A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....09-14,15,16-07....T.G.I.F. at the Finest

September 14, 2007 | Billie

[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 200,000 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

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, Dolly Cali, GodBlessUSA ~




"Getting to Know You"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS


09-10,11-07 ~ Military Tribute
By Billie
Presented by The Mayor

09-12-07 ~Pretty for the People
By Billie

09-13-07 ~ Libbies, how's that MoveOn.org working?
By JohnHuang2
Presented by Billie

Have a wonderful weekend!

03-27-07 ~ Hall of Fame #19 ~ Final

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 the above in my email June 10th, 2006 - the author is unknown.
I am wearing red today and every Friday ~ Billie

[Billie]

[Billie]

[ConorMacNessa]

Great thread and Pledge, Billie! Wearing RED to support the troops!

[La Enchiladita]

Good morning, Billie!! Um, not sure who those “gals” are in the front there... care to share...:0)?

(((Finest FRiends)))

[The Mayor]

September 14, 2007

Name Upon Name

ODB RADIO: Listen Now | Download

READ: Matthew 1:1-16

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham. —Matthew 1:1

Dalton Conley, a sociologist at New York University, and his wife, Natalie Jeremijenko, have two children. Several years ago, they sought permission from the city to change their 5-year-old son’s name to Yo Xing Heyno Augustus Eisner Alexander Weiser Knuckles Jeremijenko-Conley. Actually, a lot of that name was already his, but his parents added three of the middle names. They had specific reasons for each one.

I believe that God had specific reasons for the names He included in the beginning of Matthew’s gospel. It may seem like a long, boring list of meaningless names, but those names served at least two purposes. First, they provided the framework by which true Hebrews could establish their family roots and maintain religious purity against outside influences. Second, the names reflected the sovereign work of God. They revealed God’s dealings in the past, which resulted in the birth of the Messiah. The Lord used all kinds of people in Jesus’ lineage—farmers, kings, a prostitute, adulterers, liars. When we read this list, we are reminded of God’s faithfulness.

As you think about being a part of God’s family by faith in Christ, remember His faithfulness to you and His desire to use you to bring about His purposes.

O God, grant me the strength of heart,
Of motive, and of will
To falter not but do my part
Your purpose to fulfill. —Anon.

Life’s purpose is found in a person—Jesus Christ.

Bible in One Year:   Proverbs 19-21; 2 Corinthians 7

[Lady Jag]

Wear Red to support our Troops
And celebrate our Troops and Allies
Cheers!

[MEG33]

Happy TGIF Everyone!
~Wearing Red On Friday To Support Our Troops~

[JustAmy]

Good afternoon, Billie. Neat thread. You've had a busy week. :)

Happy Red Friday.
I'm wearing red today but I support our Military everyday!

[The Mayor]

September 15, 2007

The Pharmacist

READ: 2 Samuel 12:1-14

Nathan said to David, “You are the man!” —2 Samuel 12:7

The pharmacist had a good reputation. He was a family man and a good businessman. News reports listed his worth in the millions. Yet, to increase his profits, this trusted professional began to dilute the strength of the chemotherapy drugs he was dispensing. He was caught and convicted of the crime. He left many health-care workers asking, “How could this happen?”

Some of the same questions must have been asked about King David. Known as a man after God’s own heart, he used the power of his office to take another man’s wife (2 Sam. 11). Then he conspired to take her husband’s life. The man who died was one of David’s own military officers who was away from home fighting the king’s battles.

We could look at the failures of well-known people to feel better about ourselves. But if we feel good about the wrongs of others, we don’t know ourselves. The Bible doesn’t tell us about the sins of David to weaken our sense of moral alarm, but to put all of us on notice.

The failures of others should cause us to be more aware of our own weaknesses and need for the grace of Christ. Only in the knowledge of our weakness will we be dependent on the strength of our God.

The Bible, O Lord, is just like a mirror
That shows me the need of my heart,
For in it I see an accurate image,
A portrait of me—every part. —Hess

The Bible is a mirror that reflects how God sees us.

Bible in One Year:   Proverbs 22-24; 2 Corinthians 8

[Billie]

Um, not sure who those “gals” are in the front there... care to share...:0)?

LOL! They're stylin', aren't they!

[Billie]

WOW! This is the slowest I've EVER seen it 'around here! I'm going back to sleep now. LOL

Hope everyone is having the BEST time at the Gathering of Eagles!

Loved the "picture" of Meg, Luvbo, and GeeBee in front of the White House the other day, LadyJ!

Meg, your flowers/tables have been exquisite as usual!

[La Enchiladita]

Same here, Billie... the slowest I’ve seen.
Some are at the GOE, but don’t know about the rest.

All your hard work on the threads this week has been awesome and beautiful... Thank you so much!

There is still a chance the thread could pick up today and tomorrow. So, get your needed sleep but check back.

(((Billie))) (((Finest FRiends)))

[Billie]

((((((((((dita)))))))))))

I don't mind it being slow - weekends here are not my 'thang' as a rule anyway.

