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Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ. 1 Corinthians 11:1 (ESV) Therefore, be imitators of God, as beloved children. And walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. Ephesians 5:1-2 (ESV) Who do you imitate in this world? All of us usually will imitate and emulate someone we have met or admired from afar. The definition of imitate:  to copy someone’s actions, appearance, or manner. To emulate means to strive to equal or excel in imitating someone who is admired. So, the question is this, whom have you strived to imitate? Is it someone in the entertainment industry whether it be television, movies, music, fashion, or sports? How about a politician, a lawyer, or a doctor? It is natural for humans to follow other humans and depending on who they choose to follow, it can have an impact on their behavior, attitude, and life values.   The pull of this world is great, and many are sometimes drawn to imitating other people. The societal norms of pop culture and the lure of pleasure to enjoy life no matter what can draw many to follow others and the life they believe  these people are living from what they see on social media. One may assume a person is good based on what they listen to and see in the media, not really knowing the truth. Unfortunately, there are plenty of hate-filled, evil individuals on Earth, and due to their position, wealth, and/or power, many people imitate and/or emulate these individuals.   However, if one chooses to imitate another, look to choose a person who is honest, good, and has moral integrity. And honestly, instead of looking to imitate fallen, imperfect human beings, one should look to the life of Jesus Christ, and how He lived here on Earth. His life is a testament on how to interact with others and live a wholesome life that pleases God. Jesus’s life showed compassion and kindness and looked to uphold God’s principles and the love of His creation.   They say imitation is a form of flattery. However, people should not strive to flatter each other. Instead, one should look to live a life that is honest, pure, and pleases God. Strive to live life so that He would be proud of the choices made each and every day. So, remember, let us strive to imitate Jesus Christ and the life He lived today and always.   Blessings,   Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation. 1 Peter 2:12 (ESV) Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (ESV) What is your witness? What message are you projecting to others? So many times, when one thinks of witnessing, they think of Christians spreading God‘s messages throughout the world. Whether we are actively spreading God’s messages of hope, love, and peace to the world or, going about living our daily lives, we are being a witness to everyone we meet. A lot of times people do not realize that when they interact with others, they are being a witness. If you are loving and kind to others, you are witnessing. On the flip side, if you are arguing and fighting with others, yelling and screaming at your kids consistently, you are being a witness. People notice the inconsistency in our behavior when we exhibit kindness and caring towards others but exhibit a different behavior towards close family and friends. We all can say kind words and do acts of service when we know we are being watched but, how do we behave when we think no one sees us? People respond to what they see and how they (and others) are being treated. Whether we realize it or not, even if we do not utter a word from the Bible, others will look at our behavior and our attitude towards others. They can see the Godly characteristics/ behaviors being lived out in you, as well as those behaviors that are not.   Now, there will be times that everyone will have bad days and not be on their best behavior. That is normal human nature. However, the negative witnessing I am addressing here consistently exhibits attitudes and behaviors that are neither kind nor honorable. If a person is usually kind, humble, and loving, they are sharing a witness that pleases God. For those who are cantankerous, malicious, and evil, this witness is indicative of the sinful nature of this world.   As you move forward in life, remember to continually get close to God and His Holy Word. Seek to cultivate a spirit that shares the witness of humility, peace, love, and unity, with the world. We are living in an exceedingly difficult and crazy time in Earth’s history. The darkness of this world requires the light of God emanating from all of us to illuminate our part of the world.   What is your witness? Blessings, Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

Do not plan evil against your neighbor, who dwells trustingly beside you. Proverbs 3:29 (ESV) And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31 (ESV) But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? 1 John 3:17 (ESV) Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Philippians 2:4 (ESV)   Do you consider yourself a good neighbor? In this polarized and divisive society we live in, do you honestly consider yourself, a good neighbor? Can your neighbor look to you to assist and help in a time of crisis? Or are you a neighbor who comes and goes, sticking to your home, and not interacting at all with anyone? Throughout the entire Bible, God emphasizes being kind to your neighbor. If someone asked who is my neighbor, it could be the person living next to you, a co-worker at the office, another student at the desk next to you, the person who sits on the same pew at church, or the very next person you meet. The point is God does not want us to live a life of isolation or in our own personal vacuum as if others around us do not exist. On the other hand, God does not encourage one to go overboard and constantly be in your neighbor’s life and business; there is a Bible verse that addresses this, Proverbs 25:17. However, He does encourage us to reach out and be caring and attentive to each other.   