A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-02,03,04-05....T.G.I.F. at the Finest

Billie, Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

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, Dutchess, DollyCali, GodBlessUSA, Mama_Bear ~

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, Dutchess, DollyCali, GodBlessUSA, Mama_Bear ~



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


"Getting to Know You"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS


11-28-05 ~ Military Monday
By Billie
Presented by The Mayor

11-29, 30-05 ~ Let the Holidays Begin!
By Billie

12-01-05 ~ Celebrate Living
By Dutchess

Have a wonderful weekend!

09-27-05 ~ Hall of Fame #13

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.

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

"Wear Red" Friday

You will soon see a lot of people wearing Red on Fridays. Here's why..... The Americans, who support our troops, are the silent majority. We are not "organized" to reflect who we are, or to reflect what our opinions are. Many Americans, like yourself, and all their friends, simply want to recognize that Americans support our troops. Our idea of showing our solidarity and support for our troops is starting Friday and continuing on each and every Friday, until this is over, that every red-blooded American who supports our young men and women, WEAR SOMETHING RED.

Word of mouth, press, TV -- let's see if we can make the United States, on any given Friday, a sea of red much like a home football game at a University. If every one of our memberships share this with other acquaintances, fellow workers, friends, and neighbors, I guarantee that it will not be long before the USA will be covered in RED - and make our troops know there are many people thinking of their well-being. You will feel better all day Friday when you wear Red! So let's get the word out and lead by example; wear RED on Fridays.

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS! WE LIVE IN THE LAND OF THE FREE, BECAUSE OF THE BRAVE. FOR US, THEIR BLOOD RUNS RED!! GOD BLESS AMERICA.

I received this in my email June 10th, the author is unknown.
I am wearing red today and every Friday ~ Billie

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

Happy TGIF at the Finest!
During the hustle and bustle of the holidays,
when time permits, stop in for a cup of grog and.....

We will do our best to make sure the refreshments are "fresh"
and the Finest halls are filled with fun, song and fellowship.
(Click on the bears to hear
Mannheim Steamroller's "Little Drummer Boy")



If you would like to be added to the Finest ping list, we would love to have you! Click -----> PLEASE ADD ME.
If you would like to be removed, click -----> PLEASE REMOVE ME.

[Mama_Bear]

I am posting the TGIF thread a little early tonight so I can get to bed. This cold still has me under the weather and I can't wait to climb under my 'lectric blanket.

Good night, everyone.

[Diver Dave]

Rest well, MB.

Thanks for Mannheim Steamroller's "Little Drummer Boy")

[Mama_Bear]

Thanks Dave. I am heading off to hibernate for a day or so. Good night.

[ST.LOUIE1]

This cold still has me under the weather....

Mom always said: "An apple a day...."

Eat this and get well! : )

Morning, babebear, hope you're feeling much better today. : )

[ST.LOUIE1]

Morning, Diver. Happy Friday!!!

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Mama Bear!
How cute, LOL! Thanks for including me. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

I'm sorry you are not feeling well. I hope you feel better after a good rest.

[GailA]

Heard about this on my local talk radio yesterday morning as I was going to work. A former military doctor is heading the operation. Operation Helmet Help Save Our Heroes! Over 2,500 free kits provided--FROM ALL OF US!

[DollyCali]

· Pistov elf posted this yesterday.
. want everyone to get a chance
to see it over the weekend

Why We Put Bows on Presents
by Pistov Elf

Greetings! And Merry Christmas!

The Wrapping Department at the North Pole is working at top speed this very hour even though Christmas is still several weeks away. The entire basement of the workshop is filled with supplies, storage and merry elves that all work to wrap presents for Santa. It operates 24 hours a day, six days a week. (Closed on Sundays).

Now, wrapped presents are hardly the most interesting part of Christmas. But an email sent to Santa this week raised the question of just why bows are important on presents and just what they mean. Santa thought it was a good question that needed to be answered. So here goes:

The wrapping of presents is a tradition in several world cultures that goes back many centuries. In terms of Christmas, wrapping of presents is symbolically linked to the wrapping of the Baby Jesus in swaddling clothes.

As the sacred story is told in the Bible, Mary and Joseph had little to offer the Christ child in regards to worldly comforts. His was a most humble birth. But the gift of love and life as only a mother can give was snuggled by the meager cloths wrapped around the Babe of Bethlehem. The wrapping of presents is symbolic of this event.

The additions of bows to presents are symbolic of the greater gift that was contained within the tiny bundle held by Mary and Joseph that first Christmas day. A bow on a present is bright, maybe shiny, a thing a beauty and a wonder in and of itself, regardless of what may be contained in the package it surrounds. It symbolizes the fact that the true gift is the gift of thought and love and remembrance and selflessness not of toys or things or neat stuff. In reality, it is not the gift itself but the love behind it that is most important.

Santa encourages you to look at the bows on your presents this year and think about that. Be especially mindful of the bows you put on gifts you give. You will find that both the giver and the receiver gain by contemplating the bow. It is what Christ is all about. It is what love is all about. And it is what Santa loves the most about Christmas.

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

May God bless you all!!!

[DollyCali]

Dear Lori. thanks for getting us started for the weekend. And what good words accompany the nice presentation on the pledge ! I hope you get to feeling better, FRiend!

We are getting 8+ inches of snow the next few days.. Our republican club party is Sat.. in Lake County, which has more Lake effect snow than we do, so hopefully it will finish up early enough so the roads can be cleared.

FReeper Wheelbarrow, will be baptized this Sunday morning. Inviting lots of his friends to witness. Not everyday you see an 80 year old make a Christian "life" decision. It is our Christmas program/dinner theater following worship/Sunday school, so should be a great day.

Going to get garbage out & get dogs out earlier for their romp in the forest.. Get um good & worn out! Then fill their tummies so they rest well.

[Dan Lacey]

[The Mayor]

December 2, 2005

Just Imagine!

Read:
Ezekiel 1:1-5,22-28

When I saw [God's glory], I fell on my face, and I heard a voice of One speaking. —Ezekiel 1:28

Bible In One Year: Romans 9-11

What will it be like when we see the Lord for the first time? The song "I Can Only Imagine" asks,

Surrounded by Your glory,
what will my heart feel?
Will I dance for You, Jesus,
or in awe of You be still?
Will I stand in Your presence,
or to my knees will I fall?
Will I sing hallelujah?
Will I be able to speak at all?
I can only imagine!
© 1999 by Simpleville Music

Ezekiel was a priest among the Jewish exiles in Babylon and had visions of the Lord (see chapters 1,8,10-11). He described God's presence as "the appearance of fire with brightness all around," "the color of amber," and like "a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day." Ezekiel's reaction was to fall on his face before Him and to listen to His instructions (1:27-28).

The apostle John also saw a vision of God's presence. He may have been Jesus' closest friend here on earth. At the Last Supper, prior to the crucifixion, we read that John was "leaning on Jesus' bosom" (John 13:23). Yet when John saw a vision of the Son of God in all His glory and power, he had the same reaction Ezekiel had, and "fell at His feet as dead" (Revelation 1:10-17).

We cannot comprehend how brilliant and awesome the Lord's glory is, so we can't be sure of how we'll respond when one day we're in His presence. Will we dance or be still? Will we stand in awe or fall to our knees? Will we sing or not be able to speak at all? Just imagine! —Anne Cetas

Now we see Jesus in the Bible, but then, face to face.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Our Eternal Home

[LUV W]

Good morning, Mayor! Thanks for our lesson from God's Word.

That is my very favorite hymn!

Have a good day...heard you were getting snow. Ick!

[The Mayor]

No snow coming dow, there is a little on the ground the key thing is cold.

28 with wind chill in the teens, I have to sheet and shingle the roof today..

[StarCMC]

ROFL!! Cute graphic!!

Hope the Finest is having a fabulous Friday!!

Don't forget to wear red!!!

[LUV W]

Oh, my....that is going to be one cold job. Try to stay as warm as you can....and be careful if it starts getting slick.

[The Mayor]

Oh ya, gotta go. Hopefully before I go the T. Snow thread will be up.

[LUV W]

Yeah, me too. I can't stay and play today. See ya this evening!

[Aquamarine]

Your pledge and polar bear graphic are perfect,you even included me in it. :)
Hope you'll stay in the bed and get better so you'll be feeling good again in time for Christmas (((Mama Bear))).

[DollyCali]

you even included me in it. :)

you aren't getting away from us Sistah! Aqua's new saying.. "the spirit is willing, but the eyes are weak"..?

[DollyCali]

I have a little space heater here by the computer.. I don't want to leave .. sigh , but must get some things done elsewhere!

[LUV W]

Yeah, I hate to leave the warm house, too, but off I go right now!

See y'all later today.

[GodBlessUSA]

I know what you mean. I have to force myself off the computer soon too. Have a good day. See you later. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Luv :)
Bye Luv :(

See you tonight :)

[LUV W]

I'm out the door right now, GB! I'll talk to you this afternoon! ((((hugs))))

[Aquamarine]

That's it in a nutshell sad to say.

Gotta run too. Later.

[Temple Owl]

Good morning. I hope you are feeling better.

[DollyCali]

my house is NOT warm. No furnace for over a week. I am hoping to have my man here tomorrow. Mom is okay.. the rest of house is about 45 (which I guess is good considering how cold it is outside), between the oven, clothes dryer, it helps. I might do a fire in fireplace tonight. I have lots of paper, old phone books & some wood.

I am sleeping like a baby. I love a cool room to sleep. the dogs, cats & heating pad for my back keep the bed toasty

[DollyCali]

Heavenly Father,

Help us remember that the “jerk” who cut us off in traffic last night might be a single mother who worked nine hours that day and is rushing home to cook dinner, help with homework, do the laundry and spend a few precious moments with her children. Or a distressed man who just received his pink slip with a anxious family waiting at home.

Help us to remember that the pierced, tattooed, disinterested young man who can't make change correctly is a worried 19-year-old college student, balancing his apprehension over final exams with his fear of not getting his student loans for next semester.

Remind us, Lord, that the scary looking bum, begging for money in the same spot every day is a slave to addictions that we can only imagine in our worst nightmares.

Help us to remember that the old couple walking annoyingly slowly through the store aisles and blocking our shopping progress are savoring this moment, knowing that, based on the biopsy report she got back last week, this will be the last year that they go shopping together.

Help us here at Free Republic to be patient, gentle & kind to the faceless screen names we encounter. Even the ones acting rude or strange are your children. Should we need to have them leave here, help us to remember to pray for them & the reasons they act adversely.

Heavenly Father, remind us each day that, of all the gifts you give us, the greatest gift is love.

It is not enough to share that love with those we hold dear.

Open our hearts not to just those who are close to us, but to all humanity.

Let us be slow to judge and quick to forgive, show patience, empathy and love.

DollyCali

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

American Grog recipe

Scale ingredients to servings
1 1/2 oz rum
1 tsp powdered sugar
1/2 oz lemon juice
hot water

Pour into a coffee mug and fill with hot water. Stir.
Serve in: Coffee Mug

http://www.drinksmixer.com/drink3446.html

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

Hot Grog recipe ping!

[LadyX]

**The LadyX** desires assistance!!
There I was the other night [ lost track of when it was..:( ] tidying up the mess in The Finest Famiy Room when *someone* shut me up in the broom closet!!

Could it have been Billie? Don't think so --
You, Dolly? Prolly not, since you were out looking for Oliver!
Surely not YOU, Pistov Elf!! I met you when I lived in Fairbanks in the 60's,
going to North Pole, Alaska, between town and Eielson AFB.
You were the most charming of all the elves there..:))

Think you could turn off your Pistov Mode long enough to open the closet door for me?!!!

And would someone bring me some grub, since I am famished?

Thanks in advance....

[Billie]

Sistahs Dear! We are sooooo versatile and sooooo entertaining! And such cute poler bears today. :) And most of us are wearing a little red - dutchess always was a rebel. :)

Love the hostess graphic, Lori - and the pledge is beautiful. Get well! Here go - I asked Mr. Billie to make you another hot toddy!

[LadyX]

Am currently , but will*wear* red for Friday
as soon as I am able to change clothes..:(

[DollyCali]

okay.. that sounds VERY good! I love rum.. tonic, coke, etc.. thanks

[DollyCali]

oh dear.. the BROOM closet? Lordy.. well, I guess when Hitlery needed her transportation,. you got out! You need some of PALs Grog & a massage. Maybe Mr. Billie can help you w/both!

I am off to wallyworld .. need new shop vac, a TV for mom(her's died yesterday) and to get a utility tub for laundry room. Will check Lowes for that..

Later all...

[DollyCali]

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

I thought I read that your house was cold, Mama Bear was talking about grog, & well I found a hot grog recipe. Hope it helps.

[DollyCali]

I am pretty bundled up. problem is when my feet get wet.. so I change socks./ shoes oftern

[Billie]

"It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas"

I am on my second day of Christmas decorating, so after today, consider me REALLY to be in the Christmas Spirit!

Last night after finishing the tree in the living room and putting the room back together, the bottom half of the tree went dark. :( Now I have to re-light that part all over again. Not fun. :( I think I plugged too many strings end to end - should have known better but thought just *one* more would be okay before I started another group.

Anyway, I'll be back sometime. :)

[PreviouslyA-Lurker]

What are you doing to get your feet wet?

[DollyCali]

cleaning up floods from plumbing problems in threee rooms (that is why I need new shop vac. old one died) & taking garbage out to curb (lotsa snow here)

[DollyCali]

I like both pix Billie.. I am off for some lunch prior to store runs

[Kitty Mittens]

I Hope your Cold is Getting Better, dear Lori. Prayers for you, through our Savior's Name.

Thank you for the Daily Devotionals, Mr. Mayor. That Song in Today's Devotional, "I Can Only Imagine," is One of my Favorites.

To you, dear Lady Maggie, and to All the Freeper's Finest I Wish a Beautiful and Blessed Weekend!

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Billie!
LOL! I had the same trouble with my tree lights. Make a long frustrating story short, I was almost done and some lights went dark. Now, I have no lights on my tree. LOL!

I was doing the outside, new lights, and the same thing happened. I did remedy that. No lights on tree and the outside is half done. I lost some of my putting up lights energy and will have to force myself back on the job to get it done. ;)

[GodBlessUSA]

I was just about to bring you some food but I see Dolly set you up with a lovely meal. What an ordeal. ;)

[Pistov Elf]

Ah, Dolly...you've touch this old Elf. I can tell you've trodden these paths and have learned from them.

You've earned a place on Santa's Nice List! (sniff!)

Bless you! You have some Elf qualities!

Pistov

[Molly Pitcher]

A Wintry "Hello" to everyone...

Fond memories of our lovely July visit are warming me up...

dutchess, a late happy birthday to you!

John H...hope you're back with us soon!