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Family Matters:  Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible  |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
 Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 04:08:56 AM
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Oh Claudia thank you so much! It was a beautiful way to wake up this morning. Hearing loving words from one of my farmgirl sisters. I know that it all will work out, someway or another. It just pains me to see DH in such pain. He feels like hes not doing his job as a husband. I've told him we came into this union to be one and we'll continue to be that. I guess we really need to be praying for our country and the leaders we have. It seems that their focus is so on money that the have pushed the human population to the bottom of the list. There is no compassion for our fellow beings anymore. Thank the Lord that we have this site to share and show our love for each other. Again, thank you and God bless you.
Hugs, Brenda
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matter compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 09:21:02 AM
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Brenda, I can't say I know exactly how you feel, but my husband was also laid off for a year and a half. My husband also felt that way. I do believe that God is asking us to trust Him in all things. He must have a people who will or, as in Revelations for example, no one can buy or sell unless he takes the mark. What about everyone else? We must trust Him. Okay, that may be a sidetrack:)
Anyway, in our situation I looked at the different possibilities. Do I believe God is sovereign? Then He is in control. He gives many promises, Matthew 6:31-33 "Therefore do not worry saying What shall we eat? or What shall we wear? For afterallthese things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knowsthat you need thesethings. But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness and all thesethings shall be added to you. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow has its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble." Was I seeking FIRST Hiskingdom and His righteousness? Numbers 23:19 "God is not a man that He can lie..."
Was He trying to lead us in a different direction?
1 Peter 1:6-7 "...if need be, you have been grieved by various trial, that the genuiness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Christ." Faith isn't faith until it is tested. Was I being tested? YES!! Was I standing in faith?
Isaiah 59:2 "But your iniquities have seperated you from your God and your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear." Was something in my life seperating Him from me?
I also had to see that he was working in other people's lives, and that would of course affect me. Many of these possibilities applied in my case. It was tough. Sometimes we see the lack of finances as a failure. It is very humbling. Like Claudia said, we know it in our head, the tough part is getting it into our heart and our lives. In my situation, God was reaching out to us in a specific area, even though we never could have seen it from the way things appeared. A lot of times the blessing is hidden and not that obvious.
I don't mean to preach at you, please don't take it that way. Just sharing my experience. Like I said, I can't presume to know your situation. I will pray for you.
All of creation sings Your praise! |
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 11:21:28 AM
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In all of our studies so far, we have read that God is sovereign...in charge of all things. What does that really mean? To me, it not only means that God is in charge, & rules the universe & all that is in it, & that God is not a mean ogre, giving or with-holding to whom He will, but one Who knows the beginning and the end...& most certainly everything in between. I once had a Catholic priest try to explain God's place in eternity. He told me that God is outside of time, much like a person holding in his hand... a yardstick. He sees the start of the stick with all the little markings, but at the same time He can view the ending hash-marks after the 36 inches. He knows intimately every little mark, blemish, or difference of the stick's wood. We are someplace on that yardstick, knowing somewhat what is around us & something of what has come before us, but we can not see the whole picture. Therefore when good things or seemingly bad come along, we can only speculate what is meant by it & the outcomes. But God in His love, has clued us in on some of what He sees, through His Word. Now, this is really an over simplification, & isn't exactly a true analogy, but...it helped me to see that God is for us in all things. We just don't know how & why things happen. For instance, as Cari said, God may be leading us in a different direction than what we think...or He may be doing a different work in us than we think He is. God is thrifty. He never does anything for just one reason, but Brenda, maybe, just maybe, God loves your husband Tom so much, that God is showing Tom that he doesn't have to struggle so much to provide. You mentioned how he is hurting. God is our Provider. He just lets us help Him out a little. Maybe Tom is God's particular focus. I may be all wrong...wouldn't be the first or 10 thousandth time, but maybe redirecting your prayers for Tom to just hear what love & provision God has for him. This may be a shot in the dark. Nothing is cut & dried, but my prayer for you, is for me to pray for Tom. God bless.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 2:41:45 PM
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Prayers to you Brenda and your family. I do believe God always has a plan, just that when we are in the middle of crisis it is so hard to see the end of the tunnel. That is what faith is all about though, not knowing what is coming but still believing. That is one of the hard parts of faith, staying the path and not knowing where it is going or why in the world it has to be so bumpy in some spots.
