Mat 18.4 +

Mat 18.4

“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child,

the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.”

 

Proud

5 of 47 “…Give ear; be not PROUD: for the LORD hath spoken”(Jer 13.15)

Job 40.12 Look on every one that is PROUD, and bring him low; and tread down the wicked in their place.

 

“You are in danger…if you depart ever so little from Scripture…

from the plain literal mean­ing of any text, taken in connection with the context.”

– John Wesley

 

The wind blew

The wind blew as in a wild rant,

Flinging soil bits, bending plant,

Showing itself in this up-stage

Master of sand, controller of sage,

Pushing and punishing its lesser kin

Earthbound things, closer to sin.

Wind, as most know, has a high Source,

Heaven (the lowest one) feels it play and force.

Wind swoops in quite uninvited,

Divides that which was once united,

Combines that separated by miles,

Flings, and flies, and finishes, and files,

And then moves on as nonchalant

As if (as IS the case) it has no want.

Wind comes, do you know from where?

It settles sometimes over there,

Without a care, God only its Master,

It causes, but knows, no disaster.

Oh, who can know what wind will see

Blowing ill or good for you for me.

– eab, 9/30/12

 

Peer pressure is in the bar room, I imagine. P.P. (peer pressure) is on the job. Sports are full of P.P. And- – -would you believe, P.P. is even in the realm of christian academicians? “Dr. So-n-So uses ‘x’(new Bible version).” “Dean ‘A,’ PhD, is sold on the ‘y’(different version).” – – – “If I’m going to be accepted in this ‘christian-college-world,’ guess I’ll have to become an advocate of one of the new ‘books-on-the-block.’” Christian, obey God, above & beyond peer pressure. – 9/26/19

 

“We are indebted to our Lord’s controversies with the Pharisees & Scribes

for a considerable part of the four Gospels.”

– John Fletcher

 

Remove “luck” from your vocabulary & “I bet” “good fortune” “chance” “fate.” These (& who knows how many others) are part of the heathen culture & its words, which surround us. Never “thank your lucky stars.” Never “knock on wood.” Never read “your horoscope.” Subtract all such from life. God Reigns! – 9/26/19

 

Act 16.18

“…Paul being grieved…said to the spirit [of divination], I command thee

in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her…he came out.”

 

“God’s commands to pray are really veiled personal letters

inviting us into His presence.”

– Steve D Herron, sermon, 11/14/83

 

How do you pray? Is 90% of your praying about physical need? Do you spend a lot of time praying for things with a dollar sign ($)? There’s a Scriptural prayer I’d encourage you to pray & pray it often. “…Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest that he would send forth laborers into his harvest” (Luk 10.2). – 9/30/19

 

“Jesus never refused little faith.

The only thing that ever hindered the Lord from doing anything was unbelief.”

– Steve D Herron

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Pro 15.33 +

Pro 15.33

“The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom;

& before honor is humility.”

 

Proud

4 of 47 “…Give ear; be not PROUD: for the LORD hath spoken”(Jer 13.15)

Job 40.11 Cast abroad the rage of thy wrath: and behold every one that is PROUD, and abase him.

 

“When he thought about Father, he thought about heaven!”

– Albert Barr, sermon, 6/16/1991

 

BIRCH and SPRUCE [1]

The birch tree gracefully dropped its leaves.

Its neighboring spruce said, “I’ll hold these”

Holds them as decorations briefly seen

Golden fragments clinging to evergreen.

– eab, 9/24/06

 

So you’re planning on getting married (or just got married). As a man happily married for 58+ yrs, I highly recommend this holy state – best “state” on earth. But I’m going to warn you. The devil hates few things worse than a happy, pure marriage. He’ll fight you. He’ll point out her peculiarities & temp you to be galled by them. The devil will show you his oddities (“Why would anyone like ___”) & temp you to be impatient. Pray for each other. Forgive (without being asked) your love’s “stupid” actions/words. Know that satan is out to ruin your happy home but he can’t unless you let him. DON’T. – 9/26/19

 

“Fasting becomes a ‘hunger strike’ against God.”

– Albert Barr, sermon, 6/22/1997

 

Only God deserves 100%, unquestioned loyalty. No church, no government earns this. “My bishop – my superintendent – my governor – my senator – my president – – – right or wrong.” IS wrong! God warrants 100% devotion – He is 100% right. No man is. Pray & Think seriously about who you “support.” – 9/26/19

 

1Th 5.24

“Faithful is he that calleth you,

who also will do it.”

 

“We are destined eternally to spend eternity

where our treasures are.”

– Daryl D Hausman, sermon, 6/15/’95

 

God has called us all to witness. It may be with words or non-verbally. It may be via a difficult to learn language of another continent or in the vernacular of your native Appalachian or Rocky Mt. valley. It is not just a “preacher thing.” Witnessing may come when least expected, even in what is, for you, a crisis hour. And – witnessing is not telling Bill he should not smoke (he already senses that) but rather in words (or non-verbally) letting him glimpse the joy Jesus has given you. – 9/26/19

 

“Prayer is like work – it moves something.”

– Tillman Harris

[1] Written after Martha noticed leaves on the way to church (Murie Lane, N Pole, AK) with Andrew/Vonnie and family.

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1Ti 4.12 +

1Ti 4.12

“Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers,

in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.”

 

Some of you know enough Methodist history to know the name Richard Watson. He preached his 1^st sermon in a cottage, day after be turned 15. Francis Asbury was redeemed at 14. By age 18 he was preaching as many as 5 times a week. Much more recently S D Herron (founder of HSBC) was pastoring at 17. ** Where are the young men today who’re willing to study the word, pray deeply for insights, & step out early to mind God? -9/25/19

 

“A man can judge his spiritual standing by the moral standard of the things

his heart ponders with pleasure.”

– H A Baldwin /Holiness & t Human Element/

 

Giving God 100% access to your soul allows you to enjoy Him & Him, in all this Majestic Majesty, to (don’t ask me how this works) enjoy you. – 9/21/19

 

“You’ll never be satisfied with anything less

than what you have already experienced”

– Archie Atwell, Jr.

 

earthly paradise

Some seek an earthly paradise

Condemning acts they /think/ aren’t nice.

They don’t love God or love what’s right.

Prefer their notions to His Light.

Nor do they desire to be born twice.

– eab, Sept 2009

 

Dear Godly Pastor or Holy Deacon – Do you have a young man in church who’s clearly saved & either sanctified or seeking to be? You ought to pray about inviting him to hold a Prayer Meeting. Our churches should be “hatching spots” for young preachers. If/when he agrees to speak, let him know you’ll be praying for him as he prepares/preaches. If he does great you’ll have no problem complimenting – if he does poorly, notice words, an illustration, his prayer: something you can honestly say was good. We need young men entering the ministry. Your church could be helping the Kingdom. – 9/25/19

 

“Moloch & Rephen are planetary divinities, member of the “host of heaven”

…kaiwan is an Assyrian name for the planet Saturn…”

– F F Bruce

 

Joh 14.6

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life:

no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

 

Bread, Light, Door, Shepard, Resurrection, Way-Truth-Life, Vine

1. Joh 6.35 …I am the Bread…
2. Joh 8.12 …I am the Light…
3. Joh 10.9 I am the Door…
4. Joh 10.11 I am the…Shepherd…
5. Joh 11.25 …I am the Resurrection
6. Joh 14.6 …I am the Way, the Truth, & the Life
7. Joh 15.1 I am the…Vine – “I am the…” 7 wonderful times.

 

 “God’s forgiveness is full;

it is free, it is forever.”

– Andrew W Blackwood

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Act 4.31 +

Act 4.31

“And when they had prayed, the place was shaken

where they were assembled together…”

 

“No person has such a full view of his own astonishing weakness

 as does the holy man.”

– H A Baldwin /Holiness & t Human Element/

 

Churches have “special services” & if one night there’s a little freedom we’re “delighted.” Friends we’re too easily satisfied. No sinner was converted. No one crossed the aisle to apologize for her attitude. No soul testified to being purified from the carnal nature. No young man was called to preach. No young lady felt challenged to start a kids Sunday Sch. class. (I’m not trying to be too hard on us, nor play a holier-than-thou tune.) I question it’s God’s will for our churches to be closing. We need REVIVAL, not just “special services.” God help us! O, God help us! – 9/23/19

 

“The weak points in a strong man

are more liable to be copied than the strong ones…”

– H A Baldwin /Holiness & t Human Element/

 

WHAT HE HAD

You may have had a tiny hunch,

Christ could have created that lunch;

But to Him, that did not “add”

In stead, He used what the Lad had,

Used it to nourish the whole bunch.

– eab, Sept. 2008

 

God invites us to be like Him. The devil contends for us to be like him. The more you learn about God the more you want to be like God. The more you learn about satan the less you want to be like him. – 9/22/19

 

“The sanctification of the Church means its separation

 from all that is unholy, from sin.”

– Dietrich Bonoeffer

 

Joh 8.32

“And ye shall know the truth,

and the truth shall make you free.”

 

There is a Freedom in Jesus Christ – it’s the most important Freedom on earth. The NT recognized that one could be bond (a slave) & at the same time have this Freedom. The western world, enamored with “democracy,” a relatively new idea, (very possibly the clay-mixed-with-iron in the image, Dan 2.43) can’t see how one could be bond but also have Freedom. We insist on the body having Freedom – & (unless a true Believer) we fail to see real Freedom is the Freedom of the soul! Are you free? – 9/23/19

 

“The actor who had to play the part of pagan gods & heroes, the teacher who was forced to teach pagan mythologies in pagan schools, the gladiator who had to take human life for sport, the soldier who wielded the sword, the policeman & the judge all had to renounce their heathen professions if they wanted to be baptized.”

– Dietrich Bonoeffer

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1Pe 5.6 +

1Pe 5.6

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God

that he may exalt you in due time”

 

Proud

3 of 47 “…Give ear; be not PROUD: for the LORD hath spoken”(Jer 13.15)

Job 38.11 And said, Hitherto shalt thou come, but no further: and here shall thy PROUD waves be stayed?

 

“God’s Word declares that a righteous person is like a tree. A tree lives in two realms of nature;

it lives in the earth & it lives above the earth.”

– T M Anderson

 

SO SIMILIAR

Some men have lived in great wealth;

Others have known the empty shelf,

Their lives seemed miles and miles apart.

But death came to the mighty rich,

Likewise death the poor did ditch.

They are sooo alike with an un-pumping heart.

– eab, 9/22/09

 

Too many have forgotten (or never knew) how to act in God’s house. We should come on the grounds with a degree of subdued-ness. We ought to be quiet in the vestibule/foyer. When entering the sanctuary may a sense of awe grip us – this IS a building set aside to worship the Maker of Heaven & earth. If you speak to a human, let it be in a whisper, or better just smile & nod. Kneel at your pew or if seated, bow your head inviting God to meet with you & your fellow worshippers. Only be noisy as the Spirit moves & then decently & in order. Worship & adore God & leave with a sense of vibrancy & renewal. – 9/22/19

 

“The things we say in prayer are powerless & meaningless

unless we have Christ’s authority to say them.”

– T M Anderson /Prayer Availeth Much/

 

In nearly 30 yrs as student, teacher, administrator in Christian schools & a little more as a minister I’ve see at camps, campuses, conferences, & houses of worship, men who’re probably “selling for more than they’re worth.” (Not happy to say this, but it’s a fact.) But I also am in danger of selling for more than I’m worth. It won’t hurt me to be under-esteemed. But to be over-esteemed could be dangerous. – 9/21/19

 

Act 20.7

“…Upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread,

Paul preached unto them…”

 

“God does not begin any project

God does not complete.”

– Larry Grile, IHC sermon, 2006

 

The Lord’s Day is not the time to wash your dirty car. Nor the time to mow growing grass. It’s not the time to check-out a new fishing hole or plug a few squirrels. Nor the time to do 18 holes. The Lord’s Day is – as it says – His Day. He gave you 6 days last week for your chores or pleasure. Lord willing, He’ll give you 6 this week. AND – – – if you don’t live out the next 6, you’ll be happier meeting (these won’t save you but) Him, if you honored His day. – 9/22/19

 

“In eternity God will be continually revealing more of Himself.”

– Larry Grile, IHC sermon, 2006

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1Co 11.15 +

1Co 11.15

“But if a woman have long hair, it is a glory to her:

for her hair is given her for a covering.”

 

“…Carnal worry involves my integrity as a holy man;

it disconnects me from God by my doubtfulness & complaints.”

– H A Baldwin /Holiness & t Human Element/

 

If you’re blessed with a wife who’s willing to wear uncut hair, keeping it clean/neat but not styled/adorned to get attention – thank her. Do extra favors for her for the time she spends in shampooing, brushing & arranging. Never give her a rough time about how long this takes. My wife has not cut her hair since 1959 – I’m happy she has her long hair (some ladies have lost theirs) & we allow the time it takes for her to do it when we plan to go somewhere. I am Blessed. – 9/21/19

 

“Definite preaching should cause definite seeking

& definite seeking should produce definite results.”

– H A Baldwin /Holiness & t Human Element/

 

Let My people go

“Let My people go” the Lord said

When they were let go, Moses led

Through the sea and through the sand

Starting, stopping at God’s command.

Glad? They were rebellious instead.

– eab Sept. 2007

 

“The word of cheap grace has been the ruin of more Christians

than any commandment of works.”

– Dietrich Bonoeffer

 

Fellow believers, hold tightly to God’s hand. I’m not a prophet but (IMO) our trail may get foreseeably steeper. The world’s never been a friend of righteousness but even so its atmosphere is chilling. The gongs of heathenism may get noisier. Hold on to your Bible; frequent the prayer closet. When you can’t see as clearly as you’d like see, hold on. When you’re not hearing His voice as loudly as you’d like hear, hold on. Jesus Never Fails. – 9/19/19

 

2Ti 3.13

“But evil men & seducers shall wax worse & worse

deceiving & being deceived.”

 

Every home needs a waste basket/waste can for trash – some of us have 2-3. Friend, your life/your soul also needs a waste can. There are things about which you no longer need to think – chuck ‘em. There are some habits that aren’t helping you or your family – drop them in the can. And take the can out so it can be permanently gone. – 9/21/19

 

“Discipleship without Jesus Christ is a way of our own choosing. It may be the ideal way.

It may even lead to martyrdom but it is devoid of all promise. Jesus will certainly reject it.”

– Dietrich Bonoeffer

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Jam 4.6 +

Jam 4.6

“But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith,

God resisteth the proud but giveth grace unto the humble.”

 

Proud

2 of 47 “…Give ear; be not PROUD: for the LORD hath spoken”(Jer 13.15)

Job 26.12 He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the PROUD

 

“…You can’t look at God’s promises as if they were some inspiring motto:

you have to present them for payment.”

– T M Anderson

 

ONE LETTER

Don’t think it odd,

That “good” and “God,”

Are but a letter apart.

Nor think it trivial,

That “evil” and “devil,”

Are alike but for the start.

– eab, 9/20/08

 

Note on prophecy:

“Here is wisdom… Rev 13.18 >> Only time these 3 words are arranged this way in Bible. <<

“Here is the mind which hath wisdom.” Rev 17.9 >> Sole use of these words arranged so in Bible. <<

Word “wisdom” ties these two vv together. Consider & pray for understanding. – 9/16/19

 

“We have nothing to get proud & conceited about. We are empted of self.

We go forward on the basis of humility.”

– T M Anderson

 

A Little Heavy. I’ve enjoyed many a laugh at accidental, clean humor. Having said that, it’s revealing to see in the NT “Laughter” (once only) “…let your laughter be turned to mourning…”(Jam 4.9); “Laugh” (twice) both counter-positioned against “weep” (Luk 6.21 & 25); & “Laughed” (only used when) “…they laughed him [our Lord] to scorn…” (Mat 9.24, Mar 5.40, Luk 8.53). (Laughing is not in the NT.) “Are you saying, Bryan, to not laugh?” No. Let me encourage us, as Believers, to NOT make laughter a goal.

P.S. Before typing this post, searched the Bible for “smile, smiled, smiles, smiling” – they’re not there! – 9/19/19

 

1Pe 5.8

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil,

as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour”

 

“…that old thing that is a non-conductor of My glory,

that carnal thing.”

– Glenn Griffith

 

Did you marry Up? Some think this refers to family wealth. Some think this means “blue blood.” Some see it as marrying into a family of “movers & shakers.” If one/all of these is all you have – Congrats – but, there is something better. If you married a wife (or husband) who is cleaned Up from sin, who’s been filled Up with the Holy Spirit, & who’s ready to go Up; ah – – – then you truly married Up. Praise the Lord. – 9/20/19

 

“The only sin that can be forgiven is a fully confessed

& fully forsaken sin.”

– Glenn Griffith

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1Pe 5.6 +

1Pe 5.6

“Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God,

that he may exalt you in due time:”

 

Proud

1 of 47 “…Give ear; be not PROUD: for the LORD hath spoken”(Jer 13.15)

Job 9.13 If God will not withdraw his anger, the PROUD helpers do stoop under him.

 

“The shortest route to a backslider’s grave

is to fail to be godlike & forgive.”

– T M Anderson

 

prophecy

To study prophecy is right,

Learn what will help you see the light,

Discern the figures that are dark,

Decide whose “bite” is worse than “bark,”

As the world’s day slopes into night. – eab,  Sep. 2007

 

God is the greatest Author. Period. You really ought to read His Book – – – all – the – way – through. Set aside a part of a day to read one of the 66 Books inside His great Book. It may surprise you how few minutes or quarter hours it takes to read one Book at-a-sitting. Make sure you read the Unabridged Edition. – 8/29/19

 

“…Blessed to discover a people…who do not want to be entertained with cheap programs

& silly plays in the church; a people hungry for the bread of life…”

– T M Anderson

 

You posted a meme that had a 4-letter word in it.

Did you see that? Would you have said that to me in person?

Why post such? Make your own meme AND never share another bad word on social media. OK? – 9/18/19

 

Tit 2.2

“That the aged men be sober, grave, temperate,

sound in faith, in charity, in patience.

 

“…Reason preachers are losing their message & folks are losing their testimony is a lack of the glory of God.” – Glenn Griffith

 

Some people are so hard on Trump. (I’m not sure I know why all the wrath.) If you name the name of Jesus ask Him to you get over some of your disagreement, ask for patience with the rest, & pray for Mr. Trump.

Other people are “over the top” with Trump. (I’m not sure that I know why all the gush.) If you name the name of Christ ask Him to get you get over this “love affair.” He’s not drained the swamp & the budget’s never been worse (as I understand). Both Sides: Listen to the Apostle Paul; be “temperate” (Tit 1.8, 2.2). – 9/18/19

 

“If you are one in Him,

you are one with each other.”

– Glenn Griffith

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2Ti 4.10 +

2Ti 4.10

“For Demas hath forsaken me,

having loved this present world”

[emphasis added]

 

“The carnal nature is the thing that makes you sore

 when you get hurt.”

– T M Anderson

 

#1. You once walked the more careful road but something caught your attention on the left & you moved that way. You still profess to be a Christian (perhaps even to be filled with the Spirit) but this is overtop outward evidences of habits & language you once did not have. In the middle of the night or when contemplating death, you miss those happier, holier days. – 9/13/19

 

“We cannot hope to escape the flood of evil which threatens to overwhelm the believers today

unless we are constantly refilled & re-invigorated by the Holy Spirit.”

– T M Anderson

 

PULLED UP, PUSHED UP

The mighty oak from an acorn came,

Bursting, throbbing, growing in strain;

Pulled up by the light, pushed up by the rain.

It didn’t happen over night.

 

No stalwart man is instant made.

It takes pressure, decisions, days of shade;

Pulled up by prayer, pushed by reading, rare.

Small souls and fires quickly fade.

– eab Sept. 1975

 

“It is impossible to separate doctrine and

 morality in the Christian Church.”

– Dietrich Bonoeffer

 

#2. Will you return?  I wish you would. And you can! Will it be easy? No. It’ll be hard to explain to children when you move (inside of you & outside) back to Biblical life. It’ll hard to tell peers you’ll no longer run “…with them to the same excess of riot…”(1Pe 4.4). But 15 sec. inside Heaven you’ll be so joyful. Come back, O, come back. – 9/13/19

 

Gen 5.5, 8, 11, 14, 17 etc.

“…& he died …& he died …& he died …& he died …& he died …& he died.”

 

“His days are numbered” or “Her days are numbered” you’ve perhaps said or heard said. Tough statement if you loved him or her. *Let me come a little closer.* Your days are numbered too – as are mine. Some souls days are numbered in 5 digits. Some 4 digits or 3 but all of us have numbered days. We simply do not know that number. “…Now is the day of salvation”(2co 6.2). – 9/14/19

 

“To refuse to believe in the gospel

is the worst sin imaginable.”

– Dietrich Bonoeffer

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1Ti 2.9 +

1Ti 2.9

“…That women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with shamefacedness & sobriety;

not with broided hair, or gold, or pearls, or costly array;”

 

“If you quote the Bible to them they look at you &

want to know what science says about it.”

– V O Agan, ‘55 Conf. Serm.

 

There’s a certain freedom in not having to wear metal/plastic/wood/pearly ornaments. And there’s certain joy in possessing (by God’s wonderful grace) the pricey inner ornament of a “meek & quiet spirit”(1Pe 3.4) which God & you see & find delightful. There is certainly a savings in time – not having to decide which piece of “stuff” will color-coordinate with the chosen outfit for the day. And a savings on stress or mental anxiety about whether peers will think they match & “love them” or show disapproval by ignoring today’s “bling.” Oh, the freedom of a fresh, plain appearance. – 9/15/19

 

“Self loves self. We are so easy on self & hard on others,

unless we are desperate for the victory.”

– V O Agan, ‘55 Conf. Serm.

 

BATTLE FOR FAITH

The battle for Faith is on

And the lines along which it is drawn

Are clear lines and strong lines

Known to the foe and his throng.

– eab, Sep. 1981

 

Read your Bible, if that is the best you can do. A step up, would be to read the Bible & make an honest effort to memorize from It (please try to do both the words of a verse/part of vs & also the reference). An even higher step would be to become a student of the Word. Read it with pen & straight edge or high-lighter (caution: some high-lighters bleed through the page) or with a computer file open, dedicated to that chapter (or Book) or with a paper pad beside you. Make notes, See sequences, Connect similar (or exact) words, Ask yourself questions, Make lists, etc. You cannot know too much of the Bible! – 9/15/19

 

“Costly grace…is the kingly rule of Christ…It is costly because it costs a man his life

& it is grace because it gives a man the only true life.”

– Dietrich Bonoeffer

 

Rom 16.19

“…I would have you wise unto that which is good,

and simple concerning evil.”

 

If you teach in a Christian sch. or do home schooling, Please do not subject students to over-doses of heathendom. Ancient Egyptians were heathens (God delivered Jews from them). Assyrians & Babylonians were heathens, as were the Medes & Persians. Some past “christians” tried to white-wash the Greeks & Romans. No. They were as heathen (served same gods – different names) as previous evil systems. – 9/15/19

 

“It is almost taken for granted in the NT

that Tribulation is the normal lot of Christians.”

– F F Bruce

 

Have you found the clothing style – length, fullness, thickness – to be comfortable in God’s sight? Or are you unstable; looking at what peers are wearing & moving toward them? (I wish this applied only to females but sadly I see “males” changing.) God has something better for you. He is “Author of Modesty” He should be in charge of your closet. Men, dress like men (real ladies like that). Ladies, be feminine (men appreciate that). – 9/15/19

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