Saturday Silly –October 6, 2018

eden08122015

Whenever I get the chance to, I love to spend a few hours reading. I love the inspirational reads, of course. Just last week I was reading T.D. Jakes’ book, “Can You Stand to be Blessed.” In one of the passages, Brother Jakes said he thought God was the first, and original Transformer. God did, after all, pull a woman out of a man.

I thought that was pretty cool. I also thought to myself, “where the heck was this book when I was married?!” I would have had all the ammo I needed right then and there. My hubby would have said –as usual, “dishes are women’s work.” My reply would have been, “If you’re created in God’s image, and He can pull a woman out of a man, so can you, buddy! Get to ‘em!” See, now I’m prepared for the next one. I love you, Brother Jakes! God bless you!

Love you from Café du Mondieu

Accidental Appointments

eden08122015

Today’s Message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that there are no chance meetings for a child of God. They are divine appointments set for the souls involved. You may meet someone, spend five minutes just chatting, or just listening to them, and never think anymore about it. For now, it was just a chance meeting, right? What if years later that same somebody happens across your path again, only this time, you are unemployed and in need of a job. It just so happens this person is the CEO of a company that is hiring at present, and the job is right up your alley.

The Bible tells us that God is the way maker. He goes ahead of us and prepares our way. He’s also the rear guard. That means what’s meant for you is yours and yours alone; and nobody else can get it. -When it’s time for you to get it. Sometimes we have some preparation learning to do before we come into a blessing. Sometimes we have some “self” things to deal with before we’re ready to handle a blessing. God knew all these things when He created us. God’s got the lessons, the fine-tuning, the preparation, and the timing just right. And it’s already been worked out from the foundation of the world.

I try to keep this in mind always, but sometimes it isn’t easy. When you’re listening to someone drone on negatively, you want to say, “God, shut him/her up!” Some meetings or encounters seem untimely, or they’re very inconvenient to our very important agendas. I have to remind myself more often than not, this person will cross your path again someday-whether here or in Heaven. And you don’t know what’s around the corner for either of you; but God does. He has not accidentally appointed you two to meet-even though you’ve met accidentally.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Learning To Desire Oneself Like That

It was a little chilly this morning. I think it’s almost time for those crocheted hats. “Brrrr,” said I.

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that when you don’t know the Lord, you have no idea what’s so appealing about Him. The world has done a pretty good job of making Him look like nothing. However, the longer you do know Jesus, the more beautiful He is to you-because you begin to see all the beauty of and in Him. Then, there’s nothing more to desire but that beauty; and that beauty is all one does desire.

Let me tell you, ladies and gentlemen, about a God who loves you so very much, that He created in you, the same outrageously awesome beauty that’s in Him. Oh, my God! “What is man/what am I, that you should be so mindful of me?!” The more of God’s Word, His promises, His ways, and His love, laughter, and peace you take into your heart, your mind, your soul, you life, the more of that beauty you begin to find in yourself.

Do you know that you are perfect already? Yes, you are. But, you are being perfected in spirit, because God wants those who worship Him to worship in spirit and in truth. To desire nothing else, means to stay fixed and focused on manifesting that beauty within, in the world around us. “He had no form or comeliness that we should desire Him.” That says to me that the beauty within Him, His spirit, was so great that nobody even saw His body or shape, or His gorgeous face. That’s what I want to be like.

I want that beauty He’s put within me to grow and grow until it grows outwardly and overflows my life. We do that when we: 1. Accept ourselves just as we are now, at this very moment. 2. seek out and walk out/live out the Word and promises of God-actively. 3. Celebrate every day, who you are, and who you are becoming in Christ Jesus. We worship and adore the Lord; some of us, daily. Shouldn’t you love yourself at least as much? Yes, you should! “Love the LORD your God with all your might, mind, body, soul…and love your neighbor AS YOURSELF!” There’s really nothing more to be desired than that. “For the whole law is summed up in these two commandments.”

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Assurance Brings Peace & Vice Versa

eden08122015

October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month. As a survivor, I’m always looking out for new information and resources. I found this on the web this morning, at the Ananais Foundation. Help to end domestic violence

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, bids us to rest assured in God’s promises. Please note, I used the word “in.” There are phenomenal changes that happen within the heart of one who steps in, and immerses him or herself, in the promises. God’s Word is alive and filled with power. So, just as you wouldn’t only stick your big toe in the nice hot bath, after coming in from the freezing cold outside, you want to be up to your neck in God’s promises-at least up to your neck!

Quoting directly from the message: “Only when a soul attains this calm can there be true work done, and mind,and soul and body be strong to conquer and to bear.” The calm referred to is that “Be still and know that I am God,” calm. We have to stay in that knowledge; and sometimes we have to fight hard to do that. It’s worth it in the end. Whenever I think of being still and knowing that He’s God, I think about the woman who anointed Jesus’ head. When one of the disciples started berating her, Jesus put him in check. We have to learn to do that when things assail us; let Jesus (The Word made flesh, and dwelling among us) speak to them.

This is also a good message for anyone going through and trying to end the cycle of violence in your home. Only when you find peace within, can you manifest it in your relationships and in your life. God loves you like none other can. Let Him heal you and help you gain that calm and freedom from fear and rage.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Inherit the Earth?

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that the meek are those who will inherit the earth. Meekness is humility, and teach-ability. After all, you won’t learn anything if you’re insistent that you know it all already, right? Ever have you mind made up about something? It’s pretty hard for someone to change your point of view about that thing then, isn’t it? That’s why we must be meek if we want to inherit the earth.

To inherit the earth is to have its elements working for us. Take the wind, for instance. It can be used to generate power, facilitate movement, and do even very simple things like cool one off or dry some clothes. Meekness opens one’s mind to the possibilities and abundance of the earth’s gifts to us. God has designed and ordained all of them. Meekness will also empower a sense of belonging and stewardship over the earth we’ve been given. That enables us to take care of our natural resources and work out ways to replenish what we take from the earth. We must be mindful of the natural resources and of all the other creatures God has given to be sustained by the earth. The meek will inherit the earth; and they’ll also survive the world.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Rich Within First

eden08122015

Remembering victims and survivors of October 1, 2017 -Vegas Strong, and going on!

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that material prosperity is not wealth, but merely the outward manifestation of true wealth. True wealth is the love, knowledge, wisdom, peace, and joy of God within one’s heart. It is the realization of the greatest gift ever given man, which is the gift of salvation.

We prosper as our souls prosper. Therefore, we should always seek to enrich our souls; our heart, spirit, mind, and body. Yes, enriching one’s body is doing those things that are good for you, instead of detrimental to your physical health. I enriched my body just this morning when I turned down that extra bacon I was offered. See how the devil works-right through generous and well meaning people.

As we enrich all that is within, we manifest those treasures outwardly; and we we also begin to find more and more wealth within. Remember God is a good god. He blesses us richly-pressed down, shaken together, and running over, is His motto.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

As Your Days Are

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that God never gives us a call, a task, or even an errand or exercise, without giving us all we need to get it done. He give us wisdom, grace, mercy, strength, peace, and joy to overflowing. The message begins with, “As your days, so shall your strength be.” The scripture references is Psalm 90:12 -“Teach us to number our days, so that we may gain a heart of wisdom.”

When I think of numbering my days, I think of the same stewardship that God ordained for us over all of His creation. The wise and faithful steward is the one who will be rewarded; not only then, but right here and now in his lifetime. For, as our days are, so will be our strength. We grow from lesson to lesson, from strength to strength, from glory to glory. (Psalm 84:7)

This is also true vice versa. As our strength is, so shall our day(s) be. That means I have to fill myself, my spirit with good, good things before I even get out of bed. It is why I usually pray-try to pray before I even get out of bed in the morning. It really does set the tone for your day; and it puts your focus where it should be-on your heritage as a child of God. Some folks tape a little list of affirmations from the Psalms to their mirrors, or the bathroom door, and recite those as they’re getting ready to go out the door. Yes, it really does work. Those words are alive and filled with the power of life, and they will erase and replace all those negative ones you’ve heard. Remember, the power of life and death is in your tongue. Speak life unto yourself and into your world-you have to live in it until you’re called home.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Staying on the Secret Path

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that for each of us, there is that one path that we alone walk with the Lord. It is on this path, that Jesus meets with us; just us. It is on this path, that all my lessons, all my epiphanies, all my battles in spirit are won. The path is strewn and bordered with everything that God has tailor-made just for you, or for me; each one of us individually.

It is on this path that we walk along the streets of Jerusalem to Golgotha with our Lord. We learn strength in weakness, peace in the midst of war and hatred, order in the midst of chaos, joy in sorrow. To stay on this path means we have to realize our uniqueness to God, and in this world. We have to tune in to our own hearts, look to our Lord-because He knows us better than we know ourselves, and walk. Walk, looking down, but not in dejection or despair. Rather, walk looking down-and around you, seeking the pearls, the treasures, the joyful treats left just for us to find. They will never be on anyone else’s path; believe me. When we understand that truth, we become empowered to desire to stay on that secret path, and look less and less at any other way.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

The Greatest Among You…

eden08122015

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that we are to be servants to one another. “I am among you as one who serves,” -the Word of the Lord via the message. In the Bible He put it this way: “Just as the Son of man did not come to be served, but to serve…” (Matt. 20:28)

Jesus also said, in Matthew 20:26, “instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” It is so easy in today’s world, to become self serving…and not even realize it. I mean, we know there are things we need and want, but sometimes…That five minutes of the soap opera you missed because the little lady across the street wanted to chat for a few minutes, is it really going to kill you? No. We have a tendency to get caught up in our schedules and agendas to the point of rigidity. Do you know rigor mortis starts with the same three letters? Yeah, we sort of “die” to the world in the wrong way.

We have to keep remind ourselves of the joy to be found in service. Just sometimes, we need that reminder. There’s a three-fold joy in that. God is overjoyed with us, the person we’ve served has the joy of feeling cared for-and more importantly, about, and we have the joy of a couple of things too. We’ve experienced someone else’s joy that we caused. We’ve experienced the joy of overcoming that rigidity and self absorbed tendency; and the disconnection it brings with it. We’ve experienced the joy of taking back our power over time, emotions, etc. We have, and will time and time again, experience God’s joy in His creation; especially His two-legged creatures.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu

Freedom From Fear

eden08122015

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter, Amanda Rose Kesey. I’m wishing you the most wonderful day, filled with everything beautiful. May every wish come true today and always, and may God bless your life with everything good from His hand. I thank Him for you every day, Amanda.

Today’s message from God Calling -A.J. Russell, reminds us that perfect love casts out fear. 1 John 4:18 is referenced: There is no fear in love for perfect love casts out fear, because fear has torment. He that fears has not been made perfect in love. Boy, that’s just what I need right now in my life. Thank you, Lord.

I find, as the years go by, that turning quickly to the Lord when fears assail me, helps tremendously. Torment definitely comes in with fear. Now, let me tell you a secret. That torment doesn’t stop when you turn to the Lord. The devil does work overtime. Remember Peter walking on the water? The wind and those waves are exactly what torment brings to feed the fear. Peter focused on them and went under. If you recall, though, he dove headlong into the water when he saw Jesus standing on the shore, later in the story. He was perfected in his knowledge of our Lord, and in his love for Jesus.

One of the reasons why we’re told to keep our eyes on the Lord, and not look left or right, is precisely to starve that fear and stall that torment out. You’ll still hear it whispering in your ear, trying to get hold on your heart and cause you to stumble, fall, or give up. It has the power even to kill. Sometimes those winds get loud, and the waves threaten to overpower even our will to live. The tormentor is trying to break our hold; to get us to turn loose of Jesus’ neck. But we have the authority and power to speak to the wind and the waves. “Peace, be still,” said Jesus; and the storm ceased. The storms will return. Jesus has promised never to leave us or forsake us. Something I learned about “walking on water,” is that that “peace be still,” was spoken just as much to the disciples as it was to the storm. We have to quiet ourselves within, set our faces to continue onward, and just walk anyway. “My master’s in the storm; I know He’ll save me. I love Jesus…I love Jesus…I love Jesus…I love Jesus!” -that’s a little part of a song I wrote some time ago. I sing it when the winds and waters rise.

Love you from Cafe du Mondieu