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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
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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
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; chaplain; freepercanteen; military; troopsupport; veteransday
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To: All
21
posted on
11/10/2007 6:49:51 PM PST
by
Cindy
To: tongue-tied
Good Sunday morning, tt...((HUGS))
And happy Veterans Day and thank you for your service to our country.
The weather guessers lied here too....it snowed!!
22
posted on
11/10/2007 6:53:10 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: All
To: The Mayor
Thanks, Mayor, for today's sustenance for body and soul.
Happy Veterans Day and thank you for your service to our country.
24
posted on
11/10/2007 7:00:40 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: AZamericonnie
Thanks, AZ, for LeAnn’s Amazing Grace.
25
posted on
11/10/2007 7:01:20 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Raffus
Happy Lord's Day, Raffus, and thanks for all your do for our troops.
And Happy Veterans Day, Mr Raffus, and thank you for your service to our country.
26
posted on
11/10/2007 7:10:59 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Am I in the elite 100 again, just askin/sarc
27
posted on
11/10/2007 7:16:56 PM PST
by
PROCON
To: sneakers; vigilante2; Jade Falcon; Laurita; txradioguy; tongue-tied; SoldierDad; KB4W; ...
Honoring Our Heroes AbnSarge USA Allegra 3 sons (armymarinemom and amdad) Brett USN (CindyDawg) Brother and Son-in-Law (kalee) Cannoneer No. 4 Clarinet_King USAF (NerdDad/CDBear) Col Mike (gpapa) CMS USA David USAF (LUV W) Defender2 Deven USA (Shimmer) Ethan USMC (georgiabelle) Future Snake Eater USA (RightOnline) Jade Falcon USN JemiansTerror USA (Jemian) Jet Jaguar USAF Joel (NEMDF) Jonathan USMC (AZbushgal) Josh USN (doug from upland) Karen USA (fatima's granddaughter) KB4W USAF (arbee4bush) Kenneth (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim) Kevin (skimask) Kevin and David USA (vigilante2) Laurita USA LCpl Carter USMC Lindsay (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim) Lt David (Coldwater Creek) Capt Jason Clendenin (friend of Frou) M1Tanker MEG33's Navy Grandson Mike1Sg USA (mystery-ak) Milo828 USA (mystery-ak) Nate USN (sneakers) Old Sarge USA OneLoyalAmerican USCG Robert, Jeremy & Daynnis USA (SoldierDad) Sgt Sean Reed (preed) Son USCG (GodBlessUSA) SPC Mike USA (AbnSarge) SSGT John Linde USA (JFoxbear) Terrence USN (Sweetbaby/LadyPilgrim) The Sailor tongue-tied USN/USA Tonkin USN/USCG txradioguy USA Valerie USAF (Shimmer) Victor and Tony D USMC (weldgophardline) WilliamUSA (jackv)
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28
posted on
11/10/2007 7:24:13 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Kathy in Alaska; Brad's Gramma
WE thank you too Kathy... for remaining true to a beloved thread of those who are no longer with us.... TC, Tonkin... the list could go on forever.
Our thoughts and prayers are with all who serve, and their families.
Our gratitude to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice.. and we will be forever grateful that we live in this great country..... The land of the free.. and truly, the home of the brave.
Blessings to all......
“TT”, Beth & Nana
29
posted on
11/10/2007 7:24:56 PM PST
by
Texas Termite
(We give thanks daily.)
To: Kathy in Alaska; All
Hi, Kathy! Hi everyone! Great thread!
God bless the men and women of the United States Military and all veterans!
To: Kathy in Alaska
Thank you and Thank you for the thread!
31
posted on
11/10/2007 7:33:39 PM PST
by
The Mayor
( A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.—Proverbs 16:9)
To: Kathy in Alaska
32
posted on
11/10/2007 7:36:27 PM PST
by
The Mayor
( A man's heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.—Proverbs 16:9)
To: Jet Jaguar; txradioguy; Laurita; CMS; OneLoyalAmerican; tongue-tied; Defender2; Beagle8U; ...
To our Military -
Thank you for protecting us. Sleep well and safe.
May you be protected. May your families' hearts be at ease.
Thank you to our Allies.
**********************************
To those of our Military and Allies who gave their all,
- May your souls rest in peace. May your families be comforted.
May your/our country remember.
33
posted on
11/10/2007 7:38:41 PM PST
by
Kathy in Alaska
(~ RIP Brian...heaven's gain...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~)
To: Kathy in Alaska
Mere words that cannot convey the respect and dedication we owe to the men and women who defend our nation and freedom everywhere on this planet.
They are the miracles that make miracles...
34
posted on
11/10/2007 8:00:47 PM PST
by
eleni121
(+ En Touto Nika! By this sign conquer! + Constantine the Great)
To: Raffus
Nepotism stopped my direct involvement in the defense industry. 8( Well, I think we know where your heart's at, and that's just fine by me, Raffus. Thanks for always being here and offering your support.
35
posted on
11/10/2007 8:09:50 PM PST
by
HiJinx
(~ Support our Troops ~ www.americasupportsyou.mil ~)
To: Kathy in Alaska
36
posted on
11/10/2007 8:17:35 PM PST
by
SheLion
(I love Fred Thompson!!!)
To: Kathy in Alaska; All
November 11~We Honor All Who Have
Served and Sacrificed For The Freedoms We Enjoy.
37
posted on
11/10/2007 8:20:08 PM PST
by
MEG33
(GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
To: Kathy in Alaska; All
To: All
To: laurenmarlowe
My hubby passed away in 2003. We were married 34 years and I miss him with all my heart.He was a Viet Nam Vet with two Purple Hearts!!!! He served 26 years for our County.
Maine Rebel, I will never forget you..................
40
posted on
11/10/2007 8:28:11 PM PST
by
SheLion
(I love Fred Thompson!!!)
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