Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

December 10, 2012

“The Greatest Gift”

“When the time had fully come, God sent His Son. Born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.” – Galatians 4:4-5

It may not be a “Christmas” story, but Shel Silverstein’s classic children’s book, “The Giving Tree” has a great message, and reminder of how quickly our hearts can stray from what is important. Christ came because we lost our way. We still do. But there is a place we can go and find life.
Here is the story…I hope you like it.
Once there was a tree—And she loved a little boy. And everyday the boy would come—And he would gather her leaves and make them into crowns and play “King of the Forest.” He would climb up her trunk—And swing from her branches. And eat apples—And they would play hide-and-go-seek. And when he was tired, he would sleep in her shade and the boy loved the tree—very much—And the tree was happy. But time went by, and the boy grew older And the tree was often alone.
Then one day the boy came to the tree and the tree said, “Come, Boy, come and climb up my trunk and swing from my branches, and eat apples and play in my shade and be happy.”
“I am too big to climb and play,” said the boy. “I want to buy things and have fun. I want some money. Can you give me some money?”
“I’m sorry,” said the tree, “but I have no money. I have only leaves and apples. Take my apples, Boy, and sell them in the city. Then you will have money and you will be happy.”
And so the boy climbed up the tree and gathered her apples and carried them away. And the tree was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time…and the tree was sad. And then one day the boy came back and the tree shook with joy and she said, “Come, Boy, climb up my trunk and swing from my branches and be happy.”
“I am too busy to climb trees, “said the boy. “I want a house to keep me warm,” he said. “I want a wife and I want children, and so I need a house. Can you give me a house?”

“I have no house,” said the tree, “The forest is my house, but you may cut off my branches and build a house. Then you will be happy.” And so the boy cut off her branches and carried them away to build his house. And the tree was happy.
But the boy stayed away for a long time. And when he came back, the tree was so happy she could hardly speak. “Come, Boy,” she whispered, “Come and play.” “I am too old and sad to play,” said the Boy. “I want a boat that will take me far away from here. Can you give me a boat?” “Cut down my trunk and make a boat,” said the tree. “Then you can sail away…and be happy.” And so the boy cut down her trunk and made a boat and sailed away. And the tree was happy.
And after a long time the boy came back again. “I am sorry, Boy,” said the tree. “But I have nothing left to give you. My apples are gone.”
“My teeth are too weak for apples,” said the boy.
“My branches are gone,” said the tree. “You cannot swing on them.”
“I am too old to swing on branches,” said the boy.
“My trunk is gone,“ said the tree. “You cannot climb—“
“I am too tired to climb,” said the boy.
“I am sorry,” sighed the tree. “I wish that I could give you something, but I have nothing left. I am just an old stump. I am sorry.”
“I don’t need very much now,” said the boy, “just a quiet place to sit and rest. I am very tired.”
“Well,” said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could, “An old stump is good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest.”
And the boy did. AND THE TREE WAS HAPPY!

Like the boy in the story – our hearts are prone to stray – lured by countless things. But no matter how far we go – God is still there – ready to welcome us back into His loving arms! He even gave all He was that we would know Him and love Him.

THE MESSAGE OF CHRISTMAS!

Pastor J. T. Carnell

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
5 “Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. 6 Do not add to his words, or he will rebuke you and prove you a liar." - Proverbs 30:5-6(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(Moses said to Joshua) 8 "The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” - Deuteronomy 31:8(New International Version).

A QUOTE
I will love the light for it shows me the way, yet I will endure the darkness because it shows me the stars. - Og Mandino -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Money isn't everything, but it sure keeps the kids in touch. - From Reminisce Magazine -
When you don't have a good reason for doing a thing, you have one good reason for letting it alone. - From Don't Wait for Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It! -

NOTES
Today has been partly cloudy and cold with some light snow before daybreak. High temperature today was 39 degrees with a low temperature this morning of 21 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill at noon time. I went to the post office and came home for a few minutes. Around 1:00 p.m. I went to the Petsense store and Walmart for my weekly supply of cat food and other items.
I lay down for my nap with Tony around 3:30 p.m. and got up around 5:15 p.m. so I immediately took the treats outside for the cats. They didn't stay out long but they do like to have their treats outside. Since the last Good Things I have heard from Alice, Debra, Geneva and Gaetano. Thanks for your e-mails. I don't care much for the cold weather but that is all a part of God's plan for this part of the world.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner. The cats are mostly sleeping in during the cold weather and just go outside to check things out. They don't want to miss out on anything happening outside.
Have a nice Tuesday,
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. - Psalm 31:24(New International Version).
GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
(Jesus said) 7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened." - Matthew 7:7-8(New International Version).

