Saturday Silly – September 28, 2019

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Aunt Irma helped me with some writing I had to do today. I was actually working on two projects at the same time. One was a Bible Study, and the other was a little fill-in Trivia Quiz worksheet for the Red Hat Ladies from Aunt Irma’s Senior Center. Aunt Irma offered to edit them for me, as I had a last minute errand that came up. I didn’t realize she was entertaining RuthAnne’s grandchildren this afternoon. Ruthanne is Aunt Irma’s BFF, and her grandchildren are little monkeys. That’s putting it mildly; and nicely. Those little Mennesses! That’s their last name. Fitting, I think. I left the key under the doormat and went off to do my errand. This is how the two projects came out:

The twelve disciples were: Eenie, Meenie, Miney, Mo, and Curly, Peter, Paul, and Mary, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and Puff the Magic Dragon. What folk-song did Peter, Paul, and Mary sing in the days of Noah? “If I Had A Hammer.” How did Jesus know the two coins would be found in that fish: He was the Son of God. Only the Son of God would have known they fell out of Jonah’s pocket when that whale swallowed him. The fish must have been in there too, and ate them. Where did Puff the Magic Dragon live: By the Sea of Galilee. He was the reason Jesus liked to walk on water. Puff kept it nice and warm, so it was like a foot bath… Who did Peter heal from being lame? Meenie; he’d been lame ever since he broke his leg when he went to kick Balaam’s donkey and accidentally kicked the cartwheel. (Not the gymnastic kind-the one that’s round and rolls)

I arrived home to find the two kids and Aunt Irma working, like busy little beavers, on my two projects…Oh, Aunt Irma! Thank God I don’t need these until Saturday…and it’s only Wednesday evening. Hmm…Does anybody have any spiked Holy Water? Help!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

For The Universal GM In You

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God exercises great restraint when it comes to interfering in our lives. God’s not a bully; He’s a gentleman. He’d rather be loved than feared.

“Think how tenderly I respect the right of each individual soul. Never forcing upon it My Help, My Salvation. Perhaps in all My suffering for humanity that is the hardest, the restraining of the Divine Impatience and longing to help, until the call of the soul gives Me My right to act. Think of Love shown in this. ”

I’ve been reading this little book for a number of years, now. God never fails to show me something new, or reminds me of something important, just when I need it most. As I read this message today, I think about my sons and daughters, and their mates. I don’t want to be a “smother”, or a “smother in law.” I also remembered a few “General Managers of the Universe,” from times past in my own life. “Thank you, Jesus, for divine restraint, I prayed.” **Emotional blackmail and manipulation are two huge pitfalls in this area. Some people fall victim to them time and time again, until they overcome the need to be in control.

It’s easy to rush in with the answer; easy to take over without really meaning to. This is where that restraint comes in. “Please God, help me stay shut up.” This message ties in well with the one about being humble and serving all. A servant does what he/she is asked to do; he/she doesn’t run the show.

It is pretty hard to bite one’s tongue at times, isn’t it? I remember watching my kids go off on their first days of school. Each time, I cried. Each time I knew I had to let them go out there without me. And one prays they’ll come running for help when they need it, right? No matter how old they are, this is true.

Whenever I think of this, I thank God for the privilege of prayer. I think I’d lose my mind if I couldn’t pray. And I can see God up there smiling, because He’s got it all under control. And, when we exercise divine restraint with our kids, our friends, our mates, etc., relationships tend to be stronger in trust, open communication, and real teamwork and unity. When we always rush right in to the rescue, we reinforce helplessness and undermine self confidence and accountability.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Serving All Isn’t As Hard As May Seem

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are here to serve…just as Jesus came to serve us, and not to be served.

The message bids us to be a servant of all. The first time I read that, I scratched my head a couple of dozen times, and was still confused after I thought about it. Oh, my God, how can I possibly serve everyone? I don’t even know what some people need or want? What?! One day, I was reading about the woman at the well. I read the part where Jesus told her that God seeks those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth. That’s when it hit me. I am to have an attitude of humility, friendship, helpfulness, and kindness toward others in my world. I am to reject any notions that anybody owes me anything, that I am entitled to any honors, or preferential treatment, etc. The best King is the one who will fight right alongside his soldiers. Jesus never asks us to do anything He, Himself wouldn’t do. When He does ask us to do something, He equips us for the task.

That last statement gets me every time I want to put my hands in my ears and act like I don’t hear God. It makes me laugh at myself when I want to just fall to the ground and say, “I can’t,” or “I don’t want to.” “Do it anyway,” God says. When I change that attitude, and get the right one going, life is good. Things get done, friends are found, or new ones made, and I’m not disappointed. If you don’t expect anything, you won’t be disappointed.

Some might say that’s a negative viewpoint. It isn’t. It’s pure truth. We are not entitled to anything more than anyone else is, nobody owes us anything in the way of lauds and praises, or preferential treatment. We are all one in Christ Jesus. That’s why we’re told to honor one another above ourselves. When we do this, both you and the other person are honored. God has said that whomever humbles himself will be exalted, but whomever exalts himself will be humbled.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Staying In That Rest

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to come unto the Lord and rest…and to remain in that rest. Quoting directly from the message: “Rest knows no fear. Rest knows no want. Rest is strong, sure.”

That tells me that when fear assails me, I must fight it. When I feel lack of any kind, I must fight it. I’m talking about lack within. Lack of energy, lack of desire, lack of gratitude, etc. Fear and lack go hand in hand. “Rest is strong, sure.” That means that I keep on keeping on, regardless of what it looks like, what someone says about it, what the general consensus may be, etc. I stand on the Word of God.

No, we’re not to just go along lackidaisically. But we don’t need to be immobilized by fear of anything. We can be sure that God will provide, protect, lead, and guide us, etc. We are to walk in that faith, not changing banners, but holding fast to the promises of God. We are not moved, or motivated by fear. We are held up, made strong, equipped by in the Word of God, and our faith in it. The more readily we attack and fight fear and inner lack, the stronger faith becomes, and the more powerful the soul rest is.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Learn From The Master, Himself, Yourself

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to learn from Jesus, ourselves; to go straight to the source of truth, life, and the way. There is no greater teacher than Jesus, Himself. That’s why it’s so important to have that personal time, that personal relationship with the Lord.

As children of God, we all have things to share with one another. We all have varying talents and gifts, and all are important to the family of God. (Ephesians 4) However, each one of us is unique, each one has his/her own past, own fears, own doubts, own barriers, etc. Jesus, knows each and every single one of us intimately. He knows us better than we know ourselves. It is Jesus, Himself, who will reveal to you that thing that keeps tripping you up. Usually, it’s you. – LOL It was in my case. Me, I mean; not you. Jesus will show you exactly how that one scripture in the Bible applies to your particular situation. I have a great example of that. “As far as the East is from the West, so far will I remove your sins/transgressions from you.” (Psalm 103:12) Do you know that that’s a double portion blessing? Yes. First, God will remove sins/transgressions you have committed that far from you. Secondly, God will remove sins/transgressions others have committed against you that far from you. Hallelujah! When I caught that in my spirit, my whole life changed. My outlook about my life changed. Victim turned to victor. Sinner turned to Saved…and savior-once you know your way out of the woods, you can lead someone else out, can’t you?

That also taught me something about that scripture that says, “The word of God is sharper than any double-edged sword….” (Hebrews 4) That scripture now makes me look for the other side…the side that is for my spirit, my heart. Jesus said “the good man out of the good treasure stored up in his heart, brings forth good things…” So, I know that I not only need affirmation, general education or training, etc., from the Word of God. But, I also need to apply that personally to my attitude(s), fear, doubt, whatever I may be going through, and feeling or thinking. Sometimes, my attitude really isn’t a very good one. God will let you know when you’re thinking is stinking. He will also let you know how to get it realigned with Him. He loves us. **If you don’t know the Lord personally, anybody can come up to you and say, “I am He.” Jesus said, “My sheep know my voice.” But, if you never spend time with Him, and learn yourself, from Him, how will you know it when you hear it?

