l6:23). I was going to be closer to God. He was the One who could help me through the maze.

I set forty days for my prayer time frame. At the close of that time it would be Easter morning. As day folded into day, I sense God's presence more and more. Conscientiously I kept my daily prayer watch with the Lord.

The closer that I came to Easter, the more that peace took over my spirit. In fact, God's presence became so real to me that I became overcome with his joy. I wanted to tell the entire campus about the closeness to God that I had discovered.

It was wonder-filled.

I had never envisioned that with such a depressing start my prayer vigils could have brought such intimacy with Christ. In surrendering to him, I had come to experience utter freedom.

Finally, when it came to the day of resurrection, I sat in worship with tears streaming down my face. I thanked God again and again for such freedom in him.

All of this happened many years ago, yet I remember it as if it were just moments ago. And my prayer watches continue to this day.

With each day's challenges I need to relearn submission.Yet yielding to God has become easier as the years have passed.

Now I try, when the Lord directs, to tell friends about the surrender that I learned through my daily prayer watch: Such rich fellowship. Such blind faith in following the Good Shepherd. Such reckless abandonment to God's will!

Servicewoman and serviceman: Remember: God is only a prayer away. Easter time, any time, draw near to God where you are. God will draw near to you where you are. Blessings to you from your chaplain and praying friends all over the world.

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Click on the banner above to listen to this beautiful song.

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Our Canteen Chaplain,Grant Swank,is pastor 
of the New Hope Church. He has pastored for 
40+ years, ministering in Calgary, Alberta;
Indianapolis; Kansas City; Manchester CT; 
Akron OH; Fishkill NY; Walpole MA and presently 
in Maine. 

Grant also finds ministry in writing for various 
Protestant and Catholic publications, including 
CHRISTIANITY TODAY, DECISION and THE PRIEST. 

Presently, Grant is providing columns for 
websites such as CHALCEDON, INTELLECTUAL.
CONSERVATIVE, 
MENSNEWSDAILY, MICHNEWS and WOUNDEDSHEPHERDS. 

He also writes a weekly column, "Lakes 
Religion," for the PORTLAND PRESS HERALD 
newspaper, Portland ME. 

He and his wife, Priscilla, have traveled 
extensively, including the Middle East, Europe 
and South America. The Swanks have three adult 
children: Crystal, Jay and 
Heidi Jo.

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[tomkow6]

It was a nice visit, & I saw some stuff that I want to check later. I think some of "kitty-katz" may have wandered over there with me. If you see any of them, please send them home.

Thank you & Canada for your hospitallity (sp?)!

[MoJo2001]

 

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OFF THE PRESS!

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The holiday season is upon us and I'm sure everyone is anxiously awaiting all those after Thanksgiving sales. (There isn't enough torture in the world to drive MoJo to be out amongst the people that day) Anyways, On December 14th, we will all get to see what Al Gore has been doing. (Well, he's fat, beardless, and jobless.) He's going to be making a "comeback" of sorts. (MoJo thinks this is one comeback that we could all do without) He wants to let the American people know that he's still around. (How unfortunate for the rest of us) It isn't enough to have stood by and attempted to steal the last election. Nope! He's got to comeback to remind us all why we voted his sorry butt out of office. (MoJo wonders if Tipper will be holding his hand through the experience) So? The Omega Male has returned to show the world that he's an Alpha Male. We can hardly wait. NOT!

In England a near tragedy has been averted. Posh Spice, known to the rest of us as Victoria Beckham, was going to be kidnapped by some greedy wannabe's. (Say it ain't so, MoJo) Anyways, I can report that Posh Spice and the Spice Kingdom can all take a huge sigh of relief because she's safe. So? We can now look forward to her second solo album coming to a store near you. (Bummer..stupid kidnappers! Just kidding!)

It seems that the natives are restless these days in the military brass. Word has it that the top military brass are not happy with Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. (He's considered a Guru in MoJo's family) Anyways, the top military brass feel that Rumsfeld has little respect for many of the Generals and Admirals. (These were of course told to journalist anonymously, but not to Rumsfeld himself) It seems our know-it-all military brass don't like being told that something they said or suggested was stupid. (Remember, the General that came up with the lame ass "Army Of One" idea??) Also, they feel that Rummy is sticking his nose into military matters. (EARTH to the military brass: HE"S YOUR BOSS, KNUCKLEHEADS!! THAT'S HIS JOB) And of course, the military brass aren't very enthusiastic about the war against Iraq. (I don't see why. It's not like they are going to be doing any fighting while sitting on their butt in a cushy Pentagon office) These same military brass are not happy with the concept of "UPGRADING RUMMY STYLE". They see his ideas as too risky and they should "discuss these matters further". Well, most of us know that Rummy is perfectly happy to discuss anything. He just won't do what the military brass wants. (Poor babies!) So? While our brave men and women fight terrorists, their supposed bosses are running to journalist to complain about Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld. (MoJo thinks Rummy should fire each and every one of them or at least let President Bush know he has idiots amongst his ranks)

The picture above is of Courtney Love, lead singer of Hole and wife of the late Kurt Cobain, looking absolutely dazzling. (Which is rather amazing!) Anyways, it seems that she has ticked off PETA. (known to MoJo and neighbors as the People Embarrassing the Tidewater Area) It seems that her "beloved pooch" (aren't they all in Hollywood) died after eating and choking on a breast implant. (Stop laughing..this is serious..a beloved pooch died after all) It seems that it didn't belong to Love. (According to her paid representative) PETA disagrees. (As you imagine they always do) Anyways, a pooch is dead and Love is in"mourning and distraught" over the entire situation. Although, MoJo is more disturbed that we can't locate the owner of the breast implant. That's disturbing.

