Free Republic

This is an encouragement to all my "Freepers" keeping the faith and hanging on. Breaking down how we must be the change , we can't wait on government

From Team HC: Please take a moment to write Mr. Cain a note or record a short video sharing why you feel it is important for him to stay in the race and become the next President of the United States of America! We must unite and show Mr. Cain that he is not alone in this fight, but that WE THE PEOPLE stand firmly beside him and behind him! http://www.hermancain.com/encouragement Apollo5600: I'm starting to get the feeling that Cain's staff are doing their best to keep Cain encouraged. It's quite tragic what is happening to Cain and our political...

Stop and listen to the King , Just wait upon me and let your Lifesong sing , For I own your part in My Tapestry , But it is for Me to reveal and you to see , Every color each and every stroke , A painting " Alive " and as you receive it I then invoke ! My breath of virtue into your every day , So when you arise you come to me first and "say" , " What is it Oh Lord that you desire of me ? " , "Show me where I am the...

I wonder how many of our friends who’ve come to that dark crossroads in their lives and decided upon the path to death would not have chosen it had we been more purposeful or available to them. I’ve learned of or known several people over the past couple years who have made the decision to prematurely end their lives, based apparently upon utter hopelessness. I learned of one this morning — a teenage girl who last week reached the end of hope and saw nothing good on the other side.

Last night I had the opportunity for the first time to see the Passion Play. Aside from the positive message presented in the play, what struck me most about the performance was the number of local actors involved and the ramifications that such a number of Christians equipped to share Christ’s message could have on the local region.

I wonder how many of our friends who’ve come to that dark crossroads in their lives and decided upon the path to death would not have chosen it had we been more purposeful or available to them. I’ve learned of or known several people over the past couple years who have made the decision to prematurely end their lives, based apparently upon utter hopelessness. I learned of one this morning — a teenage girl who last week reached the end of hope and saw nothing good on the other side. Having been at the edge of this hope myself, only...

Isn’t it ironic that as children we’re in such a hurry to grow up, then when we get there and realize it that we sometimes wish we could go back? At what point in human development do we stop giggling and looking at the world around us with such awe and wonder? What is it about the aging process that makes us so serious?

There are ways to be measured by Me , For you are My Temple through which I see , So remain Pure and Holy and True , And I will come and fill you , For I AM the Light your Lantern bears , I AM the FIRE for the tares , I AM THE WAY THE LIGHT THE TRUTH , And it is I that Fill you with ETERNAL YOUTH . THE MASTER CRAFTSMAN I AM measuring my Temple for it must be precise , In Pureness and Wholeness in Righteousness , in Life ! So come to the...

My will is for you to walk in my wholeness in " TRUE " virtue but what if I search your heart and find guile between you and another ?! Do you see when I say you must be born again this is not a one time thing for you must be in constant peace with the bretheren to be able "yeah" to be dressed in my righteousness for even my servant Moses was attacked by the hearts of the people in many ways yet he held back his heart to render mine even when Korah stood against him ,...

“How do you become okay with yourself?” How would you answer this question? A young woman who is going through a difficult time posed this question to me recently. Before I set my eyes upon Jesus, I could not have answered her. Growing up during the 60s, I never felt I was okay, at least by society’s standards. According to the dictionary, the word okay has the following meanings: all right, satisfactory, acceptable and adequate. Even as an adult, I had a hard time accepting myself, faults and all. Things changed in my late 40s when I began searching for...

The Gulf Coast states did not need another disaster to deal with, but the bad news just keeps on coming. People were killed when the British Petroleum oil platform exploded, along with what will be the worst oil spill in history. As we hear the news each day about the difficulty in stopping the spread of the oil spill in the Gulf, and the impending dangers to wildlife, fisheries, businesses and the coastal states, we become more and more frustrated because there is nothing most of us can do individually to help the situation. We can only pray for the...

Most of us possess several gifts from our Heavenly Father but are we making the most of them? We start each morning with great ambitions, but reminders of prior faults and inadequacies may cause us to neglect some gifts.

When I was a kid, I loved superheroes. I had a large toy box in my bedroom with no toys in it – just comic books. I can still recall being told to go clean up my room (since comics were strewn all over the floor like a shiny, variegated carpet). Half an hour or so later, when my parents would come to check on my progress, what do you think they found? Yep. Me, sitting in the midst of a superhero sea, reading a comic book. The dialogue went something like, “I told you to pick up your comics,...

As readers of The Up Blog know, I don’t write many personal posts mentioning my life or family. But before you view what will be one of the most inspirational videos you ever watch (if you enjoy humor and sappiness), I wanted to fill you in an a few details that caused me to find it. My wife and I are church planters. We have dedicated our life to helping people know Jesus. We befriend many people who have felt rejected at church and decided to leave. We have gathered these new friends into “Bible Study” ” Better Man” “Better...

NAWA, Afghanistan, Dec. 18, 2009 – An irrigation ditch bisects the main thoroughfare of this town in Helmand province, and shops line each side of the street. U.S. Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, speaks to villagers during a market walk in Nawa, Afghanistan, Dec. 17, 2009. DoD photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley   (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The shops sell everything from fresh vegetables to livestock to snack foods and transistor radios. The town looks like nothing special, but it is. The chairman of the Joint...

How were your first few weeks of school? Did everything go as planned? Did you have to tweak your schedule? Are you in a routine now? Our first couple of weeks were rather unusual. You see, it was the first time we were schooling with a young toddler and dealing with middle school. And somehow, all my plans that looked so good on paper didn’t quite make it when they were translated to real life. My toddler wanted to join us at the “big” table. But her idea of school was pulling the books off the table as quickly as...

I have a canteen sitting on a bookshelf in my office. It is a reminder of what I carry with me each and every day. The canteen belongs to a friend. I have seen him use it on several occasions and always thought it was a rather smart item to possess. There have been moments when he and I were somewhere outside and the canteen that he carried held the only available water source – our life source; thus a smart item to carry around. This weekend, I was with a friend who I deeply admire. Her spirituality is real...

Fifteen years ago when we were going through Cancer with my father, this book would have been wonderful. Interspersed with prayers and suggestions, this book gives both the patient and their loved ones lots of insight on dealing with this disease. Dealing with it from a spiritual side as well as medically, is so important for everyone. It's sometimes hard to know what to say to someone who's going through a cancer diagnosis and this book helps you to understand the emotions that person is going through. This small book covers numerous topics such as guilt, frustration, etc. and has...

David mustered the men who were with him and appointed over them commanders of thousands and commanders of hundreds. Samuel 18:1 Even in the midst of enemies all around him, David encouraged his men. I'm certain David himself was discouraged. After all, he was the King! But he was on the run from his own son. Every step he took must have been painful for David, knowing that he was fleeing from his son. But he rallied the troops and encouraged them. Great leaders do that. Fortunately, you and I don't have to be great leaders to do that. We...

Border patrols are out now so where are you ?! For I designed you for intercession as my mobile house of prayer ! Did I not say pray without ceasing and express my word as I designed it to be fulfilled ?! And I shall not lie but as you confess Me " THE WORD " I shall come alive and bear fruit in many ways even in places you have not even tilled the soil for I shall uproot and tear down , sow and harvest in an omnipresent and everlasting manner to complete all I have spoken or...

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25 The potential for negative news during a day is astounding. Newscasts, project problems, family, friends, car problems, they all can weigh heavily on you. If this negativity weighs heavily on you, think about your co-worker or family member. Chances are good that they're experiencing similar problems. The day drags on and you need a little "pick me up." You need, as Proverbs says, to be refreshed. Everyone – everyone – needs encouragement. The general principle in this verse is this: refresh someone; be refreshed. The...

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 One story comes to mind that best illustrates this verse (some say the story actually happened; others say it’s urban legend). While waiting for the Maestro to come out to play, a little boy slipped away from his parents and jumped on stage and sat at the piano. He began playing the only thing he knew: Chopsticks. The crowd started murmuring,...

OMAHA, Neb., July 29, 2008 – Recently wounded combat troops are here getting advice and encouragement from those who understand best what they’re up against: other disabled veterans who have learned to live with their disabilities. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Anthony Felder, who lost his leg in a motorcycle accident after returning from a Middle East deployment, said he finds inspiration among disabled veterans participating in the 28th National Veterans Wheelchair Games in Omaha, Neb. Defense Dept. photo by Donna Miles  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Veterans of operations in Iraq and Afghanistan, including five current patients at...

God, if you are out there, if you are really out there, give me a reason to hope. Give me a reason to hang on. Give me something to believe in. Let me know things are not lost. That things that are so wrong in my life and in that of another will be made right. I look around and wonder why the people I am leaning on don't seem to be around when I so desperately need them. I wonder why there are only two people I can call on in r/l when the going is rough. I pray...

WASHINGTON, April 19, 2007 – About 1,000 sock monkeys are preparing to deploy to the Middle East with the mission of reminding servicemembers that the American public still supports them. A member of the Marine Corps League holds one of the few and the proud sock monkeys created by the Sock Monkey Ministries. The sock monkeys, all hand made by the Alabama-based group and its volunteers, are meant to let servicemembers serving overseas know that they’re not forgotten. Courtesy photo  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. “I feel that sometimes our soldiers kind of get forgotten,” Beth VanSickle, the...

EMAIL TONY SNOW(Clicking the above will launch your email and auto-fill in the subject line)The White House will forward all email to Tony.If you would prefer typing in your email information the address and subject line are as follows:Email Address: comments@whitehouse.gov  Subject line: Attn: Tony Snow  1 Peter 1:7  "That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ"

Chief of Chaplains Brings Encouragement and Support Chaplain tours Iraq and Afghanistan bringing support and leadership to the region. By Army Sgt. Victoria Willoughby345th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment SALERNO, Afghanistan, Dec. 19, 2006 -- Army Maj. Gen. David H. Hicks, the Army chief of chaplains, visited Salerno Nov. 28, as part of a tour through Afghanistan and Iraq designed to bring support and encouragement to chaplains, chaplain’s assistants and leaders at the battalion and brigade levels. “My objective is to visit with and put my arms around -- I mean that figuratively -- as many soldiers, leaders and unit...

Don't Be Discouraged, But Rejoice Yolanda Ballard Melbourn, Florida (roarnworship@netzero.net) Oct 20 2006 08:00AM Don't be discouraged, but rejoice for you do have the victory even though you might not see it at present. I AM doing a deep work of purification as you go through the testing and the tribulation. For I AM preparing you for the work that I will have you to do, and you must be ready. I AM calling a people so dead to the flesh that I will be able to trust them with the glory I will pour out. For I AM calling...

CHICAGO, Sept. 26, 2006 -- The Army and the Marine Corps’ top enlisted leaders took part in a poignant Gold Star Mothers Day ceremony at Chicago’s Navy Pier on Sept. 24. Gold Star Mother Sandra Miller fights back tears after placing a yellow rose at the base of the Marine Corps flag. Photo by Master Sgt. Gerrold Johnson, USA  '(Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. Sgt. Maj. of the Army Kenneth O. Preston and Sgt. Maj. of the Marine Corps John L. Estrada read the names of 23 servicemembers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the global war...

The True Lover Of God Mary Lindow Jun 25 2006 06:04PM THE TRUE LOVER OF GOD DOES NOT NEED TO BE LAVISHED UPON BY MAN THE PRESENT EVILS AND PRESSURES OF OUR TIME ARE NOT NEW TO GOD OR......TO THE PRINCE OF THIS WORLD! The Bride of Christ has been either over stroked with false platitudes or has been allowed to be spoiled with a gluttony of self-love, self-analysis, and self-promotion. All members of the Lord’s Body, leaders and simple followers, have all had the virus of “I WANNA BE SOMEBODY” attempt to sidetrack and infect the human nature side...

WASHINGTON, June 1, 2006 – Noticeable changes have taken place in Iraq since the country's national unity government was inaugurated, a Multinational Force Iraq spokesman told reporters today in Baghdad. "We've seen a lot of activities and events that give us a lot of hope and encouragement as we watch the leadership of the Iraqi government and the Iraqi (security forces) take greater control," Army Maj. Gen. William Caldwell said. He noted that Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki has told Iraqis they all need to be part of the solution to the problems facing the country. Caldwell also addressed...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2006 – First lady Laura Bush thanked U.S. airmen at Aviano Air Base, Italy, today for their sacrifices as they and their fellow servicemembers defend the United States and help bring peace and stability to the world. Stopping at Aviano on her way to Turin as leader of the U.S. delegation to the 2006 Olympic Games, Bush and several former Olympians traveling with her told the airmen they're America's true heroes. "These athletes make America proud," she said this year's U.S. Olympians and the former Olympians who joined her, including speed skater Eric Heiden, skaters Dorothy Hamill...

How To Become Fishers of Men A Sermon (No. 1906) Delivered by C. H. SPURGEON, At the Metropolitan Tabernacle, Newington "And Jesus saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men."—Matthew 4:19. WHEN CHRIST CALLS US by his grace we ought not only to remember what we are, but we ought also to think of what he can make us. It is, "Follow me, and I will make you." We should repent of what we have been, but rejoice in what we may be. It is not "Follow me, because of what you are already."...

SPEAKING FREELYToday anti-Japan, tomorrow anti-Beijing?By Aaron Kyle Dennis Speaking Freely is an Asia Times Online feature that allows guest writers to have their say. Please click here if you are interested in contributing. SHANGHAI - What's at stake when 20,000 people in Shanghai take to the streets? On Saturday, April 16, at about 9:30 in the morning, throngs of Chinese took to the streets around Shanghai's People's Square. Armed with eggs, bottles, stones and a long-standing anti-Japanese nationalist sentiment, these angry patriots flowed like a river through 16 kilometers of the city, merging like flooded tributaries into a raging torrent of...

A New Season of Vindication Begins NOW By Dennis Cramer The Sons of Issachar Have Been Re-Activated! The Bible tells us little about these prophetic "sons of Issachar" (I Chron.12:32) except that they apparently possessed an incredible prophetic sensitivity to discern, to distinguish, and to truly know the spiritual "now" seasons of God as He moved upon the earth. They were especially adept at knowing what God's people should do, that is, how God's people should respond to the particular season of God they were in at the moment. "And of the children of Issachar, which had understanding of the...

SEND THE PHILADELPHIA CHRISTIANS A THANK YOU LETTER OF ENCOURAGEMENT Four Christians in Philadelphia, PA, are facing 47 years in prison and fines up to $90,000 each. Their crime? They were reading from the Bible and sharing the Gospel on a public sidewalk. They stood up to protect their rights—and ours—and now they are being punished for exercising those rights. They were charged with eight crimes, including three felonies: possession of instruments of crime (a bullhorn), ethnic intimidation (saying that homosexuality is a sin), and inciting a riot (reading from the Bible some passages relating to homosexuality) despite the fact...

Are there any Freepers out there who can give us legitimate links to find US Soldier pen pals? Especially single guys without a family etc? Or any addresses to send letters to? My kids, my college aged daughter, and my husband and I want to encourage these guys -even send stuff...I am so proud to be an American right now! Freedom ROCKS!!

Opposition parties slam Powell for pushing constitutional change Saturday, August 14, 2004 at 04:00 JSTTOKYO ? U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell's suggestion that Japan should consider rewriting its war-renouncing Constitution in order to get a permanent seat on the U.N. Security Council drew fire from opposition lawmakers in Japan on Friday. "He's wrong," said Hirohisa Fujii, secretary general of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan. Powell made the remarks in Washington on Thursday in an interview with Japanese reporters. He said it is entirely up to the Japanese people to decide whether to revise the war-renouncing Article 9...

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall. I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me. Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: Because of the LORD's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of...

Players' Wives Give Team Lucky Strip Thu Jun 10, 2:27 PM ET By Sonia Oxley MOSCOW (Reuters) - If Russia win Euro 2004 the players will thank their lucky strip -- a nude photo-shoot by their wives. Nine wives and girlfriends undressed for the cameras to encourage their men to win matches at the tournament being hosted by Portugal. Only a strategically placed placard featuring a photo of their partners offered some cover. Daily newspaper Komsomolskaya Pravda is printing one of the photos on a full page every day hoping they will inspire the players at the tournament starting on...

NEVER FORGET ...A most Loving Mother to us all in the U.S. 7th Cavalry, Mrs. JULIE MOORE, passed on today after recently and very suddenly being diagnosed with Cancer. She was portrayed in "WE WERE SOLDIERS" by Actress MADELEINE STOWE opposite Actor MEL GIBSON who portrayed her husband Commanding at the 1st Major Battle of the Vietnam War. ...Mrs. JULIE MOORE will be buried along with her husband Lt. General (Ret.) HAL G. MOORE's Hero Soldiers of the Battle of IA DRANG-1965 now buried at Ft. Benning, Georgia. ...The General requests that no flowers be sent but that donations be...

Ian left the United States for the Persian Gulf three weeks ago today. I was talking with a friend of mine in Houston yesterday. John told me that he and his father, a Vietnam War veteran, were reading Ian's e-mails from the Persian Gulf together. For the first time the father was talking to his son about his two tours of duty in that war. And for the first time he saw his dad, a stoical man, weep over those experiences. The conversation with John yesterday prepared me for the following e-mail exchange. The first message is from Ian. It...