A Few of FR's Finest...Every Day...06-03 thru 05-05...T.G.I.F. at the Finest

Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

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.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

If you have a suggestion, or an idea, or if there's a FReeper you would like to see featured, please drop one of us a note in FR mail.

We're having fun and hope you are!
~ Billie, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, Dolly Cali ~

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, Mama_Bear, Dutchess, Aquamarine, Dolly Cali ~



~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


"Getting to Know You"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS


05-30-05 ~ Remembering Them Then ~ Honoring Them
ByDollyCali

05-31-05 ~ Military Monday on Tuesday
By Billie
Presented by The Mayor

06-01-05 ~ Another Finest Play Day
By Mama_Bear

06-02-05 ~Frog pops the big Question but she says "NON"
By JohnHuang2
Presented by Dutchess

Have a wonderful weekend!

03-29-05 ~ Hall of Fame #11

Click on the photo to view the album. To submit your photo, please contact dansangel or .45Man at danbh59@yahoo.com and include Freeper Photo Album in subject line.

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

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

I won't be able to be around much this weekend, but I have put out the welcome mat,
opened the Finest doors and started the coffee.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

If you would like to be added to the Finest ping list, we would love to have you! Click -----> PLEASE ADD ME.
If you would like to be removed, click -----> PLEASE REMOVE ME.

[JohnHuang2]

Driveby G'morning to you, my friend -- and thanks for all you do! ((((((((((((Mama_Bear!))))))))))))

[Mama_Bear]

Driveby G'morning to you, my friend

Hey, same to ((((((((you))))))))! :-)

[Mama_Bear]

God bless and keep our men and women in uniform safe from harm.

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; Mama_Bear; Dutchess; Aquamarine; DollyCali, 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.

Please keep these FReepers
and their loved ones in your prayers.

Maigrey...............................cousin ladtx......................................2 sons scubachick.......................husband gator girl..........................husband severa................husband, brother LBGA.........................................son Hostel...................................cousin SpookBrat..........................nephew Himyar......................................son boxerblues............................2 sons the piper....................................son sheeza...............................husband kemathen7.......................husband Diver Dave..............nephew, niece deadhead.............................cousin JimRobinson................2 nephews Armymarinemom...............3 sons Darheel.................................niece dixie sass............................nephew BeAllYouCanBe.......................son AgThorn...............................2 sons kneezles.....................................son The Mayor..............................niece ValerieUSA...........................2 sons StarCMC............................brother TexKat........................son, stepson Spruce.............................daughter ODC-GIRL....................active duty Dubya.................................nephew Donaeus.............................nephew SunflowerGal.................grandson katykelly...................................son Repubmommy...................brother Lakeside...............................2 sons philman_36....................2 nephews Veloxherc.....................active duty mrstank............................husband WVNan........................friend's son american_ranger......................son AF_Blue........................active duty lula.................................son-in-law auboy....................................cousin jamaly.....................brother-in-law Leofl...........................................son wingnutx......................active duty chena.........................................son LakeLady............................nephew LUV W........................................son cjk.................................active duty misty4jc............................husband mhking................................cousin The Mayor.................friend’s son Bykrbayb...................................son Colorado Slim...................nephew sneakers...................................son ariamne...........................2 cousins nelibeli...............................nephew Alouette.....................................son CGblue..........................active duty bigghurtt........................active duty Palladin.............................grandson Skimask.....................................son Gonzo...........................friend's son Its_me_K.E.T.............................son Socratic................................nephew

OhioWfan.....................................son mystery-ak....................son, husband Gogrammy............................grandson Inspectorette..................................son Blessed American..................nephew Slip18......................................nephew anniegetyourgun...................nephew Pippin.......................niece’s husband Doug from Upland............son-in-law weldgophardline...........brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater.................cousin WaterDragon...............SIL,grandson BeforeISleep..................................son Consort...................2 daughters, SIL Warrior Nurse............. ...active duty SK1 Thurman.................active duty David Osborne.................active duty fc2tomschermuly.............active duty bkwells.............................active duty LongCut...........................active duty Trish.................................active duty LadyX..................................grandson fawn796..................................nephew Homeschoolmama................nephew Tiffee4Bob..........................boyfriend Atomic Conspiracy .......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy ....niece, nephew MozartLover...................son, nephew visualops...................................cousin thumperusn.......................active duty cookcounty.....................................son RoseinRoseBear....cousin’s husband Conspiracy Guy................2 nephews MrsMike31...........................husband Notwithstanding..............active duty Q6-God/twin brother.......active duty eaglesiniowa.................................son spotbust1...............................husband Don Simmons..................active duty bjcintennessee..................son, niece campfollower............................fiance Ladysmith......nephew, friend’s son Painter...................................nephew ProudAFDad................................son MontanaCowgirlCop...........brother Katydidnt.....................................son Old Sarge........................active duty tina07............son-in-law and friend Hope and Glory............................son Tapatio................................2 nephews ak_daddoo................................nephew SilentServiceCPOWife.....husband Walkenfree...2 G’sons, G’daughter Walkenfree......................3 nephews Zechariah_8_13.........brotherinlaw Zechariah_8_13....................cousin DirtyHarryY2K...................daughter DirtyHarryY2K...................soninlaw El Gato....................................nephew frankiep...........................active duty MississippyMuddy.................sister MississippyMuddy.........2 nephews kimmie7................................brother Kramster..............................stepson jkphoto..................................nephew