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Turning To Him Empowers It All…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we must turn to God, or seek Him, before we can become aware of His Presence with us. Jesus said, “seek first, therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven”…and everything else will be added unto you. I don’t believe He was speaking just of material needs.

Whatever situation we may find ourselves in, when we first seek God’s face, God’s will, His grace and purpose, maybe even His mercy, in it, we will find the key that unlocks the whole thing for us. I knew a man who lost his legs in an auto accident. He was very bitter for some time. He’d lost his whole life, as far as he was concerned. A friend of his talked him into attending church with him once, and the man’s life began to change. The next thing you know, the man was on the slopes, skiing. He never skied when he had legs. He competes regularly in quad competitions of all kinds. He’s made new friends, discovered new interests and talents he never knew he had. He’s got a whole new life, and it’s even better than before.

One of the reasons the Lord’s prayer says, “give us this day our daily bread, is that we need that reminder to look for God in every day, all throughout the day. Jesus is the bread come down from Heaven. Bread is food. Jesus feeds our spirit all day long when we let Him. We have a continual feast when God’s in the “pantry” of our soul. Seeking God in it, is seeking the good in it, or bringing the good into it. We are, after all, His hands in the earth. When we do this, every part of our lives is empowered to bring glory to us, to others, and especially, to God.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Practicing The Presence Of It

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is a good God. He is also eager to share His Goodness, and all good things, with us. We are bid to taste and trust that goodness, and to hold fast to it, even in times of trouble.

When I read about God sharing His Goodness with us, I think about things like the fruits of the Spirit-because God is Spirit. I also think about His love for us. He gave His only begotten Son to save us. That’s a pretty extravagant gift; don’t you think?

So, in order for me to experience and grow in trust, or faith, and intimacy with God, I must practice the presence of His Goodness. I must receive it within myself; cultivate it in my life, my home, my relationships, etc.

That means, first, I recognize that I am worth dying for. I am worthy of the best. That means I will make good choices for myself, I’ll go the extra mile-(put that vase of flowers on the dinner table, or light that candle, etc.). I will also be deliberate about creating my spaces, my surroundings, when possible. Look at the way God created the planet, the Garden of Eden, etc. The Bible says God devises ways to restore us to Himself. That’s a clue on how we ought to view our relationships with one another. We’re also told that God blesses us richly, and adds no sorrow to it. (Proverbs 10:22) -“The blessing of the LORD brings wealth, without painful toil for it.” I like the Berean Study Bible version; it says the blessing of the LORD “enriches…”

When we seek to enrich our daily living experiences, even something like just a meal, we can turn it into a feast for the soul. God seeks those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth. It stands to reason then, that God would love to enrich our soul, our spirit. When we seek to do the same to others, life takes on a much more beautiful hue. As we practice the goodness of God within, and bring it out around us, trust that God’s Goodness is always present becomes solidified. Before you know it, nothing can shake it.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Start Where You Dwell

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to dwell in the secret place of God’s Shadow, or Spirit. I’ve written before, about entering into that place through praise and worship. I’ve written about making time to spend time alone with God. The message bids us to make that dwelling place our home; and not to merely visit there fitfully, when it all gets to be too much for us. “Dwell there,” we’re told.

Some years ago, I made the connection between the dwelling place of God’s Presence, and my own dwelling place. There’s a place in the book (God Calling), that talks about homemaking in the spirit. Jesus said, “the kingdom of Heaven is upon, or within you.” That means God’s there. So, how do we translate that into daily living? We do that by homemaking for our spirit, and our soul…This message ties in well with the one about cultivating ourselves.

Part of cultivating ourselves, is tapping into our creativity, embracing our loves, likes, passions, and joys. It involves managing our dislikes, and eliminating all sources of discord. This works at home, at work, at church, in personal schedules,etc. However, we’re talking about home. When I think about that, I remember when I had to settle for freebies, bargain basement, mismatched, eclectic stuff. Not that I wasn’t grateful; but, oh, the difference in emotional ease and joyousness of spirit, mind, and soul, when you get to purposefully pick and choose. You get to choose; you’re the designer. You are the creator of your sacred space. This is the place where your body, mind, heart, spirit, and soul dwell. Do you know there’s a difference between a dwelling and a residence?

