A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....09-21-05....Celebrate Autumn 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, DollyCali ~

Even though it probably still feels like summer, fall is upon us - for tomorrow is the first day of Autumn. September 22nd marks the 2005 autumnal equinox, when night and day are of equal length.

Ready or not, the sun will be setting earlier and the days will become shorter. Sadly for some of us and happily for others, it's time to say goodbye to summer. Crisp mornings, autumn leaves, and frosty pumpkins are right around the corner.

For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together.
For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.
- Edwin Way Teale




And, for sports fans, it's time for...

06-28-05 ~ Hall of Fame #12

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 09-19-05 Military Monday 09-20-05 Welcome ~ and 'fess up!

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

[dutchess]

Take care Meg. Hope your home, family and friends stay safe.!

[dutchess]

Actually, I haven't seen a whole lot of snow since I moved to southern IL. I miss measuring snowfall in feet. :-)

Hey tulip...you're welcome to visit us when we get our 6 feet in one sweep!!!!!!

[dutchess]

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.

[dutchess]

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"!!!!

[luvie]

Thank you--and I already do feel like part of the family. Everyone here has been so supportive!

[dutchess]

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...

[The Mayor]

but makes me sound knowledable doesn't it????)

You are knowledable!

[The Mayor]

; )

[Mama_Bear]

Yes, that sure was a picture perfect landing. YES, as a passenger I would have been freaking too, and yes you DO sound (and are) knowledgable!

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. :-)

[Mama_Bear]

And God bless!

[luvie]

(((hugs))) It has been a beautiful fall day in the Finest! Thank you for the lovely thread!

[Mama_Bear]

[Mama_Bear]

Awwww......you're so sweet. Thank you for all you do here, LUV.

Good night. :-)

[luvie]

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

[The Mayor]

September 22, 2005

Bring Out The Shine

Read:
Job 23:8-17

He knows the way that I take; when He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. —Job 23:10

Bible In One Year: Ezekiel 37-39

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

What pains my dear Lord must be taking,
How true and how faithful His care;
I know if He gave me all sunshine
I could not His own image bear. —Beattie

A gem cannot be polished without friction, nor a man perfected without adversity.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
10 Reasons To Believe In A God Who Allows Suffering

[scubachick]

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!

[dixie sass]

Thank you.

[The Mayor]

Your welcome.

[DollyCali]

New thread (finally) HERE

[Mama_Bear]

I am more than ready for some cool, crisp autumn weather!

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!