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Topic: Love & thanks ~ to our beloved Soldiers... - part 2
Rapunzel's photo
Thu 08/21/08 11:22 AM
drinker Beacon of Freedom drinker



Take a look at what has been...
when other countries have achieved,
with power supreme,
spreading their reach beyond their shores
to conquer, annex, and dominate
a land not their own,
bringing foreign rule to another nation’s home.
Even history calls many great empires
with some bringing civilization to those enslaved,
who still did eventually rise up to repel.

Yet, it cannot be said of America...
Born out of freedom
to practice one's belief without oppression,
growing and maturing with a citizenship so diverse,
America has always stood tall,
answering the call,
using might to protect Her own
and defend others when in need.

Bravely have our young women and men given their all,
with so many staining a foreign land red,
their collective, valiant efforts easily seen,
and possibly nothing more satisfying than the children
being able to sleep safely in bed...
then leaving once the enemy dares not to tread.

And while others might say differently,
they do so falsely for their own gain,
ignoring the simple proof of history
that shows what could have been,
if our great nation had chosen a different course.

It makes one give thanks
for the Divine Hand,
Who has guided America to Her destiny...
a Beacon of Freedom,
shinning brightly even in the darkest of times!

By David G. Bancroft


Rapunzel's photo
Thu 08/21/08 10:02 PM
Edited by Rapunzel on Thu 08/21/08 10:48 PM
drinker smokin drinker Reasons drinker smokin drinker


Every time you take a breath free of chemicals, drinker
Breathe once for our Troops. smokin drinker smokin

Every time you speak your opinion and not go to jail, drinker
Voice your appreciation for our Troops. drinker smokin drinker

Every time you practice your religion without punishment,
Praise our beloved Troops. smokin drinker smokin

Every time you are able to vote for a leader,drinker smokin drinker
Mark one for our fighting Troops. smokin drinker smokin

Every time you see our flag flying highdrinker smokin drinker on a pole,
Salute it for our fallen Troops. drinker smokin drinker

Every time you hear the Star Spangled Banner play,smokin drinker smokin
Stand to show support for our present troops. drinker smokin drinker

Every time you hear a newborn babe wail,:cry: sad :cry:
Cry for our future troops.sad :cry: sad

You needed reasons to give support in this war,
Now that you have them...


drinker <<< Support Our Troops >>> drinker


:heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart:






drinker smokin drinker smokin drinker smokin drinker smokin drinker smokin drinker smokin drinker smokin drinker smokin drinker



By Laura Walters


Rapunzel's photo
Thu 08/21/08 10:47 PM
Edited by Rapunzel on Thu 08/21/08 10:52 PM
http://crossroad.to/Victory/Armor.htm


God's Will for us drinker

"Be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

"Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.

"And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints...." Ephesians 6:10-18

What is the Armor of God?

God's armor brings victory because it is far more than a protective covering. It is the very life of Jesus Christ Himself. "[Put on the armor of light]," wrote Paul in his letter to the Romans, "...clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ." (Romans 13:12-14) When you do, He becomes your hiding place, and shelter in the storm--just as He was to David. Hidden in Him, you can count on His victory, for He not only covers you as a shield, He also fills you with His life.

"I am the vine; you are the branches," said Jesus. "If a man abides in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing." (John 15:5)

Since living in the safety of the armor means oneness with Jesus, we can expect to share His struggles as well as His peace. Remember, God has promised us victory in the midst of trials, not immunity from pain. So "do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you, but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ..." (1 Peter 4:12-13) Christian heroes who have been tortured for their faith continue to testify to the supernatural strength--even joy--that enables them to endure unthinkable pain.

They affirm with Paul -

"that in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.... For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers.... will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Romans 8:37-39)

This wonderful truth has become reality to all who believe and follow Jesus. When you put on His armor, His life surrounds you, keeping you safe, close to Himself, and free to be His precious friend and trusted companion. So "put on Christ." (Galatians 3:27) He is your victory!


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

How do I "put on" God's Armor?

