Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
14 As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. 15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written: “Be holy, because I am holy.” - 1 Peter 1:14-16(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
8 The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor. - 1 Corinthians 3:8(New International Version).

A QUOTE
It takes a great person to be a good listener. - Calvin Coolidge - - 29th President of The United States -
THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Home is home, though it be never so homely. - From To My Home -
We learn from our mistakes, and most of us never lack study tools. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been mostly sunny in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 51 degrees and a low temperature of 40 degrees. There has been a strong breeze from the north direction making it feel much colder than the actual temperature. I saw Charley at noon. I went to the post office. I took my nap this afternoon with Tony. At around 3:00 p.m. I went to Buck Thetford's Barber Shop and got a haircut. While there I petted Tom, an orange tabby cat that lives in the shop which is connected to Buck's home. I put treats and food outside for the cats at 4:30 p.m. Since last time I have heard from Burlene, Gail, Alice, Quentin, Pastor J.T., Geneva and Debra. I always appreciate the emails.
For the past three nights you have probably noticed that I have signed off with "Keep Thinking The Good Thoughts." I will continue to use it indefinately. I wanted you to know that is not my original thought. I received that from my dear email friend, Alice, who lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Alice signs all of the e-mails that way that come from her computer. She has given me permission to use it. Here is a note from Alice explaining where the "Keep Thinking The Good Thoughts" came from:

My mother, Grace, had this philosophy, it kept her joyful in The Lord through difficult times. It made her happy to share this tiny little thought with others when she knew they needed an uplift. I think she instilled it in me because she loved to share that part of herself - and she wanted me to grow to "remember the good things and dwell on them" (another part of her lesson that didn't seem like a lesson). You see, she generally had a twinkle in her eye and a smile when she made these little side remarks. It's a good idea, take it to heart and share it - it came from her love for God, her thankfulness for Jesus, and her genuine love for all people.
Now, Everett, you know where that little quote came from - God spoke it to her - its His message.
Thank you, Alice, for letting me use that little quote. Alice and her husband, Bill, came to McAlester and had lunch with me about a month ago.
The cats are fine. Rascal asleep in the recliner chair. The others around close as I have seen all of them this evening. Have a nice Wednesday!
Keep Thinking The Good Thoughts! Everett.

Daily Jewel

by Pastor carnell, McAlester, OK

“A Spiritual Gully-Washer”
“When the storm is over, there’s nothing left of the wicked, good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren’t even fazed.” – Proverbs 10:25 (MSG)

Yesterday, some may have been introduced to some real Country/Southern terminology. Since we are on this crazy-phrase kick, I thought I would add a few of my favorites. Some will be familiar to most but there may be some that are new to others…they definitely will make you smile…here they are: All y'all: Plural of “y’all.” “All y’all is invited to the hoe-down Saturday night.”
Cattywampus: Off-center or sideways. “That storm last night knocked our trailer clean cattywampus…sure made it hard to get some shut eye.” Darn tootin’: For sure! “Darn tootin’ I’m hungry!”
Fixin’: To get ready. “We’re fixin’ to go to Church Pa…y’all comin’?”
Gully-washer: A quick and powerful storm producing possible flash floods or running water. “Some storm last night! A real gully-washer weren’t it?”
Hankering: To desire…crave. “Sure been hankering for some fried okra.”
Hunkey Dorey: To be okay with. “If you want to go that’s hunkey dorey with me.”
Nearabout: To come close to. “I nearabout got bit by that big ole gator!”
Scarce as Hen’s teeth: Very rare, unusual. “A hound dog like that is scarce as hen’s teeth. He’s a good ‘un.” That dog don’t hunt: A poor argument. Not a valid point. “Don’t give me that line ‘cause that dog don’t hunt no more!”
Uppity: Conceited, brash. “Don’t get uppity with me young man! I’ll put y’all in your place darn tootin’.”
Varmint: A pest, or an unwanted animal. “Get that varmint out of the house.” If Solomon had been from the south, the verse being high-lighted today might sound a bit like this: “When a gully-washer comes there’ll be some varmints swept away…darn tootin.’” Kind of fun to think differently from time-to-time isn’t it? Let’s go back to Jesus’ words from Matthew, chapter seven for a few minutes. There is a clue here that gives strength to what Solomon is saying:
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” – Matthew 7:24-27

Jesus does not identify who the foolish person is…but I think we have a pretty good idea. It is anyone who had no intention of believing in or following the Will of God. As such, the foundation of their life is shaky at best and when the storms (of life) come (a good gully-washer) they get swept in the flood waters and carried away...thus further eroding their spirit creating bitterness, anger, and a host of other unspiritual things.
Let’s take a slightly different approach to this. A “flash-flood” occurs when a lot of rain falls quickly and the waters literally have to have somewhere to go. Often it is where there is a clear path, although there will be the possibility of resistance. If there are objects in the path of the flash-flood (a gully-washer for those in the South) that are “loose,” or not grounded…they will be swept away with and by the flood. A loose item could be a car, lawn furniture, and unfortunately, human beings. “Loose” in the spiritual sense could be a reference to those with few (if any) morals or beliefs. A loose person has no moral foundation and as such are easily caught into soul-destructive activities. They have nothing to turn to or cling to that can stand the current.
Solomon’s recommendation…stay grounded in the Word! Cling to the foundations that are firm and should those storms come (and they will), the fear of being swept in them will lessen to the point where nothing will move you. They will not faze you or unnerve you.
So listen up y’all, there’s a storm fixin’ to brew, and that uppity evil varmint, the devil, he’s a lookin’ to knock you clean cattywampus, a real down-right gully-washer he’s hankerin’ to create. But Jesus done licked that devil good—so all y’all listen up good now and you tell that ole varmint to not count his chickens before they’re hatched and to skedaddle back to the pit where he belongs! Darn tootin’!!
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
3 By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; 4 through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. - Proverbs 24:3(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD (Jesus said) 29 "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields for my sake will receive a hundred times as much and will inherit eternal life." - Matthew 19:29(New International Version).

A QUOTE
Then, in that hour of deliverance, my heart spoke. Does not such a country, and such defenders of their country , deserve a song? - Francis Scott Key - - Author of "The Star Spangled Banner" - - "The Star Spangled Banner" became the official U. S. national anthem on March 3, 1931 -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Birds have bills, too, but they keep on singing. - From Reminisce Magazine -
It befits those who are happy at home to remain there. - Latin Proverb -

NOTES
Today has been mostly sunny in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 79 degrees and a low temperature of 55 degrees. I saw Charley and Bill at noon. I went by Country Mart for a few items and then to the post office. I took my nap this afternoon without a cat. I put the cat treats and food outside for the cats at around 4:40 p.m. Since the last Good Things I have heard from Burlene, Alice, Quentin, Pastor J.T., Geneva, Dianne and Gaetano. I appreciate those e-mails.
The cats are fine. Rascal has changed resting places and is on the sofa tonight so that leaves the recliner chair for me when I finish with the Good Things. Tony was just in but has gone back outside. I have seen all of them today. Have a nice Tuesday!
Keep Thinking The Good Thoughts! Everett

Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Plumb Full!”
“What the righteous desire will be granted.” – Proverbs 10:24b (NIV)

