Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Friday, November 18, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
19 He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them. 20 The LORD watches over all who love him, but all the wicked he will destroy. 21 My mouth will speak in praise of the LORD. Let every creature praise his holy name for ever and ever. - Psalm 145:19-21(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
16 How much better to get wisdom than gold, to get insight rather than silver! 17 The highway of the upright avoids evil; those who guard their ways preserve their lives. - Proverbs 16:16-17(New International Version).

A QUOTE
The Christian who has . . . received an answer from God, is the very person who can help others who are desperately crying, "How long, O Lord, how long?" - Sergio Franco -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
You will always find time for that which you place first. - From Reminisce Magazine -
The trouble with being punctual is that nobody is there to appreciate it. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been a sunny day with a high temperature of 58 degrees and a low temperature this morning of 42 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I went to the post office and then came by Braums for ice cream to bring home. I took my nap in early afternoon with Beau. I made an appointment to take Leo to the Vet for his annual examination and shots for 4:00 p.m. When it came time to take him he had disappeared so I had to cancel the appointment. A short time after 4:00 p.m. he showed up. He must have heard me make the appointment. I put treats and food outside at 4:00 p.m.
I have 3 letters to share with you tonight. I know that some of you like to hear what is going on in other peoples lives. That is human nature. I do get permission to include the letters in Good Things. I will include the letters at the end of Good Things. I always enjoy your letters and will always get your permission before using them in Good Things.
The cats are fine. Little Girl is the only one here in the den with me at present. The others are around somewhere. Emmy was here a little while ago.
I will see you next time,
In Christian Love, Everett. ************************************************************************************************** The first letter is from Michelle. This is a different Michelle than Michele that I used a letter from a few nights ago. You will notice they spell their names different. Michelle lives in Hollywood, California.

Dear Everett, you told us that you wanted to know how we spent our days. Mine are not typical, but here's a view of what I do.
Yesterday, after I got up I did my prayer and meditation - reading from two different meditation guides, and a morning prayer book, with a Bible verse in it. Then I cleaned my kitty litter box, and soaked my night guard. After that I got breakfast for Kai, my betta fish, Sasha - my cat, and myself.
For a few hours I did some article writing for a site where I find topics. I also talked to AT&T about my bill and told them I'd pay them on Friday when I got my unemployment check. I finished writing the article about Petty Theft Penalties and Defenses and posted it on Helium.com. Since I was tired and had no other articles to write, I decided to get off the computer early. Before dinner I watched the movie, "My Fair Lady," with Rex Harrison and Audrey Hepburn. What a wonderful movie. I didn't realize all the songs in that movie that I didn't know came from it. After that I made dinner and watched a couple tv shows, going to bed fairly early. Sasha sleeps with me, usually down at the foot of the bed.
Well, this isn't so exciting, but it's kind of typical of many of my days, since I've been in pain. Today, I looked up some stretching exercises that I hope will help relieve me of the pain I'm feeling.
God's blessings to you, your family, and your furkids.
Michelle Angelini ************************************************************************************************************* The next letter is from Geneva, who lives in Chicago, Illinois.
Oh, I wish I had a Walmart gas station like that! I filled my car this week for quite a bit more than that. I tend to go to the same gas station all the time because it is convenient; but forgot that they raise their prices on Fridays for the weekend. I need to remember to go on a Wednesday. Are there a lot of towns with Indian names in OK?
Proverbs 25: 11 made me think of a poem I once wrote entitled "Shelf Life" and in it I said that wisdom has no shelf life. The wisdom that God gives is always good.
I don't, in any way, try to keep up with younger people, but I surely do like to be around them. Many of my neighbors are much younger than I and they look out for me. I enjoy talking with them. One of them who works full time calls me to see if there's anything that I want from the store where she's going on a Friday night or Saturday, especially in the colder months. My son works 6 days a week many times and then sings in one of the worship teams every third week on Saturday night and on Sunday morning. My daughter in law also works full time and goes by every day to see that her Mom, who has Alzheimer's, takes her meds. Her Mom now lives in a retirement apartment, but they charge too much to watch after her meds, so she goes by there every day. She and a brother & sister in law are devoted to helping her. My son also comes by often to do something for me. I do hope that I can sell this house next year and get into a place where I can see and talk to people every day even when it is cold and snowy outside. This place is near my church and they have a bus that will take me there if I don't want to drive. I'm praying for God's guidance for my life and residence.
May God bless you, Everett.
Geneva ************************************************************************************************************** The next letter is from my church friend, Debra (husband of Curtis) who live in rural McAlester, Oklahoma
Good Morning Everett,
Wishing You a Fantastic Friday:)
Is alittle "brisk and breezy" this morning! Have been keeping myself busy with my vacation week and is always amazing how fast the days go by when at home and then when at work, some days seem like 2 days!
Today, I am putting the Christmas tree up and decorating the house for the Christmas Season. I don't usually do this until after Thanksgiving, but with our daughter and grandkids coming for Thanksgiving - we are having our Christmas with them when here - so will be our ThanksMas at home:) Is such an exciting time for the little ones and I so enjoy the Christmas Season and all the festivities that come along with the rejoicing of our Savior.
Each Scripture and even the quotes had a special place in my heart, when I was reading them this morning from the Good Things. Appreciate You so much for continuing with this "online ministry".
Enjoying my morning coffee with holiday creamer - peppermint mocha - yummy! and also have the Christmas music playing in the background. Well, dear Everett - the Christmas Tree is calling my attention - you have a Fantastic Friday and receive continued blessings throughout the day.
In Christian Love and Friendship, DEBRA

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Thursday, November 17, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
11 Timely advice is lovely, like golden apples in a silver basket. - Proverbs 25:11(New Living Translation).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. - James 1:17(New International Version).

A QUOTE
God, who is faithfulness and holiness, will sustain us by giving us himself and all else that we truly need. - Becky Luman -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER,br /> The glory of each morning is that it offers us a chance to begin again. - From Reminisce Magazine -
To stay young, associate with youth; to grow old, try to keep up with them. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been mostly sunny in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 52 degrees and a low temperature this morning of 28 degrees. I had lunch by myself today. Bobbi was my waitress again today. Charley had a dental appointment today in Checotah, Oklahoma. I went to the post office. I took my nap in early afternoon. At 2:30 p.m. I went to the Ford Garage to have my van serviced. I then went to the Petsense store and Walmart. I filled the van with gasoline at Walmart at $3.05 per gallon. At 4:30 p.m. I put out treats and food for the animals. Since the Good Things last night I have received one e-mail and that was from Alice. Not much news today.
The cats are fine. Little Girl and Rascal are here in the den with me and the others are around somewhere.
I will see you next time,
In Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Wednesday, November 16, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
18 Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. - Proverbs 16:18(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
1 Surely the arm of the LORD is not too short to save, nor his ear too dull to hear. - Isaiah 59:1(New International Version).
A QUOTE
God's answer is the comforting assurance that God is working. - H. Ray Dunning -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
You don't get harmony when everybody sings the same note. - From Reminisce Magazine -
Dollars always do run better when accompanied by some sense. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been mostly cloudy in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 61 degrees. Low temperature for today is the current temperature of 43 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. Bobbi was our waitress today. I came by the post office and then home for my nap. Beau napped with me today. Around 3:30 p.m. I went to a Dollar General Store for a few items. I put out treats and food outside for the cats at around 4:45 p.m. It was really cool outside at that time. At 6:00 p.m. I watched a Billy Graham Crusade from Dallas, Texas, from 1971. Mr. Graham was 53 years of age that year. Johnny Cash was on the program backed up by June Carter Cash, the Carter Family and the Statler Brothers Quartet. Mr. Graham's father in law was also on the program and he told a little about his many years in China as a missionary. He also spoke a few words in Chinese. Rascal was in my lap part of the time I was watching the program.
Tonight I would like to include two letters at the end of the Good Things. The first is from Mary Ellen who lives in Colorado. Her husband, Kip, has cancer and hopes and prayers are that he will recover. He is in lots of pain so please pray for his recovery and that God will ease the pain in his body. God is able! Mary Ellen also has some beautiful things in her letter that you can purchase if you desire. The second letter is from my church friend Debra.
The cats are fine. Little Girl on the couch. The others have been accounted for this evening.
I will see you next time,
In Christian Love, Everett.

