Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
5 But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us. - Galatians 5:5(New Living Translation).
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. - James 1:26-27(New Living Translation).
A QUOTE
Hope itself is like a star - not to be seen in the sunshine of prosperity and only to be discovered in the night of adversity. - Charles H. Spurgeon
- THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
If word-of-mouth was so effective for the apostles, we should be even more effective at spreading the Word today. - From Reflecting God -
If you don't like the way life looks, change the way you look at life. - From Reminisce Magazine -
You'll do more things that count if you don't stop to count them. - From Reminisce Magazine -
NOTES
Today has been a partly cloudy day with a high temperature of 90 degrees. Low temperature this morning was 69 degrees. I had lunch at Taco Bob's with my brother, Charley. I came by the post office to pick up my mail and then on to Walgreens to pick up a couple of prescriptions. I took my nap in early afternoon. About 3:30 p.m. I went out to mail some letters and then on to Walmart to pick up my weekly supply of cat food and other items. At 6:00 p.m. I went outside to the back yard and fed the cats and sat outside with them and read for over an hour. The picture tonight from left to right, Everett Christian, Chris Christian(my grandson), Nancy Christian(Chris' wife), Ron Christian(my son, Chris' dad). I think something was wrong with the camera as I appear to be a little too fat(lol). The cats are fine. For the benefit of the new people receiving Good Things, I have eight cats who live inside or outside the house to their choosing. Their names are Beau, Emmy, Friendly, Itty Bitty, Leo, Little Girl, Rascal and Smokey. I also have one stray named Lucy that waited here in McAlester for me for 10 months while I lived in Moore, Oklahoma. I think the cats are all outside tonight enjoying the warm weather. At 10:00 p.m. skies are fair with a temperature of 79 degrees. I will see you next time.
In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK
“Looking For Love in the Right Places” “I love those who love me, and those who seek me find me.” – Proverbs 8:17 A number of musical artists through the years have been (or are) defined by one signature song. Last year while in Branson for a retreat we heard Debbie Boone who’s only hit was a big one, “You Light Up My Life,” but her reputation is based more on her famous father (Pat Boone) than her actual singing career. Billy Ray Cyrus, whose one big hit, “Achy, Breaky, Heart” brought his name into the spotlight but is today known more for his daughter, Miley (Hannah Montana) and his singing career has taken a back seat. I am not a big country music fan. In fact, I can safely say that I do not like country music at all but from time to time there are songs and the people who sing them that redefine how people view things. I could not tell you a single song that Country Music artist Mickey Gilley had done prior to a song he recorded for the movie, “Urban Cowboy.” The following is the lyrics to that song that was popular in the early 1980’s. The name of the song is “Looking for Love.” I spent a lifetime lookin' for you Single bars and good time lovers were never true Playing a fool’s game, hopin' to win Tellin' those sweet lies and losin' again. I was lookin' for love in all the wrong places Lookin' for love in too many places Searchin' her eyes, lookin' for traces Of what I'm dreamin' of Hoping to find a friend and a lover I'll bless the day I discover, You - lookin' for love. I was alone then, no love in site I did everything I could to get me through the night Don''t know where it started or where it might end I'd turn to a stranger just like a friend. Music speaks to the heart and to the soul. And many times songs and music reflect how the heart feels—and what makes this song so powerful is the fact that far too many live by this philosophy. This is the “theme” song that a host of people—who night after night go from one club or bar to another looking for that one person (or thing) that will make their life complete. I think back to the late 70’s, early 80’s when disco ruled the airwaves. The big movie was the blockbuster, “Saturday Night Fever” which would spawn a number of copy-cat movies all with the same story line; young people gathering to find that one person they can “hook-up” with and have a good time. Many of the songs from that era had to do with dancing and the “beat” of the songs prompted people to do just that! This did not just play out on the movie screen! Hundreds of disco-clubs opened all across the United States and Europe. Every weekend they would be filled with loud music and longing hearts. The vast majority who went to those clubs would leave with nothing more than a headache and shattered hopes! And if you are wondering if I was one of those I have been describing the answer to that is an emphatic, NO!! As much as I did not like Country music I hated disco even more and I had better things to spend my time and money on. Solomon tells us what to look for and more importantly, where! Looking for love, hope, peace, in any other place other than the Father’s heart will only result in an empty search. If you want answers to life…love…hope…here it is!! And the good part about it—it is without cost and headache free! Pastor J. T. Carnell

Nan's Calendar

by Nan Forehand, Statesville, NC
Dot to Dot
remember this game of your youth listen now and I'll tell you the truth it's easiest to begin with "Number One" listening to the preacher, you begin to connect verses you'd forgot - now you recollect anxious to see the big picture take your time - don't go too fast this picture won't fade - it's made to last life is a mystery - yes, it's a puzzle sometimes the dots are close - some far apart it's not always as easy as it looks, but God knows your heart do your best and stay on the right track when you make mistakes, God allows erases forgiven --- you become one of God's aces follow the right dots and one day you'll see Christ on this journey of dot to dot help others ..... it will mean a lot written on 1-22-07 Ecclesiastes 3:11-14 He (God) has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live. That everyone may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all his toil - this is the gift of God. I know that everything God does will endure forever, nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere Him. None of us are perfect, but when we intend to live as Christ would have us live, our intentions make us more aware of the outcome of our decisions. I intend to live each day as if it were my last day on earth and to think about my decisions before making them so as to have no regrets on my last day. We sometimes eat things we know aren't healthy for us and as well, we may drink beverages we've been told aren't good for us. Sometimes, we don't find satisfaction in our toil. It is in striving to eat healthier and to drink healthier beverages and to take satisfaction in our toil, regardless of the task, that we receive the gift of God. God knows the desires of our hearts. Keeping our desires in alignment with God's will keeps us on the right track. If your decisions are contrary to your desires, rethink them and take corrective action. Motivate and activate! Get motivated and get activated. I've noticed that in some of my writings I am quite direct, i.e., "get motivated", etc. I just put my finger on the "why" of it. I remember how God, Jesus and the apostles spoke in the Bible. They were convinced of what they were talking about and they knew that if the people would do as they said, it would go well for the people. Many times in the Bible, they spoke very directly so as no one could misunderstand the point. They had the wisdom and insight we sometimes lack; mind you, not that I boast of wisdom and insight, I'm speaking of what I understand of God, Jesus and the apostles and their way of speaking to the people, then and now; one on one and also to the masses. I am convinced of what I understand to be truth. I don't doubt my Lord and what He is capable of and I don't doubt what you are capable of when you are motivated and activated. That is why I speak so passionately on your behalf. I care about you. I want it to go well for you. So, enough said. Get motivated and get activated!! I have to get up from here and finish getting ready for work! I'm motivated! I'm activated! Get busy connecting the dots, then you'll see the beautiful big picture! Have a wonderful day! Love you! Nan

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK  GOOD THINGS Tuesday, May 31, 2011 GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD 24 A servant of the Lord must not quarrel but must be kind to everyone, be able to teach, and be patient with difficult people. 25 Gently instruct those who oppose the truth. Perhaps God will change those people’s hearts, and they will learn the truth. 26 Then they will come to their senses and escape from the devil’s trap. For they have been held captive by him to do whatever he wants. - 2 Timothy 2:24-26(New Living Translation). GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD 7 But if we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin. - 1 John 1:7(New Living Translation). A QUOTE A friend is one who follows through with what he or she says. - Glenda Hotton, M.A. - THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER Let us strive to truly pray "in the name of Jesus" and not just tack His name at the end as if it were magic. - From Reflecting God - The darkest night that ever fell on Earth never put out the stars. - From Reminisce Magazine - When your reputation breaks down, there is no place to go for spare parts. - From Reminisce Magazine - NOTES Today has been a partly cloudy day with a high temperature of 87 degrees. Low temperature this morning was 73 degrees. I had lunch today with my three children, Treva, June and Ron. Also, Charley and Bill also ate with us. We have had a good time the past three days. My three children came Saturday afternoon. We had our Saturday evening meal at Western Sizzling Steak House. Sunday Afternoon we went to Glory Cemetery near Holdenville lake to decorate Flonnie's mother's and dad's graves. Monday my grandson, Chris (Ron's son) and wife, Nancy, with their four children, Holly, Nick, Jon and Jaimie, came to visit from Yukon, Oklahoma. We visited Flonnie's grave Monday afternoon. We made several pictures and I will show many of them in the Good Things. Treva and her dog, Libby, left for home in Topeka, Kansas, about 2:00 p.m. this afternoon. I heard from her a little while ago and she had made it home safely. June and Ron left for home in Oklahoma City and Yukon about 2:30 p.m. this afternoon and I heard from them also that they had made it home safely. I am a little tired but we had a wonderful week-end. All that was missing was one person and I know most of you know who that is. The picture tonight from left to right, Jaimie(Age 4), Jon(Age 12), Holly(age 15), Nick(Age 12) and Treva arranging the flowers at Flonnie's grave. I would like to welcome Jackie and Tiyan Martin to the Good Things. They live in Tulsa. I would also like to welcome Bill and Dayna Robinson who live at Holdenville, Oklahoma and publish the weekly newspaper "Holdenville Tribune" to which I subscribe. The cats were hiding a lot of the time while I had company. They are used to living with one old man and don't know how to take so much company. They did come out a lot while we would sit and visit in the back yard. Little Girl stayed out in back in a large catalpa tree which has many large limbs to rest on. She is on the couch at present and Rascal is outside with the other cats. Leo has been here in the den a lot this evening. At 10:20 p.m. skies are fair with a temperature of 77 degrees. I will see you next time. In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK  “Biblical Correctness” “With my help, governors govern, along with all in legitimate authority.” – Proverbs 8:16 (MSG) This is a “follow-up” to yesterday’s message and since we are talking about “misconceptions” that are floating around, another phrase (or word in this case) that has been added to the “politically correct” handbook is this one...Civility. It sounds like the latest hybrid from Honda. It would be great if it were. You could buy it or not buy it—no problem. The dictionary has the usual number of definitions of civility: “Formal or perfunctory politeness”…“A polite expression or action.” One thing seems true: Civility is more about utterance than attitude or action. For some time we have been hearing a lot of such utterances on civility coming from politicians. I’m not sure what that means, but I have an idea. Recently I came across this interesting statement: “I believe in civility, and generally insist upon it at my place, but being uncivil to the uncivil has sometimes proven to be a temptation too great to be resisted.” A “temptation too great to be resisted”? I hope not. I wish political leaders would embrace Biblically Correct positions on subjects with moral implications. Both Old and New Testaments are loaded with attitude and behavior guidelines. Here are a few: “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense.” (Proverbs 19:11) “If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.” (25:21) “But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.” (Luke 6:27) “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” Luke 6:28) “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34) “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” (Romans 12:14) “Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always try to be kind to each other and to everyone else.” (1 Thessalonians 5:15) Commenting on Romans 12:14-20, Albert Barnes (Bible Commentator and Minister of 1st Presbyterian Church of Philadelphia from 1830-1867) wrote eloquently on the subject of loving our enemies: “It is impossible to love the conduct of a person who curses and reviles us, who injures our person or property, or who violates all the laws of God; but, though we may hate his conduct, and suffer keenly when we are affected by it, yet we may still wish well to the person; we may pity his madness and folly; we may speak kindly of him and to him; we may return good for evil; we may aid him in the time of trial; we may seek to do him good here and to promote his eternal welfare hereafter. This seems to be what is meant by loving our enemies.” No American President has been more misunderstood, condemned, maligned, and assailed by friend and foe alike than Abraham Lincoln. One newspaper called him “the obscene ape of Illinois.” As the end of the Civil War approached, Lincoln took no pride or pleasure in either his election to a second term or the conclusion of conflict with the South. One writer said about Lincoln, “He harbored no resentments, had no slightest wish for retaliation against those who had cruelly slandered and abused him. He had one interest only: to reconcile the rebellious states and to rebuild the Union he had sworn to preserve.” (Lillian Eichler Watson, in Light from Many Lamps, Simon & Schuster, 1951, p. 204). One of Lincoln’s most memorable closing paragraphs occurred during his Second Inaugural Address: “With malice toward none; with charity for all, with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in; to bind up the nation’s wounds; to care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow and his orphan—to do all which may achieve and cherish a just and lasting peace among ourselves and with all nations.” With speeches and responses to speeches dominating America’s headlines this week, maybe we should do a bit more research on civility—is it politically correct, or just political? I prefer Lincoln’s thinking. He truly epitomizes this verse…one who governed with biblical wisdom. Pastor J. T. Carnell