[Billie]

We’ve had so many threads by now, it forms its own display,
Just like a giant ball of string, that you can see one day.
But patterns are emerging, as each one gives a spin,
It takes some stepping back sometimes, to see the thing you’re in!

We’re weaving quite a tapestry, each of us in our part,
The warp and weft have crossed enough, by now it is an art.
The picture that we get from it, we few with distant views,
Is of a landscape celebrating life, in all its many hues.

The red of flags a-waving, and bunting on the porch,
And heartfelt tears of sacrifice, well-lit by Freedom’s torch.
With blue of longing, tears of hope, and tears of sad remorse,
As separations come along, and sometimes Life’s divorce,

The gold of patriotic fervor, and yellow ribbons tied,
The bright and shining hopes we had for all the ones who tried.
Whose efforts are a massive force, for Freedom’s wave to crest,
With dampened spirits left behind, by One Who knows things best.

Oh, yes, there is a pattern, it will be seen by all,
When sitting by the side of Someone standing very tall.
So as we go through life we dip and weave among the strands,
And trust the end we shuttle to to Someone Else’s hands.

NicknamedBob© . . . . . . August 2, 2005

[tuliptree76]

Good morning, Billie!

[El Gato]

I would like to ask for prayers for a coworker, Marty (Martha). Marty's husband passed away this morning. He was in his mid 50s. He was a retired Army MP, and a former Marine as well. He served in Vietnam. Marty has worked both for the Army directly and as currently works on an Army post as a contractor. Their sons-in-law are both in the Army, one is deployed to Iraq right now. One daughter also works for the Army.

Her husband has been terminal with cancer for something over two years, which is about 1 1/2 years longer than the doctors gave him.

She's a strong woman, but I'm sure all your prayers would be appreciated at this time.

[Texagirl4W]

Good morning, (((Billie))). Beautiful thread, as usual.

[Temple Owl]

Good morning Billie and All. Bob is a great poet!!!

[The Mayor]

March 28, 2006

Keep Going For God!

Read:
Psalm 92

They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. —Psalm 92:14

Bible In One Year: Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44

A familiar saying goes something like this: "Old age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!"

That must have been John Kelley's attitude. Kelley, who died in 2004 at the age of 96, ran in 58 Boston Marathons (that's 26.2 miles each time)—including his last one in 1992 when he was 84 years old.

Kelley's remarkable feat is a reminder to each of us that we must stay active as long as we can. Far too many folks hit middle age and put the body in neutral. And Christians too often put their service for Jesus Christ in the same inactive mode.

Each of us has a responsibility to God, as long as He gives us physical and mental strength, to work heartily "as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). We are never called to retire from life and coast home to heaven.

The psalmist said that the righteous "shall still bear fruit in old age" (Psalm 92:14). For those who are physically able, that means continuing in active service. For those who can no longer move about, that means being active in prayer and in quiet service.

Let's make sure old age doesn't stop us from bearing fruit. We need to keep going for God. —Dave Branon

Growing old but not retiring,
For the battle still is on;
Going on without relenting
Till the final victory's won. —Anon.

To stay youthful, stay useful.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Finishing Well

March 28, 2006

Keep Going For God!

Read:
Psalm 92

They shall still bear fruit in old age; they shall be fresh and flourishing. —Psalm 92:14

Bible In One Year: Judges 4-6; Luke 4:31-44

A familiar saying goes something like this: "Old age is a matter of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!"

That must have been John Kelley's attitude. Kelley, who died in 2004 at the age of 96, ran in 58 Boston Marathons (that's 26.2 miles each time)—including his last one in 1992 when he was 84 years old.

Kelley's remarkable feat is a reminder to each of us that we must stay active as long as we can. Far too many folks hit middle age and put the body in neutral. And Christians too often put their service for Jesus Christ in the same inactive mode.

Each of us has a responsibility to God, as long as He gives us physical and mental strength, to work heartily "as to the Lord" (Colossians 3:23). We are never called to retire from life and coast home to heaven.

The psalmist said that the righteous "shall still bear fruit in old age" (Psalm 92:14). For those who are physically able, that means continuing in active service. For those who can no longer move about, that means being active in prayer and in quiet service.

Let's make sure old age doesn't stop us from bearing fruit. We need to keep going for God. —Dave Branon

Growing old but not retiring,
For the battle still is on;
Going on without relenting
Till the final victory's won. —Anon.

To stay youthful, stay useful.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Finishing Well

[DollyCali]

SIMPLY lovely Billie and a real star for the star you are to provide the organization (golly the detail work on these HOFs), and beauty to the Finest.

I refer to these HOFs to find past articles as the search function "leaves a bit to be desired?" at this point.

Great job with the pledge & the ping/Bob's poem. Thanks Sistah for keeping the bar high for us.. I am off for most of day & will be finishing up my "surprise" for tomorrow (a well loved FReeper here at Finest & FRee Republic in Profile)

YOU ARE VERY APPRECIATED!

[MEG33]

Cable problems..First time it has been on since early morning...BBL...I hope.

[MEG33]

Beautiful post and poem, Billie..

The last post was a matter of timing! I had to wait until it was on again!..to preview, and wait awhile again to post..I hate it when I lose internet access..

[jwfiv]

Howdy, MIss Bluebird ... hope you're having a fine day.

Thanks for opening the doors this morning ... )

[freema]

Whoa, BillieBob : )

"And trust the end we shuttle to to Someone Else’s hands."

Just yesterday, in a discussion with DCFReeper Albion Wilde regarding FReeper Cindy-True-Supporter gravely injured son (Prayer thread here http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1601798/posts) I remarked:

the "...only one with His hand on the wheel for this trip is God."

[freema]

Billie,
Your table reminded me of this poem-


Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.
New-made friendships, like new wine,
Age will mellow and refine.

Cherish friendship in your breast-
New is good, but old is best;
Make new friends, but keep the old;
Those are silver, these are gold.

- from the poem by Joseph Parry