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FReeper Canteen ~ Sunday Chapel ~ TRANSITIONS ~ 23 September 2018
Serving The Best Troops and Veterans In The World !!
| The Canteen Crew
Posted on 09/22/2018 5:02:12 PM PDT by Kathy in Alaska
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TRANSITIONS
It's a "red letter" day at our household today...(and maybe a time for some "red eyes" as well). It is a time of real adjustment...so much so that my daughter asked to stay home from school. And my wife has been dreading the inevitable battle with emotions...one which she will probably lose. There were phone calls from family and friends, and parties over the weekend. Old scrapbooks were dusted off and passed around. Memories of other times and events were recalled and relived. There was some good-natured "ribbing" and some nervous laughter, all leaning inexorably toward the change that today would most certainly bring. And no matter how the scenario plays itself out, things will never be the same for our family again. It's a time for closing one chapter of life and beginning another. Today, you see, is the day my son leaves for "boot camp"! It's one of those times we call a "transition".
Transitions come in all shapes and sizes, but they all require us to change. And that's usually painful. Sooner or later, however, everything changes. We move from one place to another
or from one job to another...or even from one relationship to another. Sometimes we think that staying in one place will give us the stability we crave. And sometimes it does, but only for a while, because that's the way life is. Time moves on. And even if our geography stays the same, each of us will still face life's inevitable "passages"...from one age to another, from one responsibility to another, from one stage of life to another...each requiring a new way of relating, a new set of skills, and a new perspective.
There is a spiritual issue in dealing with such change, according to author and professor Bill Ratliff. It's hearing and responding to the will of God. "The scriptures and the lives of religious persons throughout history, have given witness to God's calling persons into new places", he says. "As God called Abraham, God calls us, 'Leave your country, your kindred, and your father's house for a country which I will show you' (Genesis 12:1)". It's a familiar quest, but the pilgrimage must be individually discerned and is always unique for each of us.
Ratliff also reminds us that to refuse this pilgrimage, to refuse to "enter the wilderness", to "play it safe" rather than following God out into the unknown, is (to some extent) to choose death, to abandon our "growing edge", to give up the destiny of who we are called to become. Better then we should go THROUGH the valley of the shadow, even when it is uncharted and scary. Because more often than not, the loneliness of the wilderness is where God has chosen to speak most clearly, where things are out of our control, where we have no choice but to depend on God's grace.
In one sense this transition is an easy one for my family. It's part of the process of growing up. Something every family expects to face. And we have every reason to expect positive results as this "fledgling" learns to fly (quite literally since he has committed to the Army Airborne). Still, it is comforting to know that whether we "take the wings of the morning" ... or "dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there (God's) hand shall lead" us and His and is acquainted with all our ways. The Psalmist was right: "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high, I cannot attain it." His responses are equally valid. First, to praise God and second to pray: "Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me and know my anxieties; and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in thy way everlasting".
Can any of us afford to do any less?
CAPT J. David Atwater, CHC, USN
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TOPICS: Culture/Society; Extended News; Free Republic
KEYWORDS: canteen; chapel; military; troopsupport
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To: Kathy in Alaska
Freep mail me to be on or off the Daily Bread ping list
Listening to Your Brother
September 23, 2018
Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
James 5:20
You need to listen to me, Im your brother! The plea came from a concerned older brother in my neighborhood and was directed to a younger sibling who was moving farther away from him than the older child was comfortable with. Clearly the older child was better able to judge what was best in the situation.
How many of us have resisted the wise counsel of a brother or sister? If youve had to face the consequences of resisting the good advice of someone more mature, youre not alone.
One of the greatest resources we can have as believers in Jesus is a familythose who are spiritually related because of a common faith in Him. This family includes mature men and women who love God and each other. Like the little brother in my neighborhood, we sometimes need a word of caution or correction to get us back on track. This is particularly true when we offend someone or someone offends us. Doing whats right can be difficult. Yet Jesuss words in Matthew 18:1520 show us what to do when offenses happen within our spiritual family.
Thankfully, our gracious heavenly Father places in our lives people who are prepared to help us honor Him and others. And when we listen, things go better in the family (v. 15).
Father, we praise You for placing us in Your spiritual family. Help us to learn and grow through the wise words and godly behavior of mature believers.
Wisdom grows when we listen to the words of mature believers.
The underlying theme of todays text emphasizes that the church is not just a social organization. Instead it is a spiritual family. The very idea of calling someone brother in addressing possible offenses shows how real the idea of the family is. A teachable spirit evidenced by listening to those who are more mature is the starting point for growth in community. The book of Proverbs admonishes us: Listen to advice and accept discipline, and at the end you will be counted among the wise (Proverbs 19:20). Listening to more experienced believers and having a teachable attitude can do wonders in maintaining harmony within the body of Christ.
Is there someone you need to listen to so that you can grow spiritually?
2
posted on
09/22/2018 5:05:02 PM PDT
by
The Mayor
(Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
To: xzins; bethelgrad; lightman; LiteKeeper; MoJo2001; 007; 1 FELLOW FREEPER; 11B3; 1FreeAmerican; ...
Please join us for Sunday Chapel ~ YOU ARE SPECIAL, and Liberty
Lt. Charles F. Suver, CHC, USN, 28th Marine Regiment, 5th Marine Division
"Mass at Iwo Jima"
Please stop in and say a prayer of protection for the military.
