Good Things

by E. Christian, McAlester, OK
Tuesday, February 14, 2012

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
15 The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice. - Proverbs 12:15(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
23 The desire of the righteous ends only in good, but the hope of the wicked only in wrath. 24 One person gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty. 25 A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. - Proverbs 11:23-25(New International Version).,br />
A QUOTE
When you have. . .accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake. - Victor Hugo -
THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Good intentions are no good until they are put into action. - From Reminisce Magazine -
Wanted! More to light a candle and fewer to curse the darkness. - From Lists to Live By -
You reveal your own character by the way you describe another's. - From Reminisce Magazine -
NOTES
The day started with fog but the fog had gone away and left us with sunshine by the time I went to lunch. High temperature today was 54 degrees and the low temperature was 31 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I went to the post office and picked up my mail. At 1:00 p.m. I went to Buck Thetford's Barber Shop and got a haircut. Buck has an orange colored tabby cat that lives in his barber shop. They call him Tom and I got to hold him in my lap for a little while. Tom then got a bite to eat and then went to his sleeping basket on the floor and went to sleep. The conversations and loud talk going on in the barber shop didn't bother Tom's sleeping. He didn't even rouse up the rest of the time I was in the shop. As I came home I stopped by Braum's for an item. I got home a little after 2:00 p.m. and was down for my nap by 2:30. I went to sleep without a cat but when I awakened, Beau was sleeping with me. I put food and treats outside at 4:45 p.m. Since the last Good Things I have heard from Michelle, Mary Jo, Debra, Alice, Janice, Tiyan and Geneva. I also heard from my daughter, Treva, who sent me a Valentine picture of my great granddaughter, Ella, but I haven't yet learned how to send pictures with the Good Things on Windows 7. I hear from Michelle quite often, who lives in California, but I seldom post one of her letters. I decided that I would post her letter tonight at the end of the Good Things. The cats are fine. Little Girl is here in the den with me. Rascal was here a little while ago but has gone elsewhere. The others are around somewhere close.
I hope everyone has a nice Wednesday! I will see you next time. In Christian Love, Everett. ****************************************************************************************************************************************** Here is Michelle's letter. Sasha is her cat. Dear Everett, I enjoyed all of Good Things today and for the past few days. I just have not been feeling well. I'm getting so tired of feeling this way, since I don't get out much anymore and have to cancel fun events. I must force myself to do what I must like shopping or going to the bank for the rent money. I enjoyed reading Debra's letter tonight. She reiterated something I've said before and have known a long time - that people should take (some, not all <---- my emphasis) lessons from animals. I got so much from the verses from Proverbs. And really liked the quote from Lists to Live By, "Do more than talk, say something." My friend and I were talking the other day about language today and it appears that profanity is more acceptable than ever. Many people feel if they pepper their language with profanity they are saying something, but it only shows lack of intelligence. Okay, I'm off to sit in bed with Sasha. Love and blessings to you, your family, and your furkids. Michelle

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, mcAlester, OK
Feb. 14, 2012

“We Still Need Role Models”
“Esteem her (wisdom) and she will exalt you…” – Proverbs 4:7 (NIV)

“Esteem:” To hold in high regard. Admire.

There are a number of people in my life that I would categorize as those I deeply esteem and/or admire. One is the man I consider to be my “mentor.” I will just refer to him as Earl. He was my wife’s pastor when she was a teen and I met him when I was only 15. He and his wife directed the District Children’s camp and when camp time arrived they had more children and not enough workers/counselors. When Earl saw the dilemma they were in he asked their workers if they knew of anyone they could call on to help. They were desperate to say the least. One of my best friends and the pastor’s son from my church was one of those there and even though I had only been a Christian for a little over a year he called me and another teen from the Church to see if we could help them that week. I was excited for the opportunity and although I realized the severity of the situation I appreciated the confidence that Earl had in me in allowing me such a crucial role in the lives of those children. I ended up counseling for Earl and his wife at that same camp for the next four years and some 35 years later I am still working at camps.
Earl was the minister who performed our wedding ceremony. He was present for the birth of all of our children and dedicated all of them. When our oldest daughter was preparing to go into surgery—facing life or death—he was there, holding us as we cried watching her being wheeled into the operating room. When I felt the call of God to go into full-time ministry—Earl took me under his wing, allowing me work within the Church in a number of capacities—giving me both insight and experience before I would take on the same role. When he accepted a Church in another city, the Church Board allowed me the opportunity to be the interim Pastor until a new one could be called. It was a great learning experience for me and gave me confidence for what would soon be the opportunity for me to go into full-time pastoral ministry.
During a resent trip to Colorado we met with several friends from that Church for dinner—a couple of them who were Board Members at the time and I was told by those individuals that to this day they regretted not calling us to pastor that Church. When we got in the car to go back to Dianne’s parent’s house we were filled with a sense of honor that they thought enough of us to have made that consideration, even though at the time I had never been a “senior” pastor. I use this example because I believe my admiration and “esteem” for Earl made me want to do everything in my power to be the very best I could be—regardless if that led me into full-time ministry or not. His approval meant a lot to us because of the time and effort he had invested into our lives. God invested everything into us. From the very beginning He gave His best—and when that wasn’t enough—He gave some more. He gave us His Son! When we “esteem” Him—Hold Him high in our hearts and lives I believe He will honor us in return. He will uphold us in trouble. He will carry us when we are weak. He will love us when we are unlovable. He will be everything we need Him to be—but we must lift Him up!! Just as Jesus said in the book of John: “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” (John 3:14, 15) As a conclusion to my story—even though there are a number of miles between us, Earl and I remain close friends and if I am faced with a situation that is a bit beyond my expertise I will not hesitate to call him. I still admire and respect his wisdom and understanding.
We have the same ability…it is called prayer!! Are you utilizing it?
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Monday, February 13, 2012

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
18 A hot-tempered person stirs up conflict, but the one who is patient calms a quarrel. - Proverbs 15:18(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISES TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
17 Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. 18 A wicked person earns deceptive wages, but the one who sows righteousness reaps a sure reward. 19 Truly the righteous attain life, but whoever pursues evil finds death. 20 The LORD detests those whose hearts are perverse, but he delights in those whose ways are blameless. 21 Be sure of this: The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free. - Proverbs 11:17-21(New International Version).
A QUOTE
Anyone who wants to live forever with God needs to say, "I do" to Jesus. - Ed Forster -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
As we show Christ's light, we must be able to keep our heads about us and make sure we are showing the best Christ possible. - From Reflecting God -
Do more than just talk, say something. - From Lists To Live By -
Getting back on the right track usually involves getting out of a rut. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
It snowed some last night but it was above freezing today so the snow was soon gone. We have had some light rain and drizzle most of the day. High temperature today was 36 degrees and the low temperature was 32 degrees. I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I went by the post office and then came home and have been inside the rest of the day. I took my nap in early afternoon with Smokey. I watched "Trains and Locomotives" at 5:00 p.m. on television. I put food and treats outside at 6:15 p.m. but only 2 or 3 cats went out and they didn't stay out long. I hear from some of you every day. You don't always mention the Good Things and that is fine as long as you read them. The ones I have heard from today via a forwarded e-mail or otherwise were Jennifer, Debra, DeLona, Geneva, Alice, Quentin, Audie and Mary Jo. I think it would be a shame not to share Debra's letter, not because of the nice things she says about me but the wonderful message that her letter contains. Debra is a dear friend to everyone she knows. Her letter will be at the end of the Good Things.
The cats are fine. Little Girl asleep on the floor in front of the heater and Rascal on the desk near me where I can boo head him once in a while. The others are inside somewhere.
I hope everyone has a nice Tuesday. I will see you next time.
In Christian Love, Everett. *************************************************************************************************************************************** Here is Debra's letter:
Good Morning Dear Friend, A beautiful morning, with looking out and seeing the snow covering - reminds us of home, in Illinois - as Oklahoma sure doesn't get much snow - but each day is closer to Springtime and I see on the weather this morning, that Wednesday is to be Springlike:) Oh the weather in Oklahoma - can change in minutes?? Is a beautiful viewing, to see the cardinals, bluejays and then the robins - all gathered at the feeders together - a lesson to us all that the birds of a feather can flock together and get along - why can't the people of the world?? Was a great message in morning church yesterday - always enjoy the messages on Love and what greater Love than the Love of our Saviour? I know that you think of your dear Flonnie and we so enjoyed the reading of the Love Story of you and your Flonnie. Special to look back on, as Valentine's Day approaches and we hold in our hearts those special Valentine's in our life. Curt and I will celebrate our 34th anniversary in March -we have been blessed. I always enjoy the reading of our LOVE chapter in the Bible and Thank God for all the gifts that he has given to us. Be careful when out and about today and may you have a Marvelous Monday and a Blessed beginning of a new week:) In Christian Love and Appreciation, Debra

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McLester, OK
Feb. 13, 2012

| “Embracing God’s Mind”
“Throw your arms around her (meaning wisdom)—believe me, you won’t regret it!” – Proverbs 4:8 (The Message)

