Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-10,11,12-04...T.G.I.F. at the Finest
Billie

Posted on 12/10/2004 7:12:04 AM PST by Billie



A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day
Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 100,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.
A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay or a profile of another FReeper.
On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY
If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.
We're having fun and hope you are!

~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Dansangel, Aquamarine ~







Welcome to TGIF at the Finest!   We hope you've been having as much fun as we have with our essays and/or spotlight on various FReepers. From the beginning, we've been kicking back on Saturdays and Sundays and simply reviewing the features of the week; our weekend threads now start on Friday and continue through Sunday. If you missed seeing any of this week's threads and want to say hello there now, just click on the link for that particular day. If you'd like to drop in and out of this thread today through Sunday, please feel free to do that also. One of us will try to be around to see the welcome mat is still out, put the coffee pot on, and maybe even bring fresh flowers for the table. : )

~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Dansangel, Aquamarine ~



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~



"Getting to Know You"


THIS WEEK'S THREADS



12-06-04 ~ Military Monday
By Billie
Presented by The Mayor


12-07-04 ~ Aloha - Mele Kalikimaka
By Billie

12-08-04 ~ A Bracebridge Christmas Revisited
By Mama_Bear

12-09-04 ~ Bush economy keeps booming; experts hardest hit
By JohnHuang2
Presented by Aquamarine




Have a wonderful weekend!








Opinions by our own 'King of Ping'
The guy's good, folks!
Thanks, Mixer!

1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me a FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~Mixer

Click on the photo to view the album. To
submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man
at
danbh59@yahoo.com
and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.


CLICK



TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: freepers; fun; militry; patriotic; surprises; veterans

1 posted on 12/10/2004 7:12:04 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; The Mayor; dansangel; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ..


Two Weeks 'til Christmas (Eve) - Everyone Smile!


2 posted on 12/10/2004 7:20:49 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Billie

I love the festive dancing birds. I'm glad that you updated the chorus line (((((Billie))))))).

Hope you have a wonderful and restful weekend after the *busy* one that you had last week.


3 posted on 12/10/2004 7:40:55 AM PST by dansangel (Thank you Veterans past and present!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Billie
Good morning Billie.


4 posted on 12/10/2004 7:41:02 AM PST by Aeronaut (May all the feckless become fecked.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Billie
This new hostess graphic so so cute. lol

Lots of work to do today but glad I stopped in long enough to see that graphic, gets my day off to a good start.

5 posted on 12/10/2004 7:50:01 AM PST by Aquamarine
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Billie
Are those little birds Chickadees? I haven't seen them since we moved from Texas. I guess they are here some where, but we used to get so many of them back in Texas. I loved feeding and taking care of my little friends. *sniff*

Blessings to you today.

6 posted on 12/10/2004 7:52:35 AM PST by SpookBrat
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: dansangel; Aquamarine; Mama_Bear; The Mayor
I love those silly little birds, too, and I think it's the third 'version', just because I think they are sooooooo cute! I can't make myself change Dansy's, Lori's, or my words, though! :)

Have a great weekend, everyone. :)

7 posted on 12/10/2004 7:59:36 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: Aeronaut

Morning, Aeronaut - neat plane - is that 'yours' - or one like you actually fly?


8 posted on 12/10/2004 8:01:31 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: SpookBrat
Are those little birds Chickadees?

Hi, Spookie, I think they may be - not sure, but they're the cutest, sweetest little things, aren't they? :)

Thank you for your sweet post and blessings right back to you.

9 posted on 12/10/2004 8:03:50 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Billie
neat plane - is that 'yours' - or one like you actually fly?

I am investigating procuring a couple of new airplanes for Operations. This is currently the leading candidate.

10 posted on 12/10/2004 8:05:39 AM PST by Aeronaut (May all the feckless become fecked.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: Billie
G'mornin', Billie.

You have a great weekend too!

11 posted on 12/10/2004 8:07:44 AM PST by Mama_Bear (Merry CHRISTmas!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 7 | View Replies]

To: Aeronaut
I am investigating procuring a couple of new airplanes for Operations. This is currently the leading candidate.

