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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[MeekOneGOP]

B-r-r-r-r ! . . .

[SAMWolf]

Current Military News
Brits Battle for Basra

Iraqi Militia are rounded up as 40 Commando Royal Marines move into Abu Al Khasib, a suburb of Basra in southern Iraq Sunday, March 30, 2003. (AP Photo/Terry Richards, Pool)


Iraqi Militia surrender as a Russian T-55 tank smoulders in the background as 40 Commando Royal Marines move into Abu Al Khasib, a suburb of Basra in southern Iraq Sunday, March 30, 2003. (AP Photo/Terry Richards, Pool)


As 40 Commando Royal Marines move into Abu al Khasib, a suberb of Basra, a booby trapped Iraq (news - web sites) sentry post is blown up near a challenger tank, March 30, 2003. President Saddam Hussein's grip on Iraq's second largest city, Basra, remains as tight as ever over a week into a virtual siege there by U.S. and British troops, residents said on Sunday. REUTERS/Terry Richards/POOL





Iraqi militia surrender as Royal Marines move into the Abu al Khasib suburb of Basra, March 30, 2003. B Western tanks on Sunday controlled roads around the city but had not penetrated the center. REUTERS/Terry Richards/MOD POOL


Iraqis watch a British Challenger tank destroy the Baath Party Headquarters in Abu al Khasib, a suburb of Basra, as 40 Commando Royal Marines move in, March 30, 2003. President Saddam Hussein's grip on Iraq's second largest city, Basra, remains as tight as ever over a week into a virtual siege there by U.S. and British troops, residents said on Sunday. REUTERS/Terry Richards/POOL


Injured Iraqis are collected on the hood of a humvee to be taken to a waiting military ambulance March 30, 2003 as 40 Commando Royal Marines move into the Abu al Khasib suburb of Basra. Basra, home to around 1.5 million people, has been bombed by fighter planes and come under shell fire since U.S. and British troops invaded Iraq 11 days ago to topple Saddam. Faces obscured on instruction of MOD. REUTERS/Terry Richards/MOD POOL .


Against the backdrop of a smoldering T 55 tank Iraqi militia surrender as 40 Commando Royal Marines move into Abu al Khasib, a suburb of Basra, March 30, 2003.


An injured Iraqi is stretchered to a waiting military ambulance March 30, 2003


In this image made from video, British Royal Marines from the 42 Commando unit detain an Iraqi man, left, as they conduct house to house searches in southern Iraq, on Saturday, March 29, 2003. (AP Photo/Pool via APTN)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Canteen Blessing for the Troops. Thank you, ms feather. "Blessings upon you".

[SAMWolf]

Current Military News
Services

U.S. Marines from the 3rd Marine Air Wing bow their heads in prayer during a praise and worship service Sunday, March 30, 2003, inside the chapel at base camp on an air base in the Gulf region. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)


Father Capt. Michael Albano of San Diego, Calif., right, blesses soldiers from the 3rd Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division during mass in central Iraq Sunday, March 30, 2003. (AP Photo/Jean-Marc Bouju)


U.S. Marine Chaplains Jim Ellis, left, and Sam Contreras lead a group of Marines in song during a praise and worship service Sunday, March 30, 2003, inside the chapel at base camp on an air base in the Gulf region. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)


A choir sings gospel song during a Protestant worship service on the USS Theodore Roosevelt on Sunday March 16, 2003. The ship took a break from flight operations over the weekend for recreational activities, religious services and maintenance to planes. The Roosevelt and its battle group are currently on deployment in the eastern Mediterranean Sea in preparing for a possible strike on Iraq. (AP Photo/Richard Vogel)

[Kathy in Alaska]

It's nice to see/read these words in print. Thanks, TR. I'm humming as I read.

[Kathy in Alaska]

[Kathy in Alaska]

Duty ~ Honor ~ Country

Click above to visit "A Day in the Life of President Bush"

[Kathy in Alaska]

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are,God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

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Bless This House

Bless this house O Lord we pray;
Make it safe by night and day;
Bless these walls so firm and stout,
Keeping want and trouble out:
Bless the roof and chimneys tall,
Let thy peace lie over all;
Bless this door, that it may prove
ever open to joy and love.


Bless these windows shining bright,
Letting in God's heav'nly light;
Bless the hearth a'blazing there,
with smoke ascending like a prayer;
Bless the folk who dwell within,
keep them pure and free from sin;
Bless us all that we may be
Fit O Lord to dwell with thee;
Bless us all that one day we
May dwell O Lord with thee.

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(Click on praying hands above,
or on banner at the top to hear the music)

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thank you, Chap Grant, for this day's message. God bless and be with all of our military and their families.

[jla]

...but yer right to enjoy yer day as YOU please is why them folks are over there fightin' right now...they'll be back soon enough!!

My prayers are with 'em, too

Very well put, Mud.

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[E.G.C.]

BTTT!!!!!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning Troops, families, veterans, Canadian, Israeli, Great Britain, Australian, New Zealand, and Taiwanese allies (and everybody else). Thank you for taking such good care of the USA.

Today in Anchorage, Alaska:

Sunrise 6:27am
Sunset 7:41pm

Hi 36F
Lo 19F

Sunny to partly cloudy

Actual yesterday in Anchorage:

Hi 35F
Lo 23F

State Hi 50F Klawock
State Lo -31F Arctic Village

[Kathy in Alaska]

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

[Kathy in Alaska]

Bless This House sung along with this morning,
twice because I love this song for our troops USO Canteen, and
Prayer of Protection said for all who enter the USO Canteen Freeper Style,
including our troops, our veterans, their families and our allies.
Welcome to all who come to honor our troops and veterans,
for whom this USO Canteen was created.

A PRAYER OF PROTECTION

The light of God surround you
The love of God enfold you
The power of God protect you
The presence of God watch over you
Wherever you are, God is,
And all is well.
Amen.

Wherever you are, God is, and all is well!

[jla]

There was a lady at the Canadian rally yesterday who had on a t-shirt that said: "I would be proud to be an American"... My sentiments exactly.

Miss Cote, If you're hinting around for a sponsor we might be able to locate someone to petition the INS on your behalf.

Then again, who would take your place as Canada's Beacon of Freedom & Liberty?

[Kathy in Alaska]

Good morning, Kiddo! It's Sunday and the sun is shining at my house!

[jla]

Ottawa police said they made no arrests at either rally.

Cote must've rode with a friend to the rally & left the 'stang in the garage. ;^)

Thanks for posting that article, Sam.
It was sincerely nice to read that.