Today’s post reveals the source of our life, our knowledge, our wisdom, our peace with God, and our access to the throne of God. His Name is Jesus.

John 15:1-2  I am the true vine.

When I read this, I think of Jesus as being the original source for mankind, of the wisdom, peace, grace, love of God toward mankind.  He is the Word of God. (John 1:1-4)  He was with God in, and from  the beginning.  It is through Jesus, that we have access to the true knowledge of God, and to communion with Him.  Through Jesus, we can become children of God.  That’s why He’s called the firstborn of many. 

(John 15:5) “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”  As Jesus’ followers/believers, we are the branches that reach out and spread out; throughout the world.  The original disciples were a diverse group, yet all with one cause, and all of one accord regarding the Gospel. (Romans 12:5)  “So, we being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members of one another.”  However, there are many sects, and factions, and when we think about other religions in the world, there is even more diversity. Don’t forget that Jesus said, “I have other sheep, not of this fold.  And I must bring them too.” (John 10:16)  (1Cor. 11:19) tells us there have to be factions among us so that the true believers can be recognized.  (1 Tim. 4:1)  (Acts 20:30) (Eph. 2:21-22) (John 13:35)

It is for that very reason that we have to examine ourselves, and frequently, and make sure our hearts are right before the LORD/Lord. (1Cor.13:5)  (1Cor. 11:28) (Eph. 3:16-19) (Psalm 13:3) (Philippians 2:13-14)

When it comes to walking as closely to, and with the LORD/Lord as we possibly can, the whole New Testament, from the Gospels all the way through to Revelations makes a great guide.  It’s also a wonderful source of inspiration, comfort, and strength. 

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 31, 2022, 11:57 a.m.

John 14:6  I am the way, and the truth, and the life.  No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 1:17) (Romans 5:2)

Every time I read this scripture, I have to smile.  It is so very true in my life.  Jesus is the way everything makes sense, the truth is made known, and the dreams come true.  Jesus is the way every little thing comes to life.  God’s Word changes mere existence to powerful living. 

When we look at the way Jesus does things, we have an example to follow. (Romans 5:10)  (Philippians 2:5-8) “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”  We are created in God’s image and after His likeness.  We are in the form of God, spiritually.  But, because the flesh by its very nature is hostile to God, (Romans 8:6-8) we must empty ourselves of that flesh nature, and submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit. (1Cor. 2:14) 

Jesus tells the truth, God’s every word, without fail, is true.  We can trust every word God speaks.  When we do, and we obey His Word, we will succeed, we will overcome, we will obtain, and we will achieve.  Something that we don’t often think about is that Jesus spoke with authority.  He wasn’t just quoting God.  He owned every word, and every word owned Him.  Jesus is the Word of God, made flesh, and dwelling among men. (John 1:1-5)  Jesus said that He speaks what, and as He heard the Father speak. (John 15:15) (John 8:26) (John 17:8) That’s a good reason to read the whole Bible, isn’t it?  All scripture is important for us to know. (2Tim. 3:16-17)  We must strive to follow Jesus’ example in all things, but especially in our speech, because our words will justify or condemn us. (Matt. 12:37) (John 3:31) 

Jesus is the Life in your life.  His life is the light of men/mankind.  That’s why He came to us as one of us.  He wants us to see that we can overcome this world and the darkness in it.  He came to show us that we can, and to show us how we can. (John 10:10)  In (John 5:39-40) Jesus says, “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me, yet you refuse to come to me that you may have life.”  This is confirmation that we cannot be saved just by reading the scriptures; the Word of God.  That’s because the mind of the flesh is hostile to God.  How many times have you heard an argument against the Word of God?  “Oh, that’s old fashioned; nobody lives like that now.”  “The world’s a different place now.”  “Aw, are you one of those sissy Bible thumpers?”  “What’s the matter, are you afraid God will get you?”  No sir, I’m actually hoping He will!  Jesus, come get me now, please!  LOL  Yes, I have been there!  When we live our lives according to God’s Word, life really does work much better.  We will never escape the tribulation in the world, but we can rejoice because Jesus overcame the world.  With Him, we can overcome it too.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 30, 2022, 12:04 p.m.

I hope everyone here in Nevada had a wonderful Family Day. Yesterday was Nevada Day, and Family Day. As I was looking for some funny family pictures, I came across some that reminded me of my 9th birthday.

My parents were card players, and got together with friends often to play cards. On October 13, 1968, my mother baked my chocolate birthday cake, and made a five gallon jug of Kool-Aid for my party, which would be the next day. I have five siblings, all younger than I am. At this particular time, they were five, four, and three years old. We have two sets of twins in the family. They were the three and four year-olds.

