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| going to hell for $1.17 |
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Its Sunday morning and as usual I pulled into our local Sonic down the street from my house to get a cup of coffee. Sitting in my red PT Cruiser I had my window half-way down and was listening to some music that I normally do not listen to. On the front of my car is a beautiful license plate that is amber in color and has the face of Jesus wearing a crown of thorns on it.
The sweet bubbly young car hop came out and as she approached my window, I noticed the sign had caught her eye....she smiled....
we greeted each other...exchanged the money for the coffee......then it happened......out of the CD I was listening to came a horrible line in a song that was playing. The line was talking about cheating on your spouse. My heart was crushed and I wanted to crawl under my seat.....but then the look on her face changed, it wasn't pleasant any more...........
We are all human, but we are also called to stand out and exalt Christ in All that we do...I pray I will not have an influence on a possible decision she may still need to make for Jesus.....
May we as brothers and sisters in Christ reevaluate what we are listening too and looking at.....others are looking at us...may we reflect Jesus only...............
We will either lead people to Jesus or away from Him............... |
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Love you Cheryl!!
goes right along with Steve's blog
be carefull little ears what you hear |
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Joshua |
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March 30, 2008 at 10:51am |
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| One of the most inspirational blogs I have read as of yet! You get across so strong a point about our need as Christians to shine the light of Jesus in every word and deed. It also reflects your choices, you may have thought nothing about listening to that music, but look at the consequences. I absolutely love the way you used your story to encourage others. Thank you for writing this beautiful but simple word of truth. |
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EXCELLENT
This sounds exactly like something I wrong a while back, about our world as christians we represnt His life stlye and the world is looking for any excuse to say that we are hipocrits, and yes I have also listen to other music other than Gospel so belive me your not alone Cheryl, but we are gentely convicted I know I was like you I too know the world is looking, our world we live in is like a fish bowl for all the world to see, just by me or you doing something that we should not have could cause someone else to fall, but I did ask God to forgive me and he has forgiven you also, but the lesson we both learn is not to let our guard down for a min because the enemy will set us up to make us look like we are from this world or living on the fence and e know that the enemy owns the fence. God knows your heart cheryl, I love, love songs espiecally by Barry white and if I'm offending anyone by saying I listen to him and others I apologize, but I would not intentionly expose anyone to what I like or listen to, that's between me and my God.
LOVE U Cheryl |
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Bud |
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March 30, 2008 at 11:46am |
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| Psalm 71 verses 6 through 8 we read - "Yes, you have been with me from birth; from my mother's womb you have cared for me. No wonder I am always praising you! My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection. That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long." So true that God has cared for each of us since we were in our mother's womb! This a beautiful thing to realize. There is an interesting thought in these verses - if our live is an example to many - and well, yes, it really is no matter what we actually do. Hopefully our life is a good example - but there could be seasons of bad example too. . . If our lives are good examples to many, why is this so? I agree w/ the Psalmist - it is simply because of God in our lives. |
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Cheryl,
This is a very good point. People look at us as they where look at a nice person in Jesus, but when we in our own silent way show them we are in the world this turns of many people. I know this is not fair, but that is how we as people judge others. Yes I know this was all a miss understanding that we never wish to happen as children of God, but that is part of how we judge others, not giving anyone a chance to tell our side. I know you love Jesus sister and this was not the plan but we need always to be on guard for the attack of him (Satin) or the world. I also know that I have found myself in this trap and this is in my meger way of thinking is the old nature in us raising it head to pull us down, but it is in these times that we need the help of yhe Holy Sperit. This is when we need to fall to our knees and ask God to lift us up and darw us close to him, and give us the streanth to let Him fight for us. Because we are not fighting flesh and blood but we are fighting a sperit from the dark, that old sperit from Hell. So keep fighting and always look to Jesus and the Holy spirit. |
