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“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:11-13 (NIV) “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” James 1:2-4(ESV) Mountaintops inspire us, but valleys mature us. I read this in a devotional awhile back and felt inspired to share this viewpoint. I researched the internet and found that this quote I suspect, came from Winston Churchill who wrote, “Mountaintops inspire leaders, but valleys mature them.” When you read this quote in the light of God’s Bible and the Christian experience, you know it to be all too true. As human beings, we would all long to have continuous mountaintop experiences if we could. To always have enough. Enough love/relationships via family, friends, and acquaintances. Enough money, possessions, position and/or power. Great health: physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Enough happiness and good clean fun in all the pleasures of life. If we are honest, we all would love to just stay on the mountain top. But that is not reality nor in the long run, will it mature and grow us for the earthly times still to be lived; and for our final home, Heaven. The verses above from Philippians 4:11-13 are one of my favorites. What Paul is saying to all of us here is very powerful. We need to learn to be content, whether we are on the mountain top and we have plenty, or if we are in the valley low and in need and want. We must trust and rely on God to bring us through all life’s experiences. To know He is there walking on the mountain top, as well as in the valley. In actuality, He walks with us throughout all life’s experiences! He is there while we’re in the valley ascending the mountain of life to the top. And He is still there with us as we begin life’s descent down, into the valley lows. He has said He will never leave us nor forsake us. So, we can take comfort in knowing that our Savior, is always there. So, do not shy away from your life -valley experiences. Being honest, none of us like to be in the valley. But it is there as the quote states, where we will grow and mature. Just as metal is refined and strengthened in the fire, so shall we be when we come out of our valley. If we allow God to mold us, we will become who He needs us to be here on Earth. Remember, we are all here for a reason and a purpose. Not just for our own ambitions and desires, but to impact this world for Christ. So, whether you are on the mountaintop or in the valley, be content to know that God is right there. Then turn around and help your fellow sister and brother with encouragement. Let them know that they too can continue to walk this journey with their head held high. Let them know they will be comforted. Let them know, they are loved…. Blessings, Angelique~

Luke 1:34 (NIV) 34 Mary said to the angel, “How will this happen since I am a virgin?” Hebrews 11:6 (NIV) 6 And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. I recently read the familiar passages in the bible when Mary is visited by the Angel Gabriel and told she will have a son, and that He will be the Son of God. I like many have read this story so many times. This time I thought again (as I have done so many times before) what courage and strength she had, to endure what was to come. But also, what occurred to me, even more, was her faith. God could have sent His angel to her after she was married to Joseph. He could have sent the angel to both her and Joseph at the same time after they were married. If it had been that way, there would have been no fear of what lay ahead in telling Joseph, her family, and possibly the entire town. She would not have to fret over the possibility that Joseph would not marry her, and of potentially being stoned to death. Most of us would have been frightened and so unsure what the future would be, despite an angel coming to us. After the angel left and we were left alone, we all would probably think to ourselves, “Well, what to do now?” What occurred to me is that God allowed it to be this way for a reason. He allowed it to be this way not only for her faith, but for ours and many future generations to come. Mary did not have the privilege of knowing the future or the end of the story at the time she was visited. Despite not knowing her fate, she held fast and firm to her faith in God. Knowing that God spoke to her, she was willing to allow His will to be done in her life, no matter the cost. Moving forward in life, this is a testament to all of us on faith. To trust and believe God and His promises, despite what you see. Even if the outcome you hoped for, does not come to pass, you will still trust Him. We all need to trust God and have faith like Mary. A faith that says no matter what happens, you will move forward in His word and promises for the future. You will not doubt nor waiver, you will remain strong and steadfast. Even in the face of the unknown. Even in the face of fear… Blessings, Angelique~

