1 posted on 03/26/2007 10:48:17 PM PDT by Billie

To: ST.LOUIE1; dutchess; DollyCali; GodBlessUSA; Aquamarine; The Mayor; JustAmy; Mama_Bear; MEG33; ...

2 posted on 03/26/2007 10:49:12 PM PDT by Billie

Very, very late - I will be back in a few hours. G'nite if anyone's around!

3 posted on 03/26/2007 10:50:57 PM PDT by Billie

Howdy, Miss Bluebird.

The Finest will always be the best.

Finest Freepers, Finest FRiends, best coffee clutch there ever was.

Thank you ... )

4 posted on 03/26/2007 10:54:15 PM PDT by jwfiv

Good night, Billie...thank you for all your very hard work.

I need to go, too. See you next time we cross paths here on the Finest!

5 posted on 03/26/2007 10:56:38 PM PDT by LUV W (The War On Terror--not a clash between civilizations....it is a clash ABOUT civilization--Rush L.)

Great looking table Billie. The last Hall of Fame thread plus a few changes here and there.

We're not going away, and we hope you will continue to find The Finest a friendly place to come by and visit every day. However, for the time being at least, we are cutting back the number of threads per week and will run each one more than one day. We still plan to post a new thread every once in a while (probably when you least expect it), so don't forget to check us out....every day! :)

Waaay back on 6-24-02, I developed a habit that I haven't been able to shake - stopping by FR's Finest... every day.

Some things never change, so I'll still be stopping by for some coffee and chit-chat with FRiends. Who knows, I might even write another story for y'all?!?

6 posted on 03/26/2007 11:29:22 PM PDT by Diver Dave

Thank you so much, Billie, for all you've done and continue to do to make The Finest... the finest!!

This is a great place to meet friends and totally relax, sharing a bit of this'n'that.

Yesterday (Monday) seemed to be a day of change and upheaval, happened at my workplace too. As much as we don't like change, sometimes it needs to happen. I often wondered how The Sistahs and The Mayor could keep up the pace ... putting up so many threads per week.

I like the new plan and I plan to be part of it!!!

(((HUGS))) ((((BILLIE))))

7 posted on 03/27/2007 12:18:22 AM PDT by La Enchiladita (Hunter/Poe 2008 "Once again, our government is on the wrong side of the border war")

Good Morning Billie, All!!

Oh my goodness you scared me for a minute there, :)
I thought oh no don't take away my most favorite of places on FR.

What would I do without John Huang essay, Military Monday, Warm fuzzy Wed, Wear red on Fri, and all the friends that brighten my day with their adorable heartwarming pictures, like Dear, KittyMittens, Meg, Billie, and so many of you,
Kudo's to all of you talented, creative ones.

What a relief to hear I can still share and care here!!

8 posted on 03/27/2007 5:12:41 AM PDT by stopem (God Bless the U.S.A the Troops who protect her, and their Commander In Chief !)

Good Morning (((Billie )))

Thank you so much for the Finest, a warm welcoming place for FRiends to visit. We share honoring our Military and share life stories. I met so many incredible FRiends on this thread. Thank you for all you do! I appreciate all you have taught us and for including me.

This is so lovely and I bookmarked to enjoy reading the creative threads made from all the hostesses. Although there won't be as many threads, I'll still be here as much as I am now to enjoy the Finest. :)

9 posted on 03/27/2007 6:08:21 AM PDT by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You!. It Prayers said for our Heroes!)

We miss you Dolly!

I hope your computer troubles get fixed soon so you can return! It's hard without computer isn't it. I remember not having one for a time. I couldn't stand it.

10 posted on 03/27/2007 6:12:32 AM PDT by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You!. It Prayers said for our Heroes!)

To: ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dutchess; DollyCali; GodBlessUSA; Mrs Mayor; Mama_Bear; Aquamarine; JustAmy; ...

March 27, 2007

Unlikely Heroes

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Judges 2:7-19

The Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the hand of those who plundered them. —Judges 2:16

The book of Judges is an account of God’s people descending into spiritual indifference and rebellion. After the death of Joshua and his peers, the next generation “forsook the Lord God of their fathers, . . . and they followed other gods from among the gods of the people who were all around them” (Judg. 2:12).

This dismal record of wavering allegiance hardly seems the place to find spiritual heroes, yet four people from Judges—Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah (chs. 4–16)—are named in the New Testament book of Hebrews (11:32). Along with Noah, Abraham, Moses, and other notables, they are commended for their faith.

Judges, however, presents these men as flawed people who nevertheless responded to God’s call during a time of spiritual darkness in their culture. The Bible honors them for their faith, not for their perfection. They were recipients of God’s grace as surely as we are.

