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

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 14, 2019, 12:04, p.m.

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

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September, 13, 2019, 10:57 a.m.

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

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 12, 2019, 1:59 p.m.

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

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 12, 2019, 2:46 p.m.

 

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

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 11, 2019, 2:51 p.m.

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

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 10, 2019, 11:36 a.m.

Do It All As If Unto The Lord, Himself

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I chose this golden oldie by Casting Crowns to go with today’s message post.  May it lift you and fill you to overflowing with joy, with peace, with thankfulness.  God loves you!

PS:  There’s also one titled: Only Jesus, that’s a great reminder of who we’re to be serving.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Copyright by Marina Morrison (aka) Eden Stillwater, September 10, 2019, 11:20 a.m.