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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/20/2008 1:32:52 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Reasons God Permits Problems 2. God permits problems to INSPECT you. People are like tea bags ... if you want to know what's inside them, just drop them into hot water! Has God tested your faith by allowing a problem or two into your life? What do problems reveal about you? "When you have many kinds of troubles, you should be full of joy, because you know that these troubles test your faith, and this will give you patience." James 1:2-3
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/20/2008 1:34:02 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Reasons God Permits Problems: 3. God uses problems to CORRECT you. Some lessons we learn only through pain and failure. It's likely that as a child your parents told you not to touch a hot stove. But you probably learned by being burned. Sometimes we only learn the value of something...health, money, a relationship...by losing it. "It was the best thing that could have happened to me, for it taught me to pay attention to your laws." Psalms 119:71-72
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/20/2008 1:36:00 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Reason God Permits Problems: 4. God permits problems to PROTECT you. A problem can be a blessing in disguise if it prevents you from being harmed by something more serious. Last year a friend was fired for refusing to do something unethical that his boss had asked him to do. His unemployment was a problem-but it saved him from being convicted and sent to prison a year later when management's actions were eventually discovered. "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good"... Genesis 50:20
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/20/2008 1:38:02 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Reasons God Permits Problems: 5. God permits problems to PERFECT you. Problems, when responded to correctly, are character builders. God is far more interested in your character than your comfort. Your relationship to God and your character are the only two things you're going to take with you into eternity. "We can rejoice when we run into problems...they help us learn to be patient. And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady." Romans 5:3-4 ** Here's the point: God is at work in your life-even when you do not recognize it or understand it. But it's much easier and profitable when you cooperate with Him.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/20/2008 5:34:09 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
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A Poor Substitute One of Satan’s greatest traps is to lull us into substituting ritual for a real relationship with God. We begin to allow “Christian” busyness, activity, or programs to take the place of real, sacrificial, love-drenched, Christ-led living. We carry on like this until we realize that our walk is nothing more than a series of church meetings and tithe envelopes. From God’s prophet, Hosea, we learn that Israel did much the same thing. They believed their sacrifices, burnt offerings and temple rituals would please God as He turned a blind eye to their injustices, worship of other gods and willful sinful living. God said, “For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) Church attendance is good. We should fellowship and worship with God’s people. But when was the last time you helped someone in need or shared the gospel with a friend? Giving 10 percent of your income to the ministry of the church is biblical and good, but when was the last time you forgot about what the person beside you was wearing and offered a sacrifice of praise and thanksgiving to the Lord from your heart and not just your lips. Are you sick of substituting ritual for relationship? God is ready and waiting with arms open wide. Craig Mintz Associate Pastor, Singles & Discipleship First Baptist, Sevierville, Tn.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/20/2008 5:50:25 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
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“You shall have no other gods before me.” - Exodus 20:3 I recently received a devotional from a friend of mine, Ron Edmondson, who has a ministry and sends email devotionals to hundreds of people each week. I wanted to pass on part of what he said because I found his questions to be very thought provoking and challenging. I hope this challenges you as much as it challenged me. He asks, “Is there anything or anyone you put in front of your personal, intimate relationship with the only one and true God of the Bible?” If that question puzzles you, consider the following questions… - Would you rather be late for work or late to church? - Are you more likely to skip your favorite TV show or your morning devotions? - Have you ever given up a meal to spend urgently needed time in prayer? - Who do you say “good morning” to first each day? - What does your checkbook say about your devotion to God? - To whom would your children (or your spouse) say you are the most devoted? - Are you insulted more by the use of the Lord’s name in vain, or an insult of your Alma Mater? Ron goes on and says, “Jesus took the ten commandments to a higher level. Anything between you and God, anything that keeps you from your fervent, passionate, constant devotion to Him, is breaking that first commandment. Let’s make Him supreme in our life! Let us begin, right now, making sure there is NO god, BUT GOD!” Challenging words…I hope they will stir in your heart today as they have stirred in mine. Glenn Metts Associate Pastor, College & Outreach First Baptist Church, Sevierville, Tn.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/22/2008 1:25:29 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
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This may have been posted before by either myself or someone else but not sure. If so, it is worth posting again: Hanky Alert! Who Wrote Precious Lord? Something I did not know! THE BIRTH OF THE SONG 'PRECIOUS LORD' Back in 1932, I was 32 years old and a fairly new husband. My wife, Nettie and I were living in a little apartment on Chicago 's south side. One hot August afternoon I had to go to St. Louis , where I was to be the featured soloist at a large revival meeting. I didn't want to go. Nettie was in the last month of pregnancy with our first child. But a lot of people were expecting me in St. Louis. I kissed Nettie good-bye, clattered downstairs to our Model A and, in a fresh Lake Michigan breeze, chugged out of Chicago on Route 66. </ DIV> However, outside the city, I discovered that in my anxiety at leaving, I had forgotten my music case. I wheeled around and headed back. I found Nettie sleeping peace-fully. I hesitated by her bed; something was strongly telling me to stay. But eager to get on my way, and not wanting to disturb Nettie, I shrugged off the feeling and quietly slipped out of the room with my music. The next night, in the steaming St. Louis heat, the crowd called on me to sing again and again. When I finally sat down, a messenger boy ran up with a Western Union telegram. I ripped open the envelope. Pasted on the yellow sheet were the words: YOUR WIFE JUST DIED. People were happily singing and clapping around me, but I could hardly keep from cryi ng out. I rushed to a phone and called home. All I could hear on the other end was 'Nettie is dead. Nettie is dead.' When I got back, I learned that Nettie had given birth to a boy. I swung between grief and joy. Yet that same night, the baby died. I buried Nettie and our little boy together, in the same casket. Then I fell apart. For days I closeted myself. I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn't want to serve Him anymore or write gospel songs. I just wanted to go back to that jazz world I once knew so well. But then, as I hunched alone in that dark apartment those first sad days, I thought back to the afternoon I went to St. Louis. Something kept telling me to stay with Nettie. Was that something God? Oh, if I had paid more attention to Him that day, I would have stayed and been with Nettie wh en she died. From that moment on I vowed to listen more closely to Him. But still I was lost in grief. Everyone was kind to me, especially a friend, Professor Fry, who seemed to know what I needed. On the following Saturday evening he took me up to Malone's Poro College, a neighborhood music school. It was quiet; the late evening sun crept through the curtained windows. I sat down at the piano, and my hands began to browse over the keys. Something happened to me then. I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God. I found myself playing a melody, once into my head they just seemed to fall into place: 'Precious Lord, take my hand, lead me on, let me stand! I am tired, I am weak, I am worn, through the storm, through the night lead me on to the light, take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. ' The Lord gave me these words and melody, He also healed my spirit. I learned that when we are in our deepest grief, when we feel farthest from God, this is when He is closest, and when we are most open to His restoring power. And so I go on living for God willingly and joyfully, until that day comes when He will take me and gently lead me home. -Tommy Dorsey- Did you know that Tommy Dorsey wrote this song? I surely didn't. What a wonderful story of how God CAN heal the brokenhearted! Beautiful, isn't it? Worth the reading wasn't it? Think on the message for a while. Thought you might like to share this, I just did. Every one is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.
< Message edited by Smokymtnsanta -- 7/22/2008 1:35:25 PM >
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/22/2008 1:34:38 PM
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Smokymtnsanta
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I meant to do that and as soon as I saw that you had posted I remembered that I did not do it. Will go back and edit to add that. Thanks.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/23/2008 4:47:06 AM
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BelovedHandMaiden
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Good Advice! An Angel says, 'Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice.' 1. Pray 2. Go to bed on time. 3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed. 4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time sc hedule, or that will compromise your mental health. 5. Delegate tasks to capable others. 6. Simplify and unclutter your life. 7. Less is more. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.) 8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places. 9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together. 10. Take one day at a time. 11. Separate worries from concerns . If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety . If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it. 12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases. 13. Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc. 14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble. 15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday. 16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line. 17. Get enough rest 18. Eat right. 19 Get organized so everything has its place. 20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life. 21. Write down thoughts and inspirations. 22. Every day, find time to be alone. 23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray. 24. Make friends with Godly people. 25. Keep a folder of favorite sc riptures on hand. 26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good 'Thank you Jesus .' 27. Laugh. 28. Laugh some more! 29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all. 30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can). 31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most). 32. Sit on your ego 33 Talk less; listen more. 34. Slow down. 35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe. 36 Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. 'If God is for us, who can be against us?' (Romans 8:31)
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/23/2008 11:57:51 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Emergency Telephone Numbers These are more effective than 911 When - You are sad, phone John 14 You have sinned, phone Psalm 51 You are facing danger, phone Psalm 91 People have failed you, phone Psalm 27< /A> It feels as though God is far from you, phone Psalm 139 Your faith needs stimulation, phone < /B>Hebrews 11 You are alone and scared, phone Psalm 23 You are worried, phone Matthew 8:19-34 You are hurt and critical, phone 1 Corinthians 13 You wonder about Christianity, phone 2 Corinthians 5:15-18 You feel like an outcast, phone Romans 8:31-39 You are seeking peace, phone Matthew 11:25-30 It feels as if the world is b igger than God, phone Psalm 90 You need Christ like insurance, phone Romans 8:1-30 You are leaving home for a trip , phone < /I>Psalm 121 You are praying for yourself, phone Psalm 87 You require courage for a task, phone Joshua 1 Inflation's and investments are hogging your thoughts, phone M ark 10:17-31 You are depressive, phone Psalm 27 Your bank account is empty, phone Psalm 37 You lose faith in mankind, phone 1 Corinthians 13 It looks like people are unfriendly, phone John 15 You are losing hope, phone Psalm 126 You feel the world is small comp ared to you, phone Psalm 19 You want to carry fruit, phone John 15 Paul's secret for happiness, phone Colossians 3:12-17 With big opportunity/ discovery, phone Isaiah 55 To get along with other people, phone Romans 12 ALTERNATE NUMBERS For dealing with fear, call Psalm 47 For security, call Psalm 121:3 For assurance, call Mark 8:35 For reassurance, call Psalm 145:18 ALL THESE NUMBERS MAY BE PHONED DIRECTLY. NO OPERATOR ASSISTANCE IS NECESSARY. ALL LINES TO HEAVEN ARE AVAILABLE 24 HOURS A DAY. FEED YOUR FAITH, AND DOUBT WILL STARVE TO DEATH
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/23/2008 12:26:20 PM
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GVfan
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Love it, Santa!
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Donna Hefner Acworth, Ga. <--- Diana and Donna with Greater Vision, Jacob, Rodney and Gerald! Come visit me at http://www.myspace.com/donnashappenings
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/23/2008 4:33:21 PM
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vidimide
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Wow Santa, I was just reading Emergency Phone Numbers in my personal email "keepers" and reading some of those Scripture verses just a few minutes before the time of your post!!! I refer to it often and it has always been helpful. If we didn't know it's our Lord at work we might either get scared or think people were possibly exaggerating or hypnotized or pre-planned or something when we say things like that..... to me it's a double-portion Blessing when it happens to me or anybody else, and I gotta' "Holy Spirit bumps" feeling it happens more often than we know...... Once again, thanks for all your posts here & everywhere
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Diane Thank You Lord for Oceans of Grace and Rivers of Mercy
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/25/2008 1:34:38 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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God Bless you all. Homeless Woman This was too funny, I hope it makes you laugh today. For laughter does the heart good. Forever Amazed by HIS Grace A woman was walking down the street when she was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked her for a couple of dollars for dinner. The woman took out her bill fold, extracted ten dollars and asked, "If I give you this money, will you buy some chocolate with it instead of dinner?" "No," I had to stop chocolate years ago, the homeless woman replied. "Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?" the woman asked. "No," I don't waste time shopping, the homeless woman said. "I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive." "Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?" the woman asked. "Are you NUTS!" replied the homeless woman. "I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!" "Well," said the woman, "I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my hubby and myself tonight. The homeless Woman was astounded. "Won't your hubby be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting." The woman replied, "That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and chocolate.
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Visit www.smokymountainsanta.com The place to stay in the Smokies: www.hiddenmountain.com "Jesus Is The Reason For All Seasons" <<<Going to see my sweetie today!
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/25/2008 3:37:54 AM
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BelovedHandMaiden
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Smokymtnsanta God Bless you all. Homeless Woman This was too funny, I hope it makes you laugh today. For laughter does the heart good. Forever Amazed by HIS Grace A woman was walking down the street when she was accosted by a particularly dirty and shabby-looking homeless woman who asked her for a couple of dollars for dinner. The woman took out her bill fold, extracted ten dollars and asked, "If I give you this money, will you buy some chocolate with it instead of dinner?" "No," I had to stop chocolate years ago, the homeless woman replied. "Will you use it to go shopping instead of buying food?" the woman asked. "No," I don't waste time shopping, the homeless woman said. "I need to spend all my time trying to stay alive." "Will you spend this on a beauty salon instead of food?" the woman asked. "Are you NUTS!" replied the homeless woman. "I haven't had my hair done in 20 years!" "Well," said the woman, "I'm not going to give you the money. Instead, I'm going to take you out for dinner with my hubby and myself tonight. The homeless Woman was astounded. "Won't your hubby be furious with you for doing that? I know I'm dirty, and I probably smell pretty disgusting." The woman replied, "That's okay. It's important for him to see what a woman looks like after she has given up shopping, hair appointments, and chocolate. Ain't it the truth???
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/25/2008 7:28:30 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Astronomy Quiz My daughter's 5th-grade class had been studying astronomy. One morning at breakfast she announced, "On Friday we're having a quiz on the moon." That's when her little brother piped up, saying, "Are you gonna let her go, Mom?"
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/25/2008 7:35:02 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Philippians 4:13 --- I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. The road to success is not straight. There is a curve called Failure, a loop called Confusion, speed bumps called Friends, red lights called Enemies, caution lights called Family. You will have flats called Jobs. But, if you have a spare called Determination, an engine called Perseverance, insurance called Faith, a driver called Jesus, you will make it to a place called Success.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/25/2008 7:36:02 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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Knock, Knock I knocked at heavens door this morning, God asked me, "My child what can I do for you?" And I said, "Father, please protect and bless the person reading this message." God smiled and answered, "Request granted."
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/25/2008 7:46:50 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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SPECIAL POEM A row of bottles on my shelf Caused me to analyze myself. One yellow pill I have to pop Goes to my heart so it won't stop. A little white one that I take Goes to my hands so they won't shake. The blue ones that I use a lot Tell me I'm happy when I'm not. The purple pill goes to my brain And tells me that I have no pain. The capsules tell me not to wheeze Or cough or choke or even sneeze. The red ones, smallest of them all Go to my blood so I won't fall. The orange ones, very big and bright Prevent my leg cramps in the night. Such an array of brilliant pills Helping to cure all kinds of ills. But what I'd really like to know... Is what tells each one where to go! There's always a lot to be thankful for, if you take time to look for it. For example, I am sitting here thinking how nice it is that wrinkles don't hurt.
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/25/2008 11:28:30 AM
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Smokymtnsanta
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There was a little old lady, who every morning. stepped onto her front porch, raised her arms to the sky, and shouted: 'PRAISE THE LORD!' One day an atheist moved into the house next door. He became irritated at the little old lady. Every morning he'd step onto his front porch after her and yell: 'THERE IS NO LORD!' Time passed with the two of them carrying on this way every day. One morning, in the middle of winter, the little old lady stepped onto her front porch and shouted: 'PRAISE THE LORD! Please Lord, I have no food and I am starving...provide for me, oh Lord!' The next morning she stepped out onto her porch and there were two huge bags of groceries sitting there. 'PRAISE THE LORD!' she cried out. 'HE HAS PROVIDED GROCERIES FOR ME!' The atheist neighbor jumped out of the hedges and shouted: 'THERE IS NO LORD! I BOUGHT THOSE GROCERIES!!' The little old lady threw her arms into the air and shouted: 'PRAISE THE LORD! HE HAS PROVIDED ME WITH GROCERIES AND MADE THE DEVIL PAY FOR THEM!'
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RE: Inspirations From Santa - 7/25/2008 12:44:17 PM
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GVfan
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I like that one, Santa! And I love your Avatar. It's beautiful!
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