A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....04-12-05...."He's Free" (Pippin's tribute to Pope John Paul II)

Billie; Pippin | Pippin

[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 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....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.

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~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, DollyCali ~

~ ~ He’s Free ~ ~
~ by Pippin ~

     On Saturday, April 2, 2005 Pope John Paul II was set free.

Free to be with God, free of suffering and pain. No longer trapped in a mortal body that was failing and worn out in the service of God and the people.

He was an inspiration to me, though I knew it not for a long time. I took for granted his continued strong presence and his kindness and love for all God’s people, not only Roman Catholics, but Protestants and people of other religions and creeds.

His faith sustained him in hard times as well as the joyful ones. It was his faith that moved him to forgive and to pray for the one who tried to take his life back in 1981.

God had plans for John Paul II and He was not to be put off!

No, not by a crazed would-be assassin or a world gone mad.

He was a man of peace, a man of faith and courage and an inner strength.

What touched me most about the Pope is the way he reached out to all the people, especially the young people, and they in turn, responded in kind.

I've prayed that God would grant me that kind of faith; it has been waning ever since 09/11/01, much to my dismay and fear.

I’ve prayed and cried.

But watching what Pope John Paul II has gone through these past several years has taught me that there is no shame in suffering as long as it’s done with dignity.

So instead of complaining about my own infirmities and short comings, I’ll think of him and remember, as he’s always done, that God is in charge and He will never abandon us. After all, God did not abandon John Paul II, He freed him! ~ Marie (Pippin)

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 04-11-05 Military Monday

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

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03-29-05 ~ Hall of Fame #11

[The Mayor]

Hi Pippin..

[Billie]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, visualops. He was a beautiful man, and we wanted to do something special to celebrate his life. I like the photo you posted.

[Salvation]

Thank you for the wonderful words, Pippin!

And thank you, Billie, for being open to this idea.

[Billie]

Thank you, Dave. 'preciate you!

[Billie]

Thank you, iceskater. He was much admired by the world.

[Billie]

Thank you for the wonderful words, Pippin! And thank you, Billie, for being open to this idea.

My pleasure. Good morning, Salvation. Thank you.

[dutchess]

Wonderful job you two. Pippin your words are so so moving, what a wonderful tribute to our beloved pope. Billie, the presentation is PERFEFT! And I just love the pledge and the opening greeting!

[Conspiracy Guy]

Morning. Nice thoughts you shared with us.

[Aquamarine]

Yes, I take an existing format from an old post and paste it into a new notepad then make the new changes and save it as an .htm

Have had problems before taking an existing htm extension and trying to rework a new post from there. Seems like I've lost my work doing that.

[Billie]

Wonderful job you two. Pippin your words are so so moving, what a wonderful tribute to our beloved pope. Billie, the presentation is PERFEFT! And I just love the pledge and the opening greeting!

Thanks, Sistah D. So glad you think so. (I wasn't pleased with the pledge graphic until I converted it to black and white and colored just the red stripes. *Then* it worked.) :)

[Billie]

Good! Thanks for your input. I thought you still did it that way. :)

[Aquamarine]

I'm not Catholic but always admired the Pope for his intelligence and commitment to Christ.

Here are a few pictures that I saved.

[Aquamarine]

You're welcome.

Your pledge with the the dove was just gorgeous btw.

[lonestar]

I agree. I loved Pope John Paul II and I'm a Southern Baptist who always appreciated the blessing of the animals.

Weinie

[Conspiracy Guy]

He did a good job. There were issues I disagreed with but that is true in my own church as well. I do like beer and whiskey from time to time.

[DollyCali]

Cee-gar Guy Thread

Break over.. back to work!

[StarCMC]

Another SBC'er who has a deep appreciation for how John Paul II influenced our world for the better. I hope the next Pope is as positive an influence on our world, but those are some mighty big shoes to fill.

[jwfiv]

Miss Pippin, Miss Billie ... a beautiful and loving tribute to the Holy Father and our Heavenly Father which you have crafted and given us this fine Spring day.

Thank you ... )

John Paul II truly was a good shepherd, who looked after his flock wih great love ... a man who shaped the course of history.

[Billie]

Love those pictures! Thanks, Aqua.

Have to leave for a while, but I'll be back after lunch.

[Pippin]

You're welcome.