Thanks for the compliments on 'my' other threads this week. Really enjoyed doing something new for a change, and the response was very nice, so I think our viewers also enjoyed looking at some new stuff for a change. :)

I need to go back and put the link to this thread at the end of Thursday's before I forget. :)

[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 Diver Dave....................cousin ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews W.W.Smith.......................son 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 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.............son, cousin auboy..........................cousin painter........................nephew Himyar.............................son jrushing.............................son LoneRedRanger...brother-in-law Ladysmith.nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend varina davis...............grandson weeder1.....................nephew MontanaCowgirlCop......brother nelibeli........................nephew fatima...............granddaughter Misty4jc.....................husband Colorado Slim..............nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews meanie monster ....family friend ProudAFDad......................son JulieRNR21.....friend's grandson Alouette.............................son Katydidnt...........................son Zechariah_8_13....brother-in-law Zechariah_8_13.............cousin PreviouslyA-Lurker........brother sheeza.......................husband kemathen7..................husband monkeyface...........2 grandsons redhead................grandnephew 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 DCBryan1................active duty Col. Mike.................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 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 PragmaticWarrior..........2 nephews Sageb1...........................3 cousins SuzyQue...mom,2 sons,3 brothers IndyPendance..daughter,soninlaw Lori from Long Island....soninlaw gonzo............................soninlaw Rivendell.......................daughter 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 TinaKirby...........................son Kudsman.......................nephew JarhedAirmanPatriot......brother TADSLOS............................son Athelass........2 sons, 2 nephews ItsForTheChildren......2 nephews dwhole2th.............................son skimask...............................son VARepublican.......................son Katydidnt..............................son oneolcop...............................son Edgewood Pilot...son, 2 nephews Trooprally.............................son 007girl.............................nephew arbee4bush ...................daughter PERKY2004...................husband SoldierDad...............son, nephew SoldierDad..............niece, cousin

[Billie]

OOPS! Link to JH2's Two Cents in the opening post above doesn't work. :( Corrected:

9-13-07 ~ JH2: Libbies, how's that MoveOn.org ad working?

[MEG33]

~~~
With You In Spirit, Eagles


~Thank You~
To All Who Serve Our Country

[Lady Jag]

Billie, it’s not the quantity of a thread but the quality. And your wonderful thread inspires quality. You do a great job. Thank you.

[MEG33]

Amen, LadyJ!

FR is slowwww today for me!

[Lady Jag]

FR seems slowest when I hit the post button. Is it the same for you?

[MEG33]

It is! I clicked on your post and got it immediately. Preview just displayed fast.Hmmm..maybe the problem is clearing up!

[MEG33]

Wrong..post still is slow.

[Lady Jag]

Not much of a geek here, do you think it’s possible they have a way of checking posts before allowing them through, therefore slowing up the post function?

[MEG33]

I think there is just a glitch somewhere ...I was on the Canteen and we were all having problems..I am going to give it a rest for awhile.

[MEG33]

Matthew 6:25
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life,
what you will eat (or drink), or about your body, what you
will wear. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing?
26 Look at the birds in the sky; they do not sow or reap, they
gather nothing into barns, yet your heavenly
Father feeds them. Are not you more important than
they?
27 Can any of you by worrying add a single moment to your life-
span?
28 Why are you anxious about clothes? Learn from the way the
wild flowers grow. They do not work or spin.
29 But I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor
was clothed like one of them.
30 If God so clothes the grass of the field, which grows
today and is thrown into the oven tomorrow, will he not
much more provide for you, O you of little faith?
31 So do not worry and say, 'What are we to eat?' or 'What are
we to drink?' or 'What are we to wear?'
32 All these things the pagans seek. Your heavenly Father
knows that you need them all.
33 But seek first the kingdom (of God) and his righteousness,
and all these things will be given you besides.
34 Do not worry about tomorrow; tomorrow will take care of
itself. Sufficient for a day is its own evil.
*
May You Have A Blessed Sunday.

[DollyCali]

On This Lord's Day

May your day have "REFLECTION"
May you avoid people who "SNARL" at you.
May you "FIERCLY DEFEND" that which you treasure.
May you not be "ALONE"
May you "LEAP BOLDLY" where you desire to travel
May your "WATERS BE CALM" & your " VISTAS MAJESTIC"

[LUV W]

[click on picture]
~~~~~~~~~
"Heaven Opened Up Its Doors"
by Jeff Russell
aka Texas Songwriter


Have a blessed Sunday

[The Mayor]

September 16, 2007

Music Inside

READ: Psalm 98

Break forth in song, rejoice, and sing praises. —Psalm 98:4

Singing comes naturally to the four von Trapp children. They are the great-grandchildren of Captain Georg von Trapp, whose romance with his second wife Maria inspired the 1965 film The Sound of Music.

After their grandfather Werner von Trapp had a stroke, the Montana siblings recorded their first CD in order to cheer him up. Soon the children were performing around the world. Stefan, the children’s father, says, “The music is inside them.”

The writer of Psalm 98 also had a song in his heart. He called on others to join him in singing “to the Lord a new song! For He has done marvelous things” (v.1). He praised God for His salvation, His righteousness, His mercy, and His faithfulness (vv.2-3). The psalmist’s heart was so overflowing with praise that he called on the earth to break forth in song, the rivers to clap their hands, and the hills to be joyful (vv.4,8).