The pictures above are of the Bush twins, Jenna and Barbara, and of course, Chelsea Clinton. It seems that Clinton has been telling close friends that she's "disgusted at the stupidity of the Bush daughters" and how "they are just as stupid as their father". (MoJo thinks I'd rather have a "stupid father" like President Bush than a rapist like her own father) Anyways, word has gotten back to the Bush compound and there's no love loss there. Also, there is no mincing of words from George P. Bush. It seems that the handsome cousin of the First Twins has decided that the Clintons "did a major disservice to their daughter and now she's taking it out on his cousins". (MoJo can't disagree there and by the way, George P...WE LOVE YOU!!) No mention from the Clinton camp whether or not Chelsea is getting married yet. Also, when is she going to be done with her schooling in England. MoJo sees her in the papers partying more than she must be in school. What a fine example you are for the first daughters.

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The "JACKASS"AWARD goes today Terry McAuliffe. He's the head of the Democratic National Committee. (He's also an incredible liar and a jerk on top of that) So? Everyone by now knows the story of the supposed "memorial service in honor of the late Senator Paul Wellstone". Instead of being a big boy and saying that it was inappropiate. He goes on national television and blames the booing and the hooting and hollering on the Wellstone sons. He claims that they were the ones that "set the tone of the memorial service" and that he doesn't want to disrespect their wishes. (This is like saying that looting a store is okay because you didn't want to disrespect the wishes of the other looters) Because he just makes my blood boil. I will leave his ridiculous statements behind. Congratulations to a true Jackass. You've earned your award!

Just a little reminder why all of you are so far away from home that the next generation is thankful for America's freedom and the pursuit of "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness".

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Thank you for enduring the babbling of MoJo
at the Useless Tidbits Corner

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Thank You
and
God Bless Our Troops

 

[tomkow6]

Final: Eagles 19 Bears 13

BUMMER!

[MoJo2001]

Thank you, Divas and Chaplain for a beautiful thread today. It took some time to get in here because of the apparent delay, but it was worth the wait.

God Bless each person that clicks their mouse to enter the Canteen. May your day and life be better inspired, encouraged, and lifted because of it. God Bless you all!!

[MoJo2001]

Click On the man looking up towards Heaven! General Attorney John Ashcroft singing for you!!

[tomkow6]

Hi, MoJo!

[Euro-American Scum]

"O God, You are my God;
Early will I seek You;
My soul thirsts for You;
My flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water;

So I have looked for You in the sanctuary,
To see Your power and Your glory,
Because Your lovingkindness is better than life,
My lips shall praise You.

Thus I will bless you while I live;
I will lift up my hands in Your Name.
My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness,
And my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips.

When I remember You on my bed,
I will meditate on You in the night watches.
Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings will I rejoice.
My soul follows close behind You;
Your right hand upholds me.

But those who seek my soul to destroy it,
Shall go into the lower portions of the earth.
They shall fall by the sword;
They shall be a portion for foxes.

But the king shall rejoice in God;
Everyone who swears by Him shall glory;
But the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped."

Psalm 63 -- Always loved that portion of Scripture.

Morning Bunny. You have Freepmail.

[MoJo2001]

Oh!! How awesome, Snow Bunny!! How are you doing today?? Thank you for posting the time in Afghanistan. I was just curious earlier this morning and decided to go look!!!

[MoJo2001]

Thank you so much sweetness! How uplifting!! *HUGS*

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Hi Chap Grant!

I'm glad you liked that! (I was wondering whether you liked Kirk Franklin or not when I posted it; for me, it is the ultimate worship music! I sure hope the troops like it, too.)

I so enjoyed your message today. Whew - what a reminder to make prayer and quiet time a priority! Thank you for sharing your personal experience with all of us.

Wonderful stuff...

"Duchess"

[xp38]

Prayers for the military...sympathy to tomkow6 who I assume is a Bears fan.

[MoJo2001]

Hello, Burka Man! Oh no!! What happened to your Burka??

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning (yes, it’s still morning here) Troops, families, veterans, Canadian and Israeli allies (and everybody else). Thank you for taking such good care of the USA.

Today in Anchorage, Alaska:

Sunrise 8:34am
Sunset 4:50pm

Hi 42F
Lo 37F

Clouds limiting sun

Actual yesterday in Anchorage:

Hi 44F
Lo 39F

State Hi 50F Homer
State Lo 9F Anaktuvuk Pass

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

You're very welcome, MoJo! (Kirk Franklin is THE MAN!)

[DaughterOfAnIwoJimaVet]

Hi pretty Belle! : )

[MoJo2001]

AMAZING GRACE CLICK

[MoJo2001]

Amazing that so much nonsense can give someone like myself so much to talk about. LOL!! *HUGS* Great to see you!! Wonderful thread today!!