A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day - Weekend....11-02,03-02

Billie and Mama_Bear

[Mama_Bear]

A Few of FR's Finest.....
......Every Day

FR is a Treasure Trove of talented, compassionate, patriotic, wonderful people who gather every day to discuss the latest news and issues; salute
and support our military and our leaders; tell a few jokes; learn a new
word; write poetry; pray for those in need; and congratulate those who
are deserving. Thank you, Jim Robinson, for giving us the vehicle in which
we can express ourselves.

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997. I
can remember lurking when there were only a few regulars who posted, and now there are over 60,000 who have registered for posting privileges. 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 November 11, 2001

So many people have written me since my original Veteran's Day Tribute, asking how they, or a loved one, could be included in that tribute. Since I can no longer add the photos to the body of the thread, I've been including them in additional posts as I received enough to make another collage.

Still that doesn't seem to be enough. I think there's never been a better nor more appropriate time to keep the faces of our own Veterans and Active Military in front of FReepers--every day! That's why I wanted to do yet another Daily Thread .....ABOUT FReepers .....and FOR FReepers. But not only about our Military FReepers; for all FReepers! Wouldn't it be nice to get to know a few of the other FReepers as well? That's why, in addition to seeing FR's Finest Military Personnel every day, I thought it might be fun to feature a different FReeper (or FReepers) each day. If you would like to be pictured, or know someone who would, please FReepmail me and we'll turn the spotlight - on YOU - for the day!

And do let me know if you'd like your picture added to the groups of Veterans/Active Military below. I will keep this page updated, and continue to add them to the comment section of the original Veteran's Day thread as well.

TOP: g'nad, AgThorn's son Justin, SLB, AgThorn's son Brett

MIDDLE: fish70, razorback-bert, CheneyChick,Leroy S Mort, Mark17

BOTTOM: Terry's Take, Taxman, DinkyDau

TOP: ValerieUSA's son Grant, SK1Thurman, kd5cts, RangerVetNam,

dansangel and .45man's son-in-law Tony

BOTTOM: rangerX, Old China Hand, Trish, Howlin's dad, Mustang

TOP: ohioWfan's son, MamaBear's father-in-law, MamaBear's dad, ladtx

MIDDLE: The Mayor's niece, M.Kehoe, Beach_Babe's son-in-law

BOTTOM: deadhead's dad, HiJinx, Severa's hubby, viligantcitizen's granddad.

TOP: Q6-God, Scan59, Mama Bear and JKPhoto's son, ofMagog

MIDDLE: Big'ol_freeper, JustAmy's great uncle, Prodigal Son

BOTTOM: JustAmy's husband, JustAmy's brother-in-law, JustAmy's brother.

TOP: dakine's wife, MeeknMing's dad, Auntbee's nephew, MilitiaMan7,
AlasBabylon.
BOTTOM: Joe Brower, Temple Owl, Temple Owl's wife, dutchess' dad,
Aomagrat

To Our FReeper FRiends: We hope you've been having as much fun as we have with our spotlight on various FReepers. We thought we'd kick back on the weekends and simply review those who've been featured during the week. If you missed seeing them and want to say hello to them now, feel free to click on the link to that particular thread. If you'd like to drop in and out of this thread today and tomorrow, please feel free to do that also. One of us will always be around to see the welcome mat is still out, and maybe even put fresh flowers on the table. :)

"Getting to Know You"

THIS WEEK'S THREADS


10-28-02 "FR's Finest" ...............................................SALVATION
10-29-02 "A FRiend to our Armed Forces" ........PATRICIARUTH
10-30-02 "Happy Birthday, Lodwick!" ......HALLOWEEN PARTY
10-31-02 "John's Two Cents" .................................JOHNHUANG2
"Mondale's No Shoo-in"
11-01-02 "More of America's Finest" ....MILITARY VETERANS






Strangers are just friends waiting to happen

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' The guy's good, folks!

Thanks, Mixer!

