Daily Bible Reading “God is in Control” (Esther 3:1-7)

Posted on March 2, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

God is in Control

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 3:1-7. King Xerxes promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite above all the princes. Today, we may call this position Prime Minister.

All the king’s servants bowed to Haman as the king commanded, except Mordecai, who refused to honor Haman. You see, Haman was a descendent of Agag, who was king of the Amalekites. These people were Israel’s enemy for generations. They hated the Jews, who were God’s chosen people.

Exodus 17:14-16

“And the LORD said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. And Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovahnissi: For he said, Because the LORD hath sworn that the LORD will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.”

The king’s servants noticed Mordecai wasn’t bowing to Haman daily when he entered the king’s gate. So, they asked him why he wouldn’t bow to Haman, and he told them it was because he was a Jew. The servants told Haman what Mordecai said. When Haman noticed Mordecai wasn’t honoring his position of authority by bowing to him, it made Haman very angry.

Haman hadn’t even noticed this until the king’s servants pointed it out to him. He was probably angry because he felt like Mordecai disrespected him in front of all the other servants. It probably hurt his pride.

Haman not only decided to punish Mordecai for not bowing down to him, but because of his hatred for the Jews, he decided to have all the Jews in all the provinces killed. Don’t you think that was a bit extreme? It was now the first month, which is called Nisan, of the twelfth year of King Xerxes’ reign.

They cast pur, or a lot which was something like tossing a dice, to see what day they would kill the Jews. Even though this was the first month when they rolled the dice, so to speak, it came upon the twelfth month. That means there was going to be eleven months in between for God to intervene. Proverbs 16:33 tells us, “The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.” This is a reminder for us that God is in control.

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 3:1-7

1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
2 And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
3 Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?
4 Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.
5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.

Things to think about:

Do you believe that God is in control?
Why was Haman angry with Mordecai?
What did Haman want to do to punish Mordecai?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture in The Book of Esther. It shows us even when people have evil intents against Your people, You are in control. They can only do what You allow, when You allow it. It is comforting as a Christian to know You are always in control of our lives. Help us to know You are working behind the scenes to cause everything to work out for our good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now! We will only be sharing a few lessons on this blog. In order to read and study the entire book you will need to get a copy. These first five lessons set the stage for all the drama that will take place in the rest of the book. It is exciting to see how God works things out.

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor by Deborah H. Bateman is a Daily Bible Reading study of the book of Esther from the Old Testament of the Bible. In the book of Esther, Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai. In a series of events and through fasting, prayer and God’s favor Esther was placed in a position to save the Jewish people. Esther was adopted by her cousin Mordecai, who told her maybe she was born for such a time as this.

God puts us all in circumstances where He can use us to further His kingdom and give Him glory, if we are willing and obedient. Esther found her purpose for life. Like Esther you were born for such a time as this.

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

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Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “One Night with the King” (Esther 2:12-23)

Posted on March 1, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

One Night with the King

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 2:12-23. The women who were chosen for King Xerxes went through twelve months of purification, six months of sweet odors and six months with oil of myrrh. Don’t you think this was some pretty extensive beauty treatments?

Persia was known for its preparation of brides, including ritualistic baths, plucking eye brows, painting hands and feet with henna, and make-up.

A beautifying paste was put on their entire body to lighten their skin and remove any spots or blemishes. You know they were looking good and smelling sweet after all this pampering.

Each maiden took her turn to go to the king. She was allowed to take anything she wanted with her to the king’s house. She went to spend the night with the king.

Then in the morning she was sent to a second house they had set up for the women, where Shaashgaz, one of the king’s chamberlains, kept the king’s concubines.

The women were not allowed to go to be with the king anymore unless the king asked for her by name. She was never free to marry another man; basically she was sentenced to the life of a widow.

There may have been as many as 400 women and 399 of them ended up with this sentence for the rest of their lives. Only one was chosen to be queen. Can you imagine how anxious these women were about this whole process?

When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai chose for her. Because of Esther’s godliness and beauty she was favored by everyone who saw her.

Psalm 75:6-7

“For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.”

Esther was taken to the king’s royal house in the tenth month, Tebeth, in the Jewish calendar, the seventh year of his reign.

The king loved Esther more than all the other women, so much so he placed the royal crown on her head, and crowned her queen in place of Vashti.

Esther found grace and favor in the eyes of King Xerxes. This was not an accident, but part of God’s plan.

The king had a feast for all the princes and his servants to celebrate the crowning of Esther as queen, known as Esther’s feast.

He declared a holiday for all the provinces in honor of Esther and gave gifts with royal generosity. How special do you think Esther felt coming from her background and now to be the queen and be treated as royalty?

When the virgins gathered together for the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate. This shows Mordecai had a place of importance in the kingdom.

Esther still did not reveal her background. She kept it a secret, just as Mordecai told her. She still followed his directions, just as she did when she was being raised by him. Esther honored Mordecai by obeying him like she would have her own parents.

Two of the king’s chamberlains were angry and plotted to kill the king. Mordecai overheard their plans and told Queen Esther about them.

Esther told the king what Mordecai heard. It was recorded in the king’s book of chronicles, that the king had the matter investigated and found out it was true, so he had both chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, hanged on a tree.

It was most likely not a hanging with a noose, but a hanging on a tree with a point where the men were in a lot of agony before finally dying. This goes to show us that evil acts always have their consequences.

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 2:12-23

12 Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women:)
13 Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.
14 In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
15 Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
16 So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
17 And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.
20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
22 And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.
23 And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.

Things to think about:

Has God ever caused you to be given favor?
How did God cause Esther to have favor?
Have you ever been honored in any way that would make you feel special like Esther must have felt when the king crowned her and honored her with a feast?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

We thank You in this Scripture we can see the evidence of how You cause Your children to find grace and favor in the eyes of man, so they may be promoted to places of significance. We also see how evil plots against another can be found out and punished. Help us to always be in Your will so we will have Your grace and favor on our lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now! We will only be sharing a few lessons on this blog. In order to read and study the entire book you will need to get a copy.

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

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Daily Bible Reading “Esther Finds Favor with Hegai” (Esther 2:1-11)

Posted on February 28, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Esther Finds Favor with Hegai

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 2:1-11. When the Scripture says “after these things,” it is not just talking about the things that took place in chapter one; biblical scholars believe there was a four-year period between chapters 1 and 2. There was a war where King Xerxes invaded Greece and lost.

He came home defeated and by now was over being mad. He thought about what Vashti did, and the decree he sent out against her. He must have been getting lonely, so his servants suggested they would seek fair young virgins for him. The king appointed officers to all the provinces; they gathered all the virgins and brought them to the palace, to the house for the women. First the virgins went through a purification process. Then, the king would pick a queen to replace Vashti.

At the palace there was a Jew called Mordecai, a Benjamite, who had been relocated to Persia from Jerusalem with the captivity of Judah, when the Babylonians conquered their land. Mordecai had a young cousin Esther, whose Jewish name was Hadassah, who was fair and beautiful. Esther’s parents died and Mordecai had taken her for his own daughter. I guess you could say after her parents died he adopted her.

When the king’s decree went out, many young women including Esther were brought to Shushan the palace, and were given over to Hegai, who was the king’s chamberlain and the overseer of the king’s harem. There was something special about Esther, and she found favor with Hegai. He liked her better than all the rest of the women, so he gave her special beauty treatments and seven maidens and gave them the best part of the house to stay in.

Proverbs 3:3-4

“Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man.”

Esther didn’t tell anybody she was a Jew, nor who her next of kin was, because Mordecai told her not to. Mordecai walked by the court of the women’s house every day to check on Esther and make sure she was okay. This shows Mordecai’s love and concern for his adopted daughter, Esther.

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 2:1-11

1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
2 Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:
3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:
4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.
5 Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;
6 Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away.
7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
8 So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
9 And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king’s house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
10 Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

Things to think about:

Can you share some ways that God has taken care of you?
What happened to Esther’s parents?
Who took care of Esther?
How was Esther treated when she arrived at the palace?
With whom did Esther find favor?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

Thank You for this Scripture that tells us the story of Esther. We see in this Scripture even though she lost her parents at an early age, You provided someone to care for her. We thank You that You always care for us. Help us to know in our hearts that we can count on You. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Queen Vashti’s Fall” (Esther 1:10-22)

Posted on February 27, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Queen Vashti’s Fall

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 1:10-22. It is now day seven of the king’s feast, which he was giving for everybody in Shushan. The men had been drinking as much as they pleased of the finest royal wine for a week. I can imagine they weren’t feeling any pain, as they must have been pretty intoxicated at this point.

King Xerxes got the idea that since he had shown off all his other trappings of the kingdom he wanted to show off the queen, because she was so beautiful. He tells his seven chamberlains to go and tell Queen Vashti that he wants her to come, wearing her royal crown and show off her beauty to all the princes. At the very least he wanted her to uncover her face, which wasn’t custom at this time, but some believe he wanted her to come before them wearing nothing but the royal crown.

Queen Vashti refused to come. The king got very mad and his anger boiled up in him. Can you blame Vashti for not following the command of parading herself around in front of a room full of drunken men?

Remember, not only had she not submitted to her husband as the law commanded, but she refused the order of the king. The Scripture does say that wives should submit to their husbands, but if they want you to do something unethical, illegal or something against God, I believe you have the right to refuse.

The king was so mad that Queen Vashti refused his command he asked the wise men, which were the seven princes of Persia and Media, what they could legally do to the queen to punish her for her disobedience.

Memucan spoke up and said Vashti not only did wrong to the king, but to the princes and all the people he governed. He was afraid when all the women of the provinces heard what Vashti did they would rebel against their husbands, also. He suggested the king send out a decree saying Vashti would no longer be queen, because of her disobedience to the king and the king would choose a replacement for her. He thought this would make the other women of the region realize they had to honor, respect and submit to their husbands.

The king and princes agreed with Memucan, so they sent out a decree to everyone in the king’s provinces, in every language, saying every man should rule in his own house.

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 1:10-22

10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.
12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
13 Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
14 And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king’s face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;
15 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.
17 For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king’s princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
20 And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.
21 And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
22 For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

Things to think about:

Have you ever been asked to do something that was against your morals, as Queen Vashti was?
How did you respond?
Do you blame Queen Vashti for not obeying the king’s request?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we read this Scripture help us to see drinking too much wine can cause all kinds of trouble. Help us as wives to submit to our husbands as unto the Lord. But help us to know where the boundaries are. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now! We will only be sharing a few lessons on this blog. In order to read and study the entire book you will need to get a copy.

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive

Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life

Daily Bible Reading “Party of Parties” (Esther 1:1-9)

Posted on February 26, 2023 by Deborah H. Bateman

Party of Parties

Today’s Daily Bible Reading is from Esther 1:1-9. The Book of Esther takes place during the reign of King Ahasuerus, who historians believe was also called Xerxes. For simplicity’s sake we will call him Xerxes (Zerk-sez), because it is easier to pronounce and spell. He was king over the land located between India and Ethiopia, which included over 127 provinces around 500 BC. This is considered to be the Persian Empire, or modern-day Iran. The king’s palace was in Shushan, which is also known as Shusha.

This book starts off with a great feast which took place in the third year of King Xerxes’ reign. This was a party of parties, all the powers that be from both Persia and Media and their servants were attending the party. It was a party where Xerxes was going to entertain these dignitaries for 180 days. He wanted to show off all the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty. Can you imagine having a party that lasted 180 days? Think about the expense of such a party. How about having to feed these people for this long? Can you even imagine attending a party that lasted for 180 days? Think about it: 180 days is almost six months.

When this time had passed he made a special feast for all the people in Shushan the palace. This feast was held in the court of the garden at the king’s palace. This was a beautiful decorated garden with tapestries of white, green, and blue hung by fine linen and purple cords attached to silver rings. There were pillars of marble and the couches were gold and silver. The floor of the courtyard was made of marble which was red, blue, white, and black. It sounds absolutely beautiful. What a lovely setting for a feast.

They served the finest royal wine at this feast. Each person had his own unique golden goblets. They were allowed to drink as much wine as they wanted. The men and women were not allowed to socialize with one another back in this time and culture. So, Queen Vashti also made a feast for the women in the royal house of King Xerxes.

Basically this Scripture sets the scene for us, so we can glimpse into royal life in the king’s palace. In the next lesson we will see how the plot thickens and how Esther is brought into the story of the Book of Esther, which was named after her.

Daily Bible Reading:

Esther 1:1-9

1 Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:
2 That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
3 In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:
4 When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.
5 And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
6 Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.
7 And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king.
8 And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.
9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.

Things to think about:

What is the most elaborate party you have ever been to?
How long did this party last?
Can you imagine going to a feast at the king’s palace?

Prayer of the Day:

Dear Heavenly Father,

As we study The Book of Esther, help us to see where You fit into the picture. Help us to look at our own lives and see where You fit into our lives as well. We know You have a plan for all of us and even when we don’t know what the plan is, You are making a way for us. Help us to trust You completely. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

This is an excerpt from The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

If you haven’t already read the book be sure to get your copy now. We will only be sharing a few lessons from the book on this blog.

Christian Music Video:

PS. Thank you for coming to DeborahHBateman.com to study the Bible with us. Please come back again tomorrow and invite your friends and family to join us for Bible Study.

Featured Book:

The Book of Esther: A Story of Love and Favor

by Deborah H. Bateman

About the book:

Go to: Amazon

Get your copy now!

Click Here to Subscribe to Deborah H. Bateman author site to receive Daily Bible Reading Lessons in your inbox.

Have a blessed day,

Deborah

Recipe for Life