A Few of FR's Finest...Every Day...12/16-18/05 ....Christmas In The Heart

Sgt. Rodney Murray, Freema & GodBlessUSA

[GodBlessUSA]

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, Dolly Cali, Mama_Bear, GodBlessUSA ~

We received the following in FR mail from freema last week and wanted to share it with you today.

"The following poem was written by a local soldier, Sgt. Rodney A. Murray on December 16, 2003. He collected toys for Iraqi children, and taught at our high school for two days before getting called up. His wife is one of the sweetest women I've ever had the pleasure to meet.

Rodney was killed on Mother’s Day, 2004, in a vehicle accident between Baghdad and Scania when his Humvee was sideswiped by a passing tank.

Rodney joined the Army Reserves in July of 2000 and was called to Iraq on February 11, 2003. Rodney left on February 14. Ten months later he was able be with his wife on

December 16, just in time to celebrate their three-year wedding anniversary and wrote the following poem. Rodney left again on December 30."

In Memory Of Sgt. Rodney A. Murray


All I want for Christmas is to see my wife,
Friends and family, be at home, that's all.
The young soldier really meant it.
And a bit of guilt he did feel
Of having his miracle come true;
Though not enough to change his plan;
With no kids to play Santa to, yet,
Some with such would have to stay.
Of all such days, Holiest of Holy,
Every soldier, every national, every vulnerable Citizen of this ravaged land
We claim to help should be able to celebrate.
But cold mornings in a lonely guard shack,
Riding lonely desolate supply routes
Tries to deny the celebratory mood.
And chaos and beastly acts alike
Try to rid others of a celebration of sorts.
A ruthless dictator captured
Becomes a festive celebration to some.
While others will avoid, hopefully,
Festive ending fiasco
In loss of life and will.
That's how they'll spend Christmas
If only that reason to celebrate.
Others cling to hope as their Yule Tide;
Hope for home soon from a foreign land,
Hope for a home,
Civilization in a lack luster land,
Hope for a difference one made
Or hope just to make it out alive, another day.
But it's guaranteed, the soldiers who
Have to stay in an Unsilent Night,
A non Holy Night,
Will instinctively glance at their watches,
When subtracting eight equals twenty-fifth at home.
And they'll silently utter Merry Christmas
From the heart to spouses and brothers,
Friends, loved ones, fathers and mothers.
But there's the rub. Like you at home,
All nestled and nice, calm and comfy,
They'll have Christmas in the Middle East.
For it will be in the heart, in grateful
Honor and remembrance of that Holy Night,
When the world received the greatest gift,
Wrapped in Hope, Grace, Mercy, In Love,
For all mankind.
Such will have Christmas
In their hearts, where it should be.
While others in that land,
The one promised to Abraham's seed
Will know nothing of it.
For they must of followed Ischmael's seed
Instead of Issac's.
No Christmas for them.
Can they even tell you their "Messiah's" birthday?
Death date would probably be easier,
But they'll claim to tell you what he wants
You to do to get to Heaven, maybe even
Doing away with ones that follow
That First Noel-
Cause in it you do nothing to get to Heaven,
Save receive the gift,
The Christ in Christmas.
So, you don't take for granted this Holy Season,
And grumble for lack of parking spaces.
Don't let crowds confound you
Or busy bustle bring a frown to you.
Love the busy schedule of family and friends,
Give in honor of the birth of Him who gave
You All.
Remember, some won't have Christmas,
And some will have it merely in their hearts.
Merry Christmas Rodney Murray ~ 12-16-2003

09-27-05 ~ Hall of Fame #13

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-12-05 Military Monday 12-13-05 Finest Christmas Tables, Part II 12-14-05 Finest Christmas Tables, Part II, cont'd 12-15-05 Dems to U.S. Troops: It's not too late to lose! But time's running out.

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

[GodBlessUSA]

Tell your son thank you so much from my heart, for his service! Our Troops are always in my prayers.

I just peeked at your home page. I love that Condoleeza Rice quote. :)

[freema]

I will tell him, thank you. I love that quote, too! I'm sitting here, pretty choked up.

I never cease to be amazed by the power of what may be considered, at the time, a simple act. When Rodney wrote this poem he couldn't have imagined that on December 16, 2004 or December 16, 2005 he would be with us in this way.
He did not want to leave Amanda but felt God was calling although he wasn’t sure at the moment what the calling was.

Murray wrote home the situation in Iraq was not being reported accurately by the media, that the Iraqi people just wanted freedom, like Americans, and the media didn’t report on the good, only on the deaths and explosions.

The quote on your home page, "I've got your back" is a pledge I made to Rodney, and all our troops as my part in this WOT.

Thank you, GodBlessU.

[GodBlessUSA]

Your post brings watery eyes. In a good way though. It is so amazing how he is still touching lives. He touched mine making this post, that is certain. And all those who see his beautiful poem. I pray his family is doing well. I wish them the best of the Christmas season. It is a pleasure to meet you Freema!

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Good Morning FR Finest,

don't forget,that Friday is wear red day,to honor our Troops.

Wear red today to show support for our Troops.

Have a great Friday and thank you for all you do to honor our troops.

[GodBlessUSA]

Lord, We thank You for those who are serving in our armed forces. Each day they are making brave sacrifices so that our country can remain strong and free. Keep them safe under the shelter of Your wings. And Lord, for their families back home—whose loving support enables our armed forces, to do all that they are called on to do—we ask that You comfort them and give them Your peace...the peace that passes all understanding. Amen

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; Dutchess; DollyCali; Mama_Bear; The Mayor; GodBlessUSA,
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. Amen

gator girl........................husband severa............husband, brother Maigrey............................cousin mystery-ak.............son, husband Gogrammy...................grandson Inspectorette.......................son deadhead..........................cousin Blessed American..........nephew Slip18..........................nephew Diver Dave.......niece, nephew ConspiracyGuy........2 nephews Pippin............niece's husband sneakers..............................son weldgophardline.....brotherinlaw jamaly.................brotherinlaw Future Snake Eater..........cousin WaterDragon.............grandson WaterDragon...........son-in-law BeforeISleep...................son kimmie7......................brother Armymarinemom............3 sons american_ranger.............son LadyX.........................grandson fawn796.......................nephew ValerieUSA....................2 sons Lakeside........................2 sons LakeLady......................nephew Spruce.........................daughter Leofl......................................son chena......................................son Hope and Glory..................son Philman_36..............2 nephews bjcintennessee.......son, niece TheMayor...............friends'son Doug from Upland............soninlaw homeschoolmama...........nephew ariamne...................2 cousins mhking.........................cousin gonzo.........................friend's son visualops..........................cousin auboy.............................cousin Ladysmith..nephew, friend's son tina07......soninlaw & his friend MontanaCowgirlCop.......brother nelibeli...........................nephew Misty4jc........................husband Colorado Slim................nephew Tapatio....................2 nephews ProudAFDad.........................son Alouette................................son Katydidnt..............................son jkphoto..........................nephew Q6-God...................twin brother Q6-God.....................active duty Warrior Nurse...........active duty SK1 Thurman...........active duty David Osborne.........active duty fc2tomschermuly......active duty bkwells....................active duty LongCut....................active duty cjk...........................active duty Trish.........................active duty ODC-GIRL.................active duty AF_Blue...................active duty Notwithstanding.......active duty thumperusn..............active duty Veloxherc.................active duty Don Simmons...........active duty wingnutx...................active duty Old Sarge.................active duty CGblue.....................active duty bigghurtt...................active duty frankiep....................active duty veeceeque................active duty JRios1968...............active duty NoLongerFreeState....active duty CMS.........................active duty

scubachick.....................husband OhioWfan................................son ladtx..................................2 sons Its_me_K.E.T.........................son Hostel............................cousin MozartLover...........son, nephew ak_daddoo........................nephew Dubya............................nephew LBGA (RIP)..........................son katykelly..............................son cookcounty.............................son Himyar....................................son SpookBrat........................nephew SpookBrat........................cousin boxerblues........................2 sons the piper....................................son sheeza................................husband kemathen7.........................husband Tiffee4Bob..........................boyfriend JimRobinson...............2 nephews TexKat.......................son, step-son StarCMC.............................brother Consort........................2 daughters Consort.......................son-in-law Darheel...............................niece Donaeus...........................nephew dixie sass........................nephew BeAllYouCanBe........................son Repubmommy........................brother AgThorn................................2 sons kneezles.................................son RoseinRoseBear.....cousin's hubby Atomic Conspiracy......half-brother Atomic Conspiracy...........nephew Atomic Conspiracy..............niece Sunflowergal....................grandson mrstank..............................husband MrsMike31........................husband spotbust1............................husband campfollower............................fiance LUV W........................................son painter...................................nephew Bykrbayb........................................son SilentServiceCPOWife........husband Walkenfree................2 grandsons Walkenfree.................. 3 nephews Walkenfree..................granddaughter Zechariah_8_13.......brother-in-law Zechariah_8_13.......................cousin DirtyHarryY2K......................daughter DirtyHarryY2K................son-in-law Skimask.....................................son El Gato...............................nephew Palladin...............................grandson MississippyMuddy...................sister MississippyMuddy.....2 nephews Kramster...............................stepson Socratic.............................nephew LoneRedRanger......brother-in-law Jemian...................................son freema....................nephew, son Azbushgal..............................son PreviouslyA-Lurker...........brother kimmykay.................................son right2parent..............................son NavySEAL F-16........................son Ike............................................son repubmom.................................son wolfcreek..........................daughter JesseJane ...........................cousin Roses0508................................son pmmd81....................................son GodBlessUSA........................cousin SoldiersPrayingMom.................son WakeUpandVote..................brother Skyraider.................................son CyberAnt...........................nephew mrs tiggywinkle...................cousin Jen's Mom.....................daughter 911angelady.........................2 Sons

[GodBlessUSA]

You look great in Red. Another very lovely table you created Mrs.N! :)
Thanks for the reminder.

[Mrs.Nooseman]

Thank you GB.

You look great yourself in that cute little outfit.:)

Well,I got to say good bye for now,but I'll be back this afternoon at around 5 pm my time.

Have a wonderful day.

{{{HUGS}}}

[GodBlessUSA]

You have a wonderful day too. See you tonight. :)

[snugs]

I did not realise you had Woolworth's in the States of all the shops at Christmas I think that one is busiest.

[snugs]

Reporting in and wearing my red trousers, bought them specially for Fridays.

[The Mayor]

December 16, 2005

Job Opening

Read:
Romans 12:9-16

Rejoicing in hope, . . . continuing steadfastly in prayer. —Romans 12:12

Bible In One Year: 1 Peter 3-5

About this time last year, a job became available in the church my wife and I attend. Just over a week before Christmas, my mother-in-law, Lenore Tuttle, died at the age of 85. When she went home to be with Jesus, she left a void not only in our family but also in our church. We were now without one of our most faithful prayer warriors.

At Mother Tuttle's funeral, the presiding pastor showed the congregation her prayer box. It contained dozens of prayer cards on which she had written the names of people she prayed for every day, including one that mentioned the pastor's gall bladder surgery. On top of that prayer box was this verse: "But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him" (Hebrews 11:6). She was a true prayer warrior who diligently sought the Lord.

Each day, many older saints, who have continued steadfastly in prayer (Romans 12:12), leave this earth through death and move on to heaven. This creates a "job opening" for people who will commit themselves to praying faithfully. Many of these positions remain unfilled. Will you fill one of them? —Dave Branon

They labor well who intercede
For others with a pressing need;
It's on their knees they often work
And from its rigor will not shirk. —D. De Haan

Wanted: Prayer Warriors.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Praying With Confidence

[luvie]

Good morning!!! Thanks for our lesson from God's Word.

IT'S SNOWING HERE IN ODESSA, TEXAS!!!!!WOOHOO...but I gotta go to work in it! =/

[luvie]

It's FRIDAY!!
Let's all wear red!
SUPPORT THE
TROOPS!

[GodBlessUSA]

Woo Hoo it's Friday. You look great in your red Luv!

[luvie]

Thanks!!!!

[Texagirl4W]

Beautiful post and wonderful music. I agree with all about the "hanky alert".

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Snugs
I miss that store. I don't see it around where I live any longer. I wonder if it still exists.

[MEG33]

It's gonna be cloudy and cold here but not freezing..I like to look out and see the snow and then have it gone in one day. Snow is rare around Houston but Dallas has a bit. I was gone the one Christmas Eve that it was snowing just as the Christmas Eve services ended in Dallas!

Here's a heartwarming story
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-vetscor/1541647/posts
Friends & Family Help Make Soldier's Dream A Reality
KTHV TV (Little Rock, AR) ^ | 12/13/2005 | Todd Wilson

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Meg
Thanks for pinging me to that story. I hope we get a follow up when this brave soldier returns in January. :)

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Texagirl
Thank you. :) I was thrilled to be asked to post Sargent Murray's poem.