December 23, 2024

Crazy Love: Chapter 9 – “Who Really Lives that Way?” (Reading Assignment)

March 3, 2013 by

Last week, we looked at the profile of someone who is obsessed with Jesus Christ. This week, we are going to look at REAL-LIFE people who did some pretty incredible things for the Lord. Their lives were/are real. What they did is real. They sought to fully submit their lives to God; to surrender to His Will and His leading – and they were transformed. God has a unique purpose in mind for YOU, too. He wants to use YOU. His plans may not be YOUR plans … but His plans will result in a life more fulfilling than one we could have dreamed of on our own. Keep praying … keep seeking His will … and be faithful with what He is calling you to do right where you are.

Ready to dig in? Let’s GO!

Monday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
pgs. 149-153/ Kindle LOC 1927-1996
(Nathan Barlow/Simpson Rebbavarapu/Jamie Lang)
(Megan)

Tuesday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
pgs. 153-157/ Kindle LOC 1996-2046
(Marva J. Dawn/Rich Mullins/Rings/Rachel Saint)
(Martha)

Wednesday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
pgs. 157-161/ Kindle LOC 2046-2113
(George Mueller/Brother Yun/Shane Claiborne)
(Jennifer)

Thursday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
pgs. 161-164/ Kindle LOC 2113-2149
(The Robynson Family/Susan Diego/Lucy/Cornerstone Community Church)
(Donna)

Friday: Chapter 9 “Who Really Lives That Way?”
Weekly Review and Chapter 9 Study Video from YouTube
(Megan)

Have a Blessed Week!

Jennifer

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Let’s Pray:

Lord, as we study real-life examples of people who have done some incredible things for You, speak to our hearts about what You are calling each of us to do in our own lives. We know You have a unique purpose and plan for each one of us. Gently guide and direct us, open doors, convict our hearts, and lead us to the place You want us to go. We all want to be fully surrendered to You, Father. But, we need You to help us. Show us how to let go of this world and live with an eternal perspective; living only for You and doing Your Kingdom work. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may send it to: Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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At Home with GCH: Freezer/Pantry Challenge – Final Week Update

February 28, 2013 by

Challenge

 

We made it to Week 4!  Yay!! Are you still with me?  If so, I’d love to hear what your biggest challenge was?  How did you deal with it?

I have to be truthful and say that I blew this last week, and purchased snacks for our foster boys, instead of making them myself.  My only excuse is that I was so absolutely exhausted, I just wanted convenience!  Convenience spoke LOUDLY to my ears, and to my wallet!  But even with this, we still only spent an additional $13.75 for snacks and milk this last week!  Not too bad!

TOTAL SPENT ON GROCERIES FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY: $204.02. Again, this was without meat purchases.  BUT, I will say this…that may seem like a lot to spend for groceries if we are not including meat, but if you could see how much food I have left over not only in my freezer, but in my pantry, you would see that I still have a few weeks worth of groceries left over!  So seriously, I think we did pretty good!! 🙂

I still have 2-1/2 cases of canned vegetables left over.  We still have tons of potatoes, rice, and pasta left over.  We have at least a couple of weeks of cereal left over.  I will need to purchase tomato paste, spaghetti sauce, and things like that…but overall, I still have a ton of groceries left over!  So the total of $204.02 will carry over into March and save us money during March as well! 🙂

The other thing I would like to add to this is that on the 13th of this month, we added two more mouths to feed!  We have the pleasure of having two of the most adorable little foster boys in our home, who will be staying with us for a while.  So our meals went from 1-2 meals a day for my husband and I, to three meals a day for all four of us, and two snacks a day for the boys!  So not only did we spend less, but we fed more!

So, in conclusion, this is what we found during this challenge:

  • Less money spent / more money in our pockets
  • Better planning
  • Less splurging
  • Less stress in what to make for dinner
  • Healthier meals
  • We were happier with more meatless meals
  • Fun to experiment w/more recipes
  • Didn’t eat out as much because our meals were planned ahead of time
  • Convenience foods don’t have to happen often but, when they do, they don’t have to cost a fortune!

I’m glad I did this challenge this month.  I learned a lot!  I will definitely do this again in the future.

Visit me again next week on Wednesday, when we start a new series titled “All Things Green“!

 

His Blessings,

Christi

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If you would like to send Christi an email in regards to this blog, you may send it to:

Christi@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Crazy Love: Chapter 8 – “Profile of the Obsessed” – pgs. 139-143 (Servers/Givers/Sojourners/The Engrossed)

February 27, 2013 by

As we continue our study of chapter 8, let’s dive into four more profiles of the obsessed. What does it look like when someone is obsessed with Jesus Christ?

Servers –In Matthew 13:44, Jesus tells about the Parable of the Hidden Treasure: “The Kingdom of Heaven is like a treasure that a man discovered hidden in a field. In his excitement he hid it again and sold everything he owned to get enough money to buy the field.” Chan suggests that many American churchgoers may be limiting their love for God because they are so hesitant to do anything for Him. The man in this parable discovered the Kingdom of Heaven by accident but realized its worth immediately – he sold everything he owned so he could buy the whole field.  He gave up everything he had for the Kingdom of Heaven. Yet, God offers it to us as a free gift, ready for whoever is willing to accept it.

People who are obsessed with Jesus do not consider service a burden. Obsessed people take joy in loving God by loving His people.

Givers – When I flipped the pages of my Bible to James 2:14-26, our theme verse for this section, some words that I had written there recently leaped off the page at me: “Faith in Christ spurs us to ACT”.  When we accept Christ as our Lord and Savior, He begins to change our hearts to become more like His. It is a gradual, but continual, process of sanctification that only He can do. He commands us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39). If you stop and really think about that statement, it is very profound. We are all very me-centered, selfish humans. Just because we wear the label “Christian” does not mean that we are immune. We must bring our selfishness to the cross every single day. But…If we love others as much as we love ourselves, can you imagine what the world would look like? What if we stopped making excuses and started ACTing?

People who are obsessed with God are known as givers, not takers. Obsessed people genuinely think that others matter as much as they do, and they are particularly aware of those who are poor around the world.

Sojourners – Grandma Clara sounds like quite a woman. Have you ever known anyone in your lifetime that was so Heaven-focused? This earthly life is but a blip on the screen, but to us, with our struggles and challenges, joys and sorrows, sometimes we get overly focused on the here and now. We forget to look past the current situation to envision eternity with Christ, where no sickness or struggle will be found; where we will all live in glorious harmony praising our King. Oh what a day that will be!

A person who is obsessed thinks about heaven frequently. Obsessed people orient their lives around eternity; they are not fixed only on what is here in front of them.

The Engrossed – The first commandment says that we must “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength” (Deut. 6:5). This command encompasses every aspect of us as human beings. Heart, soul, and strength make up who we are as individuals. The Lord says we should love Him with everything that we have and all that we are. We should not limit our love in any way. So, what does that mean exactly?

Deut6_5

It means not holding back from God. He already knows everything anyway, so do not be afraid to talk to Him and be honest with Him. He knows you and loves you deeply. He WILL help you through anything you are facing. And the more you lean on Him, the more deeply you will fall in love with Him.

A person who is obsessed is characterized by committed, settled, passionate love for God, above and before every other thing and every other being.

************************

Let’s Pray:

Lord, thank You for showing to us what profiles of an obsessed follower of Christ looks like. Although we are human and fall short every day, we know that Your grace keeps pushing us forward and helps us to achieve new heights day after day. Thank You for Your unending and overflowing grace, Father. Convict our hearts and show us how we can fall more deeply in love with You. It’s in Your Son’s matchless Name that we pray, AMEN!

Your Assignment:

Which of these four profiles convicted your heart? Why? What step of faith can you take to act on this conviction?

 

If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may send it to: Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Crazy Love: Chapter 8 – “Profile of the Obsessed” (Reading Assignment)

February 24, 2013 by

Well, my dear sisters, we are nearing the end of this Crazy Love journey and what a ride it has been! I’m looking forward to Chapter 8 and reading about what it means to be obsessed with Jesus Christ. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Monday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” pgs. 129-133/ Kindle LOC 1673-1724
(Lovers/Risk Takers)
(Megan)

Tuesday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” pgs. 134-138/ Kindle LOC 1724-1793
(Friends of All/Crazy Ones/The Humble)
(Martha)

Wednesday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” pgs. 139-143/ Kindle LOC 1793-1858
(Servers/Givers/Sojourners/The Engrossed)
(Jennifer)

Thursday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” pgs.  144-148/ Kindle LOC 1858-1910
(Unguarded Ones/The Rooted/The Dedicated/Sacrificers)
(Donna)

Friday
Chapter 8 “Profile of the Obsessed” Weekly Review and Chapter 8 Study Video from YouTube
(Megan)

Here is our chapter overview video from the author…

Let’s Pray:

Heavenly Father, help us to live every moment for you and fall crazy in love with You more and more each day. We do not want this lukewarm Christian life. We want to be ON FIRE for You, following whatever path You have set before us, even if it is scary or difficult. You WILL equip us for the journey ahead. Breathe new life into us this week as we read profiles of the obsessed. Show us what You want us to do in our own lives to take our walk with You up a notch. It’s in your Son’s matchless Name that we pray, AMEN!

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At Home with GCH: Freezer/Pantry Challenge – Week 3

February 21, 2013 by

Freezer Pantry Challenge Header

 

Are you excited that we only have ONE more week left of this challenge?? 🙂  How have you done, so far?  What has been your biggest challenge?

For us, this past week, we still only needed to purchase milk and fresh produce.  We’ve been doing pretty good actually.  My trip to Aldi’s at the end of last month to stock up on canned goods and such, really helped!  I’m actually enjoying finding out just how little we can spend on groceries, and still eat good!

This last week we spent $$24.78 on groceries.  So altogether we have spent less than $200 for a family of four for this month.  I still have enough canned goods, rice, pasta, and such, to make it clearly two weeks into March.  Again, we’ll continue to buy our dairy products and produce, but other than that, we really won’t need anything else.  The boys are almost out of snacks, but I have all the ingredients to make Chocolate Chip Cookies…so no problem.  We’re almost out of juice, so I’ll have to figure out what to do there.  Hoping I can make what we have last through the end of next week! We’ll see!  Plan Your Work…Work Your Plan!!  Right?!?!

Instead of sharing our meals for the last week with you this week, I want to share a recipe with you that I made this week.  It was very good!  The first thing I thought when I took the first bite was, “I should have taken a picture, so I could have posted it on the blog!!!”   But that’s okay.  It’s good either way, with or without, a picture!  So here you go!

Creamy Vegetable Soup

5 medium sized potatoes, peeled and diced

1 dozen baby carrots, sliced

1 can whole kernel corn

1 small green pepper, diced

1 small yellow onion, diced

1 box Low-Sodium Chicken Stock

2 tsp minced garlic

1 small can of Cream of Chicken Soup

1 small can of Cream of Mushroom Soup

salt and pepper to taste

 

DIRECTIONS:

Mix all ingredients, with the exception of the cream soups, into a large dutch oven and cook on medium-high until vegetables are tender.  Add in cream soups and stir until smooth and creamy.  Heat through.  Top with shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits, and serve!  This soup goes great with a large green salad made with all the trimmings, and some good ‘ole homemade bread!  It’s perfect for a cold Wisconsin winter night! 🙂

So, please add your comments below about how you are doing on the challenge. I really do want to read them!! 🙂

 

Blessings on Your Day,

Christi

**************

If you would like to send Christi a private message in regards to this blog, please email her at: Christi@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Crazy Love: Chapter 7 – “Your Best Life…Later” (pp 119-124/Kindle LOC 1537-1606)

February 20, 2013 by

We know what real love is because Jesus gave up His life for us. So we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters. If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion – how can God’s love be in that person?

Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth so we will be confident when we stand before God. Even if we feel guilty, God is greater than our feelings and he knows everything.

1 John 3:16-20 (emphasis mine)

There is one major theme that I pulled from this passage of Scripture.

Real love is an action, not a feeling.

Jesus gave up His life for us, SO we also ought to give up our lives for our brothers and sisters (1 John 3:16, emphasis mine).

The principles Jesus taught are contrary to the way our world works.

  • The world says we should look out for #1—ourselves. 
  • Jesus says that “there is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13)

Often when we are called upon to help someone in need, we are looking at how it will help us—maybe we will get paid, or receive accolades/glory, or it will give us something to boast about to our family or friends. In other words, we are motivated by selfish desires rather than by love. But Jesus’ way says that serving others should come from a selfless, sacrificial heart. The closer we can align our heart with His by reading His Word and letting Him change us, the easier it will become to love others the way He loves us.

It is worth repeating that we absolutely cannot do this on our own. We need God to help us love others like He loves. We must ask Him to help us.

As Christians, we carry a huge responsibility—to show and to share the truth of God’s love to the rest of the world (Matthew 28:19-20). This is an incredibly difficult task when the world wants us to be like them—talk like them, act like them, and just “fit in” with them. But Jesus calls us to be different. His ways do not make sense to the rest of the world.  Followers of Christ should be known for the way they love—without judgment, criticism, or selfishness, but with compassion, selflessness, and sacrificial giving.

Let’s act on this selfless love that was so graciously poured out on us.

 

reallove

 

Let’s Pray:
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us what REAL LOVE truly is. Thank YOU for sending Your Son. Lord, we want our actions to show that we truly love others. Provide us with opportunities to pour love onto others this coming week. If we are struggling with this concept, Father, we ask that You help us see where we are having trouble and to help us work through it. Lord, we know that Love comes from You and we love because You first loved us. Thank You for that, Father. It’s in Jesus’ name that we pray, Amen.

Your Assignment:
Do you struggle with the idea of “giving up your life for your brothers and sisters” or “laying down your life for your friends?” What do these passages mean to you? I encourage you to read them for yourself and see what the Lord reveals to you as you work through this concept.

If you would like to send a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog post, you may send it to: Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Crazy Love: Chapter 7 – “Your Best Life…Later” (Reading Assignment)

February 17, 2013 by

What are you doing RIGHT NOW that requires faith?

This chapter might be a little scary, but I hope it challenges you to get outside of your comfort zone and do something that you might not normally do…and see God show up in an amazing way.

Are you ready? Let’s do it!

Chapter 7 Reading Assignment

Monday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” pp 113-116/ Kindle LOC 1457-1505 (Megan)

Tuesday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” pp 117-119/ Kindle LOC 1505-1537 (Martha)

Wednesday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” pp 119-124/ Kindle LOC 1537-1606 (1 John 3:16-20) (Jennifer)

Thursday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” pp 124-127/ Kindle LOC 1606-1659 (Donna)

Friday: Chapter 7 “Your Best Life…Later” Weekly Review and Chapter 7 Study Video from YouTube (Megan)

Here is a video from our author introducing the chapter for this week. Enjoy and be challenged!

Blessings,

Jennifer

Let’s Pray:

Father, help us to be BOLD this week and step out in FAITH for You. Reveal something that we can do that requires standing on our faith and trust in YOU. Give us courage and strength to follow through with whatever You lay on each of our hearts. In Jesus’ Name, Amen!

 

If you would like to email a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog, please email her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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At Home with GCH: Freezer/Pantry Challenge Update – Week 2

February 14, 2013 by

Freezer Pantry Challenge Header

____________________________________

 

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I hope you have planned something special for you and your Sweetie!  My husband surprised me early this year and gave me a card, a HUGE mug filled with the cutest little bear and chocolates, and a live miniature rose bush!  Totally took me by surprise!  He’s usually the one who forgets holidays, birthdays, and anniversaries!  When I saw his gift, he looked at me with much excitement in his eyes and said, “LOOK!! I remembered!!”  Boy did he score some major brownie points!! 🙂

With Valentine’s Day in mind, did you all remember to plan for this special occasion while planning your meals for the month?  My husband works that night, so our Valentine’s dinner (Yes, candlelight and all) will be tonight!  He doesn’t know it yet, so it will be a surprise to him!

How have you done this week with the Freezer/Pantry Challenge?  Have you been able to stick with it, or has it become a real challenge?  So far, this week, the only thing I’ve needed to purchase is milk and fresh produce!  I’m pretty happy about that!  I haven’t had the desire to go out and purchase more because I truly want to stick to this challenge to the best that I can. I really want to see if this can be done!

In talking to others about this challenge, they are telling me how EASY I am making it for all of you.  They’ve been through some challenges that doesn’t allow you to purchase anything throughout the month.  They are required to use exactly what they have on hand, and nothing more!  Now THAT would be challenging!  Maybe one day I’ll be ready for that kind of challenge.  🙂

One thing I am learning about this challenge is that I am also seeing it pour into other areas of my life.  I am becoming very aware of how we are spending our money.  It’s making me think before I give in and say “Yeah, let’s just go out and eat tonight.  I don’t feel like cooking!”  I’ve even told my husband that Papa Murphy’s Pizza will have to wait until next month, OR hey, here’s an idea….how about we make our own pizza!!!  What a concept, huh?  LOL  It’s been awesome seeing how we are working together in this now.

Here is my Menu for this week

Thursday: Soup / Salad

Friday: Scalloped Potatoes w/Ham

Saturday: Date Night

Sunday: Soup / Salad

Monday: Pancakes, Sausage Links, Scrambled Eggs

Tuesday: Grilled Chicken, Baked Potatoes, Green Beans, Salad

Wednesday: LEFTOVERS

Here’s my total grocery bill for the last week:  $21.70

How is this challenge working for you?  Are you feeling challenged?  Are you working through it?  What are you doing to try and stick with the challenge?  I would love to see your comments below!!

Have a GREAT day, ladies!  See you next week!

Christi

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Crazy Love: Chapter 6 “When You’re In Love” – Help! I Don’t Love You (pp 103-109)

February 13, 2013 by

I’ve talked a lot in my blogposts about how we absolutely have to be WILLING to let God change us. So, when Chan started this section of the chapter talking about this very topic, I had to laugh. I think many of us make it much harder than it really is. Let Go, Let God. Right? Easy as pie.

<pause for laughter>

Oh, if only it were so simple. We are all running after something. It could be a dream God laid on our hearts. It could be our own selfish desires that are interfering with God’s divine plans for us. Either way, we are chasing after something. Do you want the race you are running to be worth it and bring glory to our Lord? Have you talked to God about your race lately to make sure you are following His Will and not running in another, safer direction? Do you even know the race that God wants you to run? We are only human. We want the easiest path; the less painful road; the one that will cause us the least amount of stress. It is just human nature.

But, my dear girlfriends . . . Jesus did not die so that we could live a complacent Christian life. He died so that we could live a full, rich life . . . walking alongside HIM! Jesus says that we will have trouble in this world. It is not a question of if, but when it will happen! When we take our eyes off of our Savior, our lives lose focus. Things get foggy. All of a sudden, the race gets a bit muddy and we have no idea which direction to turn. And sadly, this is when Satan can get a foothold into our lives and draw us even further away from where we should be.

“As we begin to focus more on Christ, loving Him and others becomes more natural. As long as we are pursuing Him, we are satisfied in Him. It is when we stop actively loving Him that we find ourselves restless and gravitating toward other means of fulfillment.”

(Francis Chan, pg 104)

BUT GOD IS ALWAYS RIGHT THERE! And He LOVES us SO very much!! We may stumble; we may even fall. But God is always there to help brush us off and get us back on the right track. When you lean into the Lord and put 100% of your focus on Him, He will make your path straight. That is a promise straight out of His Word.

Prov3_5_6

So, put all of your focus on loving the Lord with every single molecule of your being. Let God move into every area your life. Ask Him what race you should be running and commit to taking a step of faith for His glory. Let every word that you speak, every keystroke that you make, let all you do glorify your Lord today.

_____________________

Let’s Pray:

Father, letting You into our lives may not be easy. There are some areas that are just difficult and may even be strongholds for us. Lord, I ask that You tear down these walls. Show us a step of faith that we can take today to let You into an area of our lives that we have closed off to You. We want to run the race that You have set before us. We do not want to chase after something that is not pleasing to You. Help us to love You, Father God, with all of our hearts. Remove any obstacles or barriers that are interfering with our love relationship with You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen!

Your Assignment:

What is something that you KNOW God is calling you to do, but you have been afraid to take that step of faith and actually DO it? Commit it to the Lord today and pray for strength and courage to take that step. God is right with you. He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you. Share with us so we can pray with you.

If you are interested in joining this amazing online Bible study for Crazy Love, click HERE to sign up. Once you are registered, you will receive an email with further details.

If you would like to email a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog, please email her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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Crazy Love: Chapter 6 – “When You’re in Love” Reading Assignment

February 10, 2013 by

We are over halfway through our Crazy Love journey! It’s been a tough road, a nail-biter really. We’ve looked deep into our spirit to see what we need to work on. The journey may not be easy, but it will be worth it. God loves each one of us SO VERY MUCH. He doesn’t want to leave us where we are! He wants us to be the people He created us to be! But He cannot do it if we do not let Him! We have to let Him into those hurtful areas, those closed-off spots. That’s where His best work will be done.

So, let us begin chapter six. Ahh…love.. <3

Monday: Chapter 6 “When You’re In Love” pgs. 99-101/Kindle LOC 1268-1282  (Megan)

Tuesday: Chapter 6 “When You’re In Love” pgs. 101-103/ Kindle LOC 1282-1318 (Don’t Try So Hard) (Martha)

Wednesday: Chapter 6 “When You’re In Love” pgs. 103-109/Kindle LOC 1318- 1372 (Help! I Don’t Love You) (Jennifer)

Thursday: Chapter 6 “When You’re In Love” pgs. 109-111/ Kindle LOC 1372-1406 (Jesus: Servant, Not Beggar/SomeOne I Can Be Real With) (Donna)

Friday: Chapter 6 “When You’re In Love” Weekly Review and Chapter 6 Study Video from YouTube (Megan)

And here is a sneak peek video for you from our author! Enjoy and have a blessed day!

Let’s Pray:

Father, we want to be SO in love with You and not just the STUFF You offer us! Help us as we study this week. Reveal anything in us that is not pleasing to You and ignite a renewed passion in us for YOU and YOU alone. In Jesus name we pray, Amen!

Jennifer

If you are interested in joining this amazing online Bible study for Crazy Love, click HERE to sign up. Once you are registered, you will receive an email with further details.

If you would like to email a private message to Jennifer in regards to this blog, please email her at Jennifer@GirlfriendsCoffeeHour.com

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