LeMonique

My Dad Elias Emanuel Curiel: A Good Man

Thinking about your father what memories do you recall? One way to learn more about yourself is to think back on your father's character. I enjoy doing this because my dad was a unique blend of discipline with a lovely sense of humor. He was a quiet, private man. I always loved to hear him laugh. It kind of told me that everything was secure.

I experienced my Dad look after his mother- he used to visit my Grandma Mai everyday. A great example of 'honor thy parents'. Most important, he taught me about character. He did what was right, even when no one was looking. I never heard him lie, and his eyes always asked the same truth in return. My Dad Elias is now resting in peace in the arms of The heavenly Father, but the mental image of his character still energizes my life everyday.

The lesson for today is: In what ways do you hope to influence your children? How does your life match up to the ideals and values of the learnings we receive daily from our Heavenly Father?

Pray: Dear God, grant me the serenity, the strength and wisdom to be a godly parent. Amen.

Agmeth & Monique - In Celebration of our 15th Wedding Anniversary

Agmeth & Monique Crafton-Curiel
Curaçao, February 23, 1995

Lord, Thank You for this couple who loves You and each other.

As they celebrate the time when You first made them one, may Your blessings be upon their love and their lives.

Give them joy for their memories and anticipation of all You still have in store for them. Amen.

WHAT SHOULD I GIVE UP FOR LENT?

Chocolate? Ice Cream? Soda?

Many of us try to be more disciplined for Lent and give up something that we really like. That’s great! Fasting has always been an important tradition of Lent. This year however, let us also consider other things that we can give up.

Give up complaining – Focus on gratitude
Philippians 2:14 & 15 – Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure…
1 Thessalonians 5:18 – Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Jesus Christ.

Give up bitterness – Turn to forgiveness
Ephesians 4:31 – Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice.

Give up worry – Trust in God
Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life…who by worrying can add a single hour to his life?”
Matthew 6:33 – But seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Give up discouragement – Be full of hope
Deuteronomy 31:8 – The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you: he will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.
Isaiah 40:31 – But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

Give up hatred – Return good for evil
1 John 2:9 – Anyone who claims to be in the light but hates his brother is still in the darkness.
Luke 6:27 – “But I tell you who hear me; Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you.”

Give up anger – Be more patient
Matthew 5:22 – But I tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment.
Proverbs 15:18 – A hot tempered man stirs up dissension, but a patient man calms a quarrel.

Give up Gossiping – Control your tongue
Psalm 34:13 – Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies.
Proverbs 21:23 – He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from calamity.

Heal Your Lifestyle with B-Fit

A Pregnancy Devotional

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.

Whatever is true
You have been entrusted with the care and nurturing of a child of God.

Whatever is noble
You are the only one who can make the decisions that affect this child's health and well-being.

Whatever is right
God has called you to love your child with a sacrificial love, making your child's needs a higher priority than your own.

Whatever is pure
Loving your child is an act of obedience to God.

Whatever is lovely
The Bible says that we demonstrate our love for God by obeying him.

Whatever is admirable
You have already made decisions to place your child's needs ahead of your own.

Whatever is excellent
With God's help, you will continue to act in ways that love your child.

Whatever is praiseworthy
In the end, your child will be born to a mother who has learned how to love him.

After spending some time meditating on this passage of scripture, you may enjoy working through a set of questions in the Spiritual Preparation section.

What would you like next?

Learn comfort techniques for labor.

Find out how what you eat can impact how you give birth.

Learn ways to stay comfortable during pregnancy.

Get emotionally prepared to give birth.

THE ‘HOW TO’ GUIDE FOR LOVE

"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." 1 Corinthians 13:4--7

Provide basic principles and show the attitude of LOVE to every relationship in our lives:

Be sincere

Reject what is evil

Cling to what is good

Be faithful

Be hospitable

Never return an unkind deed with an unkind deed

Be happy with those who are happy

Be sad with those who are sad

Get along

Don't be arrogant

Be a friend to someone regardless of his or her position or status

Don't take revenge, but trust God to look after you

As we put these principles into action, we will become friends who know how to love.

