Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 7, 2026

Mirror, Mirror

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”  Romans 8:1(ESV)

Has it happened to you? You’re enjoying a delicious dinner out with friends, talking and laughing the hours away. A few sweet teas into the evening, you hit the restroom and gaze at your reflected smile…only to see a big green hunk of spinach between your teeth. The mirror has shown you what your friends didn’t tell you—and you couldn’t see.

So, we take down the mirror off the wall and use it to clean our teeth, right? Of course not! The mirror only reveals the problem, it doesn’t fix it.

This is a perfect analogy for God’s law. Throughout the Bible, the Jews were trying to use the law to achieve a level of holiness that would be acceptable to God. Even today, followers of nearly every world religion—and many Christians—believe the “rules” are steppingstones to salvation.

But sweet friend, the law was never meant to be the way to God. Our Father in heaven is perfect, and He requires nothing less than perfection. So striving for rule-following, no matter how hard we try, will fail. Humans are not perfect, and we are incapable of following God’s law with perfect righteousness.

Just like the bathroom mirror that reveals food caught in your teeth, the law is meant to show us we are not good enough for a perfect, Holy God. His law shows us how unrighteous we really are so we’ll run to the only One Who is perfect. Jesus came to this earth, fully God and fully man, to pay the price for our sinfulness. Because He died for us and rose again, we are able to accept His gift of grace and be made perfect in God’s eyes.

The mirror cannot remove the spinach from our teeth. But it was necessary to recognize there was a problem—a big hunk of green. And trying to follow God’s rules will not remove the stain of sin from our lives. The law shows us there’s a problem…but Jesus Christ is the only answer.

“Lord, there is only one way for us to perfectly reflect You—by accepting what Jesus did on my behalf. Thank you for revealing my sin and for paying the price.”

For His Glory

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Freedom, Mercy

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 6, 2026

When You Feel Left Behind – Hold On Tight To Him

“Brothers, I do not consider that I have made it my own. But one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:13-14 (ESV)

I’m not the best gardener. Watering my flowers gets pushed further down my list than I would dare admit. Wilting in the hot, humid air describes them most days because I just simply get distracted and forget to water them. But despite my neglect, they somehow survived. And to my great surprise, I found a new flowering plant springing up amongst the weeds of an old window box. Not really sure what it is and I’m positive I didn’t water, nurture or plant it. It simply appeared in mid-summer – a beautiful shade of bright pink – my sweet late bloomer.

Wonder how many times we shortchange growth for our “late bloomer” moments? Ever stifled the gifts, callings and purposes God has for us because we should have done it sooner? It’s so easy to think we should have achieved, accomplished or surpassed where we are. We glimpse those around us running full speed ahead and become overwhelmed at our lack of progress. Sadly those words settle in and deprive us of moving forward, stretching and reaching. Lingering in the land of what ifs never serves us well.

Wouldn’t you rather bloom late than never bloom at all? Even if we appear behind schedule to others watching our arrival, wouldn’t we rather keep pressing toward the prize? God is more impressed with our obedience than He is with someone else’s timetable. His plans are unique and strategic. He knows the paths our lives will take and the story that will unfold from start to finish. Unlike me, He is the Master Gardener who won’t neglect His late bloomers.

So sweet friend in case you’re feeling left behind or cast aside – hold on tight to the One who knows exactly the moment for His glory to shine through. Don’t give up or step aside. Don’t listen to the voice of defeat or regret. Instead lean in close and wait for His timing. And just when we may think we’ve missed the mark, God will burst forth our greatest growth if we stay in step with Him.

“Father, You are forever cheering us on – not zeroing in on where we might have been – but completely in awe of where we are going with You.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Hope, Spiritual Living, Faith, Spiritual Growth, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 3, 2026

Longing For God’s Purpose

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 (ESV)

We often measure our lives by careers, possessions, bank accounts, social circles, marital status – I think you get the picture.  Today’s world evolves around purpose, performance and accomplishments – not necessarily what we are accomplishing – but that we are doing.  Striving for the proverbial world’s view of success spins our little feet until they total wear out. And so most people as they age navigate to a slower lifestyle…a quieter resolve…until they leave this world.

Sitting and watching the sunset sounds enticing doesn’t it?  But what if we intentionally never gave up on our purpose – why God has ordained each of our days?

My husband’s sweet little aunt Emma probably never measured up to the world’s view of purpose or accomplishment.  She was single all of her life.  Her career as a school teacher and her modest home didn’t’ scream success. Yet her love for family, especially her nieces and nephews, didn’t go unnoticed.  Birthday cakes, prayers and phone calls characterized the influential impact Emma made on their lives.

Residing in an assisted living facility, Emma  prayed and searched for  her purpose in that season of life.  Did I fail to mention she was 95?  Her frail body had suffered several setbacks from broken bones, Covid, etc. life hadn’t been easy.  Yet despite her restraints and declining health, Emma longed for God’s purpose for the rest of her days.

Don’t know about you, but I often fail to think about God’s purpose because I’m so busy with my purpose.  Navigating and maneuvering my days seeking to fulfill what I desire in the moment.  And if I reach Emma’s 95 years of life, I would probably be content to simply watch the sunset.

Emma, however, saw purpose even in her aging body and mind.  If she was still here on this earth, then God had something He desired for her to do.  And isn’t it just like God to let Emma in on His purpose for her days.  Emma become an encourager and prayer warrior right there within the confines of her room.  She was serving those who served her and those who were residents with the gift of prayer. I can only imagine the smile on God’s face when she came to His throne interceding for those He brought into her path.

Sweet friends only God knows the number of our days.  How will we use those days to honor, serve and glorify Him until we step into His presence?  Even as our bodies age and begin to deteriorate, our voices are not silenced.  God can still use us in a powerful way to show His love, truth and grace to those we meet. Purpose is not a striving or doing but a listening to the Holy Spirit leading us every single day.

“Father, praising You for the testimony of Emma and how You used her in a powerful way to touch so many lives.  Trusting You to show us how to spend every one of our days for your glory.”

 

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Encouragement, Faith, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 2, 2026

Loves Warning

“I (Jesus) have told you these things to keep you from stumbling.” John 16:1 (CSB)

At a resort that I managed in the tourist area of Central Florida, there was a large common area bordered by timeshare condominiums. We had a large pool, a shuffleboard court, and a children’s playground area. There was also a grassy area under a spreading oak tree with two picnic tables. The head of maintenance was skilled at construction, so I asked him to build a brick barbecue pit with a gas grill. It was a big, beautiful grill where families could have outdoor picnics, and it was popular with the guests. To be safe, I had a red plastic sign attached with instructions for using the grill, should someone inexperienced not know how to use it properly.

It was a big hit until the day a guest came into my office with very pink skin and his eyebrows singed off. I was horrified. It was hard to make out his explanation since he couldn’t emphasize enough that it was all my fault. He had gone outside to the grill to cook his burgers the evening before. He had trouble getting it lit, so he left the gas on while he walked back to his apartment, got a newspaper (the gas was still on), rolled it up, walked back to the grill, and lit a match to the paper. There was a huge WHOOSH. His eyebrows were gone, and his skin looked sunburned.

If you know anything about gas grills, you know enough not to leave the gas on for several minutes while you go do something else. The gas hangs in the air until it dissipates or ignites out of control. It was a blessing that no other guests were injured.

So now the guest was blaming me and the resort. I asked if he had seen the sign with written instructions. He said yes, but it didn’t say “Warning” at the top. He told me if it had said “Warning,” he would have read it.

Is that how some of us treat the Bible? It doesn’t say “Warning” in big letters, so we don’t take it seriously. We think it’s a book of suggestions. What a tragedy when we ignore the truths inside and our lives suffer. What a tragedy when we ignore the truths inside and create suffering in the lives of those around us. Singed eyebrows are nothing in comparison to the grief we create.

The Bible is much more than a list of “Thou shalt nots.” It contains warnings, certainly, but it is more. It is also a message from a faithful God who loves us and wants the very best for us. The warnings, wisdom, and guidance inside are ignored at our peril.

“Heavenly Father, thank You for Your written Word, which You crafted perfectly over centuries to show us the way to You. Help us to delve into it seriously and, through its words, keep from stumbling.

For His Glory

Cherie Harbridge Williams (www.cherieharbridgewilliams.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

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Posted in Mercy, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living, Success

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | July 1, 2026

What’s The Reason For 1st Chronicles

“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

During my Bible time, it came time for 1st Chronicles, and I had to stand up and drink extra coffee while reading the first nine chapters. Just being honest here, I did not understand the need for endless genealogies!

I do trust God’s Word, and if all scripture is inspired and is useful and prepares us, then even the first nine chapters of genealogy in 1st Chronicles must have something for us!

All means all, right?

The question I needed to ask was, why? Why did God feel it necessary to include these chapters, and what was I missing?

As I began to study the importance of these chapters, I actually got excited and looked forward to reading them. It became a treasure hunt – what names did I recognize from where? Oh, those two were related? Wow, look at the plans God has for so many people!

I am going to share a few reasons I was able to turn my dread into excitement, and I hope they will encourage you if you have the same struggles that I did!

  1. First Chronicles is compatible with the secular History books. It proves the reality of the stories we read and how they fit into real life. This is not a myth; it is real History.
  2. It reminds those who returned to rebuild after the exile that they, too, had God’s promises. God had told them judgment would come, and it did. It was to encourage them to acknowledge God as YAWHEH. It shows them, and us, that God is faithful to His promises.
  3. As we see the past acknowledged, we can see the thread from David to our Savior. It is a reminder of God’s ultimate redemption plan. It is all about His-Story!
  4. It is a reminder that even though evil kings and kingdoms seemed as if they were winning at times, God is the ultimate victor. His will and His plan will prevail!
  5. It reminded them, and ultimately us now, that God has a plan and purpose for each of our lives and that we fit into His big story.

First Chronicles, and other genealogies, are so much more than just names. They are woven together to demonstrate the fabric of humanity. From Adam, God had a plan. He had a perfect plan, and when, by free will, sin entered it, God continued to offer a redemptive plan.

Why? He loves us. He created us to reflect Who He is, and to have a relationship with Him.

Isaiah 43:7 says, “Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.”

Next time you come to a genealogical series in scripture, I hope this will help you not only get through it but see the purpose and God’s hand through it.

“Father, help us to remember it is You who created us and have a plan for us. Help us to give you our all.”

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson (www.TerrieTollerson.com)
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Faith, Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 30, 2026

Celebrating Freedom

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36

For the past few weeks, our great nation has been host to the 2026 FIFA World Cup tournament, with tens of thousands of people coming to the USA from around the world to cheer on their national teams. And if you’ve spent even two minutes on any social platform or YouTube during this time, you’ve likely seen the reels showing these foreigners reacting—with general astonishment—to all that all-things-American, as well as our nation’s typically kind and bighearted citizens. Why all the shock and amazement, you wonder? Whether it’s the stunning and diverse beauty of our country’s landscapes, the sweet and orderly neighborhoods (lined with small or monstrous homes), or the warm greetings and interactions with Americans—not to mention our food, food portions, and free refills—these men and women of all ages, from Europe, Asia and Australia, are experiencing the unexpected.

You see, a common thread in their commentary is what they’ve been told about the USA from their nation’s media. The narrative that they’ve relentlessly been fed prior to visiting our nation has been how horrible this place is, how terrible the people are, and how restricted our lifestyle is, complete with constant riots, conflict, and peril at every turn. So, their expectations have been shattered by the reality they are experiencing. Admittedly, our nation is more divided than it’s ever been in my lifetime, but the majority of our nation and people maintain a grateful, patriotic heart to live in the greatest country in the world. And, thankfully, this has been the overarching experience of our World Cup visitors. What’s really cool is that the whole world will be watching on July 4 as we celebrate our nation’s 250th birthday and the completely unique freedom that defines us. Without argument, the United States is the freest nation in the world—and those who are experiencing this for the first time are rightly in awe…and in their excitement and joy, they cannot help but share what they’ve seen and heard.

If you are a believer, you’ve likely seen the above scenario played out from a spiritual perspective—at church or wherever someone hears the Good News. See, many people have been told that Christianity is horrible, its people terrible, and the lifestyle restricted—they’d never want to be part of it. They have definitive expectations. All negative. But then…they experience the grace and mercy of God. Through faith in Christ, they go from darkness to light, become new creations, imputed with undeserved righteousness. Most importantly, they are freed from being slaves to sin and death—free from the shackles of this world and made citizens of Heaven (2 Corinthians 3:17; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 8:1-2; Philippians 3:20). No matter what nation a person abides in, if they are in Christ, they are the freest people in the world (Galatians 5:1). And, although there are some unkind, judgmental, divisive Christians, most followers of Christ are kindhearted, generous, and joyfully appreciative of their freedom. Like immigrants coming to the USA from Communist China or Cuba, we believers have lived in darkness but now live in the glorious Light, fully cognizant of where we’ve been and what we’ve been rescued from. And, hopefully, from the moment of salvation through the decades thereafter, we remain in awe of it all.

Having experienced freedom in Christ—the diverse beauty of His Church, the warmth and generosity of believers, the joy available in Him even amid challenging storms—is our desire to share the news? Do we take it for granted, or rejoice in it daily? Is our response, “I can’t help but share what I’ve seen and heard” (Acts 4:19-20)? Oh, sweet friend, let’s be like the World Cup visitors! May we recognize and celebrate the true freedom we have in Jesus…and enthusiastically tell the world.

“Lord, help me never forget or take for granted the freedom I have in Christ. And please give me the boldness to always share with others the Good News of this Truth.”