Hi Everett, ok what I did today. My husband Kip is ill with cancer and while the drug he is on is very promising, he has a few complications. He is in bed all of the time right now from a terrible pain he has in his leg and so I do for him what I can and lay next to him to watch a little t.v. so I can hang out there and be close. My grand daughter Kiley came over and I watched her while her mom and dad went Christmas shopping. She is a sweetie and always makes me smile no matter what. I made a new digi stamp and put it up on my ETSY site and sold one of them today. Digi stamps are images that you put on your computer and use for card making and scrape booking and such. Since Kip is ill and does not work in the garage on my wood for the dolls I use to make, I try to make a few dollars with the digis. I am sending a few for you to see. They are fun for me to make keep me feeling a little creative. I talked to my sisters on the phone. Susie lives in Michigan and Cath in California. My son John called as he does everyday and I talked to him. His kids are always so energetic in the background. lol. That is about it except the boring stuff like dishes.
mary ellen

Digi Stamps VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL This album has 8 photos and will be available on SkyDrive until 2/13/2012. *************************************************************************************************** Here is Debra's letter:
Good Morning to You, Everett:)
Wishing you a Wonderful Wednesday! I have enjoyed the reading of the Good Things and the scripture verses - each one has a way of touching us through the word of God that you type and forward on. Everyday is a day with Christ, whether it's in our own readings or what is shared and he's with us in our daily visions of the beauty he has created around us:) Just to awaken and say, "thank you Lord, for another day" and to be witness to the sunrise, birds in song - this morning it was alittle breezy when walking and to see the leaves dancing in the wind is a joy that we overlook. When we pass someone and just smile and say, "hello", it may be the blessing that person needs today - God is all around us and we so often take the simple things for granted.
I have enjoyed the replies from your readers, on their activities - with Thanksgiving approaching - we have so much to be thankful for in our lives and not to just think of our blessings at Thanksgiving, but each moment of the days we awaken. Is nice to read of others that are "followers" of the Good Things and we all seem to be an online family that can share with one another and receive a special blessings from the words of others. Your words are shared with your own email listing and we in turn share with others - God's word is spreading just from you taking the time to share the Good Things and we THANK GOD for giving you the desire to do so:)
We have so many of our family back "home" in Illinois - miss them ALL so much during this Holiday time - but we receive so many blessings from You, Everett - and our extended church family. God knew what HE was doing when he led us across the miles and he also knows what HE is doing when the words from your Good Things cross the miles.
Bless You, dear Friend - a Wonderful Wednesday with blessings in abundance!
In Christian Love and Friendship,
Debra

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK
Nov. 16,2011

“Spiritual Health = Physical Health?”
“Run to God! Run from evil…Your body will glow with health, your very bones will vibrate with life! – Proverbs 3:8 (The Message)

