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Archive for Inspire

How Deep Is Your Love – Home In His Heart

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Thursday, October 11th, 2012

 

 

“Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.”  
 
Ephesians 3:17-19

 

I’ll never forget the moment I gazed upon my children for the first time. Love bubbled up from deep within my soul and flooded me with its intensity.  Extreme joy came simultaneously with a bond that made me want to clutch them to my breast and never let them go. Repeatedly Timothy and Lauren have been told, “I love you more than life itself.” Through my words, touches, acts of service, and decisions, I have attempted to give them roots saturated with my love. 
Understanding the love God has for me as His child has been sometimes more difficult.  I remind myself that Jesus put action behind His words as well. He loves me more than life, and He proved it on the cross. His is a perennial love and no greater love exists than the love He has demonstrated.
Claim this scripture today and pray it over yourself and those you love.  As your trust in God deepens, your faith strengthens. The soil of his love is rich, replenishing, and can never be outgrown. Soak your roots in His love, He never lets go – you’ll always be grounded in our Father’s care.
Thought for the Day:
Unfathomable is the depth of the Father’s love.
Categories : Uncategorized
Tags : Christ's love, Devotions on love, jo rae johnson, love, Love of a Father, Love of a Mother, Perennial love, Rooted in Christ, Television

Faith and Other Flat Tires – FREE Chapter by Andrea Palpant Dilley

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Wednesday, June 27th, 2012

 

Author Andrea Palpant Dilley has graciously provided a chapter of her book for readers to enjoy. With truth and transparency Andrea takes readers along her bumpy spiritual road of discovery.  Enjoy the ride.

Click on Link Below to Read Chapter:

 Faith and Other Flat Tires Sample Chapter

 

Categories : Christian Books Samples & Bible Reviews
Tags : Andrea Palpant Dilley, Faith and Other Flat Tires, Faith and Other Flat Tires Book Reviews, jo rae johnson, Jo Rae Johnson Book Reviews, Television

Faith and Other Flat Tires Guest Blog

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Wednesday, June 20th, 2012

 

 Enjoy this segment from a new memoir by Andrea Palpant Dilley. Zondervan has graciously given me a copy of her book to give away. Comment here and you’ll be entered to win!

One winter afternoon when I was twelve years old, my father picked up a teenage hitchhiker who was standing on the side of the road wearing blue jeans with big holes in the knees. It was thirty-five degrees out that day. He climbed into the van with us, and then my dad drove on. The ensuing conversation, which I will never forget, went something like this:

“These are my kids, Andrea, Ben, and Nate. My name’s Sam. What’s your name?”

“Donovan.”

My father paused. “Have you ever heard of Amy Carmichael?”

“Um, no …”

“She was a missionary to India who worked to save young girls from sex trade. She worked at a place called Dohnavur, which is kind of close to your name, Donavan. So you have a good name, a name with Christian purpose.”

“Oh.”

In the hitchhiker’s long pause that followed, I remember thinking, “My father is out of his mind, preying on this young hitchhiker who wanted a ride and instead got a church sermon on Christian missionary history.” I felt embarrassed in the same way I did when my dad prayed over our food in a restaurant and the waiter brought the ketchup while he was still praying.

When we reached the cut-off road to our house, my dad pulled onto the shoulder and then turned to my older brother. “Ben,” he said, “Why don’t you give Donovan your jeans. It’s cold out.” In the back seat of the van, Ben took off his pants while my little brother and I looked sideways at each other. Proverbial Christian wisdom says you give away the coat off your back, not the pants off your backside. In exchange for my brother’s, Donavan handed over his own ripped jeans and then climbed out of the van.

When we asked where he was going, Donavan said, “Farther north toward Canada.” That was all. He was out wandering alone in the prairie land of eastern Washington. I watched from the back seat as he diminished into the distance, a tall lean figure standing on the side of a long winter road.

Although I didn’t know it at the time, that experience foreshadowed the day that I would get up and leave behind the faith of my childhood. I would be the one climbing out of the car, striking out on pilgrimage into the unknown.

             The reasons for my departure were complicated. I spent my early childhood in Kenya as the daughter of “social-justice-and-Jesus” hippy Quaker missionaries and the rest of my growing up years in a healthy, smart church community back in the U.S. And yet, when I came of age and turned 23, I chose to leave the church. I literally stood up from the pew one Sunday morning and walked out right in the middle of a sermon.

A few months before—in the summer after college—I’d worked at an orphanage in the slums of Nairobi and in those months started feeling deep unease about the Christian faith. I wanted to know: Why does God seem distant and inaccessible? What good does prayer do for an AIDS baby or anyone else? And why in the world does God allow kids to suffer parentless in a slumland?

When I came back to the U.S. in the fall, I walked out of the church sanctuary one morning and started a two-year journey away from Christianity. My faith had a flat tire. I was a lonely college graduate standing on the side of a cold winter road, a lost hitchhiker with no car and no direction, looking out at the wilderness of my heart.

Years later, I returned to church with a changed faith. But I didn’t know that at the time. The day I left, I set out on a search having no idea where I would go in my wandering and or how I would find my way back home.

 

 

Categories : Christian Books Samples & Bible Reviews

The One Year Bible ESV

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Monday, May 21st, 2012


The One Year Bible: The entire English Standard Version arranged in 365 daily readings

In July of 2005, I began reading my first daily Bible. My goal was to read every day, and not be forced forward by a schedule. I finished that Bible in April of 2007.

I found the reading of God’s Word drew me into a deeper relationship with Him. It enlarged my understanding of His ways, His purpose for me, and His people. Reading the entire Bible changed my life. It can change yours too.

Since reading that first daily Bible, I’ve reached for different versions and formats. I’ve just completed The One Year Bible ESV. This Bible is arranged in daily segments with selections each day from the Old Testament, New Testament, the Psalms, and Proverbs. The English Standard Version is clear, concise, and easy to read. Occasional footnotes aid in understanding.

Although many of the daily Bibles offer this format, I’ve developed a preference for the chronological reading of the Word. The daily readings begin “In the beginning” and end in Revelation and events unfold in the order they actually occurred.

Whether you prefer this format or the chronological one, I encourage you to start a Bible reading plan, and experience God like you’ve never experienced Him before.

Categories : Christian Books Samples & Bible Reviews
Tags : Book Reviews Daily Bibles, Daily Bibles, jo rae johnson, The One Year Bible ESV

Get Ready For the Ride of Your Life!

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Monday, August 29th, 2011
I write book reviews for Thomas Nelson’s BookSneeze program. Recently they offered bloggers and book reviewers the opportunity to win two free tickets to a Women of Faith conference in exchange for covering the event, and I was delighted to be selected. The conference was being held in my old stomping grounds, Atlanta, Georgia, and my friend Vikki agreed to come along for our first Women of Faith weekend.
Praise – The conference started with amazing vocalists which included Natalie Grant, Sheila Walsh, Mary Mary, and Laura Story.The Imagine Worship Team led us in praise and worship during the sessions.
Inspire – In the opening session we were introduced to the founder of Women of Faith, Steve Arterburn. I found it interesting that a man started Women of Faith in 1996. Steve’s talk on “Why Bad Men Happen to Good Women” was both entertaining and enlightening, and I took copious notes. He also spoke on the five blind spots that cause us to make poor choices and keep us Walking Into Walls.
During each successive session inspiration overflowed the stage and saturated the arena. Speakers included Lisa Harper who is as funny as she is beautiful, and wasn’t afraid to reveal a few bruises. Luci Swindoll encouraged us to live an artful life, and look for hoops of hope.  Angie Smith got us out of our boats with God as our Life Preserver. Nicole Johnson showed God as the original recyclist who creates masterpieces out of fragmented lives and Sheila Walsh’s story of healing after a stay in a psychiatric ward ended with the reminder that the Shepherd is fond of even the blackest of sheep.
Imagine – The weekend’s key verse was Ephesians 3:20: Of course, I had to buy the bracelet.
Shop – Opportunities abounded for shopping, one of my favorite pastimes. Books, music, totes, jewelry, my only dilemma was deciding just which delights I couldn’t live without.
CHARGE – Bet you didn’t know there’s a WOF Visa card, I sure didn’t. If you signed up for the card during the conference you received a free t-shirt!

