Life Changes With This Daily Reminder

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that it is in quietness and trust that we find our strength. Some years ago, God gave me a daily prayer. One part of it is, “Thank you, Lord, for the peace to find strength within, and for the strength to seek your peace in my life.” God has promised us, both peace and strength. That strength is His power, which is made perfect in our weakness.

My life began to change when I began to pray that prayer, along with the Lord’s Prayer, daily. In terms of peace and strength, I can’t even begin to tell you how much anxiety left my life. I KNOW that I Know, that I Know this: Fear and anxiety are powerless in my life. Strength is just automatically there, it seems. Very rarely do I have to ask for it. What a beautiful freedom this is! Praying this daily reminds me there’s something I have within that’s powerful. It also reminds me that I have that power, or strength within, to actively seek God’s peace in any situation, at any time, for any reason. It reminds me that I am in authority over the circumstances; not vice versa. Make it a point, daily, to remind yourself that God’s peace and power are yours. Nobody can take them away from you, and nothing can overcome either one of them. I encourage you to visit the twolisteners.org website and read the message for yourself. Each message in the book, “God Calling,” reinforces scripture found in the Bible, and vice versa.

I chose this song by Chris Tomlin to remind us what an awesome God we serve; and what an awesome God serves us.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – September 14, 2019

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The husband woke up with a start as his wife poked him in the ribs, almost shouting, “Honey, it’s time; the baby’s coming.” As soon as he was dressed, and the “delivery day,” suitcase was in the car, along with mommy and baby, they headed for the hospital. How exciting!

About 3 1/2 hours later, the labor pains increased in intensity. Mommy was already tired of this ordeal. “Oh, I wish this baby would hurry up and get here already,” she said. “Where’s your faith,” asked Daddy. “Hang in there, Honey; God’s got perfect timing,” he said. She gritted her teeth, moaned, and squeezed Daddy’s hand as hard as she could when the next pain came.. “Ouch,” exclaimed Daddy. “Do you have to squeeze that hard?” Mommy wasn’t impressed with Daddy’s attitude. You promised you’d be here for me, Honey,” Mommy said. “Remember, we’re in this together.” “I know, I know,” said Daddy. “I just need a little break. Think I’ll go get some coffee, if you don’t mind.” Then Daddy realized that he’d forgotten his wallet. “Honey, do you have any cash on you? I forgot my wallet in the rush to get here,” said Daddy. Mommy, still a little miffed, and very much in pain, replied, “Silver and gold have I none, but what I do have, in Jesus’ Name, I give to you.” Daddy doubled over instantly, and dropped to his knees, clutching his tummy. There he was, in pain as that stomach flu hit him and caused those awful cramps. Daddy woke up from his dream with a start. He looked at Mommy, who was sound asleep and smiling. “Lord,” Daddy prayed, “please don’t let me forget my wallet when it’s time…and please help me be a good helper in the delivery room.” LOL

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, is about when faith fails. It’s a good one, and I hope you’ll check it out at twolisteners.org. When I read it, I thought of Peter trying to walk on the water…and later, healing a crippled man with those very words: Silver and gold have I none, but what I do have, in Jesus’ Name, I give to you. That inspired this little story. I wish I’d thought of that when I was having my babies…I’m kidding, their dad was awesome in the delivery room.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

His Name – Still Powerful Today

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus’ Name is still as powerful today as it was all those many years ago.

As I read the message, I thought about all the times I had to remind myself of that. His Name is still as powerful today, as it was the day I got saved. I thought about my grandmother, and her testimonies of Jesus and His love. It occurred to me, that every time she spoke His Name to me, the power of that Name was drawing, guarding, and guiding me to where I am today. Jesus said He would draw all men unto Himself when He is lifted up. Nowadays, trusting in that wonderful Name is as natural as breathing. It doesn’t occur to me to doubt; not for a second. I know He’s got my back, no matter what may come along.

The message tells us that the consciousness of His Name can lift the mood, change the atmosphere, and elevate thought, attitude, conversation, and, even actions. I’ve had countless experiences that went from “nothing goin’ on,” to “oh, wow, this is going to be fantastic!” -just because I heard that Name in a praise song, or because I, or someone else, spoke it. Jesus…what a beautiful Name it is, indeed. It has the power to stop you dead in your tracks, back you up just a little, and wrap you in it’s warmth, peace, and love. Sometimes, that’s exactly what one needs, isn’t it? It has the power to open doors, and to close them. It has the power to raise a dead thing to life, or to lay something that should be dead and gone to rest…and finally set you free from it.

The message bids us to be ever conscious of His Name, breathing it. It is, in the spirit, our very breath, I believe. Here’s a challenge. Find three or four songs about Jesus’ Name. Play them back to back, and just bask in the joy, peace, power, and love that it brings with it. Now, have a wonderful day!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

My Favorite Name, & Favorite Song…

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I know I’ve posted this before. But this is just one of the most amazing and powerful songs! Thanks again, Hillsong, for your faithfulness to the Lord.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Money, Honey

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are not to value money the way the world does. We are to seek first, last, and always, the Kingdom of Heaven. “…and all these things will be added unto you,” the scripture says.

