Rest in Work, Work to Rest

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that forced, or tired work never shows the best within us. We’re told that it is wrong to force work.

As I think about the message, I think about all the times Jesus withdrew to be alone. I’m sure He needed rest from all the activity, the stress of dealing with the haters, and of the upcoming events that He knew He would have center stage in.

Our lives are no different. We have all kinds of acitivity going on around us all the time. We’re involved in all kinds of activities. We deal with haters, nay-sayers, doubt, and fatigue at any given point in time, too. It’s stressful. We have upcoming events like deadlines, finals, presentations, etc. The spot-lights will be on us then, won’t they? That’s stressful too. It can be, anyway. It can make the projects, the problems, and the prospects seem overwhelming.

That’s when we need to step back and recharge. We need to work, then, at resting in quietness and confidence; strengths we’ve already gained. We need to draw on our knowledge of who and whose we are, and all the gifts and talents He’s given us. He never calls us to do anything without empowering us to do it. When we work to rest in those truths, and in the peace of confidence in Him, and in ourselves, the tables turn in our favor. We are rewarded then, with restful work. No flurry, hurry, worry, etc. Just a peaceful and restful soul at work. I’m smiling now, because of Jesus’ words: “Come to me all ye, who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.” Also, “Greater things than these shall you do because I go to my Father in Heaven.” I know, that’s taken a little out of context; but, it’s true. He does go to the Father and intercedes for us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

No Punishment For Past Sins

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that there is no punishment for our past sins. When we accept Christ Jesus as our Savior and Lord, all of that is removed-as far as the East is from the West-from us. They’re gone!

However, their impact and effects on us, our character, attitudes, choices, lives, have not been removed. They will be gradually wiped clean, and/or smoothed and polished into a beautiful soul. One that manifests it’s true being -created in the image and likeness of God, Himself-more and more.

Remembering that we go from strength to strength and glory to glory, we can begin to understand the admonition of the Lord. God brings us up in the admonition of the Lord, just as we are to bring our children up the same way. When a child errs, we help him/her to correct that error. We teach our children how to clean up messes, and how to do things correctly. This isn’t punishment; it’s training. God does the same with us. We can only act/react according to what we believe to be true. When we come to the Lord, we’re operating out of old truths-usually untruths, about ourselves and the world around us. God patiently works with us, allowing us to come face to face with the consequences of our actions, and face the truth that we need help to change things, or to do them correctly. When we turn to Him for that help, He’s always ready, willing, and more than able to teach and train us in the correct ways. King David wrote often about being taught the Lord’s ways, and His paths. And, remember, King David erred-and even sinned knowingly. But, King David also repented, went boldly the throne of God, asking forgiveness. God called King David a man after His own heart. We can learn and be inspired and encouraged by that.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Eden’s Breakfast On The Grill

eden08122015

Ingredients: 1- 9×13 cookie sheet or baking pan… 1 LB. Bulk ground Pork Sausage, 1 med. bag frozen O’Brien Potatoes, 1 dozen Eggs, 1 eight ounce package Sargento Cheddar Cheese slices, Butter, Salt, Pepper

Make a nice bed of coals, and get them good and hot. When the coals are hot, your grill’s ready. ***Please keep in mind that when you’re working on a grill, temperatures vary, and you need to check frequently to make sure the food is cooking correctly, and not burning.** Place cookie sheet or baking pan on the grill, and add the ground sausage, breaking it up as it cooks. Cook the sausage until near done, stirring well to prevent burning. The meat should be pale pinkish. Now, move the sausage to the cooler side of the pan, and melt about 3-4 T. butter in the cookie sheet or baking pan. Spread the melted butter around evenly. Now add the O’Brien potatoes, tossing them lightly to cover with the butter. Next, spread them out across the pan, incorporating the cooked sausage into them. Cover with foil and let cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring about halfway through cooking time. At 20 minutes, they should be tender. Crack the eggs over the top of the sausage and potato mixture, one at a time, covering the mixture evenly. Now’s the time to add a little salt and pepper, if you like. Cover with foil and let cook another 10-20 minutes, until the egg yolks are set. Uncover and top with the cheese. Cover and let the cheese melt-about 5 minutes. I put two strips of cheese “diamonds” down the pan. When the cheese is melted, remove the pan from the grill, uncover and let sit 3-5 minutes. Serves 6

Serve with some red grapes or canteloupe melon on the side if desired.

What a great way to end the summer!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Greatest Gift You Have…

eden08122015

Bittersweet…Life…Love…A gift from God, to know the truth…The bitter makes the sweet sublime…Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, August 13, 2019, about 8 a.m. I was thinking of the bittersweet moments of life…kids’ firsts, some triumphs, some truths, etc. Haven’t they all been made so much sweeter by the efforts we had to put in? Yes, and they taught me so much! Thank you, Lord.

Today’s message from God Calling reminds us that the greatest gift we have is the power to bring life to living. Jesus said, “I’ve come that they might have life; and have it abundantly.” He gave us everything that He has; so we have that power too. And, we are bid to hasten, or hurry, to take it and to use it.

We are to live a joyous and powerful life, physically, mentally, spiritually. When you pair these things with creativity-because we are creators, you’ll begin to search for ways to bring joy, peace, power, progress, love, into your own life, and into the lives of others. When we do this, little miracles happen. That’s when we make moments and memories. These are the things that will be here long after we’re gone. These are the very things that will encourage, strengthen, and empower the ones we leave behind.

I’m choosing Third Day, again, for today’s post. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I do…We should feel like this every day!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Perfecting It All

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are works in progress. We are told to strive for perfection, by taking inventory at least weekly. We are to check our attitudes, character, shortfalls, weaknesses, etc. We’re also to look at that in regard to everything about our lives; from housework, or homemaking, to even self care. Now, here’s a surprise. You already are perfect in God’s eyes. (John 17:22) You’re precious and honored in His sight.

When Jesus says, “Be ye perfect, therefore, as your Father in Heaven is perfect,” we all skip over that word, “Be,” and we start frantically doing. Did you forget that God sees Jesus when He looks at us? Yes, He sees Jesus’ righteousness, Jesus’ love, Jesus’ compassion, mercy, etc. He attributes perfection to us the instant we come to Him. (Hebrews 12:1-24) is a wonderful piece that speaks to us regarding this. Verse thirteen tells us to make level paths for our feet. This is what that inventory is about. You check for any place, anything, that can be improved upon-even, and especially within. The outward often manifests where the inward (spirit) is…be it depressed, anger, sloth, confusion, etc. When we deal with those things, and include discipline and perseverance to correct them and the outward situations created by them, things change. This is called progress, which is the rule of the Kingdom of Heaven. 2 Cor. 3:18, in the New Living Translation Bible says it this way: “So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.” Also, Psalm 84:7 tells us we go from strength to strength until we appear before God in glory.

Sadly, I must tell you that we are all “only human.” This is to say we are subject to fatigue, depression, laziness, confusion; all those things that clog up the spirit within, and weigh us down. God knows that, though. He’s given us the Holy Spirit and the power of prayer. We can go boldly to the throne to confess and to get help. He doesn’t love us any less at any given point in time-not one second of our lives! You are already perfect in His eyes. His love, grace, and mercy are going to help us manifest that-in this life. As we manifest that glory to glory progression, it becomes the testimony that draws others to Him; and to Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Don’t Discount Your Power, or Value!

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us of the power of a praying soul, and of it’s value to the Kingdom of Heaven and the world around us.

We tend, all too often, to forget that the battle is in the Spirit. We don’t give much thought to the powers and principalities, and host of spiritual wickedness in the heavenly places. (Eph. 6:12) There are some other scriptures that refer to these, and to what Jesus did for us in regard to them. Look them up, and you’ll get a better picture.

When we get a clear picture of the Spiritual things, we get a clearer picture of where the battles really are fought. We also get a clear picture of just how powerful prayer and praise and worship are. The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, we’re told in 2 Cor. 10:4. What we don’t often see, are those little prayer warriors, who sit in their rooms or homes praying for the world we live in. Some pray in the wee hours of the morning, some at night. We don’t see a thing, we don’t hear a thing, but in the Spirit, there’s the roar of a mighty army doing battle for us.

We often discount the value of the prayers, the behind the scenes work, the hugs, the little words of encouragement, etc. When a crisis comes, we feel overwhelmed because we forget the power of these things. They’re all seeds, did you know that? Yeah, you did, didn’t you? You just forgot for a moment. I used to all the time. They’re seeds sown into hearts, lives, souls, and into the Spirit. Remember what Jesus said about sewing into the Kingdom of Heaven? (Matt. 6:20) Those seeds are spiritual treasure. You know what else? All those things are like war medals that decorate your uniform. Oh, my! Just look at you now! So awesome, worth everything, everything, to the world around you, and to our Lord, and our Heavenly Father. Go get ’em, honey! ROAR!!

I want to take a moment to thank all who have prayed for me, all who have encouraged me, cried with me, and laughed with me…all who have walked with me. You have helped to get me this far. Thank you!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

His Hand is Ever Over Our Lives

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God’s hand is ever working in, and over, our lives. The message ties in perfectly with Saturday’s message about straying.

In Saturday’s message, we’re bid to learn the overcoming power of Jesus. He wasn’t daunted by anything or anyone. He knew who and whose He was, what His standards and boundaries were, and what His destiny was. He also knew His purpose(s). We all serve many different purposes in life. They come according to needs-of others, and ourselves.

The way this message ties in with that one, is that it reminds us that there is a seal on our lives. We are sealed to God Almighty, through Jesus Christ, our Lord. We are reminded that He leads us-out of darkness to light, out of despair to hope and victory, out of temptation to overcoming power. It is when we remember that seal is on us and our lives, that those standards and boundaries become clear and strong. That’s how I can drink one bottle of beer or one glass of wine and be done. I know who and whose I am, what my standard is, what my boundaries are, what my strengths and weaknesses are. I know who is right there with me when I am drinking that bottle of beer or glass of wine.

