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hank you." These two magic words are perhaps the most neglected in our vocabulary. When I thank someone for doing something nice for me-sending me a present, cooking dinner for me, or doing me a special favor, they feel appreciated. There's something special about hand-written notes. For one thing, the recipient can read them over and over again, enjoying the friendship represented and the sentiment. The flip side is that saying "thank you"..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Prayer: Father God, I come to You, not experiencing this power of ministry that Oswald had. Awaken my soul that I might claim what has already been given to me. I want to exhibit power in my beliefs and live by Your strength. Amen. Action: Claim all the provisions given by possessing the Holy Spirit in your life. Today's Wisdom: Without the presence of the Spirit there is no conviction, no regeneration, no sanctification, no cleansing, ..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Father God, I am working to make room in my life for more of the things that please You. I want my daily activities, priorities, and choices to reflect my love for You and my commitment to You. Give me a discerning mind so that I make space for family, prayer, devotion, worship, and caring for others and myself. Amen. HEART ACTION Take back control of your time and your days. Flip to your calendar and make three white spaces just for you. Y..
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Emilie Barnes |
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ay cheese!" If you're like most women I know, you have at least one family and friends photo area in your home. My entire home is practically a photo gallery! Walls, tabletops, and my refrigerator door are all crowded with the faces of people I love. My husband, Bob, my children, grandchildren, new friends, old friends you name 'em and I've displayed 'em. How precious are these gatherings of faces to us. And it's so fitting, isn't it? Becau..
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Emilie Barnes |
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pring is a great time to introduce your children to the wonders of God's creation. Take them to a garden center and let them pick out a tree to be planted in your yard. Let them help dig the hole, add soil amendments, and place the tree. As they fill the hole around the tree, talk about how amazing God was when creating the world. Your children will love watching the tree grow through the years... as they grow with it. And remember when you..
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Emilie Barnes |
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love to have pillows everywhere. They warm up a room so easily and without a lot of expense. I've discovered oversized pillows are a lot more comfortable than smaller ones. Make sure some of your pillows are filled with down. They're much more comfortable. (But know which ones they are in case some of your guests are allergic to down.) You can even have old ones restuffed. And don't be afraid to mix the patterns. Florals, stripes, bold colo..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Fear of the Lord The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding. To him belongs eternal praise. --PSALM 111:10 The motto of the wisdom teachers is that the fear of the LORD (showing holy respect and reverence for God and shunning evil) is the starting point and essence of wisdom. When you have a fear of the LORD, you express that respect by submission to His will. * "Behold, the fear..
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Emilie Barnes |
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little extra attention to your surroundings can make a big difference in how you feel. What colors lift your spirits? What kind of music makes you feel energetic or peaceful? Do any particular fragrances give you a sense of contentment or remind you of fun times? Are any visual symbols especially meaningful to you? Maybe a flower, the face of a child, and a special book from a friend? Do any scriptures or quotations stick in your mind? Are ..
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Emilie Barnes |
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HEART ACTION Make a date with a friend you are missing. Don't worry that a long time has passed since you last spoke. Start with where you are right now and let her know that you miss her and her presence in your life. The spirit of the tea beverage is one of peace, comfort, and refinement. ARTHUR GRAY Rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven. -LUKE 10:20 A few days after Roy Rogers passed away at his home in Apple Valley, California,..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Emergency Phone Numbers O Lord, hear me praying; listen to my plea, O God my King, for I will never pray to anyone but you. --PSALM 5:1 TLB With cell phones we can make urgent calls to business or family contacts in a flash. But at times there are emergency calls that need to be made that don't require a phone. The numbers for these calls are found in the Bible. Emergency Phone Numbers When in sorrow, call John 14. When men fail you, ca..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Thank You, Lord I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. --PHILIPPIANS 4:11 Why wait for Thanksgiving Day to be thankful? One day a year is not enough. Every day upon waking and every evening before we nod off to sleep, these two words need to come from our mouths: "Thank You." A few years ago Bob and I wrote and gathered a collection of prayers, old and new, called Grateful Hearts Give Thanks. These prayers for mealtime..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Finding Favor in God's Eyes Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD.... Noah did everything just as God commanded him. --GENESIS 6:8,22 One way to find favor with God is to love His little children. In the New Testament we read where Jesus loved the young children and warned us as adults to be careful not to harm the little children. As a grandparent, I can gain favor with God by being kind and gentle with the little ones in our family..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Jw~Zc2til~-t-Zvtl~- ~O-wti 71.LZwd~-tL A man of too many friends comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. -PROVERBS 18:24 A good paraphrase of this opening Scripture is, "A woman of too many friends will be broken in pieces." Indiscriminately chosen friends may bring trouble, but a genuine friend sticks with you through thick and thin. Our friends have a positive or negative effect upon our lives. Many of us ha..
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Emilie Barnes |
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In our Christian walk we are encouraged not to remain like babes and children, but to wean ourselves from spiritual milk and soft food and grow into healthier foods. God wants us to exhibit signs of maturity, and many times this comes through very difficult life situations. My experience validates that we grow through difficulties and not through just the good times. If we are not mature, the reason is observable: We have not been workers b..
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Emilie Barnes |
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ant to spruce up your bathroom? Don't hesitate to hang pictures in there. Plaques, posters, framed magazine covers-whatever strikes your fancy. Mirrors and clocks are naturals too. Flowers are always a plus. Seashells are also at home in the bathroom. Put them in a bowl, hang them, or glue them to a frame. Add favorite bathroom accessories such as lamps and scented candles. Potpourri gives everything a special ambience. Put in a few unexpec..
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Emilie Barnes |
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It All Starts at Home The quality of the time that their parents devote to them indicates to children the degree to which they are valued by their parents.... When children know that they are valued, and when they truly feel valued in the deepest parts of themselves, then they feel valuable. --M. SCOTT PECK It was a source of much aggravation to some fish to see a number of lobsters swimming backward instead of forward. So they called a..
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Emilie Barnes |
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HEART ACTION Build up the courage of others, and also tend to how you treat yourself You are loved by a mighty God. You were made in His image, and you have value beyond measure. Let go of goals for perfection so you can appreciate your strengths, abilities, and unique wonders. Nobody can teach you how to make the perfect cup of tea. It just happens over time. JILL DUPLEIX TANGERINE TEA * 7 to 8 teaspoons of orange pekoe tea leaves * 8 cups..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Prayer: Father God, I can't thank You enough for all that You have given me. I have so much to be thankful for. My barns are overflowing, and grain is spilling out over the top. Thank You. Thank You. Amen. Action: Take a risk and say "Thank You" in God's presence. Today's Wisdom: For three things I thank God every day of my life: thanks that he has vouchsafed me knowledge of his works; deep thanks that he has set in my darkness the lamp..
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Emilie Barnes |
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ant a successful party? Remember to laugh! Don't take yourself too seriously-especially when it's party time. Tell jokes, share funny stories that highlight your own embarrassing moments. Celebrate fun memories. One of our favorite family parties is getting out the old photo albums and making fun of ourselves. Guests love it too if you have them bring some pictures of their own to add to the fun. now when to say "no" to good things and "yes..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Today's Wisdom: Be it health or be it leisure, Be it skill we have to give, Still in spending it for others Christians only really live. Not in having or receiving, But in giving, there is bliss; He who has no other pleasure Ever may rejoice in this. --AUTHOR UNKNOWN
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Emilie Barnes |
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It really isn't the tea. It's the spirit of the tea party. And it is in that spirit I hope you will join me. PRAYER God, grant me a giving heart that wishes to share the treasures of tea and hospitality and kindness. Remind me to bother with those extras that make the difference in the lives of family members, friends, and strangers. Amen. HEART ACTION Ask another to join you for a time of tea and conversation and connection. If I am incons..
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Emilie Barnes |
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id you know that having everything tidy doesn't always mean you're organized? You can be a neat "clutterer." Instead of asking, "Now, where do I put this?" ask, "Where will I find it?" There's a big difference in approach. When your office (or your life for that matter!) is too messy, you can't utilize your time wisely. You spend more time trying to find things than working on the project at hand. What's the clutter costing you? Most likely..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Chew like a Cow I meditate on your precepts and consider your ways. --PSALM 119:15 We want God's time. But are we willing to give Him a portion of our day, our thoughts? Meditation takes effort, discipline, and the willingness to make space for God. We are in so much of a hurry that we just can't seem to fit meditation into our busy schedules. Oh, most of us want an intimate relationship with the Lord, but are we ready to give of our ti..