Say this: God, I want to be that kind of person. Teach me how to love like You love.

A Pumpkin is Like a Person

How is a pumpkin like a person?

This is still one of my favorite illustrations of salvation: A child who wants to carve a pumpkin carefully picks out a squash, scoops out the seeds and slop, throws out the mess, and cleans up the pumpkin.

God picks us out, too, and scoops out our sin and throws it away until we're washed clean and new.

This concept is beautifully related in the Christian Children's Book My Happy Pumpkin.

Check-in:

What a wonderful day to serve Jesus in how we live! WOOHOO!

Make sure you bless your body by drinking a huge glass of water on an empty stomach each morning. I have mine in hand right now and am so grateful for it. Thank you Father, for water. I know that it is helping put oxygen into my blood, cleaning out my colon, flushing out my fat and giving me more energy as it removes yucky toxins from my system. Not to mention that it gives my skin a much-needed face-lift from the inside out!

As we begin this new week focusing on God's headship over our lives let's rejoice in Him. Know Him. Do all for His glory.

Let us not seek the fleshly crowns appointed by men, for they do not satisfy. Rather, let's do everything we can to seek after our Redeemer and make good, healthy choices as we worship and welcome His glory. Embrace His wonderful crown of LIFE and enjoy the peace and security of belonging to the eternal family of THE KING OF KINGS. He'll get us where we need to go and exactly at the time we need to get there! Let's remain faithful in our walk and wait upon His timing!

My Valentine for Jesus

Laurie Lazzaro Knowlton's My Valentine for Jesus is a simple, sweet book ideal for young children who are just getting into Valentine Cards. In this board book, a little boy makes paper hearts for those he loves. "I'm saving back one little heart," he says, asking us to wait and see who he'll give it to.

First he gives a heart to Mommy, then Daddy and Grammy. Next is big brother, followed by baby. The last two page spread of the book reads: "I give my heart to Jesus. It's kind of small, like me. But every time I feel it beat, I know He loves me."

What I Like: The last line of the book is what makes this title so special. We're not just learning to show our love for our family and for God, but we're given this wonderful reminder: Every time our heart beats, it's saying "Jesus loves me." Throughout, Bucket Erdogan's illustrations are warm and rich, adding much interest.

What I Dislike: Nothing, although some parents may object that the last page show's the boy's drawing of Jesus.

Overall Rating: Excellent.

Age Appeal: Baby to Preschool.

Publishing Info: Zonderkidz, 2010; ISBN: 978-0310713333; board book, $4.99

Buy Now at ChristianBook.com for $3.49

OR buy at Amazon.com for $4.99

Finding Time to Read the Bible Together

Just as it's vital for moms to find time to read the Bible alone, it's vital for them to find time to read and discuss it with their husbands. Not only does Bible and prayer time with your spouse add intimacy to your marriage, but it helps couples resolve conflicts and acknowledged their absolute dependence on Jesus for the health of their marriage and family.

But if you can barely find time to read the Bible by yourself, how on earth can you find time to read it with your husband? Here are a few ideas:

* Ideally, you and your husband can pull out the Bible and read a passage together once the kids are in bed.

* Get up early together and read the Bible.

* If you really can't find time to read the Bible together, try the next best thing: Choose a Bible passage to read separately during the day. Then, at night, discuss that passage together. If your husband has a hard time digging out his Bible in the middle of his work day, try emailing or text messaging the passage to him.

* Make sure non-essential things aren't getting in the way of Bible time. If you "don't have time" to read the Bible together, but manage to watch television, movies, sports, or participate in other activities together, think hard about how you're spending your time. (Try laying aside just a slice of that time for God's word; you'll be glad you did.) Even "good" things, like volunteering at church or working for charity, are less important that immersing your marriage in the Word.