There is so very much strength in being mindful of that seal on our lives. If you walk out your front door with it in mind, you can walk away from anything! It isn’t that Jesus needs to be called to our sides. It is that we need to remain mindful that He is there. And, He’s not there to judge you or condemn you. He’s there to help you, to encourage you. He’s there to give you the strength to get up and walk away. It works in reverse too. He can give you the strength to go somewhere you need to go, or do something you need to do. Remember, His strength is made perfect in our weakness. When we stay mindful of Him and His seal on our lives, His strength can, and will be perfected in us, to overcome the weakness.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly Bonus!

eden08122015

Who remembers Candid Camera? Today, August 10, 1948, Candid Camera debuted. It was always one of my favorite shows. I thought I’d share one of their classic pranks with you. Thank you, Allen and Peter Funt, for years of giggles.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Until It Becomes The Air You Breathe

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A. J. Russell, bids us to seek God, to commune with Him, and to dwell with Him. We are bid to dig deep into the soil of the Kingdom of Heaven.

I always pray before I read my Bible. I always have. The reason I bring it up is because I can’t imagine not doing that. But, I remember how much effort it took back in the beginning, to get into the presence of the Holy Spirit. I would get distracted by outside noise, totally thrown off by someone talking as I’m trying to praise the Lord, things like that. Sometimes it would be so hard to stay focused on even my prayers, let alone my Bible study. I’ve learned those are some of the enemy’s tricks and ploys. I’m glad I pressed on. I want to encourage you today – whoever you may be, not to give up. If it takes you three hours of praise music, do them. If you have to start your prayer over ten times, do it. Don’t let the distraction win, by causing you to stop your pursuit of the Lord’s Presence. It is all worth it in the end. The more time you spend in His Presence, the more treasures you find in the soil of the Kingdom (His Word), and vice versa. The more wisdom, peace, truth, love, that you find in that Kingdom soil, the bolder you get about going to the Lord. The easier it is to be in His Presence…just like the little child he scooped up and took onto His lap. He did say we must become as trusting and free as children are, didn’t He?

My song choice is and oldie but goody called The Air I Breathe:

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Give God Some Room

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, brings us a lesson on the law of Divine Supply. We are bid to empty ourselves. We are bid to trust, or rely, on God alone, seeking no other help.

The message bids us to empty our vessels quickly to insure Divine Supply. We are also warned that the more that’s retained by us, the less to be gained from God. That’s because we need to make room for God in our hearts, minds, and hands, in order for Him to be able to work through us. I’ve covered this before from a physical, or material viewpoint. But, God want those who worship Him, to worship in spirit and in truth. We also know that everything manifests first in Spirit, then outwardly. So, this is the spirit part of the lesson of Divine Supply.

When I read the message, I thought of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. (Matt. 5-3) Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to poor in spirit. The hungry and thirsty for righteousness will be filled. The pure in heart will see God, and the peacemakers will be called children of God. There’s more, but these points are the ones I want to focus on in this message. They all have to do with emptying ourselves. I have to empty myself of pride to be humble before God, or anyone else, for that matter. Being poor in spirit is exactly that; humility. I have to empty myself of an evil-doer’s mindset, of anger, envy, hatred, dishonesty, etc., to become hungry and thirsty for righteousness. I have to empty myself of doubt and fear to become pure in heart, so I can see God working in my life, and in all that’s around me. I have to empty myself of indifference. laziness and selfishness, to become a peacemaker. Peacemaking not only entails non-violent solutions and such. Peacemaking also entails ensuring the best possible environment for success. Taking dinner to a home-bound senior, or cleaning house for someone who is ill and cannot, is also peacemaking. You are bringing peace to that person’s soul by relieving him/her from loneliness, anxiety, etc. Those things all trouble one’s spirit.

The second thing I thought about when I read today’s message, was something else Jesus said. He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavily burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Have you ever had a disquieted soul? “What am I going to do now?!” “How are we going to manage without that job?!” “What?! How am I going to feed four more people on such short notice?” -They were in the living room and my husband invited them to stay for dinner. Don’t get me wrong, I loved every minute of time spent with them. But I knew the roast I’d planned for that evening wasn’t going to feed us all. This is where that “Come to me” comes in. Instead of roast, we had stir fry-enough for all, and we feasted. I didn’t know Jesus likes Chinese food, did you? LOL The idea came to me after I looked up and whispered, “Lord, help me feed these people.”

The problems come when we become dependent on material supply. When we do this, we fall into doubt, anxiety, even greed and envy. That’s when we disable Divine Supply. I’m not talking about needing help with basic human needs. This goes much deeper. We cannot measure our ability, or judge our ability according to material supply. When we do that, we’re allowing the supply to rule over us. We are supposed to rule over the supply. The roast turned stir fry is an example of that. It isn’t needing the material supply that’s the problem. The problem is allowing the supply, or lack of it, to control our lives, or dictate to us who we are. We are children of the Most High God. We can do all things through Christ Jesus, who strengthens us.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Coypright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, August 7, 2019, 2:52 p.m.