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For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be calledWonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 Jesus’s Hebrew name Yeshua means salvation. He was born into our world, as a gift to all mankind. No one truly knows the exact time of His birth. It is believed to be in the springtime and not during the winter months. However, December 25th has been popularized and is currently celebrated as the birth of the Savior of the world. During this time many are decorating their homes, and workplaces, attending holiday gatherings and shopping for gifts to give to one another. The birth of the Savior is truly a joyous occasion and is to be celebrated. But, have you ever stopped to think, how would Jesus like us to celebrate His birth? The commercialism of this holiday has moved far away from the “real reason for the season”. For example, if we were to celebrate a friend or a loved one, would we plan everything based on our wants/desires? Or, would we keep them in mind and celebrate the way they would desire? The same thought should be made when we seek to honor the birth of the Savior of the world. I imagine His desire would be for us to spread His message of love and hope through our words, followed up by our actions, to everyone we meet. He would desire no more fighting/wars, no bullying attitudes/behaviors; lifting ones-self up as if you’re better than another because of race, religion, social/economic background, etc. He would want us to learn to live in harmony and acceptance of one another and, to take care of this beautiful planet He created. He would not want us to turn blind eyes towards the wrongs being done to another. As we gather together with family and friends this holiday season, may we focus individually and collectively, on giving the true gifts that Jesus would want us all to share. Let us give the gift of ourselves, to be used by God in spreading His message throughout the world. Happy and safe holidays to All! Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

It was beautiful in its greatness, in the length of its branches; for its roots went down to abundant waters. Ezekiel 31:7 (ESV) Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught, and you will overflow with thankfulness. Colossians 2:7 (NLT) Botanists’ say plants grow the most not when it’s warm, gentle winds, and light rains but, when they encounter strong winds and furious storms. It is stated if time were slowed and you take a cross-section of the earth during a raging storm, one can actually see the roots move deeper and deeper into the soil. To navigate life and the world in which we live, we too must have deep roots that are locked and rooted in God the Father, through belief in His Son Jesus Christ. Similar to the plants, we will face challenges and rough times in our lives. No one wants pain or adversity in life. We all want a smooth, easy, happy life. However, that description is not always true, living in this fallen and sinful world. Jesus showed us how to live in this fallen world with the life He lived while here, and how He interacted with others. By reading the Bible (I like to refer to it as the blueprint on living our best life), praying, and asking the Holy Spirit to guide us, we can be in the position to always seek God’s way of handling life situations. Just like the plants, we can grow stronger and deeper roots when we face adversity. When things are smooth and happy, we usually tend to not grow a deeper/connected relationship with God. However, after one has gone through rough storms in life and they eventually come to that quiet calm, they’re usually appreciative and reflective on how God brought them through. In addition, we need to be aware when we encounter serious storms that God will not always take them away. However, He promises when we are in a storm, we can have complete trust and belief, that He will be there and He will lead us through. And afterwards, when we come out on the other side, we will be stronger and more resilient than ever before. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.  Romans12:16 (ESV) Everyone who is arrogant in heart is an abomination to the Lord; be assured, he will not go unpunished. Proverbs 16:5 (ESV) And I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18 (ESV) Elitism: The attitude or behavior of a person or group who regard themselves as belonging to an elite. Let’s do a check-in with ourselves, shall we? Do you find yourself looking down on others because they’re not of your race/ethnic/political group, your religion, how they dress, or have a different sexual orientation? Anytime we think less of someone, because they’re not in the category we feel they should be and, we feel as if we are far superior, this is projecting an elitist attitude. God makes it clear in His Holy word that all of us are His sons and daughters. We have been made in His image, despite our physical attributes and our lifestyle choices. We all may not agree with the choices others have made regarding their lives and/or lifestyle however, that does not give anyone the right to look “down upon” or treat another with contempt, due to their choices. God made it clear in His word that we are not to judge. Judgment of another’s lifestyle choices (referring to non-criminal matters) is to be done by God, and not by another human being. As He stated in James 4:12: “There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” If anyone suffers from an elitist mindset, seek to humble yourself and ask God to help you as you go about interacting with others. Remember, all of us on this planet are God’s children, and He expects us to treat one another as brothers and sisters. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1 (ESV) Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense. Proverbs 19:11 (ESV) I recently read the following story that I had to share. I believe the author to be unknown… An elderly woman got on a bus and sat down. At the next stop, a strong, grumpy young woman climbed up and sat down sharply beside the old woman, hitting her with her numerous bags. When she saw that the elderly woman remained silent, the young woman asked her why she had not complained when she hit her with her bags. The elderly woman replied with a smile: ′′ There is no need to be rude or discuss something so insignificant, as my trip next to you is so short because I am going to get off at the next stop.” What struck me is the simple truth of this life lesson…life is truly short and we need to learn to not allow small incidents to derail us. We all have various struggles from time to time, throughout our lives. But, when we take a step back and look at life, and the various situations that we all go through, we realize everyone is just trying to do their best in life. Of course, we do know and realize some are trying a little more than others to do their best. However, in the long run, it’s up to each of us to mature and do the work necessary to become an emotionally intelligent person; a person that responds as the older woman did in the story. With emotionally intelligent adults, when someone bumps into them for example, they may say something different than the woman in the story but, they will have the same reaction to the situation. They will not allow a trivial incident to derail them from moving forward, and onward with their life. When we work on ourselves, grow, and learn to forgive, we will be able to move forward, and not remain stuck in life due to what happened to us. Now, depending on what was done to us, there may be consequences for the person who did wrong. But ultimately, you don’t want to become stuck in a rut of anger, hurt, bitterness, etc. You do not want to find yourselves wasting the precious time given, planning revenge or seeking to lash out at the person who caused you harm. We must come to the conclusion that we can only control ourselves and not our children, spouses, other family members, friends, etc. When we grow in emotional maturity, we will develop better control of ourselves, and have a better understanding as we encounter others. By focusing on our emotional well-being, we are preparing to live life moving forward, despite any situation we come across. It will not always be easy. There will be those in life who will push and seek to upset you. However, by working on yourself now, you are preparing for the various life scenarios that will come upon you. Learn to let it go…and move on!! Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV) Do you give God thanks for the mundane and everyday areas of your life? Or, do you choose to wait and thank Him for the larger miracles and/or answers to your prayers? I once read of an activity a pastor did in his church where he asked everyone to list their prayer requests and their needs to God, and then to bring them to the front of the church. He then asked them to list all of their praises and what they were thankful for, and to bring that list to the front of the church as well. Afterwards, the pastor pointed out there were many leaving prayer requests but not as many leaving their lists of praise and thanksgiving. After reading that story I asked myself the question, why? Why do people more often than not go to God with their requests but not go to Him with their thankfulness and praises? One of the reasons given in the story was that some felt they didn’t have anything big happening to them at that moment so, they didn’t think about praising God for just the mundane happenings in their lives. This made me think, do we need to have something big happening in our lives, for us to praise and be thankful to God? Or can we be thankful for the little things; the beautiful happenings in our lives that occur on a daily basis and, which we usually take for granted? As children of God, may we never just get excited to praise God for the large answers to prayer or the huge miracles. May we seek to thank Him and give praises for the seemingly small life occurrences and blessings as well. May we get in a habit of daily praising and thanking God for every aspect of our lives. If for nothing else, just the mere fact that He kept us through the night and we awoke to a brand new day. Now, truth be told there will be times in life when we do not desire to praise God due to perhaps our present circumstances. However, despite the down period you may be having, look up and around and see the blessings of God. May we not get in the habit of only praising God when we “feel” good. As we move forward in life, may we not wait to only give thanks at a certain time of year, or only for large miracles, or depending on how we feel. May we joyfully praise and thank God at all times, in any and all circumstances. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life. Proverbs 4:23 (ESV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9 (ESV) When we look at the pain and anguish many are feeling today, the root cause can be traced to sinful hearts. Many writers have referenced the following as the seven deadly sins of the heart: pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, anger, and being lazy. Of course, God’s word lists more as referenced in Proverbs 6:16-19. All sins (those referenced and others) are the foundations of the current ills that plague all human beings, as well as our entire planet. Many times, people find themselves in situations trying to deal with the fallout of sinful behavior, by their own doing or what has been done to them. However, the real culprit goes much deeper, and it is the root cause that brought on the behavior and/or situation. Many failed relationships, failed businesses, various crimes, environmental concerns, etc., all stem from the root cause–the sinful heart. And let’s not fool ourselves into thinking many of us are exempt from committing these sins. Every human being has transgressed at least one or a combination of the sins referenced. For example, an adulterer will lie to their spouse to cover up their behavior. The lie didn’t cause the adultery but, the lusting (usually the initial behavior) after another person that is not their spouse, was the root cause. As human beings, we all need to work on the source of sin within our hearts, on a continual basis. Many people will work on the surface of their various problems but fail to delve deeper into the root cause. In Mark 7:15, 21-22, Jesus diagnosed the spiritual condition of every human… “It is what comes out of a person that defiles them,” (v.15) and, in verses 21-22, He listed the sins that are at times contained within our hearts. Throughout the Bible, many of God’s children cried out to Him for help with their sinful conditions, asking Him to clean their hearts, their ideas, and their thoughts. For example, in Psalm 51:9-10, David cried out to God to blot out his sins and to renew a right spirit within him. May we seek to not just treat the symptoms of our lives but look to work on the root cause. God wishes for all His children to not be led astray into temptation and then to sin. I pray we all continue to die to our sins daily and, that we allow God’s word, His teaching, to guide us throughout our lives. If we fall into sin, may we repent (meaning to turn away from sin) and ask for cleansing through the blood of Jesus. May we not just treat the symptoms but, allow Jesus to purify the source of our sinful hearts. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Hebrews 12:11 (ESV) All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work. 2 timothy 3:16-17 (ESV) King David in the Old Testament was known as a man after God’s own heart. But while he was at the height of his power, he allowed his passions to get the better of him. He used his position as king to commit adultery with another man’s wife and have that man murdered in order to take the wife for himself (2 Samuel 12:1-15). There are many different lessons we can unpacked from this story however, I want to focus on how David reacted when receiving correction from Nathan the prophet. When Nathan confronted David about his sin of adultery and murder involving Bathsheba and her late husband Uriah, David could have had Nathan killed due to his position and power as king. In times past, many of those in authority in the Bible did just that, kill or seek to kill anyone who confronted them with the truth. Fortunately, in this story, David listened to Nathan the prophet and repented of his sins. Listening to Bible stories we sometimes try to compare ourselves to those in Bible times. We like to think we wouldn’t fall into the same traps they did back then and we’d tell ourselves, we would be so much better in making decisions. In addition we’d also would think we’re much better at receiving correction from others than those during Bible times. However, when comparing, we tend to forget we’re living hundreds of years in the future, looking back on the decisions they were making in real time, as they lived out their lives. So, the question today is, how do we receive correction? How do we receive correction coming from individuals who are sharing God’s truth, based on His Holy Word, and not based on worldly ideals? Will we choose to listen wisely or, will we push back stating, we have the answers and, we’ve got this! In this 21st century, it can definitely be challenging to listen to, as well as follow Godly counsel. There are many who will scoff at God’s wisdom and, they will encourage others to do the same. On the flip side of this question, we should also ask ourselves, how are we in giving Godly counsel to others? Will we appear arrogant, feeling others should listen to what we have to say? Or, would we be caring and genuinely concerned to see a positive change take place in the other person? As stated earlier, King David, chose to listen to Nathan the Prophet and repent of his sins. May we too seek to listen to wise Godly counsel and apply those truths as we live out our lives. And may we be ready and able to give Godly counsel to others, whenever needed. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalm 34:19 I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 Have you ever met people who feel Christians have an idyllic life with no problems? There are even those who say one of the reasons they became a Christian was because they thought they would have less stress and problems. However, those who have studied God’s word and have walked with Him for many years, know this is far from the truth. Living this life as a Christian or not, you will face troubles. The difference is how you maintain as you go through life’s struggles. As the verse above states, the righteous will have many troubles in this life but, God will be there with His children. Everyone at some point in time will experience various types of loss. It could be the loss of loved ones, job/financial security, the break-up of relationships, loss of our health, our youth, and the list can go on and on. Even though God states we will have trouble, He lets us know He will never leave us and, He will give us the strength to endure the various trials. Many times, throughout the Bible it is stated we will have trouble as we live in this fallen, sin-filled world. God’s intent is not to scare us or cause constant worry. His desire is, to be honest, and make us aware, that we live in a fallen/troubled world, and that we will encounter difficulties. He wants His children to prepare physically, emotionally, mentally as well as spiritually, to face whatever challenges this life will bring. He always wants us to know, He will be with us every step of the way on our journey through life. In John 16:33, God shares how we can have peace through trials through Him. Meaning, while going through challenging situations, we can mentally, emotionally, and spiritually lean on and trust God to work everything out. We may not “feel” He is there, but we must intellectually choose to believe that He is with us always. Jesus, God’s Son came to Earth and faced many trials and dangers. He gave us an example of constant prayer and connection to God the Father, in order to have the strength to endure life’s pains and heartaches. May we all develop and maintain a constant connection with God and seek His peace, as we navigate our life’s journey. Blessings, Angélique To contact:  Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2 (ESV) Thermometer – An instrument for measuring and indicating temperature. Thermostat – A device that automatically regulates temperature. How many of us from time to time can identify with going along with the crowd, even when we really didn’t agree with what was being said or the activity? I believe we all have been guilty of this at least once in our lifetime. But during those times, have you ever tried to actually “change” the atmosphere of that crowd? Change the temperature, just like a thermostat? As children of God, He calls us to change the “temperature” of our environment for the better. We are called to shift worldly thinking and seek to change the thermostat of our surroundings. To do this, we need to follow the many examples illustrated throughout the Bible. Jesus, using Godly wisdom, never forced any person or any situation to change. By showing love, compassion, and understanding, He was able to reach out to the individual or group, and be a “thermostat” of positive, effective change. Now there are those who do seek to change the atmosphere by going along with worldly/popular standards, that are far removed from God’s principles. And in doing so, many find themselves being just thermometers, allowing society/pop culture to dictate the “norms” of their life. And of course, most of these “norms” are always opposite Godly ideals. Despite what’s happening in the world around you, seek to fill yourself up with God’s word and reflect His character in your daily interactions with everyone you meet. Allow Him to permeate your life and in turn, go forth into the world by shining His light of love. When you do this, you are taking on the ” thermostat ” role that seeks to positively change and impact this world for the better. Seek not to be the thermometer, a person that just reflects and accepts what the world dictates. But be the thermostat, the Godly change maker in this world. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 (ESV) All things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. John 1:3 (ESV) Take a moment to breathe in and breathe out. If you’re able, go outside and feel the warmth or the coolness of the air. Look around and/or listen to the sounds of the day. As you do this exercise, look at every living being–people and animals, as well as every flower, plant, tree, etc. And when you take it all in then think of the Creator of our earth, Jesus Christ. Additionally, when looking at the man-made objects around us, we still can give thanks to God who created man, who in turn created the objects. As you step momentarily away from the craziness of this world and take in God’s creation all around, may you view yourself as His most important and beautiful creation; His Masterpiece. In everything we say or do, may we seek to be Christ-centered. He wants to live in us and be an integral part of our daily lives. However, He has given us the power of choice, the free will to choose to allow Him into our lives or not. As we seek to allow our lives to be Christ-centered, understand and realize your choices will be countercultural in many societies in this world. The current state of what is “normal and acceptable” in this world constantly goes against what God has stated in His word. There are many who will “go along” with the world’s norms because they don’t want to stand apart or be deemed different. They will go along with various ideas/choices, even though they know they are not right, and they go against God’s principles. And little do these same people realize, they are filling themselves up with potential pain and anguish in the future, over the decisions they’re making today. Choices that God wish they would have avoided, by following Him. Seek to live a life where Christ is the center and is in everything you do. At times it will be difficult, we all tend to want what we want, and make decisions based on these wants and desires. But hopefully, we will choose to stop, turn away from sinful desires, and turn back to God. Seek to have Christ in your life always and look for evidence of Him all around you every day. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. Ephesians 2:10 (ESV) Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. Ephesians 5:1 (ESV) How would you describe your identity? If someone were to ask you to describe who you are, what would you say? Many would describe their physical characteristics, their vocations, or even their political party. However, we are not just our race, our sex, our ethnicity, or our vocation. People often identify themselves with the various labels that society places on them. But that is not who they truly are. All of us need to peel back and discover who we really are as God’s children. We need to realize we were all born male or female and God placed us here for a reason. Every human being that ever lived, that is living currently, and who will live in the future, was placed on Earth by God for a divine purpose and calling. For some, the reason they are here will be known by many and the impact they will have will be great. Whereas there are those, whose impact on others may seem small and only targeted to those around them. However, no one should discount the seemingly “smaller” group of people being impacted. One may never know how the influence on that small group or an individual, can turn into a significant impact for many in the future. In addition, oftentimes we are also guilty of placing identities or profiling others based on their looks, their vocation, where they live, what friend groups they are associated with, etc. But, when we look to the Bible and Jesus as our example, did He judge, identify, or profile people based on their looks or occupation? No, He did not, and nor should we as His children. Of course, our looks and vocation can be a description of us and a description of what we do but, those descriptions are not our actual identity. Our identity is our true purpose for God placing us here on Earth. It is our gift to His people and to His world. To discover our true identity, we need to spend time with God through prayer, Bible study, and attending a Bible-teaching/believing church. We need to not fall into the false identities others or even we ourselves place on us, based on looks, vocations, possessions, etc. May we not just follow a model of others and act or behave as they do, even if they are a good role model. May we allow God to help us forge our own true identities in Him. And then, may we use those gifts, talents, and spheres of influence, to help those around us as they go about living their lives. May we ultimately use our true God-given identities to encourage others into a wonderful life-long relationship with our Father in Heaven. Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com

Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the law of the Lord! Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart, who also do no wrong, but walk in his ways! You have commanded your precepts to be kept diligently. Oh, that my ways may be steadfast in keeping your statutes! Psalm 119:1-5 (ESV) Ethics: moral principles that govern a person’s behavior or the conducting of an activity. Morals: a lesson, especially one concerning what is right or prudent. Most people have a set of governing ethics and morals in their life. They abide by a certain moral and ethical code and make all their decisions based on that code. So, the question is not a matter of having ethics and morals, the question is what, are the guiding principles they are based upon? Are they based on worldly viewpoints? A mixture of worldly viewpoints, our culture, our own spin on life? Or are they based on God’s word, found in the Bible? Many times throughout the Bible, people turned from God and His teachings and turned instead to what they felt was right in their own eyes. It was true in Bible times, and it still seems true today. Many will seek to follow their ideal of morality based on how it fits with their life plans. If God says not to engage in a certain behavior, people will do it anyway and sometimes will push the limits even further. Today many throughout the world are constantly rationalizing evil or wrong deeds. In addition, there are those who say they follow God however, they are just going through the motions, while continuously ignoring His moral code. As God’s children, this should not be. The Bible was given as a guidebook for us to make good choices, not only for ourselves but, for those around us as well. So, as for the ethics and morals that you live by, are they based on what you say is right? Or what God says? Blessings, Angélique To contact: Angelique@21stcenturygodlyliving.com