Food – Included in the price of admission (normally $99) is a box lunch each day. Although I found the lunch an added convenience, it wasn’t for my friend Vikki. She has Celiac’s Disease and doesn’t eat gluten. There were no options offered for attendees with special dietary restrictions other than the suggestion to purchase a meal in their facility. In addition, the arena had a strict policy against ANY food and beverages being brought in and we had to obtain special permission to bring our own gluten-free snacks. I felt their policy was too stringent. Philips Arena opened up to a food court in the adjoining CNN facility and a Starbucks was located there. Although there wasn’t a Starbucks inside the arena, they wouldn’t allow you to bring your drink into the building. Pocketbook inspections greatly slowed down the entrance of attendees as each person was searched each time before entering the building.
Free – I am all about free stuff and was thrilled when a young girl handed out free books provided by Love Inspired!
GIVE – The opportunity to sponsor a child through World Vision was presented throughout the conference through tables set up for that purpose as well as by placing packets in the seats of the arena.  Their goal for our conference was to have 10% of the attendees sign up to sponsor a child. I believe they met their goal.
IMAGINE – I arrived at this conference like a flat tire.

Unforeseen circumstances had punctured my life, and left me bumping down the road on my rims. As I inhaled each session here, I felt the breath of the Holy Spirit fill me with a fresh infusion of imagining. I left the conference pumped up and ready to  roll down the road to my destiny. Won’t you join me?
Remember ‘‘God can do anything you know – more than you could ever IMAGINE, guess or request in your wildest dreams.” (Ephesians 3:20)
I’m putting the top down and fastening my seat belt. It’s going to be an exciting ride.

Categories : Uncategorized
Tags : its all about home with jo rae, jo rae johnson, Praise and Worship, Spiritual renewal, Women of Faith, Women of Faith Atlanta

Root Bound – Growing Faith

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Saturday, August 6th, 2011

 

The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you!” Luke 17:6

 

My home lives in the shadow of a huge mulberry tree. Massive gnarled arms extend out over the street and its limbs are forever in need of pruning. I fell in love with the tree the moment I saw it and immediately longed to sit underneath its abundant canopy.  The house looked safe behind the wide-shouldered tree, its rugged, picturesque presence a comforting sight. High winds, hail, and ice storms haven’t had an effect; its sinewy-fingered roots clutch the soil. I feel certain it will stand longer than my home.

When I toil in my garden, I remember the faith I seek to embody could be immeasurable if I only planted myself solidly in Jesus.  Instead I’m more like a tree left in a container I’m root-bound due to my lack of belief. I can only reach my full potential when I forget the temporary circumstances that surround me and move towards the unlimited resources He offers. By feeding myself a daily dose of His Word and by drinking in His presence in prayer, my faith grows.


Categories : Uncategorized
Tags : faith, Growing Faith, It's All About Home. Devotions about Faith, jo rae johnson, mulberry tree, mustard seed

Open & Shut Case – (Closed Doors)

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Saturday, May 28th, 2011

“To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.” Revelation 3:7 NIV
There is no rejection quite like a door slammed in your face.  I’ve been hired then fired, accepted then rejected, and loved and left.  It’s hard not to take it personally.
I often catch myself before a closed door, gripping hold of the handle with both hands, bracing my feet on the outer casing and pulling with all my might. I’ve believed if I slammed my shoulder in the door hard enough, whatever I desired could be obtained.
Two-year-old children and teenagers are known for doing the opposite of what we suggest they do.  I act no better when God says NO and a door of opportunity closes.  My grabbing and pulling only has me falling to the ground in embarrassment with a sore hand.
My vision can become so narrow that I don’t see the door just to the right or left.  Focusing my efforts on the door that is closing often gets my fingers pinched and I miss the sliver of light emitting from the door that’s slightly ajar.
The old saying, “Don’t let the door hit you on the way out” is a good reminder that if the door is closing, it might be time to leave and quickly.  Door number two may be unknown, but if God has you in front of it and it swings open, it’s bound to be the Grand Prize.  What you’ve left behind will look like “chump change” when you are finally able to get the perspective found in comparing what you left to what you were given.
Letting go of my will releases the stress of trying to make something happen that seems impossible to obtain.  The effortless success that follows inevitably takes me by surprise and reminds me what I want and what is God’s best are often two different things.
The key to the right door is Jesus.  Without him, I’m locked out and lack direction.  With him opportunities open magically like the electronic opener in my car opens my garage.  The light comes on, you know you were expected, and the Welcome Wagon is there to meet you.  You’ve arrived and you’re home.
Categories : Uncategorized
Tags : closed door devotion, Devotions, jo rae johnson, lost opportunities, Television

