FReeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel and Veterans Day ~ 11 November 07

Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World | The Canteen Crew

[Kathy in Alaska]

 

 

 

 

NEVER ENOUGH TIME

While I have only been an occasional visitor to Washington, I was struck by one scene so strongly that it remains as somewhat of a reference. My first view "up close and personal" of the Pentagon was neither awe-inspiring nor intimidating. To be sure, I was impressed with the size of the building, but that was about it. What came upon me, and has stayed with me, is the image of an ant farm. An enormous one, surely, but an ant farm nonetheless.

So may passageways with so many ants constantly traveling them. Seeming endless streams of countless ants going and coming through the entrances. Since this view came on a grey, cold March morning, with barren trees and lingering winter, it seemed all the more depressing. I vowed then never to become one of those ants. I would not let myself be lost as one of the faceless, powerless, unknown minions of the "head ant" in the great farm. Not to mention the echo in my mind, that which is often considered a sarcastic oxymoron: "I'm from Washington, and I'm here to help."

Yet something else echoes in my mind. From the Christian Scriptures, the words of the Apostle Paul to the people of Colossae, chapter 4, verse 23: "Whatever you do, do from the heart, as for the Lord . . ." For it is then I remember that no matter how small or insignificant my work may seem to me or even to others, I am powerful and effective. My faith reminds me that I am known and loved by my God. More than that, as I do the work, I allow His love to flow through me. And then the work, the worker, and the workplace are transformed into something sacred and beautiful because God is there. No longer dark, dreary, and cold, but bright, cheerful, and warm is the workplace because God's work is being done. No longer nameless, faceless, and powerless, but known, loved, and empowered is the worker doing God's work. The work itself then, too, is transformed into an opportunity to share God's love and joy with others as we struggle to bring peace to His world.

CDR Brian Simpson, CHC, USN

 

 

 

[HiJinx]

I kinda thought so...glad to know they heard you, and told you about it...

[Kathy in Alaska]

Can you link C-Span....my luck finding ANYTHING there has been nil. Way cool that the mps heard. Hmmmm....Around the Services....THAT I can find.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy Remembrance Day to you.

[mylife]

It was my pleasure

[La Enchiladita]

Please accept my deepest sympathy, JFoxBear, I am so sorry for the loss of your son. I read about him when Kathy posted the news of the loss of the 1st BCT, 10th Mountain Division soldiers.

We remember and honor SSG John Linde, your son. God bless you on this sorrowful Veterans Day for your family.

[La Enchiladita]

Kathy, I posted a link in #159. About half-way down the page it says Audio/Video..Recent Programs. Look beneath there and click on the Arlington ceremony.

There is also a re-broadcast schedule which I posted at The Finest, if you look at my recent comments page. You, too, HiJinx...:)

[txradioguy]

awww...nuts...the webcast cut out my intro of the VP.

[La Enchiladita]

Neither audio nor video is all that great on this replay.... I did hear the guards though. You have a special connection to the guards, right?

[Kathy in Alaska]

I have never been able to find what I want on C-Span. d:o(

[La Enchiladita]

You’re most welcome, Ma. Just give me a jingle and I’ll see what I can do. Btw, a lady soldier singer is featured in the program and is quite good. She sings God Bless America at the end and sounds... I think... remarkably like Kate Smith. Hope you have time to watch...:)

[HiJinx]

Aha, got it.

I’m updating my RealPlayer software now to watch the video stream...

[Kathy in Alaska]

Watching now!! Thank you, LE. Great Color Guard! VP Cheney coming in now.

[Kathy in Alaska]

Happy Veterans Day, tet, and thanks for your service to our country.

[JFoxbear]

Thanks so much for your condolences.
A man is never really dead... Unless forgotten...
God Bless America !

[Kathy in Alaska]

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Vice President of the United States."

WooHoo!!

[Kathy in Alaska]

Your son, SSGT John Linde, will never be forgotten.

God bless and keep him....he gave his all for our country.

[mylife]

I’m so sorry for your loss

[MS.BEHAVIN]

Keeping you in prayer..
May God hold you close at this time..
Ms.B

[StarCMC]

Thank you for raising a hero. I know that the thanks of a grateful people can’t replace him, but I just want you to know his sacrifice is appreciated by me and my family. We can sleep in peace tonight because of your son and others like him. God bless you.

[eyedigress]

It’s time for the Canteen.....