Wisdom

Elder Wisdom eBook

on Friday, May 16, 2014

Guatemala airplane — High above Guatemala

Have you ever been on an international mission trip? If not have you wanted to, but something is holding you back?

Well if you have not because something is holding you back then you and I have – or had something in common.

There was a time in my life when I wanted to, but would not go on an international mission trip because of my stomach. Spicy foods and weird things set my stomach in a rage at the most un-convenient times. I finally let go and let God … and the results were amazing.

In 2011 a team from Graveston Baptist Church left one July morning headed to Guatemala on a mission trip through Clubhouse Guatemala. I was nervous and excited all at the same time. I wanted to be obedient, but just was not sure of the outcome. I finally realized I was being led by faith!

I recorded some of the details and lessons I learned from that mission trip in my first eBook. It is a short read with some fun relevant pictures, and I would be honored if you would download a copy to read. It is indeed free – all I ask is to register with your email.

You can download the book right now by clicking on Elder!

I would would also like to hear what you think about the book and my experiences.

Elder Rabbit Ears — Elder giving me “rabbit ears”

If you missed the link above you can always use this link: https://blackberrywisdom.leadpages.net/free-elder-ebook/

Good to Great: look #2 into John Grigsby

on Sunday, March 23, 2014

Good ————— > Great

This is look #2 into some of the things that make me who I am. I want to live a life that is not just good but great. It is a continuation from Look #1 post.

I list here a few more events and seasons that I feel have shaped me wanting my life to be counted as more than just good:

Church – I have held a few positions in the church since I married and started settling down. I have been among other things a youth leader, Sunday School teacher and now a Sunday School director. Here again I found myself seeking out what a great leader in those positions looked like, and try to be even better.

Of course for church (and really everything I do) I have someone I really do want to impress, and that is my Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ. I really do want to do my very best because of what He has done for me and who He is to me. Jesus set a perfect example of how to be a great leader. I cannot be perfect like Him, but my goals are to be more like Jesus every day. And if I can just get closer each and every day then I feel I am trying to be great!

Husband – Knowing what an idea husband looks like seems to be a bit more subjective. I know what my father looked like as a husband – at least from the eyes of a child. I had friends who had good dads, but I only saw those men as a friend of their child. I have seen movies and TV shows that portrayed a husband, but those were only made for viewing entertainment. So where on earth could I find what a great husband should look like? I found the answer in my Bible.

The Bible clearly says that a man should love his wife as Christ loved the church and love her as he loves himself. (Ephesians 5:25-33) This is a serving sacrificial kind of love where you put your spouse before yourself. If you really understand that concept, then you know that I have struggled with meeting that expectation. In the early part of our marriage I really labored with putting her needs ahead of mine. As I learn more about Jesus, I am learning better how to love her – but still fall short. I have made a lot of selfish mistakes, and at times have not treated her like I should have. I am so thankful for her patience and forgiveness.

As a husband I should strive to be a great helper, encourager, lover (physically and sacrificially), leader, listener, provider, fixer, and faithful visionary.

The first example of a husband I knew in my life was of course my dad. Dad has shown devotion and love to my mom by giving of himself to her. He doesn’t want to go to some of the places she wants to go and see sometimes, but he goes because he loves her. I have seen them argue and disagree before, but dad has set a great example for me by keeping his vows to my humble mom for close to 50 years now.

Archie Johnson taught me through his actions how to be a humble husband and father. He allowed me to go on vacations with their family growing up, and he always treated me just like I was one of his own.

Dad – I love our children so much and I really wanted to be the best dad to them that walked the earth! However; I know I have fell short many times. I have fed my personal wants and desires over theirs at times. I have let my anger take control of my mouth and actions at times. But I really do want to be the best dad I can possibly be.

A great dad I think provides guidance, discipline, encouragement, is a helper, a listener, a teacher and an example. I have wanted them to see me committed to being a great example for them. They were able to see me graduate from college at the age of 31. They have seen me win awards from work. They have seen me have fun on vacations and while coaching ball teams. They have seen me serve as a leader in our church and at school. I really have tried to live my life as a great example for them.

A few years ago I expressed my desire for our family be known as giving, loving, passionate Christian family. We even created a family crest to visualize these characteristics. If we are known by these qualities, then I feel I have been successful as a dad.

There is none like You, O Lord ; You are great, and great is Your name in might. Jeremiah 10:6

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12

Positive Attitude Wisdom

Good to Great: look #1 into John Grigsby

on Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Good ————— > Great

Following up from my testimony post, I wanted to share other factors that make me the quirky guy that I am.

As far as I know, I grew up a pretty normal kid. I don’t remember anything that made my childhood either extraordinary or lacking. Nor do I remember being driven by any strong goals or passions. Just a simple country way of life with the same struggles most families had in the late 60’s, 70’s and early 80’s.

Let me describe a few events and seasons that I feel have shaped me to wanting my life to be counted as more than just good:

Army – I think my time in the Army did something to me I have never had in my life – it instilled in me a passion to be the best.

I think it started in basic training. I graduated with a full battalion of Infantry men with the 10th Mountain Division in Ft Benning, Georgia. Through basic I feel I did by best, and found most of the tests to be well within my physical abilities. At graduation I realized my scores were at the top of my company, but I was not selected as the top soldier. My best friend won the top prize and I was glad for him, but just wondered what more I needed to do. How much of what I thought was great was only really good. Through much contemplation I realized that although I met the physical requirements, I was not very outgoing and brought no positive attention to myself. So I set out to slowly correct those.

Other training and trials in the Army drove me to realize that I liked the feeling of being the best. Subconsciously I started striving to be the best in all my endeavours. I wanted to be the best mortar gunner, on the best squad in the best company of our battalion. I just felt a drive to be the best. I don’t recall a specific instance that developed my drive, but I think it was a gradual setting of my expectations by dialing in the passions I had deep down in my heart.

When I think of great soldiers I think of my buddy Wes who was that guy that did win the top soldier award at our basic training ceremony. Wes’ dad Jim and mom Brenda were Army veterans, and they set an example for Wes to follow when it came to Army life. Wes just sort of knew what to expect in the Army and it gave him confidence. He also was a go getter and would do the hard things that others would not – and that separated him in a good way.

I also think of my platoon leader Sergeant Charles Lewis. When we went active in the 10th Mountain he was one of the seasoned veterans they assigned to us for leadership. SSG Lewis had combat experience so he would always give us insights to things we had no way of knowing or learning through exercise. He loved his job and wanted us to have that same passion.

Lastly I think of the guys who went through Airborne School with us. Going through such an intense elite school as the US Army Airborne school you see men and women who are dedicated physically and mentally to their assigned complex tasks. It takes courage and determination to be Airborne qualified, and those who successfully complete the course have unparalleled confidence in their ability to overcome any challenge.

After three years of active duty service I left the Army as an E5 Sergeant. I was proud of the accomplishments I had made and the quick rank I achieved. I felt when I left there were very few things in life that I could not accomplish if I put my mind to it!

College – In my second attempt at college (after my Army service) I found school work to be much easier. I worked at the community college in which I attended as a work-study student in the Information Services department, so my instructors knew me as a student but also someone who could help them. I found myself wanting to have just as good a relationship with my instructors, as I was a good student. Combining these two disciplines really made my time at college fun, rewarding and educational!

Work – When I started to work I found myself wanting to be the best at any position I held. Whenever I came into a new job I found out who the go-to guy was, and then I set out to be better than them. Not in a way of competition, but in a way to find out where to set the bar for my expectations.

Usually my jobs that have required me to be good technically and even better with customer relations. I have enjoyed the technical aspects of my jobs, but even more so enjoy the ability to help people and solve problems with the skills I have.

I read in the Bible where it calls us to be great at whatever we do. The Lord is just not pleased with our good works, He wants us to reflect Himself with great works!

There is none like You, O Lord ; You are great, and great is Your name in might. Jeremiah 10:6

Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do, he will do also; and greater works than these he will do; because I go to the Father. John 14:12

Adventure Positive Attitude Wisdom

A Great Defensive Driving Course for Teenagers: B.R.A.K.E.S. (updated)

on Monday, March 3, 2014

A Great Defensive Driving Course for Teenagers: B.R.A.K.E.S. (updated).

Adventure Bible Positive Attitude Wisdom

Who I am – my personal testimony

on Friday, February 21, 2014

Recently one Sunday morning at church I was asked by a friend to give my testimony that night during our evening service. I am always glad to share the assurance I have in Jesus and how God is working in my life, so of course I agreed. I also had a few other things on my mind that I wanted to share with the church, so I asked our pastor what direction I should go with my talk. He said to just tell why you are the way you are. Well I think I know what he meant, but it really got me to thinking how I got to be the way I am. Those who know me know that I am a bit different. But then again – so is everybody else I know!

So how did I get to be the way I am? The accounts that follow will provide some insight…

I was raised in a Christian home, and my family was in church on a regular basis. I grew up in a Methodist church, went through the Confirmation class at 12 years old, and at the end of the class we prayed to receive Christ into our hearts. Was I saved at that time – I am not certain. But I do know that when I was 18 years old I went to FCA Camp in Maryville, TN and I knew God was working in my heart that weekend. I also knew I could not give a certain answer of where I would go if I was to die that day of May 5th of 1984. Through the message given by Rev. Jerry Upton, the Holy Spirit convicted me that I did not have a personal relationship with Jesus, and I responded by coming forward during one of the services and knelt down at the altar to asked Jesus into my heart. I knew then in my heart for certain that I had: repented of my sins, told Jesus I believed He died on a cross and was raised on the third day as a sacrifice to cover my sins, I asked Him to save me, and told Jesus I would follow Him with my life.

I have in no way lived a perfect or sinless life since then, but know in my heart that I can always ask God for forgiveness and it is granted. And I know that because that night I received salvation, and by the assurance in His Word, that I will be forgiven of things I do (sin) that disappoint Him.

Now it was not long after I accepted Jesus into my heart that I realized satan was really tempting me in a lot of different ways that I had not experienced before. I went to college and the US Army facing attacks from satan, and I hate to say it but he won a lot of those battles. I remember carrying my little green Gideon Bible in my cargo pants every day I was in the Army uniform, but I did not make reading it a part of my daily life. I was a worldly Christian giving way to Jesus and the world at the same time. So of course I experienced failures and disappointments as I tried to follow Jesus.

My wife was the catalyst to bring me to a closer walk with Jesus. I knew in my heart that Jesus connected us for her to be my mate and to bring me closer to Him. I saw in her something I wanted more of in my life – an active growing personal relationship with Jesus. I am delighted to say that since our wedding I have been on a slow path of growing closer to Him!

As I grow older my faith increases through the trials I continually face and how I am able to handle them. You have to know that satan will not leave you alone if you are trying to live for Jesus. I am slowly becoming more obedient to Jesus by daily denying satan and the attacks he sends. I am not always successful, but slowly getting better as I grow in my faith. I know I will never live a sinless life until I leave this body in the grave and enter into my eternal home in Heaven!

I am amazed and humbled by the way God has used me over the years. I have enjoyed serving Him in many leadership roles such as a youth minister and Sunday School director. He has molded me through the daily trials as a leader, husband and father. I have been fortunate to lead individuals to receive Jesus as their Savior in Guatemala, during camps and Bible Schools, even by phone with my cousin in Ohio.

Jesus has led me on so many adventures, and they all started with a single step of obedience of saying yes – I will follow You and I will go where You send!

Adventure Bible Wisdom

Free Book: 90-Day devotion

on Friday, February 7, 2014

I was fortunate to be asked to participate as a contributing author of a new Bible devotional book called All Time Verses: 90-Day Scripture Journey by the student ministers at First Baptist Woodstock. I submitted two devotions for the project.

Since this is the first time I have been included in a book publication I wanted to celebrate by giving a copy away to one my blog readers. So I thought I would have a little contest.

I will select one person to receive a free book who #1_will read the devotion and #2_tells me the most unique place they will read this devotion. (yes – points added for creativity)

Simply fill out the information below to be considered. You do not have to be a follower of my blog, but will be entered by submitting the form from this page. Only one entry per person. I will not give or sale your information to anyone – just using it as a reference.

Contest begins NOW and will end at noon on Sunday, February 16th. You must be a valid reader of the English language and the declared winner will need to provide a physical mailing address upon request.

Congratulations!

Terri Brooks is the winner of the free book contest! Terri said she would read the devotion the first thing in the morning in her sun room.

You can find out more about Terri at http://facebook.com/theimprintdoctor

Thank you to everyone who entered the contest.

If you would like to buy your own personal copy of the book it is available on Amazon at All Time Verses: 90-Day Scripture Journey

Adventure Positive Attitude Wisdom

A Great Defensive Driving Course for Teenagers: B.R.A.K.E.S. (updated)

on Tuesday, February 4, 2014

B.R.A.K.E.S. — Dedicated to Saving Young Lives

This past Saturday I took my 15-year-old son to a BRAKES defensive driving school at Bristol Motor Speedway. We really were not sure what to expect, but the experience proved to be fun and educational for both of us.

B.R.A.K.E.S. (Be Responsible And Keep Everyone Safe) is a 501(c)3 organization which provides advanced driver’s education in a program entitled the Teen Pro-Active Driving Course. Over 5,000 teenagers lose their lives each year across the country in traffic accidents. While conventional driver’s education is important and valuable, the Teen Pro-Active Driving Course goes beyond that level of training by addressing driving situations responsible for many traffic accidents involving teens. The course is for teenagers 15-19 who have a learner’s permit or driver’s license with at least 30 hours of driving experience.

We arrived a Bristol Motor Speedway with apprehension and anticipation. Neither of us knew exactly what to expect, but my son is about to get his drivers license and I felt he needed this kind of training.

We started the four hour course with a video and some classroom instruction. I have to admit that we both learned something from the classroom instruction.

Then they took us out to the parking lot where a driving course had been designed. Each of the students were assigned to a group with a leader for every three students. The instructors even let each parent take a turn on the course.

BRAKES course video 1

The course consisted of five different real world situations: accident avoidance, a distraction exercise, drop wheel recovery, car control and recovery, and panic stop (anti lock braking). At each exercise the students were shown my their instructor how to properly navigate the exercise, then took turns behind the wheel applying and practicing each technique themselves. The amount of behind the wheel time was so valuable and allowed each student to try these accident avoidance techniques in a controlled environment with professional feedback.

BRAKES course video 2

If you are a parent with a new teenage driver, I highly suggest going with them to this course. Look online for the next class near you. (more…)

Bible Wisdom

How to find a “10” for a wife: 10 qualities of a good potential wife

on Monday, January 13, 2014

I had the opportunity to talk about dating and potential wives with my son and a man I consider a real good friend last week. In preparation to talk with them I determined a list of qualities to look for in a potential wife. We agreed this is a pretty good list of qualities a man should look for in a potential wife.

I believe if the girl you are dating and intend to marry encompasses these qualities, then you are on the right track.

1. She shares your beliefs

She should understand the Biblical role of a husband and a wife and be willing to fulfill.

Your potential wife should have the same beliefs you have. Now, you may think you can do some missionary dating, and turn that situation around so she will believe everything you do. You’re probably going to be very disappointed with some bad side effects. You need to understand your core beliefs first, then be sure she shares them with you. If you don’t have the same core beliefs….you will be unequally yoked – not a good scenario for either person.

2. She loves you unconditionally

If she’s trying to change you to be another person, it’s time to move on. Your future wife should love you just as you are. There are certain core characteristics that must be avoided, and you should identify those before you become too involved in a relationship.

3. She is trustworthy

Can you trust her with her time, money, secrets, and most importantly – your heart.

If you have trust issues in your relationship then I feel you are not ready to move forward with any commitment. Trust can be destroyed and built back, but you both should be in agreement with how trustworthy you feel with each other. Also, once trust has been broken it takes a long time to restore. You may trust each other, but in the back of the mind the offense will linger.

4. She has ambition

Does she set goals? Does she work hard?

She should have strength in character and carry herself with confidence. She should be a hard worker just like you. That doesn’t mean having a job is a requirement. I know women who are a stay-at-home wife with kids, and they work just as hard as some people with careers.

5. She is selfless

She should have a servant heart and giving of her time, talents and treasures

She should care about others. Look at the way she treats her family and her friends. If she’s not close with her family, and doesn’t have any good friends, that’s not a good sign. Watch how they treat a waiter/waitress – that tells you a lot about how somebody treats people down deep in their heart. Does she care about causes? Does she volunteer? Does she give change to the needy or buy them a meal? These are important characteristics to consider.

6. She is attractive

In your eyes, she should be downright attractive – I mean put together! Personality plays into attractiveness as well. Just remember, “charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting.” She should be beautiful down to her soul because that kind of beauty lasts forever. Physical beauty will change with time.

7. She is wise

Wisdom means to have good knowledge, and then to know what to do with it.

She should be wise, smart, and give you good advice. Her woman’s intuition should be strong. I look to my wife all the time for advice. She is financially smarter than me, and helps guide me where I am weak.

8. She makes you a better man

Your potential wife should elevate you to new heights. She should inspire you to make yourself better so you can serve her. You can get a good idea from your friends and family. What do they say about you when you are around her?

9. She is modest

She should be modest in her dress, conduct and words. I don’t want my wife advertising what others can’t buy. It is good for a woman to believe her private body parts are to be seen only by her husband.

10. She gets along with your family and friends

She shouldn’t be critical of the people who you love and have been trusted by you. She should be a good fit with the people in your life, and approved by your family – mostly your mom and dad. Marriage is a joining of two totally different lives that existed prior to your meeting, but will become one after you two join them.

Reference:

I would be interested in hearing if you agree or have different ideas. Shoot them to me if you please to john@johndgrigsby.com.

Bible Wisdom

Mary pondered these things in her heart: the art of pondering

on Monday, December 23, 2013

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Luke 2:7-20 (NASB)

One of my favorite verses in the Bible is that part in verse 19 where it said that Mary treasured all these things and pondered them in her heart.

What did it mean for her to ponder in her heart?

Ponder means to consider. It means to take what you know, and consider what might be.

So what do you think Mary may have pondered in her heart?

I think she pondered the fact that God had spoke to her and that she would no doubt hear Him again. God had been silent in the Bible for 400 years until the arrival of Jesus. So the God of the universe had spoke to Mary, gave her a baby, and now these shepherds were witnesses to the authenticity. I think she just pondered what would be next. Where would these events take her life next? Who else would come to visit the baby and how did they know of Him? Would there be a different way of raising this God child? She had no idea what would be next, but I think her mind would race with expectations.

I think she pondered on the fact that the birth of our Savior was real. The witness of the shepherds certainly provided a much needed witness. She had no doubt heard the reading of the scripture about the promise of the Savior. She had to have known He would come, but now realizing that those promises were fulfilled in her. If those parts of the scripture were now confirmed, how much more of the scripture she knew must have totally new meaning. It was not just tradition and religion, but now it was real! He was REAL!

I also think she certainly pondered on what the future of Jesus would hold. With what she knew from the scripture, she knew what was told to her by the angel, and she also knew what had happened with Elizabeth and Zacharia’s son John. She knew that His life would be much different than any of the other children she knew. Would they someday live in a different lifestyle? What would God do with Him? What exactly would become of this son of hers? What would be required of him?

What a wonder as Mary pondered and treasured all those things in her heart.

May this Christmas allow you the time to ponder what wonder Jesus holds for your your life!

Bible Wisdom

Christmas lessons from the shepherds

on Monday, December 16, 2013

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest,

And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

When the angels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds began saying to one another, “Let us go straight to Bethlehem then, and see this thing that has happened which the Lord has made known to us.” So they came in a hurry and found their way to Mary and Joseph, and the baby as He lay in the manger. When they had seen this, they made known the statement which had been told them about this Child. And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart. The shepherds went back, glorifying and praising God for all that they had heard and seen, just as had been told them.

Luke 2:7-20 (NASB)

The Shepherds

During Christmas time I like to read the story given to us in the Gospel of Luke. He tells of the story giving a highlight to the shepherds who were watching over their flock at night. We are not told how many there were, but I picture three to five shepherds of sheep.

I noticed the shepherds did three things during this event that I believe would do us all well to follow.

First we see that when the angel appeared they were afraid. Can you blame them?!? Here are these shepherds doing exactly what they are supposed to be doing when an angel appears with the glory of the Lord shining, and of course they have never seen this their life! I can imagine how they probably wanted to run for their lives. But the angel spoke and said to not be afraid – good news was to follow. What a tense moment they had to have experienced as they decided in their minds to stay still and listen to the angel.

We see next that the shepherds did in fact stay still and listen to what the angel had to say. These are startled shepherds and I am sure that the details of what was being said had to be hard for them to remember in their state of uncertainty. I think the angel waited long enough for them to gain composure and listen intently. We are not told, but I have my thoughts.

Then after the angel had told them the good news of the Savior’s birth, they were obedient. They got up and went in search of this baby in Bethlehem. Notice they did not get their affairs in order, but the went just as they were told.

Two lessons from the Shepherds

I think there are two lesson we can learn from the actions of these untrained shepherds.

We all become afraid at times. Some people do not like to admit this emotion, but we all have times we fear for our health, finances, death, family or future. Some people fear these kind of situations on a constant unhealthy basis and some of us just fear them quietly in our heads. I think the key is to recognize the emotion and determine it’s source.

Then like the shepherds we should take these fears and let the glory of the Lord shine on them. For us that simply would look like committing it to prayer. Ask God just what I need to do with this fear. Is there truth in the sources of the emotion?

Once we consult and hear from God, then we need to follow the example of these shepherds and take action. Take positive action just as God lays out for you. Don’t add your thoughts to it, but be obedient to the Lord.

I think if we follow these two steps from a time of fear, then we also would be blessed by our actions. The shepherds were blessed beyond measure by being a witness to Mary about the message they heard from the angel about the baby Jesus. Then they were one of the first on this planet to lay eyes on God who had come in the form of a human to be it’s Savior! Wow – how they were blessed!

Wisdom

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Good ————— > Great

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Good ————— > Great

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B.R.A.K.E.S. — Dedicated to Saving Young Lives

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1. She shares your beliefs

2. She loves you unconditionally

3. She is trustworthy

4. She has ambition

5. She is selfless

6. She is attractive

7. She is wise

8. She makes you a better man

9. She is modest

10. She gets along with your family and friends

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The Shepherds

Two lessons from the Shepherds

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