Super Mom is a Fairy Tale

Sharon JaynesMotherhood 187 Comments

Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do no grow weary, (Galatians 6:9, NIV).

Super Momma

Don’t you just detest those mothers who seem to have it all together? You know her: super-mom. She is that mythical creature who never yells at her kids. Whose house is always spotless, whose children always obey quickly and quietly, who prepares three meals a day that are nutritious and aesthetically pleasing…the one who is a “successful” mother.

If there is anything that can discourage a hard working mom, it is comparing herself to this creature, which only exists in storybooks. If we think someone is a super-mom, most likely her cape is ripped, her tights are tattered, and her special powers to get her kids to act right got lost in a cluttered closet somewhere. I can assure you that every mother who appears to breeze effortlessly through life has struggles of her own.

When I taught my husband to snow ski, I showed him how to turn his skis toward the side of the mountain to slow down. Inevitably he turned too much to the left or right and ended up with his skis pointing up the mountain. He then proceeded to slide down the mountain backwards. After a few trials and lots of error, he discovered that when he turned, if he just continued turning his skis, making a complete circle, it would slow him down and he wouldn’t end up going down hill backwards.

It was a sight to behold, but it worked. At the end of the day, a woman came up to Steve and asked if he could show her how to make those “beautiful circles.” Of course he obliged. She thought he was an expert skier who was doing some form of acrobatics. In actuality, he was going in circles, doing whatever it took to keep from going down hill, backwards.

When you look around and see other mothers who appear to be “mothering” better than you, don’t be fooled. They are probably doing whatever it takes not to go downhill backwards.

Successful mothers are not the ones who have never struggled. They are the ones who never give up, despite the struggles.

Calvin Coolidge said, “Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan, “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.”

I’d like to add that God is the only One Who is Omnipotent, but persistence and determination while relying on His power brings great results!

Galatians 6:9 reminds us, “Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we shall reap if we do no grow weary.” That’s a promise that we all can cling to.

Let’s Pray
Dear God, sometimes I feel like I am going in circles. Help me not compare myself to other moms who seem to be “doing it better,” but to keep my eyes on You. I pray that You will help me be the best mom I can be to the children You have given me.
In Jesus’ Name,
Amen.

What do You Think? 
Since May is the month of Mother’s Day, let’s pray for the moms in our GiG Family. Please log onto  give your name and state in the comment box (or country if out of the US), and pray for the name ahead and behind yours. I’ll pray for the first mom.

Want More? 
Being a great mom reminds me of the story of a world famous violinist. An admiring fan ran up to him one day and cried, “Mr. Kreisler, I’d give my life to play as you do!” To that he replied, “Madam, I did.” Being a great mom is a diligent investment of sacrifices that reaps dividends with compounded interest over time. If you’d like to sharpen your parenting skills, check out my book, Being a Great Mom-Raising Great Kids. It is a storehouse of encouragement for one of the most important jobs on earth.

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Comments 187

  2. I worry about my grown boys (in their 20’s) that they find their way in life, no addiction, no bad troubles, to lead good moral and christian lives, overall happiness, wonderful companionships, financial stability, security in themselves, etc. I could go on and on. Thank you. I look forward every morning to read from Girlfriends in God. I love love love it! Thank you!

    Reply

  3. Amanda / Pensacola FL….love the daily devotional…it starts my day off! Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms!

    Reply

  4. My name is Amy and I live in Michigan. I have three girls ages 13 years, 11 years and 7 years and 2 boys ages 20 years and 15 years old. My husband is a truck driver and is gone Monday through Friday. I feel very blessed to have come across the GIG website and look forward to reading the e-mails. Thanks for all you do, you are a true blessing!

    Reply

  5. Deborah/Belleville,IL….I am so thankful for your devotional! It helps me remember the important stuff of life!! THANKS! Happy Mother’s Day to all!!

    Reply

  7. Hi…I’m Jenny and I live in beautiful North Carolina. 😉 God bless each and every one of you ladies!

    Reply

  9. I appreciate your prayers! My son and daughter are grown but I see them making choices to live with their girlfriend and boyfriend. They know it is not right, as my husband and I raised them in a Christian home. They are the most awesome kids but it breaks our heart to see the choices they are making.

    Reply

  10. My Pastor told me about GIG. He and his wife have eight children from mid 20’s to 6 yrs of age. This daily devotional is just what I needed! Thank you for the prayers and the encouragement. Happy Mothers Day and God bless.
    Patti, Mobile, Alabama

    Reply

  13. Happy Friday! My name is Amy and I’m a single mom from Indiana. Love reading your devotionals Sharon and enjoy bringing life & faith together!

    Reply

  15. Hi…I’m Sarita and I live in Arkansas where it is sleeting & snowing this morning on May 3!!! I love snow! 🙂 I am the mom to one sweet (well, most of the time! 😉 ) 17 year old son. I am so blessed that God chose me to be his mom. I look forward to reading GiG each morning. Thank you for your prayers! God’s blessings to all.

    Reply

  16. hi my name is Ekamma and I live in Nigeria. I have been really blessed by this devotional. God bless u Jenny n may u continue to be blessed.

    Reply

  17. Christine, Salisbury, Maryland

    Thank you for your prayers and I am soooo glad a friend introduced me to the Girl Friends In God and this Blog

    May you all have a blessed Mothers day

    Reply

  19. I live in Pennsylvania. I love GIG. It is my go to, every morning. I wish I had found this site many years ago when I was a young mom. Now with two grown children and three grandchildren, I find it is helping me to realize I was’t as bad of a mom … just human and just like so many others struggeling as well. I too pray my children will follow the Lord in their lives and be an honor and glory to Him. Thank you, for praying for me as I continue trying to be All that God wants me to be as a mother and grandmother. God bless all of the writers for GIG and all the women who read the devotionals. Happy Mothers Day!

    Reply

  23. Shanda from Mississippi – I am a mother of two beautiful young women – 25 & 22 and Nana to two beautiful little girls, 6 & 3. GiG is my go-to for support, inspiration, comfort and connection!! I thank God for you!! Between GiG and KLOVE, I’m feel in touch with the Lord all day long!!! Happy Mothers Day to all and God Bless!!!

    Reply

  24. Laurie from the beautiful Georgia, I pray for each & every mother & mother-to-be, and their child, I pray they will be Godly mothers who raise up their children in the way of the Lord so that they can in turn become Godly parents! Amen!

    Reply

  25. Thank you for this devo!! I am a full-time working mom with a 4 and 2 year old and definitely needed this today!

    Reply

  26. Charlotte in Kentucky. I also have a daughter-in-law, Amy, who is expecting her first child in July so would you please pray for her and my future grandson Jacob.

    Reply

  28. I have three children a 20 yr. old and two 13 yr. olds my twins are going through this attitude thing that really is hard to deal with. I am in conseling and God is awesome and faithful things are getting better but still need prayer.

    Reply

  31. I am a missionary in Brazil with a 4 year old son and 11 year old daughter. Our daughter is adopted and has been with us for just over a year. I am often frustrated with myself because I think I shouldn´t ever lose my patience…I just needed this devotion today. Thank you.

    Reply

  33. What an awesome idea! I pray daily that God guides me to be the best mom I can be for my beautiful daughters (ages 15 and 10)…and thank Him for choosing me to be their mom! Their dad and I are divorced and I struggle with how that has affected their lives (and mine). Prayers for all….and God Bless! (Jennifer in PA)

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  34. Thank you for sharing this devotion. I pray that God will continue to strengthen every Mother. Lord no matter what comes our way we know that You are with us. You will never leave us nor forsake us. Help us to be the mothers that you would have us to be.
    I am a single mother working full-time and also going to school for my Master’s. It can get overwhelming at times. However when I look back at where God has brought me from and what he has brought me through I know he will continue to give me strength to make it!! Even when I feel I have no strength left God always steps in and gives me the strength I need!! Thank you Lord!!

    Reply

  35. Samantha from Chandler, Arizona. I have two beautiful boys ages 8 and 5. Thank you for praying for me and Happy Mother’s Day!!

    Reply

  39. Hi my name is Mandy, I have just started reading the devotionals this week. They have encouraged me. My son is twenty-five and is now a father. He comes to me for advise on how to solve issues with his three year old son. If I were asked today how I was able to work and raise my son back then without comparing myself to other moms, I would say that it wasn’t always easy. I managed by encouragement from other godly women and a lot of praying. Take the time to enjoy your role as a mother. Time will just fly and your little ones will be grown.

    Reply

  41. I am Bonnie from California. Lord I pray for the name above mine, Mandy. As Mandy gives advice to her son who is now a father, I pray that her advice is led by You and I pray that her son takes that advice to heart. If he is not a believer, I pray Holy Spirit that you will touch his heart and that he receives Jesus with joy. And if he is a believer, I pray that you will guide his steps as he embraces being the best dad that he can be. In Jesus name, Amen.

    Reply

  42. Hi, I’m Mickey Davis from Bellingham, WA. I have enjoyed reading your devotions each morning before I head to work. They have been very encouraging and help me get through the day. God Bless you and Happy Mother’s Day to everyone.

    Reply

  43. I am Deb from Illinois. Praying for you, Bonnie!

    Hearts at Home theme this year was “No More Perfect Moms.” Lots of tools there.

    Reply

  45. My name is Mercy I live in Nigeria. I join my faith with all mothers all over the world that God should give us the grace to bring up our children in the way of Lord. May God meet Bonnie at the very point of her need. In Jesus name Amen.

    Reply

  46. Ladies, since the first cry of our children, we have become “working moms.” Paychecks do not a working mom make. My kids are 24, 25, 28, 30, and I am still mothering. Just spoke with a friend in my same age bracket, and she asked me yesterday, “Is it something I did or didn’t do that makes my kids clueless?” My answer to her is that is God gave us a manual to assist us in growing our kids. Of my four, only two are vaguely interested in what they refer to as “the Jesus thing.” I took on the guilt and shame of a “church lady” whose kids have no interest in the church. They don’t know yet (my husband says until 30+) that church does not equal God. God is God and has miraculous things to share with us each and every day. I FINALLY realized, I am the seed planter. I may never see the tree. This helps me sleep and night. We ALL do the best we can with what we have to work with it. God breathes life in us no matter where we are in life.. Don’t blame, Dive in, sink or swim, we all have to dive in. My Dad, before he met God face to face, used to say, “Have you done the best you can? If; that answer is yes, then let it go and give God a chance to work!

    Reply

    1. Prayer sent for you, <3 Happy Mothers day! Like a friend says, Adam and Eve had a perfect Parent and still made poor choices so we shouldn't be too suprised when our kids do too. Of my original 6 only 1 is involved at all in religous services.

      Reply

  47. Sally, Missouri. I am a single mom of two boys trying to make ends meet and I feel exhausted and overwhelmed at times . Thank you for praying for me. Happy Mothers Day and God Bless all you mothers!

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  50. i need prayer we had 2 friends that have been off n on for 3 years we always sought reconciliation, this time i received a text to leave them alone because they have judged us to have the Jezebel and Ahab spirit???? very painful need Shalom also need healing from chronic almost daily migraines, love in Him

    Reply

    1. Prayer sent for you, <3 We are instructed to live at peace with all men , as much as is in our power. Sometimes that means walking away – or accepting their decision to walk away. But keep them on youur prayer list because God is pleased when we pray for those who turn their backs on us – after all, they are also His children!

      Reply

    2. It will be my honor to pray for you this month Melissa. May God watch over you & your family and bless you. Happy Mother’s Day.

      Reply

  52. Hi! My name is Lesley. I am from Saskatchewan, Canada. I have 4 children & 2 grandchildren with 1 on the way. My husband is a farmer & works in the oil patch. I am recently retired & now go with him & help our kids in whatever way I can. I am very thankful for the Girlfriends in God website as it is always available no matter where I am or what I am doing. Thank-you Sharon for the blessing it has been to me.
    Happy Mother’s Day!

    Reply

  53. I request pray for myself, my teenage son (15 almost 16) and my husband. My son admitted he lied last night about being at track all week, the thing is he does not feel bad for lying- he does not feel that lying is bad. so very frustrating, as I have been letting go and giving him more freedom to be a teenager and do things, with trusting him. How would you respond to your child. How do you trust your child, when he is lying>

    Reply

    1. Prayer sent for you, <3 Happy Mothers day. It's tough_ One of my daughters was like that and even stole money from my Dad. All you can do is keep calling him on it. Our society extends adolesence too long in my opinion. Try to give him responsibilities to keep him occupied but know that his choices are not your fault. Adam and Eve had a perfect parent and still made poor choices.

      Reply

    2. Hello. It will be my honor to lift you & your family up in prayer.
      Being a parent is never easy. The best advice I can give you is to pray without ceasing. Ask God for guidance. Learn to listen to His voice. Try not to react out of anger or frustration. Hang onto the promises that God gave us & to the knowledge of who He is. Other people love to tell us what they think but only God knows the best in every situation.
      Happy Mother’s Day

      Reply

  55. Ramona, New Mexico
    I have five healthy boys their ages range from 14 to 2 years old i pray they find their calling and serve the Lord.
    Praying for Cheryl in Georgia

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  56. Megan – Texas – Mother of 16 year old boy, 3 1/2 year old girl, and Step Mother to two – one 21 year old boy and a 21 year old girl. Life can be very overwhelming with them and I have a tendency to fall into that “Why can’t I be super mom?” trap. Then I let go and let God and He takes care of us all. Prayers for Cheryl and all moms and a very blessed Mother’s Day to you all!

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  59. Praying for Jennifer whose name is behind mine. Enjoy your articles! Today’s message hits home for me and so whomever prays for me, if they could pray for my 4 adult plus 5 grandchildren. I’ve been praying for my family members to follow Christ’s ways, to have faith-filled spiritual mentors come into their lives and to be given mates (if that is the Lord’s will for them to have a mate) – mates who are spirit-fed, discerning and compassionate in the Lord.

    Thanks again and I pray that the Lord’s blessing continue to rain on you and everyone who come to your site. Hugs

    Reply

  61. Thank you for your prayer. I am a mother of two boys and trying to do my best in God’s will. It’s hard. It’s been a hard few years and we need God’s direction

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  62. California- I need prayer for my son who can’t seem to find his way in this world. He has been given Bible teachings but has turned his back. He is 28 yrs. old and on his 2nd family living at home with no ambition to get out on his own. Please pray for strength for us as we are giving him a move out date because we cannot afford to support them any longer and we cannot enable his irresponsible behavior anymore….Thank you

    Reply

  63. My Name is Jerilyn. I have 2 children: a 2 year old boy going on 3 and a 1 year old girl going on 2. Life is pretty challenging when you are dealing with children who are that close in age and working full time. I know that I always fall short and need to learn that it’s ok as long as I pick myself back up and determine to keep going and learn from it. I’m asking for patience, strength, faith and wisdom to raise my children in the ways of the Lord.

    Thank you,

    Reply

  65. I have two daughters 17 and 20, single parent. I pray for their decisions that they are making and the prayful knowledge that some will impact the rest of their lives. I am praying for Faith whose name was before mine.

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  66. Arlie, from the Sicangu Oyate in South Dakota. Mother of three and Unci of four.
    Enjoying life and appreciating the many blessings that God has bestowed upon me and my Tiyospaye. Be encouraged “Family of God”
    Love your messages Sharon… Stay blessed.
    Was’te chelake~A

    Reply

  67. Jewell. Sweet Home Alabama

    Thanks Sharon I really needed this lesson today ! ( actually everyday) thanks for reminding us it is a hard job and to Press On!

    Reply

  69. Hi, Sharon. So amazing this post for mothers and we can share our
    Heart with you in pray. I’m in 39 weeks of pregnancy and I’m the first time mom of boy.
    Please pray for my labor and the perfect time. I’m anxious sometimes, because I don’t know how is gonna be that day, but God know me! Thank you so much!!! Tati and baby Ethan

    Reply

  72. Hi, I’m Colleen from Northern California – Mom of 6 grown children ages 23-32, 2 5-year olds that I adopted with special needs, 4 lovely grandsons but I would request prayers for finding the right house in the right school district for my two little ones. Thank you!

    Reply

  73. I’m from Texas and a mother of 5. Today I would request prayers for my 16 yr old who struggles with school (as most teenagers) and that she would hear God’s voice very clearly in his desires for her life. Thank you!

    I will be praying for Fait and her family!

    Reply

  77. Mimi -Massachusetts (:
    Praise God for Prayers!
    Happy Mothers Day!
    Feliz Dia De Las Madres!
    Peace be with you…

    Reply

  81. Praying for you Faith and your family. I’m a single mother of four, that home-schools, am a full-time student, unemployed, with no working vehicle…lol, but Praise God…! My wonderful kids are Dion-23, Isaiah-20, Ciara-18, and Malachi-9.

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  83. Praying for Faith whose name is right above mine. Lord Jesus, i come to you asking that you will draw Faith’s adult children & Grandchildren to you! Lord i pray that you will will fill them with your love and that if it is for them to marry that you will bring a God fearing spouse to each one of them. I pray for Faith that you will strength her Faith and that she will truly have a Beautiful Mother’s Day!! Happy Mothers Day to all you moms!!
    I have 2 Adult sons and 4 beautiful grandchildren, and two wonderful daughterin laws, please pray that they all will continue in the ways that they have been taught!! To Love the LORD with all their heart and to honor him in all things!

    Reply

  84. one day i will be a mother and i believe God will use me to be mother that he wants me to be. Thank you for your devotionals,they have blessed me as a woman. and Happy mother’s day to all mothers, we love you and thank you being great mothers.

    Reply

  86. Sandy from the beautiful Blue NC. I am praying for you Priscilla & your little boy.
    I have two adult boys and 4 beautiful grandchildren.

    Reply

  87. I pray for wisdom and knowledge for U ladies, so U can accomplish what the Lord has set forth for U, I ask for his blessing and presence always be with you.

    Blessing

    Mary from CA.

    Reply

  88. I pray for wisdom and knowledge for U ladies, so U can accomplish what the Lord has set forth for U, I ask for his blessing and presence always be with you.

    Happy Mother’s Day to U all.

    Blessing

    Mary from CA.

    Reply

  90. Liz is getting her MSW this summer at Smith College, and Genella is a struggling 10th grader in a dangerous, below average school.
    Father God, bless all of the single mothers and married mothers that are raising their children to fear You. As we struggle with terrible twos, first days of school, elementary schools, middle school drama, high school rage, and adulthood, please help us to give them over to you, and stay out of the way, while You finish the work that You have begun in them. We acknowledge that we cannot do it on our own and look to You for guidance, and to give us peace that surpasses whatever the circumstance is.
    Thank you God, for the children You gave us are a true blessing. In Jesus name, Amen

    Reply

  92. I am a stay at home mom of 6 living in Ontario Canada. Thank you for your prayers to continually encourage and guide my children as God would want me to.

    Reply

  94. Sharon – Wisconsin

    I would love prayer that I always look to God for direction and wisdom in every aspect of my life. Thank u for ur prayers!

    Reply

  95. soy de peru y desde que leo el devociomañ siento que mi vida ha cambiado y en muchas ocaciones me han dada la respuesta amis problema ldios las bendiga novias de dios
    que l dia de la madre sea lleno de la gracia de dios

    Reply

  97. Thank you for the encouragement. I want so much to be the wife and mom God has called me to be but so often I do feel like I am skiing downhill backwards on 4 hrs of sleep. I really need prayer and His wisdom and strength. – Keiko from hawaii

    Reply

  98. Christie-Lee – North Carolina. A very blessed Mother’s Day to all… Sharon & Carola you will remain in my prayers 🙂

    Reply

  101. Christine from Seville Ohio. My 27-year-old daughter is having trouble with a house she bought several months ago. Please pray for us that we will be strengthened and that a quick resolution will happen. Thanks for the prayers. We are supposed to find out Tuesday if our offer is accepted or if we have to file a lawsuit.
    Thanks, Sharon for your ministry. Love the Sudden Glory study!

    Reply

  102. Thank you for the prayers and I will be praying too. It is hard not to grow weary it is nice to know we are not alone. God Bless!

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  103. God bless you all GIG on Mothers Day. This year I will be truely blessed as I am sharing this special day with my new granddaughter, Anyaree, and my son and lovely daughter in law in Bangkok, Thailand

    Reply

  104. Jacqueline from Pico Rivera, California. Please pray for my adult boys Michael and Justin. Thank you for praying.

    Reply

  106. Praying for all the moms out there…..Happy Mothers day to all 🙂 single parent of an 11 yr old boy.

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  115. Loretta Coghlan from Sharpsburg Ga. Mother of three. Thank you foryour prayers. Happy Mothers Day to each of you.

    Reply

  116. Praying for you Angela! Please pray for Veronica, for whom I’m standing in place…her needs are great. Thank you.

    Reply

  117. Mylene, Auckland. Have a teenage boy. Thanks for sharing this rare blessing of praying for mums we will know through Christ.

    Reply

  119. I have scrolled through many names and read many prayer requests and promises to pray. I am praying for everyone of you and especially Mylene in Auckland. I pray that you will allow God to bless you ,that you will not feel guilty and that God’s own peace,presence and love will surround you. That He will be as real to you as the air you are breathing.Mary Jo,Georgia

    Reply

  120. Patty, Eastern Shore of Maryland. I have 2 awesome boys…12 and 16. Please pray that I am able to let go and let God instead of always trying to handle issues with my boys all on my own.

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  130. God bless all mother’s all over the world. Blessed Mother Mary please help
    Watch over my mother Marion Carter, my daughters Aja, Jenine, my in-laws, and
    My self caren carter Virginia.

    Reply

  135. Audrey from Lansing, MI
    I have 4 adult sons ages 26, 25, 22 and 20, a beautiful daughter-in-law and an adorable 2 y /o grandson.

    Reply

  137. Please pray for my Mother and My Sister . These two people only love themselves. Both seems angry at the world and my Mother need to be humble, meek, and submissive to her Husband. My sister, lives in a world all by herself, she is very selfish, jealous, envy, self righteous, so please pray for them also my children and husband that they all become a child of God.

    Maria, SC

    Reply

  138. I am living in a house with three alcoholics. One of those is my daughter. Even though I live in her house it is hard to see your child like that. Only thing I can do is give her the Word that God love her. Than k you for GIG blogs.

    Reply

  142. Amber-Illinois
    I will definitely be praying for you Mary Louise! I grew up with an alcoholic father and the only thing that helped me turn out ok and stay grounded was the persistence and love of my mother in even the worst situations and prayer and a relationship with my heavenly father. The love of God and a mother will make miracles happen!
    I am a first time mom with an almost 2 year old running around, and in that short period of time I already feel like a seasoned mother, but still worry about stress and if I can handle this. Please pray for me to not be stressed and easily overwhelmed and take it one step at a time, because I know there is still a long journey ahead of me 🙂 Thank you and happy mothers day!

    Reply

  148. Ann from New Zealand. God bless all the mothers around the world. It is such a special blessing to be a mother. I am a mother to 3 grown up children.

    Reply

  149. Betty Gutierrez – Texas I am a proud mama of 2 boys! They are 8 & 12 and I love it!! Praying for you Ann in New Zealand! !

    Reply

  150. Kurshanna- Louisville, Ky.
    I have a beautiful little girl.
    I look forward to praying for you Betty. Happy Mother’s Day!

    Reply

  151. My boys are Isaac and Micah. Thanks for today’s message. God bless all of our children and all those wonderful mom’s and dad’s who care for them.

    Reply

  154. Please pray for my health. I have 4 beautiful children and I want to have energy and vitality to enjoy them. Thank you!

    Reply

  158. I do agree with all of the ideas you’ve offered in your
    post. They’re really convincing and can definitely work.
    Still, the posts are very quick for novices. May just you please lengthen them a bit from subsequent time?
    Thanks for the post.

    Reply

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