     1) Click on the graphic to open the Calendar.
     2) Once there you can click on any month and even click to the right to go into next year. Once you are in the month that you joined FR you will need to click on the number in the calendar and then an add item screen will come up.
     3) In the next box enter your name in the "Calendar Text" field and then click on submit.
     4) If any of the screens fail to load simply click on refresh in your browser and that will usually fix it.
     5) If all else fails or simply if you want me to do this for you send me an FReepmail and I will gladly do it for you. ~ Mixer

[firewalk]

Thanks for the ping MamaBear

Hope everyone's having a nice day (-:

[Dubya]

"TIME OUT"

Dear God,

Sometimes I wonder what this world is coming to
It seems each year gets harder than the one I just went through
I know there is an inner strength that lives in everyone
For me, it is the only thing that I've depended on

This strength has been my teacher with compassion as my guide
It really helps me understand what other's feel inside
You see God, I have special friends who put their trust in me
I take time-out so I'll be there because I want to be

Some friend's I've had for many years live deep inside my heart
And now I have these young adult's still searching for a start
They know I can't work miracles I don't wear Angel's wing's
I haven't got a crystal ball or any magic things

But I can see each tear that falls with every word they say
Then silently I pray for all their pain to go away
I try to be encouraging so they will really see
That dreams are never out of reach if they are meant to be

Before they leave, a smile tells me they're going to make it through
I'll give them one big hug and say "Remember I Love You"
They witness strength and confidence yet little do they know
My heart is just as frail as theirs but I can't let it show

Their problems can be hard to hear on day's I have my own
I push my pain aside for them that's when I'm all alone
I just don't have a friend like me to hear the word's I say
No-one is there to lift me up or pray my pain away

So God, I hope you understand why I am writing you
My need is not from lack of faith I'm still a human too
Sometimes I really need a friend a person I can see
Somebody who will care enough to take "Time-Out" for me

[blackie]

Up With The Right !!

Vote For Republicans !!

GWB Is The Man !!

Death To all Muslim Extremist's !!

The RATS Are In Disarray...Eradicate The Rodents !!

Fire Democrats, Hire Republicans !!

Freedom Is Worth Fighting For !!

Let's Roll !!

Molon Labe !!

[Dubya]

"FROM BAD TO WORSE"


Now my wife just left and the well went dry,
and my horse is sick and about to die.


Then my still blew up and the barn burned down,
and the road washed out on the way to town.


Then my dog got rabies and bit the cat,
and they both died soon after that.


Now I lost my specs and my pipe-stem broke,
so I can't even sit and read and smoke.


Then a tree fell on the chicken shed,
and most of the hens got smashed plumb dead.


Then a chimney fire took half of a wall,
and this old shack is about to fall.


Then I caught my heel on an old dead vine,
and sat smack dab on a porcupine.


Then a beaver dam broke and my bridge washed out,
and my watch stopped working and I've got the gout.


And the bank foreclosed so I've lost my place,
and my cow disappeared without a trace.


They cut off my credit at the grocery store,
and I lost my job and a whole lot more.


I must have been hexed by a triple curse,
as things keep going from bad to worse.


And now fate has hit me a last dirty crack,
to top off the worst -


my wife's coming back.
.....
But if the Good Lord's willin'
and the creeks don't rise;
Tomorrow will be a better Day!

[lodwick]

FReeper and Govenor Mike Huckabee just sent me an invitation to his watch party Tuesday evening - very cool Mike.

Roll the 'rats guys!

[firewalk]

#44...thanks for the (-:

[blackie]

Cool !!

Fredom Is Worth Fighting For !!

Molon Labe !!

[HiJinx]

Meek, you don't know how glad I am to hear the two of you are home safe and sound. You've been in my prayers nightly, and will continue to be until your Dad has recovered.

What I did...calling the hospital, and letting our FReeper family know how things were going...these things were the least I could do for someone who takes the time to do the things you do for us.

You show that you care, and you know what? So do we!

[LadyX]

I am indebted to you for having sent the update on him, HiJinx, so I was able to locate the hospital website and send a message.

With all the horror stories about talking with 'strangers' on the Internet, we know it can be used God's way, to spread caring and encouragement.

Meek is indeed appreciated for all his efforts here, and for who and what he is.
Many thanks to you, Joe ~ ~ ~

[lodwick]

Thanks for the email - good stuff there.

