[dutchess]

It's Thursday at the Finest... Time for another tell it like it is John's 2cents!!!! ENJOY!!!!!

P.S. The "Finest" is a little "haven...get away" from some of the rancor on Free Republic. We're all there but sometimes need a little time out! Most of our regulars have been here since 1988. John give's a good honest perspetive from his side. We all have different opinions...but this is not the place to argue. That being said... please stop in, read John's most excellent words...(just don't expect a debate here) and enjoy a cup of coffee before you go off and head for the bigger battle debate...that is good too!!!!!! :o)

[DollyCali]

yippee sistah.. went for one last "my comments" refresh & saw you were up! good job. Know it is often LATE, and VERY LATE midnight oil to get things squared away(well, it is FOR ME). have not gone to thread yet. just your ping. Thank you dutchess. God's wonderful rest upon you & may you be energized to face the challenges of the morrow...

[luvie]

Great fire-breathing stuff as usual, with logic taking the place of rhetoric! John is the best there is...and always makes complete sense! I am sure glad he is on our side!

[HelloooClareece]

This is my first week at FR and the first "Finest" I've read. MAGNIFICENT!

[The Mayor]

October 13, 2005

Got Moles?

Read:
1 Samuel 15:13-23

Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed than the fat of rams. —1 Samuel 15:22

Bible In One Year: Nehemiah 10-13

While cutting our grass, I spotted rounded mounds of sandy loam on what had recently been a smooth lawn. A family of moles had emigrated from nearby woods to take up residence beneath our yard. The little creatures were wreaking havoc with our lawn by burrowing into the soil and disrupting the beautiful turf.

In some ways the activity of moles illustrates the dark side of the human heart. On the surface, we may appear polished and polite. But greed, lust, bigotry, and addictions can work inner destruction. Sooner or later, those sins will become apparent.

King Saul had a fatal flaw that festered beneath the surface—rebellion against God. He had been commanded not to take any of the spoils of war from the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:3). But after a decisive victory, he let the Israelites keep the best of the livestock for themselves (v.9).

When the prophet Samuel confronted the king, Saul rationalized that he had kept the sheep and cattle to sacrifice to God. But this was a mere cover for his sinful pride, which had erupted in defiance of the God he claimed to serve.

God's remedy for rebellion is confession and repentance. Like Saul, you may be rationalizing your sin. Confess and forsake it before it's too late. —Dennis Fisher

God wants complete obedience—
Excuses will not do;
His Word and Spirit point the way
As we His will pursue. —Sper

One sin becomes two when it is defended.

FOR FURTHER STUDY
David And Manasseh: Overcoming Failure

[DollyCali]

Good Morning Finest FRiends!

Thank you JH2 & Dutchess!

[LadyX]

Dear John Letter # 1489:

Reminded of the play, "Much Ado About Nothing!" John.

Let my mind roam to imagining a conversation between
George and Harriet down at The Ranch - -

"Look, Harriet - those buzzards are flapping their right wings!
It's Kristol-clear something dastardly is afoot, but never fear -
the real right is right as rain...
they'll come through with the Senate votes for you."

"They're just nervous 'cause the dems are firing misdisinformation from the left,
sayin' they're FOR you, tryin' to confuse us."

"Look at the right sizin' you up, wonderin' what you have in your hand" - -

"They should never bluff in a poker game with us Texans.
HEY!! Do not misunderestimate the grit of a true Texas gal, folks - -
Boy, are they gonna be surprised when the vote is made!!"

"Remember this poker game we played in Austin when they said I'd lose?"
LOL

=============================================

"Rest easy, Little Lady - - once you are confirmed, I suspect the Three B's -
Billy and Bauer and Buchanan - will be in full retreat."

"They probably will open this as The Three B's Bed & Breakfast down at the mouth of the Mississippi River...:))
Their Desk Clerk could be Nagin; Hospitality Hostess, Blanco, you think?"

=============================================

"Hold on to your , gal -

just

Gotta run, John. Thanks for the laughs!!

Love n hugs,

~LadyX

[Temple Owl]

Great! Much better than talk radio!

[Billie]

Hi dutchess and Mr. My Two-Cents,

Gosh, you're good! Just plain good! Week in, week out, the two of you are winners. I could read the essays in my mailbox (thank you, John, for including me), but it's much more fun to see them here after they're dressed up in all their finery foolery.

Thank you!

P.S. Thanks, dutchess, for your P.S. 'splanation. :)

[deadhead]

"OK, on the downside, you-know-who at one time was a Democrat."

Yes, deadhead was...LOL, just check her profile page. Harriet and I have something in common, so this fact about Harriet doesn't faze me at all. Though, I was never a major contributor to the Democratic party in my younger days and didn't have much interest in politics until the late 80's, early 90's. Yes, I voted for Reagan :-) No, I didn't vote for Carter or Clinton...so, my track record isn't too bad. Back then, I would vote out of my 'party line' in local elections. Today, no Democrat gets my vote, and that's the way it is. Will wait and see, watch the hearings. I trust President Bush and am supporting his decision, though Harriet was not one of my top 3. I will hope for the best. The Democratic party has changed so much, my Dad, who passed away in 1969 wouldn't even recognize the party, and I am sure my Dad, like me, would be a Republican / Conservative today. Looking forward to the hearings.

Awesome 'Dear John' post, LadyX.

Wonderful read, JohnHuang2

Excellent presentation, dutchess

Thank You, All

[Victoria Delsoul]

Thanks for the thread, and thanks for the essay as well, John.