Sounds like a fun and interesting 'investigation'. :)

12 posted on 12/10/2004 8:09:13 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 10 | View Replies]

To: Billie

Good morning, Billie. You gals and Guy are just too much. Hope you have a great weekend.


13 posted on 12/10/2004 8:11:11 AM PST by Texagirl4W (Father, bless the person reading this in whatever it is that You know they are needing this day!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Billie
Sounds like a fun and interesting 'investigation'. :)

Oh yeah! One of the planes I looked at was the TBM 700 - list price 2,770,000.


14 posted on 12/10/2004 8:11:56 AM PST by Aeronaut (May all the feckless become fecked.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Texagirl4W
You gals and Guy are just too much.

:)

We used to use these kinds of hostess graphics more often - one problem is that over the 2 1/2 years we've been here, our lineup has changed a little and some of the older graphics are outdated. I've reworked a few of them more than once because the characters are too cute to give up. :)

Is your sister doing as well as she should be after her surgery this week?

15 posted on 12/10/2004 8:16:16 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 13 | View Replies]

To: Billie

Cute picture! I hope you have a great weekend, Billie. :-)


16 posted on 12/10/2004 8:16:51 AM PST by tuliptree76
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Billie

Great looking covey. Good morning all.


17 posted on 12/10/2004 8:17:32 AM PST by Temple Owl (19064)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Mama_Bear
Hi, Lori - not used to seeing you this early on your *off-posting* days. :)
18 posted on 12/10/2004 8:17:46 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: Billie; Texagirl4W; The Mayor; Mama_Bear; All; tuliptree76; deadhead; WVNan; Diver Dave; Dubya; ...
On last night's thread, Texagirl had wonderful news about her sister's condition. Although it was a tense situation that came close to a different outcome, God heard the prayers of many!

"The short story is, thanks for all the prayers and well wishes. Even though she faces another surgery, we are optimistic she will make a full recover. What can I say except that you are the finest and will never know how much I appreciate all of you. ((( ALL )))"

It was too good to be missed there, so I brought it over for more to share, Texagirl.
We know full well -- and feel -- the power and effectiveness of the prayers given in such situations, as we go through them.

His healing touch enables us to endure all things, placing them in His hands ---


19 posted on 12/10/2004 8:20:51 AM PST by LadyX ((( To God be all praise and honor and glory -- )))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Billie
Hi, Lori - not used to seeing you this early on your *off-posting* days. :)

LOL. I know. I thought it would give you surprise if I popped in this early. :-)

Now I must pop back out. TTYL, Sistah.

20 posted on 12/10/2004 8:25:36 AM PST by Mama_Bear (Merry CHRISTmas!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: Billie

Yes, thank you. See post #19 today. I'll let you all know when the second surgery will be.


21 posted on 12/10/2004 8:25:36 AM PST by Texagirl4W (Father, bless the person reading this in whatever it is that You know they are needing this day!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 15 | View Replies]

To: Aeronaut
.... list price 2,770,000.

WHOA! :)

22 posted on 12/10/2004 8:32:40 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 14 | View Replies]

To: Billie
What a fun picture.. I love the ones you have done with the "sistahs" (and the Mayor).... or is it The Mayor and his harem?

hope you all have a nice weekend. will no doubt check in now & then the next few days.

A little family get together this afternoon.. I need to get creative & do some pix for them ..(and maybe UGH, YUK, GROAN clean a little)
23 posted on 12/10/2004 8:44:00 AM PST by DollyCali (We can never repay our veterans...NEVER. Thank you all who served our great country.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Mama_Bear; Billie; LadyX; ride the whirlwind; texasflower; Aeronaut; The Mayor; dutchess

just got this in email from friend Ken & thought although lengthy it was worth sharing...

@@@

The Washington Monument


One detail that is not mentioned is that in the District of Columbia there can never be a building of greater height than the Washington Monument.