This life in Christ begins with learning, affirming, and trusting in each part of the armor. The first part is truth--God's revelation of all that He is to us, all that He has done for us, and all that He promises to do for us in the days ahead. This enduring truth is written in the Bible, revealed by the Holy Spirit, and realized through Jesus Christ. It cuts through all the world's distortions, deceptions, and compromises. When you study, memorize, live, and follow truth, it enables you to see the world from God's high vantage point. Putting on the first piece of the armor means feeding on truth through daily Bible reading and making it part of yourself.








International Standard Version (2008)
For our struggle is not against human opponents, but against rulers, authorities, cosmic powers in the darkness around us, and evil spiritual forces in the heavenly realm.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

GOD'S WORD® Translation (1995)
This is not a wrestling match against a human opponent. We are wrestling with rulers, authorities, the powers who govern this world of darkness, and spiritual forces that control evil in the heavenly world.

King James Bible
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

American King James Version
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

American Standard Version
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places .

Bible in Basic English
For our fight is not against flesh and blood, but against authorities and powers, against the world-rulers of this dark night, against the spirits of evil in the heavens.

Douay-Rheims Bible
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood; but against principalities and power, against the rulers of the world of this darkness, against the spirits of wickedness in the high places.

Darby Bible Translation
because our struggle is not against blood and flesh, but against principalities, against authorities, against the universal lords of this darkness, against spiritual power of wickedness in the heavenlies.

English Revised Version
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world-rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Webster's Bible Translation
For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

Weymouth New Testament
For ours is not a conflict with mere flesh and blood, but with the despotisms, the empires, the forces that control and govern this dark world--the spiritual hosts of evil arrayed against us in the heavenly warfare.

World English Bible
For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.

Young's Literal Translation
because we have not the wrestling with blood and flesh, but with the principalities, with the authorities, with the world-rulers of the darkness of this age, with the spiritual things of the evil in the heavenly places...









Rapunzel's photo
Fri 08/22/08 12:17 AM
:heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart:



flowerforyou :heart: happy ~ Love and Light to Everyone ~ happy :heart: flowerforyou



I'm getting ready for a little shut eye yawn yawn yawn

wanted to wish you all a very good early morning drinker :heart: drinker


& the Good Lord willing, drinker


I'll check back in with You All later on flowerforyou





:heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart: :heart:









Rapunzel's photo
Fri 08/22/08 12:33 AM
http://loxleyslife.blogspot.com/2008/03/dont-feel-your-touch.html



Sunday, 16 March 2008

Don't feel your touch...sad

smokin Bruce Cockburn at his best....smokin
"Don't feel your touch'
from the album 'Big Circumstance'.


Don't feel your touch :cry:

In front of a newborn moon pushing up its glistening dome
I kiss these departing companions -
take the next step alone
I just said goodnight
to the closest thing i have to home
Oh - and the night grows sharp and hollow
As a junkie's craving vein
And I don't feel your touch, again.

To be held in the heart of a friend
is to be a king
But the magic of a lover's touch
is what makes my spirit sing
When you're caught up in this longing all the beauties of the earth don't mean a thing
Oh - and the night grows clear and empty
As a lake of acid rain
And I don't feel your touch, again.

The last light of day crept away
like a drunkard after gin
A hint of chanted prayer
now whispers from the fresh night wind
To this shattered heart and soul held together by habit and skin
And this half-gnawed bone of apprehension
Buried in my brain
As I don't feel your touch, again.




the Words Are so Gripping & Raw ...

the Melody ~ So Beautiful ~

Exquisite ~ Hypnotic,

Certain songs & instrumentals

just have such an effect ~

they actually become part of me...

flowing in every fiber of my being






The Cockburn version isn't available on YouTube but this guy does a fairly decent cover...

<<< unfortunately, i couldn't get that cover video to play >>>
but i am able to listen to this song by Bruce Cockburn , on my awesome < personally tailored > Free Radio Station I luckily found on the Interent

Rapunzel's photo
Fri 08/22/08 09:25 AM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=Pdv7GueXtUw&feature=related



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkxryI-G6Y0


Dire Straits smokin


Why Worry :heart:

Baby, I see this world has made you sad
Some people can be bad
The things they do, the things they say
But, baby, I'll wipe away those bitter tears
I'll chase away those restless fears
That turn your blue skies into grey :heart:

Why worry?
There should be laughter after pain
There should be sunshine after rain
These things have always been the same
So why worry now?
Why worry now? :heart:

Baby, when I get down I turn to you
And you make sense of what I do
I know it isn't hard to say
But, baby, just when this world
seems mean and cold
Our love comes shining red and gold :heart:
And all the rest is by the way

Why worry?
There should be laughter after pain happy
There should be sunshine after rain flowerforyou
These things have always been the same
So why worry now? blushing
Why worry now?




checkinout42's photo
Fri 08/22/08 06:03 PM
God bless the troops, keep them safe... flowerforyou

Rapunzel's photo
Sat 08/23/08 09:27 PM

God bless the troops, drinker


keep them safe... flowerforyou







America's Troops drinker

Men of honor are America's troops,smokin
our Armed Forces from enlisted to elite groups. drinker

Every Marine, Soldier, Airman and Sailor, smokin
are all known as America's men of Valor. drinker

They defend the land of the free, smokin
on land, in the air, and at sea. drinker

Their duty is to protect the USA, smokin
keeping her safe from harms way. drinker

Combat isn't something they choose, indifferent
when called they pay America's dues. glasses

Through all the blood, sweat and tears,smokin
America's troops always perseveres.drinker

Freedom is more important than fear,
defending America they bravely volunteer.

They sacrifice their lives for others to save,smokin
they are in debt to those who already gave.drinker

America's troops are valiant heroes of war,smokin
they are America's heart and core. drinker

America's troops define the land of the free, smokin
they are an example of being all you can be.drinker


smokin Dedicated to my nephew Wesley D. Swain, PFC USMC smokin



By Jamie Badour

zanne46's photo
Sat 08/23/08 10:28 PM


God bless the troops, drinker


keep them safe... flowerforyou







America's Troops drinker

Men of honor are America's troops,smokin
our Armed Forces from enlisted to elite groups. drinker

Every Marine, Soldier, Airman and Sailor, smokin
are all known as America's men of Valor. drinker

They defend the land of the free, smokin
on land, in the air, and at sea. drinker

Their duty is to protect the USA, smokin
keeping her safe from harms way. drinker

Combat isn't something they choose, indifferent
when called they pay America's dues. glasses

Through all the blood, sweat and tears,smokin
America's troops always perseveres.drinker

Freedom is more important than fear,
defending America they bravely volunteer.

They sacrifice their lives for others to save,smokin
they are in debt to those who already gave.drinker

America's troops are valiant heroes of war,smokin
they are America's heart and core. drinker

America's troops define the land of the free, smokin
they are an example of being all you can be.drinker


smokin Dedicated to my nephew Wesley D. Swain, PFC USMC smokin



By Jamie Badour



to u Vanessa....:heart: flowerforyou :heart: smooched huge hugs.....:heart:

Dionaa's photo
Sat 08/23/08 10:31 PM
My prayers and thanks to the troops and their families, too!!

God bless and keep you safe!

zanne46's photo
Sat 08/23/08 10:37 PM

My prayers and thanks to the troops and their families, too!!

God bless and keep you safe!


Thank you....for ur prayers and support not only to my family..but to all military and their families..

All my best to u...:heart: flowerforyou :heart: smooched

Rapunzel's photo
Sat 08/23/08 10:54 PM



God bless the troops, drinker


keep them safe... flowerforyou







America's Troops drinker

Men of honor are America's troops,smokin
our Armed Forces from enlisted to elite groups. drinker

Every Marine, Soldier, Airman and Sailor, smokin
are all known as America's men of Valor. drinker

They defend the land of the free, smokin
on land, in the air, and at sea. drinker

Their duty is to protect the USA, smokin
keeping her safe from harms way. drinker

Combat isn't something they choose, indifferent
when called they pay America's dues. glasses

Through all the blood, sweat and tears,smokin
America's troops always perseveres.drinker

Freedom is more important than fear,
defending America they bravely volunteer.