[Aeronaut]

Good morning Mama.

[GailA]

Good morning

[Texagirl4W]

Good Friday morning, all.

[Aquamarine]

Mornin Mama Bear.

Thanks for the calendar, had been wondering when Father's Day was this month.

[xp38]

Good Morning! Wishing everyone a blessed Friday and upcoming weekend!

[The Mayor]

June 3, 2005

I'll Pay You Later

Read:
Luke 14:7-14

You shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just. -Luke 14:14

Bible In One Year: Proverbs 8-11

Suppose a boss were to say to an employee, "We really appreciate what you're doing around here, but we've decided to change the way we pay you. Starting today, we're going to pay you later-after you retire." Would the employee jump for joy? Of course not. That's not the way things work in this world. We like our payment now-or at least every payday.

Did you know that God promises to "pay" us later-much later? And He asks us to be happy about it!

Jesus suggested that our ultimate reward for the good things we do in His name comes after we die. In Luke 14, Jesus said that if we care for the poor, the lame, and the blind, our reward for such kindness will come at the resurrection of the righteous (Luke 14:14). He also said that if we are persecuted, we should "rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed [our] reward is great in heaven" (6:22-23). Surely, the Lord gives us comfort, love, and guidance today, but what wonderful things He has planned for us in the future!

This may not be the way we would have planned it; we don't enjoy waiting for things. But imagine how glorious it will be when we receive our rewards in Jesus' presence. What a grand time we'll have as we enjoy what God has reserved for later. -Dave Branon

Beyond earth's sorrows, the joys of heaven,
Eternal blessings with Christ my Lord;
Earth's weeping ended, earth's trials over,
Sweet rest in Jesus, O blest reward! -Gilmore

What is done for Christ in this life will be rewarded in the life to come.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Is There Life After Death?

[DollyCali]

Good morning Lori & Rus and all the other fine FReeper FRiends.. I too am going to be very busy next few days but will pop in now & then. Might post a pix or two from last weekend, if I do the prep work & put on server..

Most of my weekend projects are labor intense & I will prolly need occasional sit down breaks.

Lovely pledge Lori. Funny how now I look at these things & see the "work" involved, as well at the beauty/cleverness.!!!

For years when I would see movie credits, I would try to pick out/ recognize the fonts (one of my hot buttons)..Now I am doing that with the HTML here & elsewhere..

Rus, liked your devotional. The idea of salvation for those under grace & DEGREES of reward /punishment have always been part of my understanding of scripture but not everyone agrees with me. People don't like accountability , do they?

Mom is still sleeping & is doing well on her mattress set up on floor. No worry about rolling out of bed!!! Have some plans for many changes in home to accommodate her to remain her rather than nursing home. Lots of work to do this & I started yesterday on first steps. She must be feeling better as yesterday she complained about the meal I made (although the couple friends that were over helping me with an outdoor project & shared the meal, had seconds & raved about it.. she says they are bachelors & don't know any better..sigh)

Later, friends..

[snugs]

Thanks for the update on your mum hope you can get help with any heavy lifting including mom.

Take care my friend look forward to seeing some pictures I am camera-less at the moment my 5 year camera has developed a fault so I have to take that to be mended thankfully I have taken out the extended insurance, costs me about 70 dollars a year but with a 700 pound sterling camera it is worth it because if they could not repair it I would get a new one of comparable value.

[WVNan]

Hahahahaha......snugs, your post caused me to have a good laugh. It points up how our language differences can confuse us. I'm reading about your camera and wondering what kind of camera could weigh 700 pounds. LOL

[DollyCali]

I am not sure how 700 sterling translates to American dollars to understand the value but I do know that you would LOVE & be in awe of NOW technology. I had one of the digitals 5 years ago & have had many over the years. The most recent I have are a delight & as much as you like working with photos/graphics you need the most up to date technology. My friend John is a collector of many things.. good bikes, good kayaks & digital cameras. He has probably 15 good ones & it the past month gave me two of his less favorite. One is an Olympus c-3000 & the other a 6X optical FinePixFujiFilm . I also have a small "entry level" digital that I bought last Christmas time when my GOOD Nikon Died & so did my tried & true Fuji Film. The Nikon was a good camera.. cost about 450 a few years ago but minimum repair fee was 375 so it seemed silly to put that $$$ into old technology.

I am very hard on equipment & so try very hard to be careful. I have learned that kayaking is not the best place to take digitals & cell phones.. school of hard - (and expensive) knocks.

Well, my break is over..trying to get some outdoor things done before rain.

Billie, yesterday was just minor time in yard.. was running senior "errands" & cooked & delivered meals to seniors in family & a few others I know who are invalids & don't cook as such

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

NEW YORK -- Six F-16 Fighting Falcons with the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds aerial demonstration team fly in formation over the Statue of Liberty before an air show May 26. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Josh Clendenen)

050531-N-8921O-002 Whidbey Island, Wash. (May 31, 2005) - Master Chief Hull Maintenance Technician Leon Ford, foreground, and Aviation Boatswains Mate 1st Class Roger Miracle jump out of a UH-3H Sea King helicopter from 10,000 feet during a training jump over Whidbey Island, Wash. Master Chief Ford is assigned to Explosive Ordinance Disposal Mobile Unit Seventeen (EODMU-17) and is a qualified master jumper. On this jump he is observing other qualified jumpers on exiting techniques and mid-air body movement. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Chris Otsen (RELEASED)

050530-N-2114S-001 New York City (May 30, 2005) – U.S. Navy Color Guard renders honors as citizens show gratitude at Staten Island's Memorial Parade during Fleet Week 2005. Fleet Week allows the community to celebrate the sacrifices made by the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard by giving them the opportunity to visit the city and experience the "Big Apple's" hospitality. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 1st Class Ronald E. Strickland (RELEASED)

050601-N-3241H-055 Persian Gulf (May 1, 2005) - An F/A-18C Hornet launches from the flight deck of Nimitz-class aircraft carrier Carl Vinson (CVN 70) as another Hornet awaits its turn to launch from the flight deck. The Carl Vinson Carrier Strike Group is currently deployed to the Persian Gulf conducting operations in support of multi-national forces in Iraq and maritime security operations in the Gulf. Vinson will end its deployment with a homeport shift to Norfolk, Va., and commence a three-year refuel and complex overhaul. U.S. Navy photo by Photographer's Mate 3rd Class Dusty Howell (RELEASED)

[Mama_Bear]

Lovely pledge Lori. Funny how now I look at these things & see the "work" involved, as well at the beauty/cleverness.!!!

Thanks. Actually, making graphics is relaxing for me. Good therapy and a necessary creative outlet. :-)

Been thinking about your mom and you. You have a lot on your plate right now. I hope you can find a few minutes here and there for yourself.

HUGS!

[Mama_Bear]

Great photos!

That one of the skydiving just makes my stomach flip over. I love to fly, I love to do aerobatics, but I can't imagine, for the life of me, how anyone can jump out of an airplane. YIKES! Not for any amount of money could I do that!

[Mama_Bear]

Howdy, FRiends. Hope you all have a nice relaxing weekend planned.

I am heading up to FResno soon for a Support Our Troops and President Rally. Love waving the flag! :-)

Gotta run.

[LadyX]

"Did you know that God promises to "pay" us later-much later? And He asks us to be happy about it!

Jesus suggested that our ultimate reward for the good things we do in His name comes after we die."

~ snip ~

Surely, the Lord gives us comfort, love, and guidance today, but what wonderful things He has planned for us in the future!"

Oh, how reassuring this is, Your Honor!
God helps us work our way through/past the whirlpools and sink holes of life, and tries to get our attention to keep us steering on the Right Course, according to His Plan (Will) for each individual.

Looking back upon it all, there is such joy in 'seeing' how much of our lives He has salvaged - not always in direct proportion to what we have 'earned.'
Ah - the mystery and joy of His Grace!

We who believe in the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, will have a place at His Table one glorious day --