I am a softy at heart—I really am. There are movies that regardless of how many times I watch them I find myself crying. When I see “reunions,” such as when soldiers come home after military deployment and they are greeted by their families—their wives or husbands and they throw their arms around each other, how can you not be moved by such a scene?
Without question my favorites are those where a father surprises his child by going to their school. The child is completely unaware that their father (or mother) is home and when the soldier in uniform walks into that child’s classroom and that child sees that parent and runs (or leaps) into their open waiting arms—I am tearing up just thinking about it!
I would also like to draw a comparison between a “hug” and embrace. A hug is little more than a “close encounter.” It is really just a step above a handshake. Don’t misunderstand me, hugs are nice—I like them. I am the kind of person that is completely comfortable with both giving and receiving a hug. When I have not seen someone for an extended period of time—rather than shaking hands I prefer giving them a hug. However, a hug can often be bereft of emotion. You like the person you are hugging—you respect them but it does not necessarily mean you are emotionally attached to that person.
A good example: Back in the summer of 2010 I was watching Sports Center (ESPN) and they were showing highlights of a baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and Atlanta Braves. The Braves were managed by Bobby Cox, who at the time was the longest tenured manager in Major League Baseball. He had managed the Braves for nearly 30 years and most Baseball insiders believe that he is a shoe-in to be elected into the baseball Hall-of-Fame. The Cubs were managed by Lou Piniella who played baseball for a number of years and has managed for close to 25 years. Baseball insiders believe Piniella is also a certainty to join the Hall-of-Fame. The managers for both teams were retiring from Baseball and that day was to be the last time these two teams were to meet—the last time these two men will face each other on the baseball diamond. Before the game the two long-time managers brought their line-up cards to the head umpire and when they met they shook hands and then gave each other a very respectful “man-hug.”
For those who may not know, a “man-hug” is where you touch shoulders and tap each other on the back. It makes it look like you are hugging without getting too emotional about it. It’s a nice gesture—but not nearly as strong as what could be!
But an embrace, that is an entirely different entity altogether. An embrace is more than a show of respect and goes much deeper than a physical encounter; it is a deep emotional attachment that is intended to strengthen the bonds between the two individuals. In fact—I like this definition. An embrace is where two people are able to feel each other’s heartbeat, physically, emotionally and spiritually. To embrace wisdom is to experience God’s heartbeat.
Wisdom is not about knowing things. There are a number of people who know a lot of things but are they truly better for it? There are a lot of people who know about God and even respect Him—but where is it getting them? Wisdom is about knowing God! Solomon is calling us to embrace wisdom and God and by so doing we receive far more. To embrace God means so much more than giving lip-service, more than going to Church—it is being involved in God’s life! It is feeling His heartbeat. Do you want a great example of a “God-Embrace?” Read the parable of the Prodigal (lost) Son. As the son returns home from his self-deposed deployment, the father runs to him and embraces him. What a picture and one that reminds us how much God loves us!
Let’s embrace all God has for us and not just “touch shoulders” or tap-backs. It will mean more in the end.
Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK
Sunday, February 12, 2012

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality nor takes a bribe. - Deuteronomy 10:17(New King James Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(God said) 9" I will not take a bull from your house, Nor goats out of your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, And the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the birds of the mountains, And the wild beasts of the field are Mine." - Psalm 50:9-11(New King James Version).

A QUOTE
Build a dream and the dream builds you. - Robert H. Schuller -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
A true measure of success is to be able to do one's duty when critical eyes watch. - From Lists To Live By -
Whether on the road or in an argument, when you see red it's time to stop. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
The day started with sunshine but clouds came in later in the day. High temperature today was 40 degrees and a low temperature of 19 degrees. We are supposed to get rain changing to snow tonight. I attended Worship Service this morning. We had a wonderful service with a good message from Pastor J. T. on love. I had lunch at home. I took my nap this afternoon. Little Girl was also napping on my bed. I put cat food and treats outside at 4:45 p.m. although my cats stay inside most of the time during the cold weather. However, they expect their treats outside every evening. I watched 30 minutes of the Lawrence Welk program and then I went to church. Tonight was Mission night at the church.
Since the last Good Things I have heard from Cathy Perks. She asked me to remind everyone to continue to pray for Kip Smith who has cancer. Pray that God will heal him. We have requested prayer for him before but we need to be reminded again. I do mention him in my prayers every night. Pray for his wife, Mary Ellen, as she takes care of Kip. I posted a note from Mary Ellen last night but we didn't mention her husband. Cathy Perks is Mary Ellen's sister. Mary Ellen and Kip live in Colorado and Cathy lives in California. The cats are fine. Little Girl is in front of the heater and Rascal is in the recliner.
I hope everyone has a nice Monday to start the new week! I will see you next time.
In Christian Love, Everett.