Prayers from all denominations are needed.
Sunday Liberty starts after the Guest Military Chaplain's Service!
3
posted on
09/22/2018 5:06:22 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
A blessed Lord’s Day to all-—Happy Fall!
4
posted on
09/22/2018 5:09:43 PM PDT
by
lightman
(Obama's legacy in 13 letters: BLM, ISIS, & ANTIFA. New axis of evil.)
To: All
Dear God: I ask that no Airman, Coast Guardsman, Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Reservist, National Guardsman, or Merchant Marine feel alone or forgotten.
O Israel, hope in the Lord; For with the Lord there is loving kindness, And with Him is abundant redemption. And He will redeem Israel From all his iniquities.
Psalm 130:7 & 8
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5
posted on
09/22/2018 5:11:04 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: The Mayor
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
Did you get some “me” time today? Maybe dis a dim or two? They sure need it.
A Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.
6
posted on
09/22/2018 5:19:35 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: MoochPooch; left that other site; SkyDancer; onedoug; BTerclinger; DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis; ...
7
posted on
09/22/2018 5:20:48 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: MoochPooch; left that other site; SkyDancer; onedoug; BTerclinger; DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis; ...
Shavua Tov.
Wishing all our Jewish troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
a peaceful and prosperous week.
8
posted on
09/22/2018 5:25:06 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
9
posted on
09/22/2018 5:36:26 PM PDT
by
left that other site
(For America to have CONFIDENCE in our future, we must have PRIDE in our HISTORY... DJT)
To: lightman
Good evening, lightman, and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.
Is Florence done and gone for your area? All safe and sound?
Yes, happy fall. My yard is raining leaves.
10
posted on
09/22/2018 5:55:48 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Hai (((HUGS))) Oregon vs Stanford football. Byee for a bit.
11
posted on
09/22/2018 6:17:36 PM PDT
by
SkyDancer
( ~ Just Consider Me A Random Fact Generator ~ Eat Sleep Fly Repeat ~)
To: left that other site
Now that looks like a fun trip, and with friends...all good.
Did you take Blue? How’s Penny after the big “too hot” layoff?
A Blessed Lord’s Day and Shavua Tov and Happy Sukkot to you and yours.
12
posted on
09/22/2018 6:20:57 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
I drove my car to my friend’s house and left it in her driveway while we all went together in one car. I rode Blue Yesterday, and due to the chilliness of the evening, wore my leather for the first time this season.
Penny doesn’t mind staying home, as she sleeps most of the day when I go out.
Tomorrow there is nothing on the agenda, and perfect for our first Autumn Hike!
13
posted on
09/22/2018 6:37:55 PM PDT
by
left that other site
(For America to have CONFIDENCE in our future, we must have PRIDE in our HISTORY... DJT)
To: Kathy in Alaska
I loved the museum...i have been “into” Russian Icons since High School.
Too bad the town has such an “unfortunate” name.
14
posted on
09/22/2018 6:39:13 PM PDT
by
left that other site
(For America to have CONFIDENCE in our future, we must have PRIDE in our HISTORY... DJT)
To: MoJo2001; AZamericonnie; StarCMC; ConorMacNessa; The Mayor; SandRat; left that other site; ...
Prayers for our troops, veterans, families, allies, friends, and Canteeners
for a safe and peaceful week ahead.
15
posted on
09/22/2018 6:57:01 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: MoochPooch; left that other site; SkyDancer; onedoug; BTerclinger; DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis; ...
He Who blessed our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob - may He bless the fighters of the Israel Defense Force, who stand guard over our land and the cities of our G-d from the border of the Lebanon to the desert of Egypt, and from the Great Sea unto the approach of the Aravah, on the land, in the air, and on the sea.
May HASHEM cause the enemies who rise up against us to be struck down before them. May the Holy One, Blessed is He, preserve and rescue our fighting men from every trouble and distress and from every plague and illness, and may He send blessing and success in their every endeavor.
May He lead our enemies under their sway and may He grant them salvation and crown them with victory. And may there be fulfilled for them the verse: For it is Hashem, your G-d, Who goes with you to battle your enemies for you to save you.
G-d bless and keep your children safe, Alouette.
16
posted on
09/22/2018 7:01:10 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: Kathy in Alaska
Thanks Kathy! I only worked 1/2 day so yes some me time.
Day of rest tomorrow.
17
posted on
09/22/2018 7:01:17 PM PDT
by
The Mayor
(Honesty means never having to look over your shoulder.)
To: Kathy in Alaska; 2LT Radix jr; acad1228; AirForceMom; Colonel_Flagg; AliVeritas; aomagrat; ...
18
posted on
09/22/2018 7:30:03 PM PDT
by
luvie
(The bravery and dedication of our troops in keeping us safe & free make me proud to be an American!)
To: SkyDancer
Good evening, Janey...((HUGS))...enjoy the game.
Shavua Tov and a Blessed Lord’s Day to you and yours.
19
posted on
09/22/2018 7:31:39 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
To: The Mayor
20
posted on
09/22/2018 8:05:43 PM PDT
by
Kathy in Alaska
((~RIP Brian...the Coast Guard lost a good one.~))
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