For His Glory 

Julianne Winkler Smith
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Encouragement, Freedom, Hope

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 29, 2026

Shaky Ground … Unshakeable Faith

“So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” Romans 10:17 “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.” Hebrews 10:39 (ESV)

It’s ever so easy to do the bare minimum, isn’t it? Like going to the gym, I can easily get into my stride of lifting the same weights on strength training days. I will press through those fifteen reps patting myself on the back for doing a great job. And it is great, but if I want to maximize strengthening my bones and muscles (which we ladies know is crucial as we age), then I have to switch up my routine. Lifting heavier weights with fewer reps serves my body well. When I release the urge to limit myself and challenge those muscle fibers, I can gain more strength.

Sounds a bit like faith doesn’t it? When life is easy and manageable, we tend to stride right through the day. Carrying our daily (light) load appears effortless. No heavy lifting of burdens in those seasons. Excusing away consistent time in God’s word because, after all, we’ve got this covered. Or even doing the bare minimum –  a quick devotional and checking it off the list. God’s divine preparation in our lives simply overlooked because our easy stride is sabotaging much needed growth.

The ease of life is here today and gone tomorrow. Hard places rise up to the surface, usually unexpectedly. Seasons of being overwhelmed and tackling heavy loads wears us down. Taking a daily breath can exhaust all the strength we have left leaving us anxious, doubtful and stressed about tomorrow. Zeroed in on our circumstances versus our God pivots us down a vulnerable path. Easy prey for the discouragement and disillusionment of Satan’s lies.

Right in the midst of life’s excruciating challenges, God desires to stretch our faith in ways we never imagined. And that stretching is always His divine appointment meant to serve us well. Those disciplines like prayer and studying God’s word that we excused in ease become the very life-giving breath we so desperately need. Reassurances of His presence and promises release daily pressures and enlarge our faith creating growth and perseverance. Counting God’s blessings even in hard places enables us to see His goodness even if it’s disguised as hard. Carrying that heavy load now seems doable as He strengthens the muscle fibers of our faith.

Oh sweet friends, we miss so much when we forfeit doing the hard work in seasons of ease. However, our loving and compassionate God finds great pleasure in us turning to Him and switching up our past bare minimum routine for the pursuit of Him. Thriving versus simply surviving is ours for the taking if we choose to learn through the pain and embrace God’s truth energizing us moment by moment. It’s a win – win when we seek His face and welcome His sovereign work in us instead of settling for the easy out.

“Father, create within us a deep love and passion for Your Word and teach us the benefits of standing firm in our faith even when the ground is shaky.”

For His Glory

 

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Living

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 26, 2026

Simply Jesus Followers

cb devo july 20

“Likewise, good works are obvious and those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden.” I Timothy 5:25 (HCSB)

Never been a fan of “I” conversations. You know where a whole list of what “I” did leaves very little room for anyone else to breathe a word. Especially when it comes to a roll call of all the good the “I” did. Slips in ever so carelessly and often without intent. Now don’t get me wrong –sharing our right choices and behaviors in a sense of humility is a good thing. When we focus others on God’s mighty strength working through us to do what we know we can’t – that’s powerful. But when we are the ones drawing attention to all our good, we’re standing on a slippery edge about to plummet into pride.

Don’t you just love the way some people shine without even noticing it themselves? Kindness and mercy clothe their actions. Others, not themselves, become the center of uplifting conversation. Genuine love and grace motivates their responses. And their good deeds done unnoticed rise up to the surface bringing glory to God. They don’t need to draw attention to self because their motive is to honor Him.

Our world would herald them as unsung heroes or good Samaritans; Jesus simply calls them followers. Those who choose to walk in His footsteps – full of humility – serving without notice. They stay late when others have walked out. They quietly pay a family’s meal when struggle seems apparent. They notice a need and cover it behind the scenes. They listen intently and don’t wait for an invitation to help. Simply Jesus followers – more concerned about changing their world – than making a name for self.

“Sweet Jesus rid us of the desire to showcase our perceived good. Keep us far away from the edge of pride and remind us to glorify Your name in all that we do.”

For His Glory

Janet Martin
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Spiritual Growth, Wisdom

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 25, 2026

God Is Good

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good!  For His mercy endures forever.” Psalms 118:1 (NKJV)

From the day after the twin towers fell, over 225 deaths have occurred in the United States from violent extremists and the numbers are growing.  Home-grown extremists, the journals report. Violence fueled by anger, tradition and illness, I suspect.  Likely only to intensify and move closer to our own backyards.  In God we trust, so in the midst of such anxiety, division and destruction, does He care?  Is He good?

We all face events in our lives that cause us to wonder why.  Some reach national media attention while most never leave our hearts.  A loved one opts to take the easy road and terminates a dear friendship.  A child’s heart seems cold and cares little about how actions will affect his future.  A doctor’s diagnosis is imminent and you know your life will take a path not wanted or chosen.  The doom of uncertainty and rejection can invade our lives so that no glimmer of hope, promise or peace can break forth from the darkness of despair.

Theologians are uncertain as to the writer of our key verse today from Psalms 118.  Speculation points towards the penned words of David as he successfully skirted Saul’s pursuit and became King.  Other researchers theorize the writing occurred after the rebuilding of God’s holy temple or perhaps the Israelites return from exile.  Regardless of the origin, the children of God had persevered through the trial, learned to depend on God, to hear His voice and trust in His divine care.  The resulting cry was in the goodness of God and His mercy that lasts forever.

To God I must cling; to His perfect character, to the promises as evidenced in His Word when life’s circumstances seem to overtake all logic.   With Jesus’ death and resurrection, we know how it all will end.  Victory.  All of creation will conclude in unison.  Victory.  God sees the ending from the beginning for the situation with which I struggle today.  Victory.  God’s sole purpose in anything that touches my life is that I might know Him more fully, trust Him completely and surrender to the One who created me, sustains me and loves me.  Nothing that touches my life does so without His approval.  All things are intended to bring me closer to my Father.  And that is good!

“Father, the world brings terror to our doorstep.  May we trust that You are good.  May we see and experience Your mercy.”

For His Glory

Kathryn Hayman
TRBC Women’s Life

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Posted in Faith, Hope, Spiritual Growth

Posted by: trbccoffeebreak | June 24, 2026

Where’s My Spiritual Stopwatch

“As you have received Christ Jesus the Lord, walk in Him.”  Colossians 2:6 9(KJV)

I love my smartwatch.  I am almost obsessed with it.  I check my steps, exercise numbers, and all the data more times than I care to admit!  My goal is to fight aging with my watch on a daily basis!  Don’t try to tell me it won’t work!  It has become a personal contest to see if I can up my steps from the day before, workout a minute or two longer, and burn more calories.  If I have not met my daily goal, you could possibly find me running up and down my steps at 9 pm!  I will do whatever it takes!

A few weeks before Mother’s Day, my watch broke and it was not pretty.  There was no way to salvage it, believe me, I tried!  My sweet husband indicated he may surprise me with one for Mother’s Day.  So I had to wait.  I couldn’t just run to Target and get one, in case he really had  bought it.

So I waited….

I had no idea how much I actually counted on my watch for my health until I did not have it anymore.  My days were off-how could I know if I was getting healthier or burning more calories?  What would happen if I didn’t achieve a higher goal than the day before?

I literally could feel my mood change because I did not have my watch.

Mother’s Day came, and he did get it for me!  I was so excited, I could barely wait for it to charge.

But it was broken…the whole watch worked except the exercise link…I am not kidding.

So then my conversation with Apple began.  I had to send this one back in order to receive a new one.

So I waited again…meanwhile I was sure I was falling apart by not getting more steps each day and maybe my oxygen level was declining, too.  How could I even know?

As I impatiently waited for the second new watch, there was nothing I could do to make it any faster, so that finally allowed me to stop and actually listen to God.

Through some quiet moments, God asked me if I cared about my relationship with Him each day as much as I cared about how many steps I was taking.  He asked me if I checked on my progress with Him as the day wore on.  He asked me if I cared if my spiritual health was improving as much as my physical health.  He asked me if I cared to fight my deceitfully wicked heart so that eternity would be different because of the life I lived here.

I did not appreciate these questions, but they were so needed.

It was time for a pivot.  Before I got my 2nd new watch,  I made some decisions about how I would move forward.  I still check my watch more than I should, but every time I check it, I thank God for my health and the ability to take these steps.  I pause and pray as I go for a walk or run the stairs.  I intentionally turn my focus to Him before I move forward to compete against my goal by reciting a verse, thanking Him for a Truth, or confessing where I have not met a spiritual goal of living a holy life for Him.

Now my watch not only measures my physical health, but I intentionally work to allow it to measure my spiritual health.  I will never have to count my steps in Heaven, but I want to know Jesus in a deeper way so that when I walk with Him I will know Him well.

“Father, help us not to allow earthly things to get in the way of our relationship with You.”

 

For His Glory

 

Terrie Tollerson www.TerrieTollerson.com
TRBC Women’s Life

 

 

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Posted in Freedom, Spiritual Living, Success, Wisdom

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