Go, And Sin No More

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, gives us a powerful revelation about Jesus’ words in John 8:11 – “Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more.” The message bids us to “feel that between us and all scorn and indignity is a strong shield.”

We are also reminded that we are to be perfect as our Heavenly Father is perfect. Being human, we are bound to do things imperfectly at times. We are limited in patience, and even in perseverance at times. Of course, it’s always easier to give up, isn’t it? That’s because we have a tendency to be self-condemning. Sometimes, we’re even harder on ourselves than others are.

Jesus spoke those words to a woman caught in the act of adultery. The whole scene changed from one of self-righteousness and condemnation to one of self examination, repentance, and opportunity. The men who were ready to stone the woman to death had to admit their own sinfulness, and repent of their condemnation of her. The woman was saved from them, and forgiven by Jesus, and given the opportunity to correct herself. Jesus didn’t require anything from her, but to get up and go forward; onward.

We can do that very same thing when we miss it. We can do it each and every time, if we just determine to step up and forward into the opportunity, learning from the mistake, without judging or condemning ourselves. Psalm 119:1 says it like this: “Blessed are those whose ways are blameless, who walk according to the law of the LORD.” (NIV) Now, if you give it little thought, you’ll realize that can also be applied to being non-judgmental, non-condemning…to learning what caused the failure, and correcting it, rather than focusing on who caused it. Remember, God does not impute wickedness to us. We ought not to either, then. I, for one, do not attempt something with the intent of failing at it; do you? Yeah, I didn’t think so either. *Something I learned from my son when he dropped the bag of cookies at the store is that that’s the way the cookie crumbles. LOL PS – they’re just as good crumbly as they are whole.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

He Loves You More

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God loves us, and longs for our love and companionship, as much as we do (or should) His.

I began to see God’s way of reaching out to me in the little birds I love so much. I’ve shared some of the funny things that have happened-and I just know He was behind them. Then, there are those quiet interludes of peace. He makes His presence known in so many ways, if we just pay attention-look, listen, and live with our hearts. I believe the best way to cultivate that intimacy with our LORD/Lord is to make time to seek Him; time to be alone with Him.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Saturday Sentimental Silly-July 25, 2020

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that God is the boss-the controller of every second of every minute of every day. We are asked if we can see how wonderful life really is with Him.

It got me thinking back to our military days. We don’t always like what’s happening. I hated having to move away from friends; and it seemed as if that’s exactly what we were always doing…moving, moving, moving. I was the oldest kid in the family, and, naturally, not very impressed with some of the stuff my younger siblings pulled. My mother was always good for embarrassing this teenager too. But, just when you think you’re at the end of your rope, God throws the curve ball…and everybody’s roaring with laughter. This very thing happened on one particular journey. Six women in the family; and all had to use the restroom. At this particular place, there was ONE restroom for ladies. Also, we were on a time constraint; my dad did not like to get off schedule traveling. So, there was I, on the potty, while my sister was washing her hands-both of us crammed into this little stall. My mother was supposed to be holding the door ajar slightly, so the next girl could duck in quickly when ready. Something happened, and she got distracted and let go of the door, which opened wider all by itself. Just at that instant this gorgeous guy happens by. He’s looks in at me, and says, “Hi.” I’m smiling at him, thinking how cute he is…”Hi,” I said back to him. That’s when I remember I’m on the potty with my pants down around my ankles. Needless to say, I didn’t need any blusher when touched up my makeup.

It gets better, we had dinner there. After dinner, we all piled into the car, and Dad had to go into the restroom. He came out of the restroom, and headed straight for this station wagon that looked exactly like ours – but wasn’t. We were all roaring as he started to tell the poor lady in that car she needed to get out; just before he realized she was the only one in it, and he was at the wrong car.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Be His Shadow

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that the way to know the way to go, is to stay very, very, close to the Lord. He is the Way.

I had to laugh when I read the message, because it made me think of me with my grandmother. I was her shadow. The poor woman couldn’t make a move without me from the day I was born. I had a sister that was that way with me. We were like two peas in a pod for quite some time. That’s the way we need to be with our Lord.

When we practice that consciousness of Him in the world around us, we begin to sense His presence more and more. As we do this, we do find ourselves “shadowing” Him. LOL I’m pretty sure He loves it, too…because He sure can get some good stuff over on us, can’t He? He does on me, all the time!

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

There Is No Failure In Eternal Time

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are operating in Eternal Standard Time. “There is no age in eternity,” says the message. Praise God! Praise God! I knew it all along! I’m 39 again, again. LOL

The message bids us not to feel pitiful; to have not pity for ourselves. Rather, keep going forward, unafraid, and joyously. We are completely quipped and completed protected by our Heavenly Father, and all the hosts of Heaven know our names. Isn’t that awesome?!