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Emilie Barnes |
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If My People Pray If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. --2 CHRONICLES 7:14 Among the many myths associated with Alexander the Great is the tale of a poor Macedonian soldier who was leading before Alexander the Great a mule laden with gold for the king's use. The mule beca..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Jt'i to- You shall love your neighbor as yourself. -LEVITICUS 19:18 Yes, I give you permission to be selfish at times. One thing I notice about so many people is that they are burned out because they spend so much time serving others that they have no time for themselves. As a young mom I was going from sunup to late in the evening just doing the things that moms do. When evening came around I was exhausted. All I wanted to do was take a ho..
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Emilie Barnes |
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You can file your nails, make appointments, clean a shelf, throw in a load of laundry, or write a thank-you note. One pastor gave a copy of the book of Psalms to everyone in his congregation. He suggests they use it when they have a minute or so of "waiting" time. Why not make a list of what you can accomplish in five minutes so you'll be ready the next time you have a little spare time? ant some quick reminders to get more out of life? * I..
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Emilie Barnes |
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When you think of investments and returns, call Mark 10. If you are depressed, call Psalm 27. If your pocketbook is empty, call Psalm 37. If people seem unkind, call John 15. If discouraged about your work, call Psalm 126. If you find the world growing small and yourself great, call Psalm 19. --AUTHOR UNKNOWN Emergency numbers may be dialed direct. No operator assistance is necessary. All lines to heaven are open 24 hours a day and seven da..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Sometimes quick experiences pay big dividends. You need refreshment and renewal. Don't let yourself become so overwhelmed by your responsibilities that you forget how to nourish yourself with those things that give you a lift.. .like a cup of tea, perhaps? PRAYER Lord, help my spirit to be still and silent before You. I pray that I will carve out time to be with You and enjoy simple pleasures that fill me with happiness and hope and peace. ..
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Emilie Barnes |
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A life enhancer is alive and well and carrying out God's will in his or her life. It's exciting being around this person, and you'll feel constantly energized. Which person best describes you? Do you need to make some changes? If so, what will you do? ecoming a woman of God begins by making a personal commitment to Jesus Christ. Only He can give you the fresh start you're looking for. Second Corinthians 5:17 is a great reminder: "If anyone ..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Prayer: Father God, as I look upon the everyday drudgeries of life, may I recognize my commitment to You. May I see the eternal light in these tasks so that I can recognize that You are building eternal character in my life. Amen. Action: Examine two or three of your drudgeries to see how God can make these into opportunities for character building. Today's Wisdom: When things go wrong, as they sometimes will, When the road you're trudg..
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Emilie Barnes |
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riendship is a treasure. If you possess even one nugget of the real thing-you're rich! So celebrate! Give your friend a book or an item with a note explaining its importance. Or set up a spa day. Why not add to her collection-or even start one for her! A bell, a miniature animal, an antique ...something in line with her interests. Personalized notepads are always great and practical! You could get her a monogrammed Bible or a hymnbook for h..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Action: Bring out one of your favorite games tonight and play it with the family. No TV allowed. Today's Wisdom: Home is the one place in all this world where hearts are sure of each other. It is the place of confidence. It is the place where we tear off that mask of guarded and suspicious coldness which the world forces us to wear in self-defense, and where we pour out the unreserved communications of full and confiding hearts. It is the..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Come Clean with God It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. --1 TIMOTHY 1:15 NASB One of the most watched TV series in recent years has been Donald Trump's The Apprentice. The highlight of the program is when Mr. Trump delights in saying, "You're fired!" This format has been so well received in America that other networks quickly in..
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Emilie Barnes |
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aughter is such great medicine. So first of all, don't take life too seriously. There's so much to laugh about. In fact, look for the "sillies" in your circumstances. And laughter is contagious! One time our kids were telling a silly story. What they said set me off, and I started laughing and couldn't stop. No one knew what I was laughing about, but everyone joined in anyway. Make room for laughter in your life. Deliberately seek it out. P..
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Emilie Barnes |
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HEART OF TEA DEVOTION rc t c//'VI/~ L tLP /'V to/ a My dear, ifyou couldgive me a cup of tea to clear my muddle of a head I should better understand your affairs. CHARLES DICKENS If teacups could talk, my house would be full of conversation ... because my house is full of teacups. My collection of china cups-begun many years ago, when I set up housekeeping as a child bride-has long since outgrown its home in the glass-front armoire and spre..
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Emilie Barnes |
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The Bible says, "Be kind and compassionate to one another" (Ephesians 4:32). So be a blessing in someone's life today. ur hearts will be found in the vicinity of our treasures." That's so true, isn't it? Over the years, I've asked hundreds of women to tell me the stories of their treasures. I've been treated to some incredible stories, from a loving grandmother to an inherited Bible, from a mysterious, closed-up room to antique furniture. I..
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Emilie Barnes |
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HEART ACTION Do you practice what you preach? Become aware of the times when you are not living out the principles and kindnesses that you hold dear. Find fresh ways to show God's love and express your gifts and your compassion. Cambric tea was hot water and milk, with only a taste of tea in it, but little girls felt grown-up when their mothers let them drink cambric tea. LAURA INGALLS WILDER We are no longer to be children, tossed here and..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Come Let Us Worship Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the LORD our Maker. --PSALM 95:6 A recent point of frustration, debate, and tension in many churches has been about defining worship and agreeing what it should look like. Older Christians are confused because of changes made to the style of worship. They wonder whatever happened to the old hymns that were so beloved. They knew the page numbers and all the old ver..
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Emilie Barnes |
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oday so many children aren't involved in their families' lives. Let's change that! Get them active in your family. Start by creating times for sharing and conversation.. .at the dinner table. Turn off the TV, all phones (including cells), and any other distractions. Toward the end of the meal, ask everyone this question: "What's the best thing that happened to you today?" Make dinnertime fun. Find out what's happening in your children's hea..
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Emilie Barnes |
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ake an hour or so at a discount card shop or dollar store and load up on all kinds of greeting cards-birthday, anniversary, friends, and pets. Store them in a convenient place and use them as special occasions arise. You'll save a lot of time by having them when you need them. ave a "gift shelf" in your home. Load it up with boxes of stationery, stuffed toys, small items-whatever is useful and on sale so when occasions arise, you'll be read..
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Emilie Barnes |
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eed a gift box? Cover shoe boxes with wrapping paper. Fill them with stationery, a glue stick, small scissors, paper clips, marking pens, memo pads, and thank you notes. You can even add stamps. Any mom, dad, grandparent, or teacher would love such a gift. y motto is "Always be ready for a party." When party supplies go on sale, I stock up. Colored plates, napkins, streamers, little gifts, even party hats. And here's a tip. When you buy can..
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Emilie Barnes |
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f you're looking for sparkle in your life, I've got some great ideas. * Nothing lifts my spirits more than encouraging scriptures. Try framing a card with your favorite Bible verse and hang it next to where you do your work. Talk about sparkle! And make sure your children have their own Bibles to introduce "sparkle" in their lives. * Ask a friend to be your prayer partner for a week. Call or e-mail each other with prayer requests and praise..
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Emilie Barnes |
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Celebrate to Celebrate Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. --PSALM 107:1 I've often been accused of celebrating just to celebrate. I guess that's correct, because I've built a ministry on telling women how to develop a close-knit family. My experience has shown that healthy families love to celebrate--you name it; they celebrate. Make celebrations a tradition in your family! Why not? Life is for living, an..
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Emilie Barnes |
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s a child, I was so shy I once hid in a closet at my own birthday party! But again and again, over the years, God has confronted me with opportunities to step outside of myself to touch others. And you know what? Saying yes to God is always a hopeful endeavor. If someone asked me 40 years ago whether I'd ever write a book or speak in front of a large audience, I'd have told her she was crazy. But that's what my ministry became! And as I've ..
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Emilie Barnes |