They sacrifice their lives for others to save,smokin
they are in debt to those who already gave.drinker

America's troops are valiant heroes of war,smokin
they are America's heart and core. drinker

America's troops define the land of the free, smokin
they are an example of being all you can be.drinker


smokin Dedicated to my nephew Wesley D. Swain, PFC USMC smokin



By Jamie Badour



to u Vanessa....:heart: flowerforyou :heart: smooched huge hugs.....:heart:





flowerforyou drinker flowerforyou <<< Zanne>>>> flowerforyou drinker flowerforyou


:heart: Love, Hugs, Prayers & many Blessings :heart:


flowerforyou For You Suzanne & your Sons Brett & Brad flowerforyou

&

drinker for All Those in Our Military & their Families drinker

Rapunzel's photo
Sun 08/24/08 07:48 AM


My prayers and thanks to the troops and their families, too!!

God bless and keep you safe!


Thank you....for ur prayers and support not only to my family..but to all military and their families..

All my best to u...:heart: flowerforyou :heart: smooched






:heart: A Mother’s Prayer :heart:


I remember the feelings of my baby’s first kick.
I yelled to my husband, the baby is moving, come quick.
He acted so gruff, as if he didn’t care,
but soon he was touching, and grinning like a bear.
Then I looked to the heavens and said a small prayer.

“Dear Lord keep my baby safe, and thanks for a father that cares.
Let my child enter this world, as soon as he dares,
please give him 10 fingers and 10 toes.
And I pray that he’s normal and completely whole”.

His first day of school rolled around so fast.
The thought of the separation, I wasn’t sure that I’d last.
His dad rubbed his head and said everything would be cool.
So I put on a smile and took him to school.
I gave him a hug as tears rolled down my check,
and I ran from the class so he wouldn’t see mom as weak.

Then I looked to the heavens and said a small prayer.
“Dear Lord, keep my son safe as he begins a new story,
let him learn, make friends and enjoy this glory.
Open his mind to all the teachers will share,
so that his life’s journey will be easier to bare”.

The last day of school he came home yelling half in a rage,
“I proved the old man wrong, I’m walking across that stage”.
We went to the ceremony all dressed in our best.
So proud to be there among all the rest.
As I watched my son’s actions, proud, strong and not weak,
I looked at his dad and noticed a tear on his cheek.

Then I looked to the heavens and said a small prayer:
“Dear Lord, school has been hard, it’s been a real test.
By you answering my prayers, it turned out the best.drinker
But now comes the time, the time for his choice.
I pray he takes the time, the time to listen to your voice”.blushing

One day he came home with a serious look on his face. glasses
He said dad I joined the Army, I’ll serve my country with grace. :heart:
As we said our good-byes at the airport I couldn’t help but to cry, :cry:
As his dad told him to keep his head low and hugged him goodbye. :heart:
I clung to my son before he boarded that plane to Iraq.:cry:
Not knowing when I’d see him again or when he’d be back. sad
I held him real tight, not wanting to let him go,
Until the Sergeant tapped his shoulder and said they’ve called your row.
Then I looked to the heavens and said a small prayer: drinker


“Dear Lord I’ve tried to do my best, blushing
he’s a man now and only you know the rest.drinker

But if it is your wish, I’ll pray every day
that you’ll return him to me, :cry:
safe in every way.” :heart: drinker blushing drinker :heart:



By Nina Marcum



Rapunzel's photo
Sun 08/24/08 07:57 AM
drinker America drinker

Our faith in you has brought us here,drinker
Together once again; glasses
To fight for justice, truth, not fear,
United, now, as then. drinker

The years of old have taught you strength,
Through courage, standing tall; drinker
To walk with pride, to go the length,
We will not let you fall! noway

Through wars and battles of the ages,
This splendid nation joined as one! drinker
Our love for this country will write new pages,
To finish what's begun! drinker

In times of heartache, pain and fear,
We hold within our hand, drinker
Our future, past and present here,
By defending this great land! smokin

By Nina Fluegal

Rapunzel's photo
Sun 08/24/08 10:52 PM
drinker Always Faithful drinker

He is a part of the finest fighting force, smokin
the world has ever seen, drinker
all know his reputation, smokin
he is a United States Marine. drinker

He is the kid from New York City, drinker
the farm boy from Tennessee, smokin
now he is a member of the chosen few, drinker
not the young kid he used to be. blushing

He is called on to do our country’s bid,smokin
in the air, on land and sea,drinker
and pay the price he has to pay, smokin
to keep our nation free. drinker