A QUOTE
The sun, down the long mountain valley rolled, A sudden swinging avalanche of gold. - Archibald Lampman -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
A person without principle never draws much interest. - From Don't Wait for Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It! -
Glass, china, and reputation are easily cracked, and never well mended. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -

NOTES
Today has been a cloudy day turning colder throughout the day. High temperature today was 64 degrees at 5:25 a.m. Low temperature so far today is 42 degrees, the current temperature. I attended Worship Services this morning. We had another wonderful service with a good message by Pastor J T. The second advent candle was lit. I had lunch at home. I took my nap this afternoon with Tony. I put treats out for the cats at 4:15 p.m. At 4:45 p.m. I went to the church for our annual Thanksgiving/Christmas meal. There was lots of good food, fellowship and fun for the entire family. We even had a visit from Mr. Charles Dickens. If you don't know who that is read the story "A Christmas Carol." Since last night's Good Things, I have heard from Debra, Alice, Michele and Geneva. I always appreciate those e-mails.
The cats are fine. Rascal is in the recliner. Most of the others are inside tonight, and most of them are asleep.
I hope everyone has a nice Monday to start the week.
I will see you next time, With Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by Everette Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
2Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever. - Daniel 12:2-3(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
32 Then John ( the Baptist) gave this testimony: “I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s Chosen One.” - John 1:32-34(New International Version).

A QUOTE
God writes the gospel not in the Bible alone, but on trees, and flowers, and clouds, and stars. - Martin Luther -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
If the Spirit of Jesus comes to live in me, then I can live a life that reflects His character and spirit. - From The Lunn Log -
It is more valuable to seek God's presence than to seek His presents. - From Don't Wait for Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It! -

NOTES
Today has been a mostly cloudy day with a high temperature of 64 degrees and a low temperature this morning of 42 degrees. My housecleaning lady came at 11:15 a.m. to clean my house while I had lunch with Charley and Bill. I went by the post office and Memory Gardens cemetery before I came home. I went outside with the cats for a few minutes before I took my nap. When I went to sleep there was not a cat on my bed so I thought Tony had deserted me today. However, when I got up he was there. I don't know what time he came in to nap with me. At about 3:45 p.m. I went to Arby's for a couple of sandwiches since I had a coupon to buy one and get one free. I ate one of them for my supper (dinner if you prefer) and I will eat one for my dinner (lunch if you prefer) tomorrow. I took the treats out for the cats at 4:30 p.m. and sat with them for about 30 minutes since the weather was nice and and the cats love for me to sit out with them. I watched the Lawrence Welk program at 7:00 p.m. (a rerun from 1974). The theme of the program tonight was "Fond Memories" and was one of the best I have seen in a while. Since the last Good Things, I have heard from Gaetano, Alice, Geneva and Burlene. It is always nice to get e-mails.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner and Tony just came in for a bite of dry food and went back outside. I have seen all of the cats this evening.
I hope everyone has a Wonderful Sunday!,br /. I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD 14 Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. - Psalm 89:14(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
29 The next day John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world." - John 1:29(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Repentance requires change. We turn away from the old and and into a new life with Christ. - Gay Leonard -
,br /> THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
If you were arrested for being kind, would there be enough evidence to convict you? - From Don't Wait for Your Ship to Come In. . . Swim Out to Meet It! -
One should know a horse by its speed, an ox by its burden, a cow by its milk, and a wise person by their speech. - From Proverbs for Daily Living -

NOTES
Today has been partly cloudy in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 66 degrees and a low temperature this morning of 46 degree. I had lunch with Charley, Bill and my Pastor. I went to the post office and came home. I went out with the cats before my nap. I lay down with Tony about 1:00 p.m., slept a little and got up at 2:00 p.m. I lay down again about 3:00 p.m. and got up at 4:25 p.m. The second time Beau came to sleep with Tony and me. I took treats outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. I washed a load of clothes this evening. I will dry them in the morning. I was reading the paper this evening and almost forgot to do the Good Things. I started a little later than usual on the Good Things. Since last night's Good Things, I have heard from Alice and Michelle. Thanks for your e-mails. Today is Pearl Harbor Day. I remember that day well in 1941. I was 16 years of age. In two more years I would be in the Army. The War lasted from Dec. 7, 1941 until August of 1945. Most young men 18 years of age and over were in service at sometime during those three years and nine months.
The cats are fine. Rascal is asleep in the recliner. I have seen all of them this evening. I think that my cats think that I am a big cat the way they come to me and communicate with me.
I hope everyone has a nice Saturday,
I will see you next time, In Christian Love, Everett.

Posted to Religious by Que Clingerman @ 9:42 am EST

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