With Thanksgiving coming up this week, I want to thank God for all these wonderful years. I want to thank Him for all the years He was right there with me-and I didn’t even know it. We can get some crazy ideas about riches and wealth in this world. One thing I learned some time ago is that if you realize you have God’s love, and you know Him, you are one of the wealthiest people in the world! Something I think every Christian comes to know is that there’s a big difference between “natural” and “spiritual.” When you’re a child of God, you need to be spiritually minded, and spiritually discerning. I hope this helps and encourages you.

(1Cor. 2:12-16)  Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God.  And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. * (Or, interpreting spiritual truths in spiritual language; comparing spiritual things with spiritual)

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned.  The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one.  “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

When we read this scripture passage, we must remember what Jesus said about seeking the kingdom of Heaven. (Matt. 6:33)  Christ Jesus is our wisdom; and (Proverbs 8:18) tells us, in regard to wisdom: “Riches and honor are with me, enduring wealth and righteousness.” (Proverbs 4:7-9)  The problems come when we try to make that statement fit our definitions of riches and wealth.  Yes, they can be material possessions; but when we think in spiritual terms, does that definition really fit?  No!  One of the definitions of riches, according to Oxford Languages, is “wherewithal.”  That means you have what it takes to achieve your goal(s).  Such as, knowledge, skill, desire, fortitude, etc.  Another definition is “cornucopia,” which means “horn of plenty, or abundance.”  That makes one look within and seek out all that God put in you, doesn’t it?  When we think about all the things that God is, and that God can do, we begin to get a picture of just how much good stuff we have inside of us.  We are created in His image, and after His likeness.  (Romans 2:4) is an example of spiritual riches: “Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?”  When I think about wealth, I think about good health, peace of mind, joy-no matter what’s going on, and the desire to really live life. 

This is the reason we want to get to know God.  He is Spirit, and spiritual wisdom.  He is spiritual perfection.  When we begin to seek out all the scriptures that tell, and show us, who God is and what He does, we begin to see the differences between the natural man and the spiritual man.  Your thoughts begin to shift to a higher level.  One which looks further than the immediate future, or the one person, or part.  God sees the whole.  The whole universe, the whole of humanity, the whole of time and eternity, etc.  I’ve listed some scripture references below, but you really need to look from beginning to the end of the Bible.  You will be so amazed!  You will be so strengthened!  You will be so excited!

(Job) –There’s a lot in here about God.  And, you can see God will call you on your stuff when He needs to.  (Isaiah 48:17)  (Psalm 32:8)  (Isaiah 30:21)  (Isaiah43:15)  (Jeremiah 33:3)  (Ezekiel 11:19)  (Psalm 11:7)  (Psalm 140:12-13) (Psalm 33:5) (Psalm 146:8)  (Psalm 5:6) (1John 4:16) (1Cor. 13)  (1John 4:8)

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 18, 2022, 1:10 p.m.

“Honey, I really do not want to go into this club! I’d rather go home,” said the man to his wife. “Oh, you old stick in the mud,” replied the wife. “It’s early yet, and I’m still in the mood to dance.” The man was none too happy, but agreed to spend just one more hour out dancing with his lady. He was rather grumpy about it, though. When they entered the club, a nice looking young man came and asked them where they’d like to sit. Hubby said, “I don’t think it matters where you put us; it doesn’t sound like I’ll get to do much sitting anyway!” His Mrs. was a little miffed at grumpiness, and said to the nice young man, “Hmm, my husband is so grumpy over having to take me dancing. Why don’t you seat us in one of those Whine Slots!” The window sign on the club: “Live music, Cold Beer, Wine, Slots.”

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 15, 2022, 11:24 a.m.

Do you remember your mother saying, “that’s not the way we do things in this house.?”  We all have standards and  boundaries; whether we’re conscious of them or not.  It’s all about expectations, and limitations.  When we make the choice to make life changes, our standards (expectations) and boundaries (limitations) can change. The apostles went though some stuff too, trying to pull everyone together, and keep things going in the right direction. Sometimes things can get really frustrating and make you want to give it all up. Don’t do that! Hang in there, take a look at what’s going on, and get back on track. You will win!

When we are in recovery, and trying to develop new attitudes, thoughts, actions, etc., it is important to keep those standards and boundaries intact.  Be careful who you let into your inner circle.  If someone who is supposed to be supporting you is undermining everything you’re trying to do, or undo, you need to put some distance between you.  You need to insure that your new life is not sabotaged, and that someone’s not hindering you.  (1Cor. 1:10-13)   I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment.  You also need to be careful whom you allow to lead and guide you through the changes you’re trying to make.  God has never steered anyone wrong.  1Cor. 1:30-31)  And because of him (God) you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.” 

(Romans 16: 17-18)  I appeal to you, brothers, to watch out for those who cause divisions and create obstacles contrary to the doctrine that you have been taught; avoid them.  For such persons do not serve our Lord Christ, but their own appetites, and by smooth talk and flattery they deceive the hearts of the naive.  ––This holds true, not only for the church family.  Regardless of what you’re undertaking, anyone else involved needs to be on the “same page.”  When we’re looking at divisions, we have to look at our own selves, as well.  It’s very easy to fall back into the people-pleasing trap, and do one thing when we’re here, and another when we’re there. This only serves to keep us on a vicious merry-go-round that never gets us anywhere but dizzy. (James 1:5-8)   

All of this goes back to what Jesus taught about faith and action.  Faith is always followed by action.  We believe, and so we are baptized into Christ Jesus.  No one who doesn’t believe can receive the kingdom of Heaven. As verse 7 of James 1 says, “That man should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.”   When you believe that making that bed first thing in the morning will help to bring order into your life, you will faithfully  make that bed every morning.  If you do miss more than a day or two somewhere, you will look to see what’s going on that’s causing you to slip back into that old habit.  (James 1:22) 

In all of our recovery efforts, vigilance and diligence are the keys.  We have to keep our eyes, ears, mind, and heart open and aware.  We have to be diligent to correct ourselves when we need to, as soon as we realize we’re off track.  Why would you keep walking on a path that you know is the wrong one?  If we’re diligent to stay on track and eliminate the things that trip us up, our lives get better as we get stronger.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 17, 2022, 2:55 p.m.

(Romans 14:1-23)  is today’s topic.  The chapter has to do with the law of liberty, and with judging one another and putting stumbling blocks in front of others.  Again, I’m reading from the ESV.  I’m going to focus on verses 13-23; but the first 2 verses give us a background for them.

Verses 13-23 have to do with the law of love.  Verse 13 –Therefore let us not pass judgment on one another any longer, but rather decide never to put a stumbling block or hindrance in the way of a brother.  –This holds true, not only for those of us in the household of God.  We don’t have the right to judge anyone.  There is one judge before whom all men will stand; Jesus Christ.  When we choose to build one another up in love, rather than cause someone to stumble, or create obstacles in someone’s life, we make choices that bring peace, and joy for all parties involved.  This causes all parties, then, to come into right standing (righteousness) before God and one another, in regard to the situation. 

Verse 14 tells us that if our partaking of, or in something distresses a brother/sister, we’re not walking in love.  By the same token, though, that brother/sister doesn’t have the right to judge you for partaking.  It’s a live and let live deal, as long as no one is suffering real physical or emotional harm.  I’ve personally seen people use this to manipulate others.  “Oh, I’m going to be sick to my stomach because you’re eating meat.” (SERIOUSLY)  My reply was, “Then don’t watch me eat it.”  At our house, everyone’s needs are taken into consideration, and everyone’s rights are respected.  As Verse 19 says, “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual up-building.”  Verse 21 says, “It is good not to eat meat or drink wine or do anything that causes your brother to stumble.”  The footnote with the word “stumble” says, “to be hindered or weakened.”  Obviously, this means I’m not going to bring a bottle of wine to your house if you’re a recovering alcoholic.  Nor will I bring a cheesecake to your house if you’re dieting.  That would be putting a stumbling block in front of you, wouldn’t it?  I’ll bring a nice slice that both of us can share-when you’re ready.  LOL

Verse 22 says, “Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgment on himself for what he approves.”  When I read this, I think back on some of the stuff I used to approve of.  I think about how much has changed over the years I’ve spent with the LORD/Lord.  I don’t miss the stuff I’ve given up.  And, in looking it all over from this vantage point, I have to say, it really doesn’t look as good as it once did.  That stuff is all the stuff that can destroy lives. 

Bottom line is that we do need to look at both sides of the coin.  We need to realize that our choices do affect others; and can have detrimental effects on them.  We need to strive for equality as far as rights and respect goes, and we do need to work for the things that promote peace and positive growth for all concerned.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 16, 2022, 11:54 a.m.

(Romans 13:1-14) is the subject of today’s post.  I hope you’ll read the whole chapter yourselves, but I want to focus on verses 8-14.   These tell us to owe nothing to anyone but to love them, and bid us to cast off the works of darkness, and walk in the armor of light. Verse 14 says, “But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.”  That armor of light is the same armor talked about in (Ephesians 6:10-18).  Works of darkness are anything that pulls you down, off course, into confusion, fear, or immobility. And, obviously, if we don’t want it done to us, we shouldn’t do it to others. We should strive to sow peace, power (effectiveness), and progress everywhere.

I have to share a funny with you all here.  That belt of truth buckled around my waist thing still makes me laugh today.  I was out buying a new pair of jeans.  Hubby was along to watch the boys, now 2 ½ and 4 years old.  I’d gained some weight after having my third child.  I tried on one pair of jeans in what I was sure was still my size; to no avail.  I went to the next size up, but they didn’t fit either.  Two more sizes later, the pants finally fit me.  But, the whole time, I kept insisting to my hubby that they were putting the wrong sizes on those darn jeans!  He didn’t agree with me-but he sure didn’t disagree either.  Nowadays, that belt of truth goes with me to the store!  And not just the clothing store, either.  No, I take it with me to the bakery, the fast food joints, etc.  LOL!   Seriously, though, it is a matter of making the best choice for yourself.  The choice that is in keeping with loving yourself better than you used to. 

When I read that verse, I think of (1Cor. 6:12) “All things are lawful for me,” but not all things are helpful. “All things are lawful for me,” but I will not be dominated by anything.” –In other words, I can have that 12” sub sandwich if I want to.  But, I’m trying to eat for my health, not my downfall.  So, I’m going to opt for the 6” sub sandwich instead.  I can drink that drink if I want to.  But, I’m not going to, because it could cause trouble with my heart.  The same thing applies to any area of life and daily living.  There are all kinds of things out there to tempt us and trip us up.  Some of them are even good things.  The key is that we are in authority and power over those things. They are not in authority over us.  (1Cor. 9:27)  (Romans 8:13)

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 15, 2022, 11:06 a.m.

Things can get rough for some of us at this time of year. I found some scriptures that I hope will encourage you if you’re struggling in your faith, and/or your recovery from whatever it may be. Me, I’m still trying to recover from that election day circus. If you don’t know the LORD/Lord, I hope this might make you want to. If you do know Him, but have slipped a little or maybe are on your knees and trying to get back up, I’ve got good news for you! God loves you, and He’s waiting with arms wide open!

(Romans 10: 11-13) It is just as the Scripture says: “Anyone who believes in Him will never be put to shame.”  For there is no difference between Jew and Greek: The same Lord is Lord of all, and gives richly to all who call on Him, for, “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  –God is no respecter of persons.  He opens His arms to everyone who asks of Him. (Acts 10:34-35)  And, let me tell you, right up through the very last second of your life on Earth, God’s arms are wide open to you, and waiting.  Further, the Bible tells us that the Lord is faithful and just to forgive us our sins when we confess them to Him.  So, even if you’ve blown it, and blown it, and blown it before, you still have the opportunity to turn around and get back up.  And God will help you up. 