The message bids us us to get away from money values altogether. I think a better way to put it would be to say: Get away from valuing money altogether. When I read that statement, I think of guys and their power tools, their cars, and stuff like that. They almost worship them, don’t they? Yeah, women do too. I still drool every time I see a Lamborghini Countach. We have to be careful not to let money rule over our senses and good judgment. Money isn’t to be our master or god.

Unfortunately, money does answer everything, doesn’t it? Yes, it pays the rent and bills, living expenses, etc. But money, unless it is used according to God’s will and purposes, and for the sake of God’s glory, is actually just stuff under our feet that trips us up. By that, I mean that it’s like rocks, pot-holes, brambles, etc. Rocks get in your shoes and make your feet sore. I hit a pot hole once, and thought I’d ripped the oil pan right off the car. Brambles and burrs stick to your clothes and scratch your legs up. See the hassles?

But when we use money according to God’s purposes-which are pavement, provisions, preparations, and presents…oh, the places we can go, the things we can do, the peace, power, and pleasantness of life we can provide. Handling our money responsibly is part of God’s plan. It’s part of good stewardship. Good stewardship includes tithing and benevolence, planning for the future -we are to leave an inheritance for even our children’s children, and advancing the Kingdom of Heaven-making sure the Gospel is preached in all the corners of the Earth.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

You’ve Got That Xtra Something, Baby!

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are to be, and can be, generous givers. Kingly givers, we’re told we can be.

The scripture referenced in the message is: “For the bread of God is He who comes down from Heaven and gives life to the world.” (John 6:33) When I read this scripture, I think about Jesus’ words about seeking, knocking, asking. If we live in the Presence of the Holy Spirit, which we do, we’re living in Heaven, essentially. We are of the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus also said we would do greater works because He is at the Father’s side. That means to me, that I can give life to the world. That tells me, then, that the message to me is that I can be a kingly giver, being generous in thought as well as deed. Generous in giving all I am and all I have.

When I translate this to daily living it works out like this: I can seek and find ways to give just a little more than is required or expected. Along with that sack lunch, I can give a handshake, a smile, a hug, an encouraging word, etc. Who doesn’t love those little encouraging notes you find in that brown bag? It also means I can go the extra mile at work, or at church, or somewhere else in the community. I can stay and help that co-worker finish his/her project, so everybody gets to go home at a reasonable time…but the work is also finished. Little things like that are acts of kindness and little shows of a big heart, a big person, and even more importantly, a big God. That is what it’s all about. This is also illustrated quite nicely in the stories about Jesus feeding the crowds with just a little. See, it’s not what you have. It’s what you do with what you have. And, Baby, one of the greatest gifts the world can have, while you’re in it, is YOU!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

What Are You Doing It For?

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us the we need to check our motives from time to time. It’s easy to get caught up in the “keeping up with the Joneses” game; easy to get caught up in all the right things, but for the wrong reasons.

The Bible tells us that we cannot serve both God and Mammon (money). Yet, the Bible also tells us that money answers everything. No, that isn’t a contradiction. Money does answer everything in this world. We need it to survive in this world. There’s rent to pay, bills to pay, we need food and clothing, etc., etc., etc. The world operates on money. The reason it’s called currency is that it keeps the economy flowing, The economy is part of life in this world. It’s the base from which society operates. However, in God’s plan, money is to serve us. We are to master our money, and not vice versa.

When we master our money, being good stewards in regards to tithing, giving, being financially responsible, etc., we are serving God with our money. God knows we have to have it to survive down here. But, God is till God over us, and over our money. God sends the supply; He is the source. The money is just a resource to be used as needed.

It’s easy to get caught up in the competitions for titles, in the race to “fit in” with the affluent crowd, and the putting on of all kinds of airs. That’s when you know it’s time to recheck your motives, and time to line yourself back up with God’s will for you and your money. I’ve known people who had to cut up the credit cards and take on a second or even third job because the clothing bill maxed out the cards…because it just wasn’t acceptable to be seen wearing the same outfit or even the same piece of clothing twice. What kind of people are you hanging around with? And what are you trying to prove? That’s living by the world’s standards; not by God’s. And, right there, you are serving Mammon-which also, in, and according to the world, signifies affluence. Yes, God does want you to have that beautiful dress, girlfriend. He doesn’t want you to be enslaved to a second or third job to get it, though. That’s why we have things like budgets, savings, and the like. Don’t get so caught up trying to “fit in,” in this world that you become a slave to it’s standards. Remember, you are the head, and not the tail. You are the master over the money; not vice versa. Make it serve you, so you don’t end up serving the wrong god.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Cultivating The Treasures Within

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are a work in progress. We are not to be stagnant. We are bid to cultivate ourselves.

“Remember your great field of labor is yourself. That is your first task, the weeding, the planting, digging, pruning, bearing fruit. When that is done I lead you out into other fields.” This is a direct quote from the message on the twolisteners website. I recently posted a list of books that I’d read over the summer. They were all inspiring to me as a poet and a story writer. One, in particular, was quite inspirational to me as a Christian, and as a woman. I’ve also spent some time researching articles on how cancer cells fool our immune system, how they communicate with each other, and how they shut down communication between healthy cells, even blocking communication from healthy cells. This all has to do with DNA glitches. Lastly, I’ve been designing homes, clothes, and great food offerings. I do the designing in theory, as I am still homeless at the moment. I shop online, sketch things in my notebook, and combine some different things when I’m putting my lunches from the supermarket together. This is how we cultivate ourselves. I love to do all these things.

So many of us don’t really take the time to spend time doing things we love, at home, or away. We attend events, we volunteer time, we give of our resources. But we don’t give back to ourselves in the way of time and discovery. Of course, the best canvas you have to paint you on, is yourself. God doesn’t need cookie cutter Christians. God needs each and every one with all your uniqueness, your talents, your strengths, your joys, and even your weaknesses. Yes, He does. Once again, one of my favorite inspirational books is Simple Abundance by Sara Ban Breathnach. It got the juices flowing for me, and I will cherish it forever. She also has one for men. There is also God Calling, by A.J. Russell. And, there are so many things out there to inspire us. Look at some of the beautiful floral creations out there. Check out some menus online. Go windowshopping, or even browse some online shops. Whether you’re into home design, or clothing design, they’re a great way to get some ideas and inspiration. You’ll be surprised at how much fun you can have. You’ll also be surprised at the beautiful, wonderful treasures within. You know, God puts them there because He knows each one of us. He loves to see us excited and loving ourselves.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Walking In Love Is A Twofold Thing

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to walk in God’s Love. We sometimes forget that this is a twofold thing, and that we must put first things first.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” (Mark 12:30&31) We all do our best to walk in love toward our fellow man. We pray for them, we give where and what we can, we try to lift others up, etc. But, we don’t often really think about exactly what that second greatest commandment says-about loving ourselves.

That’s step one in regard to this commandment. The most important part of loving yourself, is to love the LORD/Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. But, do you know that you are also to walk in His love toward you? We don’t really give that a lot of thought; because we’re usually busy trying to do good things, to do the right things, etc. That’s one of the reasons we get weary and suffer from burnout.

I couldn’t believe how much my life changed-for the better-when I made time every day, just to be with Jesus. Just to bask in His love for me wipes the whole world away from my spirit. It fills me with such strength, with peace, and with joy. There is a joy that nobody can take away from you. It’s the joy of knowing how very loved and cherished you are by God Himself. Yes, God Himself loves and cherishes us. One of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 8. It tells us about God’s love for us. Sometimes, it still leaves me awestruck. I encourage you to make a little time each day, just to be with the Lord. Read about His love for us. Listen to the praise music that tells us of His love. Just bask in the knowledge, the peace and joy, of being a child of God Most High. Then, walk in that knowledge, staying mindful of it always as you go along. It makes the second part of that commandment so much easier! It also makes loving yourself, being good to yourself, and making better choices for yourself easier.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – September 7, 2019

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My, my, my! Lot of things to celebrate in September. Two of my babies were born in September; one at the beginning of the month, and one at the end of it. The first Miss America, Margaret Gorman, was crowned in New Jersey, on September 7, 1921. Among other things, this is Chicken month, and Self-improvement month. And, September 7th is the great Buddy Holly’s birthday.

Those of you who know me, know that I like to streamline, so often I combine tasks into one smooth operation. That’s what I did with this bit of information. For my self-improvement project, I started working out to get rid of those chicken wings on my arms. I happen to be a Buddy Holly fan. So, I was doing my workout to “Oh, Boy,” one of his hits. Now, being homeless, I don’t have any dumbbells to work out with. Well, not the kind you lift, anyway. Anyway, I do carry a couple of bags that contain my water and stuff. So, here I was, listening to Buddy Holly, and working those arms.

The trouble started when I got to the exercise where you’re reaching behind you with the weights. The very first rep I did, I reached behind me, bags in hand, and some guy snatched one of my bags and ran off with it. One of the guys at Catholic Charities tried to chase him down, but couldn’t catch him. He gave up and came back to where I was standing. He asked, “What were you thinking, anyway? What were you doing, lady?” I said, “I was trying to exercise my arms so I can keep them firm. Older women like to look sexy too, you know.” He broke out in the chorus of, “That’ll be the day.” LOL ** This is a work of fiction. I’d never have let either one of those guys get away with that in real life. LOL

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu