USO Canteen FReeper Style ~ Sunday Chapel, Prayers for the Military ~ March 30 2003

USO Canteen Chaplin grantswank, coteblanche and FRiends of the Canteen

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

Dear Lord,

There's a young man far from home,
called to serve his nation in time of war;
sent to defend our freedom
on some distant foreign shore.

We pray You keep him safe,
we pray You keep him strong,
we pray You send him safely home ...
for he's been away so long.

There's a young woman far from home,
serving her nation with pride.
Her step is strong, her step is sure,
there is courage in every stride.
We pray You keep her safe,
we pray You keep her strong,
we pray You send her safely home ...
for she's been away too long.

Bless those who await their safe return.
Bless those who mourn the lost.
Bless those who serve this country well,
no matter what the cost.

Author Unknown

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FReepers from the USO Canteen, The Foxhole, and The Poetry Branch
join in prayer for all those serving their country at this time.

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Welcome to The Canteen Chapel

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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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The Chaplain's Corner

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

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REST IN GOD'S POWER

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Since God Himself is the source of Truth, then Almighty present tense will work out His future tense resurrection dawn miracle in your life.

Wait. Be patient. Do not chide God. Be kind to yourself. Let God be God. Fold into His mystery. Refrain from ordering deity to do anything.

And the last thing you want to do--in fact, not do--is to pray a prayer of directives. That is, you do not want to phrase your own solution to your problem inside a prayer and then ask God to baptize it as a prayer. It is not a prayer at all; it is you playing deity. That cannot be for you cannot eat the forbidden fruit (that is, playing God) and live.

Therefore, right now rest in the Almighty's scheme of things, determined to become less and less strained about the end result.

But what to do with your energy while waiting upon the Almighty's way and time!

Direct your energy toward thanksgiving, refining your mustard seed faith, looking at the cross as your supreme blessing. In time, it surely will show you that it is more than wood stained; it is but the foreshadowing of resurrection dawn.

That is according to the law of life.

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In Time of War or Time of Peace

In time of war or time of peace 
In Christ I find my soul's release, 
To lean upon His strongest arms 
Would guard against this earth's alarm. 

I keep my faith eyes on God's care 
That's seen me through the trials here. 
I keep my hand within His grasp 
To lead me home to heaven at last. 

I'll thank Him, praise Him, tell the world 
That God can keep through fiercest swirl, 
That He knows how to brighten here 
The darkest corner, calm our fear. 

It is a trust that's proven fast 
Because His promises will last 
From earth to all eternity. 
They're guaranteed at Calvary. 

Chap Grant March 27, 2003

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Click on banner above to listen to this 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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A Charge to Keep

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W.H.D. Koerner

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A charge to keep I have,
A God to glorify,
A never dying soul to save,
And fit it for the sky.

To serve the present age,
My calling to fulfill;
O may it all my powers engage
To do my Master's will!

Charles Wesley

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President Bush speaks about the painting and hymn
that have inspired him.

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"Hanging in my office is a beautiful oil painting by W.H.D. Koerner entitled "A Charge to Keep". The painting, inspired by the hymn, pictures a horseman determinedly charging up what appears to be a steep & rough trail.

The painting and hymn have been an inspiration for me & for members of my staff. "A Charge to Keep" calls us to our highest and best. What adds complete life to the painting for me is the message of Charles Wesley that we serve One greater than ourselves. It speaks of purpose and direction. In many hymnals, it is associated with a Bible verse, 1 Corinthians 4:2: "Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."

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A Prayer for the United States

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Translation:

He who gives victory to kings and dominion to
princes, whose reign is a reign for all eternity,
who saved David, his Servant, from the evil sword,
who made a road through the sea and a path through
mighty waters, may He bless, guard, protect,
aid, exalt, make great and raise on high
The President of the United States George W. Bush

May the King of all Kings in his mercy, keep him
alive and guard him from every distress, grief and
trouble.May he lead nations beneath his feet and
cause his enemies to fall down before him, and may
he have success in all that he shall undertake. May
the King of all kings in his mercy, place compassion
into his heart and into the hearts of all his
advisers and ministers, to deal kindly with us and
with all of Israel. In his days and in our days may
Judah be redeemed and Israel dwell securely, and may
the redeemer come to Zion, may this be His will, and
let us say, Amen.

Thank you Alouette

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Music from Israel

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A Sabbath Song..........May the Temple Be Built

Shalom Medley .........He That Keeps Israel

On The Sabbath Day ...........They Will Rejoice in Thy Kingdom

(You will need Windows Media Player for these songs)

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Songs of Israel
(over an hour of music)

Listen Here

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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

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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.

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"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

During his presidential campaign, George W. Bush said he'd been 'called'
to seek higher office and talked openly about 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

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Eternal Father (organ)....Joyful We Adore Thee (organ)

The Hallelujah Chorus ...... Ave Maria (Kiri Te Kawana)

How Great Thou Art (Elvis).....Just A Closer Walk (Anne Murray)......

Church in the Wildwood (Charlie Pride).....Faith Like That (Anchormen)

In The Garden (Loretta Lynn).......Our God is an Awesome God (Carman)

Take My Hand (Mahalia Jackson).....We Shall Behold Him (The Ruppes)

Where Were You? (Alan Jackson).....The Old Rugged Cross (The Statler Brothers)

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The Children's Corner

Click on child in prayer, to hear Veggie Tunes
(this is over half an hour of music)

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Jesus Loves Me

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Hymns of the Military

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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Click on graphic below to join in
as Kate Smith sings......

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[Kathy in Alaska]

Love that horn, Gulf! You have my attention.

[Soaring Feather]

Hi Kathy!

Yes, lots of snow, now about 8" and still falling!

Beautiful yes. How be ya? I am well and writing plenty.

White covers bare tree limbs
bows the yews in prayerful pose
spreads her splendor over roof tops
White cover falling as dusk moves her
spectral robe for a season...

ms feather

[Radix]

1932 Amelia Earhart is 1st woman to fly solo cross the Atlantic

 

 

 

 

[grantswank]

well, what most of my pals do with me when they've had nuff is wrap my tummy up in lots of chocolate ice cream.

just remember that one the next time i make my trip northward over the border, eh?

chap grant

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[tomkow6]

Now that my computer is up & running ok,

Today's FEEBLE attempt at humor:

A parish priest was being honored at a dinner on the
twenty-fifth anniversary of his arrival in that parish.
A leading local politician, who was a member of the
congregation, was chosen to make the presentation and
give a little speech at the dinner, but he was delayed in
traffic, so the priest decided to say his own few words
while they waited.

"You will understand," he said, "the seal of the confessional,
can never be broken. However, I got my first impressions
of the parish from the first confession I heard here. I can
only hint vaguely about this, but when I came here
twenty-five years ago I thought I had been assigned
to a terrible place. The very first chap who entered my
confessional told me how he had stolen a television set,
and when stopped by the police, had almost murdered
the officer. Further, he told me he had embezzled money
from his place of business and had an affair with his
boss's wife. I was appalled. But as the days went on I
knew that my people were not all like that, and I had,
indeed come to, a fine parish full of understanding and
loving people."

Just as the priest finished his talk, the politician arrived
full of apologies at being late. He immediately began to
make the presentation and give his talk.

"I'll never forget the first day our parish priest arrived in
this parish," said the politician. "In fact, I had the honor
of being the first one to go to him in confession."

[grantswank]

WHEN

when troubles come i cast them off

into the father's bin above.

no use to carry them about

when he will store them in his love.

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FAITH

it is by faith and faith alone
we make the father smile.

then let us faith him all day long
from dawn till dark, from mile to mile.

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HUMBLED

i would be humbled in this trial.
i need its lesson true.

i've much to learn in father's school--
obedience to heaven's cue.

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THANKS

i thank you, lord, for every thorn
as well as roses blooming there.

teach me to glory in the cross
its burden crossbeams gladly bear.

___________________________________

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[grantswank]

where o where do u get these???

each sunday we are presented with the best of the best from tomkow6.

btw, keep it a secret as to your source. adds to the package.

chap grant

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[Kathy in Alaska]

Wow! ms feather, I love that poem. And it surely says it all. Snow covered yards, neighborhoods, cities are so beautiful. Thank you, thank you.

[grantswank]

i have to mention again how much we all are proud of your patriotic witness yesterday!

just plain terrific!

chap grant

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[grantswank]

MEDIA MUD

O my weary head.

“Hail to the Chief!” was posted today on Google News. I was elated at the story relating how much United States President George W. Bush is standing in current polls. The Americans appear to have seen through the Rathers and Clique in order to get hold of Mr. Bush’s integrity. Also, the mission at present in the Middle East liberation.

But I flicked to another site for a few minutes and then returned to Google only to discover that the “Hail to the Chief!” had slipped out of sight. Not there. Well, so much for a post’s fifteen minutes — or seconds? — of fame.

But back again to my weary head. Truth. Where is it? Searching for its fine line in media coverage is head bending. Flip from one anchorperson to another and you get this version and that slant. Put them together and you come up with a lopsided puzzle. Not supposed to be.

Nevertheless, it appears to be more accurate in the US than in European fare, not to mention the Iraqi countries. France coverage, of course, is as twisted as their UN reps. But we already know that as a given.

However, at the close of this day, I surely won’t give up the tussle. It is worth scrambling through the fog. Somewhere out there in the mist there comes through a semblance of reality.

Nevertheless, all along the trek I keep those caution lights on high beam. And with that, I share this with you:

The Pope visited Washington to see President Bush. They took an excursion one morning on the Potomac. It was a perfect day for sailing on the presidential yacht.

Both men were taking in the grandeur when suddenly the Pope’s hat (zucchetto) was lifted from his head by an unexpected wind. Landing on the water, the wayward hat caused both gentlemen unnerving surprise.

The President’s Secret Service fellows began to put out a boat for rescuing the Pope’s headgear. However, the President waved them off. “Wait. Wait. I will take care of this. Do not worry.”

The President stepped off the vessel onto the water’s glistening surface. With that, he bravely walked out a bit to retrieve the Pope’s tiny hat. Mr. Bush bent over, picked up the hat, then walked back to the boat, climbing aboard. With aplomb Mr. Bush handed the hat to the Pope.

All others were stunned into a respectful awe.

Come dawn’s early light, the Washington’s newspapers covered the story. Photos captioned the write-ups. Headlines blared forth with: BUSH CAN’T SWIM.

[Radix]

1987 59th Academy Awards: "Platoon", Paul Newman & Marlee Matlin win

 

 

 

 

[grantswank]

friend,

you can add the latter part of post # 133 to your humor bag.

chap grant

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[Kathy in Alaska]

"Sunday Chapel, Prayers for the Military ... Bump!"

Hi blackie! Thanks for bumping by.

[Kathy in Alaska]

FIGHTING BRADLEY — A Bradley Fighting Vehicle of 3rd Battalion, 7th Cavalry Squadron goes through a test drive after visiting the unit maintenance collection point in a forward-deployed location March 28. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Igor Paustovski

[Radix]

1992 Man accidentally backs into A's Jose Canseco's $225,000 Lamborghini

 

 

 

 

 

[grantswank]

gotcha.

and praise the lord for your detail.

about those 'evangelicals,' yes. tis true. but thank heaven the hesitancy to taking witness to the streets is giving way. i think it is the younger generation pushing the witness out. that then brings out the older gen. may it continue.

however, to be historically accurate, i hasten to add that in the 'old days' it was the evangelical salvation army on the streets with their preaching bands. recall?

and in boston in yesteryear there were plenty of evangelical preachers found in boston common giving forth on sunday afternoons.

so. . .the beat goes on. . .

chap grant

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thanks for keeping the beat, ms. cote.