In every generation, God raises up people who are true to Him and to His Word. The measure of their lives and of ours is not the absence of failure but the presence of God’s gracious forgiveness and the faith to obey His call. All of God’s champions are unlikely heroes.

Heaven’s heroes never carve their name
On marbled columns built for earthly fame;
They build instead a legacy that springs
Out of a life lived for the King of kings. —Gustafson

Faith in Christ can make extraordinary heroes out of ordinary people.

Bible in One Year: Judges 1-3; Luke 4:1-30

11 posted on 03/27/2007 6:27:55 AM PDT by The Mayor ( http://albanysinsanity.com/)

That is an awesome Pledge Billie!

12 posted on 03/27/2007 6:29:55 AM PDT by The Mayor ( http://albanysinsanity.com/)

To: ST.LOUIE1; Billie; dutchess; DollyCali; Aquamarine; The Mayor; JustAmy; Mama_Bear; deadhead; ...

"To know someone here or there with whom you can feel there is understanding in spite of distances or thoughts expressed ~ That can make life a garden." ~Goethe~

13 posted on 03/27/2007 6:31:57 AM PDT by GodBlessUSA (US Troops, Past, Present and Future, God Bless You and Thank You!. It Prayers said for our Heroes!)

To: GodBlessUSA; La Enchiladita; Mrs.Nooseman; LUV W; DollyCali; The Mayor; MEG33; ConorMacNessa; ...

Good morning, Y'all. Busy day for me since I as off on Friday and yesterday. Have fun.

14 posted on 03/27/2007 7:02:27 AM PDT by beachn4fun (Do not think our patience has no end. (beachy 3/22/07))

To: GodBlessUSA; beachn4fun

Good morning to you both..

15 posted on 03/27/2007 7:18:34 AM PDT by The Mayor ( http://albanysinsanity.com/)

Beautiful Ms. Billie. Have a great and awesome day.

16 posted on 03/27/2007 7:30:16 AM PDT by Texagirl4W (Jesus came to forgive sin, not to accept sin.)

Well, good morning! Your posts (too few lately) still put a smile on this face. :)

17 posted on 03/27/2007 8:11:36 AM PDT by Billie

To: LUV W; GodBlessUSA; Kitty Mittens; stopem; Purple Mountains Maj; PreviouslyA-Lurker

Thanks, Luvbo - we'll still put our red clothes on and cruise around the neighborhood on Fridays. :)

18 posted on 03/27/2007 8:15:36 AM PDT by Billie

Thank you, Dave, and thank you for the wonderful stories you share with us. I look forward to the next one (you mentioned it a couple of weeks ago, and I'm holding you to it!) :)

19 posted on 03/27/2007 8:18:58 AM PDT by Billie

To: La Enchiladita; Finest FRiends; All

Thank you, Dita. I really appreciate your post, and all who have given so much of their time here. Have been editing the text in the regular threads a bit:

Military Monday: Will now be called Military Tribute. Rus will still post it every Monday; it will run Monday and Tuesday.
Warm Fuzzy Wednesday: No real changes, though it may be repeated on Thursdays if John doesn't have an essay. Any "new" post/thread we do will be posted in place of WFW.
TGIF at the Finest: No noticible changes. Will still be posted on Friday and run through Sunday.

20 posted on 03/27/2007 8:34:37 AM PDT by Billie

Good morning! I didn't mean to give you a scare. :) Wanted to get everyone's attention, and also changed up the opening backgrounds, etc. to further draw attention to the changes in store beginning next week. (((((((stopem)))))))

21 posted on 03/27/2007 8:59:19 AM PDT by Billie

Good morning, li'l sistah! You have been such a bright shining addition, and I really appreciate your willingness to continue posting some of the regular threads, as well as creating new ones occasionally! :)

So, next week, I'll do WFW and TGIF - will you take the following week's WFW and TGIF? I know you're posting TGIF this weekend. :)

22 posted on 03/27/2007 9:04:29 AM PDT by Billie

Thank you, Rus! Thanks for our weekly Military Tributes and our daily devotionals with morning coffee!

23 posted on 03/27/2007 9:07:17 AM PDT by Billie

To: GodBlessUSA; DollyCali

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy all the sweet little gifs you post throughout all our threads, GeeBee. :)

Dolly, if you get a chance to look in today - we're missing you! Hope that the computer woes are fixed soon.

24 posted on 03/27/2007 9:14:47 AM PDT by Billie

25 posted on 03/27/2007 9:16:57 AM PDT by Billie

Thank you so much, Texagirlfriend. Hope your day is the best!