(Romans 29:11) For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. –Whatever God has ordained for you, is safe and secure in Him. (Colossians 3:3)  We are all predestined to the things God has ordained for us.  Whatever they may be, and in everything, though, we must strive for excellence.  We must always do whatever we do to the best of our ability; as if we were doing it unto the Lord. (Colossians 3:23)  That’s what Paul is talking about in the scripture referenced below. 

(Romans 12:6-8)  We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If one’s gift is prophecy, let him use it in proportion to his faith; if it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is giving, let him give generously; if it is leading, let him lead with diligence; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.  –When we just live and let live, love and shed peace, build up instead of tearing down, etc., life is much easier for everyone. This includes showing that same grace, love, and forgiveness to oneself.  Love builds up; all else tears down.  (Romans 12:9-21) (1John 4:18)

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 14, 2022, 11:12 a.m.

Today’s post addresses the issue of knowing what to do, and what not to do-in every situation, and regarding every area of your life. Even when you’re trying to, say, get that new job, or that promotion, knowing that God has perfect timing, and letting Him establish your steps will get you there faster, and more securely than going it on your own. I can tell you from personal experience that my life really began to change when I spoke God’s Word out loud over the situations I was facing, and the things I was trying to accomplish. I hope you’re encouraged by this study.

(Romans 10:3-4) For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.  For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.  –When I read this, I remember the early years after I first got saved.  Unfortunately, I also have to admit that I struggled with this very thing at times even after the early years.  (Romans 7:7-8)  It’s like the little kid that tries to work that chocolate milk into the menu every meal, when he/she knows darn well it is a one meal deal!  Oh, my!  How we finagle and fuss, and fain ignorance, don’t we?  Yeah, I remember that one, too.  “Well, I didn’t really believe it was a sin then.  Was it still a sin then?  Yes, it was.  And if I did it now, knowing full well it’s a sin, I’m even more guilty than I was then.  That’s like flagrant and willful disobedience. 

Thank God we have His Word to turn to.  (Romans 12:2)  Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.  (Romans 12:3-21)  The key to this is that we need to have the desire to see God’s Word on it, and the humility to accept God’s Word on it.  As an adult, we like to believe we’re in charge of our own decisions.  We want to live our lives the way we want to live them.  But, though we’re adults in the flesh, and in time, we are God’s children and servants in eternity.  (Philippians 2:6)  The bible tells us to walk humbly with our God. (Micah 6:8) 

 (Romans 10:8-10) “The word is near you, in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we proclaim); because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.  –We do not have an excuse for disobedience; no matter how many reasons we come up with.  When we believe Christ Jesus, when we believe God’s Word, we can receive it in our heart.  Then we confess the sin, and are forgiven. (1John 1:9)  And, when we confess God’s Word over whatever situation or dilemma we’re facing, we are “speaking power into it.”  (Genesis 1:3)  “God said,”-and it was!  (Hebrews 4:2)  But, Jesus said we must believe we’ve received it.  That requires action that is in line with that faith.  (Romans 10:17) So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.  This is a good reason to speak that Word out loud!  The more you hear it, the deeper it sinks into your heart.  Then it begins to fill your mind with the right thoughts, and your actions begin to take the right form, and propel you toward your goal(s).  This is true in every situation; no matter what you’re trying to accomplish!  

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 13, 2022, 11:22 a.m.

We’re finishing Romans 7, and moving on through Romans 8 today.  This post addresses the slips, stumbles, and falls we rack up on our way through all that generational stuff, and just in our daily walk with the LORD/Lord.  The apostles, themselves, were not immune.  The very first sentence of the scriptural references says it all.  As always, I’m reading from the English Standard Version Bible.  ESV

(Romans 7:21-25)  So I find it to be a law that when I want to do right, evil lies close at hand. For I delight in the law of God, in my inner being, but I see in my members another law waging war against the law of my mind and making me captive to the law of sin that dwells in my members. Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.  –I believe the key to overcoming anything is remembering that the battle is in the mind, heart, and soul. (2Cor. 10:3-5)  When I read this, I think about that bakery thing of mine…”Run past the chocolate cake, Marina, RUN!”

(Romans 8:1-3)  There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do.  –You don’t have to beat yourself up over that slip, or the stumble; no, not even over the face down in the mud crash!  God loves you!  But, do you see what weakens the law of life, peace, and freedom?  Right!  Your flesh will get you every time.  If we don’t fight the fear in our heart, mind, and soul, the unclean spirit(s) take hold and take over the flesh.  Which leads us to the next scripture:  (Romans 8:13-15)  For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!”  -Remember I said that you have to know whose you are to know who you are?  That’s what Jesus taught us.  We are children of God, with the same authority over the spirits that Jesus has.

(Romans 8:18) For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  –That glory is revealed with every victory.  We glory in the fact that God is our Heavenly Father; that He does love us.  We see the truth of and in His Word working in us, and in our lives.  We can rise up to the next level, which is also revealed to us as we are ready for it.

(Romans 8:26)  Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. –This one is self- explanatory.  The Spirit, Himself, will draw you.  He will lead and prompt you to seek Him, and to pray and praise Him.  One of my most beautiful memories is of such a time.  My life hasn’t been the same since that day!  (Romans 8:37-39)  No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.  For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.  – In everything, every time, we will win because God loves us!  Even when it looks outwardly like you’ve lost, don’t give up!  Let it go and let God do His working in your life.  God has perfect timing; and you’ll know all the details when it’s time.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 12, 2022, 11:47 a.m.

Than You, Veterans, Military Personnel, and Families, for your service to this country! God bless you on this Veteran’s Day!

Today’s post addresses choice making.  This one goes well with the post titled, “Whatcha got there?”  My post on sowing what you want to reap reinforces this post as well.  I’m reading Romans 6., the ESV version, as always.  The chapter is about being dead to sin and alive to God. 

The verse that is key in regard to choice making is Verse 12:  But what fruit were you getting at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.  –This not only holds true for your past life, but also for your present life.  It comes down to making a list and being truthful with yourself.  What were you getting out of those things back then?  What are you getting out of whatever it is that’s hanging you up now?  When we ask ourselves those questions, and when we answer them truthfully, we can begin to make the changes we need to make.  This method works in work relationships, family and household expectations, personal relationships, your relationship with God, and even your relationship with yourself.  You have to make sure you’ve got the last two in order and in good standing.  All the others depend on them being in rgood standing.

I’m not just talking about sin as it is thought of in the Bible.  I’m also talking about everyday life.  Is your household in chaos, or is it in order?  Do things run smoothly, or are there constant disruptions to the routines that facilitate peace and success for all?  Does everyone work as a team?  Are you the one on whom everything seems to fall?  These are just some of the questions you need to ask yourself when things get out of kilter. 

Some other questions you must ask yourself are of the personal nature; meaning, personal to you.  They are questions such as, “Are you communicating your needs, concerns, etc., clearly?”  Are you being fair?  Are you expecting too much?  I’m sure you get the idea.  Lastly, you need to ask yourself this question:  What fruit do I want from this?  The answer to that will help you communicate with them better.  It will also give you a clearer picture of your expectations.  We can sometimes expect too much.  We do need to tailor things to fit the family.  Age and capability/skill appropriateness in terms of expectations.  Schedules need to be taken into consideration and worked with.  Jesus said, “You’ll know the tree by its fruit.” (Matt. 12:33)

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, November 10, 2022, 11:13 a.m.