Posted on 09/21/2005 12:10:24 AM PDT by Mama_Bear
Take care Meg. Hope your home, family and friends stay safe.!
Hey mrstank. God bless you and your family. Know many of us are thinking of you, praying for your family and appreciate your sacrifice for you country. God bless.
Wow...you two are such a breath of fresh air at the finest... Love your imput and all the lovely new graphic thingies your posting. Consider yourself "part of the family"!!!!
Thank you--and I already do feel like part of the family. Everyone here has been so supportive!
Hi to some of my favorite finest friends. Have been pretty busy in the "OTHER SIDE" recently and may have neglected you. Just wanted you to know how special you are...
You are knowledable!
; )
I just came in to say goodnight so tomorrow's thread can be posted. First I need to go scrounge up a graphic, then I will be back to say good night. :-)
(((hugs))) It has been a beautiful fall day in the Finest! Thank you for the lovely thread!
Good night. :-)
I just love doing it--wish I had the chance to spend more time here with you all! Everyone is so sweet and kind.
'Nite
September 22, 2005
Bring Out The Shine
Read:
|
Many years ago I bought a 1964 Volkswagen from my neighbor. The car was mechanically sound, but the outside looked pretty rough. Dents marred its surface, and dirt and grime had dulled its once deep blue color.
As time passed, I wondered if its original luster and beauty could be restored. I was sure its bumps could be eliminated, but what about the finish? So I began to experiment on some of the worst spots. Much to my delight, I discovered that with a lot of elbow grease and some rubbing compound my drab little Volkswagen could be brought to a beautiful shine.
We as Christians have the wonderful potential of reflecting the beauty of our Savior. But sin has left its mark on our personalities, and a lot of "road film" needs to be removed before the lovely character of Jesus can be seen in us.
God often brings about this change through the buffing of hardship and trials, for pressure has a way of loosening the dirt and grime of rebellion and selfishness. The Bible tells us that tribulation produces perseverance, character, hope, and confidence by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:3-5).
We might wish that a speedy "car wash" could do the job, but there's no substitute for the difficulties that can bring out the shine of Christlike character. Dennis De Haan
A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without adversity.
Even though it has been disgustingly hot and humid here, the leaves have started to change and the deck is beginning to be covered with falling leaves. I am more than ready for some cool, crisp autumn weather! Fall is my favorite season back here. All the coppers, bronzes, orange,yellows and browns are such beautiful colors!
Thank you.
Your welcome.
I am sure you are! Even though the few days last summer we were in NC were beautiful, I believe you when you say the summers there are long and sticky hot. We were just lucky. Glad this one is about over for you. :-)
Did you ever get your scubachick signature graphic that I made for you? It's on a thread somewhere a couple weeks ago. In case you didn't, here it is again. HUGS!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.