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| Nice. I always seem to fail. Everywhere I turn. |
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Kathy |
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March 30, 2008 at 12:59pm |
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| Such an important truth here, Cheryl! "Church Christians" or even "MyChurch Christians" are a dime a dozen, but those who make a real difference in God's kingdom are living purposefully for Christ 24/7. Not perfectly, but always striving to walk nearer and nearer . . . |
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Sharon |
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March 30, 2008 at 2:08pm |
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| Amen |
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| Powerful blog Cheyl! We all have to watch! |
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JayKTX |
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March 30, 2008 at 2:33pm |
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| I know you are praying for that young lady and I just added my prayer to yours. My opinion is that there are two things that corrupt our witness: One is being worldly and the other is being too religious. May God help those of us who are his avoid the extremes and instead radiate Jesus wherever we go. |
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Don't beat yourself up Cheryl. If you asked God to forgive you, that is what He has done. When we know better, we do better. Now that the Spirit has convicted your heart, you will be aware and on guard. Be blessed. Since you go to this place on a regular basis, you could always talk to the girl about the situarion. Just a thought!! |
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Deb |
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March 30, 2008 at 2:45pm |
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| We all need to be aware of our actions and our words, because we never know who may be watching, and who we will have an influence over. We can only do it with God's help! |
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| I agree. God bless you. Try not to feel bad, now you know what can happen. We are none perfect. Just pray for this young girl. |
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Ouch... and wow :) I rarely change my station from WMHK (Christian) but when I do, I immediately remember why I don't listen to secular music anymore!!
Ack! }cringe{
Delete! Eject! Change the channel!
Shew... much better! Thank you, GOD!
WMHK - We're Making Him Known 89.7 FM Columbia SC |
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I know exactly what you mean !! I have two teeange daughters who are forever changing my station from wrbs or wgts - both christian stations in the Baltimore -Washington area. Once I started listening to christian radio, I just dont enjoy the secular music of this world. My husband is a major country music fan, and while I do like it, I just prefer music that is praising my Jesus.
You never get a second chance to make a first impression. I can certainly appreciate other music, but I love christian contemporary, gospel, and praise so much that I dont make much time for the others.
You are a light in this dark world Cherl. Great Blog...
by the way, if we never made little mistakes, we would not know His comfort is so real. |
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I know how you feel... God has a way of showing us when we mess up! We are all human and all we can do is strive to be more like Jesus.... but we are still going to be in the world and so therefore we'll mess up!! Until we are home with our Lord we must just keep on keeping on by praying one for another, by reading our Bibles and by thinking before we react. |
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Cheryl |
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March 30, 2008 at 3:56pm |
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Thank you everyone for your love, encouragement and great points. I pray we all may learn from this...wow, how satan can set us up..........I too never change my radio unless it's from one Christian station to another. I love jazz, but still watch what I listen too and buy. Many CD have coem out from artists I like but would not support due to the content or the graphic nature of the CD cover.
...what was so hard about this is that I am the one always encouraging others to 'be careful' and as soon as satan could use it...he pounced on it!
I am always on guard....and will be even more now!
Thank you all, love you |
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| You know sister I only listen to christian music, because I have to stop the whispers. One of my children love all music and I just try to look for the Jesus in that too. Sometimes when she is really angry she can listen to some bad stuff, I just say play it softly you have younger ears that are looking up to you. She like my music too but she likes all music. She is the artsy one in the family. ;-) and you should see her photoshop stuff. She is really good. |
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Sharon |
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March 30, 2008 at 5:24pm |
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Thanks so much for this timely reminder that we are to be Christ's witnesses in everything we do - what we listen to, what we say, how we live.
Hugs,
Sharon |
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Ok Cheryl...here's my little two cents. Been there and done that Sister! I will tell you what I learned from it though. God reminded me of the Scripture: 5:15 See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, When we walk circumspectly, it keeps us mindful that the enemy is just waiting for the moment to set us up...to try to mess us up! But you know what the Word of God also tells us? It assures us this: 8:1 [There is] therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. I'm saying that to say this...Sometimes, God allow things to happen to show us an area that we are clinging to in the world. Though we may not think we are, we are. And even though you know your relationship with Him, and He knows that you are faithful and that you are a witness of who He is in your life, He still want you to see a side that is still there, and for you to be able to work on that area of your life. Sometimes, we don't know its there until something like that happens. I tell you this, I am a MUSIC lover. I cling to Christian music, because that is where I gain strength when I am going through things, or when I am in a time of private worship, or just because I need it. But, I too enjoy some love music. I enjoy listening to a young man name Musiq, because he has clean, positive music. But, I try not to expose that to anyone outside of my private time, because I do want to remain a good witness. I have to chuckle when I think about a question that my husband and I asked our Pastors one time and their reply....lol...We asked them, "Is it ok to listen to secular music during our private time together"? They told us this, lol..."I'm am not going to tell you that secular music is ok, but I will tell you this, when we are in our private time, we are not trying to listen to Kirk Franklin or Fred Hammond or The Crabb Family...we got on some soft R&B or Jazz or something of that nature, because we are not at church singing hymns, we are in the presence of each other and God in OUR TIME!" So...to make a long story short...It's not what you listen to that is going to send you to hell dear, it is your committment to the Father, and your witness! This was a good conversation piece, for sure though!!! Love ya! |
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Cheryl |
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March 30, 2008 at 5:40pm |
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| You guys are just awesome! |
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| ok that is some thing i have not heard yet |
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Cheryl,
First of all I would like to say Amen to all that you said about us standing out for Christ... And would like to add that we are the only Christ that some will ever see...and we are to be very careful how we represent... This was an excellent blog and is worthy of the attention of all who read it...Thanks for sharing it ...Love ya! |
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Cheryl, you are so awesome!
Great blog..........so true..........................
Jesus heard it all. At the same moment you and the carhop did.
I'm thinking that if we're lovin' Him (my goal), and listening to what is pleasing to Him, it doesn't matter who else is listening.
I'm loving it, that people just share from their hearts here on MyChurch.org.
Thanks for sharing with us.............(hope this didn't sound too preachy) |
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Gene |
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March 30, 2008 at 8:48pm |
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We're always wearing a banner if we're letting people know where we stand. It's tough to be making selections all the time and being judged fro them - but that's life under the "you call yourself a Christian" microscope. |
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Cheryl |
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March 30, 2008 at 8:49pm |
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| You guys are awesome |
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Trukki |
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March 30, 2008 at 9:04pm |
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| You're payin' way to much for coffee......lol. Seriously though if it's local why don't you seek her out and let her know how you feel. God works in wonderful and mysterious ways. You may be in the right place at the right time. I'll be praying for ya' on this one. God Bless. |
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| Wow, I have been there. Not with my music choices, but with my tongue. I have felt exactly the same as you did when the car hop heard/saw. The shame I felt was inspired just as much by how I perceived the Savior felt as how I perceived my onlookers felt. God bless you for sharing this Cher! |
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You know what is so wonderful about this blog?
1. Your candid confession.
2. The sensitivity to the Holy Spirit.
3. The obedience to share the lesson learned.
God Bless You!
Now to the point you are driving home: We all should make it our prayer that of Jabez: "That I might not cause pain." We are not perfect, Yes Christians sin. Yes Christians mess up. Yes Christians make bad decisions, remember this: God is working in you and through you to do His good will.. I would suggest you pray for that person and go back and build a relationship with her. Become a frequent customer and pray that the Lord would allow you to build a friendship. He is the restorer of the breech. Just pray for her and for an opportunity to share your heart.
Thank you, for sharing you heart. You really blessed me with your tenderness towards the conviction of the Holy Spirit.
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Cheryl |
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March 30, 2008 at 11:36pm |
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| Thank you guys, I plan on going back. Even in my embarrassment.......for Jesus, it is the least I can do! |
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| A tender conscience and a passionate witness.... that's the makings for a spiritual impact |
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Robin |
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March 31, 2008 at 8:56am |
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Cheryl
Thanks for sharing so honestly. I have the same type of situation with my mouth in relation to my kids. Sometimes my patience is not very long...and I speak sharply. It usually only takes me a momment to ask my girls to forgive me, but the words are out there. It is my prayer that the words don't escape!!! |
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Cheryl, God is using this blog as an inspiration to others.
Talk about "way cool". |
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Ed |
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March 31, 2008 at 9:50am |
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| Been there, done that! Because you were mortified by the witness you gave, it is evidence of what side of faith you are on. God rewards faith, not success. Thanks for the reminder that we are not perfect (yet!). |
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Cheryl |
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March 31, 2008 at 10:04am |
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I am just in tears everytime I read a comment.......you guys are wonderful. What a wonderful place MyChurch is!
God is faithful and always good to us! |
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| Great Blog Cheryl! I have problems with my children wanting to listen to music in my car that I refer to as "garbage". Of course...It is my car, I drive, I choose...but sometimes I also choose my battles..you know? I always have it on the station known as KLOVE. I have also found that when you are driving and listening to such much that your are less likely to experience road rage! Try it! LOL I do know how you must have felt in that moment as I too have been there. Like many of us have. Thankyou for sharing your "experience". I love your heart! I love you! |
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Cheryl |
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March 31, 2008 at 10:41am |
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I love KLOVE 88.9
also my fav and more my style, both owned by the same company, is 90.9. it rocks!!!! |
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| Oh yeah! I listen to that one too. It goes between the two all the time. They are the only two stations that are actually programmed into my car stereo. Hacks my kids off...because all six program buttons on my FM dial are those two stations. LOL |
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Cheryl |
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March 31, 2008 at 11:01am |
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Mine too! How funny! You must be from Oklahoma!!!!! Like maybe 30 minutes away from me!! hehehehe
Hey, I am moving south, closer to you....lets really have coffee now! |
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| It's a date! We will get our calendars out and work out the details. |
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Cheryl |
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March 31, 2008 at 11:12am |
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| Yeah!!!! |
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Cheryl, We all make mistakes but if we ask He is faithful and loving. He said you have not because you ask not, so I know you have asked for the Father to for give and He has.If this could send you to hell then we all would be on that path. Trust In His promise and you can not lose. In Jesus name Robert |
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Joey |
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April 01, 2008 at 2:07am |
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| Ya'll better come get me! I always get left out! |
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Cheryl |
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April 01, 2008 at 2:08am |
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| Thank you everyone.....Joey...your right on time! |
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Joey |
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April 01, 2008 at 2:08am |
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| You are not gonna go to hell for that. |
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Heidi |
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April 01, 2008 at 11:21am |
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Thank you for the reminder! Amen! |
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Larry |
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April 02, 2008 at 6:28am |
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| Cheryl, how are you today? Boy, I bet satan got the best of you that very moment, which is what I think he intended to do. To discourage you for the rest of the day. But you know, society today has almost molded us into some of the roles we play out in our every day walk with CHrist. I wonder if this young lady was a christian herself or not. Had you been in her shoes would you have given her a second chance or would have condemned the same way that satan made you feel the way you did that moment. I wonder if she working on trying to be as compassionate as Christ Himself. Needless to say, I was raised around people would drink and party when ever possible, hard rock, heavy metal, bad lyrics, he whole works. I was exposed to things even worse that I care not to mention here, yet. All befor the age of 10. Till my late twenties. I quess what I'm trying to say is that, it took years for my transformation as a christian and will always be an ongoing process. Throughout all this, I thought that you had to be super holy in order to qoute "fit in", and because of this it took that much longer because of the same glances that people gave me only they were'nt at sonics, it would happen in church. So, yes somebody accidently heard you listening to some non christian music, it happens to the best of us. We must get back up right away, confess to God and keep being about His business. Because you might of been on your way to do Gods work that day to speak life into someone or give a Word, and satan was trying to prevent that very thing. Well got to go to work. I like reality blogs, because you can witness to the whole world. Thank you so much for this blog. Take care and God bless you and your family. |
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Thank you for sharing. It is a good reminder to me to becareful no matter where I am.
God Bless. |
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