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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/8/2008 10:07:19 AM
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WalkingwithHim2
Posts: 2787
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Well,,, in a bucket is the only place that I can carry a tune so .... I promise I won't sing to ya irl.
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Jesus saves the soul not necessarily the brain
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/9/2008 1:02:30 PM
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AngelInWaiting1983
Posts: 10842
Joined: 6/8/2007
From: South Carolina
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Finally found the song!
Seasons Change
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Reflecting with Terri
Dance like no one is watching. If they are, who cares!
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/10/2008 12:51:37 AM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 18075
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
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Hi Kimberly, I hope you are having a good weekend so far!
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/11/2008 8:03:40 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 2046
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
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today's devotion...
Oceans or Mountains?
Rom 1:20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.
Ocean cabana or mountain cabin?
This was one of the questions in a great little book I bought for a summer road trip from Arizona to Wyoming and back. The book is called "Coke or Pepsi?" and it is filled with discussion starters. The ocean or mountain question was posed somewhere on Interstate 15 in Utah .
One by one, my family answered: "ocean" "ocean" "ocean," and so on. I knew their answers before they spoke because they love the ocean. I do too. But when the question turned to me, I answered “mountain cabin.”
For as long as I can remember, mountains have brought me peace. Growing up in a valley, I've been hemmed in by mountains all my life. They give me a sense of security, and their beauty delights my senses. Take some mountains, add a flower-strewn meadow and a stream winding somewhere in the midst of it, and that’s my version of ultimate beauty in all of God’s creation.
Part of our recent vacation was to the Grand Tetons. As I stood in front of these unbelievable mountains, I just gaped. They are a 40-mile-long section of the Rockies with a series of soaring peaks side by side. Their proximity to each other, and the fact that they have no foothills, creates an imposing sight. Snow still frosts the tops in the middle of summer, and the snowmelt made for numerous small waterfalls cascading down the sides and spilling into stunning lakes.
Descriptive words danced in my head as I looked at those soaring peaks: Dependable, unchanging, strong, awesome and beautiful. Those words not only describe the Tetons, they sound a lot like characteristics of God!
After reading Romans 12:1, I’m confident that one of God’s goals when He created mountains was to reveal Himself in creation to creation: “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature— have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.”
It still amazes me that God chooses to reveal Himself to me in so many ways. He really wants me to know Him. So in addition to sending Jesus, and having the Bible written, He has designed this world intentionally so we can know Him better. The wonder of God’s creation is that, no matter if we love to look at mountains or oceans, everyone can see a glimpse of God’s invisible qualities. We just have to see with new eyes.
So while my family enjoys the majesty, strength and depth of the oceans (and God), I’ll snuggle in close to the mountains and rest in the shadow of their mighty power (and God’s).
Lord, thank You for giving me such a beautiful world to live in. And thank You for the opportunity to have seen as much of Your majesty as I have...having driven all over this country. I remember being so overwhelmed by the beauty of Your handiwork that I would just cry...I could just FEEL You there in it and my soul was overflowing with Your Spirit. Those are memories I can draw on the rest of my life....buried deep in a little corner of my heart. I pray I never lose that sense of wonder and awe when I look at Your power and character revealed in nature. There is no denying You are God, for only You could have drempt up all this. And I cannot fathom how much more beautiful this Earth will be when You reign here! I can't wait, Lord! These things I pray....in Jesus' name...amen.
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Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/11/2008 8:41:22 AM
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AngelInWaiting1983
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From: South Carolina
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Hey! How was your weekend with the kiddos?
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Reflecting with Terri
Dance like no one is watching. If they are, who cares!
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/11/2008 10:03:56 PM
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AngelInWaiting1983
Posts: 10842
Joined: 6/8/2007
From: South Carolina
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Awwwww....sounds like you had a blast!
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Reflecting with Terri
Dance like no one is watching. If they are, who cares!
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/12/2008 7:34:10 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 2046
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
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today's devotion...
Tight Places
Ps 4:1 Answer me when I call to you, O my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; be merciful to me and hear my prayer.
If someone asked you what it feels like to be stressed, anxious, worried or overwhelmed, how would you put it into words? The best way I can describe those feelings is that it is as though something is pressing in on me, pushing me down emotionally and preventing me from escaping my situation. It feels I’m in a tight place. The more these feelings build up, the more I want to lash out, strike out, or push back against my burdens. Though I might look okay on the outside (oh, those masks we wear), inside I am screaming and flailing about. Do you ever feel this way?
Stress comes at us every day, in a thousand different ways. Job stress, money stress, kid stress, house stress, medical stress, relationship stress—the list goes on. Try as we might, we can’t escape it in this broken world. We feel trapped and imprisoned by these things we cannot change, and they weigh heavily on us. When I read the verse for today, I was struck by the explanation in my Bible for the word, “relief.” It literally means, “make room for me in tight places.” Wow. I can totally identify with that idea!
I know what it feels like to want someone to come along and make room for me in my tight places. Someone to remove the boundaries and burdens which threaten to smother me with their nearness. My stress level mounts, my blood pumps in my ears, and my hope takes flight. Whether it is the little irritations in life like being stuck in a car with a screaming toddler, or the big burdens of wondering about the future of my husband’s job, I know these tight place feelings all too intimately. We all do.
I love that this verse shows us Someone who can come and offer relief. So many times, we try to make our own space in our tight places—handling things on our own and attempting to solve problems without ever calling on the One who best knows how to make room for us. He is faithful to give us emotional elbow room, easing our burdens and offering us His wisdom. He shows us mercy when we call on Him, hearing our prayers and rescuing us from tight places. The next time you feel stressed, anxious, worried or overwhelmed, call out to Christ and let Him find you in your tight place, and make room where you thought there was none.
Lord, thank You for always being there to help me out of those tight places. When my tight places press in on me, Your presence is what I need most. Sometimes I just want to stay there and hide...and I need You to call me out...assure me it will be okay. And sometimes I'm crying in the dark...and You come to my rescue. Thank You for offering relief no matter what my circumstances. Help me to remember to call on You in my tight places...it is so pointless to struggle with it myself when all I have to do is reach out for the hand You've already extended to me. There is no place...no matter how tight the squeeze....or how deep the rut...that You can't get me out of. I praise You, Father, for being my Almighty Saviour. All these things I pray in Jesus' name...amen.
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Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/13/2008 7:51:13 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 2046
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
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today's devotion...
On Its Way (Part I)
Ex 2:23-25 Now it came about in the course of those many days that the king of Egypt died. And the sons of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried out; and their cry for help because of their bondage rose up to God. So God heard their groaning; and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. God saw the sons of Israel, and God took notice of them.
In today’s key verse in Exodus, we’re given an update of the state of affairs in Egypt . Clearly, God’s people needed deliverance and provision. When I read this passage, what stands out to me isn’t the people’s situation but the number of times God is called “God.”
Read it out loud and see if it hits you too. In everyday conversation we don’t tend to repeat the name of the subject over and over in subsequent sentences. We say it once and then use pronouns like “He.” However, God is referenced by name 5 times in 2 sentences in this passage. Awkward? Maybe. Significant? Monumentally.
I think the purpose is to make it clear to us that God is the one in charge of all that is about to transpire. God will hear their cries, remember their situation, and look upon them with concern. Then God will initiate the activity that will set the captives free, bringing glory to His name.
The Israelites were crying out to God for help in their slavery, but had no way of knowing that their gracious God was already at work, calling Moses to be His mouthpiece and their deliverer from Egypt . God had heard their cries, but it would be some measure of time before they were aware that He had answered their prayers.
Patience is required for those who seek the face of God. He has the answer in hand before we even voice our need, but it may take some time to manifest. You’ll find many examples of this in Scripture, but can I offer you a more contemporary example?
Most of my earliest memories are set in Fort Worth , Texas where we lived while my dad attended Southwestern Seminary. I remember little of the hardships my parents and grandparents talk about. My Granny still cries every time she describes what those years were like for her young son and daughter-in-law, so poor and so far from home. My mom, though a degreed teacher, stayed at home with me. My dad went to school full-time and worked as much as his demanding study schedule would allow. These were lean times financially.
