Good Things

by         Everett Christian,   McAlester, OK

 
GOOD THINGS
Friday, March 4, 2011
 
 
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
 
 4 Shout to the Lord, all the earth;
      break out in praise and sing for joy!
- Psalm 98:4(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.
James 4:10(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
A QUOTE
 
Heaven is a place with no sadness.
- Jay Carty -
 
 
 
THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
 
Choose to praise ....... rather than gossip.
- Author Unknown -
 
The seeds we sow today determine the kind of fruit we'll reap tomorrow.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
 
 
NOTES
 
Today has been mostly cloudy. We have had some very light rain off and on since about 3:30 p.m. High temperature today was 67 degrees. Low temperature for today is the current temperature of 51 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I went to the post office. I have been home the rest of today. I did a load of laundry this evening, put it through the dryer and put the clean laundry in place. Usually I leave the clean laundry in a clothes basket for a week or so before putting it in place. Since I have been living by myself and having to do laundry and prepare my meals and do other things arond the house, I now realize how much time and effort it took for my dear Flonnie to be a good homemaker, mother and wife. I regret that I did not help her more but I just didn't realize how much she had to do. God Bless all of you ladies and God Bless you men that help your wife with all the things she has to do. I had a few comments on the Good Things from last night. I always enjoy your comments, pro or con. I have found out that at least three people even save the Good Things. I had a note from my granddaughter, Carissa, this evening. She said she saved the Good Things and put them in a folder. God Bless you Carissa and your husband and your three children including little Jack, who is only 5 months old. Thanks to everyone who reads the Good Things. On the other hand if you don't have time to read them and want to be dropped from the list, just send me an e-mail and request it.
 
The cats are fine. Four of them are in the den with me tonight. Beau is in the blanket on the couch, Little Girl is lying in the floor not to far from my feet, on the other side of me is Smokey who is asleep under the desk not far from my feet, Rascal is in the recliner. I think Little Girl is wanting me to get through with the Good Things so she can get on the arm of the couch near me while Rascal sleeps in my lap. Don't you see what you are missing out on if you don't have some cats?
 
At 10:05 p.m. skies are cloudy and the temperature is down to 48 degrees. I will see you next time.
 
In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by  Pastor J.T. Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Is God a Companion or an Acquaintance?”  

“Talk to Wisdom as to a sister. Treat Insight as your companion.” – Proverbs 7:4 (MSG)

 “By yourself you're unprotected. With a friend you can face the worst.” – Ecclesiastes 4:12 (MSG)

Language is a funny thing—and when you consider what a great and wonderful gift we have been given by God to be able to communicate, be it verbally or through literature, it never ceases to amaze me how we continue to mis-communicate!  

One of the things that I have discovered in my studies of the Word, is the problem we can have with words.  Words that we think we know and understand but in truth, fall flat when put to the test.  One of those is found in the text above and it is the word companion. 

Look how the various “versions” interpret this verse.  The NIV uses “relative.”  The New American Standard and The Amplified Bible translate it as, “intimate friend.”  The New King James uses the word(s), “nearest kin.”  And the New Living Translation says, “…make insight a beloved member of your family.”

So given the number of very good choices, why “companion” as the best word or interpretation here?  Maybe it is not so much as what the Proverb says as it is to add what the “Teacher” says in the book Ecclesiastes.  “By yourself you’re unprotected.  With a friend you can face the worst.”  Take a few minutes to really think that through and you will understand the power behind that statement!

The word companion (or friend) in our language is not a strong one.  In fact, even the word friend in our language can be mis-used and misunderstood.  For example, in many parts of the world a person we would consider a friend would be thought of only as a mere acquaintance.  Someone we know of but maybe do not know much about whereas a “friend” would be someone who is as close as if not closer than a brother or sister. 

Consider the companionship (friendship) that existed between David and Jonathan.  They were in every sense of the word, “best friends.” 

“After David had finished talking with Saul, Jonathan became one in spirit with David, and he loved him as himself. 2 From that day Saul kept David with him and did not let him return home to his family.  And Jonathan made a covenant with David because he loved him as himself.   Jonathan took off the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, and even his sword, his bow and his belt.”

– 1st Samuel 18:1-3 (NIV)

Jonathan was the oldest son of king Saul and first in line to assume the role as the next king of Israel.  There is only one problem—because of Saul’s arrogance and disobedience God had rejected Saul and had Samuel the prophet anoint David as the next king—something that was not lost on Jonathan. And yet despite this fact, he was willing to give up his future as the king in order to protect David from his father.  That is what I would call the true definition of companionship. 

So, here is the question of the day:  “Is God a companion, or a mere acquaintance?”  We know He cares about us—He gave His Son so that we might have eternal life.  Are we giving anything back to Him?  Would we sacrifice for God as much as Jonathan did for David?  

An acquaintance only knows a person by name.  A companion cares about who that person is and is willing to go the extra mile with them if necessary.

An acquaintance will use someone’s name only as a point of reference and often to boost their own self-significance.  A Companion will protect that person’s name and reputation at all costs. 

An acquaintance’s loyalty will only be as strong and enduring as the situation calls for.  If fortune turns sour the chance of the relationship being severed greatly increases.  Not so for one who is a companion.  A Companion’s loyalty is a lasting bond!    

Finally, the biggest difference between an acquaintance and a companion:  It comes down to “investment.”  If you do not have much invested into something (or someone) how deep will your loyalty be?  God invested everything into us!!  How much are we willing to invest back? 

Windows 7

by  Quentin Clingerman 

Wondering what you are experiencing with Windows 7 if you have it.   It is really exasperting to me.  It reminds me of when Windows first came out many years ago.  There are frequent disconnects, incorrect displays, and hangups (when nothing happens for a period of time).  Are you experiencing this with Windows 7?  Also, it seems to be incompatible with other email functions than its own.  At least that is the experience with earthlink.net.  If you care to express your cocnerns or your success please do so as a comment.  Thank you.

Nan's Calendar

by Nan Forehand, Statesville, NC

The following is the birth verse for anyone born on March 4th.

Colossians 3:4 NIV
When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

The poem I will share with you today is a tribute to my Mama.  I am so thankful I knew her.  I never knew my father.  In fact, never even knew what he looked like until I saw a photo of him three years ago that was taken before he married Mama. 
In the absence of my father, God has, in His perfect timing, placed godly men in my life.  And since Mama died, I have had the privilege of knowing some of the most wonderful, godly women.  Don't despair if you didn't know your own mother or father.  God needed their DNA to create you.  He wants you to experience a wholesome, healthy relationship with a mother/father figure, nevertheless.  Everyone needs to be loved.  Everyone has love to give.  There is so much more about love than warm feelings. Love is a command God gave us to do loving things. 

This is my command: Love each other. John 15:17

Reunion of My Mama and Me

Written by: Nan Forehand
Friday, March 4, 2011

radiant glow in my Mama's face
of furrowed brow and wrinkles not a trace
heavenly sparkle in her eyes
finished the race and won the prize
I envision her transformation
to truly see her will be jubilation
her spirit transcends space and time
inspired me to compose this rhyme
no more sickness, grief or pain
the victory she did claim
let go of what might have been
comforting, calming peace within
in the spirit realm she does reside
yet, she is ever by my side
once again her face I will see
reunion of my Mama and me
reunion of my Mama and me

Author's note: I had recently turned 25 when Mama (Carol) died. I'm now 51 years of age. Memories of her grow sweeter and more comforting as the days of my life unfold. It is my earnest desire to bring comfort and peace to you today. If your mama is alive, cherish her now. Give nothing and no one the power to cause a rift between you. Embrace her in your arms now and may you embrace each other in sweet memories later, until the glorious arrival of your own reunion day.

Good Things

by   Everett Christian,  McAlester, OK

 
GOOD THINGS
Thursday, March 3, 2011
 
 
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
 
16 There are six things the Lord hates—
      no, seven things he detests:
 17 haughty eyes,
      a lying tongue,
      hands that kill the innocent,
 18 a heart that plots evil,
      feet that race to do wrong,
 19 a false witness who pours out lies,
      a person who sows discord in a family.
- Proverbs 6:16-19(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
13 For “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
- Romans 10:13(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
A QUOTE
 
Seek first to understand before passing judgment.
- Charlie Hedges -
 
 
 
THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
 
I've learned that although it's hard to admit it, I'm secretly glad my parents are strict with me.
- Age 15 -
 
The mind is wonderful-it works from birth until the moment you stand up to speak in public.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
 
 
NOTES
 
Today has been sunny most of the day with a high temperature of 72 degrees. Low temperature this morning was 45 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I went to the post office and then I went to the cemetery. I took my afternoon nap with Little Girl (a cat). I have piddled (a good word) around the house the rest of the day. I put out food for the cats and stray animals. I walked around outside since it was such a pretty day. I sometimes feel like these notes are not helping anyone but some of you folks like them and that is why I write them.
 
The cats are fine. Little Girl has been outside but she just came in. Rascal is on the desk close to my computer. The rest are all accounted for. They stay outside more since the weather is getting warmer.
 
At 9:10 p.m. skies are fair with a temperature of 65 degrees. I will see you next time.
 
In Christian Love, Everett.