That brings me to this, from Isaiah 50:4 (ESV) – The Lord GOD has given me the tongue of those who are taught, that I may know how to sustain with a word him who is weary.
Morning by morning he awakens; he awakens my ear to hear as those who are taught.

Two of the best places to get renewed and refreshed in spirit, and strengthened in faith and courage, are the Psalms and the book of Isaiah. There’s always another little nugget I find whenever I read them. That’s what Isaiah was talking about in that verse. Both Psalms and Isaiah tell us about the LORD’s love for us; of His protectiveness over us. We learn of His foreknowledge of all things; and, believe me, He’s got us!

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

Start Where You Dwell

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, bids us to dwell in the secret place of God’s Shadow, or Spirit. I’ve written before, about entering into that place through praise and worship. I’ve written about making time to spend time alone with God. The message bids us to make that dwelling place our home; and not to merely visit there fitfully, when it all gets to be too much for us. “Dwell there,” we’re told.

Some years ago, I made the connection between the dwelling place of God’s Presence, and my own dwelling place. There’s a place in the book (God Calling), that talks about homemaking in the spirit. Jesus said, “the kingdom of Heaven is upon, or within you.” That means God’s there. So, how do we translate that into daily living? We do that by homemaking for our spirit, and our soul…This message ties in well with the one about cultivating ourselves.

Part of cultivating ourselves, is tapping into our creativity, embracing our loves, likes, passions, and joys. It involves managing our dislikes, and eliminating all sources of discord. This works at home, at work, at church, in personal schedules,etc. However, we’re talking about home. When I think about that, I remember when I had to settle for freebies, bargain basement, mismatched, eclectic stuff. Not that I wasn’t grateful; but, oh, the difference in emotional ease and joyousness of spirit, mind, and soul, when you get to purposefully pick and choose. You get to choose; you’re the designer. You are the creator of your sacred space. This is the place where your body, mind, heart, spirit, and soul dwell. Do you know there’s a difference between a dwelling and a residence?

To dwell suggests being connected, being a life-force in that place. It suggests a warmth, and a joyful habitation. It’s where we stop, stay, rest, linger, live, abide. To reside suggests a mere being there, without a real connection, or warmth. There’s really no life-force or joyful habitation. No engagement with or in the place. It is what we occupy, are placed, are found, and, are situated. Can you see, and feel, the difference? The bottom line, is that your surroundings affect your spirit, mind, and soul; and your heart, as well. After you design, or create, your sacred space, the chores, the schedules, all the daily living issues, etc., need to be addressed, so all discord is eliminated or brought to a bare minimum. What a wonderful difference, to walk into a welcoming home that wraps you in everything you love. How wonderful to feel the peace settle over you as you enter. Your home is sacred space. Be purposeful, be deliberate when you create it. You’ll soon find that God’s Presence dwells there with you. What you surround yourself with will be absorbed by your heart, mind, and soul. Let it be God’s Presence.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Preparing to Enter In

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Today’s message from God Calling – A.J. Russell, reminds us that we need to regularly set aside time to enter into the sanctuary and spend time alone with the LORD.

I spent an hour this morning listening to Native American drum and flute music, and even listened to some native songs and chants. It was my preparation time. Music is a good way to quiet one’s spirit and prepare to enter in to the sacred space. There are many different kinds of music that can reach the spirit; it’s not always only praise and worship music. That sacred space is the place where our spirit meets the Holy Spirit. It is in these quiet times that we commune with and rest in the divine love, grace, peace, and joy of God. You’ve all read plenty about spending time alone with God. I thought I’d share a short list of some of my favorite music. This is the stuff I listen to at the end of a long day, or even before I really begin my day-before a project, etc. It’s a pretty good mix, so there’s something for everyone; and they’re all instrumental, words won’t distract you. I hope you enjoy at least one of my picks.

Carlos Nakai – Earth Spirit -He also has a greatest hits album out-Native American flute music
The Elegance of Palchelbel -Serenade -Piano music
Rachmaninoff – Rhapsody -Classical music, and very beautiful
Trail of the Angels – One of my very favorites – Chinese Bamboo flute music
Leo Rojas -Pan flute music

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Let His Mercy Engulf You

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Today’s song is one of my very favorites! It goes perfectly with today’s message, and I hope it blesses you as much as it does me-time and time again. Thank you, David Crowder; thank you, thank you, thank you! Tears in my eyes when I hear this.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu