[Mama_Bear]

If you would like to be added to or removed from the Finest ping list, FReepMail me.

[Mama_Bear]

Wanted to get this posted for all you early-rising east coasters and night owls. It's bedtime here though, so I will see you all when the sun comes up on the left coast.

Happy FRiday!

[MeekOneGOP]

Mornin', everybody ! Happy Friday !

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama.

[nicmarlo]

Morning everybody!! Hope you all have a great day and weekend.

[The Mayor]

This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.

True freedom is found in obedience to Christ.

[The Mayor]

January 23, 2004

The Freedom Of Structure

Read: 1 John 5:1-13

This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome. —1 John 5:3

Bible In One Year: Exodus 7-8; Matthew 15:1-20

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Concert pianist Jeannette Haien believes that the structure of a fine musical composition actually provides great freedom for the person who plays it. "Within the strictures of so-called form," she says, "is all the freedom in the world."

It's easy to feel confined by structure in our faith because we have a natural resistance to rules. But God's commands are given to enhance our lives rather than restrict them.

First John 5:3 states, "This is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome." Instead of weighing us down, they protect us from the burden of sin. As we follow His commands, we experience liberty.

Speaking of an excellent musical composition, Jeannette Haien says, "Under the laws of structure you have the freedom to work in the freest way imaginable. What [the composer] has written is that which I honor."

The Bible is our sheet music for living. Today, we can play the song of life as God has written it, and we can discover anew the promise of Jesus to those who believe in Him: "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). —David McCasland

Lord, help us to value the freedom
Of life we receive from Your love,
A life of obedience and service,
Kept safe by Your hand from above. —K. De Haan

True freedom is found in obedience to Christ.

[GailA]

[LadyX]

How wonderful that you have reposted this very special tribute, Mama_Bear!
You had placed so much loving effort in the preparation, finding just *The Right* graphics and text to do every branch justice.

Each branch of our Armed Forces is indeed as important as all the others, interdependent in achieving victories wherever necessary.

Further, everyone in the military is as important a cog in the wheel as any other, whether they fly bombers, cook the grub, man a tank or Humvee, dart through dangerous areas on foot, work in secret mingling with locals, provide the Payroll, pick up the garage, or sail the high seas...

Now, with our Commander-in-Chief a man who follows our God, we have confidence of this being noted in history as the greatest assemblage of military power for good as any ever devised.

Its purpose is not to conquer other lands to control them, but to assist others in finding the freedoms we so enjoy, and must never take for granted.

"Peace" protests against using military power do absolutely nothing to convince those with evil intentions to change!
They merely laugh at them with contempt for their ignorance, and are further encouraged.

May we always remember the purpose for our valiant defenders of justice and freedom, and cover them with fervent prayers...

[Temple Owl]

Tis very cold here in the Middle Atlantic states. Even Inky dog was anxious to perform her duties and get inside. Have a good one everybody.

[Billie]

Thank you for choosing to rerun this particular one from last year, Lori. It's just as wonderful the second time around. I know how much time went into the making of this one, and it shows all too well your love and appreciation for our Armed Forces.

Good morning to all our Finest FRiends - I hope today is the start of a beautiful weekend for you all.

[Kudsman]

Hi Mama. Sure do enjoy seeing those Stars and Stripes daily. And thanks to all who earned and defend them.

[Mama_Bear]

Good night all. Thanks for helping us salute our military today. Have a great weekend.