With all the uproar about removing the ten commandments, etc...This is worth a moment or two of your time.

On the aluminum cap, atop the Washington Monument in Washington DC, are displayed two words: Laus Deo. No one can see these words. In fact, most visitors to the monument are totally unaware they are even there and for that matter, probably couldn't care less. Once you know Laus Deo's history, you will want to share this with everyone you know.

But these words have been there for many years; they are 5.125 inches high, perched atop the monument, 555 feet above ground, facing skyward to the Father of our nation, overlooking the 69 square miles which comprise the District of Columbia, capital of the United States of America.

Laus Deo! Two seemingly insignificant, un-noticed words. Out of sight and, one might think, out of mind, but very meaningfully placed at the highest point over what is the most powerful city in the most successful nation in the world. So, what do those two words, in Latin, composed of just four syllables and only seven letters, possibly mean? Very simply, they say "Praise be to God!"

Though construction of this giant obelisk began in 1848, when James Polk was President of the United States, it was not until 1888 that the monument was inaugurated and opened to the public. It took twenty five years to finally cap the memorial with a tribute to the Father of our nation, Laus Deo..Praise be to God!"

From atop this magnificent granite and marble structure, visitors may take in the beautiful panoramic view of the city with it's division into four major segments. From that vantage point, one can also easily see the original plan of the designer, Pierre Charles l'Enfant...a perfect cross imposed upon the landscape, with the White House to the north. The Jefferson Memorial is to the south, the Capitol to the east and the Lincoln Memorial to the west. A cross you ask ? Why a cross? What about separation of church and state? Yes, a cross, separation of church and state was not, is not, in the Constitution.

So, read on . How interesting and, no doubt, intended to carry a profound meaning for those who bother to notice. Praise be to God! Within the monument itself are 898 steps and 50 landings. As one climbs the steps and pauses at the landings the memorial stones share a message. On the 12th Landing is a prayer offered by the City of Baltimore; on the 20th is a memorial presented by some Chinese Christians; on the 24th a presentation made by Sunday School children from New York and Philadelphia quoting Proverbs 10:7, Luke 18:16 and Proverbs 22:6. Praise be to God! When the cornerstone of the Washington Monument was laid on July 4th, 1848 deposited within it were many items including the Holy Bible presented by the Bible Society.

Praise be to God! Such was the discipline, the moral direction, and the spiritual mood given by the founder and first President of our unique democracy
...."One Nation, Under God."

I am awed by Washington's prayer for America. Have you never read it? Well, now is your unique opportunity, so read on! "Almighty God, we make our earnest prayer that Thou wilt keep the United States in Thy holy protection; that Thou wilt incline the hearts of the citizens to cultivate a spirit of subordination and obedience to government; and entertain a brotherly affection and love for one another and for their fellow citizens of the United states at large." And finally that Thou wilt most graciously be pleased to dispose us all to do justice, to love mercy, and to demean ourselves with that charity, humility, and pacific temper of mind which were the characteristics of the Divine Author of our blessed religion, and without a humble imitation of whose example in these things we can never hope to be a happy nation. Grant our supplication, we beseech Thee, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen."

Laus Deo! As you probably guessed, over 92 percent of Americans like the idea that our Pledge of Allegiance includes the phrase "under God." It is clear when one studies the history of our great nation, that Washington's America was one of the few countries in all the world established under the guidance, direction and banner of Almighty God, to whom was given all praise, honor and worship by the great men who formed and fashioned her pivotal foundations. When one stops to observe the inscriptions found in public places all over our nation's capitol, he or she will easily find the signature of God, as it is unmistakably inscribed everywhere you look.

Though many try to disprove and reason, their arguments are weak and easily proven without basis. Their efforts will forever be in vain; God assures us of that. Have you noticed as of late, how many more people are coming together, affirming the fact that this nation was, from the beginning, built on God? Any nation that is not built upon God will fail. Do you wonder why, when other nations fall into an abyss, does the United States continually prosper? Now you know, but do not let the arrogance of some instill doubt within you. The truth is . . we have always been one nation under God! Laus Deo! Praise be to God!

You may forget the width and height of "Laus Deo", it's location, or the architects, but no one who reads this will be able to forget it's meaning, or these words: "Unless the Lord builds the house its builders labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchmen stand guard in vain." (Psalm 127:1).

It is hoped you will send this to every child you know; to every sister, brother, father, mother or friend. They will not find offense, because you have given them a lesson in history that they probably never learned in school. With that, be not ashamed, or afraid, but have pity on those who will never see.


24 posted on 12/10/2004 8:52:23 AM PST by DollyCali (We can never repay our veterans...NEVER. Thank you all who served our great country.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 20 | View Replies]

To: tuliptree76; Temple Owl; LadyX; Texagirl4W; DollyCali; All
Thank you, dear Friends, for your sweet posts this morning. I have much to do today (Christmas isn't REALLY only two weeks away, is it?!)

Maggie, thanks for the information about Texagirl's sister - I didn't get here yesterday or read all the comments on yesterday's thread, so I did miss that. I appreciate the repost. You are so thoughtful to do that a lot. Many of us do miss some of the comments on an earlier thread that are most important.

Dolly, interesting post and your friend was right - many of us never knew about the inscription at the top of the Washington Monument. Aqua posted a whole thread about it a few months ago - it was so pretty and very informative and interesting.

Enjoy your day and your weekend!


25 posted on 12/10/2004 9:07:15 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: Billie




Below are names of some of our FReepers' loved ones who are serving our country. If you have someone you would like to add, please address a post to Billie; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Dansangel; Aquamarine, and we will add their name to this list. As we pray for them, we pray also for all our nation’s leaders, and military personnel, and their families and friends. May God hold them close to His heart.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Maigrey...................cousin
OhioWfan........................son
mystery-ak..........son, husband
Gogrammy................grandson
Inspectorette...................son
Blessed American..........nephew
Slip18..........................nephew
anniegetyourgun...........nephew
Diver Dave.......niece, nephew
ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews
Pippin..........niece, loved one
Pippin...nephew & his fiancee
weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw
jamaly.................brotherinlaw
Future Snake Eater..........cousin
WaterDragon.............grandson
WaterDragon...........son-in-law
BeforeISleep...................son
kimmie7......................brother
Armymarinemom............3 sons
american_ranger.............son
LadyX.........................grandson
fawn796.......................nephew
Dubya............................nephew
StarCMC......................brother
ValerieUSA..................2 sons
Lakeside......................2 sons
LakeLady.....................nephew
Spruce.....................daughter
Philman_36..............2 nephews
bjcintennessee.......son, niece
Ladysmith..nephew, friend's son
Warrior Nurse...........active duty
SK1 Thurman...........active duty
David Osborne.........active duty
fc2tomschermuly......active duty
bkwells..................active duty
LongCut..................active duty
cjk..........................active duty
Trish.......................active duty
ODC-GIRL.................active duty
AF_Blue..................active duty
Notwithstanding.....active duty
thumperusn.............active duty
Q6-God.....................active duty
Q6-God...................twin brother
Veloxherc.................active duty
Don Simmons...........active duty
wingnutx..................active duty
Mama_Bear.........2 nephews
ladtx........................2 sons
WVNan..................friend's son
gator girl.................husband
severa.......husband, brother
Hostel......................cousin
MozartLover......son, nephew
LBGA...............................son
katykelly......................son
cookcounty.....................son
SpookBrat...nephew, cousin
Doug from Upland...son-in-law
Himyar..........................son
boxerblues................2 sons
the piper.........................son
sheeza.......................husband
kemathen7.................husband
Tiffee4Bob.................boyfriend
deadhead......................cousin
JimRobinson.........2 nephews
TexKat..............son, step-son
Consort..2 daughters,son-in-law
Darheel.........................niece
Donaeus......................nephew
dixie sass...................nephew
BeAllYouCanBe...................son
Repubmommy...............brother
AgThorn.........................2 sons
homeschoolmama.......nephew
kneezles.............................son
Rose inRoseBear...cousin's hubby
Redhead....step-granddaughter
Redhead..step-grdaughter fiance
Atomic Conspiracy..half-brother
Atomic Conspiracy...nephew
Atomic Conspiracy..........niece
Sunflowergal..............grandson
visualops.......................cousin
Alouette..............................son
mrstank.......................husband
MrsMike31..................husband
eaglesiniowa.........................son
auboy..................................cousin
spotbust1.......................husband
Leofl......................................son
chena......................................son
campfollower.......................fiance
LUV W.........................................son
painter................................nephew



