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| MyChurch: 100,000 strong and growing!! (What's YOUR part?) |
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Wow, I just noticed that MyChurch went over 30,000 100,000 individual registrants within like the last 24 hours!! So I am now friends with 0.007% of the population here! It's going to take me a very long time to get to know the other 99.993%!
When I think of all the people who have registered on MyChurch, my first thought is "how could anyone be lonely on here???" The second is "how could anyone write a blog and not get any response?" But both of these do happen, and frequently. Yes, there are a few people who actively go out and seek new "friends" among a landscape of strangers, or comment on blogs by unknown authors (and authors who don't attend their home church, no less!), but this few is actually the tiniest of minorities compared to the huge and ever-expanding overall population of MyChurch.
Similar situations occur regularly in many brick and mortar churches too! There are always a dedicated few who do most of the greeting, teaching, caregiving, and physical serving, while most actually just come Sunday morning, arriving minutes before the service and leaving shortly thereafter. Some even show up late and leave early so they don't even have to talk to anyone! I find it sad when folks flirt with a body of believers, yet never invest themselves, and thus never see any return on the investment. Looking at people this way even reminds me of the parable of the talents. Personality, experience, and natural abilities are equivalent to money in the parable.
But is there really anything wrong with people on MyChurch keeping to themselves or to folks they already know, or even socializing only within their own home church? No, not really, I guess. After all, I believe I've heard the founders of this site state that their primary thrust is for church functionality, not necessarily for individual users. (Churches help fund the site, not users.) But ideally, wouldn't most of us members of the universal Body seize this opportunity for a grand unity that knows no geographic bounds? Or if not most, how about at least a really huge minority??
So those are some of my thoughts on 30,000 100,000 strong and growing... The potential for greatness here is pretty huge, you have to admit.
[This blog was originally written when MyChurch.org reached 30,000 users, a number I considered to be astounding at the time. Since then I've updated the number every time another 10,000 users is reached.] |
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Sue |
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July 04, 2007 at 1:31am |
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| I am with you Mike! I try to meet as many people as I can on here. The best way, is to venture out and comment/star other people's post. I have made many friends this way. They aren't always going to come to you, sometimes you have to be the one to move! |
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Quite a milestone! Now I wish I was keeping track of the MyChurch population when I joined in April. No matter. I have really enjoyed getting to know new people through the blogs I read here. Those few lovely people from my home church who have joined are enjoying our ability to share prayer requests during the week. Plus, we're brainstorming about new ways to connect all the time. That's something we just don't have time to do at church. As a matter of fact, the decision to start a monthly craft night at our church happened primarily because of church members conversing her on MyChurch. I love both the way we connect with our home church Monday through Saturday, plus meeting other Christians around the world whom we might not otherwise have a chance to meet.
I am a MyChurch fan! |
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| That is great! Wow 30,000 is alot of people. And to think just a week or so ago I have never even heard of this site. I have been invited others from my church to check it out. They have never heard of it either. It is wonderful to see such a growth in such a wonderful site. |
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| Thanks Sue and Diana! And Suzie, when we joined MyChurch in January, I think the total was under 10k. MyChurch definitely has some fantastic tools for the churches to use in order to facilitate communication within, IF your church chooses to make use of them. I don't really think ours is. It takes someone to champion them, someone in the church office I think... |
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Sue |
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July 04, 2007 at 1:46am |
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| It is also important to note that we currently have 6,270 churches listed in the database. And these are all churches who subscribe to the Nicene Creed. The rest use personal profile pages. And the numbers just keep getting higher everyday! |
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| Wow Sue, thanks and amen!! |
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jam137 |
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July 04, 2007 at 1:57am |
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It was great how so many people tonight (including people I hadn't met before) sent me words of encouragement and prayed for the situation that I blogged about. Yes, there are many opportunities for people to speak to one another here and build each other up. Also, I think that the impact of MyChurch goes beyond what people can see in terms of active conversations. 55:10 "For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven, and return not thither but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, 55:11 so shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and prosper in the thing for which I sent it. I think that there have been a lot of people who are listening to what's being said here and are being blessed and encouraged to serve their neighbors even if they rarely post on their own or anyone else's blogs. So, we should be encouraged to speak God's Word faithfully in all circumstances---even if we cannot immediately see the fruit! |
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| Thanks jam, that is truly an encouragement! And the Isaiah scripture you posted is spot on. A lot of the newer and younger bloggers easily forget these things though, and look for tangible results. So too it pays to encourage everyone to move from silent reader to active participant (and investor, to refer back to the analogy in the blog). ~mike |
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Kathy |
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July 04, 2007 at 7:26am |
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I noticed the 30,000 too! The community is steadily growing! It would be interesting to know how many of those 30,000 are active members. How many log in at least weekly? How many have ever actually interacted in some way other than reading (i.e. posting a bulletin or church event, commenting on a blog, etc.)?