Like a weapon, the internet is simply a tool - whether it is used for good or evil is up to each user.

A superior evening to all who pass this way. ;-)

[ArneFufkin]

What a lovely image! The beauty of woman, and the beauty of America. Nice.

[Billie]

Update on daisy.....I just heard from her and she should be home Tuesday or Wednesday. I've missed her so!

[Excuse_My_Bellicosity]

Bring-back-Daisy bump!!

[Dubya]

GOOD GLAD SHE IS.

[Dubya]

The following list of rules apply to each person as they enter Texas.
Know them and learn them.


1. Pull your droopy pants up. You look like an idiot.


2. Let's get this straight, it's called a 'gravel road'. I drive a pickup truck because I need to. No matter how slow you drive, you're going to get dust on your Lexus. Drive it or get out of the way.


3. We have pigs, cattle, and oil wells -- that's what they smell like to you. They smell like money to us. Get over it. Don't like it? I-20 and I-10 go east and west, I-35 goes north and south. Pick one.


4. So you have a sixty-thousand dollar car. We're real impressed. We have quarter-million dollar cotton strippers that we drive three weeks a year.


5. So every person in every pickup waves. It's called being friendly. Try to understand the concept.


6. We all started hunting and fishing when we were nine years old. Yeah, we saw "Bambi," too. We got over it.


7. If that cell phone rings while a bunch of doves are coming in, we will shoot it out of your hand. You better hope you don't have it up to your ear at the time.


8. Yeah, we eat catfish, and crawdads. You really want sushi and caviar? It's available at the corner bait shop.


9. The "Opener" refers to the first day of deer season. It's a religious holiday held the closest Saturday to the first of November.


10. Any references to "corn fed" when talking about our women will get you jack-slapped, by our women.


11. We open doors for women. That applies to everyone regardless of age.


12. No, there's no "Vegetarian Special" on the menu. Order steak. Order it rare. Or, you can order the Chef's Salad and pick off the two pounds of ham and turkey.


13. When we fill out a table there are three main dishes: meats, vegetables, and breads. We use three spices -- salt, pepper, and hot sauce.


14. You bring "Coke" into my house it better be brown, wet, served over ice and plenty of it! You bring "Hooch" into my house it better have 4 legs, a tail, and have a nose for quail, dove, duck, teal, or pheasant. You bring Mary Jane" to my house she better be cute, know how to shoot, drive a truck, and have long hair.


15. Yeah, we have sweet tea. It comes in a glass with two packets of sugar, some lemon, and a long spoon.


16. High School Football is as important here as the Lakers and the Knicks, and a dang site more fun to watch.


17. Yeah, we have golf courses. Don't hit into the water hazards -- it spooks the fish.


18. Colleges? Try Texas Tech (this originally said Texas A&M, but I had to change it cause we all know who won the game this weekend!). They come outta there with an education and a love for God and Country, and they still wave at passing motorists when they come home for the holidays.


19. We have more Navy, Army, Marines, and Air Force than any other state, so, "Don't Mess With Texas". If you do it will get your caboose kicked by the best!


20. Texas is the only state in the Union that has the Contitutional right to maintain its own navy and army and can and does legally fly it's flag at the same
height as the "Stars and Stripes."


21. Our military is only used as a back up. Per capita, each man, woman, and child owns at least two firearms and has taken a NRA Certified Shooter Education Course.


22. Also, remember what Governor Sam Houston once said:


"Texas can make it without the United States, but the United States can't make it without Texas."

[Dubya]

"The Ant & The Grasshopper"





CLASSIC VERSION:


The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.


The grasshopper thinks he's a fool, and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.


Come winter, the ant is warm and well fed. The grasshopper has no food or shelter, so he dies out in the cold.






MODERN VERSION:


The ant works hard in the withering heat all summer long, building his house and laying up supplies for the winter.


The grasshopper thinks he's a fool, and laughs and dances and plays the summer away.


Come winter, the shivering grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others less fortunate are cold and starving.


CBS, NBC and ABC show up to provide pictures of the shivering grasshopper next to a video of the ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.


America is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be, that in a country of such wealth, this poor grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?


Kermit, the Frog, appears on Oprah with the grasshopper, and everybody cries when they sing "It's Not Easy Being Green."


Jesse Jackson stages a demonstration in front of the ant's house, where the news stations film the group singing "We Shall Overcome."


Al Gore exclaims in an interview with Peter Jennings that the ant has gotten rich off the back of the grasshopper, and calls for an immediate tax hike on the ant to make him pay his "fair share".


Finally, the EEOC drafts the Economic Equity and Anti-Grasshopper Act, retroactive to the beginning of the summer.


The ant is fined for failing to hire a proportionate number of green bugs and, having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes, his home is confiscated by the government.


Hillary Clinton gets her old law firm to represent the grasshopper in a defamation suit against the ant, and the case is tried before a panel of federal judges that Bill Clinton appointed from a list of single-parent welfare recipients.


The ant loses the case.


The story ends as we see the grasshopper finishing up the last bits of the ant's food while the government house he is in, which just happens to be the ant's old house, crumbles around him because he doesn't maintain it.


The ant has disappeared in the snow.


The grasshopper is found dead in a drug related incident and the house, now abandoned, is taken over by a gang of spiders who terrorize the once-peaceful neighborhood.



"Just a thought to ponder."

[Dubya]

We should never underestimate the power of prayer. God promises that if
we call to Him in prayer, then He will hear and answer as it is written in
Jeremiah 33:3 "Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great
and mighty things, which thou knowest not." Whenever you are in doubt or
need direction regarding certain situations, you are welcome to call on
the God who made you and He will be faithful in guiding your path.

This is a good story that shows the power that we have when we pray in
times of need. I hope you will be encouraged by this story and know that
when you call on the name of the Lord, He will be right there by your side
to guide and protect you.


ANGELS IN THE ALLEY

A young Christian university student, was home for the summer. She had gone
to visit some friends one evening and the time passed quickly as each
shared their various experiences of the past year. She ended up staying
longer than she had planned and had to walk home alone. She wasn't afraid
because it was a small town and she lived only a few blocks away.

As she walked along under the tall elm trees, Diane asked God to keep her
safe from harm and danger. When she reached the alley, which was a short
cut to her house, she decided to take it. However, halfway down the alley
she noticed a man standing at the end as though he were waiting for her.

She became uneasy and began to pray, asking for God's protection. Instantly
a comforting feeling of quietness and security wrapped around her. She
felt as though someone was walking with her. When she reached the end of
the alley, she walked right past the man and arrived home safely.

The following day, she read in the paper that a young girl had been
assaulted in the same alley just twenty minutes after she had been there.
Feeling overwhelmed by this tragedy and the fact that it could have been
her, she began to weep. Thanking the Lord for her safety and to help this
young woman, she decided to go to the police station.

She felt she could recognize the man so she told them her story. The police
asked her if she would be willing to look at a lineup to see if she could
identify him. She agreed and immediately pointed out the man she had seen
in the alley the night before.

When the man was told he had been identified, he immediately broke down
and confessed. The officer thanked Diane for her bravery and asked if
there was anything they could do for her. She asked if they would ask the
man one question. Diane was curious as to why he had not attacked her.
When the policeman asked him, he answered, "Because she wasn't alone. She
had two tall men walking on either side of her."

Author Unknown


Be encouraged and remember that no matter what the problem is in your life
or whatever situation has you feeling overwhelmed; God is right there with
you. He never sleeps or forgets about meeting His children's needs, so
you stay faithful and show your confidence in God Almighty. (Psalm 121:3-8)


Read and meditate on these scriptures:

Psalm 34:6-8 "This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, And saved
him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around
those who fear Him, And delivers them. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is
good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him!"

2 Kings 6:16-17 ".Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than
those who are with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open
his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man,
and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of
fire all around Elisha."

Proverbs 3:5-8 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your
own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct
your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from
evil. It will be health to your flesh, And strength to your bones."

Psalm 121:5-8 "The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade at your
right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, Nor the moon by night. The
Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. The
Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in From this time forth,
and even forevermore."

[Dubya]

Good to hear from you.

[ValerieUSA]

[kayak]

Just dropping by to tip my hat to all of FR's Finest ......