The Pastor of the Church I attended when I was going to college came from a long-line of preachers with his father being a former General Superintendent of the denomination, the highest office there is. With that as a backdrop, he was famous for bringing in evangelists or guest speakers on a regular basis, most of them people he had known over the years. I remember several of them very well and to this day, especially their words which impacted me during some very vulnerable and formative years.
One was a District Superintendent from Louisiana who was at the college for a meeting. The Pastor asked him to speak on a Sunday night, and in the context of his message he said: “Those who allow the Holy Spirit to take charge of their life—to be Sanctified through and through will find themselves to be ‘plumb full’ of God!”
Now, being a country boy (somewhat)—living in the Ozarks of Missouri for a spell, I was familiar with the phrase and had heard it a time or two and so I understood what he was saying and what it meant. However, not everyone in the audience quite caught what he had said and he had to go to explain a bit what that means. “A plumb,” he explained, “is a weight that is used determine the depth of something…so to be ‘plumb full’ means you are from "bottom to top" full. That, in my opinion is a perfect description of the result of trust in the life of the believer. And when I say trust, I mean deep-seated, whole-hearted, total and complete trust. The kind of trust Abraham displayed when he was called to sacrifice his son, Isaac.
By using the verse from Proverbs today, let us change the word righteous to that of spiritually-minded. Just as ‘evil’ and ‘non-spiritual’ are essentially the exact same thing—so is this, that a spiritually-minded person is a righteous person—one who understands and believes the truth. One who comprehends and accepts God’s will. Their mind is fixed on Christ, His Word, and His salvation, day by day, moment by moment. The reason why the spiritually-minded person’s desires are satisfied is because those desires are not based on or in selfish objects or objectives. They know the things of this earth are temporal (not permanent) and they are fully aware that for them to place their trust into anything other than God’s truth would tear down their foundation of their faith and their spirit should their trust be betrayed.
It would, however, be gravely naïve and wrong to think that the death of a loved one—especially a tragic one, or the loss of a home due to fire, tornado, etc. or any other tragedy would not hurt them deeply. It would and it does! I have been there. I know!
The difference is in the fact that if you are “plumb full” of God, there is little room for anything (or anyone) else to change your perspective or dedication to God. There is a depth to their understanding of God’s love and faithfulness. And…they know where to find reserves when life is dry!
Dr. Bill Bright of Campus Crusade for Christ tells this story of a famous oil field called Yates Pool. During the depression this field was a sheep ranch owned by a man named Yates. Mr. Yates wasn’t able to make enough on his ranching operation to pay the principal and interest on the mortgage, so he was in danger of losing his ranch. With little money for clothes or food, his family (like many others) had to live on government subsidy.
Day after day, as he grazed his sheep over those rolling West Texas hills, he was no doubt greatly troubled about how he would pay his bills. Then a seismographic crew from an oil company came into the area and told him there might be oil on his land. They asked permission to drill a wildcat well, and he signed a lease contract. At 1,115 feet they struck a huge oil reserve. The first well came in at 80,000 barrels a day. Many subsequent wells were more than twice as large. In fact, 30 years after the discovery, a government test of one of the wells showed it still had the potential flow of 125,000 barrels of oil a day. And Mr. Yates owned it all. The day he purchased the land he had received the oil and mineral rights. Yet, he’d been living on relief. A multimillionaire living in poverty.
Are the “desires of your heart” being fulfilled? What are they fixed upon? God truly wants to grant our desires—but can only do so when we know what they should be. Search for God’s wisdom and love from the “depths of your soul.” Get, “plumb full” of God, and He will give you strength and purpose for each day!
Pastor J. T. Carnell.

Good Things

by Everett Christian, McAlester, OK

GOD SPEAKS TO US THROUGH HIS HOLY WORD
5 I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. 6 I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning. - Psalm 130:5-6(New International Version).

GOD'S PROMISE TO US FROM HIS HOLY WORD
20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God. - 2 Corinthians 5:20(New International Version).
,br /> A QUOTE
Treat people as if they were what they ought to be, and you help them to become what they are capable of being. - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe -

THOUGHTS TO REMEMBER
Do not waste five-dollar time on a five-cent job. - John T. Faris -
What you can't do, don't; what you can do, do. - From Reminisce Magazine -

NOTES
Today has been partly cloudy in McAlester, Oklahoma, with a high temperature of 64 degrees and a low temperature of 30 degrees. I attended Worship Service this morning. We had a wonderful service with hymns and songs of praise. One of the hymns that we sang was written in 1738 by Charles Wesley titled "And Can It Be?" Pastor J.T. preached an inspiring sermon titled "Confronted by the Light." Janice sings special songs at our church. A month or so ago I told her that I would like to hear her sing a song that she hadn't sung in quite a while titled "Whatever It Takes." She sang that song this morning and I am sure it blessed other people as it did me. This song really makes you ask the question, am I doing all I can for the Lord. I will leave the lyrics to this song at the end of the Good Things tonight. I had lunch at home. I took my nap this afternoon with Smokey. I put treats and food outside for the cats at around 4:45 p.m. Since the last Good Things I have heard from Alice, Burlene and Debra. I appreciate your e-mails.
The cats are fine. I have seen all of them this evening.
Have a good Monday!
Think the Good Thoughts!! Everett

WHATEVER IT TAKES

There's a voice calling me From an old rugged tree And it whispers draw closer to me Leave this world far behind there are new heights to climb And a new place in me you will find.

For whatever it takes to draw closer to you Lord That's what I'll be willing to do For whatever it takes to be more like you That's what I'll be willing to do

Take my houses and land change my dreams and my plans for I'm placing my whole life in your hands Let the disappointments come Lonely days without the sun If through sorrow more like you I become.
,br /> For whatever it takes to draw closer to you Lord That's what I'll be willing to do For whatever it takes to be more like you That's what I'll be willing to do

Take the dearest things from me if that's how it must be to draw me closer to thee. And if you call me today to a land far away I'll go Lord and your will I'll obey.

For whatever it takes to draw closer to you Lord That's what I'll be willing to do For whatever it takes to be more like you That's what I'll be willing to do

I'll trade sunshine for rain comfort for pain Oh that's what I'll be willing to do For whatever it takes, for my will to break Oh that's what I'll be willing to do.