Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
July 10, 2012

“Stop-Sign Theology”
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching…For this command is a lamp, this teaching is a light, and correction and instruction are the way to life…” – Proverbs 6:20, 23 (NIV)
Have you had enough of all this “correction” stuff? Have you heard enough of listening to what is right and doing the right thing? Well, if you are then it shows that you are truly human, and being human means you actually need it more than what you think you do! Allow me to illustrate this.
What if every town (despite its size and population) had no stop signs or stoplights in them? The only instruction is when you enter the city (or town) is a sign that says, “Please stop at every intersection.” Would you remember to do that? You might…but would the other drivers remember to do that? There is a safety factor involved having a stop sign or stoplight at every intersection. That way, everyone remains safe…at least that is the purpose and goal. As many of us have experienced from time-to-time, it does not always work that way.
My mother and I were driving through downtown Fayetteville, Arkansas one day. I should preface that by saying my mom was driving since I was only eight at the time. My father had recently passed away and we were in the city to take care of some issues related to his passing. We were going through an intersection when the next thing I know I see a car coming right at me. My mother was able to stop just soon enough where the impact of the collision was more toward the front of the car instead of where I was sitting. What we learned later was that the other driver was not paying attention and had run the stoplight. What I remember most is seeing that car coming towards us—something that even to this day still haunts me. I want to repeat something that I mentioned yesterday that bears repeating in regards to the philosopher, Nietzche. Nietzche taught that rules about what is right and what is wrong are simply cultural inventions that serve as smokescreens for power struggles. According to Nietzche and his followers, subverting authority is a good thing...an act of liberation. He taught that might makes right. Whoever is strongest....whoever can win at "king of the mountain"....defines what is moral.
What if what Nietzche thought and taught applied to stop signs? Are they, too, a matter of “Power Stuggles?” What if those same rules applied to robbing banks, cheating on tests, or cheating on one’s spouse? Or, to an even greater extent, what if those same rules applied to murder, rape, child abuse…? With nothing to show “caution” it is easy to see why people get hurt…even killed. It’s like the man driving down the road with a friend. He come to a barricade in the road that says, “Detour. Bridge Out.” Instead of taking the detour he drives around the barricade and continues driving toward the bridge. His friend, a bit disturbed says, “Why aren’t you taking the detour?” The driver says, “That sign did not apply to me.” Only until he gets to the bridge does he realize that the sign applied to everyone! The reason why Solomon repeats his “instructions” over and over is like having a stop sign at every intersection. You may know that you need to stop (or yield), but does the driver coming from the other direction?
Do not become so “numbed” to instruction(s) that you forget why we need them. There is more than one type of stop-signs and I am glad there are!
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
July 8, 2012

“Sleep Easy…”
“My son, keep your father’s command and do not forsake your mother’s teaching… when you sleep, they will watch over you…” – Proverbs 6:20, 22 (NIV)

I was noticing the other day walking through the Wal-Mart pharmaceutical section a number of over-the-counter medications that are used as “sleep aids.” I counted at least six OTC brands and that does not count other medications that are touted by pharmaceutical companies as those that are intended to help sleep while fighting different ailments. I will be the first to admit I have used these products a couple of times. Rarely, have I had problems sleeping. On a typical evening from the moment my head hits the pillow until I am out like a light is a matter of minutes. If that. So I often wonder why it is we need so many different medications just to produce sleep.
Insomnia, (the inability) to sleep, appears to be a national problem. People who have insomnia may not be able to fall asleep. They may wake up during the night and not be able to fall back asleep, or they may wake up too early in the morning. One report says 1 out of every 10 to 20 people experience insomnia several nights a month…while 1 out 35 people struggle nightly. In 2009, 18 million prescriptions were written for sleeping pills. That does not count those who purchase over-the-counts meds I mentioned earlier. Insomnia is your body's way of saying that something isn't right. Things that may cause insomnia include stress, too much caffeine, depression, changes in work shifts, family or relationship problems and/or pain from medical problems.
According to the American Medical Association, getting enough sleep is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Insomnia can affect you mentally and physically. It can make you feel tired, depressed and irritable. It can also make it hard for you to concentrate or perform tasks during the day. If you don’t get enough sleep on a regular basis, you’re at increased risk of diseases such as high blood pressure, heart disease and diabetes. I went through all that to get to this…it is easy to diagnose the problem and the cause—finding a solution is another story altogether. In fact, take a look at a few of “solutions” that FamilyDoctor.org provides as the means to help alleviate sleeping problems:
· Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, including weekends, even if you didn't get enough sleep. This will help train your body to sleep at night.
· Develop a bedtime routine. Do the same thing every night before going to sleep. For example, take a warm bath and then read for 10 minutes every night before going to bed. Soon you'll connect these activities with sleeping, and doing them will help make you sleepy.
· Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark. If you must sleep during the day, hang dark blinds over the windows or wear an eye mask. · If you're still awake after trying to fall asleep for 30 minutes, get up and go to another room. Sit quietly for about 20 minutes before going back to bed. Do this as many times as you need to until you can fall asleep.
None of those are what I would deem bad solutions, but may I add a possible solution that this article seems to have ignored. It is found in the text above which might explain it’s absence, but from my perspective has cured more people than any medication ever has. It is a Clear Conscience. When you look at the “possible” causes for sleeplessness, most of them are not physical in nature. Stress…depression…family/relationship problems are more issues of the mind, and if your mind is clouded and overworked—if you are going to bed at night like this it is little wonder sleep would be hard to come by.,br /> A “Clear-Conscience” on the other hand means you are living by clearly defined Godly principles—your life reflects a heart for God and for the things and ways of God. A clear conscience allows you freedom in relationships—you hold nothing against anyone and you attempt to live your life so that no holds anything against you. Your personal life reflects business practices that are ethical and unquestionable. Talk about a sleep-aid!!
Is it the perfect solution? Probably not! But if you are having difficulties sleeping and you have tried a number of remedies…give Solomon’s prescription a try. It is easier to swallow with no nasty after-effects…in fact, unlike many medications the after-effects are far more pleasant. A peaceful heart and mind.
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Good Things

by E. Christian, McAlester, OK
Saturday, July 7, 2012

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
35 So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. 36 You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. 37 For in just a very little while, “He who is coming will come and will not delay." - Hebrews 10:35-37(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(Jesus said) 26 "But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." - John 14:26-27(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Someday you will read in the papers that Moody is dead. Don't believe it! At that moment I will be more alive than the men who carry my body to the grave. - Dwight L. Moody -

A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER
Words once spoken cannot be wiped out with a sponge. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -

FUN THOUGHTS ABOUT CATS
Humans are an odd lot. One minute it's OK for you to sit on the couch, the next it's not. - From Cats Rule -
Being a kitten gives you an advantage; if you're even moderately cute, you can get away with anything! - From Cats Rule -

NOTES
Today has been mostly cloudy with a high temperature of 91 degrees and a low temperature of 77 degrees. My housecleaning lady came at 11:15 a.m. and cleaned my house while I had lunch with Charley and Bill. When I arrived at Taco Bob's they had just had a nice shower of rain but it didn't get to my house. I went to the post office and then to the cemetery. I had my afternoon nap with Little Girl, Smokey and Tony. At around 4:30 p.m., Pastor J. T. brought me a meal that his wife, Dianne, had fixed for me. At 6:15 p.m. I put fresh water and treats out in the back yard for the cats. I will leave pictures tonight. I have been doing the Good Things for a long time. After tonight's Good Things I am going to let them rest indefinitely. Pray that if the Lord wants them back sometime that I will bring them back. Just pray that His Will be done and not ours.
The cats are fine. Tony has been inside a lot today so he is getting used to his new home. In his home across the street the authorities found a meth lab in May so they arrested the people and moved everyone out and eventually the house will be torn down. Tony didn't have any place to stay and he is now my cat. He is a very friendly cat. When my pastor came this afternoon Tony stayed in the living room and let the pastor pet him. My other cats leave out when company comes.
Have a Wonderful Sunday!
In Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by E. Christian, McAlester,OK
Friday, July 6, 2012

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
22 Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. 24 And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. - 2 Timothy 2:22-24(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(Jesus said) 6 "Are not five sparrows sold for two pennies? Yet not one of them is forgotten by God. 7 Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." - Luke 12:6-7(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Whenever I am troubled and lost in deep despair, I bundle all my troubles up and go to God in prayer. - Helen Steiner Rice -

A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER
A good conscience: a soft pillow. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -

FUN THOUGHTS ABOUT CATS
Any cat taken down from a counter or tabletop immediately leaps back up. - From Cats Rule -
Hairballs Happen. - From Cats Rule -

NOTES
I didn't do Good Things last night. I decided to rest a night. Today has been a sunny day with a high temperature of 100 degrees and a low temperature of 69 degrees. I had lunch with Charley, Bill and my pastor, J. T. Carnell. I went to the post office and then by Walgreens to pick up a prescription. I took my afternoon nap with Smokey. At 4:00 p.m. I went to Country Mart and Braums for some items. I watched the Jimmy Sturr musical show at 6:00 p.m. At 6:30 p.m. I put out fresh water and treats for the kitties. I appreciate your e-mails. I will send pictures.
The cats are fine. Emmy came in Wednesday night after I had sent out the Good Things. She ate some canned food but didn't seem too hungry. She lay around here in the den for an hour or so and then went back out and I haven't seen her any more. Apparently she has found a place she likes and gets food. Little Girl is on a tv tray here in the den at present. Tony has been staying in more and more as time goes by.

Good Things

by E. Christian, McAlester, OK
Wednesday, July 4, 2012

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but always be zealous for the fear of the Lord. 18 There is surely a future hope for you, and your hope will not be cut off. - Proverbs 23:17-18(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
19 The truthful lip shall be established forever, But a lying tongue is but for a moment. - Proverbs 12:19(New King James Version).

A QUOTE
Life is hard but God is protection when we're in trouble. - Sheri Rose Shepherd -

A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER
The treasures which are kept in coffers are not real, but only those which are kept in the soul. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -

FUN THOUGHTS ABOUT CATS
The end of a meal calls for a full-body licking. - From Cats Rule -
The better the petting, the louder the purr. - From Cats Rule -

NOTES
This has been a good day except for the heat and that is just one of the things we have to put up with as we journey through life. In the winter we have to put up with the cold. In the spring and the fall the good weather makes up for the bad. Today has been a sunny day with a high temperature of 98 degrees and a low temperature of 75 degrees. I have enjoyed the day staying home with my furry friends. I went out to Arby's and got a sandwich and brought home for lunch (I had a coupon). I took a nap as usual this afternoon. I watched a Billy Graham Classic Crusade at 6:00 p.m. The one shown tonight happened in 1985 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. At 7:00 p.m. I took fresh water and treats to the back yard for the cats. I always appreciate your e-mails when you feel like writing. I will send pictures tonight.
The cats are fine but still no Emmy. Little Girl has been coming in occasionally for a bite of food. Rascal also comes by occasionally. Tony is lying on the desk close to me tonight. It seems he is becoming more and more at home here. I talk to my cats all the time and a lot of it is baby talk. They understand and respond in kind. Sometimes I have to scold Rascal a little because he likes to chase Beau and Beau doesn't like that. I never lay a hand on my cats in discipline, just words. They are all my friends and come to me at different times during the day.
I hope everyone had a nice Independence Day. I will see you next time.
In Christian Love, Everett.