We have much to be thankful for as well—God’s good gifts of family, friends, and His daily supply for our needs. He faithfully cares for us, His children.

We may not be able to sing well. But when we recall all that God is to us and all that He has done for us, we can’t help but “break forth in song” (v.4). -->

Praise, my soul, the King of heaven,
To His feet thy tribute bring;
Ransomed, healed, restored, forgiven,
Evermore His praises sing. —Lyte

Praise is the overflow of a joyful heart.

Bible in One Year:   Proverbs 25-26; 2 Corinthians 9

[LUV W]

Hope you’re having a great weekend and have a great week!

Thanks for our beautiful lesson from God’s Word.

[Kitty Mittens]

Billie, your Pledge Graphic on Friday is Sweet, and Meg, your Graphics and Tables are Awesome! Have a Blessed Lord's Day Everyone!

~Moon on my Shepherd's Ranch~

I will Give you Treasures Hidden in the Darkness, Secret Riches;
And you will Know that I am Doing this;
I, the LORD, the God of Israel,
The One Who Calls you by your Name.
(Ps.45:3)

[.30Carbine]

Thank you, Mayor. Living in Vermont I have had the privilege of visiting the Trapp Family Lodge and hiking/skiing trails. I've looked online for a picture of the son Werner's hand-built chapel tucked into the woods there just behind the main lodge, but can't find one, sadly. It is just a 20 minute walk or so from the house, all of stone, with a stone alter and a small hollowed stone for holy water attached to the wall just inside the entrance. The building is not more than 20 feet square. They keep a Bible there. It is possible to see the wearing of the stone floor where many pairs of knees have spent time. There are no benches except outside the heavy wooden and iron-hinged door, across the overgrown path. Light comes in through windows to either side of the alter - for the life of me I can't remember if they are clear or stained glass! My recollection is of holy ground.

They were a very devout family according to Maria's autobiography, which is quite different than the movie version of their lives.

There are a very few good pictures online here, at Amazon, from the book, The World of the Von Trapp Family, which I recommend, and here, at the Web site for the Trapp Family Lodge.

[.30Carbine]

That is awesome. Thank you for sharing that with me!

[The Mayor]

Thanks, we are having a good weekend, a little chilly for September.

[The Mayor]

Beautiful lodge, I didn’t realize that was in Vermont.

Thank you for all your information and great links.

[Lady Jag]

A Beautiful Sunday Morning

The leaves are dancing with the wind Birds are playing, chirping and singing Everyone I meet every face are grinned Happy spirits even the hearts are laughing The sun is out and there is a storm around But we are like sheltered from it inside a ball Don’t feel any pressure or hear any sound Even though we are surrounded with turmoil The music I hear is very soothing Water dashing against the solid rocks Not a sound of siren or traffic buzzing Only sounds of footsteps on the boardwalks It is a happy sensation not needing a thing Not a hunger or craving for something This calm and relaxed feeling is fulfilling I feel like singing, jiving and dancing Dance with me sing with me It is a lovely beautiful Sunday Don’t be crabby and don’t be cranky This maybe the only day we’ll feel this way Kay Barcelon

[tajgirvan]

Thank you for the ping precious KM ! The
moon in Texas looks bigger and brighter!
The Lord is Awesome in all His Works!
Praise Him Forever!

[jaycee]

Very nice poem and the little kids are so sweet!

[jaycee]

What a Wonderful World....that He gave us! Thank you, Kitty.

[jaycee]

Thank you Dolly for your words. Now, it looks like one of the dogs is a little bit angry~~LOl~~I have been under the weather and also I have had to put a little discipline in my life. I have let so much go undone and need a lot of catching up. My very favorite thing is to be here chatting with everyone but there comes a time you must get caught up.

[jaycee]

As pretty a picture that I have seen. And the Bible reading from Matthew is wonderful.

[jaycee]

I love your Pledge from the 14th. What a precious face on the young girl!

[MEG33]

Thank You
~Jaycee and Kitty~

[MEG33]

Heavenly, Kitty!

[Diver Dave]

Interesting site about the Trapp family. We have a member of the Trapp family living in this area and we attend the same church. He's also been involved in some local Veteran's Day productions for the community.

This is a replica of the Tomb at Arlington Cemetery that was used in the Veteran's Day Program in '05 that he was involved in ...

[Kitty Mittens]

Thank you All for your Compliments on my Lord's Day Post, and our Loving King Bless you for your Kindness!

Meg, your Post #41 is One of the Most Beautiful I have Ever Seen! Thank you for this Wonderful Blessing!

May Everyone's Evening be a Beautiful One, Filled with our Shepherd's Love.

[MEG33]

Thank you, Kitty and God bless you.

[The Mayor]

Please join us for our Military Tribute thread!

[.30Carbine]

Thank you for sharing that with me!

[jaycee]

Wow, Meg....can’t beat that beauty!

[jaycee]

Very pretty, Kitty~~~

[MEG33]

;o)

I love sweet peas.