* Make it a family event by having the kids read the pre-chosen Bible passage during the day, too. Then discuss it at dinner.

* Or, read the passage aloud when you sit down at the dinner table, then discuss it while you eat.

* Although it's a nice idea to read a daily or weekly devotional together as a couple, it's far more important to actually read the word of God. So if devotionals are getting in the way of your Bible time, reconsider them.

* If you truly cannot find time to read the Bible together, something is wrong. One or both of you are spending too much time away from the other; it's difficult to keep a marriage healthy under these conditions. So while you're trying to re-arrange your life so your marriage is high on your list of priorities, try to at least read the Bible together every weekend.

* When you've finished your Bible reading, be sure to take time to discuss the passage with your spouse. Then end by praying together. Really praying together - taking turns talking to God much more fulfilling and effective.

-Proverbs 31 Woman

Happy Birthday to both my Soul-Snack's

My family is a wonderful gift from God. Today, February 6, 2010, we celebrate with much joy the Birthday of my lovely Auntie Rutteke and my beautiful niece Elique. In the name of Jesus and by His authority I come, asking for the confirmation of grace, contentment & love I have expressed here.

Dear God, the Holy One of heaven, thank You for meeting me in this prayer. Thank You for repeatedly and consistently blessing Rutteke and Elique with all things good You send with express delivery from above. Thank You for letting them walk according to Your purposes. Nurture Elique, for she is growing in a new generation; and thank You for demostrating us through Rutteke how it is to have a personal walk with You. Thank You for having them be a redemptive influence wherever they are. Together with all Your saints and in great love, we rejoice singing 'Cumpleaños Felíz', and in Jesus' name, our Star of Hope we drawn even closer to You and say boldly: SALUT & Amen.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my Godly Husband

Salute to abundant life!

THE ONE WHO LEADS YOU, makes no mistakes; THE ONE WHO GUIDES YOU, has the right directions; THE ONE WHO COUNSELS YOU, has the wisest answers; THE ONE WHO PROVIDES FOR YOU, has the greatest recources; THE ONE WHO BLESSES YOU, brings the greatest joys.

Paps, we trust today is only the beginning of new joys and special blessings in your life. Happy Birthday to thee! Long live our cheerful King of everything!

True Bread, True Word

Jesus ate nothing for 40 days and nights.

After this, he was very hungry. The devil came to Jesus to tempt him. The devil said, "If you are the Son of God, tell these rocks to become bread." Jesus answered him, "It is written {in the Scriptures}, 'It is not just bread that keeps people alive. People's lives depend on what God says.'"

I pray: O Father, God, who fills every empty place and fulfills every need, stir me to a holy hunger for your Word and an insatiable appetite to do your will. Amen.

It is Well with My Soul

Remain healthy by maintaining a simple diet of pure feelings, good wishes and positive thoughts.

I stretch so that He is known, He will honour me. I will receive His favour.

Happy 2010

The Family on New Year's Eve

in celebration of Growing Rich in all things.

Grateful for the GREAT YEAR ahead, Amen.

Explore a 3D Panorama of Nazareth

Click on the picture for the 3D Tour

The 12 Days of Christmas...

source: Dr. Phillip Barnwell

In the Church "Christmas" refers to a twelve day period that starts with Christmas Day. There is where "The Twelve Days of Christmas" comes from. The world celebrates Christmas for 24 hours, but the Church celebrates if for 12 days because the gift of Christ is with us for twelve months of the year.

When most people hear of "The 12 Days of Christmas" they think of the song. This song originated as a tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of the Christian faith. From 1558 to 1829 Roman Catholics in England were not allowed to practice their faith openly. Someone wrote this carol as a catechism song for young Catholics.

"The 12 Days of Christmas" is an allegory. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of their church. Each element in the song is a code for a religious reality which helped the children remember.

The song says, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me...." The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents in the Christian?

...the "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God.

...the "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments--another gift from God.

