They’re Just Gone From Here…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that our loved ones are not gone. They are just gone from here. But they are freed from all human limitations, rejoicing, and serving the Lord in Heaven.

The message tells us that they can also protect us, minister to us, and even intercede for us. This is where all kinds of arguments get started, isn’t it? I believe this is true. In the Bible, we can read about the rich man and Lazarus. The rich man asked that someone be sent to his family members on Earth, to warn them. Another Lazarus in the Bible died, and his sisters, Mary and Martha were quite upset with Jesus about it. Jesus told them Lazarus was only sleeping. He told Jairus the same thing about his daughter. The Bible tells us that Jesus conquered death and the grave. We’re told that He has the keys to death and Hades. Those are just some examples of scriptures that tells us death is not final.

I have had countless experiences such as hearing my mother’s voice-from memory, warning me about something, as I’m trying to decide what to do, whom to believe, etc. There have been times when I was sick, and heard her voice in my sleep, comforting me like she did when she was alive. There isn’t a holiday that goes by without my feeling her presence in the kitchen as I’m cooking. Whenever I see a bouquet of red carnations, I can see her smiling; they were her favorites. Those are some of the ways in which our loved ones stay with us. We also keep them alive here with us when we share memories of them with friends and family. It’s especially important to share those with the next generations. But, have you ever just had this feeling, or something just told you not to go somewhere or do something, etc.? Could that have been dear old Mom or Dad? I can’t say for sure it was. But I can say for sure that God can do anything; and will do whatever He has to, to protect us. As for that interceding part…well, all I have to say is, “Thank you, thank you, thank you, Mom, Dad, Grandma, Gramps, and all of my buds who got that before me, if you do. I need all the help I can get!” I believe with all my heart, they’re not gone; just gone from here.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Ever Upward…Always Higher

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the law of the Kingdom of Heaven is progress. We are to strive to be better today than we were yesterday, to step up to the next level, to always reach a little higher.

As I read the message, I think back to school days. Clerical training, then on to Office Management training, on to Accounting, and so on, and so on. David, in Psalm 31:8, says, “You have not given me into the hands of the enemy, but you have set my feet in a spacious place.” I also think of Psalm 107:35 – “He turns a desert into pools of water, and a dry land into flowing springs.” When we don’t look forward, reach higher, strive for progress, for the next level, things can begin to get dry. They can become like a well that’s dried up. We can become like a dried up well. That’s not what God wants for us. “I came that they might have life, and have it abundantly,” said Jesus.

Progress isn’t as much about material wealth, as it is spiritual, intellectual, and emotional health. That is true wealth. When we have those things within us, we can manifest them outwardly in the form of effectiveness, efficiency, productivity, and yes, material wealth as well. We are always to look to the horizon. After all, we are just passing through. As we reach higher, we elevate, not only our own lives, but the lives of others.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

When You’re The Burden

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus is the great burden bearer. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:8)

Whenever I read this message, I think about the woman who wept at Jesus’ feet. ”A woman in that town who lived a sinful life learned that Jesus was eating at the Pharisee’s house, so she came there with an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.” (Luke 37&38) I’m doing a Bible study on “Your Glory,” and this is one of the scriptures that illustrates perfectly the dropping of our sins and burdens at the feet of Jesus. When I read about her wiping Jesus’ feet with her hair, I think about my “glory.” The Bible tells us that a woman’s hair is her glory. In effect, the woman was saying, my glory is as a rag with which to wipe the dirt off of your feet, Lord. Whenever I read that scripture, I think about that song, “Glory Days.” Whenever I hear that song, I have to laugh, especially at myself. Years have a way of clearing the fog off the mirror, don’t they? I said all that to say this. Sometimes, it’s you who are the burden. What do you do then? Drop yourself right at His feet, just like Martha’s sister Mary did. “She had a sister named Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to His message…” (Luke 10:39-42)

Jesus’ message, pretty much, is summed up in Psalm 23. Whenever I check-and recheck (sometimes it’s still hard for me to believe I could be my own trouble), I go to Psalm 23. I’ve learned over the years that I need to follow the guideline there, about the green pastures (fertile, rich, life-filled), the still waters/quiet waters (peace and not chaos or confusion), etc. When I get to that part about the table prepared for me, in the presence of my enemies, I’m usually ready to tackle the mess-even when it’s so “precious” to me. You see, I’ve learned that what’s on that table is exactly what I need to get me through the mess I’m in. We are all works in progress, subject to human limitations, etc., and sometimes, you are your own worst enemy. Imagine my surprise the first time I sat down at that table and saw me sitting across from myself. Nowadays, I just laugh and say Grace.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Cannot Fail You

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God has promised to provide all we need, every time we need, no matter what we need. (No, I’m not talking about that cold beer, the weed, speed, and what have you. He will provide a way for you to free yourself from the bondage of those things, because He loves you, though.

The Bible tells us that all God’s promises are yes and amen. The message tells us that Jesus, as our Lord, is sworn to protect and provide for us. It took me some time to learn this lesson. When we ask, it is promised that we will receive. However, God uses many channels, God knows what we need most (Father knows best, you know). God also has perfect timing. When I figured that out I realized that I was, either not ready to handle what I was asking for, being averted from a disappointment or disaster, or I was looking in the wrong places for it. Have you ever looked all over the house for your glasses, only to find them on your nose? Yeah, that would be me, if I had to wear them all the time.

The message tells us that we need only a grateful spirit and loving heart to unlock the vastness of God’s provision. I’m not just speaking of material needs. I’m also, and especially speaking of spiritual needs. I think those are even more critical to us, to our success in life. If you’re spirit is lacking in any way, that lack manifests itself in every part of your life. I’m not talking about religious things, here. I’m talking about your confidence, your knowledge, your peace within, your tenacity, your joy and love-of you, of your life, and of life in general.

Sometimes I make a little list of things I’m grateful for. I used to do that daily. Now, I do it when I’m needing a little lift, or when it’s something special that touches me. But, I do start my day with Thank you, Jesus. I have found that the prayers for this or for that, have become fewer, and the supply-especially in spirit, has become greater and greater. “And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you,
if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. … ” (Deuteronomy 28:22)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Count Your Blessings

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Happy September! Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us realize how rich, indeed, we really are. We have Jesus, all His love, grace, patience, kindness, strength, power, authority, peace, and joy…the list goes on and on. How can we fear the future, when Jesus holds it in His hands?

When I read the message, I thought about how blessed I was to listen to some good music over the last two weekends. There were free concerts on Fremont Street Experience, here in Las Vegas. I had to thank God, when I read this message, that I am able to hear the music. I also think about how much I enjoy the taste of my morning coffee; especially when it’s a good cup of coffee. Being able to take deep breaths is another treasure, after my ordeal a few summers ago, when my lungs crashed.

I don’t really fear the future. There are things I want to get done while I can do them; but I know God’s got my life in His hands. He holds the future. All of that peace and joy came through Jesus Christ, our Lord. While we can’t just wander aimlessly through life, we can be sure we’re going to survive it. LOL There is truly so much to be grateful for. When we pay attention to those little things we often don’t think about, we can realize that we have been blessed and given such treasures. I think of that “pressed down, shaken together, and running over,” scripture. Our God is a good God!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Silly – August 31, 2019

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A friend of mine has a daughter who just got her first apartment. Her daughter insisted on looking for and choosing her own place, without any help or “input” from mom and dad. My friends said that her daughter checked into about 50 places before she finally found the apartment she wanted. She said her daughter sent her this picture from the pool nearby. Thanking God this place is not in Las Vegas…LOL

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Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Giving To The Stuff In Your Life

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we’re supposed to be givers. Our Heavenly Father is a great giver. He gives generously, and adds no sorrow to it. We’re bid to give abundantly, feeling that we’re rich.

We’re bid to give of our thought, our time, personal ease, warmth, give of all we have. Give, give, give. We often don’t even realize that we’re giving, as we interact with others. That smile and greeting is a gift to the one it’s intended for. One never knows how much that might mean to that person, either.

What we often forget to do, is to give to the stuff in our lives. I’ve been designing my future home; shopping online for the things I’ll be putting into my home. I’m finding the longer I’m at it, the more of myself I’m giving to it. I mean, my joy in certain things, my ideals, my pet things, etc., I’m finding is spilling over into my search. As it does that, the whole thing is taking on a life of it’s own-that radiates my personality, my warmth, joy, peace, etc. It’s so exciting! I’m looking forward, joyfully, to bringing the whole thing together.

It made me think about how often we forget to give-of ourselves, our personal joys, pleasures, ideals, etc., to the things we surround ourselves with. How often do we sort of just go through those projects, events, etc., without really being present in them. I’ve done that at times, and ended up wondering what was I thinking when I was working on this? It didn’t even come close to reflecting me!

When we’re mindful to give of ourselves to the stuff that makes up our lives, we can create much better, much more uplifting, much more powerful and effective environments for ourselves. That then empowers us to be even greater givers to others and the stuff in their lives.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

His Name Shall Be Called…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to breathe His Name. Jesus…As I think about that, being so aware of the power, peace, passion, presence in that Name, I don’t feel like I can breathe it nearly deep enough. I need more and more. That being said, let me share this song with you. The Gaither Vocal Band says it beautifully…and one day, every knee will bow, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord…This song became a favorite of mine some time ago. I love to hear it, and I love to sing it. I hope it blesses you as it does me.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Make Sure It Serves You

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that a life with God is one of continuous service. We are to serve God, are to serve others as if serving Him, and we are to strive to serve the cause of Christ Jesus in everything we do.

What we don’t often think about is whether or not certain things serve us. We often get ourselves into situations that end up having us serving them. When I speak of this, I’m talking about bad situations, things that aren’t really good for us, people who really don’t have our best interests at heart. These situations serve to enslave us; distract us from our life with God. Those things that aren’t good for us serve to put us into bondage to them if we’re not careful. Those people are usually using us for their own interests and ends. Paul said, “all things are lawful, but not all are helpful.” (1 Cor. 10:23) We are to be mastered by none but The Master, Himself.

That scripture goes on to say that not all things edify, or build up. We are to build one another up, and we are to build ourselves up, as well. “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” That’s in the 10 Commandments. Therefore, I need to survey the situations, the things presented and offered to me, and the people I involve myself with. Then, I can best measure the distance I want to keep between myself and them. When we do this, we’re also serving God by setting an example and bringing encouragement to others who see us. We are building up the weak, the fearful, the shy, etc., and shining a light for the lost to see. “Let your light so shine before men that they see your good works and glorify your Father in Heaven.” (Matt. 5:16)

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He’s Really Good With Tangles

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that Jesus can do what seems to be the impossible. We are reminded that it is in quietness and trust that our strength lies. We’re also promised that from the second we put it into God’s Hands, the working out, the cure, the victory is being brought forth.

When I read this message, I think back to the one that was illustrated by a skein of yarn in Mother’s hands. I had to laugh, recalling how often my skein of yarn would get tangled, and I’d have to work that tangle out before I could go on with my project. When you’re a child, you usually have to take those tangled things to Mom or Dad. But there’s never any doubt in your mind that they can fix it, is there? That’s the way we’re supposed to trust God. I’ve had occasions to pray, and then stand silently and trust God. You know what? God always speaks back with His Word. There’s always the assurance and the reassurance-that He hears, He sees, and He’s on it!

That being silent, and the being still-meaning, don’t put one end of that skein in His hands, and then run off with the other end in hand, and try to fix it yourself…that’s the toughest thing to do sometimes. “Just be still and know that I am God.” And, you’re still His child. And, He’s still in control-not only of your life, but of all life, and all of life. That means God’s got His Eye, and hand, on the trouble, the trouble-maker, AND, on every single reason to doubt, to fear, to give up, to let go. Take that, you tangle!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu