Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
9 Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: 10 If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up. - Ecclesiastes 4:9-10(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
5 He (the Lord) provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever. - Psalm 111:5(New International Version).

A QUOTE
If God is with me all is well. - Neil B. Wiseman -
,br /> THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Do you want to know the person against whom you have most reason to guard yourself? Your mirror will give a very fair likeness of their face. - Whateley -
Some would find fault with the morning-red, if they ever get up early enough . . The faultfinder will find fault even in Paradise. - Thoreau -

NOTES
We had rain early this morning in McAlester, Oklahoma, starting around 5:00 a.m. and continuing until a little after daylight. The rest of the day has been partly cloudy. High temperature today was 66 degrees with a low temperature of 46 degrees. I say Charley and Bill at noontime. I went to the post office. At 12:30 p.m. I went to Walmart to pick up my supplies and cat food for the week. At around 4:45 p.m. I went outside to give the cats their treats and put food out for any animal that came up at night. My cats don't eat many treats. One small package will be all the whole bunch will want, but they certainly want me to bring the treats out to them about the same time every evening. Since last time I have heard from Michelle, Burlene, Alice, Michele, Geneva, Pastor J.T.,Audie and Sandy. I am always glad to get those e-mails. The house next door to me is for rent. I hope I get some good neighbors. It is a three bedroom, one bath, kitchen and dining room combined, a garage, a fenced back yard with a small storage house and about one third of the back yard is a fenced garden plot. I just thought I would throw that out in case anyone is looking for a house to rent.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in his usual place. Most of the cats have been coming through the den tonight going from back to front and back again. I have seen all of them this evening.

I hope everyone has a nice Tuesday!
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Our Greatest Resource”
"...for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life, doing what is right and just and fair." – Proverbs 1:3 (New International Version),br />
Key Word, Prudent: "To be careful to avoid errors and follow the most profitable course; Exercising sound judgment."
The military has some very specialized trained individuals. Their job is extremely dangerous and stressful, yet they are responsible for the saving of many lives! They are mine sweepers. It is their job, once a minefield is discovered, to either detonate the mines or help find a path through the fields to help minimize or avoid casualties.
Similarly, the God of creation wants us to know that there are ways to avoid "setting off mines," especially in the field of human relationships! Whether it be in our marriages, friendships or businesses, the truths of God’s mind—found not only in the Book of Proverbs but throughout Scripture will help to develop the means to live and act in ways that are right (morally) and to be fair and just with others in every matter.
When you think about it our greatest treasure in this world does not come from any store, nor is it found in a bank account. Our greatest treasures ARE our relationships and how tender and fragile they can be! Do you desire to have strong, healthy relationships? The answers are here. We just need to be diligent in searching for them and open to following them!
But do not simply stop there. In Matthew’s gospel, chapters five through seven specifically, the ultimate mine sweeper of the soul, the Lord Jesus provides for us even more directions for achieving healthy and sound relationships. Take a look today at how He views what makes a "disciplined and prudent life." One example in particular is the “Beattitudes,” from chapter five, verses 3-10. Here are some ways we can apply them today:
“Blessed are the poor in Spirit…” Recognizing we do not have all the answers and treat others with respect!
“Blessed are those who mourn…” Having a compassionate heart! Treating people with tenderness when they need it the most.
“Blessed are the meek…” Treating people with kindness. Recognizing we do not have the power to “lord” ourselves over others.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness…” Wanting to live right! Wanting to speak right! Choosing to do the right thing because it is the right thing.
“Blessed are the merciful…” Jesus does not say to be merciful when you receive it—but to show it first. Be a person of mercy if we want to receive it!
“Blessed are the pure in heart…” Having right motives! Our motives will often determine our actions and that is what people will see.
“Blessed are the peacemakers…” See the comment on the merciful and you will have peace!
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness…” Being a Christian does not give us a protective “shield” against the hatred of others. In fact, it often prompts people’s dislike of us. Live the way you should regardless of the way you are treated. You are responsible for you first!
The key to this entire lesson…do not just read about it, challenge yourself to follow each of these closely and with purpose. Live, as Solomon prompts, a “Prudent” life.
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins. - 2 Peter 1:5-8(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(Jesus said)21 "Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.” - John 15:21(New International Version).

A QUOTE
There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. - Edith Wharton -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Read the best books first, or you may not have a chance to read them at all. - Thoreau -
A person should never be ashamed to own they have been in the wrong, which is but saying in other words that they are wiser today than they were yesterday. - Pope -

NOTES
I am running late with the Good Things so I will just say it has been a sunny day. I sat out with the cats a time or two today. I attended Worship Services this morning. We had a wonderful service singing hymns and songs of praise with an encouraging message by Pastor J.T. One of the songs that we sang this morning was "My Wonderful Lord" which was really a blessing as well as the other songs and hymns. I am going to leave the words to "My Wonderful Lord" at the end of the Good Things. Read the words and sing it if you know the melody. I had lunch at home, took my nap this afternoon, went outside with the cats a couple of times. It has been a good Sunday! I have heard from Alice and Quentin since last time. Thank you for the notes and thanks to everyone who reads the Good Things.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner and I have seen all of the others today. They are coming and going all the time,br />
. Have a Wonderful Monday!
I will see you next time. In Christian Love, Everett.

Here is the song. I hope you enjoy reading or singing it.
My Wonderful Lord
Words and Music by Haldor Lillenas
- 1 -
I have found a deep peace that I never had known And a joy this world could not afford - Since I yielded control of my body and soul To my wonderful, wonderful Lord.
,br /> Chorus,br /> My wonderful Lord, my wonderful Lord By angels and seraphs in Heaven adored! I know Thou art mine, my Savior divine My wonderful, wonderful Lord.

- 2 -
I desire that my life shall be ordered by Thee That my will be in perfect accord - With Thine own sov'reign will Thy desires to fulfill
My wonderful, wonderful Lord.

Chorus My wonderful Lord, my wonderful Lord By angels and seraphs in Heaven adored! I know Thou art mine, my Savior divine My wonderful, wonderful Lord. ,br /> - 3 -
All the talents I have I have laid at Thy Feet Thy approval shall be my reward. Be my store great or small I surrender it all To my wonderful, wonderful Lord.
,br /> Chorus
My wonderful Lord, my wonderful Lord By angels and seraphs in Heaven adored! I know Thou art mine, my Savior divine My wonderful, wonderful Lord.

- 4 -
Thou art fairer to me than the fairest of earth Thou omnipotent, life-giving Word O Thou Ancient of Days, Thou art worthy all praise, My wonderful, wonderful Lord.

Chorus
My wonderful Lord, my wonderful Lord By angels and seraphs in Heaven adored! I know Thou art mine, my Savior divine My wonderful, wonderful Lord.

Posted to Religious by Que Clingerman @ 9:04 am EST

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Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
1 In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” - Matthew 3:1-2(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
20 Now may the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, 21 equip you with everything good for doing his will, and may he work in us what is pleasing to him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen. - Hebrews 13:20-21(New International Version).

A QUOTE
There is helpful strength from God available by a simple trip to the house of God. - Neil B. Wiseman -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express. - Bacon -
Though no friend, no man, be with thee, fear nothing! Thy God is here. - Dinger -

ABOUT CATS AND DOGS
February is Pet Dental Health Month. - From DogFancy Calendar -

NOTES
Today has been mostly sunny in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 61 degrees and a low temperature of 28 degrees. My housecleaning lady came at 11:15 a.m. and cleaned my house while I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I went to the post office and then to Memory Gardens Cemetery before I came home. I then went out to the back yard and sat for a few minutes. In a few minutes several of my cats were out there enjoying my company. They are definitely my friends. I took a nap this afternoon. At 4:30 p.m. I went outside again with the treats for the cats and food to put in the storage house. Since last time I have heard from Burlene, Alice, Quentin and Michele. Always happy to get e-mails. Remember if you would like to be dropped from receiving the Good Things just send me a note and I will understand.
The cats are fine. None are with me at present but several have been around this evening including Beau, Leo, Rascal and Tony. I have seen all of my cats today.

I hope everyone has a Wonderful Sunday!
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you. - Proverbs 3:27-28(New International Version).

S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. - Psalm 11:4(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Christians need to repent when they have hurt or offended others whether or not harm or offense was intended. - Richard H. Neiderhiser -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
The beauty seen is partly in those who see it. - Bovee -
To give pain is the tyranny; to make happy, the true empire of beauty. - Steele -

A FACT ABOUT DOGS
The 2011-2012 American Pet Products Association Pet Owner's survey shows that 46.3 million households in the United States own at least one dog. Forty-seven percent of those owners have small dogs, and Forty-four pecent own large dogs. - From DOGFANCY 2013 Calendar -

A FACT ABOUT CATS
About 22 percent of pet owners (38.9 million households) had cats in 2010, the most ever. Fewer people owned three or more cats, but homes with one or two cats increased, compared to the American Pet Products Association National Pet Owner's Survey of 2008. - From CATFANCY 2013 Calendar -

NOTES
Today has been Partly Cloudy in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 54 degrees and a low temperature of 21 degrees. I had lunch today with Charley and my pastor, J. T. Carnell. I went to the post office. I came home and took my nap this afternoon with Smokey. At around 3:00 p.m. I went to the Petsense store to pick up cat food. At 4:30 p.m. I put out treats and food for the cats outside. Since last time I have heard from Michelle, Alice, Debra, Pastor J.T., Geneva, Annette and Sandy. I always appreciate those e-mails even though I don't always answer back.
The cats are fine. Rascal is in his usual place. I have seen all of them today. Have you ever heard that it was so cold that they called it a three dog night. This morning when I awoke there were three cats on my bed. Would you say it was a three cat night. Now if you don't understand what a three dog night is send me an email and I will explain it to you.

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