I don't know where gov thinks the economy is getting better as I sure have not seen it one bit where I live. The lesson we,ourselves have learned is to produce what we can and live with less. That is not directed at where you are at Brenda, just a nation as a whole and my own family. I really don't need much and am learning to be content. Hard at times but I find the more simple I keep things the less stress.
God is in control and he will provide what I need. Stripped down one knows it is only God we can worship and nothing else.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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DebbieSue
True Blue Farmgirl
199 Posts
Debbie
TX
USA
199 Posts |
Posted - Jun 27 2010 : 3:24:02 PM
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| I find all the comments very interesting. Please keep posting and I will keep reading! Maybe,I will post soon about where I am at this point in my life. |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 03:02:56 AM
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My dear farmgirl sister's, thank you so much for all the prayer's and encouraging words. You have given me so many things to think about. I feel the love and concern from all of you and it is such a blessing. It really helps me to set here in the silence and read your words. And I know that the Lord is guiding you with the words to help me understand. I am forever grateful. Tom and I have always lived a simple life. I felt we were always happy with what we had. I do miss the laughter and joy that we use to have. Yet in my reading this morning it may very well be that he whats us to know we can live in peace day to day with our faith. We are very strong believers and follower's of Christ. Maybe he is testing and showing us that we have missed out somewhere, and having us down to nothing is opening our hearts and strenghtening our faith that we can see that we can only move forward with him and only him. I know I'm going on and on, it's just that I have so many thoughts going through my mind. Need time to just pray and call out to him to help guide us in the right direction. Again, thank you so much for your concern, it is a wonderful blessing to wake up and see others do care. And thank you for the prayers for Tom. He will be forever grateful.
Hugs, Brenda
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matter compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 11:39:29 AM
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Claudia, I love that! I think that though we all, especially you Brenda, don't know what is to come or what is to be expected, God does. God knows that at the end of that yardstick, everything will be better. Brenda, I am praying for you and your family. Though it is hard to be tested, I think that it only makes us stronger when it's all done.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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classygram
True Blue Farmgirl
1812 Posts
Brenda
Pleasant Hill
Mo.
USA
1812 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 12:49:27 PM
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Oh Megan I do know that is so true. I've been through some tough trials and survived. But came out stronger. It just seens like this one could affect the basic living. But I do know prayer is very important and want to thank you for your prayers.
Hugs, Brenda
"What lies behind us, and what lies before us are small matter compared to what lies within us."
Ralph Waldo Emerson
Seek reasons to Love..In every sigment of everyday-look for something that brings forth within you a feeling of Love-Abraham Hicks |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 4:49:59 PM
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Brenda - I know exactly what you mean by "this one may affect basic living". I pray that does not happen. God will provide for you. He has until now, and he will continue. But it is hard not to worry! The Lord says, many times in the Word, Be not afraid.....a task that is not easy sometimes. But the stories we are reading about the women of the bible point us to how they were homeless, without family, childless, and afraid, and God was there for them. He will be for you too! Praying for you.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 5:00:56 PM
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Everyone, these posts are an amazing blessing to read!! Thank you all so much for your thoughts that you share. I do not feel as wise biblically, even tho I have been a believer for about 40 years. I do not express as well as I see so many of you do. I am in some personal struggles as well, most of my own making so that causes even more stress!! It has been so uplifting to read the posts and to be reminded that He is still in control even if we cannot see beyond the crisis. I do think He is trying to get the attention of His people these days more than ever! Ladies, you have uplifted, blessed ane encouraged me and I am so grateful. Thank you and God bless, linda
Country at Heart |
Edited by - prayin granny on Jun 28 2010 5:03:00 PM |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 5:07:35 PM
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I would like to share Eph 6:13, 14 I believe. My ladies bible study teacher awhile back was teaching on David and used that scripture to teach us that some times in the battle 'When you have done all you can do to stand, then stand'. In our society today, waiting, is the hardest thing to do. Yet it seems the Lord wants that of us often. To stay quiet and wait on His promises!! God Bless!!
Country at Heart |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 6:08:20 PM
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Linda that is so true, society says instant gratification on everything! Just add whatever when you feel you want to. This is for sharing and learning, which we all do. Sometimes we agree and sometimes not but it is done with love of God and sharing his word as well as how he has helped us.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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knittinchick
True Blue Farmgirl
1854 Posts
Megan
Wisconsin
1854 Posts |
Posted - Jun 28 2010 : 7:21:08 PM
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Linda and Rae, I agree. People want it, and they want it now. I think the virtue of patience is completely lost on some people. I think that we can learn from Hannah and her story. We can learn that sometimes patience brings you good things. Even though that good thing may only last for a while, you still got that good thing. Kind of like the quote 'good things come to those who wait'.
God's Blessings,
Megan aka Loretta Rae
At heart, I am both a sassy city girl and a down-home country gal. |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2010 : 04:54:44 AM
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Linda - Yes, and also in Ephesians, it tells us to put on the armor of God. As Jonathan shared his armor with David in 1 Samuel, God shares His with us! How awesome is that? Each morning envision yourself getting ready for the day by armoring yourself with the Word.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jun 29 2010 : 06:34:11 AM
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Ok everyone ready for Esther Chapter 8? Personally I love the book of Esther, she was so brave and smart. God gave her the gift of beauty as he knew what she would need to do. She saved an entire nation of people that would have been destroyed. Her husband could see what was right and loved her enough to hear.
Anyone seen One Night with the King? It is Esther's story.
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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staci860
True Blue Farmgirl
838 Posts
Staci
Newville
PA
USA
838 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2010 : 12:26:37 PM
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Rae, I'll be reading.... Haven't seen the movie but one of my friends highly recommends it.
Brenda and Linda, I'll be praying for peace and provision for you both.
Blessings, staci FG# 973
:o )
Joshua 24:15 - ...choose this day whom you will serve,...as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jun 30 2010 : 6:45:15 PM
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Ladies, thank you! There was a new bill introduced today for unemployment extension. Please pray and ask your senators to pass it! Will be reading Esther tonight. Blessings to all of you!
Country at Heart |
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 10:50:48 AM
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Ironically, my granddaughter is watching, at this very moment, the Veggie Tales version of Esther. She is an apsaragus, I think.....or maybe a green bean.....I asked my granddaughter, and she said she is a Jewish person....so oviously, she overlooks the whole veggie thing. :)
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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kittykill
True Blue Farmgirl
608 Posts
Pam
Portland
or
USA
608 Posts |
Posted - Jul 02 2010 : 3:07:50 PM
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I just finished reading Esther. One thing that I did pull from the story is about being an ally regardless of your status and your background and allowing your voice to be heard, even if you are scared. I think it also shows how powerful and intelligent as women we are. God worked through her by allowing her to use her intelligence and her voice.
www.fasterkittykill.blogspot.com
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Singing Tree Farm
True Blue Farmgirl
196 Posts
Cari
Chase
Michigan
USA
196 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2010 : 09:10:53 AM
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Esther is a powerful book. I really like the earlier chapters.
In 2:15 I think she shows wisdom by taking the advise of the king's eucuch Hegai. In his position of authority he would have some insight.
4:4 She is trying to smooth things over and just make everything alright. (I know that I have a tendancy to do this myself, I just want to make things ok, but I have learned that is not always what God wants to do.)She doesn't even know what is wrong with Mordecai, just that he is in sack cloth and ashes.
4:5-9 She does inquire and seeks to understand
4:10-11 She is thinking of self preservation still.
4:13 Mordecai rebukes her for thinking she is safe because she is in the kings house.
4:14 God has a specific plan for each of us. It is our choice whether we walk in it or not. We have no idea how many people we are affecting whether we can see it or not. Eph 2:8-10 "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God, not of works lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for His good works which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. One of my favorite verses. We are born for such a time as this! But we do need to understand what it is He is asking of us, or like Esther we could be missing it. Just like Jesus only spoke and did what He saw the Father doing, we should be doing also. I thank God that if He is asking us to do something, He will give us the grace to do it!
4:16 She takes her eyes off of herself and seeks God, in corporate fasting and prayer. (A discipline that is sometimes forgoten and neglected, but very powerful). She now knows God's will and is willling to follow it through, even to death, but only after spending a time seeking God's face.
All of creation sings Your praise! |
Edited by - Singing Tree Farm on Jul 04 2010 09:18:54 AM |
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prayin granny
True Blue Farmgirl
1874 Posts
Linda
Kansas
1874 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 08:00:27 AM
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Cari, thank you for your thoughts! You explained some things in ways I have missed before. I have to confess that I often struggle with the old testament. The cultures of harems, etc. the fact that a girl would have to spend a year being 'trained, made beautiful, etc' to spend a night with a king is disturbing to me!!I know it was, and still is in many places today, the culture. But, it has become often a real spiritual struggle in my walk with the Lord sometimes. I know He is sovereign, I know He obviously sees the whole picture and knows best. But I still want an answer why, and who on earth am I to question!!?? Gosh, I hope I have not offended. Any thoughts? Insights? Because I truly want to 'get it' and understand it in ways I am clearly missing. Maybe I watch too much news of today and that does not help? With the huge amount of women and child trafficking that goes on today, some of the old testament stories seem tough for me. What is wrong with me that I seem to be missing the amazing Godly truths of some of these? It is something I have prayed about a lot and just cannot get passed sometimes.Cari, much of what you shared helped! Thank you ladies for bearing with me on this. Blessings, Linda
Country at Heart |
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Old Spirit
True Blue Farmgirl
1509 Posts
Rae
MN
1509 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 08:51:54 AM
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I have had trouble for years with the Old Testament and a lot is rather brutal. Sometimes though as scary as it is it shows a lot of reality of the world today. The New Testament is wonderful with the forgiving grace of God shown in almost every sentence.
The culture was very different and hard for us to understand but when you live something it makes sense to you at the time. The glorious thing is we don't have to offer any kind of sacrifice as the ultimate sacrifice has already been made for us, Jesus.
This is all about learning, which I am doing a lot of with these posts so please don't ever feel you have to apologize, anyone, when trying to understand things. That is what we are about, learning, teaching and sharing
Rae
Farm Girl #647
...those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles:...
Isaiah 40:31
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jul 07 2010 : 12:09:21 PM
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Although customs are very different in other countries and other times, what meant most to me, was the relationship between the king and Esther & that same relationship between an "unbelieving husband" & his "believing wife." Despite all of our differences, people are essentially the same. The king loved his wife for her respect given, & not only her outer beauty. He saw her heart radiate through all the training she had to become a woman of the king. But that is not the only thing. God was at work, and it is reflective in the New Testament (1 Cor. 7: 14). "the unbelieving husband has been sanctified through his wife..." God's law extends across all eternity, and God had sanctified the king because of Esther. It is a very good lesson for those of us who have spouses who may not walk with God as we think he should....or not walk with God at all. It is our privilege to pray for our husbands & respect them, knowing that God's hand in on their life and they are sanctified (made holy & clean). We may even be instrumental in doing marvelous things...just like Esther & the king did.
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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jpbluesky
True Blue Farmgirl
6066 Posts
Jeannie
Florida
USA
6066 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 09:41:09 AM
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Claudia, that is a powerful post. I enjoy how you connected the Old Testament with the New. Seeing that consistency and constancy always gives me so much hope and reinforces my faith.
Farmgirl Sister # 31
www.blueskyjeannie.blogspot.com
Psalm 51: 10-13 |
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buffypuff
True Blue Farmgirl
1183 Posts
Claudia
Deer Park
WA
USA
1183 Posts |
Posted - Jul 08 2010 : 11:43:29 AM
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Shirley Jean...thank you...the Word says that the Holy Spirit will teach us all things. Not me...
Buffypuff/ Claudia
Farmgirl & Sister #870
"Half of success is the assurance of support along the way." cr
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Family Matters: Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible |
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Bible Study #1- Women of the Bible