26 posted on 12/10/2004 9:08:46 AM PST by Billie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: Billie

Good afternoon..turning cold here, I was wearing short sleeves yesterday..today a light coat.


27 posted on 12/10/2004 9:46:13 AM PST by GailA (JESUS is the reason for the season)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: Billie

oh no .. I missed it. did she have this exact article?

groan she says with her head down


28 posted on 12/10/2004 10:04:47 AM PST by DollyCali (We can never repay our veterans...NEVER. Thank you all who served our great country.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 25 | View Replies]

To: GailA; Billie; Texagirl4W; All
"Good afternoon..turning cold here, I was wearing short sleeves yesterday..today a light coat."

Identifying here, Gail -- having wonderful warm weather(common for this part of SC in early December) hitting 78 yesterday.
Knowing the hammer will soon fall, I spent time outdoors yesterday doing some hedge tidying, etc., so Spring cleanup will be easier this year. Okay -- I got carried away and did a lot, enjoying the fruits of my labor, and didn't get to the Finest until evening..:(

I see Old Man Winter will be breathing down our neck at night by week's end; days moderate -- but we don't get really cold until after Christmas.
From there to the first of March and comfortable warmth is nothing, compared with other climes!

Since moving here 9 years ago from North Carolina, I have never had to wear a heavy coat - shovel snow - etc.!!
On the flip side, I can recall only 1 or 2 days this past summer that reached 100, and not many in the 90's....we chose relocation well!

{{{ Hugs, Gail }}}

29 posted on 12/10/2004 10:10:46 AM PST by LadyX ((( To God be all praise and honor and glory -- )))
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 27 | View Replies]

To: DollyCali
Thanks for the ping to your monumental post, Dolly. When our boys were little tykes, we were in DC one hot summer day, standing in the lonnnnnnnnng line to go to the top of that monument, but it was taking just too long, esp with little kids, so we dropped out of the line. Maybe some other time we'll make it to the top.
Gotta get away from this computer now. Too much to do! :-)
30 posted on 12/10/2004 10:28:54 AM PST by ride the whirlwind (The smallest Good Deed is better than the grandest Good Intention.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: DollyCali; Billie
Just peeked in (as if I can stay off of here) and saw your Laus Deo post Dolly. Did a search and found the Post I made about it after receiving it thru e-mail. Laus Deo!

Don't feel bad about posting it today, it's worth seeing again and again.

31 posted on 12/10/2004 10:36:02 AM PST by Aquamarine
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; Billie; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ...

December 10, 2004

Dangerous Proverbs

Read: Ezekiel 18:1-9

If he has walked in My statutes and kept My judgments faithfully—he is just; he shall surely live! —Ezekiel 18:9

Bible In One Year: Hosea 1-4; Revelation 1


There is a hidden danger in any proverb. A proverb is a general principle—not an absolute truth—and it can be misused. "Like father, like son," we say, but it depends on who says it and why. There is truth in it, but when someone quotes it to justify the shambles he has made of life, the proverb serves as an excuse to play the victim.

The prophet Ezekiel wanted to get the Hebrew captives in Babylon to return not only to their homes but to their God. It was a tough sell. The people responded by taking refuge in a proverb: "The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children's teeth are set on edge" (Ezekiel 18:2).

This saying blamed their captivity on an earlier generation. "You can't be serious about asking us to repent," they protested. "It's our parents' fault. They ate the sour grapes and we have to bear the consequences."