Can You See Me Now? (When You Can’t See God)

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Saturday, May 14th, 2011

“Praise be to the Lord for he showed his wonderful love when I was in a besieged city.  In my alarm, I am cut off from your sight yet you heard my cry.”  Psalm 31:21

Have you ever lost sight of your child in a crowd?  My son was a very active toddler, and used to love to hide among the clothes in department stores.

I’d turn for  a moment and he’d be gone. In a panic, I’d call his name louder and  louder while he sat comfortably on a pile of dresses in the center of a rack.  From his secure vantage point he’d watch, entertained by it all.   I examined the faces of the men and women who surrounded me and looked at each with suspicion.  In no time at all I’d have at least one of them pegged as a kidnapper.

When Timothy decided he was through with his hide and seek game, he’d pull the hangers aside so I could see his mischievous, sweet face.  With a giggle, he would finally answer my call and say those precious words, Mama. His being out of my sight stirred a fear in me everyone in the store understood.  I knew as long as I had him within view, I could give him my protection.  His refuge was with me.

More than likely it’s not clothing that has besieged you, but circumstances in which you have no control.  Perhaps it’s the death of a loved one, the care of an elderly parent, or a child’s homesick calls from far away.  Even the blessings of a successful business and its demands can feel like an avalanche ready to overtake you.

When a fog of circumstances surrounds me and my vision has blurred, I listen for His voice. Sometimes what I see isn’t as important as the knowledge that through any circumstance, God sees me.

Categories : Uncategorized
Tags : Inspire, jo rae johnson, lost children, seeing God, where is God

God Sightings – Forty-one through Fifty

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Thursday, May 12th, 2011
forty-one – lilies clothed in pink with open faces towards the sun
forty-two – automatic vacuum cleans pool for me

forty-three  – the reminder to laugh!

forty-four  – the individual beauty of peonies
forty-five    A Mother’s Day card from a treasured friend, Debbie  
forty-six – Goodbye’s that mean new hello’s- Thanks, Joye!

forty-seven – lady bugs
forty-eight – mocha frappe is muy delicioso
forty-nine – air-conditioning (I grew up without it!)
fifty – employment
Categories : God Sightings

Practice What You Preach, Because What Goes Around Comes Around

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Monday, May 2nd, 2011
The Kings James Bible may be 400 years old, but the things we say to our kids and one another hasn’t changed much. Many popular sayings originated from the KJV. So just for fun, I thought I’d walk you through my life, King James Version style. See how many of these phrases you recognize.
My parents were a wonderful source of Bible idioms. Often when I’d ask for money they’d respond, “You can’t get blood out of a turnip” (Genesis 4:2-5).  Yeah, but what did that have to do with my going to the movies?
I guess I had my head in the clouds (Job 20:6), and also was prone to shoot off my mouth (Psalm 64:3-4), at least from my parents’ point of view. They certainly told me often enough that I was asking for it (Proverbs 18:6), and they didn’t mean money. After all, everyone knew if you gave me enough rope, I’d hang myself (Psalm 141:10) and they were right. A little freedom can be dangerous, in fact my parents thought I’d gone to the dogs (I Kings 21:19-23) in my efforts to show them a thing or two (I Samuel 14:12).
After I moved out on my own, I realized some truths for myself. Paying the bills meant burning the midnight oil (Mathew 25:1-10) by working two and sometimes three jobs. And although I admit some of my plans were half-baked (Hosea 7:8), and at times I did go hog wildfor crying out loud (Mathew 27:46). (Mark 5:13), I did the best I could
I finally grew up, got married, and had two kids of my own. I often complained they wouldn’t lift a finger to help (Luke 11:46) around the house and that my husband and I couldn’t see eye to eye (Isaiah 52:8). His discipline was based on spare the rod, spoil the child (Proverbs 13:24) while I thought it better to teach them a lesson (Judges 8:16) another way.
I’ve never been great at relationships, so it was no surprise when my marriage bit the dust (Ps 72:9). Although I was laughing on the outside, I was crying on the inside (Proverbs 14:13), and added to my losses were a few fair-weather friends (Proverbs 17:17).
As a single parent, I learned it’s a jungle out there (Proverbs 22:13), but raising my children was a labor of love (I Thess. 3:10).  We ate so much macaroni and cheese it was coming out our ears (Numbers 11:20) and plenty of teachable moments (Deut 6:4-9), most of them mine. Like the time my son, Timothy, got in the car from daycare covered in dirt. I asked, “How could you get so dirty?” He replied, “Mama, it’s what kids do.” Great wisdom comes from out of the mouths of babes (Ps. 8:2).
At Christmas we learned it’s more blessed to give than receive (Acts 20:35), but that didn’t keep Timothy and Lauren from making their lists too. Thankfully, just the reminder of Santa’s naughty or nice (Prov. 15:3) record kept the kids in line. I needed all the help I could get. After all, surviving on one income had me tearing my hair out (Ezra 9:3) over the cost of toys and God forbid (Romans 3:4) I should run up a large credit card bill I’d have to repay.
How quickly the years past, and in a twinkling of an eye (I Corn. 15:52) the children were gone.  Little did I know I’d be out of sight, out of mind (Ps. 31:12). Stung a little, you know? Even when the writing is on the wall (Dan. 5:5) we’re never prepared for the apples of our eye (Due. 32:10) to leap out of the tree.
I had to learn to get a life (I John 5:11-13) when their leaving had turned my world upside down (Acts 17:6). No longer defined as someone’s wife or mother, I felt like a stranger in a strange land (Exodus 2:21-22). I had put all my eggs in one basket (Eccl 11:2) and the transition to living alone has been a rude awakening (Prov. 27:14).
I’m doing so much better now, after all it’s too late to close the barn door (Eccl. 10:11). No man is an island (Rom 14:7) and I’ve found life’s easier when I connect often with my friends.  I admit dating has been a fly in the ointment (Eccl. 10:1) and it’s definitely survival of the fittest (Eccl. 9:11) at this age.
The best part of being alone is I have a dream (Jeremiah 23:25) of creating word pictures (Prov. 25:11), and now I have the time to do it. I guess there is a time and season for everything (Eccl. 3:1), and my time is now!
If you’re still in the midst of raising your children, cheer up (Deut. 24:5), your day is coming (Psalm 37:13).  You may feel as if you’re at your wit’s end (Psalm 107:27), but I suggest you practice what you preach (Mathew 23:3), because we know what goes around comes around (Deut. 32:35).
Categories : Uncategorized
Tags : Bible Idioms, Bible Trivia, jo rae johnson, King James Bible 400th anniversary, Phrases From the Bible, Television

God Sightings – Gratitude List #31-40

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Monday, April 18th, 2011
thirty-one: a call from my high school friend, Jane 
thirty-two: while at the computer doctor, I met Art and was given the opportunity to share Jesus with him. I pray a seed was planted.
thirty-three – green worm inches up the fence 
thirty-four: visit with my friend Lisa. in Charlotte, where we shopped, talked, laughed, and enjoyed a killer slaw dog and peach shake!

thirty-five:  first visit to new care group and church. Already feeling at home.

thirty-six:  a forgiven bill for service on my heating and air conditioning unit!~

thirty-seven – dinner with Cindy from Columbia!

thirty-eight – an opportunity to write two fun articles.

thirty-nine – opening the pool and my first swim of the season!

forty – roses blooming on pool fence

Categories : God Sightings
Tags : 1000 gifts, Gratitude lists, jo rae johnson, Television

God Sightings – Gratitude List #21-30

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Monday, April 4th, 2011
twenty-one   Surprise visit from son Timothy and Bullitt, his new car
twenty-two   The smell of sunscreen
twenty-three  DVR records favorite teaching for later view
twenty-four   Whipped cream from scratch and licking the beaters
twenty-five   Teen daughter Lauren tells me I was right, “Bad company does corrupt good morals.” 1 Corinthians 15:33
twenty-six  Finished reading the Bible through for the third time.
Twenty-seven Green grasshopper startles
twenty-eight  Jesus Calling – Messages that speak to my heart.
twenty-nine  Convertible top down, scarf flying, beach music playing, spring
thirty  Dogwoods remind me – Christ, Cross, Crucified – For Me

Categories : God Sightings
Tags : 1000 gifts, God sightings, gratitude list, jo rae johnson, multitudes on monday, Television

God Sightings – Gratitude List #11-20

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Tuesday, March 22nd, 2011

eleven˜

Campus Crusade for Christ college students spend the night, add joy, and drive away with my heart

twelve ˜neighbors helping our community – thanks Kathy!

thirteen ˜ daughter, Lauren, enrolls in college

fourteen ˜ butterfly messages from God!

fifteen ˜ Beth Moore’s Bible study “Breaking Free”

sixteen ˜ a call from first born Timothy

seventeen ˜ a repaired wood floor    eighteen ˜ a new refrigerator  nineteen ˜ dinner prepared for me twice!

twenty ˜ pretty in pink   

Categories : God Sightings
Tags : 1000 gifts, God sightings, gratitude list, its all about home with jo rae, jo rae johnson, multitudes on monday

God Sightings – Gratitude List #1-10

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Tuesday, March 15th, 2011

I’ve been deeply affected by Ann Voskamp’s book, One Thousand Gifts. Gratitude is catching, and I have some catching up to do.

One:  Sharp angled cut lawn smells of spring…

Two; Hats, Tea, Atlanta – Sweet Vikki

Three: Maria sharing clematis from her yard…

Four: Mulching angels with trailer (Maria & Glenn) …    Five :A sale and lunch with a client! 🙂 . . .   Six: Encouraging words on Facebook . . . Seven: An unexpected call . . .

Eight: Chocolate shared. . .    Nine: Mumbled I love you . . .

Ten: A cleaned and serviced lawn mower



Categories : God Sightings
Tags : 1000 gifts, Glimpses of Glory, Gratitude, its all about home with jo rae, jo rae johnson

Satan’s Baking

By Jo Rae Johnson Jetton
Monday, January 24th, 2011

“Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.” Luke 22:31-34

Baking hasn’t changed a whole lot in a few thousand years. We still have to separate wheat from the chaff although now combines can do it  mechanically. Wheat is sifted again prior to being made into flour. Sifting eliminates lumps by adding air, sorts out impurities, and evenly separates the often-compacted grain. If you don’t sift, you may end up with a finished product not fit to eat.

In this scripture Satan asked permission to sift Simon and Jesus allowed it. Jesus reminded Simon that he had prayed that his faith might not fail. The Greek word for sift is siniazo which means  1. to sift, shake in a sieve and 2. by inward agitation to try one’s faith to the very verge of overthrow. Doesn’t sound like fun, does it? While we endure the sifting process God prays and stays. His presence can’t be separated out. Impurities are taken away and we bind ever closer to the one who allowed us to go to the verge of overthrow. Our faith fattens up just like flour does when air is inserted.

Have you been shaken by your circumstances? Satan’s sifting may mean a whole lot of shaking is going on, but when the agitation is finished you’ll  emerge purer and closer to God’s intent for your life. This scripture reminds us that although Satan may be baking, God is still in charge of the kitchen.

Picture taken by Antonio Olmos for The New York Times

Categories : Uncategorized
Tags : Baking devotion, Devotions, its all about home with jo rae, jo rae johnson, Satan's Baking, Satanic attacks
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