A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....07-10-06....Military Monday ~ Tribute to LadyX

Billie, The Mayor

[The Mayor]

A Few of FR's Finest
....Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues; salute and support our military and our leaders;  tell a few jokes;  learn a new word;  write poetry;  pray for those in need;  and congratulate those who are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which we can express ourselves.

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 November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I could no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I had been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that didn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why we've created a place for just that. This is a friendly room in JimRob's house where FReeper FRiends can gather every day and just say hello if that's all they want to do.

There's more of course. We sometimes feature different FReepers, with a little background information on who they are and what makes them who they are, along with a few photos you might not have seen on other threads; sometimes others write an essay for us to post as the feature for the day; sometimes our presentation is a human interest story found elsewhere that you might not have read; sometimes special holiday threads; but whatever the topic of the day, it is always with FR's Finest in mind and that is YOU!

If you would like to be featured, or would like to see someone else featured, please send me a private FR mail.

Every Monday we will post the photos of FR's Military Personnel that I have collected and put into groups; these will be available to view through a link the remainder of the week - every day just a click away. :)   If you would like to add a photo of yourself or a loved one in the military, past or present, please let me know; I will hold it until I have enough for a new group.

Thank you, and please have fun with us...every day! ~ Billie

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank You For Serving Our Country!

TOP: Logos, SwedeGirl's hubby, Neil E Wright, FallGuy, 1John, Sneakypete
MIDDLE:  T'wit, COB1, LadyX, Dick Bachert, 68-69TonkinGulfYatchClub
BOTTOM:  YankeeinSC, Delta21, JoeSixPack1

TOP:  Bosniajmc, AFVetGal, Archy, A Navy Vet
MIDDLE:  4TheFlag, Aeronaut, 68Grunt, Xinga
BOTTOM:  Codger, AAABest, Clinton's A Liar, Duke809, dcwusmc

TOP:  mc5cents, Norb2569, LBGA's son, VanJenerette
MIDDLE:  Jim Robinson, KJenerette, davidosborne, KG9Kid
BOTTOM:  gwmoore, Equality7-2521, SAMWolf

TOP:  porgygirl, Phil V., MudPuppy, NorCoGOP
MIDDLE:  RaceBannon, Neets, rdb3, jwTexian
BOTTOM:  USMC Vet, TheMayor, Vineyard, rhododogma

TOP:  g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett.
MIDDLE:  fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17.
BOTTOM:  Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau.

TOP:  ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,
dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony
BOTTOM:  rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx
MIDDLE:  The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law
BOTTOM:  deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP:  spectr17, RightOnline, SERE_Doc, Tet68.
MIDDLE:  FutureSnakeEater, RightOnline's wife, CIApilot, Clamper1797
BOTTOM:  usmcobra, onedoug, DiverDave, Joe6-pack

TOP:  Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog.
MIDDLE:  Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son.
BOTTOM:  JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

TOP:  dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7, AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM:  Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad, Aomagrat.

TOP:  ladtx #2 son; DiverDave's twin Don; petuniasevan and husband
poorman; Mustard; ladtx #1 son;
BOTTOM:  AlamoGirl's brother Floyd; AG's dad; AG's brother Jim (inset);
WVNan's husband; ladtx' Aunt Eva.

TOP: Mo1's dad; BuffyT's Uncle (right, w/ her dad & grandmother); Armymarinemom's 3 sons.
MIDDLE: ru4Liberty's dad; SheLion's husband, MaineRebel; wirestripper.
BOTTOM: fivetoes; bigghurtt; hurricane; ladtx' dad; Pippin's brother.

TOP: Repubmommy's brother, Rose in RoseBear's uncle, BoxerBlues' son Chris, BoxerBlues' son Brent.
BOTTOM: Rose in RoseBear's cousin's hubby, Deadhead's stepdad, Dansy's dad, Misty's brother.

LEFT: Little Pig; TOP: hattend, Old Sarge, Aquamarine's dad.
MIDDLE: HuntsvilleTxVeteran.
BOTTOM: Its_me_K.E.T.'s son, Veloxherc, SeeRushToldU_So.




                     

07-01-06 ~ Hall of Fame #16

THE WEEKEND THREAD thru -07-7,8,9-06... T.G.I.F. at the Finest

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

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

LadyX loved Military Mondays and always came by to post some of the most inspiring stories, graphics and in true Lady X fashion, Prayers for thr protection of all our Men and Women in uniform.

I could not think of a better way to pay a Tribute to Lady X than to post Military Monday in her Honor.

I Love You Maggie, You have been an inspiration to me, a solid friend, a Spiritural guide and a True Marine.

I will Miss you more than you could ever know, but I have Faith in knowing that We will see each other again and that alone comforts my Soul.

In her own words she showed us her Faith.

It is wonderful that Our Father has gathered many together here for mutual understanding and caring. Every heart and need is lifted up, asking the Holy Spirit to be in the midst of each situation. The power in that is so uplifting!

Only with Him present can we get through life's stumbling blocks and setbacks - all the undermining work of the one who with (temporary) power on earth, seeks to separate us from God.
Learning to yield and trust and allow Him to see us through is often difficult, but when we walk in strong trust and faith, He we can see He is there.

In all things, The Timetable is His

I am wonderfully blessed and I know it,
and want to shout it from the rooftops!
LadyX

[The Mayor]

Bernie, Thank you for sharing Maggie with us. You are a truly Blessed Man.
Bernie, Maggie and WVNan

[StarCMC]

 

The Mansions of the Lord
Click the picture for music

To fallen soldiers let us sing
Where no rockets fly nor bullets wing
Our broken brothers let us bring
To the Mansions of the Lord

No more bleeding, no more fight
No prayers pleading through the night
Just divine embrace, eternal light
To the Mansions of the Lord.

Where no mothers cry and no children weep
We will stand and guard though the angels sleep
Through the ages safely keep
The Mansions of the Lord.

 

[The Mayor]

uly 10, 2006

Brains Are Not Enough

LISTEN TO ODB RADIO: Real | MP3 | WMA

READ: 1 Kings 11:1-13

Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord, and did not fully follow the Lord. —1 Kings 11:6

Why do smart people do not-so-smart things? Time after time I hear sad stories about people with high IQs who fall short in the area of moral discernment, leading to tragic results. Obviously, a good brain isn’t enough to keep a person from making bad choices.

This contradicts the belief of some that better education can solve society’s ills. The reasoning goes like this: “If we educate people about the dangers of _________, they won’t do ‘it’ and thus will be spared from unpleasant, unintended consequences.”

But experience and the Bible tell us something different. In fact, the smartest man who ever lived could serve as a poster boy for bad choices.

Ancient Israel’s King Solomon, author of much of the book of Proverbs, wrote, “Keep your heart with all diligence” (4:23) and “Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding” (14:33). Despite knowing the connection between the heart and wisdom, the king disobeyed God by marrying foreign women who “turned his heart after other gods” (1 Kings 11:4). As a result, the Lord said, “I will surely tear the kingdom away from you” (v.11).

The ability to make good decisions demands a heart devoted to God. —Julie Ackerman Link

What will it profit when life here is o’er,
Though great worldly wisdom I gain,
If seeking knowledge I utterly fail
The wisdom of God to obtain?  —Nelson

The smartest people know that God knows best.

Bible in One Year: Bible in One Year:   Job 41-42; Acts 16:22-40

[The Mayor]

Thank you Star, very touching.

[StarCMC]

One more -- I posted this in the Canteen tonight, but it belongs here as well...

 

Genre: Country

Brad Paisley & Dolly Parton - When I Get Where I'm Going

Safe for Ma and Kids? Yes

**Dedicated to the memory of LadyX and TexasCowboy.  I miss you**

Want more information about the artists we play? Perhaps
you'd like to buy concert tickets or their CDs?
Click the links below for more information!

ArtistDirect.com l Amazon.com l Ticketmaster.com l Songfacts.com l Walmart.com

[alfa6]

Thanks for the ping.

My condolences to the family of LadyX

Deepest Regards

alfa6 ;>}

[The Mayor]

Welcome Home Marines

[The Mayor]

Thanks Alfa, excellent post.

[xp38]

A toast to a life well lived....thoughts and prayers to her family and freinds.

[razorback-bert]

From this day to the ending of the world,
But we in it shall be remember'd;
We few, we happy few, we band of brothers;
For he to-day that sheds his blood with me
Shall be my brother; be he ne'er so vile,

[Mama_Bear]

Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful lady.

LadyX, you shall forever live in our hearts.

[Kathy in Alaska]

TAPS

RIP LadyX

Amazing Grace

[The Mayor]

[The Mayor]

Some of the pics she posted..

[DollyCali]

Post 2 & 3 & pledge... simply wonderful!!!!!! Thank you Rus for presenting a wonderful tribute to our dear Maggie. When you have given love freely - as did our Lady-X - it will always remain... Always!

[The Mayor]

Some of the pics she posted..