He wishes no ill toward any man, smokin
yet he will firmly stand his ground, drinker
for his God, his country, his family,smokin
to these he is duty bound. drinker

In wars he has grown weary,
in peacetime he has grown gray,
he has guarded our homeland for many years past,
and he is still here today. drinker

As the world gets more confusing,
one thing, on which you can depend,
there will always be the U. S. Marines,
and our way of life they’ll defend. drinker

Should you get the chance to thank them,
and look them in the eye,
don’t be surprised if they return your “thanks”,
and tell you humbly,” Semper Fi.” drinker



By Billy Dial

Rapunzel's photo
Sun 08/24/08 10:56 PM
drinker SEMPER FI is short for Semper Fidelis, drinker

smokin which translates to < Always Faithful >...smokin

drinker It's the Marine Corps motto. drinker

Rapunzel's photo
Mon 08/25/08 07:55 AM
A Salute To Our Men

You BOYS sure like to talk that trash
When these MEN ain't around
You'll be throwin' your fits
While these MEN throw it down.

You BOYS never appreciate their efforts
And take for granted all the work that they do.
That freedom of speech you love so much?
They fight everyday to protect that for you.

You BOYS jump at every chance to disrespect them by day
But by night when you're at home sleeping sound
Those same MEN are still fighting and dying for YOUR freedom,
So you can keep putting them down.

You BOYS won't ever truly appreciate
Just exactly what it takes to be who they are
Until they finally say, "I quit," and split
Leaving YOU behind to fight this war.

But before you start all that whinin' and cryin'
Remember they are more than just merely men,
They are the crème of the crop, the best of the best
And with or without support vow "Semper Fi" 'til the end.

So all the BOYS can continue to talk their talk,
Because the talk is all they have and will ever be.
They will never understand what means to be free.
They will never know true honor, courage, or loyalty

To all the MEN, you deserve our deepest thanks.
Honor, courage, and loyalty are first born
within the heart of a soldier and through your service
these virtues are distributed as they follow.

Whether serving by air, by land, or by sea
We support each and every member of
The Few. The Proud.
The U.S. Marines

By Elizabeth Ollivier

Rapunzel's photo
Thu 08/28/08 08:52 AM
drinker American Veteran drinker

I stand with men of valor
tho I be least of all
but standing with these honored men
makes me feel 10 feet tall

They do not wear the medals
but they stand up for the flag
and if you see them in a crowd
you will never hear them brag

They did not go for glory
they did not go for fame
they simply fought for freedom
they would do it all again

Some came back home with honor
some came back home with shame
but thinking of the things they've done
their honor still remains

Together they stand with humbled hearts
and wish each other well
you know not what they've been through
they spent their time in HELL

So don't you try to judge them
you have not passed the test
they fought for freedom in a foreign land
they did their very best

So listen up America
to what we have to say
when we point our fingers at you
and tell you this today
some think they're too important
as some of them may say
but Freedom is not just a right
because you're born in the USA

Some have lost their love for Freedom
and think it's just their right
let someone else go off to war
and fight for their very right

GOD grant to me the noble right
and remove from me the strain
to look back on the things I've done
any honor I may have gained

If there be any noble thing
in my life I've gained
I have put not one black mark
upon my Father's name



By William E. Lightfoot

Rapunzel's photo
Fri 08/29/08 08:14 AM
Baghdad

Determined though scared, I walk my beat,
On the deadly streets of Baghdad.
Searching for any who plot our harm,
Or by our death are joyous and glad.

Standing in shadows caused by the moon,
I'm reminded of my nights back home.
I wonder if the woman I love
Is growing tired of sleeping alone?

I feel remorse for all who live here,
For this place is a madman's hell.
And those who wish to keep it that way
Must be killed or locked away in jail.

My greatest fear is not my death,
But that I'll end up in a wheelchair.
Disabled for the rest of my life,
Depending on others for my care.

My wife, she prays for my safe return,
As night and day more GI's are killed.
She knows quite well, whatever it takes,
The oath I've given will be fulfilled.

By Tom Zart

Rapunzel's photo
Sat 08/30/08 07:29 AM
:heart: Much Love, Prayers and Blessings :heart:

drinker for our very awesome, worthy Troops drinker

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