To dwell suggests being connected, being a life-force in that place. It suggests a warmth, and a joyful habitation. It’s where we stop, stay, rest, linger, live, abide. To reside suggests a mere being there, without a real connection, or warmth. There’s really no life-force or joyful habitation. No engagement with or in the place. It is what we occupy, are placed, are found, and, are situated. Can you see, and feel, the difference? The bottom line, is that your surroundings affect your spirit, mind, and soul; and your heart, as well. After you design, or create, your sacred space, the chores, the schedules, all the daily living issues, etc., need to be addressed, so all discord is eliminated or brought to a bare minimum. What a wonderful difference, to walk into a welcoming home that wraps you in everything you love. How wonderful to feel the peace settle over you as you enter. Your home is sacred space. Be purposeful, be deliberate when you create it. You’ll soon find that God’s Presence dwells there with you. What you surround yourself with will be absorbed by your heart, mind, and soul. Let it be God’s Presence.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Yea, Tho I Walk Through The Valley…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are human, fallible, and that our steps will falter at times. When I read the message, I thought of Peter walking on the water.

If Peter had never taken another step, his life would never have turned out the way it did. Before his life was over, Peter’s mere shadow falling on someone was powerful enough to heal them. Then, there was Peter, denying Jesus. He betrayed the Lord just as much as Judas had. Judas killed himself…never too another step. Peter wept; his heart wrenched with the pain of his cowardice and shame. Then, Peter jumped out of the boat to swim to Jesus on the shore. He was filled with joy at the Lord’s presence. What a beautiful moment! Breakfast with Jesus; I can’t even begin to imagine what that joy bursting within Peter might have felt like…after all that stuff…Wow! Peter might never have known that joy, had he not taken another step after those faltering steps on the water.

The message is that the 23rd Psalm is so very true. The Lord does lead us beside still, or peaceful waters. He does restore our souls. He does lead us in paths of righteousness. His rod and his staff do comfort us when our steps falter. Faltering steps are found in the Valley of the Shadow of Death-especially in the spirit. The shadow is the temptation to quit, to give up, to curl up, and to end up right back where we started from, or someplace even worse. Judas is the prime example. But Jesus is faithful to forgive us when we confess our sins. His strength is made perfect in, and through our weaknesses – when we allow Him to save us and bring us through. Remember Peter’s words? “Lord, save me!” We can do the same thing, and boldly; because there is now no condemnation in Christ. We need to take a hint from that. There should be no self-condemnation in us then, either. Remember Jesus’ words to all he healed, and to the woman he save from being killed? “Go in peace.” Go means take steps; keep heading for your horizon, your goal. You are on your way to somewhere, because this is not your home.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Know That You Know, That You Know

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we, not only have the right to live in peace and joy, but also, the responsibility to.

There’s a very powerful statement in the message: “Success is the result of work done in peace.” That tells me a couple of things. First, it tells me that I have to be at peace within, if I want to make real progress outwardly. By that, I mean manifesting positive change outwardly. If I am not happy with myself, if I am hurting or confused, or angry within, etc., I’m not in a state conducive to positive change. Secondly, it tells me that I must work to bring peace to another, if I want to truly help them. First peace, then process, then, progress. Finally, it tells me that I shouldn’t measure success by the wrong things. There was a time in my life when just making the bed daily was a victory, a success.

Anything that brings peace, as long as it isn’t compromise with evil, is a success; it’s progress. Of course, peace with evil, isn’t really peace, is it? We have to be careful what we’re making peace with, also. Sometimes, what we mistake for peace, can actually be compromise in the wrong direction, or even surrender. Never surrender your peace, and the joy arising from true peace, to anything or anyone except the Lord, and the Word of God.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu