Determined Grandmothers Grandfathers &
BMW of Las Vegas Thank You BMW of Las Vegas From Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers
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702-570-0279 BMW of Las Vegas 6900 West Sahara Avenue Las Vegas, Nevada 89117-2831
Cover Designed and Magazine Layout Brenda D. Ward www.yourpublisher.org Cover Photography background photo by:
Inside this issue:
London Howard Photography Email: london@londonhowardphotography.com
Form the President Welcome Living Grace Home A Taste of Southern
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We Give Scholarship I Was Chosen Join Our Organization A Race for Miss Nevada Good Food
8 9 10 11 12
Faster Pastor Rob Love, What is it? Elite Christian Ministries Your Business
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Next Generation Become a Published Author The Village Foundation Find Your Place
17 18 19 20
Open Book The Selfless Father Homeless or Hopeless Joe Maxx Coffee Company
21 22 24 25
I Was Selected Life Insurance Time to Retire Lost Souls for Sales
26 27 28 29
Lucas Enterprise KKVV & Scripture Dinnerware
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The Youth Are Our Concern: please visit www.determinedgrandmothers.com or contact us at determinedgrandmothers@gmail.com
702 -706-6075
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From The President Brenda D. Ward
Teach Our Youth to Dance There’s a song titled “I Hope You Dance” by Lee Ann Womack, released by MCA Records Nashville
As I hear the song, I envision my grandchildren choosing to make the right choices instead of giving up. I hope they'll always decide to reconsider and when it’s time to sit it out or dance, I hope they’ll do as the song said, I hope they dance. As a group of grandmothers & grandfathers, we hope parents take the time to teach the youth to give faith a fighting chance, and when they have to make those hard choices, to sit it out or dance, we truly hope they dance.
SPECIAL POINTS OF INTEREST:
Clark County Schools
Scholarship Awards
Clark County Schools Clark County School District closed several of their Behavioral Schools, allowing us the chance to be a mentor in all levels of the County School District.
Family Magazine Managing Editor Brenda D. Ward Contributing Editor Lynell Lucas Editor Miesha Queen-Bass
Scholarships Given It doesn't take long to get the word out that there is someone ready to extend a hand when it comes to helping the youth. The Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers sponsored two scholarships in March of 2018.
To view this magazine online visit www.issuu.com
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Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers J A N ,
Welcome, to
F E B ,
M A R C H
the all new Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers Magazine.
Our focus is still geared towards the youth. We are determined to assist the youth by reuniting them with their families in ways that will help them grow by empowering them so they may become our future representatives in the community. Our non-profit organization was created to help the youth learn how to make better choices. We do not stand alone in this endeavor. It is our duty—yours and mine—to reach out and give back to our young, who will one day become productive citizens. This magazine is devoted to the entire family, giving direct information which always includes Life Lessons, Spiritual Teachings and much more. Without a foundation and a plan there is no future. Our children must learn Spiritual wisdom to survive in this new world. Learning to deal with life in general helps to bring order to the family and the community. We are excited to be able to reach out to the youth. We hope you will join in too!
Who Are We? Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers are advocates for the youth. We are in the community to mentor the youth and their families. We have much to offer. Our desire is to help families get back on tract and to bring unity to the community.
What do we do? We volunteer our services to schools, churches, charities and mentoring organizations. We do this by mentoring, training, and giving guidance to the youth and their family members.
When are we available? Whenever we are needed. We can be reached at 702-706-6075. Please “Like” us on our Face-Book page or visit us on the website at www.determinedgrandmothers.com. Leave a message at determinedgrandmothers@gmail.com.
Where are we? In Las Vegas and anywhere we’re invited to speak. We are always ready with the help of financial assistance and community support. Send for us and we will come!
Why us and why now? If we invest our time, now, it will ensure that our youth are prepared for tomorrow. There will be no chance of change, unless we show them a better way. Our financial scholarships are always helpful. It provides higher education. We do all of this with your help!
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Since January, Living Grace Homes has provided shelter, learning opportunities, guidance, and love to 19 young moms. Fifteen of those moms have moved on, with half moving into their own apartments to take care of their children. Each year, Living Grace Homes furnishes 12-15 apartments for residents moving out. While furniture is donated, there are expenses, including gas and vehicle rental.
https://www.livinggracehomes.org Living Grace Homes is fortunate to be able to provide a safe haven for young women in the Las Vegas Valley. In eleven years, nearly 400 residents have spent some or all of their pregnancy at Living Grace Homes. We have spent 11 years observing the strength and dignity of young moms and moms to be. Mother's Day, 2018, one of our former residents, Julicia, is incredibly excited about her future, and can't help but smile. She and her daughter have a home together, thanks to her hard work, and the help she received while at Living Grace Homes. Julicia came to Living Grace Homes from the downtown corridor. She was living in a shelter, working on her education and job skills at HELP of Southern Nevada, and worrying about herself and her family when she arrived at Living Grace Homes. She moved out last summer, and has spent the past nine months working hard, getting promoted, and working on getting ready to continue her education. Her next step? Buying a car of her own. Julicia is happy to celebrate her own mom, who is supporting her by caring for her baby, and her own motherhood. Living Grace Homes celebrate Moms every day, but especially on Mother's Day. The young moms of Living Grace Homes have worked incredibly hard to become the best moms they can be, with Living Grace Homes providing support and structure.
More importantly, these young women are not abandoned when they leave. Sometimes they need a word of confidence. Sometimes they need a loving voice. Sometimes they need a push in the right direction. Always, they need someone to listen and encourage. When these young women leave, our goal is to make them smile about the future. Their smile is even brighter thanks to your assistance. Your donation of $25, $50, $100 or more creates a safe haven for young moms like Julicia, who needs help for a short while to get on her feet. Thanks to your donations, Julicia is celebrating a very Happy Mother's Day. Thanks to your donation of $25, $50, $100 or more, Living Grace Homes provides assistance to young women on Mother's Day, and every day.
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A Taste of Southern Style Prepared Meals
3185 S Highland Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109 702-836-3621 www.rollinsmokebarbeque.com
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Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers have partnered with the Village Foundation since conception. Their foundation allows us the opportunity to give scholarship to those who are working hard to establish a good GPA . Many students have the discipline and desire to go to collage. The only problem is not having enough fund to manage the necessities during the school year.
The Village Foundation program will assist each student in acquiring additional funds each year. Students must keep a good GPA to stay in the program. You can help by attending their yearly Gala. Contact us and we will make sure you are seated at our table in March of 2019.
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Being a scholarship recipient for the Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers is a blessing and an honor. I met Ms. Brenda Ward and Ms. Lynell Lucas through my JAG teacher at Cheyenne High School. They saw the determination I had and the drive I had for my education and I’m pleased to say I was chosen to receive a scholarship through the Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers program. They shared stories and their successes and it inspired me. My goal is to attend the University of Nevada-Las Vegas and major in Computer science. I want to become a software programmer. The plan with the scholarship is to get text books and the necessary materials to aid me in becoming a successful college student. Thank you Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers! By Zareuh Jones
I am grateful for the scholarship I have received from the Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers, knowing it will increase my chances for an opportunity to be successful. I hope to inspire and encourage others to seek higher learning so that they will be mindful and aware of what is possible for their life. There are those who may never get to access such opportunities and this is why scholarships and degrees matter. Please read my complete article on page 24. It is important to make the youth aware of what it takes for us to get here. By De’jona Savoy
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Join Our Organization
The youth need your help!
702-706-6075
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A Race for Miss Nevada
Miss Clark County, Brianna Lowe (one in blue) enjoyed taking her picture beside the other three runner-ups. This was a wonderful experience as she strolled to the center of the stage to receive her flowers. She and three others were selected out of many talented and beautiful young ladies. Parents, we can begin, now, by teaching our young girls that they are beautiful and have many great gifts from God. Give them hope, love and a listening ear when they come to you. Tell them that their dreams can come true! Brianna Lowe was the recipient of the first Determined Grandmother’s scholarship award.
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Good Food Great Remedies
Aloe Vera provides many different benefits because of the number of nutrients it contains. It can be taken internally or externally.
Garlic, onion and ginger are natural anticoagulants or blood thinners, which help the blood cells not to clot.
Lemons are the miracle fruit. It is such a powerful antioxidant that there are many uses. It is a citrus fruit so it contains citric acid. It boosts the body’s immune system functions.
Faster Pastor Rob
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“LOVE” WHAT IS IT? By Pastor Bob Paget
Love is an elusive creature that all of mankind seeks? From the very moment we are born until the last breath we draw, we hunger for love and acceptance in this world. Many will sell their very soul to be accepted by others. They will yield to peer pressure, or commit acts they would never normally consider just to receive what they call love. It is a fleeting emotion that can leave you empty or confused if not returned by the other party. We are drawn to it and its mystery like a moth to the flame, and often with the same results if we get too close and get our wings burn. We grow Leary as we grow older and sometimes even become cynical towards it. The youth of today are often confused with the entire concept of “love”. They, many times come from broken homes where there hasn’t been much, if any love at all. They are exposed to Hollywood’s warped ideas or depictions of love, and that becomes the standard they measure it by. They know they hunger for this emotion/feeling and as a result many times they misinterpret sex for love and as a result they engage in premarital sex acts as early as middle school or even younger. They are left unattended or unsupervised and to their own devices after school.
This is because our society craves materialistic things and often they think that children are a burden to one’s own personal wants and desires. As a result, they throw money or things at them to simply get them to leave us alone, so we can seek our own personal peace and affluence. When, what they really want and need is us. Every child hungers and craves for time with their parent and when they don’t get it early on in their development, then they will seek it somewhere else and they will find it. Too many times they will find it in gangs, drugs, or sexual experimentation. What we need to ask ourselves is, do they need the latest smart phone or electronic device or do they really need our undivided attention and total love? When was the last time you just spent time with them and listened to what they had to say or actually expressed an interest in their daily life? It is better to do it before there is a problem than to wait and wonder what happened when they are in radical trouble or worse. How many parents ever really believe that their child could commit suicide? Or that they would be a bully? A child who feels true love would never willfully hurt another child much less themselves.
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We are a GOD ordained organization dedicated to sharing the Gospel of Christ Jesus, inspiring all men to come to Christ." ( Rom. 1:16-20).
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The Next Generation is our Concern The youth of today will become the leaders of tomorrow. Will they be ready? I remember learning how to type in school. The first sentence we had to type over and over was, “ Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of their country.” It’s time for us to support our young people. It’s to come to their aid.
www.determinedgrandmothers.com
They are depending on us!
Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers
702-706-6075
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Become a Published Author
Call Brenda Ward Today!
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The Village Foundation
THE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS PROGRAM 2-4 pm. May 2019 College of Southern Nevada Charleston Campus– Building K, Room 101 6375 W. Charleston Blvd, Las Vegas, NV 89146
THE VILLAGE FOUNDATION GOLF TOURNAMENT 2019 Las Vegas National Golf Club 1911 E. Desert Inn Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89169 GALA FUNDRAISING BANQUET 6 pm, Saturday, March 2, 2019 JW Marriott, Las Vegas Resort & Spa 221 N. Rampart Blvd., Las Vegas, NV 89145
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Find Your Place At Abundant Grace… www.graceinlasvegas.com
Abundant Grace Church 2690 N. Decatur Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89108
(702) 655-3619
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By Brenda D. Ward
As we wonder through life, we take on many lessons. Some come from books, and others come for people. Books will give you knowledge; as for people, they will give you insight into their beliefs. Learning to use both will help you to move upward and onward. Give your young children a book to read or better yet, read to them. Open their eyes to a world that’s not found in watching television or playing digital games. It’s wonderful when you give children an opportunity to create images in their mind. What is the world is like for them.? We grow by learning, and we learn by seeking. Knowledge is an educational adventures. Technology is continually increasing and our young people need to acquire a headstart. It’s especially important for them to adapt to the current trends because their future is not far away. We owe it to ourselves to get involved with our children’s emotional behavior and civil duties. Here is a written poem that speaks of a book, and what it means to learn to live the life that’s meant to be lived by all, which includes our young.
This book I say, is here to stay. For us to use in the appropriate way. Does not wisdom call out to you? From this book of all books, with words so true. Words of consolation when we’re lost, alone or blue. Words of encouragement, allowing us to begin anew. Words to live by, every single day. Words for the heart, sent to us a special way. These words will never lead you astray when everything else has gone away. Lets focus on the good things and not the bad. Just focus on the love, that the son of God had. If you’re living a life of sin and shame, accept the right book, don’t let your life remain the same. Use this book as often as you pray, always thanking your creator for blessing you each day. This book speaks of incredible delights. Helping us with our wrongs, and leading us to what’s right. This book was written for all mankind For the meek and the clever, or the totally blind. This book was designed by a heavenly divine. And it will endure until the end of time.
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The Selfless Father The most common question I get in regards to my book is what inspired me to write it. Growing up without a father, as well as seeing multiple friends growing up without their fathers is what inspired me to write the book. According to the National Center for Fathering / U.S. Census Bureau, more than 24 million children live in a home without the physical presence of a father. If it were classified as a disease, fatherlessness would be an epidemic worthy of similar attention to a national emergency. Sadly many people I know, including myself are one of those statistics. The old cliché “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree;” unfortunately rings true when it comes to statistics relating to children who come from fatherless homes. They are more likely to commit a crime. They are more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol. They are two times more likely to suffer from obesity. They are seven times more likely to have children during their teenage years. They are two times more likely to drop out of high school. They are more likely to suffer abuse, and are at a greater risk for infant mortality (fatherhood.org). I wrote this book to get the attention of all men, but specifically fathers. Generational curses have a funny way of creeping up in a man’s life if he doesn’t make a conscious choice to change. From my experience and what I’ve witnessed in other men’s lives, the only way dysfunctional behavior is going to change is if a man accepts Jesus as their Lord and Savior.
There has to be a complete overhaul in his life. It means changing bad habits to productive ones. It means replacing poor relationships with positive ones. It means putting your family’s needs above your own. It means surrounding yourself with mature Christian men. What it really means is surrendering your will to God’s will. The Bible says the clay cannot shape the potter, nor is the student greater than the teacher. The potter / teacher are of course God, and we are the clay / student. It’s quite naive for a person to believe they’re wiser than their creator. That is why it’s imperative for a man to give God control of the steering in his life, so he can impart the same wisdom into his children. As you can see by a few of the statistics I mentioned earlier, the odds of having a successful life are highly stacked against anyone growing up without a father. It didn’t take uncovering specific statistics for me to understand the importance of spending quality time with my own children. Being raised by a single mother gave me all the experience I needed to recognize the vital role a strong father figure plays in a child’s life. Although nothing is guaranteed, when a person develops a sincere relationship with God, their life tends to be more productive. This same principle holds true with children and their earthly father. If that relationship is strong and healthy, chances are, that child is going to grow up and become a productive contributor to society.
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On the other hand, if that relationship is weak or completely broken, chances are, that child is going to struggle mightily in life. When a father is absent or simply gives up and walks out on his family, this removes the physical / spiritual protection of the home. A Christian father brings a certain calm and balance to a home because his role has been ordained by God. Children need structure and guidance from their fathers. Without it, they will fill that missing void with anything regardless if it’s a positive or negative influence. Boys have to be taught how to be a man from a loving father. Becoming a stay-at-home parent has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I’ve already seen some of the fruits of my labor. My two boys are in school now, and are thriving in and out of the classroom. Don’t misunderstand me; our family isn’t perfect by any means. But I do know that my children have confidence in themselves because they know I love them and will do anything to see them succeed. We’re only given one chance on this side of heaven to get things right; especially when it comes to raising our children. I implore any father who is willing to take some advice, to step up and break the dysfunctional patterns of behavior that have plagued their families for generations. My prayer and hope is that after a person reads my book, it lights a fire in their spirit. Most importantly, I pray that it motivates them to develop a personal relationship with Jesus. Because it is through Him and Him only that we can achieve our God given destiny, be forgiven of our sins, and have eternal life. God bless!
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Homeless or Hopeless
What does Homeless Look Like to You? You pull up to the traffic light and a person is standing there with a “Please Help” sign. You make the quick choice to pass them a buck or two. That’s fine, you feel better. You don’t have time to ask (or even care about) why they are in need, what they plan to do with your hard earned funds, who they are, or if they would even help YOU if the situation were reversed. You pull up to a different intersection a month later, well guess who greets you...again. OK, now what happens when a person facing financial challenges decides to use their knowledge to rebuild their life and persevere through the drama without “begging” for free money on the street? Never thought about that, right? Well, I’m that girl. I don’t know how to gear my mind to beg on the street. By the grace of God, I have a car and I have never even been inside a shelter. However, I have spent over 1100 hours at a local 24 hour Starbucks, sitting at my computer, Google-ing, studying, asking questions, networking with other coffee drinkers and praying… Homelessness is miserable to say the least and I had a hard time adjusting to it.
After I lost $70k, sinking every dime into business without strategic research (maybe I should have taken a second business course in college), I dipped into my “personal” fund in an effort to push through and make the businesses work. That took me to sleeping in my car and a deep level of depression. I figure all of those “s” stand for “sink”, or the proverbial synonym for “crap.” I decided that I’m way too “girly-girl” and innovative to stand in the sun sweating (yuck!) on the corner begging for a free handout. I’m just saying...everyone has choices available to them. I’m just no good at begging for a free handout. As I watched other “supposedly” homeless individuals standing on the street, collecting money with a sign, and offering nothing in return, I came to the realization that we give freely simply to (unknowingly psychologically), feel better. I had done the same in the past; however, during this uncomfortable part of my Life Journey, I made the decision that from this situation I will choose to boldly share this story in order to Enlighten, Empower and Encourage others. Visit: www.wdhllty.com, for more info.
