Musical Monday Break

I don’t know about you all, but I need a little break to catch my breath. First day of the work week, and this song will get us in good shape to get going. Thank you Bethel Music, for this kick start.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

There’s Your Sabbath Rest

Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that those everlasting arms are always open to us. They are our refuge. (Deuteronomy 33:27) (2 Samuel 22:33) (Proverbs 18:10)

When I think of the arms of Jesus, I think of the Sabbath rest spoken of in Hebrews 4. I want to enter in as often as I can. Jesus, the Lord of the Sabbath, made exactly that possible. That’s why in Hebrews 4:16, Paul says: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”

We can approach boldly when we remember Jesus’ words: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28)

Incidentally, I did a study on the Sabbath principle not too long ago. The Christian church deems Sunday to be the first day of the week, and the Lord’s Day, according to first fruits principle. Jesus is the Alpha. The work week usually runs from Monday through Saturday; which makes Sunday the seventh day, or Sabbath day. Jesus is also the Omega. But, here’s something awesome. Jesus made the Sabbath rest personal to each one of us. He knew this was necessary. Can you imagine if all the hospitals, police stations, fire stations, etc., were closed on the Sabbath Day? It’s not about a day, folks. It’s about a Savior who wants to have personal and intimate time with you, to refresh, restore, recharge you. It’s about a Savior who wants to reveal Himself, more and more, to you personally.

**I am not trying to get anyone to change the way of their faith, or argue about calendars, principles, of creeds.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

We’re Resting…He Isn’t

Sunday’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to rest when we’re weary and frazzled. We’re bid to allow the Lord to come in and do His work of restoring and refreshing our soul.

This post is coming to you on Monday for that very reason. I didn’t accomplish the things I wanted to on Saturday, and was exhausted, physically and in spirit yesterday-so didn’t make it to the library to do the posting I needed to. But, good news! God always comes through! Really, He’s never failed me yet.

When we just stop and lay our head on His shoulder, and just rest there…He knows exactly what we need-and provides it. Inspiration comes out of that rest, strength is renewed, joy is refreshed, and faith is always rewarded. I caught the most beautiful sunrise this morning (Monday), and actually wrote a little verse about it. This is the Gaither Family to help us kick off the week.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Give Them By Bringing Him Into Them

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to give God the moments. A moment here, giving thought to His goodness, brings Him into it for us, too. A moment there, reflecting on the beauty of the afternoon spent with family and friends, reveals His Presence in the whole afternoon. When we give, even just one thought, to God’s love and the joy it brings to those moments, the moments become sublime.

This works quite well when we have our “moments,” too. You know…Monday morning, and everything that can go wrong is doing exactly that…and you are not having this today…you work too hard…OMG…oh, yes, God…JESUS…Oh, JESUS…and the “Peace; be still,” comes over you…and it all comes out okay. I have to laugh at myself when I think of poor Jesus up there watching me in some of those moments. I’m pretty sure He’s had some good laughs over them too.

We have the power to bring God into somebody else’s moments-be they good or bad. If we just stop and step into His presence in that moment, we can change that moment from a bad one to a great one. We can turn that good moment into a joyous celebration.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Are You Surprised Yet?

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are to do everything as if unto the Lord. Keeping that in mind, would I grumble, complain, pout, etc., about having to do something for Jesus? Yes, I do have to say ashamedly, there have been some times when I did just that. One time, I even really cursed Him out. That’s why I thank God each and every day for His mercy and grace toward me.

The message bids us to bow to God’s will and wishes gladly, and not in resignation. Rather, bow, with the knowledge that this thing is going to end up so awesomely for you. The Bible tells us that all the promises of God are yes and amen. That tells me that God has something good for me at the end of this. And, God, Himself, has promised us that He has plans to prosper us, and not to harm us. So we can expect “glad surprises”, to quote the message directly. How could you not smile about that?!

As I read the message, I think about daily prayers, chores, workloads, extra tasks when things go wrong, etc. Do you know, it takes just as much effort to do it joyfully as it does to do it grumbling and begrudgingly. Personally, I believe it takes more effort to do it grumbling and begrudgingly. I have found, over the years, that joyfulness and positive energy, somehow lighten the loads, and speed up the doing. Things get done much more quickly, and the whole atmosphere is beautiful. When we put these principles into practice in our daily living, our growth in them, spiritually, is awesome. That’s what God wants for us; abundant life here, and abundant power in the spirit-because the two go hand in hand.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Rejoicing In Your Weaknesses

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God’s strength is made perfect in our weakness. (2Cor. 12:9)

There was a time when I believed that was some mystical event that happened; that by some miracle, God would infuse me with supernatural strength. Over the years, I’ve learned just how much of a naturally occurring result of my accepting, or acknowledging that weakness-(truth), seeking the way to overcome it-(way), and rising up to walk in that way (life). Are you getting a picture of how simple it really is? Jesus said, “I am the truth, the life, and the way.” He is that in every situation.

Acceptance is the key to the whole thing. We all too often try to deny the weakness, or to fake our way through it. Notice the two words, “our way.” That’s what it is that gets us into trouble. If it’s your weakness, it’s obviously not the way to go, is it? Accepting the weakness empowers you to seek the way(s) to overcome it. This opens the door for God to work, and opens your mind and heart to receive insight, inspiration, and instruction. What went wrong, why, what’s your part in it, what can you do to fix it, or improve it, etc. These insights inspire ideas and creative energies. Then, the instruction(s) bring us up to the next level; to overcoming power, and to progress.

God is a creator, we are created in His image, after His likeness. Therefore, we are creators, and creative beings. We can resurrect, rebuild, restore, etc. That’s the power of God being perfected in us, in our weaknesses. This is why we are told to rejoice in our weakness; to see it as an incentive and an opportunity to rise to an even higher level. We aren’t to walk in denial, deception, depression, and all the other stuff that comes on you when you’re trying to fake your way through. Just be you; be the best you you can be. Accept yourself just as you are, and work from there. You can only work with what you’ve got; and, as they say, “God don’t make no junk!” Celebrate every step forward, every step upward, every step taken. God does; because He loves you!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

What You Need For It Is There

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God gives us everything we need for every task He assigns to us. We are bid to “face each difficulty sure that the wisdom and strength will be given you for it. Claim it.”

Wisdom is found all through the scriptures. Two of my favorite books are the Psalms and Proverbs. But, if you read carefully, you can learn tremendously awesome things from every book in the Bible. And, it is like that field the man found a pearl in; filled with all kinds of treasure. It’s truly worth every minute you set aside, so you can spend time digging up all the good things in that field.

Psalm 90:12 is referenced by the message: “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Numbering our days is good stewardship. It has to do with scheduling; budgeting our time so that we have time to spend with the Lord.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Turning To Him Empowers It All…

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we must turn to God, or seek Him, before we can become aware of His Presence with us. Jesus said, “seek first, therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven”…and everything else will be added unto you. I don’t believe He was speaking just of material needs.

Whatever situation we may find ourselves in, when we first seek God’s face, God’s will, His grace and purpose, maybe even His mercy, in it, we will find the key that unlocks the whole thing for us. I knew a man who lost his legs in an auto accident. He was very bitter for some time. He’d lost his whole life, as far as he was concerned. A friend of his talked him into attending church with him once, and the man’s life began to change. The next thing you know, the man was on the slopes, skiing. He never skied when he had legs. He competes regularly in quad competitions of all kinds. He’s made new friends, discovered new interests and talents he never knew he had. He’s got a whole new life, and it’s even better than before.

One of the reasons the Lord’s prayer says, “give us this day our daily bread, is that we need that reminder to look for God in every day, all throughout the day. Jesus is the bread come down from Heaven. Bread is food. Jesus feeds our spirit all day long when we let Him. We have a continual feast when God’s in the “pantry” of our soul. Seeking God in it, is seeking the good in it, or bringing the good into it. We are, after all, His hands in the earth. When we do this, every part of our lives is empowered to bring glory to us, to others, and especially, to God.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Know That You Know, That You Know

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we, not only have the right to live in peace and joy, but also, the responsibility to.

There’s a very powerful statement in the message: “Success is the result of work done in peace.” That tells me a couple of things. First, it tells me that I have to be at peace within, if I want to make real progress outwardly. By that, I mean manifesting positive change outwardly. If I am not happy with myself, if I am hurting or confused, or angry within, etc., I’m not in a state conducive to positive change. Secondly, it tells me that I must work to bring peace to another, if I want to truly help them. First peace, then process, then, progress. Finally, it tells me that I shouldn’t measure success by the wrong things. There was a time in my life when just making the bed daily was a victory, a success.

Anything that brings peace, as long as it isn’t compromise with evil, is a success; it’s progress. Of course, peace with evil, isn’t really peace, is it? We have to be careful what we’re making peace with, also. Sometimes, what we mistake for peace, can actually be compromise in the wrong direction, or even surrender. Never surrender your peace, and the joy arising from true peace, to anything or anyone except the Lord, and the Word of 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