Nan's Calendar

by  Nan Forehand,  Statesville, NC

The Word of God never changes; it is always relevant to the human heart.  But it needs to break forth in freshness and vitality in each generation.
Warren Wiersbe

2 Samuel 22:31-33
As for God, his way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless  He is a shield for all who take refuge in him.  For who is God besides the LORD?  And who is the Rock except our God?   It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.

I have been so engrossed in my Bible this morning as I sit here pulling out this message from my heart.  I have lost track of time!  It's past 8am and I must get up from here and get dressed for work.  There are so many passages I want to share with you today, and yet, at God's direction, I chose the one from 2 Samuel.  Why?  I felt the moving of the Holy Spirit within me that this is the one He wants you to remember today. 
The quote, as well, was brought to you by the grace of God.  I write Nan's Calendar and post it here on the internet so that anyone, where ever in the world they may be, have access to wholesome, godly inspiration and an example of the love of God travelling the world over, when they least expect it.  Perhaps, one will have a hunger for more of the living Word of God as they explore the messages located in the Archives section of this blog. I hope my efforts have caused a stirring in their hearts to reach for a Bible and be nourished by the Bread of Life. 
We have to reach this generation in whatever medium is available to make a positive difference in their lives.  I praise God for the miracle of the internet that I may be a witness of His great love, mercy and grace for generations past, present and future.  I hope you sense a freshness and vitality from my efforts to encourage, you, my friends and neighbors near and far.
Have a wonderful day and may He make your way perfect today.
Love, Nan

Good Things

by  Everett Christian, McAlester, OK 

GOOD THINGS
Monday, February 7, 2011
 
 
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
 
9 For God chose to save us through our Lord Jesus Christ, not to pour out his anger on us. 10 Christ died for us so that, whether we are dead or alive when he returns, we can live with him forever. 11 So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.  - 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
 8 O my people, trust in him at all times.
      Pour out your heart to him,
      for God is our refuge.
- Psalm 62:8(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
A QUOTE
 
Never spend your money before you have it.
- Thomas Jefferson -
 
 
 
A THOUGHT TO REMEMBER
 
Pride makes us do things well; love makes us do them to perfection.
- From Reminisce Magazine -
 
 
 
NOTES
 
Today started with clouds this morning but the sun came out this afternoon.  High temperature today was 39 degrees.  Low temperature today was 27 degrees.  I had lunch with Charley.  I went to the post office and a Dollar General Store.  The rest of the time has been spent at home with a nap this afternoon with Little Girl and Rascal.  Not much happened today to write about.
 
The cats are fine, mainly resting and sleeping.
 
At 9:55 p.m. skies are fair with a temperature of 31 degrees.  I will see you next time.
 
In Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by  Everett Christian, McAlester, OK


GOOD THINGS
Sunday, February 6, 2011
 
 
GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
 
(David wrote)
 4 "Show me the right path, O Lord;
      point out the road for me to follow.
 5 Lead me by your truth and teach me,
      for you are the God who saves me.
      All day long I put my hope in you."
- Psalm 25:4-5(New Living Translation)
 
 
 
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
 
3 Those who control their tongue will have a long life;
      opening your mouth can ruin everything.
- Proverbs 13:3(New Living Translation).
 
 
 
A PRAYER
 
Heavenly Father, I seek Your will in the unknowns of my life.  I want to be listening to Your still, small voice.  Quiet me, so that I can focus on Your direction.  Amen.
 
 
 
A QUOTE
 
The world needs people who put character above wealth.
- Ted W. Engstrom -
 
 
 
THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
 
A pound of pluck is worth a ton of luck.
- Fro Reminisce Magazine -
 
Holiness is not so much something we possess, as it is something that possesses us.
- From Reflecting God -
 
 
 
NOTES
 
Today has been cloudy with light rain part of the time.  High temperature today was 39 degrees.  Low temperature last night was 33 degrees.  As I mentioned last night we did not have church services today.  I had lunch at home.  Around 1:00 p.m. I drove a couple of blocks to a convience and picked up a paper, The Sunday Oklahoman.  They do not make home deliveries of The Oklahoman in McAlester any more.  I had a couple of naps today, one this morning and one this afternoon.  I guess you could call them cat naps because some cats were in bed with me.  I have been listening to some hymns tonight on the Internet as I did the Good Things.  First I heard Patti Paige singing America's Favorite Hymns.  Then I heard Kate Smith sing some Old Time Religion hymns.  Both ladies sang some of the same hymns such as "The Old Rugged Cross."  Some of you youngesters might not remember these ladies with such beautiful voices but I remember both ladies quite well. 
 
I am still rejoicing today over the Miracle last night.  I was doing the Good Things and listening to the Speer Family on the Internet when I needed a pencil.  I couldn't find the pencil that I usually use so I opened the drawer to a desk near my computer to look for another pencil.  About half way back in that drawer I saw a ring.  I picked it up and it was Flonnie's ring that I had lost from my finger about one and one half months ago.  When I looked for my pencil again it was in plain sight near my computer.  If you don't think that was a miracle, then I would like for you to tell me how that ring got off my finger and into that drawer.  Miracles still happen if we only believe.  Amen?  I received several e-mails today from people who believed it was a Miracle, but I won't mention your names.  I had a letter today from Debra Schock who has this gift of writing beautiful letters.  She told me once that I could use her letters on Good Things so I will leave her letter with you tonight and see if it will cheer you up like it did me.
 
The cats are fine.  I think most of them are inside.  Little Girl is on the couch.  She decided to come sleep with me this afternoon along with Rascal and Smokey.  The picture tonight was made last summer of some of the cats in the back yard.
 
At 10:20 p.m. skies are cloudy with a temperature of 36 degrees.  I will see you next time.
 
If you would like to be dropped from the Good Things send me an e-mail and I will certainly understand.
 
In Christian Love, Everett.
 
 
Here is Debra's letter:
 
Hello Everett!

What a week this has been! We have sure felt like we are back home in Illinois, with this
Winter weather!! We even were able to get the sleds out and yes, Curt was even
sledding!! Really was a Joy for us - but must say, now we have had our "fix" and ready
for the "normal" Oklahoma Winter weather! We have several bird feeders in our yard &
able to view them all from our kitchen window - Curt and Eleiyah have been keeping them
filled and we have seen hundreds! of different birds, getting their share! Is really a
beautiful view to see so many gathered and "getting along" with each other - you stop
and wonder why people cannot be more like the birds of the air? The glistening of the new
fallen snow, has looked like diamonds scattered over the snow! God sure has his way of
showing us his beauty! We were really blessed to have such a wonderful snow fall, just to
remind us of home and then we stop and realize that this part of the country is not really
equipped for the snow removal and the panic of the people, we then realized that God does
always have his own reasons - maybe it's a wake up for each other to help one another in
their own time of need? We have really seen some wonderful outreach of people and their
own caring, then the melting of the snow started with the sunshine and made me wonder if
that was God smiling upon us and saying, "Thank You - it's going to be okay?" We really did
need the moisture and he always does provide us with our needs, in his own time and his own
way - God is Good! Glad that you have been able to be out some, Everett and happy to for your
safety! Is so easy for someone to lose their footing and fall, or even for a vehicle to slide and
get out of control - blessings to You!

PRAISE GOD, for answered prayers as well, with the finding of your dear Flonnie's ring!!! I can
imagine the joy and emotions when you saw the beauty/memories before your eyes! YES, GOD
is Good and he does answer prayers - in his own time and his own ways! So happy for you and
I know that it brought you peace, as well. Did you happen to watch the Hallmark Movie last Sunday
on CBS - The Lost Valentine? Was such a great movie, with Betty White - but a true Love Story! We
watch alot of the Hallmark movies and always have such great story lines that fit right in with the
lives of real people and what they have gone through in their own lives.

Always enjoy seeing The Good Things, in our inbox - THANKS, Everett for taking the time to share with
so many! We lost our internet service a few days with the weather, but took the time to "catch up"
when we got back online. I never missed a day of work this week, but we had several that could not
get in. There were 2 days that it was only myself and one other working at my location. We are used
to driving in these conditions from living in Illinois, but I do understand the fear of others who don't
feel safe on the roads, especially those driving in from out of town. Many will be happy to have Spring
arriving!

May you have a Blessed Sabbath today - sorry that we will not be gathered together in Church, but we
think of our church family today and pray for blessings upon each and Peace within their own hearts
today. God touch You today, Everett - May the Lord Bless You and Keep You Safe. Our smiles and praise
too, for the gentle touch of Flonnie's ring once again. A gift within and a gift from above.

In Christian Love and Friendship,

DEBRA

Nan's Calendar

by  Nan Forehand,  Statesvile, NC

Date: Feb 7, 2011 8:05 AM
Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Matthew 7:7-8

As the Holy Spirit works within us, we discover insight and direction as Jesus promised.  Oh, to be sure, we may think of all kinds of things we think we need.  However, Jesus did not promise such.  As we draw closer to the Lord and sense a burning desire deep within, we realize the Spirit is directing us toward that which will bring spiritual benefits, not only for ourselves, but for others as well.  Remember, it's not all about us.

As we read the verses again, we realize the words "ask", "seek", "knock" are all action words.  We simply can not sit thoughtlessly idle and expect anything to change.  Circumstances can change around us without our involvement, but change of heart requires action on our part.  We can't change other people.  No one can make us angry.  No one can make us happy.  We can't make someone love us.  We can ask God to take our weakness and give us strength.  We can change our thoughts from anger to peace and we can love God, others and ourselves.  We can ask for forgiveness and we can forgive a wrong.  We can ask God for guidance and then follows obedience.  What do we gain by asking for guidance and then not obey God's will?  Trust me, we reap the benefits of obedience when we trust God enough to step out of the comfort zone with an open heart pounding in the chest, not knowing exactly what will happen next, but, without doubt, it will be better than we can imagine.

Lord, lead us, guide us and direct us in all we say and do today so that our words and our actions are pleasing unto you.  Amen.

Special Feb. 6, 2011

by  Que Clingerman, Calabash, NC

This is the 100th anniversary of Ronald Reagan's birthday.  I salute his memory.  He brought renewed faith in America and the cause of Freedom around the world. 

Super Bowl:  The Steelers and Green Bay Packers will battle it out on the astrodome turf in Dallas today.   Go Packers!!

Of course, Church comes first!  God is in first place.  Anyone trusting God in Christ Jesus is always a winner.