It does not take a Biblical scholar to see that during Jesus’ life and ministry, one of the elements of his success was the number of people He healed from their physical afflictions. The deaf received their hearing…the blind received their sight…the lame received back their ability to walk…those with seizures were cured…those afflicted with leprosy were cured…and this does not even come close to completing the list. When you look further within the Scripture you will see these words from the book of James: “Are you hurting? Pray. Do you feel great? Sing. Are you sick? Call the church leaders together to pray and anoint you with oil in the name of the Master. Believing-prayer will heal you, and Jesus will put you on your feet.” - James 5:13-15 (The Message) No doubt, we are being not only encouraged to pray for healing but it should be something we make as our first move! From there, call on the church to pray as well.
We all know very well that being a Christian does not prevent us from becoming sick. I believe even James makes that same point when he asks, “are you sick?” The issue is how we handle what happens to us during these times. I believe as Christians, our response to life and the issues we encounter has more impact than the outcome. Allow me to illustrate this just a little better: I remember having a conversation with a pastor friend some years ago. After our conversation I asked him to write this down in case he (or I) would ever need it for future sermon material. He told me the story about a woman from his congregation who was diagnosed with terminal cancer. Her doctors tried everything possible to defeat the cancer—chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. The congregation prayed earnestly for her. Nothing seemed to work. Weeks stretched into months with no signs of progress or healing.
Then the woman stood up in church one Sunday and reported that God had healed her. Everyone in the service rejoiced over the unexpected good news. But then she changed things as she explained what she meant. She said that although she had not been healed of cancer, God had given her what she called, “a healing of acceptance.” She reported that she had surrendered her cancer to the Lord, and that He had given her a peace of heart and mind that she had not previously known in this matter. One of her last statements in life was: “God did not add days to my life—but He added life to my days.” The woman eventually passed away, but her testimony about accepting the reality of her death was remembered by those church members for many years. Her story would be told over and over again, encouraging others who had been tempted to give up on God, and instead to continue to place their trust in Him for their present and future.
My pastor friend concluded, “I have come to understand that whatever life throws at me, the greatest peace comes when I accept God’s will for my life and realize that He always does what is best for me in terms of now and eternity.” Does contentment mean we are healthier physically? Maybe not—but it doesn’t hurt to make the attempt and see for yourself.
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Tuesday, November 15, 2011

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
40 Then he (Jesus) returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. “Couldn’t you men keep watch with me for one hour?” he asked Peter. 41 “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak." - Matthew 26:40-41(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
14 Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. (Hebrews 12:14(New International Version).

A QUOTE
I have simply tried to do what seemed best each day, as each day came. - Abraham Lincoln -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Don't save so much for rainy days that you can't enjoy the sunny ones. - From Reminisce Magazine -
Anything worth doing is going to take longer than you think. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
I had lunch with Charley, came by the post office, came home and took a nap. Rascal slept with me part of my nap. At 3:00 p.m. I went to Buck Thetford's Barber Shop and got a haircut. Buck's son, Brent, cut my hair today. I went to Country Mart for a few items while I was out. At 4:30 p.m. I put out the treats and food for the cats. I watched the weather on television at 5:15 p.m. and then switched channels to Turner Classic Movies. The movie "The Life of Will Rogers" had started at 5:00 p.m. It was so interesting that I had watch all of it which lasted until 7:00 p.m. Will Rogers, Jr. played the part of Will Rogers and Jane Wyman played the part of his wife. I remember in 1935 when I was 10 years old seeing the headlines that Will Rogers and Wiley Post had died in an airplane crash in Alaska. In 1983, while visiting my daughter, Treva, who lived in Santa Monica, CA at that time, we visited Will Rogers home there in California.
I had a note today from Michele telling me about her activities. I will include Michele's letter at the end of the Good Things since her daughter, mother and Aunt also receive the Good Things. Michele lives near Hemet, California at present. I also received e-mails from Debra and Libby commenting on the Good Things.
The cats are fine. Little Girl and Rascal in their usual places. The others have all been around today.
I will see you next time,
In Christian Love, Everett.

Here is Michele's letter:
Hi Everett!
In Good Things you wrote about writing about our activities during the day. Honestly, you do more than I do! LOL!
I have decided not to return back to work. As you know I have had diabetes since I was a little girl. I have neuropathy in my hands and they are weak. There are little things that are creeping up on me as far as complications go. But God has blessed me with pretty good health considering.,br /> I have been told I qualify for permanent disability. I feel that is what I am to do. I am not a fast worker like I used to be. Tomorrow I see a new doctor and I am praying that I can have the necessary forms filled out for the disability. Otherwise all the animals are doing fine. We have changed the kitten's name several times. He responds to Peter. So we have Simon and Peter, names from the Bible. Thank you for continuing to do Good Things!
Michele