So God declared through Ezekiel, "You shall no longer use this proverb in Israel" (v.3). Each person bore responsibility for his own actions. "The soul who sins shall die," God said (v.4). But "if he has walked in My statutes and kept My judgments faithfully—he is just; he shall surely live!" (v.9).

Proverbs are wonderful tools for guidance. They were never intended to excuse our bad behavior. —Haddon Robinson

Don't hide your sin and cover up,
Pretending that there's nothing wrong;
Instead, confess it and repent,
And God will fill your heart with song. —Sper

A good test of character: When we do wrong, whom do we blame?

32 posted on 12/10/2004 2:24:25 PM PST by The Mayor (If Jesus lives within us, sin need not overwhelm us.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 2 | View Replies]

To: The Mayor

As I lay awake last night, I talked to God about some resentments towards my ex-husband and acknowledged my part in things. I asked God to remove the resentments. I was able to sleep and am much more at peace today. Prayer and humility are remarkable tools. Joining all in prayers for our troops.


33 posted on 12/10/2004 3:21:32 PM PST by austingirl
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 32 | View Replies]

To: austingirl

Amen, the peace is there..


34 posted on 12/10/2004 4:31:42 PM PST by The Mayor (If Jesus lives within us, sin need not overwhelm us.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 33 | View Replies]

To: LadyX

Thank you for the ping! Sounds like wonderful news - Praise God!


35 posted on 12/10/2004 7:14:18 PM PST by Freedom'sWorthIt (Pres Bush to Chilean Security stopping Agent: "He's with me." And, Mr. President, we're with YOU!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 19 | View Replies]

To: DollyCali

Wow. I did not know this. I am sending this out in my email tonight.


36 posted on 12/10/2004 11:39:33 PM PST by texasflower (Liberty can change habits. ~ President George W. Bush 10/08/04)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 24 | View Replies]

To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; Billie; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ...

December 11, 2004

A Pleasant Diversion

Read: Romans 11:33-12:2

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. —Romans 12:2

Bible In One Year: Hosea 5-8; Revelation 2


A friend was looking for a church to join and told me she had found just what she was looking for: "I like this church because I don't have to change my lifestyle of partying. It doesn't make me feel guilty or require anything of me. I feel good about myself when I'm there."

Her story makes me wonder how many people are in that type of situation. Their "Christianity" is what author W. Waldo Beach calls "a pleasant weekend diversion."

But is that the kind of life Jesus calls us to? Beach says, "No amount of air-conditioning and pew-cushioning in the suburban church can cover over the hard truth that . . . discipleship is costly; that, for the faithful, there is always a cross to be carried. No one can understand Christianity to its depths who comes to it to enjoy it as a pleasant weekend diversion."

Being a Christian means that we know Jesus personally. We have received Him by faith as our Savior from sin, and we present ourselves to Him. We deny our will and choose His instead. He transforms our thinking, our values, and our priorities to reflect what is acceptable to God (Romans 12:1-2).

Is your religion just a pleasant weekend diversion? That's no substitute for a vital relationship with Jesus! —Anne Cetas

"Take up your cross," the Savior said,
"If you would My disciple be;
Take up your cross with willing heart
And humbly follow after Me." —Everest

Discipleship demands discipline.

37 posted on 12/11/2004 4:41:12 AM PST by The Mayor (If Jesus lives within us, sin need not overwhelm us.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 36 | View Replies]

To: LadyX

Rock and I raked some leaves off 1 side of the trailer this morning. Then I went to the mal (shudder) to get my glasses adjusted..I seem to knock them out of alignment a lot. Bought 5 picture frames, have to take 3 back 2 were the wrong size and 1 was broken..you can't tell what's under those card board corners they stick on them. I thought a 16 x 20 with a mat would fit my 12.5 x 9.5 pictures but it doesn't. The pictures have no borders to them and I'm having a hard time getting frames for them.


38 posted on 12/11/2004 12:42:09 PM PST by GailA (JESUS is the reason for the season)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies]

To: ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; dansangel; Billie; Aeronaut; deadhead; Diver Dave; ...