Given the current global events, particularly in the United States, more people than ever need friendly neighbors who offer support and care. Fear of harm, both personal and collective, has created a climate of uncertainty. In addition, loneliness is a common issue, and many people yearn for meaningful interactions.   So many in this digital age hide behind cell phones, laptops, and various digital devices instead of interacting with each other face to face. As God’s children, we should not lose the human touch and connection. While we should not be intrusive, I do encourage checking in on them from time to time and seeing how they are doing. They, as well as you, need encouragement to continue this journey called life.   May we all seek to go out and make a difference in the world by being friendly, helpful, caring, and kind to everyone we meet.   Blessings, Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. John 14:27 (ESV) Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”  Joshua 1:9 (ESV) 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 (ESV) Have you been keeping up with the news, especially if you live in the US? The recent bombing in Iran and the headlines warning Americans to be on high alert have caused a lot of fear and anxiety, both here and around the world. It is natural to feel worried when things are uncertain, but what can we do as God’s children to manage these feelings?   In the verses above, and many other verses throughout the Bible, God says, for us not to worry or fear. However, as we go about our busy lives, how does one not become fearful or anxious, when taking in the current state of the world? To be honest, it is not easy. God understands our concerns and fears. He knows our need for reassurance and comfort when the future is so uncertain. The way one begins to tackle this is to realize you cannot stop feeling fearful or anxious. Those feelings will come and trying to fight them off or ignore them is pointless. When they do show up, acknowledge them, but then say, “I won’t give in, and I won’t let these feelings control me.”   We may not know what will happen however, we do know the one who is Master over the past, the present, and the future. God knows all and has proven He can be trusted. By praying consistently and studying His word, we will gain knowledge of this world’s future and of His soon return.   Some tips on how to manage your fears and anxious thoughts: -Acknowledge these feelings and do not brush them aside or downplay them. Figure out what might be causing them. -Practice, calming techniques. Closing your eyes and taking deep breaths. Focus on a peaceful/happy place or memory. Focus on God‘s love and care for you, despite what is happening all around. -Do not allow negative thoughts and feelings to spiral out of control. You will feel anxious/fearful but, do not allow yourself to go down a negative dark path. -Be kind to yourself when you do feel this way. Tend to your needs. Exercise, take a walk, eat, get proper rest, and pamper yourself. -Most importantly, pray and study God‘s word. Even though you may not “feel” at peace, nor fully understand what is going on. Despite this, decide to trust God and know that He has everything under control. Trust and believe that no matter what happens, He will be there.   Now, if your anxious feelings and thoughts go much deeper and you feel you may need to speak to someone, please do not hesitate to seek the professional attention/care that you need. There are many people in the church and outside of it who have a therapist they see regularly, and that is perfectly okay.   Despite the fearful and anxious feelings, you may experience from time to time, know for certain that God is there and is working out a plan. Trust that God has everything under control and continue to move forward and spread His message of love to others. Seek to give encouragement to everyone as they navigate this journey called life.   Blessings, Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. Galatians 6:7-8 (ESV) And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the sky above; and those who turn many to righteousness, like the stars forever and ever. Daniel 12:3 (ESV)   Our actions and words, particularly those involving others, have both immediate and long-term repercussions in this life and beyond. In the current culture, many prioritize self-gratification and happiness, disregarding potential consequences. This mindset often leads individuals to believe that they can achieve happiness at any cost, disregarding the well-being of others. The Bible provides numerous examples illustrating the outcomes of individuals who prioritize their own desires over future consequences.   Consider King David, a man after God’s own heart. He was crowned King of Israel, possessing wealth, status, power, wives, and children. However, he chose to pursue another man’s wife, impregnate her, and subsequently had her husband murdered, so he could marry her. The repercussions of King David’s actions caused significant damage for the remainder of his life, and the ripple effects of these consequences were evident in his children, his household, and his reign.   