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:21 ESV Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:15 ESV In my devotion this morning in one of the stories, the writer talked about moving on and the sadness of having to let go of their house and possessions. Due to unforeseen circumstances, they had to move on to a new chapter of life in a new city, and they were not looking forward to this change. Soon after I finished that devotion, the thought came to me: our attachments. As human beings, we all in some fashion, form various attachments to people, places, possessions, or our ideas of the future. We sometimes have it firmly planted in our minds, what we want out of life. And when things don’t go according to what we want or feel; that’s when disappointment, sadness, anger or even depression may take hold and settle in. During these times I would like to encourage all of us to cling to God even more and to delve deeper into His word. We have to keep in mind that this life we’re living here on Earth, is temporal. This is not our permanent home and everyone and everything will not always remain the same. God will return and set this world to right. In the meantime, we are to focus on His word and what He says of the future. Of course, in the real world, we still have to work, sleep, eat, love and care for ourselves as well as our families. However, we will, and should, have those times of looking toward the future. Of beginning our careers, a family, purchasing a new car or home. Taking vacations, buying various possessions and so on. There is nothing wrong with having dreams or aspirations and at times, achieving those goals. What can be a problem, however, is our total and complete attachments to those ideals. We need to always remember everything, and everyone, belong to God. And He wills and does according to His good pleasure. We really do not own or have control of our future. We need to learn to love God and totally surrender to His will for our lives. Let us all be encouraged to not become too attached to this world and all the goings-on. Instead, let us ultimately look forward to Heaven; where we’ll live forever and have no more sickness, disappointments or death. Blessings, Angelique~ #attachments

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 (ESV) I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. John 10:28(ESV) I listened to a sermon recently regarding true peace. Imagine if you will two paintings that depict peace. One painting is serene and calm with perhaps rolling meadows or the ocean, showcasing sunny, beautiful, clear skies. And the other is dark with tempestuous storm clouds. Very menacing and dark painting. However, in the corner of this painting, there is a little bird that was highlighted. Its head is tilted toward heaven and it’s singing his songs to God, while in the midst of that storm. As it is lifting up praises, God’s light is shone down from heaven. Thinking about the notion of true peace, initially, we all may identify with the first portrait of calm and serenity. Which is beautiful, and there’s nothing wrong with this notation. But actual biblical peace is when chaos is all around, and you are truly comforted, knowing God is in total control. Knowing that He will set everything right, in His time. In the meantime, you will anchor in, and focus on the work he would have you to do in this world. It’s easy for all of us to have peace when everything is going great and our life is good. But the real testing comes when everything is not so good. Do you have peace when a raging pandemic is causing sickness and death all around you? Do you have peace when due to the said pandemic, you’ve lost your job? Do you have peace when perhaps you’ve become sick and have been given a diagnosis, that is not so good? We all need to strive for the biblical peace that God speaks of in His word. The true Godly peace that surpasses all understanding. Not just some understanding. But ALL understanding. For those who don’t have a relationship with God, they may find it hard to understand how you can be like the bird, praising and worshiping God, when all around you is crumbling. I pray that you and I will have that biblical peace that surpasses all understanding. That despite all going on around us, we will remain anchored in God and His word. To understand that having biblical peace is not always a feeling but it’s a knowing, that God will make a way. With this knowledge, you will be able to continue to fight the good fight of faith. Because you know your God has you through it all. So, sing your songs children of God. Sing to your Master sweet songs of praise and adoration, in the midst of whatever challenges and storms you may go through. Because He has you in the palm of his hand. He has you, in the midst of the storm. Blessings, Angelique~ #pandemic #Peace #Storm

Matthew 7:24-27 (NIV) 24 “Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. 27 The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house, and it fell with a great crash.” 2 Peter 1:10 (NIV) “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, make every effort to confirm your calling and election. For if you do these things, you will never stumble.” I read a story about the Millennium Tower, a fifty-eight story residential building, built in 2008, in San Francisco. There is one major problem with this building; it is crooked and sinking. When it was built, the engineers failed to dig deep enough, in order to lay a solid foundation. Now builders are looking to retrofit the foundation in order to prevent it from collapsing. The problem is the cost of this retrofit. It will be more than the entire cost of the building when it was built. What is the lesson here? Foundations truly matter. With this global pandemic and the resultant fallout, now more than ever we see the need to have a firm foundation; a foundation built upon God and His Word. People are becoming sick and quite a growing number are dying. Others are losing jobs, businesses are coming to a halt, and economic systems are failing on a global scale. What makes it all worse, there seems to be no end in sight. This alone is enough to cause even the bravest among us to begin to lose hope, and to be fearful. However, it is then when we must look to God and His promises to sustain us. In order to look to Him, we have to build a relationship with Him through Bible study, prayer, and church attendance. Even if the church attendance is online, via Zoom or like my church, where we have a drive-in service. Whatever means necessary, we need to firm up our foundation in God and His word. We don’t know if this pandemic will lead to even greater crises or situations. Wherein life as we know it will no longer exist. Or if we will come through this time period and then enter a period of calm before yet another pandemic or crisis occurs. No one really knows for sure where we are in the timeline of Earth’s history, but one fact many Christians agree on: Christ will soon return. However, before He returns, there will be many times of great tribulation as He stated in His word. Knowing this, we all need to work on our foundations so that emotionally, mentally, physically and especially spiritually, we will be able to stand firm and committed to God. Things may get really crazy for just a while, or permanently. But either way, we need to make “our calling and election sure”. As His sons and daughters, we need to move forward in sharing His message to all the world. Life’s foundational shaking and chaos will come to us all. The question will be, “what is your foundation built upon?” Is it built upon people/loved ones? A job/career? Position in the community/world? Money/possessions? If so, we all must realize all of these will eventually be shaken or perhaps gone. What then? My Brothers & Sisters, we must look to diligently build our foundation on God and His promises. Period. God will be with us during this time and always. He loves us so much and wants to spend eternity with us. The events that are happening now, and in the future, must occur as His word says. But know He is there in the midst of it all. If we stay the course with Christ, we will be with Him in glory, and we will be able to say, it was worth it all! Blessings, Angelique~ #Foundation #pandemic

Proverbs 19:21 “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” Revelation 1:17 “Then He placed His right hand on me and said: Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” In reading several articles and seeing various social media posts, it occurred to me some are using this current pandemic to spell the end of life as we know it. To prophesy that God is coming very soon and to then beat it over someone’s head about their life and how they might not make it into the Kingdom. What struck me is that sometimes with a crisis, (like the current pandemic) people will paint a doomsday scenario and “beat others over the head” with their life choices and where they are in their spiritual walk. Instead of looking introspectively and dealing with what is on their own plate of life. Instead of looking within and dealing with our own lives and our decisions. To not look to turn it outwardly to others, preaching to them that God is coming soon, and they should get their lives together. All the while feeling, they are doing okay. They check enough Christian activity boxes to make them feel good about themselves. This behavior really and truly must stop. We all have to realize that yes, we are living in crazy times. But ultimately, what happens now and always, is God’s business!! He’s in charge!! We need not focus on others and their choices. On whether or not, they will be saved. Not our concern!! God’s business!! We need to truly focus inwardly on what we have to change or improve. Focus on how we can use the gifts and talents He has given to all of us, to further the Gospel. We need to realize once and for all, it is not our call regarding what may happen tomorrow and beyond. God has things under control. If the time we are living in truly is the beginning of the end, ask yourself, “Do you have your act together? Where will you spend eternity?” Let’s instead use the time to focus on our lives and what the answer to those questions would be for each of us. Let’s not use this pandemic as a means to parade it over others as if to say: “This is it!! He’s (God) coming to get you now!” For all we know, this could be a warning that will blow over and not signal the end, as some claim. Everything could go back to business as usual for perhaps many years. Or, this very well could be the beginning of the time of troubles, and it will get worse from this point on. The point being is this, whatever time period we are living in, whatever the future holds, is God’s business, not ours. Let God be God. Let us focus on what we can, which is our walk, our choices/decisions. How are we going to react when life throws situations in our direction? Are we going to maintain the Christian posture or are we going to take on a more worldly tone, in answering life’s decisions? God’s word says, “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.” So, remember, leave God’s business to God… Blessings, Angelique~

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV) Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. Psalm 112:6-7 (ESV) For the righteous will never be moved; he will be remembered forever. He is not afraid of bad news; his heart is firm, trusting in the Lord. In my devotion today a writer discussed the Serenity Prayer. (I happen to love this prayer!) In light of everything going on with COVID-19 and the fallout that has ensued, one can lose grip on the reality of the world around us. But as for Christians, and for those who are reading this looking for comfort, we must remember we cannot control this situation. During times like these, we have to learn to totally and completely trust in God. Things that are happening in Earth’s history may be shocking to us, but not to God. His word has told us these things must take place before the Son of Man returns. However, we are human and it’s very difficult to remain totally at peace/calm during a time of crisis. But I want to encourage you, as well as myself, to remember to work on what you can control. Let’s ultimately work on ourselves. To a great degree, we have control of our thoughts and our actions, in response to a crisis. Work on strengthening your faith and your walk, so that you can be a blessing to those around you. Even in a crisis, you can be God’s representative. You can look to spread His message of light and hope. During this time, it is a perfect opportunity for us to witness for Christ, by showing love and compassion to others. Even though we have social distancing in place, that does not prevent us from reaching out to others. We may not be able to reach them physically, however in this world of 21st-Century communication, we can find a way to love God’s people. We can help strengthen and guide them, during rocky times. We all hope and pray that COVID-19 will eventually die down or be under control. But we still need to prepare ourselves, as other types of challenges may happen on a global scale, or even closer to home. I’m not promoting doom and gloom. However, I am being realistic about life. We will have our highs, but we will also encounter our lows. We need to prepare ourselves for when that time comes, we can still smile and share God’s love. So, my hope for all of us in these uncertain times, is that we adopt the Serenity Prayer… “God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and wisdom to know the difference” Blessings, Angelique~ #COVID19

2 Kings 6:17 (ESV) 17 Then Elisha prayed and said, “O Lord, please open his eyes that he may see.” So, the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw, and behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. In the midst of this current coronavirus pandemic, there is a lot of fear and uncertainty going around. For some, it is all-out panic. Some feel they or their loved ones will become very sick and will possibly die from this disease. Based on everything we are all hearing on a daily basis, it is hard not to feel some sort of concern at the very least. In my daily devotion, I came across the above verse and was comforted. At the time I didn’t have a lot of care or worries (which was very refreshing) but I felt that in a future post, I would talk about the verse, in the light of the fears that we all may have, from time to time. There is a lot of unrest and uneasy feelings, of what the future may hold for us all. But when we read this verse in 2nd Kings 6:17, we see Elisha had complete faith in God. So much so, he looked to comfort his servant by asking God to open his eyes to the spiritual realm. When the servant saw, he was comforted to know there were thousands of God’s holy angels and their various chariots of fire and horses, surrounding the Syrians who had surrounded them. We need to also take comfort that despite the goings-on of this world; sickness, financial ups, and downs with the stock market, family dynamics that are less than ideal, etc.. We can rest assured that God is in control and He surrounds us. We may not see Him but know He is there and that everything will work according to His will and purpose. So, take heart and do not allow yourselves to be extremely fearful or fretful of the future. It’s easier said than done, I know. As I write this, I’m reiterating these same words to my spirit as well. In these uncertain times, we must look to God, and look to His leading and direction. Blessings, Angelique~ #Coronavirus #pandemic

“We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps.” Proverbs 16:9 NLT I read a story in one of my devotions, of a man who had car problems and in utter frustration cried out: “WHY NOW!!” I’m sure all of us from time to time can relate to having similar frustrations in life. Whether it’s car problems or a host of other life cares and concerns. We’ve had our own, “WHY NOW” moments for sure!! In this story, however, he came across an elderly mechanic who was tired and about to finish for the day but stated he would stay and help him. As the mechanic worked, with this man also helping, they talked about life, their families, and God. As they worked and talked, the mechanic shared his story; and it was in that moment, the man understood, why God had him there. At the end of the repair, both the mechanic and this traveler, felt the weight of life lifted. This could happen to us at times. We sometimes wonder why we have a flat tire, why we’re delayed in our travel plans, etc. We wonder sometimes why God allowed this or that to happen. Or why it happened that we stopped, in this particular spot, as we tried to avoid the sudden, unexplained downpour. We sometimes failed to realize that God perhaps allowed us to have this “pause” in order to look around. To turn our focus off our own problems and look to be a blessing or help to those around us. If we allow ourselves to look around, as Christ would, we’d see, the hurting people that we can help. We can reach out to them and perhaps help them with their physical, emotional, spiritual, and sometimes financial needs. So, during the course of life when you have your next mishap, pray that God opens your eyes. That you will have the eyes of Christ and will see that Brother or Sister, that may need your help or a word of encouragement. Blessings, Angelique~

While making choices and going through life, we sometimes don’t stop to think, what type of legacy are we leaving for future generations? We must ask ourselves, do I want to be remembered for the painful experiences of the past? The hurts I’ve endured or currently enduring? To be remembered for my constant moaning/groaning and complaining? Or, do I want to be remembered for the positive impact that I left on this Earth? Do I want loved ones, friends or work/school colleagues, to remember me as one looking to make a positive difference in this world? Would I be described as one that always looked, to spread the light of Christ? We at times become so wrapped up in the pain of the past. Wrapped up in what has happened as a result of our misfortunes. We’ll cry out, woe is me! However, we must stop and think: Do I really want to be remembered for the pain and anguish of this life? Or do I want to be remembered that despite various situations, I kept the good fight of faith in God? Do I want to be remembered that no matter what happened in the past, by keeping my faith and trust in God, He will bring me through? Realizing that He will not only bring me through but others as well. Traversing this life has its mountaintop experiences, but also it’s valley lows. But despite all, we want to be remembered as God’s faithful followers who were able to trust, despite what they saw in front of them. We want to be able to shed a positive light on this sinful and dark world. We want to use our gifts and talents, that God has gifted each of us with, to spread His message of love and hope. This is the legacy we want to be remembered from generations to come. We don’t want to leave a legacy of misery and selfishness. But one of giving. One of love. One of living with the highest form of integrity. So the question remains: What do I want others to remember about me? Blessings, Angelique

“Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience.” Ephesians 5:6, ESV Actions speak louder than words. This is so true. I actually saw this on a piece of paper from a Chinese fortune cookie recently. I believe we have all heard this saying. Experience will teach you to watch what a person is doing on a daily basis versus what they’re saying. A person may swear to you with their words regarding their feelings, etc. But their actions, are definitely not in step with their words. There are times when a person will mix truth with error (lies) and you believe for a time, what they are saying. However, one must look at the overall character and integrity of this individual. Especially for relationships that become more than just mere acquaintances. In saying this I am not just referring to romantic relationships. This also applies to business, school, church, family members, etc. In these relationships, look to see the type of person they portray on a constant basis. I want to encourage others to be on the lookout regarding a person’s steps/actions. If they do not go along with what they’re saying, be alert, and guard yourself against such a person. God calls all of us into account, and that we should walk with integrity. Our steps, our actions, should reflect our words. As Christians, God is calling us to a higher standard, than what this sinful world says is acceptable. He’s calling us to be honest, loving and kind. To walk in the precepts He has set out, and not of our own lustful desires. More often than not, our desires are the very opposite, of what He has set out for His children. Blessings, Angelique ~

Today is Valentine’s Day in the United States and is celebrated in other parts of the world. With all of the commercialism, the focus is on romance, couples love. However, the romantic, sexual, passionate love (eros), is not the highest form, nor the one most important to God. The love that God would have all of us to truly attain would be Agape & Phileo. Agape is basically defined as the highest form of love, charity. The love of God for man, and of man for God. Phileo is basically defined as affectionate, fondness, brotherly & friendship love. With both combined, we will be able to fully love as God intended. To love completely (Agape), without expecting anything in return from the other person. And to really care, show compassion, with brotherly affection (Phileo) with each other. So, however you celebrate Valentine’s Day, choose to remember, and try to show, Agape & Phileo love to others. Blessings & Love, Angelique #ValentinequotsDay