These precocious little wonders (the three and four year-olds) decided they wanted to play cards like Mom and Dad did. At approximately 5 a.m. on the morning of my birthday, they drug that five gallon jug of Kool-Aid, my chocolate birthday cake, and a deck of cards up the stairs and into their bedroom. I don’t know how we slept through it, but we did.

I was awakened at approximately 6:30 a.m. by my mothers gasp and scream. LOL I spent my birthday morning helping mother clean up the mess. The mattresses were dripping grape Kool-Aid, there was chocolate frosting on the walls, the floor, and in their hair, and the deck of cards was beyond saving. It was a sight right out of , “Oh, My God, Did I Really Say I Wanted More Kids?!” I didn’t dare laugh right there in front of my mother, but I sure had a good laugh later…and still do whenever I remember that. Needless to say, Grandma (that’s me now) is locking up all the good stuff on Family Day, should those little dickens of my decide to come visit.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 27, 2022, 11:42 a.m.

(John 10:11)  I am the true shepherd. (Psalm 23) (Isaiah 40:11) (Ezekiel 34:2) (John 10:14)

Today’s post addresses the characteristics of a good shepherd.  Jesus told us that the darkness would grow, night will come, and men’s hearts will grow cold.  There will be false apostles and false teachers, and increasingly so, as the end of the age nears.  We’ve already seen more than a few in our time.  The scriptures referenced above give us a clear picture of what the true shepherd is.  I really don’t want to try to elaborate, or explain anything in regard to them, because I don’t want to err on this point.  The spirit of deception is growing more and more powerful as the end of the age nears, and we need the absolute truth, so that we’re not deceived. (2John 1:7) (2Tim. 3:13) (1Cor. 3:18) (2Thess. 2:3) (Matt. 24:24)  Therefore, you will have to read the scriptures referenced, and get it straight from God’s mouth. 

I’m also listing some scriptural references regarding God’s grievances with His prophets, priests, pastors, etc.  I have to say, I was almost quaking in my shoes as I read some of them.  God doesn’t play, does He?  Again, you’ll have to read the scriptures referenced yourselves, and get it straight from God’s mouth.  (Jeremiah 2:8) (Jeremiah 3:15) (John 10:8) (Jude 1:12) (Ezekiel 34:8-10) (Ezekiel 13:9) (Jeremiah 23:1-2) (Jeremiah 10:21) (Jeremiah 12:10) (Jeremiah 13:17) (Jeremiah 50:6) (Ezekiel 13:3) (Ezekiel 34:5)  -Okay, you can get the concordance and cross references from them yourselves.  The whole book of Jeremiah is an eye opener; let me tell you! 

I hope this post will serve as a guide for us, now and in time to come.  I also hope it will serve to strengthen us individually, and as the whole body of Christ.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 27, 2022, 10:57 a.m.

John 10:7 I am the door of the sheep. (Eph. 2:18)

Today’s post continues the “I Am”, lessons.  Do you know that if you are a child of God you, too, are the door of the sheep?  Oh, yes!

(Matt. 28:19-20) “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey all that I’ve commanded you.”  But it’s about so much more than preaching the Gospel.  We are an example to outsiders or unbelievers.  Just by the way we live our lives, do our jobs, interact with others, etc., we can cause someone to question the way they live their life, and draw them to the LORD/Lord.. (Eph. 5:15)  (John 12:32)  When we live our lives according to God’s Word and Ways, we are lifting the Lord up. They might just inch a little closer to the door, and maybe even come in.  (John 1:7) (1Peter 3:1) (2 Cor. 8:21) (1Cor. 10:32)

(Romans 14:13) addresses the church, in regards to the church.  “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.”  The whole 14^th chapter of Romans is an admonition and warning to us who are in the body of Christ.  How many times have you seen people leave a church?  How many times have you seen someone go right back to the sin they were caught up in before, or even something worse, because they were rejected, shunned, looked down on, or betrayed in some other way by brothers and sisters in the church family.  This happens all too often, I’m afraid.  It surely doesn’t help the cause of Christ Jesus, does it?  (Romans 12:19) tells us to “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good.”  I have to tell you something.  I have been on both sides of that fence, and neither side is pretty!  (1Tim. 1:15) tells us that “The aim of our charge (or instruction) is love that issues from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith.”  (Galatians 5:13- 15 ) “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you bite and devour one another, watch out that you are not consumed by one another. 

By this, we can see that what we do within the family of God is just as important to peace, power, and progress, as what we do outside, for the world to see.  One of the messages in God Calling ,by A.J. Russell, addresses this.  The Spirit says that His followers hinder His progress because of their discord with one another, and behavior toward one another, as well as toward outsiders.  You can find that book online at twolisteners.org, by the way.  It’s an awesome daily inspirational that will change your relationship with the Lord. –For the better, of course.  Verses 19-24  give us some detail on the works of the flesh, verses works of the Spirit.  We always strive to stay in step with the Spirit, who guides us into all truth.  (Galatians 5:1) says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.”  When we hover, waiting for someone to make a mistake, or point fingers and whisper about someone’s slip or fall, aren’t we submitting ourselves to the yoke of that slavery?  The yoke of the flesh, with all its envy, selfishness, and pride.  Lord, please strengthen me to hold fast harder to You!  Amen!

