A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....11-24 to-27-05...Thanksgiving is GIVING Thanks!

DollyCali | November 24, 2005 | DollyCali

[DollyCali]

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, Dutchess, DollyCali, Mama_Bear, GodBlessUSA ~

THE FIRST THANKSGIVING DAY PROCLAMATION
President Abraham Lincoln, 1863

The year that is drawing towards its close, has been filled with the blessings of fruitful fields and healthful skies.

To these bounties, which are so constantly enjoyed that we are prone to forget the source from which they come, others have been added, which are of so extraordinary a nature that they cannot fail to penetrate and soften even the heart which is habitually insensible to the ever watchful providence of Almighty God.

In the midst of a civil war of unequalled magnitude and severity, which has sometimes seemed to foreign States to invite and to provoke their aggression, peace has been preserved with all nations, order has been maintained, the laws have been respected and obeyed, and harmony has prevailed everywhere except in the theatre of military conflict; while that theatre has been greatly contracted by the advancing armies and navies of the Union.

Needful diversions of wealth and of strength from the fields of peaceful industry to the national defense have not arrested the plough, the shuttle, or the ship; the axe had enlarged the borders of our settlements, and the mines, as well of iron and coal as of the precious metals, have yielded even more abundantly than heretofore.

Population has steadily increased, notwithstanding the waste that has been made in the camp, the siege and the battle-field; and the country, rejoicing in the consciousness of augmented strength and vigor, is permitted to expect continuance of years with large increase of freedom.

No human counsel hath devised nor hath any mortal hand worked out these great things. They are the gracious gifts of the Most High God, who, while dealing with us in anger for our sins, hath nevertheless remembered mercy. It has seemed to me fit and proper that they should be solemnly, reverently and gratefully acknowledged as with one heart and voice by the whole American People.

I do therefore invite my fellow citizens in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next, as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.

And I recommend to them that while offering up the ascriptions justly due to Him for such singular deliverances and blessings, they do also, with humble penitence for our national perverseness and disobedience, commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife in which we are unavoidably engaged, and fervently implore the interposition of the Almighty Hand to heal the wounds of the nation and to restore it as soon as may be consistent with the Divine purposes to the full enjoyment of peace, harmony, tranquility and Union.

Give Thanks
Music Here

Give thanks with a grateful heart
Give thanks to the Holy One
Give thanks because He's given
Jesus Christ, His Son

(Repeat twice)

And now, Let the weak say "I am strong"
Let the poor say "I am rich"
Because of what the Lord has done for us

(Repeat twice)

Give thanks !







Count Your Blessings
Words by Johnson Oatman, 1897
Music Here

Chorus:

Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your blessings
See what God has done
Count your blessings
Name them one by one
Count your many blessings
See what God has done

When upon life's billows
You are tempest tossed
When you are discouraged
Thinking all is lost
Count your many blessings
Name them one by one
And it will surprise you
What the Lord has done

Chorus

Are you ever burdened
With a load of care
Does the cross seem heavy
You are called to bear
Count your many blessings
Every doubt will fly
And you will be singing
As the days go by

Chorus

When you look at others
With their lands and gold
Think that Christ has promised
You His wealth untold
Count your many blessings
Money cannot buy
Your reward in heaven
Nor your home on high

chorus

So, amid the conflict
Whether great or small
Do not be discouraged
God is over all
Count your many blessings
Angels will attend
Help and comfort give you
To your journey's end

chorus

"Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise.
Give thanks to Him and praise His name.
For the LORD is good and His love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations."
(Psalm 100:4-5)

"I do not think of all the misery,
but of the glory that remains.
Go outside into the fields, nature and the sun,
go out and seek happiness in yourself and in God.
Think of the beauty that again and again discharges itself
within and without you and be happy. Anne Frank

"Let us remember that, as much has been given us, much will be expected from us, and that true homage comes from the heart as well as from the lips, and shows itself in deeds."—1901 Theodore Roosevelt

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."
John Fitzgerald Kennedy

"It is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor." George Washington October 3, 1789 in his first Presidential Proclamation.

Thanksgiving Links

Thanksgiving Timeline

Jackie Lawsons 2005 offering

Turkey Singin the blues

Pumpkin Pie (Jackie Lawson)

11 Commandments of a THANKSGIVING DINNER

Thanksgiving Dinner Family Debate: Liberals vs. Conservatives

09-27-05 ~ Hall of Fame #13

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 11-21-05 Military Monday 11-21-05 Giving Thanks 11-23-05 “Animals are People Too”

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

[dutchess]

All I can say is WOW!!! Thanks so much Finest Friends for the sweet birthday greetings!!!

This birthday was a little emotional for me...a little over a year after mom died suddenly. Slept in then had a "grueling" but very satisfying flight lesson (pulling power and gliding to simulate an emergency field landing finding a good field etc. (yikes), more 45 degree bank turns while holding elevation (required to pass your check ride) then 4 landings with a serious cross wind) Two were great...two were REALLY UGLY :o)

Anyway came hope to a sweet present from dad, Mr. D. and the kids and was getting ready for them to take me out to dinner. Decided to quickly stop in and WHAT A delightful surprise. LOVE my sistahs and all my finest friends.

Dad is thrilled to be taking us out to dinner so need to leave. Will try to check back later.

(((((FINEST FRIENDS))))))

[luvie]

I love to read about your flying lessons. My son is a pilot and is training for his instructor's certification flying helicopters. He is always telling us about the auto-rotations and other scary-sounding maneuvers that I had just as soon not hear about! LOL!

It sounds like you are really enjoying it and are doing good at it.

[snugs]

I notice you say it "Buy Nothing Day" in the UK. Obviously people had not got this message in our Designer outlet or ASDA (Walmart) today both were packed and people were buying like crazy.

It was wall to wall Christmas decoration, reindeer, snowmen, Father Christmas and of course piped music. I heard White Christmas and Winter Wonderland amongst others. I am glad to see in the UK Walmart are saying Merry Christmas and not Seasons Greeting or Happy Holidays.

[tuliptree76]

Happy Birthday, dutchess!

[JustAmy]

Dolly just called. She asked that I ask for your prayers.

She took Oliver and Toby for a walk in the woods and as usual they spotted something and took off. Toby came back after 45 minutes but Dolly has been looking for Oliver for 3 and 1/2 hours.

Please join me in praying that Oliver finds his way home very soon.

[luvie]

Yes, prayers that Oliver is found and is not harmed in any way. It is so difficult when a pet runs away.

And now, on a sadder note, Fierce Allegiance lost his Dad today. I saw his tagline on the Canteen. I have posted a prayer to him...the Finest might want to, also.

[JustAmy]

Prayers being offered for Fierce Allegiance's Dad.

Please Father, Welcome him with open arms as you give comfort to Fierce Allegiance and his family. Please ease the pain of their grief. In Jesus Name. Amen.

[LadyX]

"Good evening, your Highness - -
When LadyX got word to me on the battlefield
it is your birthday,
I simply had to stop to wish you all the best!"

"Our communications connection was a tad muddled.
Thought she said something about you
'taking a flying leap,' today, was it?!"

["Always thought you Americans were strange - -
oh well..."]

{{{ Hugs, M'Lady }}}

[Victoria Delsoul]

It's Your Birthday

Today is your special day,
so celebrate in your favorite way.
As time goes bye,
The years begin to fly.
But, you're only as old as you feel,
even when gray hair begins to yield.
Life is full of ups and downs
But, always wear a smile,
instead of a frown.
Many wishes for days to come
and may your birthday be
a very extra special one.

Happy Birthday!

~ Dorothy Martin

[LadyX]

"Dolly has been looking for Oliver for 3 and 1/2 hours."

Oh, no!
Lord, please send Oliver home where he belongs....

Weinie, can you assist with a dog angel patrol
to nudge him in the right direction?

[tuliptree76]

Today, the stores were packed here, too. I'm not sure when I'll get around to doing my Christmas shopping. LOL!

[tuliptree76]

Prayers that Oliver returns safely.

[tuliptree76]

I'm sorry for your loss, Fierce Allegiance. Prayers for you and your family.

[Aquamarine]

Happy Birthday (((Dutchess))).

[snugs]

Thanks for the message on Dolly prayers for her dog

[snugs]

[Temple Owl]

I hope your Thanksgiving was as wonderful as mine. I think God is watching.

[tuliptree76]

Yum! Those cakes look good, snugs. Happy cake day to you too!

[dutchess]

Oh my...just heading for bed... Prayers that Oliver finds himself safely home... Mega prayers!

[JustAmy]

Thank you, Father!

Dolly just called ..... after 6 hours, Oliver has been found and he seems none the worse for wear. He was pretty thirsty but seems fine.

Dolly will try to get on later tonight with a more in depth report.

Thank you all for your prayers.