Nan's Calendar

by  Nan Forehand, Statesville, NC

But, "let him who boasts, boast in the Lord."  For it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
2 Corinthians 10:17-18

Always know I come to you with a humble heart as I share these messages of faith, hope and love.  The Holy Spirit doesn't come into my being to stay there.  He is always moving in me and through me to those who would be aware of His presence.  I am a servant of the Lord and your servant, as well.
One of the things I remember about Mama was when I was a child leaving home in the morning to get on the school bus; she would give me a smile and a hug and say "be nice and be good today."  It mattered what she thought of me.  It matters what you think of me.  Most importantly, it matters what God thinks of me.  I really took it to heart what Mama said as I still, to this day, want to be nice and be good today.
I recently read somewhere (I forget where I read it) "what is in the well comes up in the bucket."  We all have some sediment in the bottom of the well that gets stirred up at times.  The good news is that God installed a filter in each well. The great news is that Jesus provides the water for the well.  Jesus answered, "Everyone who drinks this water  will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the (living) water I give him will never thirst.  Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life."  John 4:13-14.  We are to share this Living Water with those who thirst.  It becomes necessary, at times, to clean out the filter in our well.
Lord, thank you for this beautiful day and thank you for loving us, for showing us mercy and grace.   Thank you for installing a filter deep within us to catch the unwanted thoughts so they can be discarded.  Help us to remember this as we know thoughts can become actions.  May the Living Water we share with others leave a good taste in their mouths and may Your water inside our well quench their thirst as nothing else can.  May our thoughts and actions prove to you that we want to be nice and be good today, because it matters what You think of us.  In Your precious name I pray.  Amen
Be nice and be good today.
Love, Nan

Good Things

by       Everett Christian,  McAlester, OK    

 
GOD SPEAKS TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
 1 Keep on loving each other as brothers and sisters.
- Hebrews 13:1(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom;
   all who follow his precepts have good understanding.
   To him belongs eternal praise.
- Psalm 111:10(New International Version).
 
 
 
A PRAYER
 
Lord Jesus, I want my home to be a place where others feel welcome. May I create a warm, inviting environment for others. Please don't let me be overcome with preparations. May my visitors feel at home here, and make this place where You are happy to reside, too, Lord.  Amen.  - From Light For My Path for Grandparents -
 
 
 
A QUOTE
 
Happy is the house that shelters a friend.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -
 
 
 
A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER
 
Good manners may be found in six words: Forget yourself and think of others.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
 
 
NOTES
 
Today has been a cloudy day with a high temperature of 64 degrees. Low temperature last night was 50 degrees. I had lunch with Charley. I came by the post office. I took a nap this afternoon. When I awoke, Smokey was asleep beside me. I have been at home the rest of the day. With my back problem and my age, I just don't enjoy getting out much anymore. Flonnie and I used to take drives around to different towns like Atoka, Eufaula, Holdenville, Eufaula and others. She would call those trips "playing hookey". Flonnie loved to shop but she looked for bargains. I don't think she ever paid full price for anything. She was a very thrifty person but she wasn't tight with her money. My daughters gave a lot of clothing and shoes to Goodwill that Flonnie had kept through the years. I still miss her every day and always will until the Lord calls me home to see Jesus and join my dear Flonnie, my mother and dad, brothers, sisters, relatives and friends. The song, "That Will Be A Glad Reunion Day" is so true. I just pray to the Lord to keep me well enough to take care of our cats until it is time for me to go home. Then my kids will see that the cats have a good home.
 
The cats are fine. Rascal just came to the desk beside me to eat a little dry food. Emmy came to this desk a little while ago and just talked to me. I petted her and she went on to other things. Little Girl is outside at present but she usually doesn't stay long outside.
 
At 9:20 p.m. skies are cloudy with a temperature of 50 degrees. I will see you next time.
 
In Christian Love, Everett.

Nan's Calendar

 by Nan Forehand, Statesville, NC

I stopped by Food Lion for a few grocery items on the way home from work last night.  As I crossed the parking lot, I noticed, lying on the pavement, the back side of a personal check.  No one was close by as I picked it up.  It was obvious to me the owner of the check dropped it as she approached her vehicle.  The purchase receipt wasn't with it and it was still in good  condition.  I called the number listed on the check as I stood in the parking lot.  I asked for the lady whose name was printed on it.  She came to the phone and I explained how I came to have her check in my possession.  Her checking account number could have come into the wrong hands as easily as it came into my hands.  I could tell she is an older lady by the sound of her voice and she was tremendously thankful when I told her that I would send the check back to her by mail the next morning.  She could tell by my conversation with her that I could be trusted with this sensitive information.
I had a spare envelope in the car and walked back and addressed the envelope then and there and put the check in it for safe keeping while I did my shopping.  This morning as I dressed for work, this lady kept coming into my mind and I wanted to do more for her than return the check.  I only gave her my first name during the conversation and I gave her a basic idea of where I live.  As I have a nice collection of inspirational books in my library, I asked God which one would be the one to send her in the mail along with the check.  To give her one of my books would be the perfect gesture, especially since Allen thinks I have too many books.  I ask you, can one ever have too many books?  My library actually has 10 less books now, including this one, since I gave away nine other books within the past week.   But, those are stories for another day!  Oh, wait!  I did buy several books in the Goodwill store before going to work this morning!
I chose for her one of my favorite books.  It's a paperback version of "When I'm On My Knees" written by Anita Corrine Donahue.  It looked brand new, as I take very good care of my books.  I searched the book from front to back, looking for the right message.  As she pulls her check from between the pages she will notice a particular message.
I didn't write my return address on the outside of the envelope as I didn't think it was necessary.  It's not for me to get credit for doing a good deed, but I intended for her to have a surprise in her mailbox when she least expects it.  The book and check were put in the mail to her today.  I smile as I think of the joy God will have in His heart as she opens the envelope to find more than she expected to find.  I also smile and wonder what thoughts will go through her mind as she discovers her surprise.  I love surprises, especially giving them.  Though I won't be there to see her face when the book slides out of the envelope, I smile at the thought of it.
The title of the message I chose was "In You I Believe".  It is a beautiful message and regardless of what her relationship is with God, I know she will be touched by the message.  The last sentence reads as follows "In all the uncertainties around me, I trust in You, I believe in You, and I know You guard all that I do."
God guarded her personal checking account when she had no clue it could be in jeopardy.  God put me where He needed me when He needed me there to assist in protecting this senior lady's money.
I believe it was God's intention for me to find her check, and to not only return it, but to include a special inspirational book for her and to share the story with you tonight.
Yes, some things really are free.  She will receive, within a day or so, her check and a beautiful, free book and a fresh perspective of her fellow citizens.  And, I'm sure, she has a thankful heart that her checking account number didn't fall into the hands of someone who would have evil thoughts, which could turn into evil actions.   It is entirely possible she and I may have had a pleasant encounter in Food Lion prior to yesterday's incident and we may never be aware.  It's a mystery!
You never know when you will be on the receiving end of a most pleasant surprise when you least expect it!   Be alert for opportunities to be on the giving end!
My big white kitty is loving all over me as I type this message.  She's letting me know it's time to go to bed!  It is currently 11:16 p.m.  I lost track of the time!  She's right!  It's time to call it a day!  Take care!  Love, Nan

Daily Jewel

by   Pastor J.T. Carnell,  McAlester, OK

Good Morning Everyone...Looking forward to a great day in Christ!

Received a note from Dawn last night:  Her father was taken to the hospital.  Please keep him lifted in prayer today.  Barbara Shirley received some good news regarding her health!  PTL!!

I am receiving several notes regarding the Ashes to Fire beginning tomorrow.  Many are excited about the journey and I rejoice with that! 

One note regarding tomorrow night's service:  I would like to encourage everyone to be a part of the service as we usher in the beginning of Lent.  THERE WILL BE activities for the younger children provided by Dianne:  primarily for those in preschool, kindergarten but I would like to encourage the older children to be in the service so they can experience what God can do when His people choose to work and worship together for His purpose.  I know this is new for many of us and I am hoping for it to be the means by which God works mightily through us in the weeks to come!

Here is today's message.  God bless you all!

“I’ll Take Vision, Please”  

“As I stood at the window of my house looking out through the shutters…” – Proverbs 7:6 (MSG)

Where there is no vision, the people cast off restraint.”

(Proverbs 29:18 RV)

 “There is a difference between an ideal and a vision.

An ideal has no moral inspiration; a vision has.”

Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest)

It would appear by casual observation that verse 6 listed above would have no spiritual meaning or depth—that it is just a lead-in to what is to come.  I would beg to differ, however, for it appears to me that Solomon always has something in mind and in this case it is looking at how so many live their lives—often without purpose or vision.

We will pass by this way again I am sure but for now let us go ahead and make the case for seeing beyond the now—beyond simply living for the moment and working toward something with a bigger purpose and meaning.

If I had to choose between embracing a vision and embracing an ideal, I’ll take vision. As Oswald Chambers observed, “When once we lose sight of God, we begin to be reckless, we cast off certain restraints, we cast off praying, we cast off the vision of God in little things, and begin to act on our own initiative.”

                        I have known people who enthusiastically held to their ideals but who rarely did anything else worth mentioning. They argue their positions on theology and level harsh criticism against any who disagree with them. They pull their teenagers out of attending the church of their choice because the pastor uses a translation of the Bible that is different than the one they prefer. The late Edward John Carnell (no relation that I am aware of) called this type of thinking “the cultic mind.”

                        Ideals are important. They represent our goals, our principles, and our sense of values. But they may or may not represent a vision given to us by God. They may represent our culture, but they may not be supported by Scripture. I like the rendering of Proverbs 29:18 as recorded in The Message:

“If people can’t see what God is doing, they stumble all over themselves;

But when they attend to what he reveals, they are most blessed.”

I want to be more than just a simple witness of life but rather a witness to life.  The true life that God gives and that takes more than just casual observance or simple ideals—but a vision of something better.   I long and desire to be where God is and thankfully He wants me to be where He is.  Since He remains constant it means opening my eyes to see (ergo, vision) the life He has in store.  That is where I am headed.  Let’s begin this journey and let’s travel together!

Good Things

by       Everett Christian,  McAlester, OK    

 
GOOD THINGS
Monday, March 7, 2011
 
 
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
 
(Daniel said)
“Praise be to the name of God for ever and ever;
   wisdom and power are his.
21 He changes times and seasons;
   he deposes kings and raises up others.
He gives wisdom to the wise
   and knowledge to the discerning.
22 He reveals deep and hidden things;
   he knows what lies in darkness,
   and light dwells with him."
- Daniel 2:20-22(New International Version).
 
 
 
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
 6 Though the Lord is great, he cares for the humble,
      but he keeps his distance from the proud.
- Psalm 138:6(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
A QUOTE
 
When you're angry, it is easy to say and do things you will later regret. Watch carefully what you say; once those words are out of your mouth, you can never take them back.  - Dr. Steve Stephens -
 
 
 
A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER
 
There's no end to the good we can do if we don't care who gets the credit.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
 
 
NOTES
 
Today has been mostly cloudy with a high temperature of 55 degrees. Low temperature this morning was 41 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I went to the post office and then at 1:00 p.m. I took Little Girl to the vet for her annual examination and vaccinations. She was a little overdue for her shots but she is mainly an inside cat going out just for short periods of time. It is always difficult to get her in a cat carrier so I covered her with a cloth until I got her in the carrier. She was a good patient not causing any fuss after I got her in the carrier. She was ready to get back in the carrier once the vet was through with her. When we got home I took her to my bed and let her out of the carrier and she stayed on the bed as I took my nap. Rascal was on the bed also. Nothing else happened today of any importance.
 
The cats are fine. Little Girl is on her blanket. Rascal has been in the recliner but has just now gone elswhere. All the cats are accounted for.
 
At 9:45 p.m. skies are cloudy with a temperature of 51 degrees. I will see you next time.
 
In Christian Love, Everett.