[The Mayor]

[LUV W]

THE MARINE

We all came together,
Both young and old
To fight for our freedom,
To stand and be bold.

In the midst of all evil,
We stand our ground,
And we protect our country
From all terror around.

Peace and not war,
Is what some people say.
But I'll give my life,
So you can live the American way.

I give you the right
To talk of your peace.
To stand in your groups,
and protest in our streets.

But still I fight on,
I don't bitch, I don't whine.
I'm just one of the people
Who is doing your time.

I'm harder than nails,
Stronger than any machine.
I'm the immortal soldier,
I'm a U.S. MARINE!

So stand in my shoes,
And leave from your home.
Fight for the people who hate you,
With the protests they've shown.

Fight for the stranger,
Fight for the young.
So they all may have,
The greatest freedom you've won.

Fight for the sick,
Fight for the poor
Fight for the cripple,
Who lives next door.

But when your time comes,
Do what I've done.
For if you stand up for freedom,
You'll stand when the fight's done.

By: Corporal Aaron M. Gilbert, US Marine Corps
USS SAIPAN, PERSIAN GULF

~~~~~~~~~~~

IN HONOR OF A BRAVE MARINE
REST IN PEACE LADY X

[The Mayor]

[LUV W]

Absolutely beautiful thread, Rus. It brings back such memories of her by seeing the pictures she posted with her wonderful stories. Thank you for this tribute to a wonderful person. I was honored to have known her.

[Mama_Bear]

This is for Maggie.
I know she enjoyed Andrea Bocelli's music,
and this song in particular.
Click on the angel.

[LUV W]

She was beautiful...inside and outside!

[DaBearOne]

thank you i wish i could have got to know her better

[bobbyd]

RIP LadyX

[JustAmy]

Beautiful, Rus. I'm glad you have dedicated Military Monday to our Lady Marine.

Rest in peace, Lady.
We will be here for you family.
Our Heavenly Father, please comfort Bernie and the family.


Music for LadyX.

[LUV W]

((((hugs))))...you (and her children, grandchildren, etc.)were her life. You knew her better than any of us. God bless and keep you as you go on alone. Although, with the memories you shared, you will never be truly alone...she walks beside you whenever you think of her.

I wish I had been given the chance to know her better. She was a lovely person.

[Mama_Bear]

Maggie loved finding cute bear graphics for me and was caretaker of the "Bear Family Album" here in the Finest Family Room. This little praying bear was a gift from her. He has been praying his heart out recently on Maggie's Prayer Thread and he continues to pray that God will comfort those who love her with His Perfect Peace.

[DaBearOne]

you are right that is the cutest bear


thank you for dedicating monday to her but what is it?

[LowOiL]

Well dang... I had visited the thread a few weeks ago and everyone seem to think she was getting better...

Goodbye LadyX, hope to see ya someday soon... for a long time..

Salute

[MEG33]

You have been an inspiration and a joy.
You strengthened my faith
You enriched my life.
I thank God for knowing you, Maggie.
I know they are rejoicing in Heaven to have you Home.

[Billie]

Thank you for this tribute to Maggie, Rus. I've included some Freepers in my ping who may no longer be here, but over the years they had a *story* with LadyX, and just on the chance they might see this.....

[Mama_Bear]

thank you for dedicating monday to her but what is it?

"Military Monday" is the day of the week that we dedicate to honoring our military, past and present, here at "A Few of FR's Finest". "The Mayor" posts the thread each Monday that Billie created with photos of military Freepers and Freepers family members who have served or who are currently serving. If you scroll to the top of the thread you will see the tables she has created featuring our "Finest" military.

Rus (The Mayor) had the wonderful idea that we should dedicate today's Military Monday thread in honor of our Marine, LadyX. It is fitting that a tribute to Maggie should be here. She was a steadfast supporter of the Finest thread and, in particular, the Military Monday threads.

[DaBearOne]

http://www.kinkadecapitola.com/images/good_shepherds_cottage.jpg

if you go here it shows my favorite picture by Thomas Kinkade, this is how she went except she ran up to the lord

[Billie]

Maggie's last post.....

05/14/2006 6:18:16 PM CDT

Afraid more thunderstorms are headed my way, so I'd better get offline. Blessings to everyone this wonderful day in May!!

[MEG33]

((((((((((Billie)))))))))) Just beautiful..Amen.

[Billie]

She loved this little bear graphic, too.

[Brad's Gramma]

Rest in His peace, dear Maggie. Thank you for all you taught us, by showing us His love shining through your life.

You have fought the good fight. You are Home. We love you and miss you...and we WILL see you again.

[Mama_Bear]

That was lovely, Billie. :-)

[Billie]

Thank you, Meg. I'm really going to miss her, but I sure know I'm not the only one.

I need to get to bed. Have a poem to post for NNB in the morning, but haven't put it together with picture yet.

Nite-nite. Love to all.

[Billie]

Thank you, Lori. I'll be back in the morning. Hugs.

[trussell]

 

 

 

LadyX
Never Forgotten

 
 

Maggie...

You touched so many hearts. You will be missed

We will cry selfish tears while we mourn your passing. Heaven is rejoicing in gaining another angel.

 

 

 

[MEG33]

It is beautiful, Bernie.. I know Maggie had fought the good fight and she had finished the course..I treasure the time I got to know her through the Finest. She will be missed so much.
HUGS, prayers and love go out to you and all your family.

[Purple Mountains Maj]

Song titled: Maggie

For all Maggie's Fam I can't recall Roger's SN...

[Purple Mountains Maj]

One of my Fave posts from Maggie.
& it bears repeating on this
Maggie Tribute Thread today.
All Maggie's Fam included in my ping...


"Posted by LadyX to Purple Mountains Maj; Mama_Bear; Kitty Mittens; WVNan; The Mayor; Diver Dave; Dubya; MEG33; ...
On News/Activism 05/07/2006 6:04:07 PM PDT · 149 of 163

Quiet evening in The Finest Family Room.
Posting thought-provoking mail received from
my dear friend of 34 years in Florida....

+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + +

THE SCARS OF LIFE
Some years ago, on a hot summer day in south Florida, a little boy decided to go for a swim in the old swimming hole behind his house. In a hurry to dive into the cool water, he ran out the back door, leaving behind shoes, socks, and shirt as he went.

He flew into the water, not realizing that as he swam toward the middle of the lake, an alligator was swimming toward the shore.

His father working in the yard saw the two as they got closer and closer together. In utter fear, he ran toward the water, yelling to his son as loudly as he could. Hearing his voice, the little boy became alarmed and made a U-turn to swim to his father. It was too late. Just as he reached his father, the alligator reached him. From the dock, the father grabbed his little boy by the arms just as the alligator snatched his legs. That began an incredible tug-of-war between the two. The alligator was much stronger than the father, but the father was much too passionate to let go. A farmer happened to drive by, heard his screams, raced from his truck, took aim and shot the alligator.

Remarkably, after weeks and weeks in the hospital, the little boy survived. His legs were extremely scarred by the vicious attack of the animal. And, on his arms, were deep scratches where his father's fingernails dug into his flesh in his effort to hang on to the son he loved.

The newspaper reporter who interviewed the boy after the trauma, asked if he would show him his scars. The boy lifted his pant legs. And then, with obvious pride, he said to the reporter, "But look at my arms. I have great scars on my arms, too. I have them because my Dad wouldn't let go."

You and I can identify with that little boy. We have scars, too. No, not from an alligator, but the scars of a painful past. Some of those scars are unsightly and have caused us deep regret.
But, some wounds, my friend, are because God has refused to let go. In the midst of your struggle, He's been there holding on to you.

The Scripture teaches that God loves you. You are a child of God. He wants to protect you and provide for you in every way But sometimes we foolishly wade into dangerous situations, not knowing what lies ahead.

The swimming hole of life is filled with peril - and we forget that the enemy is waiting to attack.

That's when the tug-of-war begins - and if you have the scars of His love on your arms, be very, very grateful.

He did not and will not ever let you go.

Never judge another persons scars, because you don't know how they got them.


+ + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + + "

[Purple Mountains Maj]

"

From your dearest Maggie! Meant for Roger too!

[dixie sass]

This is a hard "Finest" to take part in. Besides being fellow SandLappers and conservatives, Maggie and I found that we had a lot in common. She was my older cousin as is WVNan, both of whom are great examples to me.

Maggie was a special Lady and one whom I looked up to and admired. I looked forward to the special emails from her with smippets of information about her life and also about the children and grandchildren and the family and dreaded the ones where she told us about the progress she was making with her illness.

Although we never met in person, we felt as though we shared family, etc.

Dearest Cuz, I will miss you. Thank you for being in my life for this brief time. It seemed like we knew each other all of our lives.

[dixie sass]

How pretty, Billie.

[dixie sass]

Yes, she would and telling him wonderful tales of friends and family she left behind.

She would be telling us not to grieve but to rejoice, wouldn't she?

Scratch the cat's ears for me, Bernie and give him some extra hugs.