We're 12+ hours into our New Year (PST) and things appear to have been uneventful so far, thanks in no small part to our troops both stateside and overseas I am certian.
I just returned from the Rose Parade which was marvelous, as always, but even more wonderful due to the fact that each branch was well represented with colorguards, drill teams and bands. Each one was greeted warmly by the crowds. Much use of the color scheme red, white and blue. With many flags awaving. A day that makes me proud.
Happy New Year to all y'all and bless us one and all.
PRAYER WARRIOR FIELD TRIP!!
Freeper VOA has brought to us a thread which he thought might be of interest. It was posted by miltonim and reports a speech which Paul Bremer made acknowledging that Iraqi Christians have a place in the future of Iraq.
Miltonim points out that the Bremer statement was intensely vetted before its release, and that it shows that the Bush administration is sensative to the role of Christians in Iraqi society. Miltonim suggests that the Bush administration should be applauded and encouraged for this stance, and requests that those who are like-minded email the White House accordingly.
From the article:
http://freerepublic.com/focus/news/1049938/posts?page=6 "...There are many critics in Washington who don’t want the Administration referring to Christians in Iraq as this might somehow offend Muslims and conjure up images of the crusades. Utter nonsense.
Please take a few seconds to send a short email to the White House thanking the President and our men and women in uniform for a job well done.
Also, thank President Bush for recognizing and including minority Christians as having a place in Iraq’s future.
president@whitehouse.gov This is important -- Christians in Iraq have no one else to stand up for them."
BELOVED HEAVENLY FATHER,
We call forth your Will and your guiding hand as events unfold in the forming of a free new society in Iraq. We ask that you will reach into the hearts of fair-minded and enlightened Iraqis and vouchsafe to them the true Vision of what you intend their society to be. Help them to carve out a space for all to worship according to their individual conscience. We ask that those who practice Christianity or Judaism will feel the touch of your protecting hand.
We know that you hold all your children dear, regardless of the religion they practice. There is quite a debate in the West about Islam. There are those who regard it as a false religion and there are those who insist that the God they call Allah is the same as you. Father, we place on the altar this debate, and request your own intercession in it and in the affairs of Man. Enlighten all of us as to the Truth, whereever we are, and whatever name we call you. Banish harmful fanaticism and overweaning arrogance in all the world's religions, for all have been tainted with them at one time or another.
We thank you that our President appears to be cognizant as to the very small yet important voice the Iraqi Christians have within their society. Guide him and his administration as to the appropriate working out of proper balance among the different factions in that society. Overshadow that whole process, and help them to build with the Iraqis a viable constitutional document which reflects your own divine touch.
Please, Father, heal all schisms among your children and help us to all draw ever closer to you according to thy Will and Timing. Let this and all our prayers be adjusted according to thy Will so that we may never pray amiss.
Amen