...the "three French hens" were faith, hope and love--the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (I Corinthians 13).

...the "four calling birds" were the four Gospels, the books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

...the "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible, also called the Torah, the law or Books of Moses.

...the "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.

...the "seven swans a swimming" were seven gifts of the Spirit listed in Romans 12: prophecy, service, teaching, exhortation, giving, administration and mercy.

...the "eight maids a-milking" were the eight beatitudes found in the Sermon on the Mount.

...the "nine ladies dancing" were nine friuts of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galations 5:22-23).

...the "ten lords a-leaping" were the Ten Commandments.

...the "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples.

...the "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of belief in the Apostles' Creed.

Relieve Christmas stress

From fielding inappropriate questions from relatives to navigating the whose-family-should-we-spend-Christmas-Day-with debacle, below are five tips to help keep the holiday season as stress-free as possible.

Cramming several holiday parties into one day is a bad idea

The easiest way to prevent holiday stress from sneaking up on you is to keep your expectations realistic. If you’re in a relationship and both of your families celebrate the holidays on the same day, you may think it’s best to please everyone by leaving one party early and arriving late to another, but, in actuality, you’re just setting yourself up for disaster. Instead of trying to cram multiple parties into the same day, make it easy on yourself and let your families know that you will be rotating your attendance at each’s party every year.

Organize a Secret Santa exchange if money is tight

For people with big families, buying presents for everyone can be a real financial burden, especially if your relatives expect lavish ones. Instead of trying to skimp by with trinket gifts (or racking up huge credit card debt) talk to your family and organize a Secret Santa exchange, where everyone in the gift-giving group will only be required to shop for one person. Not only does it ensure that no one feels left out, it will save you a lot of time scouring the mall searching for presents for your irritating Aunt Sally that you’d rather not buy a present for anyway.

Don’t feel obligated to send people a card or give them a gift just because they sent you one

When confronted with an unexpected holiday gift, you have two options: keep a stock of back up presents for such situations or just graciously thank the person for the gift. When it comes to holiday presents, there’s no quid pro quo rule in place.

Don’t let your relatives get to you

Spending several days in the same house with your family can either leave you joyful or exasperated. If it’s the latter, prepare yourself if your family is the type to ask embarrassing or inappropriate questions over the dinner table by thinking of evasive answers that you may be able to give. Also, if seeing your family causes more grief than pleasure, remember it’s okay to say no too. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the holidays with just your partner or kids if your extended family members drive you bonkers.

When everything else fails, spike the eggnog

The holidays are both the most wonderful and chaotic time of the year. Luckily they only last for a little over a month. So, despite any stress you may experience, just take a deep breath and remember January will be here before you know it.

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De Oliebollen Extravaganza
Jacqueline Gibbs
email: jacqgibbs@hotmail.com
Tel: 5157897

Celebrate the Second Week of Advent

By Lisa Robertson
Author, Advent Booklet

CBN.com - "The birth of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth -- the very thing the whole story has been about." -- C.S. Lewis

Advent is the first season in the church calendar. Since the 7th century A.D., Christians have included this celebration in their preparation for Christmas Day.

Beginning four Sundays before Christmas, its purpose is twofold: first, it prepares us for the celebration of the birth of Christ and second, it reminds us that we are eagerly waiting for Jesus' return in glory.

The word "advent" originates from the Latin word advenio which means "coming to". Advent is the time when we focus on Christ coming to the world. Throughout history, the Israelites anticipated the coming of their Messiah. In the Old Testament, over 400 scriptures and prophecies outline His birth, life, death, resurrection, and return. God had a plan to redeem His people. He declared His plan to His prophets over the centuries and is fulfilling His Word even now.

"Prepare the way of the Lord" serves as a main theme of this season. As we get ready for Christmas, we should not neglect to prepare our lives for Jesus, who came as "the light of the world." His light penetrated a dark world, which allowed all to see their Messiah, and the hope of their future.

Today we need to be prepared for the coming of Christ. Learning more about what the Bible reveals about Christ's return will enable us to understand the possible significance of world events.

Be ready and watchful, for the light of the world has come and will surely come again.

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT: HOPE

We light a second purple candle on the second Sunday of Advent to represent the hope of Christ coming to the world.

The word "hope" has two meanings in the Bible. The first, tiqvah, contains the sense of eager anticipation or waiting. The second, elpis. depicts a sense of confident expectation based on certainty. Biblical hope is secured by God's faithfulness to His promises. For the Old Testament leaders, their hope was in the Messiah's arrival. For us, it is the hope of the Messiah's return.

God's plan for humanity unfolded in the town of Bethlehem, the birthplace of the Messiah, joyously fulfilling a long-awaited promise. Today we confidently wait for the Messiah's triumphant return.

DAY ONE: HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

"But you, Bethlehem, only a small village in Judah, yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from a distant past ... And He will stand to lead His flock with the Lord's strength ... Then His people will live undisturbed, for He will be highly honored all around the world. And He will be the source of our peace." (Micah 5:2, 4-5)

This is one of the most powerful messianic passages because Bethlehem is pinpointed as the birthplace of the Messiah. Written 750 years before Christ, Micah tells of the honor which will belong to Bethlehem. Christ's deity and humanity are shown here -- He is a shepherd, leading with the strength of God, bringing peace to His people.

The precision of God's promises proclaimed and fulfilled inspire us continually to hope in God. The hope of Christians is not wishful thinking, but based on the historical facts of Christ's birth, death and resurrection, and in the confidence of His eagerly anticipated return.

Heavenly Father, You are the source of all hope and we know our hope is in You -- You will not disappoint us. Teach us this week to anchor our hope in Jesus. Help us to persevere with You when we feel like giving up. We eagerly wait for Your return. Amen.

Felis Temporada di Advènt - Happy Christian Season of Advent

“Señor, Abo ta nos Tata; nos ta e klei i Abo ta modelá nos”

Nos ta den temporada Atvènt

ku ta nifiká “Esun ku ta bini, òf Esun ku mester bini”, i ku esaki Liturgia ke yuda nos pa prepará nos mes pa risibí Esun ku “tin ku bini”, kier men Kristu Glorifiká.

“Bolbe, pa amor di Bo sirbidónan Señor, Abo ta nos Tata; nos ta e klei i Abo ta modelá nos”. Nos ta rekonosé Dios komo orígen di e hende i fuente di tur sentido.

Den Evangelio nos ta rekonosé dos personahe: e doño di kas i e pòrtir. E doño, ku ta representá Dios, a sali i lo regresá algun dia, ora ku ménos e pòrtir ta sper’é (nifikashon di anochi) i e tarea di e pòrtir ta, pa kuida e kas p'asina su hefe lo hañ’é ta realisá e tarea ku el a enkarg’é kuné. Aki nos ta haña dos tema masha interesante pa meditá ariba. Di un banda e realidat ta, ku nos tur ta poseé den nos interior, un deseo, un anhelo di Dios (nos Tata) ku ta laga nos sklama di hopi manera “bini Señor”; i di otro banda, e promesa di Dios ku sigur lo bini, pues E ta fiel na su Palabra i algun dia lo E bini bèk pa realisá e union definitivo aki entre Dios i hende. Ta p'esei Hesus ta pidi nos: “sea alèrta”.

Laga nos kòrda ku nos ta únikamente pòrtir di e kas, ku e doño lo bini bèk un dia p'asina nos dun'E kuenta di nos trabou. Laga nos rebibá nos kompromiso ku “e Doño di kas”; kiko nos a hasi ku loke El a konfia na nos kuné?

“Bolbe serka nos”; laga nos meditá bon riba esaki, pasobra di esaki Atvènt ta trata, esta pa reflekshoná riba nos vokashon pa biba den union perfekto ku Dios.