December 12, 2004

Serving Without Distraction

Read: Luke 10:38-42

Martha was distracted with much serving. —Luke 10:40

Bible In One Year: Hosea 9-11; Revelation 3


While Martha served Jesus unsparingly, her sister Mary sat at His feet, listening and learning. Charles H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) believed that Martha's mistake wasn't her serving, but rather that she allowed it to distract her attention from Jesus. Spurgeon believed that we should be Martha and Mary in one. He wrote, "We should do much service, and have much communion at the same time. For this we need great grace. It is easier to serve than to commune."

I once met a young mother who found the grace to do both. She hungered after God and His Word but was unavoidably immersed in family life each day. Then an idea came to her. In each room she placed paper and a pencil on a high surface, away from tiny hands. As she served the Lord in household responsibilities, she also kept herself open to God. Whenever a Scripture came to mind, or something to confess, to correct, or to pray about, she jotted it on the nearest pad of paper. In the evening after the children were asleep, she gathered her pieces of paper and pondered them prayerfully over her open Bible.

This woman found a way to be Martha and Mary at the same time. May we too discover ways to serve God and to commune with Him. —Joanie Yoder

Our service for the Lord each day
Can make us feel distressed,
But spending time each day with Christ
Can make our service blest. —D. De Haan

To keep your life in balance, lean on the Lord.

39 posted on 12/11/2004 9:30:22 PM PST by The Mayor (If Jesus lives within us, sin need not overwhelm us.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 38 | View Replies]

To: The Mayor
Good morning


40 posted on 12/12/2004 4:02:26 AM PST by GailA (JESUS is the reason for the season)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: The Mayor

Good Morning Mayor, thanks for the coffee and good words.

It is chilly (41) here in so. Jersey. But as always, my beautiful cardinals are on the birdfeeder outside our kitchen to greet us each day at daybreak and then again at sunset. They are my first reminder each morning of the wonder in this world. Happy Sunday!


41 posted on 12/12/2004 4:49:39 AM PST by crabbie
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: The Mayor; Mama_Bear; tuliptree76; deadhead; WVNan; Kitty Mittens; dansangel; Aquamarine; LadyX; ...

Thanks again to all of you for your prayers for my sister. She is recovering well from surgery last Wednesday. Another surgery is scheduled for tomorrow to partially close the incision. Then another will be done probably Thursday to complete it. We are not out of the woods yet by any means, but we seem to be headed in the right direction.

Thanks to all for your prayers and well wishes. I will post updates as we progress this week.


42 posted on 12/12/2004 8:10:51 AM PST by Texagirl4W (Father, bless the person reading this in whatever it is that You know they are needing this day!)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 39 | View Replies]

To: Texagirl4W

Prayers continuing. Perhaps by Christmas she will be well on the mends and able to truly have a "Very Merry Christmas".

Hugs...

*TT*, Beth & Nana


43 posted on 12/12/2004 9:04:09 AM PST by Texas Termite (Thank God from Whom all blessings flow.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: Billie

Marines with Bravo Company, Battalion Landing Team, 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, fire on enemy insurgents who are attacking them with indirect and small-arms fire in the town of Jurf as Sakhr, Iraq, Dec.1, 2004. The mission is part of an operation by Iraqi, U.S., and British Forces to root out anti-Iraqi elements in the Northern Babil Province. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Lance Cpl. Zachary R. Frank)
44 posted on 12/12/2004 9:20:10 AM PST by Excuse_My_Bellicosity (Gun-control is leftist mind-control.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Texagirl4W

Prayers continuing for her everyday, Texagirl, to our God of Grace and Mercy.


45 posted on 12/12/2004 1:52:43 PM PST by Kitty Mittens
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 42 | View Replies]

To: All
Join us for Military Monday here..
46 posted on 12/13/2004 3:39:39 AM PST by The Mayor (If Jesus lives within us, sin need not overwhelm us.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 45 | View Replies]

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson