Good Things

by Everett Chrsitian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
15 Shouts of joy and victory resound in the tents of the righteous: “The Lord’s right hand has done mighty things! - Psalm 118:15(New International Version).
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. - Hebrews 11:6(New International Version).

A QUOTE
It is a sad thing to reflect that in a world so overflowing with goodness of smell, of fine sights and sweet sounds, we pass by hastily and take so little note of them. - David Grayson -
,br /> THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
If you have knowledge, let others light their candles at it. - From Leaves of Gold -
Keep clear of a person who does not value their own character. - From Leaves of Gold -
Try to live your life like the words of praise that will undoubtedly be spoken at your funeral. - Everett Christian -
NOTES
Today has been partly cloudy in McAlester, Oklahoma, after thunderstorms during the night. High temperature today was 63 degrees with a low temperature of 46 degrees. I attended church this morning. We had a wonderful service with hymns and songs of praise. Pastor J. T. preached an inspiring sermon titled "Service - Connected." I will leave one of the songs that was sung this morning at the end of the Good Things. I had lunch at home. I sat outside with the cats a little while before I took my afternoon nap. I put treats and food outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. Since the last Good Things, I have heard from Burlene, Alice and Audie (my cousin). Thanks for your e-mails. The song I will leave tonight is "Because He Lives." I may have left it before but it is worth repeating. Sing it if you know the melody.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner. Emmy and Tony were here a few minutes ago. I have seen all the cats this evening.
Have a wonderful Monday to start the week!.
Until next time May the Good Lord Bless and Keep You. Everett

Here is the song:
Because He Lives
- Bill Gaither -
God sent His son, they called Him, Jesus; He came to love, heal and forgive; He lived and died to buy my pardon, An empty grave is there to prove my Savior lives!
Chorus Because He lives, I can face tomorrow, Because He lives, all fear is gone; Because I know He holds the future, And life is worth the living, Just because He lives!
How sweet to hold a newborn baby, And feel the pride and joy he gives; But greater still the calm assurance: This child can face uncertain days because He Lives!
And then one day, I'll cross the river, I'll fight life's final war with pain; And then, as death gives way to vict'ry, I'll see the lights of glory and I'll know He lives!

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
9 He (the Lord) guides the humble in what is right and teaches them his way. - Psalm 25:9(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
9 The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made. - Psalm 145:9(New International Version).

A QUOTE
It is with a word as with an arrow ~ once let it loose and it does not return. - Abd-el-Kader -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
If religion has done nothing for your temper, it has done nothing for your soul. - Clayton -
Never be afraid of giving up your best, and God will give you His better. - Hinton -

A FACT ABOUT DOGS
"February 11 is Random Acts of Kindness Week - so make homemade dog treats and give some to each of your dog-owning neighbors. Take some to the local humane society, too, for the dogs waiting for new homes." - From DOGFANCY -

NOTES
Today has been a cloudy day in McAlester, Oklahoma, with rain showers much of the afternoon. High temperature today was 50 degrees and the low temperature was 39 degrees. My housecleaning lady came at 11:30 a.m. and cleaned my house while I was having lunch with Charley and Bill. I went to the post office. I took my nap in early afternoon. At around 3:15 p.m. I went to the Petsense store and then to Walmart. I came by Memory Gardens cemetery as I came home. I didn't put treats out for the cats since it was raining this evening. I did put food out in the storage house for stray cats or other animals that might come by. From 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. I watched the Lawrence Welk program. The program today was taped in 1980. Since last time I have heard from Alice, Jody and Burlene. Thanks for the e-mails.
The cats are fine. Rascal is in his usual place. Tony, Beau and Emmy have also been here recently. I have seen all of the cats today.

Have a Wonderful Sunday!
May God Bless and Keep each one until next time. Everett.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
17 Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds. 18 Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come. - Psalm 71:17-18(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it. - Albert Smith -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Happiness is a perfume you cannot pour on others without getting a few drops on yourself. - From Leaves of Gold -
He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home. - Goethe -

NOTES
Today has been mostly sunny in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 54 degrees and a low temperature of 37 degrees. I had lunch today with Charley and my pastor, J. T. Carnell, at Taco Bob's Fiesta Grill. I went to the post office and then to Walgreen's for a couple of items. I had my nap this afternoon. I put out treats for the cats at 4:30 p.m. At 5:00 p.m. I went to the First Freewill Baptist Church to a chili supper. They were raising funds for the youth of their church. Since last time I have heard from Michelle, Alice, Debra, Burlene, Pastor J.T., Lucille (my niece) and Geneva. I always appreciate the e-mails. Michelle has been sick the past few days with something, maybe the flu, so please pray for her.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner. The others have been coming and going this evening. I have seen all of them this evening.

Have a nice Saturday!
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by {Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Respect for Authority”
"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching." – Proverbs 1:8 (New International Version)

God has placed over us many who are to be our life's "teachers." By their examples and by their words we learn about the purpose of life and how to best live it. In this particular verse, Solomon's "teaching" is for us to pay attention to those who are placed on this earth to show how to live!
The top two of course, as Solomon sees it, are our father and mother. The Father is one who is a vital source of the child's instruction. He is to be the example of the strength of God in decision, the protection of God in trial. Yet, he is still the weakness of man in need of a faith in God. What better lesson is there than for a father to lead his child in developing faith in God?
The mother is the tenderness and compassion of God, and the stability of life. More often than not when the child needs comfort and stability during times of duress and pain to whom do they turn to? Where do they go? Mom! I remember an episode of the 60’s television show, “Leave it to Beaver.” The “Beaver” had a bit of a falling out with his mother and for most of the episode would not talk to her. Toward the end of the show Beaver injured his finger and when given the choice as to who he would go to – he chose his mother knowing she was the one who could soothe his hurt! God knew what He was doing when he put the family unit together!
Solomon tells us to not "forsake" that teaching and to keep it before us in all that we do! This all goes back to the fifth commandment that reminds us that when we honor our parents (or authority in general) then there is a reward to follow. (Exodus 20:12)
Why is that I wonder? Could it be that God knows what happens when authority is not present? He knows the chaos that would ensue when there is nothing to curb or curtail the human appetite for mischief? A good example of that was how the Hebrew people “partied” when Moses was receiving the Ten Commandments. Even though he was the brother of Moses, Aaron did not have the same command or respect of the people and could not contain them. Without an authority figure over them they created their own only to realize how futile that would be.
How do we react to those with authority over us? Are we threatened by their presence or do we allow them to challenge us to become stronger individuals? Do we still consider ourselves to be "teachable?" Even with the cloud of death hovering over Him, Jesus did not respond harshly or angrily toward the Chief Priest or to Pilate. Even though He knew they were wrong in their assessment and actions He still respected the authority they held. Later, we see the same example of honor and respect out of the apostle Paul.
I must at this point share this—I did not receive religious or spiritual instruction in my home. My father died when I was only 8 years old, and to be perfectly honest, my mother was not exactly “spiritually-minded.” She did, however, instruct me on how to be honest and responsible. But thanks to a number of others who became spiritual leaders, my life today has balance.
As a human being I realize that I do not have all the answers to life’s questions (and puzzles) and I will (and on many occasions) made mistakes–but I would hope that I continue to have my children’s respect and that they will always honor my authority. It should never end.
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
27 The fear of the Lord adds length to life, but the years of the wicked are cut short. - Proverbs 10:27(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
8 “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9(New Living Translation).

A QUOTE
Just as there comes a warm sunbeam into every cottage window, so comes a love-beam of God's care and pity for every separate need. - Nathaniel Hawthorne -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Be not simply good but good for something. -Thoreau -
Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves. - James M. Barrie -

FACTS ABOUT CATS
In 1990, the number of pet cats exceeded pet dogs in U. S. homes for the first time. Cats are still in first place. The latest figures from the American Pet Products Association's National Pet Owners Survey are 86.4 million pet cats and 78.2 million dogs. - From CatFancy Cat Calendar -

NOTES
Today has been a cloudy day in McAlester, Oklahoma, with light rain showers a few times. High temperature today was 64 degrees and the low temperature was 50 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill at noon time. I went to the post office. I took my nap in early afternoon. I put food and treats outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. Since last time I have heard from Alice, Gaetano, Pastor J.T. and Burlene. As always I am glad to receive e-mails.
The cats are fine. Rascal is in his usual place and Tony was just here. I just saw Beau in the kitchen and Smokey on top of the refrigerator here in the den. Lucy, the stray, came in and visited a little while this evening. I have seen all of them.

Have a Nice Friday!
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.