26 posted on 03/27/2007 9:25:46 AM PDT by Billie

To: ST.LOUIE1; dutchess; GodBlessUSA; Aquamarine; The Mayor; JustAmy; Mama_Bear; MEG33; deadhead; ...

Dolly is still unable to access the internet at home and visited the library to check in with us via email. She asked me to say hello and she misses everyone and will be back as soon as she can!

Hurry back, Dolly!

(She said I could post her message)

what a lovely thread Billie. I am at library & can see it but can't post. OUr library considers it a chat room & so will not permit registration

As I key this in, I note the teenager next to me on four or five chat rooms at the same time "chatting"

grrrr.

beautiful graphics & beautiful thread. Please know you can count on me when needed (WHEN I EVER GET MY COMPUTER BACK!)

Post my "hello's" to the thread please? or copy & paste this..

Missing you all a lot!

27 posted on 03/27/2007 10:15:51 AM PDT by Billie

"To know someone here or there with whom you can feel there is understanding in spite of distances or thoughts expressed ~ That can make life a garden." ~Goethe~

I agree...((Hugs))

28 posted on 03/27/2007 10:27:09 AM PDT by La Enchiladita (Hunter/Poe 2008 "Once again, our government is on the wrong side of the border war")

My favorite color - Purple. This makes me feels special.

29 posted on 03/27/2007 10:44:33 AM PDT by Texagirl4W (Jesus came to forgive sin, not to accept sin.)

To: Billie; DollyCali; Finest FRiends; All

Sweet (((((Billie))))), Thank you and my Finest FRiends for All the Fun and Happy Times I've had Here! When I Signed On to FR in the Summer of '04, Dolly Invited me to the Finest, and I Found the Most Wonderful People Here! Our Sweet Lady Maggie Took me Under her Wing and Taught me how to Post Graphics and Use Colors and Fonts, and she is a Representative to me of the Kindness of our Finest Family. I Love the People of this Wonderful Place!

During the Many Months I was Experiencing Unrelenting, Severe Back Pain, the Finest was a Bright Point in that Darkened Time of my Life. Our Lord has Many Ministers of His Grace and Goodness, and your Ministry of Bringing Sunshine and Joy to Others is Very Appreciated, Dear Billie, and I'm Grateful Beyond Words.

May our Lord Evermore Bless you, Dear Finest FRiends!

30 posted on 03/27/2007 11:00:55 AM PDT by Kitty Mittens

Hi billie. Lovely presentation for our final Hall of Fame. The background is so elegant! Boy how time flys!

My computer at work has been down for almost 1 1/2 weeks. Still under warrantly but the parts did not arrive until today. Tech due here this afternoon. Needless to say it's been a living hell!!! (right now I'm typing from my office managers 'puter) Need to run!

((((billie))))

31 posted on 03/27/2007 11:01:33 AM PDT by dutchess

Thank you, Sweet (((((stopem)))))!

32 posted on 03/27/2007 11:14:17 AM PDT by Kitty Mittens

Hi Billie! You are the epitome of the FReeper Hall of Fame. Thank you for all of your hard work.

33 posted on 03/27/2007 11:28:28 AM PDT by Temple Owl (Excelsior! Onward and upward.)

My favorite color - Purple. This makes me feels special.

Purple = regal! And you are special. :)

34 posted on 03/27/2007 12:06:10 PM PDT by Billie

To: Kitty Mittens

Thank you, Kitty. Your posts are always beautiful and inspirational, and we're happy you are here. Can't help but think how much Maggie would be enjoying today's thread, perusing some of the old threads and reminiscing. Thanks for the beautiful bouquet. I'm glad you learned how to post graphics and different colors and fonts. It can really dress up a post. :)

35 posted on 03/27/2007 12:12:46 PM PDT by Billie

Hey, dutchess! Thank you - figured I'd change up the Hall of Fame background tables for this one and make it stand out from the rest, or the announcement might not even be noticed. :)

I didn't realize your work computer had been down for so long. (I might have been tempted to take my laptop to work) LOL

36 posted on 03/27/2007 12:42:48 PM PDT by Billie

To: Billie; The Mayor; DollyCali; ST.LOUIE1; Aquamarine; dutchess; Mama_Bear; Allegra; lonestar; ...

It's Bluebonnet Time in Texas!

What a beautiful thread, Billie! I put the link in Freepmail to keep.
I was worried at first reading but see, my concerns are not needed. I have such gratitude to you, Billie, for all the things you do on and off the scene. I am so thankful for those who post threads and keep the Finest going..I love this wonderful gathering place for FRiends.

37 posted on 03/27/2007 12:43:59 PM PDT by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES.)

Awww, it's my favorite owl. Thank you, Temple. How's that little PeeWee?

38 posted on 03/27/2007 12:46:33 PM PDT by Billie

Well, there you are! I was beginning to worry 'cause Meg's not here yet! :)

Thank you, Meg; I appreciate you more than you know, too. You decorate the Finest with your posts like it's a Museum of Art - or the famed Botanical Gardens. :)

39 posted on 03/27/2007 12:53:36 PM PDT by 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; Dutchess; DollyCali; The Mayor; GodBlessUSA; ,
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.

gator girl........................husband
severa............husband, brother
Maigrey.........................cousin
mystery-ak...........son, husband
Inspectorette.......................son
Blessed American..........nephew
Slip18..........................nephew
Diver Dave........niece, nephew
ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews
Pippin............niece's husband
sneakers..........................son
weldgophardline.................son
weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw
jamaly.................brotherinlaw
Future Snake Eater.......cousin
WaterDragon............grandson
WaterDragon...........son-in-law
kimmie7......................brother
LadyX (RIP)..............grandson
fawn796......................nephew
ValerieUSA..................2 sons
Lakeside......................2 sons
LakeLady....................nephew
Spruce......................daughter
Bykrbayb..........................son
Leofl.................................son
chena...............................son
Hope and Glory..................son
TheMayor...............friends'son
Doug from Upland.......soninlaw
homeschoolmama........nephew
ariamne...................2 cousins
mhking.........................cousin
911angelady.................2 sons
Consort.................2 daughters
Consort...................son-in-law
gonzo...................friend's son
Jen's Mom.................daughter
Meg33......................grandson
cookcounty......................son
JFC............................nephew
visualops......................cousin
auboy..........................cousin
painter........................nephew
Himyar.............................son
jrushing.............................son
LoneRedRanger...brother-in-law
Ladysmith.nephew, friend's son
tina07......soninlaw & his friend
MontanaCowgirlCop......brother
nelibeli........................nephew
fatima...............granddaughter
Misty4jc.....................husband
Colorado Slim..............nephew
Tapatio....................2 nephews
ProudAFDad......................son
JulieRNR21.....friend's grandson
Scubachick.................husband
Alouette.............................son
Katydidnt...........................son
Zechariah_8_13....brother-in-law
Zechariah_8_13.............cousin
PreviouslyA-Lurker........brother
sheeza.......................husband
kemathen7..................husband
Q6-God..................twin brother
Q6-God....................active duty
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
thumperusn..............active duty
Veloxherc.................active duty
Don Simmons...........active duty
wingnutx...................active duty
CGblue.....................active duty
bigghurtt...................active duty
frankiep....................active duty
veeceeque................active duty
JRios1968................active duty
NoLongerFreeState...active duty
CMS........................active duty
AlaskaErik...............active duty
JemiansTerror...........active duty
tongue-tied ..............active duty
txradioguy................active duty
Hoosiersailor ...........active duty

OhioWfan................................son
ladtx..................................2 sons
Its_me_K.E.T.........................son
Hostel............................cousin
MozartLover...........son, nephew
ak_daddoo........................nephew
Dubya............................nephew
LBGA (RIP)..........................son
katykelly..............................son
Armymarinemom................3 sons
american_ranger.....................son
SpookBrat........................nephew
SpookBrat........................cousin
boxerblues........................2 sons
the piper..............................son
Tiffee4Bob......................boyfriend
TexKat.......................son, step-son
StarCMC.............................brother
Darheel...............................niece
Donaeus...........................nephew
BeAllYouCanBe........................son
Repubmommy........................brother
AgThorn................................2 sons
kneezles.................................son
RoseinRoseBear.....cousin's hubby
Atomic Conspiracy......half-brother
Atomic Conspiracy...........nephew
Atomic Conspiracy..............niece
Sunflowergal....................grandson
mrstank..............................husband
MrsMike31........................husband
spotbust1............................husband
campfollower............................fiance
LUV W........................................son
SilentServiceCPOWife........husband
DirtyHarryY2K......................daughter
DirtyHarryY2K................son-in-law
Skimask.....................................son
Palladin...............................grandson
MississippyMuddy...................sister
MississippyMuddy........2 nephews
Kramster...............................stepson
Socratic.............................nephew
freema.......................nephew, son
Azbushgal..............................son
kimmykay.................................son
NavySEAL F-16........................son
repubmom...............................son
wolfcreek..........................daughter
JesseJane ...........................cousin
Roses0508..............................son
pmmd81..................................son
SoldiersPrayingMom.................son
WakeUpandVote..................brother
Skyraider.................................son
CyberAnt...........................nephew
mrs tiggywinkle...................cousin
Nadine...............................nephew
U S Army EOD.................daughter
thehumanlynx...........brother-in-law
Earthdweller......................nephew
ChairmanDec19thSociety ..brotherinlaw
Anthem............................2 cousins
meanie monster .........family friend
PragmaticWarrior..........2 nephews
Sageb1...........................3 cousins
SuzyQue...mom,2 sons,3 brothers
weeder1...........................nephew
IndyPendance..daughter,soninlaw
Lori from Long Island....soninlaw
monkeyface...............2 grandsons
redhead...................grandnephew
gonzo............................soninlaw
varina davis...................grandson
Rivendell.......................daughter
W.W.Smith...........................son
vigilante2.....son, adopted soldier
NavySEAL F-16....................son
Jaxter...........................son-in-law
USMCWife6869..............husband
AgThorn & Lily4Jesus.............son
2ndDivisionVet..........brotherinlaw
2ndDivVet.....former stepdaughter
GrandEagle........................friend
DebWisconsin.................nephew
jackv....................................son
prophetic.................brotherinlaw
GulfWar1Vet.................2 cousins
Tina Kirby...........................son
Kudsman.......................nephew
JarhedAirmanPatriot......brother
TADSLOS............................son

40 posted on 03/27/2007 12:54:59 PM PDT by Billie

;0)
This student loves praise from her teacher..

I stayed too long at my paper chase project..I keep finding more I need to do..

41 posted on 03/27/2007 1:00:01 PM PDT by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES.)

Thank you, (((stopem)))..I would miss this gathering so much!

42 posted on 03/27/2007 1:05:02 PM PDT by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES.)

{{{{HUGS}}}}
I hope you get your computer working
soon..We are missing you!

43 posted on 03/27/2007 1:56:21 PM PDT by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES.)

To: MEG33; Billie; Texas Songwriter; Colonel_Flagg; dutchess; DollyCali; ST.LOUIE1; JustAmy; ...

[click on picture]
That Sweet Bluebonnet Day
Texas Songwriter
aka Jeff Russell

44 posted on 03/27/2007 2:22:38 PM PDT by LUV W (The War On Terror--not a clash between civilizations....it is a clash ABOUT civilization--Rush L.)

We miss you, Dolly, and hope you have your computer up and running again soon!

((((hugs))))

45 posted on 03/27/2007 2:50:57 PM PDT by LUV W (The War On Terror--not a clash between civilizations....it is a clash ABOUT civilization--Rush L.)

Hi Billie. Beautiful opener and opening graphics today, your talent has no limits.

Thanks to you and everyone else who takes the time and effort to make this place so special, I've had a blast here over the years. Am glad I'll be able to pop into The Finest in the future to visit with the some of the same smiling faces.

46 posted on 03/27/2007 3:11:12 PM PDT by Aquamarine

To: All; Billie; Aquamarine; dutchess; Temple Owl; jwfiv; Diver Dave; Kitty Mittens; MEG33; ...

Hi Billie and all,

The Finest has a very special place in my heart and always will. I am so grateful to have "met" so many kind folks here. Shared laughs and tears with others here at the the Finest. I am not here as often as I use to be, I do lurk every now and again. Thank you, Billie for what you have brought to Free Republic, a home on the internet 'FR's Finest'. Thank you to all who have been part of the Finest, happy to have "met" all of you.

Brought my pup, Lucy to work last week. LOL, here she is and if there are any VOLS fans out there....she was hoping they beat the Buckeyes....OK...deadhead and Lucy are ducking, we know there are a lot of Buckeye fans out there. Am cheering on Duncan Hunter for 2008. Will continue to check up on the Finest and see how everyone is doing. Peace to all..

47 posted on 03/27/2007 4:06:34 PM PDT by deadhead (God Bless Our Troops and Veterans)

Lucy is a spitting image of our boy Peewee. Could they be twins? I hope Lucy is better behaved than our lovable nutcase. lol

48 posted on 03/27/2007 4:33:46 PM PDT by Temple Owl (Excelsior! Onward and upward.)

What a cutie! Hope you and Lucy are having a nice spring!

Good to see you!

49 posted on 03/27/2007 4:43:26 PM PDT by LUV W (The War On Terror--not a clash between civilizations....it is a clash ABOUT civilization--Rush L.)

Oh my, is Peewee still misbehaving,,, LOL

Lucy and Peewee look a lot alike, they must be related. I see a little bit of Ink in both of them....Freeper Pups :-)

50 posted on 03/27/2007 4:46:20 PM PDT by deadhead (God Bless Our Troops and Veterans)

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