FReeper Canteen ~ Guest Military Chaplain ~ A GREAT MARINE ~ Oct 1 2006

chaplaincare.navy.mil ^ | Chaplain Mitch Schranz

[68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub]

 

 

A GREAT MARINE

Several years ago as the H & S Battalion Chaplain at MCB, Camp Lejeune, I visited the people in the different work spaces, including the rather large main post office.
One day a little conversation took place with young Marine Lance Corporal.
This unplanned encounter has remained with me, and it seems worth passing on...

The Lance Corporal was standing by a very large sack of mail. His job, every day, six days a week for many hours was to sort the mail from that large sack and place the letters into smaller sacks, depending upon their destination. He explained his job, and I asked him if he ever gets bored. "Chaplain," he said," this is all I do. Just sort all these endless piles of letters. Sometimes I can't take it anymore." I was drawn into the young Marine's lament and his life's drama started to sound interesting. He continued, "Then, just as it gets to be overwhelming, I'm holding a letter in my hand and I begin to think: Maybe this letter is going from a Marine wife in Jacksonville all the way to her husband on deployment in the Med. He's really misses her and is homesick on that big ship. Then he gets the letter and suddenly he feels much better. The next letter in my hand, I think: Maybe it's from a little boy to his Daddy in Somalia. He drew a picture with crayons to cheer his Dad and put it in the envelope. Each letter makes me wonder because this one may change a life for the better, or at least bring a smile to a lonely Marine or Sailor."

I was shaken by the majesty this young Lance Corporal displayed and said this to him: "Young man, you possess a wisdom rarely found in people who are triple your years. You have more than wisdom, though, you have character and maturity. Indeed you have found the secret to happiness in life. Whatever you wish to achieve, it will undoubtedly one day be yours...it would be a great honor if you would allow me to shake you hand..."

Whenever we face frustrating moments or disappointments in our work day, let's all remember that young Lance Corporal and follow his heroic and inspiring example!

"Give thy servant, therefore, an understanding heart."

King Solomon's prayer in First Kings


Chaplain Mitch Schranz

 

[TASMANIANRED]

If your little one is snotty, you will be too..

[Kathy in Alaska]

Much, much, much....the "bug" seems to have taken leave after about 24 hours, leaving behind an all day headache, but even that seems to be gone today. Thanks. And how is work going for you today? Weather? No more "pool" in the basement?

[SoldierDad]

Thanks for the Hug. (((HUGS))) back. Have a joyful Sunday.

[mylife]

Pooks is particulary funny this afternoon. He's hanging out at my feet thia afternoon. good pups

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Troops, for your service to our country.

2nd Chapter of Acts ~ Rejoice

[Soaring Feather]

Hi TAS!! *HUGS*

[txradioguy]

Thanks Tas!

[tongue-tied]

Good morning Mr Tonkin, thank you for the Sunday thread.

Hopefully all is well with you and yours.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Thanks, Troops, for your service to our country.

Alison Krauss ~ I'll Fly Away

[stand watie]

HI, Ms. B!

free dixie,sw

[stand watie]

HI, LUV!

free dixie,sw

[stand watie]

HI, Star!

free dixie,sw

[Diver Dave]

Thanks for that great story, Tonk.
Continuing prayers for our Armed Forces. May God Honor, Bless, Protect and Guide each one and may each one Honor Him.

[trussell]

Just got home from the Mancos Valley balloon festival. It was wonderful! I've got pictures...I'll try to get them hosted soon.

It had been cancelled yesterday when we went because the wind was too strong to tether the balloons.

Cody and Crystal got in the basket for their ride and both were noticably scared. I tried to calm them but I wasn't going. The basket barely lifted off and Cody decided he couldn't do it so they took him out.

Crystal was scared but still very brave and went up. The balloon was tethered, so it was only going to go up about 75 feet. By the time the balloon made it to the top of it's rise, Crys was sitting on the floor of the basket.

After a little while, Cody asked if he could go up again. He wanted me to go up with him, so I bought the tickets and up we went! It was fantastic!!!! Cody was so content to look over the edge since I was there! I really enjoyed it myself!

After we got done with the balloon ride, we found the stagecoach ride...the kids decided I was going with them, whether I wanted to or not They decided to ride on the top of the carriage in the back. It was so fun...but it was quite a chore to get on the top of the carriage with my knee hurting...also to get into the balloon basket, but I did it without assistance. I wanted the kids to see me manage it on my own!!

I'll share a few pics when I get them off the camera and hosted.

[Soaring Feather]

Texas Songwriter/Jeff Russell~That Sweet Blue Day


Jeff Russell/Freeper, Texas Songwriter, wrote both the lyrics and music.

[trussell]

Here it is...of course the music links don't work anymore, but if there's a song that is wanted, we can get it!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1583819/posts

[Soaring Feather]

Gordon Lightfoot~Beautiful

[SevenofNine]

HA HA

This too funny report from AP wire Rummy is in Central America right now somebody ask him are you going to resign or get fired

Rummy said Only person that know and I know Dubya have plenty of confidence in me he put in some many words what does reporter who haven't broken story since my former boss Richard Nixon was President

CLASSIC LOL!

[blackie]

Thanks for the coffee Kathy!

{{HUGS}}

[Kathy in Alaska]

Some more pictures from the sandbox.......