ALMIGHTY God, our heavenly Father, in whose hands are the living and the dead; We give thee thanks for all those thy servants who have laid down their lives in the service of our country. Grant to them thy mercy and the light of thy presence, that the good work which thou hast begun in them may be perfected; through Jesus Christ thy Son our Lord. Amen.

Related Posts:

Memorial Day: In Memory of Those Who Gave Their Lives for Our Freedom
Memorial Day Videos
Veterans Day
A New Patriotic Tradition

As a follow-up to my post on Adopt-a-Chaplain, I wanted to mention another campaign to show support for our troops that requires no money and little effort.

The Gratitude Campaign encourages people to thank our troops when you see them in an airport or anywhere with a simple gesture - a sign that means “thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

Most of us are somewhat uncomfortable approaching strangers, and verbal contact is sometimes awkward. However, by making this simple gesture, you can express your gratitude without the awkwardness of a personal encounter.

You don’t have to limit the sign to military troops. You can use it to thank anyone serving others.

Christmas is a time to recognize our many blessings and to thank those who bless our lives. Thank you to my friends and readers who make writing this blog so rewarding and fun.

Technorati Tags: Gratitude Campaign, support our troops

Today is Veterans Day in the US, a day designated to honor all who have served our country in the military. All of us are deeply indebted to all the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines who have risked - and often given - their lives to protect our freedoms.

Today we say, “Thank you!”

The video Remembering the Fallen tells the inspiring story of how one woman, an artist, is honoring our fallen soldiers.

If I die before you wake expresses in words, music, and pictures the commitment of soldiers throughout our country’s history: “There’s just some things worth fighting for. … It ain’t too high a price to pay if I die before you wake.”

God bless our veterans and those who serve today.

Technorati Tags: Veterans Day

Updated 9/12/07: I encourage you to read Misti Sandefur’s Day of Remembrance and watch the powerful video.

Today is Patriot Day, a time to remember September 11, 2001, to honor the heroes of that day and every day since, to give thanks that there have been no terrorist attacks in the US in the last six years, and to realize we must be ever vigilant to prevent the next 9-11.

We can enjoy our comfortable lives in the US because of the efforts and sacrifices of our military, their families, law enforcement and other first responders, and all who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe.

O ALMIGHTY God, the supreme Governor of all things, whose power no creature is able to resist, to whom it belongeth justly to punish sinners, and to be merciful to those who truly repent; Save and deliver us, we humbly beseech thee, from the hands of our enemies; that we, being armed with thy defence, may be preserved evermore from all perils, to glorify thee, who art the only giver of all victory; through the merits of thy Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

O LORD God of Hosts, stretch forth, we pray thee, thine almighty arm to strengthen and protect the soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines of our country. Support them in the day of battle, and in the time of peace keep them safe from all evil; endue them with courage and loyalty; and grant that in all things they may serve without reproach; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen

Technorati Tags: 9-11, Patriot Day

I receive a weekly update on the activities of Adopt-a-Chaplain from my friend and client Ben Ferguson. Last week, Adopt-a-Chaplain had a booth at the Spirit West Coast Christian music festival. Ben gave permission for me to quote the following from this week’s update (emphasis added).

What’s Adopt-a-Chaplain All About?

Visitors to our booth at Spirit West Coast asked this question over and over. Four things capture the essence of what we’re “all about.”

1. One chaplain wrote “A chaplain spends all his time looking out for his soldiers but no one looks out for the chaplain.” Every chaplain in our network needs to feel cared for and that we, in military jargon, “have his back.”
2. It’s been said that what the chaplain needs to conduct his ministry – books, Bibles, musical instruments, ping pong balls, & printer cartridges – come after all the requests for “bullets & butter” have been met. We provide needed “tools of the trade” for our chaplains to enhance their ministries.
3. Goodies provide a non threatening reason for a soldier to visit his chaplain. A rugged young soldier in his battle gear carrying a big gun won’t say to his buddy, “Hey, I’ve got a problem and need to talk to the chaplain.” He will say, “I’m going to the chaplain’s office to see if he’s gotten any goodies for us.” The soldier may say “Chap I just came to get some coffee.” But frequently they’ll say, “Since I’m here I’ve been meaning to ask you about….” Chaplains say the goodies we send increases the foot traffic into their offices.
4. The chaplain is a human being just like the soldiers he counsels every day. Family issues may weigh heavy on his heart but he has to be “up all the time” even when he’s tired and hurting emotionally and may need a chaplain himself. We’re a “safe harbor” where he can be himself not “chaplain…….” and talk about his hurts, fear, discouragement, & frustration.

Supporting our troops through the chaplains who serve them.
Adopt-a-Chaplain Incorporated is a Christ-centered, California non-profit corporation whose sole mission is to provide spiritual and tangible support to deployed chaplains and their families. Adopt-a-Chaplain is completely staffed and run by volunteers, so 100% of contributions are devoted to purchasing goods and services for our chaplains.

Deployed chaplains of all religious backgrounds may receive support simply by asking. Churches and groups who wish to adopt a chaplain are matched with one of similar religious background or interest. Individual contributions of time, supplies or finances are also greatly appreciated.

For more information, visit our web site at www.adopt-a-chaplain.org .

Technorati Tags: Adopt-a-Chaplain