Today many of us are aware of broken households where spouses engaged in infidelity due to lustful passions. Subsequently, their choices initiated a chain reaction of sinful consequences that not only impacted them but also their families, friends, colleagues, church members, and others. It is paramount to cultivate virtues such as goodness, honesty, truthfulness, and integrity, and to consistently choose to live following God’s truth rather than falling into the darkness of this world.   The Bible provides numerous instances of individuals making wise  choices, and their descendants reaped the benefits of their decisions. For instance, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt and saved countless lives through his obedience to God. Similarly, the story of Ruth and Boaz, who are included in the genealogy of Jesus Christ, serves as a testament to the consequences of wise choices.   The decisions we make in life can have positive or negative ripple effects across generations, contingent upon our daily choices and actions. While we may not be perfect and will inevitably make mistakes, the question arises: do we learn and grow from these mistakes, refraining from repeating them, or do we prioritize carnal pleasures, disregarding the potential fallout of our decisions? The path we choose will determine the repercussions brought about because of our actions.   As children of God, let us strive to walk in the light of His love and precepts, making wise choices as we navigate life. Amidst the temptations of fleeting pleasure and enticements, let us resist and choose to follow God, seeking His lasting joy, happiness, and peace, that only He can give.    Blessings, Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? Galatians 5:13-15 (MSG) Have you ever stopped to think what an awesome privilege God has entrusted to all, in giving us His world and His people? He has given us dominion over this world and access to His children. Whether His children are different colors, shapes, sizes, economic status, religious preferences, etc. He has allowed us all free access to interact with one another. He has also created this world, from the sky to the deepest parts of the ocean, and everything in between. He has created every human being that has ever lived or, who shall live. And with all of this, He has given His children dominion over His earthly creation, that includes His people.   The true freedom God has given to all is that we can choose to behave as we see fit. We can choose to behave the way God wants with love, empathy, compassion, kindness, and self-control. Or we can choose the darker behaviors of jealousy, strife, envy, lying, manipulations, controlling behaviors, bullying, etc. To have the true freedom that God speaks of, we need to behave in a manner in which God would be pleased. Seeking to engage in behaviors that are fitting as His children. To treat His children, fellow human beings, our brothers and sisters, as you would treat yourself or a loving family member. In addition, to have Godly freedom of this world, we need to treat His planet with care, love, and respect. All of us need to do what we must to protect the environment; not just for ourselves or future generations, but because it is His world, and He expects it. So, what are you doing with the true freedom God has gifted to you? How are you positively impacting your interactions with His children, and with the world He has created? Blessings, Angélique~ To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

It is absolutely clear that God has called you to a free life. Just make sure that you don’t use this freedom as an excuse to do whatever you want to do and destroy your freedom. Rather, use your freedom to serve one another in love; that’s how freedom grows. For everything we know about God’s Word is summed up in a single sentence: Love others as you love yourself. That’s an act of true freedom. If you bite and ravage each other, watch out—in no time at all you will be annihilating each other, and where will your precious freedom be then? Galatians 5:13-15 (MSG) Have you ever stopped to think what an awesome privilege God has entrusted to all, in giving us His world and His people? He has given us dominion over this world and access to His children. Whether His children are different colors, shapes, sizes, economic status, religious preferences, etc. He has allowed us all free access to interact with one another. He has also created this world, from the sky to the deepest parts of the ocean, and everything in between. He has created every human being that has ever lived or, who shall live. And with all of this, He has given His children dominion over His earthly creation, that includes His people. The true freedom God has given to all is that we can choose to behave as we see fit. We can choose to behave the way God wants with love, empathy, compassion, kindness, and self-control. Or we can choose the darker behaviors of jealousy, strife, envy, lying, manipulations, controlling behaviors, bullying, etc. To have the true freedom that God speaks of, we need to behave in a manner in which God would be pleased. Seeking to engage in behaviors that are fitting as His children. To treat His children, fellow human beings, our brothers and sisters, as you would treat yourself or a loving family member. In addition, to have Godly freedom of this world, we need to treat His planet with care, love, and respect. All of us need to do what we must to protect the environment; not just for ourselves or future generations, but because it is His world, and He expects it. So, what are you doing with the true freedom God has gifted to you? How are you positively impacting your interactions with His children, and with the world He has created? Blessings, Angélique~ To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua, and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great work that the Lord had done for Israel. Joshua 2:7 (ESV)   And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another generation after them who did not know the Lord or the work that he had done for Israel. Joshua 2:10 (ESV)   The following statements unfortunately, are true in the minds of many people: “I am an adult, and I can do whatever I want! I can make my own choices and decisions! Unlike past generations, our society is more enlightened and informed due to our knowledge and technological advances! Therefore, we  are not going to make the mistakes that are forefathers made, in the past.” Why is it we believe our generation has it altogether, than those who came before us? We feel we have the blueprint on how to live our best life based on current societal norms. In reality however, we, just like our ancestors in biblical times, are committing the same sins over, and over again.   Some of our mistakes and life choices/patterns are generational and unknowingly inherited from our forefathers in the past. In the Bible, God states that they overcame by the blood of the Lamb (i.e., the death of Jesus Christ) and their testimonies (Revelation 12:11). Those who came before us must honestly share testimonies of their life choices, both positive and negative, to prevent future generations from repeating their mistakes and descending the same sinful path.   In the verses above, we observe that after Joshua and the leaders who followed him passed away, this new generation did not know God. Why is that? One can surmise that their parents, while they were still alive, did not share testimonies of their slavery, the wilderness journey and how God brought them eventually through to the Promise Land. If the parents and grandparents shared their mistakes and rebellion and the reasons why they had to wander in the dessert for forty years, this could have aided the future generation in making better choices as they moved forward. This principle applies to us today as well. Many of the bad decisions we have made in the past can be perpetuated with our children because we do not share our life’s journey and the sinful mistakes we have committed.   A crucial reminder for all of us should be that we are not exceptional or superior compared to prior generations or the future generations that will come after us. We need to share the positive as well as the negative decisions we have made and what we have learned from those experiences. We must strive to live life making choices based on biblical principles, as God’s word serves as the sole blueprint for living our best lives. Of course, there will be times when we choose to share our testimonies, and the younger generation may refuse to hear us. In such cases, we must pray that they will eventually listen and turn away from the the dangerous path they are on.   As we progress through life, let us make decisions not based on societal norms but rather on the divine principles outlined in the Bible. Furthermore, let us share our testimonies and life experiences with others, particularly our children. By doing so, we can encourage them to make more sound choices, recognizing that their decisions can have a profound impact on future generations.   Blessings, Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

Incline my heart to your testimonies, and not to selfish gain! Psalm 119:36 (ESV) Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 (ESV) To Covet :  A desire to want  something or someone that belongs to another. A strong and sometimes jealous desire for something and/or someone that is not rightfully yours. Throughout the Bible, God speaks of covetousness and wanting what your neighbor has, and you do not. It is written many times within the 10 Commandments where God says Do not covet. Why did God say this? He knows His children and their human mind and desires very well. All of us to some degree have a desire to obtain what we do not already possess, whether it’s looks, money, power, societal position, relationships, etc. Of course, it is natural to want objects and relationships that one does not currently have however, the problem develops when wrongful intent, that turns into jealous desire, causes one to do whatever it takes, to possess the object of one's covetousness. God says this in Luke 12:15, “And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” A few verses later in Luke, 12:20-21 it says, “But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’   So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” God is making it clear that constant fussing and striving for possessions, is not the reason He has placed us here on this Earth. Rather than wasting time pining after material possessions or trying to keep up with others and what they have, our focus needs to be on what is important in life. We only have one life to live, and God placed us here to make a positive impact on this world. As you read on in verses 22-23 of the same chapter, God encourages us to look beyond just our material possessions and our physical needs, the verses state life is more than food and the body more than the clothes it wears. Unfortunately, we live in a society ( in the United States and other parts of the world ), where it has been drummed into our minds that it's all about personal pleasure: what I want, what pleases me, what makes me happy. It encourages people to do what it takes to have material possessions and relationships that are not built on biblical principles. And God made it clear in the verses above that this is not wise because one does not know when their time here on earth is over. And all the toiling to obtain these possessions will go to someone else to enjoy. As we move forward in life , rather than storing up possessions for ourselves here on earth, we should be seeking to establish and build up our relationship   with God. In Luke 12:30-31, God states, “For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you. And finally, in Luke 12:34 God states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.’  I pray that our ultimate focus will be to understand the true meaning of life, which is to do the will of our Father in Heaven. Blessings, Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

The silver is mine, and the gold is mine, declares the  Lord  of hosts. Haggai 2:8 (ESV) The Earth is the laws and the fullness thereof, the world, and those who dwell therein, Psalm 24:1 (ESV)   Have you ever stopped to think that everything belongs to God? I mean everything! Sometimes we get it twisted when we think of our family, our relationships, our education, our career, our money, our possessions, our bodies ; we think everything is up to us, is under our control, and solely belongs to us. How wrong we are! Everything on this planet is God’s and was created by Him.   Even though God owns everything as the verses above state, He allows us to be executors or administrators of His world and all of His creation. Similar to someone being named as an executor over on an estate or an administrator/manager over property they do not own. In these examples, the owner may allow them to make decisions and take care of the property as they see fit but, ultimately the property belongs to the owner, and not the executor or the administrator. This is the same concept here on Earth as it relates to our relationship with our Father in Heaven and His creation.   Despite God owning everything on Earth as well as the Earth itself, He allows His children to have control and dominion over the animals, the fish in the sea, the vegetation, and all the land. His expectation is that we behave accordingly and treat His world, as well as each other with dignity and respect. Unfortunately, based on all that we are seeing in the news here in the United States and around the world, we are failing at being good stewards of God‘s world, as well as the treatment of His people.   Going forward, I pray we will always keep in the forefront of our minds that everything belongs to God and not to us. That we will seek to show greater appreciation for His creation and will take the necessary steps, to care for what God has entrusted to us. May we daily choose to care for God’s world, His people, and ourselves, in such a way that will be beneficial and pleasing to Him. Blessings, Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. Jeremiah 29:12 (ESV) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 (ESV)   The other day I was about to enter the hardware store when an elderly lady walking next to me commented about the beautiful day and asked if she could give me a folded piece of paper that contained a prayer. Now, I rarely take anything from a stranger, but at that moment, I felt the Holy Spirit stirring and I said yes, then took the paper. I did not read it right away but continued my shopping, however, when I returned to my car, I read it. As I read, I felt the words were a blessing from God. I may never see this lady again and to my knowledge, the author is unknown. But for today’s post, I would like to share this prayer which, I did have to alter slightly for the sake of clarity. I hope this prayer will be a blessing to you and others with whom you will share. Lord ,  I am yours. Whatever the cost may be, may Your will be done in my life. I realize I am not here on Earth to do my own thing or to seek my own fulfillment, my own glory. I am not here to indulge my desires, to increase my possessions, to impress people, to be popular, to prove I am somebody important, or to promote myself. I am not here even to be relevant or successful by human standards. I am here to love, to serve, and to obey You. I offer myself to You for You are worthy. All that I am or hope to be, I owe it all to You. I am Yours by creation and, every day I receive from You all things, especially the breath of life. I am Yours because You bought me with a price - -the precious blood of Christ. You alone are worthy to be my Lord and my Master. I yield to You, gracious and glorious Heavenly Father, to Jesus Christ, who loved me and gave Himself for me, to the Holy Spirit – for His gracious influence and empowerment. All that I am and all that I have I give to You. I give You any rebellion in me that resists doing Your will. I give You my pride and self-dependence, in order to do Your will throughout my life. I consent to let You energize me – to create within me every day  both the desire and the power to do Your will. I give You my body and its members, my entire life:  my mind, my emotions, my will, my loved ones, my marriage, my hope for marriage, my singleness, my abilities, my gifts, my strengths/weaknesses, my health, my possessions. Lord, I surrender to You my past, my present, and my future. Lord, I pray, may I be a joy to You. Blessings, Angélique To contact:  21stcglmediateam@gmail.com

Repost. Originally posted in April 10, 2020 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~