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FReeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel and Veterans Day ~ 11 November 07
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World | The Canteen Crew

Posted on 11/10/2007 6:14:27 PM PST by 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

 

 

 

 



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; chaplain; freepercanteen; military; troopsupport; veteransday
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To: GodBlessUSA
Still catching up...

Happy Veterans Day, Coastie, and thank you for your service to our country.


241 posted on 11/12/2007 4:10:44 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Radix
Still catching up...

Happy Veterans Day, Radix's, and thank you all for your service to our country.


242 posted on 11/12/2007 4:20:08 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Beagle8U
Still catching up...

Happy Veterans Day, Cpl Curt, and thank you all for your service to our country.


243 posted on 11/12/2007 4:24:22 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: GulfWar1Vet
And thank YOU, Gulf, for your service to our country.


244 posted on 11/12/2007 4:28:51 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Hi Ma :)
Thank you!
HUGS!


245 posted on 11/12/2007 6:02:16 PM PST by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You!. Prayers said for our Heroes!)
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To: MS.BEHAVIN; TASMANIANRED; MeekMom; All
Click on the pic and I'll guide you
to the start of the new thread




NOTE: CANTEEN MUSIC
Posted daily and on the Music Thread
for the enjoyment of our troops and visitors.

246 posted on 11/12/2007 6:16:41 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Beagle8U
Still catching up...

Happy Veterans Day, Cpl Curt, and thank you all for your service to our country.


247 posted on 11/12/2007 6:18:55 PM PST by Kathy in Alaska (~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
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To: Kathy in Alaska
Thank YOU for all YOU do!

Our school is doing an interesting thing. Through the VFW, we’ve been given a bunch of playing cards, discarded from some casinos. The kids are writing “thank you’s” on them before the VFW sends them to the soldiers. They’ll have a bunch of playing cards with loving GRAFFETI all over the face-sides!!!


248 posted on 11/13/2007 6:44:34 PM PST by bannie
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To: Kathy in Alaska

Good to hear you’re catching up. Thanks for the Veteran’s day ping. Had a busy weekend and didn’t get on the computer much.


249 posted on 11/13/2007 8:03:44 PM PST by SoldierDad (Proud Dad of a 2nd BCT 10th Mountain Division Soldier fighting terrorists in the Triangle of Death)
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