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Joe Maxx A place to relax and have a great cup of Coffee
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By De’jona Savoy Prior to the establishment of historically black colleges and universities, African Americans were generally denied admission to the traditionally white education institutions. They were denied of their ticket, a college degree, which only left them poverty stricken even more. They had to reap the repercussions of lack of knowledge. Like bringing a sword to a gunfight, this lack of secondary education hindered African Americans from passing tests to vote, etc. College level education provides the ticket that grants you life itself. An investment that provides the passport for such leaders who will one day magnify the opportunities of the world, and be fruitful in spreading the wealth of knowledge. For the most part, I have witnessed way too many injustices in the black community—all personal; some, in my life specifically. The system carries on as if a soldier, a mother, a father, a sibling, or friend isn’t innocent and they are eliminated by the very authority charged to protect them. I am striving to be a district attorney to not just speak the words per say, but to act as the vessel for the black community and make a change in many lives. To get into law school I need a college degree. Even more, it will aid me in building the lavish life I see for myself. From the big house, to the small and expensive exotic animals. I have always been told that the sky is not the limit for everyone, and I believe it.
I had to work hard, study late nights and extended hours, and stay involved in extracurricular activities in high school, all of which was only the beginning. Knowing I’ll have to work harder in college only proves that the reward, yet another piece of paper, is greater. Lastly, aside from my actions, reputation, resume, recommendations, etc, a college degree is confirmation for the world, that I am who I say I am. In today’s society, those who only graduate high school are undermined and overlooked. A college degree validates that I can walk the walk, and talk the talk. Furthermore, as a minority student there are so many odds stacked against me and those alike. The college degree I will receive, will allow me to venture where more than my eyes may wander, but where my words will shake the ground and uproot the injustices of this nation. Publicity is only a few seconds of fame, but the degree will grant me credibility and validity helping to expand and call the world to action. Obtaining a college degree will allow me to be an example for others in my community to see and take heed as well. I will not be another statistic, rather an African American female who beat the odds that society has unfairly stacked against minorities. I am not another drug addict, alcoholic, or abuser who got sunken into the system of poverty, or pulled through the school to prison pipeline. I am destined for greatness, A college degree is a necessary obstacle on my path. Knowing that I am destined for greatness, I will overcome that obstacle.
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The Light House Greetings, this is dedicated to the Determined Grandmothers & Grandfathers . “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight�. Photographer
Everaldo Coelho
Proverbs 3:5-6. Blessings, Lillie Artis
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Time to Retire Twenty-two years is a long time to sit on a bench unless you are a judge and your name is Cynthia Dianne Steel. The Eighth Judicial District Family Courts Division is where Judge Steel changed the lives of many families. A western theme was enjoyed by all as Judge Steel celebrated her retirement in a private party on January 12, 2019. Each speaker gave their testimony of how Judge Steel always made sure the children came first. A judge servicing families in the Las Vegas Community, Judge Steel has been an advocate for the Determined Grandmothers since 2013. Lynell Lucas, who is the Vice President of the Determined Grandmothers has an adult son who has a family of his own and he is a product of Judge Steel’s compassion for children. Ms. Lucas remembers how Judge Steel returned her son back to her when he was in High School. She states that not only did her son get a second chance; Ms. Lucas was also given a second chance to get it right with her son. Judge Cynthia Dianne Steel
Determined Grandmothers
Brenda Ward and Lynell Lucas
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Lost Souls for Sale
Terry Patrick
How come prostitutes and car-jackers can’t make enough money to retire? Why do crooked politicians with millions in the bank need one more lost soul for hire? Because the devil will give you ill-gotten gains, but will strip you in the end You must drink the venom of the viper, pay the piper, and do it all over again They lurk like shadows and subtle silhouettes No conscious, no guilt, not a shadow of regret It's hard to fall from grace when you've never been there before When being a deviant is so convenient You fall asleep at death's door Black as soot, rotting slowly from deep tissue moral decay Black as coal, bought and sold Laughing all the way Are you chasing the American dream or is the nightmare chasing you? Has the dollar become your deity? Debasing and defacing you Breaking laws, breaking commandments to get ahead, yet still you fail Meanwhile the war rages on for all Lost Souls for Sale
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lynelllucas@yahoo.com
702-630-6197
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Scripture Inspired Dinnerware
It's Mealtime...Born Again
Order at www.nourishyouandme.com
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3185 S Highland Drive Las Vegas, NV 89109 702-836-3621 www.rollinsmokebarbeque.com
A Taste of Southern Style Prepared Meals