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 26, 2022, 1:14 p.m.

Ah, we’re getting through these nicely. As always, I use the English Standard Version of the Bible; the ESV. Hope you’re enjoying these.

John 8:12 I am the light of the world.  Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life. (John 1:4) (Matt.5:14)-“You are…” (John 9:5) (John 12:35-36) (*John 12:46) (Psalm 18:28) (Psalm 97:11) (Eph. 5:8) 

When I read this scripture, I think about my old life.  I think about all the things I’ve learned as a child of God.  I think about all the things I’ve had to unlearn.  Some of those are things that came through those generational curses.  Others are behaviors, or coping strategies, that took root to insure my survival.  Boy, that’s a powerful revelation.  That word “survival,” is really more true about your “life” when you’re caught up in all that mess. 

It is by daily spending time with the Lord, through His Word, and in prayer, praise, and just readiness, that we grow out of those old things, old ways, old thoughts, etc.  We learn to form new strategies, think higher thoughts, expect better things of ourselves and others, and change our behavior(s) accordingly.  Something I learned coming through it all, is that behavior is a “doing” when we’re trying to survive. It’s still a manifestation of what’s going on inside, but it is an unconscious tool, or weapon, quite often.  Behavior flows naturally out of our heart, mind, and spirit when we become whole.  It is merely an extension, or manifestation of the peace, purpose, and power within. 

The second part of this lesson has to do with standards and boundaries.  I choose to walk in light.  Meaning, I educate myself about what’s going on.  I do the research regarding whatever I may be dealing with, or thinking about doing.  I refuse to accept certain things or allow them into my life.  I choose purposefully. 

Finally, we are to be the light of the world.  It doesn’t mean that we have to beat people over the head with the Bible.  It does mean that we give accurate information, encouragement, warning, guidance, etc., especially when asked to.

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 24, 2022, 2:11 p.m.

John 6:48-51 “ I am the bread of life. Your fathers ate the manna in the wilderness, and they died. This is the bread that comes down from heaven, so that one may eat of it and not die.  I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh.”

These verses speak, not only of eternal life with Jesus.  They speak of the giving of one’s own life to the will, way, and work of the LORD/Lord.  (1Cor. 13;3) tells us, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.  And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.  If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.  When we become children of God, being born again, we’re laying down our own lives and taking up new lives.  We become a new creation, born of the Spirit. (2Cor. 5:17)  This, obviously, means we must be born again.  We must renounce worldly ways and begin to learn and walk according to God’s ways. (Ezekiel 36:26) (Romans 6:4) 

Oh, no!  Are you groaning?  LOL  I groaned too, for a time.  When I understood what it means to give my flesh, I laughed-at myself, and with Jesus.  It is simply walking/living according to the standards and within the boundaries that God has set for us.  Now, that doesn’t mean you don’t get to be you. (Job 13:15)  We are to be perfected in love, as God is love-perfect love. (Matt. 5:48) (1Cor. 13:4-7) There’s a really cool revelation for us in verse 8 of 1Cor.13.  Ready? “Love never fails. ”That means whatever you do in love-small or great, if it’s motive is real love, you’ve succeeded. 

Someone who’s never been to the Strip can’t begin to tell you what casino is where, but someone who has been there can. Each human being on the planet is unique, and uniquely formed within by God. He knows exactly what’s going to reach someone’s heart. And He might need someone exactly like you to do the job. Remember that some seeds take a little longer to sprout and break through the earth than others do. (Romans 14:2) (Romans 15:2)

When I thought about this whole thing a little further, I thought about some other things, as well.  I thought about making extra food because a neighbor was sick, and taking that to them, even though I was tired myself.  I thought about laughing as I was literally slapping frosting on 2 dozen cupcakes that I’d learned just that morning I needed to bring that same day by 1 p.m.  They were in my son’s classroom by 1 p.m.  Yes, they were fabulous; and yes, I still laugh over it.  What I hold on to the hardest from that experience, is the look on my little son’s face when Mama walked in with those cupcakes.

When we exercise the patience, grace, and selflessness that God empowers us with, life is so much sweeter, and joyful.  Our flesh wants to be selfish, insist on its own ways, etc.  We get touchy, fussy, grouchy, and all that other not-so-good stuff.  It all makes life hell in some cases.  Life is too short to spend it in Hell.  And why do that, and end up in hell for eternity too?  Make the devil mad and insist on having Heaven on Earth!  We do that by living it out, one day at a time, on hour at a time, one minute at a time. 

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, October 23, 2022, 11:16 a.m.