I found MyChurch in early March and immediately shared it with Pastor Kip. Enon is now up to 11 members here, and a few of those are beginning to enjoy it here. Most are, as of yet, inactive, rarely logging in, and not used to the whole concept of interactive internet sites. Of the 11 who have joined the Enon page, I would guess that 3 of us log in at least weekly, and that 5 of us have ever interacted here in any way other than reading.
I have been surprised at the percentage of the general church population that doesn't use internet or doesn't use it enough to be comfortable with it. I tend to think that the whole world is moving into technology, but that's certainly not true when we look at the population as individual people, is it?
MyChurch is a great site, and I'm glad to see us growing! May those who find their way here aways find warmth and Christ's love in action! |
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| Like Sooozane said I love the way that this site has given me the chance to meet others,but it has also been a way to become more connected with the people in my own church.Our church has continued to grow and there are sooo many new faces our church has been actively seeking new ways for people to connect.This has been one way people have become more connected. |
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Norm |
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July 04, 2007 at 12:36pm |
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I didn't know we could see how many had accounts here. Where do we have to go to see that?
Let me state this first. I love the people I've met here. In many ways it fit what I was looking for at the time. And I hope that I've brought a smile or a thought to folks faces here, but...
The person who walks in late and leaves early. I've been that guy.
Having trouble going out and seeking new friends, because you're confused and not confident and afraid of rejection. I've been that guy (and there's still enough of me that is, that I almost changed the tense).
There are many people in the chuch that need to grow. That need that slow time of acceptance and growth in the Spirit. And then there are those that never know the right words to speak or who are learning from those that speak. (I've been that guy)
Let me end with this. Without any help, a picture, the Gospels, how many of the 12 disciples of Jesus can you name? My guess is even if you do end up getting them all, you will find that you struggle on at least a few. Many of us need some growth before we do so. And then many (such as the soldiers that we remember on days like today) speak without words. |
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Rosie |
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July 04, 2007 at 1:40pm |
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| How cool is that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 30,000 and growing |
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We signed up in January, and found it a really cool way to learn some interesting new things about our fellow Calvary attendees. It's always fascinating to see how someone you know reveals themselves to the world.
Norm, cool post, thanks! As usual, makes me think...
Racunpoodle, isn't it cool to talk to folks at church on Sunday about what went on at MyChurch during the week? And sometimes I just want to come Sunday morning and give my fellow MyChurchers a great big hug b/c I'm really proud of the things they posted that week.
Thanks for your "amens" Rosie, Anthony, and Angie! BTW Angie, when are we going to get another beach blog?
Kathy, that's a great post (seems like I always say that). I find statistics really interesting, it's cool how you can both describe and predict behavior with stats. The ones you mentioned would be very informative indeed. And I totally echo your last sentence!!
~mike |
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Cathy |
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July 05, 2007 at 2:48pm |
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| Wow Mike. Are they all coming to dinner too? |
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Deb |
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July 05, 2007 at 2:54pm |
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| I absolutely love MyChurch, but I do know of at least one person who has been a litte disappointed that there isn't more sharing between individuals. She says I am the only one who has written her back when she sends a message. I feel sad about that. If you don't want to have that individual connection, at least let the person know, because she is hurt by the lack of responses. Anyway, I really enjoy reading the blogs, and have made a lot of friends here. |
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| Cathy, unfortunately we don't have room to seat 30,000 dinner guests. Deb, I hate hearing stories like that. Who would ignore a msg? |
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Over 30,000, this is great! But think about this... We have almost 6300 churches listed. Now if the average church has 150-200 members... you guessed it! Over a million people strong, so lets spread the word!
Once more folks try this out, it'll stick better than a booger on penut butter!
Yee Haw!
Rich |
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| ohmigosh, did he really just post that on my blog? |
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Cathy |
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July 05, 2007 at 3:37pm |
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| Better than Head Cheese !!!!!!! |
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I'm kindly sorry Mike, I could have used a better term, I just get so excited and stuff just comes out. Didn't mean to offend, really!
Still best buddies?
Rich |
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Cathy |
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July 05, 2007 at 3:43pm |
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| Rich, I too suffer from the same problem. |
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| Rich, don't worry, no offense taken at all. Best buddies we are. Just don't try to serve me any PBJ's over at your place, ok? |
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Dude....I ate peanut butter this morning. That is gross.
Otherwise...this blog is awesome. I am glad that you have stood up and announced this to everyone. |
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Mike,
I think you have got to be the most popular person on mychurch. I always can count on a response from you on my blogs. Even when no one else does, it's nice to know you care. Keep encouraging us,
Brad |
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| Great true words you speak of pray for all the hearer and non doers even harder. |
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Norm |
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July 05, 2007 at 11:18pm |
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DUDE! (Where's my car!) In my best King James Whereth doseth the thirtieth thousandth numberth statisticeth cometh frometh? |
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| Norm, it comes from the MyChurch homepage, lower left corner. We're up to 30,358 and counting. Brad, you overwhelm me! And yes, as long as I'm logged on you can count on a friendly word. (And likely a star too!) ~mike |
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Sue |
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July 05, 2007 at 11:39pm |
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| Norm, If you logged off of MyChurch, one of the options will be "Go to Home." It is there that you will find the tally at the bottom of the page :) |
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| Norm: Your best King James needs a little work.LOL |
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Norm |
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July 07, 2007 at 8:48am |
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YPC: I'm happy to say I'm quieteth OK with that. :) Sue & Mike: I found it. Although it appears that in the last 24 hours everything has changed again. I'm still trying to figure whether I like the new pages and how useful they are. Especially the criteria for "Popular" posts. No offense to YPC, but I keep seeing the "I'm taking my ball and going home" one which hasn't been commented on in 2 weeks. Oh well. (Actually you haven't had a new post since then YPC, so it's good to see you didn't take your ball and... well I think you know the rest. :) ) |
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lol!
Norm, I'm with you. Still getting used to the changes. Not sure I like the xtra clix it takes to get to the active blogs. One thing's for sure, I'm glad Chris didn't take his ball and leave! ~mike |
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30,000 strong and growin, praise the Lord. Rich, I just read your comment! That's just snot right! You are one crazy redneck. |
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JAN |
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July 09, 2007 at 7:08pm |
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I can remember when I first joined I could go through all the blogs before I went to bed. Wow!!! have you seen that number now?
Rich do you need a mama? You are a scream!!! I love Jeff Foxworthy and you remind me of him. Went to your page and enjoyed reading.
MyChurch is totally awesome. I love you all! |
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| Wow Jan, when did you join MyChurch? Were the blogs in like double digits or something? We joined in January. I don't know how long MyChurch had been around before then, but I got the impression it wasn't long. I wouldn't be surprised if this site hits half a million users before too long. I was never really exposed to Jeff Foxworthy, so this whole redneck thing is new to me. Hey, I learned the hidden meaning of the mullet hairdo today! ~mike |
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JAN |
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July 10, 2007 at 5:22pm |
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Mike I was able to go through all the blogs every night before I went to bed. I can't even begin to go through them now. MyChurch has grown in leaps and bounds since I came on. I also like Bill Engbill (can never say or spell his last name). Funny. My step daughter lived in Georgia for a while and the running joke was "what's a redneck say just before he dies?" "Hey, You all watch this!!!
I am still working on the picture of my cat...I am not computer smart LOL |
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You are mighty nice Mrs. Jan.
My goodness, I do enough mess to terrorize one mama; I don't know if I want to put another one through it! You are right, Jeff Foxworthy and Bill Engval are real funny, and near and dear to my heart!
I'm still working on Big Mike, but he's comin around. I'm goin to send him some canned sausages and a roll of duct tape to carry around with him. Like a boyscout, us rednecks are always prepared (except when it comes to tornadoes and hurricanes.) Heck, a good tornado might do a good deal of improvement in the neighborhood I live in!
LOL (just learned what that means!) |
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Mike, I am so glad to be part of the myChurch family and that you are part of my friends. It is awesome how much this has grown. I've been spreading the word. I have laughed, I have cried but most of all I have been blessed! Thank you. Dios te Bendiga!
PS. I haven't received my dinner invite yet... Are we still on or is Laura not wanting so many of us over the same night? lol
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Rich,
How could you? I just got a night snack to eat when I came across this blog and as I was took a bite of my crackers and peanut butter - I read your comment - lol. Made me laugh but "yuck" no peanut butter for me tonight.
Question are those canned sausages spicy? |
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JAN |
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July 11, 2007 at 8:52am |
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Rich I can't believe you terrorize your Mama?HA Engval that's it!! Thanks. He is going to have his own sitcom.
Oh yeah!!... the canned sausages and the duct tape should win Mike over ,...no doubt in my mind..once you've savored the taste of those sausages...right out of the can.. and Lordy duct tape is the "big can fix anything" in our world LOL |
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Hey Mrs. Jan... I'm just kidding, caint nobody terrorize my mama! I've seen ruff and tuff bikers back down from her... this is the same lady that keeps a spit cup on the ironing board!
Little more humor... she's a sweet lady. |
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JAN |
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July 11, 2007 at 3:15pm |
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You keep me laughing ....thanks
And it is really hard pressed to find a woman who even irons anymore...lit-a-lone keep a spit cup near by. LOL |
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| I would like to tell you about mychurch... I joined in December, I was the only member and didnt know much about it other than there were people just like me and I could be here and it was "safe". Our church was just officailally formed in October of 2006, When I sent out the invites no one joined. I built up our home web site, and our church has grown and now alot of church members are on mychurch, and a lot of the members see it as our place to hang out onthe web. we joke alot we pray alot and alot of times we do it through mychurch. in April I resent the invites and we have bloomed since then. 30,000 and still growing. |
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| That's pretty cool, Dorcus! (Isn't there someone in the Bible by that name too?) I love commitment. Sounds like you and the folks from your church who joined this site are pretty committed to making use of it. Unfortunately some sign on, use the site for a few weeks, then either burn out or simply lose interest. Glad you hung in there! (I don't recall when MyChurch was started, but it sounds like you may have been one of the first on here.) ~mike |
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Connie |
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July 17, 2007 at 11:28am |
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| Only a few from my church have joined so far. I did send out invites to people in my address book that I thought would enjoy a site like this. I believe that it doesn't matter if someone goes to my church or another one, we are all in this for the same reason, The Lord; and anywhere his children gather or can gather is a wonderful place. God Bless you all. |
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| Wow, hit the 40,000 user mark in the last 48 hours! Thought I'd edit this blog to reflect the new number. ~mike |
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Sue |
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August 07, 2007 at 10:13pm |
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| And the church count is up to 7,514! And I would also like to add that we are much more global. |
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| That's incredible Sue. The numbers here astound me, but like I said in the blog, it appears that something more is needed to draw them out into the "public" here.... ~mike |
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Sue |
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August 30, 2007 at 1:38am |
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| And the church count is now 8,840! |
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Sue |
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October 14, 2007 at 10:00pm |
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| And the church count is up to 11,321! |
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| That is amazing Sue, thanks!! Gee, are you and I the only ones around here who find these stats amazing? :-) |
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Toni |
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October 14, 2007 at 11:01pm |
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No, I really think that is awesome toni |
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| I am believing God for 100,000 |
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Kathy |
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October 14, 2007 at 11:03pm |
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| I enjoy watching the stats too! |
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