At one point during our stint in Fort Worth , our car was stolen from the apartment complex where we lived. Mom tells me that while we had insurance, we didn’t have the money to pay the $100 deductible. While my parents tried to figure out how to make the ends meet, the mail arrived that day with a letter from my dad’s childhood Sunday school teacher. The letter explained that God had laid our family on his heart a few days prior, and God had told him to send us some money. In fact, God had told him to send us $100.00!
So a letter left Georgia nearly a full day before our car was stolen and two days before we were aware of our desperate need for $100.00. Even before my sweet parents’ prayers had reached the throne room of heaven, our great God had provision on its way. Remarkable? Certainly. Significant? Monumentally!
God knew what His covenant people enslaved in Egypt needed in 1400 B.C. He knew what a poor seminary family in Fort Worth , Texas needed in 1979. And dear sister, He knows what you need today right this very minute. He knows what we need because He knows all the cares of our heart. He is intimately aware of all that happens to us, because it all comes through His hand purposed for His glory and for our good.
Oh Lord, I so needed this devotion today! Remind me even in my moments of desperation and fear that You are in control. Help me fight the temptation to worry or doubt your provision. Grant me the peace to accept Your will as Your promise to protect and provide for me and my family.
I know in my heart You have good things planned for me...I just can't feel it right now. But I WANT to follow You. I WANT to experience all You want for me. Open my heart to receive Your abundance, Father. Bring me in sync with You...so that I can see the path You want me to take. Keep me open to the people You will bring into my life....for I trust Your will...may Your will be done. These things I pray...in Jesus’ name...amen.
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Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/16/2008 1:59:21 PM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 18075
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
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quote:
At one point during our stint in Fort Worth , our car was stolen from the apartment complex where we lived. Mom tells me that while we had insurance, we didn’t have the money to pay the $100 deductible. While my parents tried to figure out how to make the ends meet, the mail arrived that day with a letter from my dad’s childhood Sunday school teacher. The letter explained that God had laid our family on his heart a few days prior, and God had told him to send us some money. In fact, God had told him to send us $100.00!
So a letter left Georgia nearly a full day before our car was stolen and two days before we were aware of our desperate need for $100.00. Even before my sweet parents’ prayers had reached the throne room of heaven, our great God had provision on its way. Remarkable? Certainly. Significant? Monumentally!
WOW Kimberly, God is really Awesome! I had a blessing like that happen for me about 2-3 years ago. I prayed as the man knocking at his neighbors door in the middle of the night! Much to my amazement, God heard my prayer and provided!
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/18/2008 12:32:02 AM
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AngelInWaiting1983
Posts: 10842
Joined: 6/8/2007
From: South Carolina
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Have a great week love!
_____________________________
Reflecting with Terri
Dance like no one is watching. If they are, who cares!
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/18/2008 7:57:50 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 2046
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
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today's devotion...
Great Sermons Are Not Preached, They're Lived
Acts 4:13 When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus.
What if someone followed me around with a video camera all day documenting my every move? Catching on camera all of my words, facial expressions, actions, and reactions. And then what if someone packaged it all together and played it on some sort of reality TV show for all the world to see. What would be the glaring message of my life?
I am convicted thinking about this.
You see, if someone were to ask me, what are you all about? I would have some nice sounding answers. But what actually happens during the strains of everyday life can sometimes betray my best intentions.
I want to be a loving wife. Yet I can sometimes be found in a grumpy, selfish mood and view my husband as a business partner that better hold up his end of helping out.
I want to be a wise and patient mom. But my kids know the exact buttons to push that send me into a tailspin of emotion and exhaustion.
I want to be a strong witness for Christ. So why is it that I can read my Bible first thing in the morning and then find myself honking at the person that cuts me off in traffic just an hour later?
I realize there is a place for God’s tender mercies for me in all this. But I also know that while no TV cameras are following me around, my life is speaking a message about what I really believe and I want that message to honor Jesus. I once heard, “Great sermons are not preached, they are lived.” Oh how I long to live a message that speaks loud and clear, “Jesus is true and the principles found in His teachings work!”
Let’s just be honest, it’s tough being a sold-out soul for Christ stuck in a flesh-filled body. That’s why it is essential that I view my time with God each morning as a preparation and an invitation. Every verse, devotion and prayer is all part of God’s preparation for me that day. Instead of just using it to quiet my soul for the few minutes of devotion time, I must allow His teachings to seep into my heart and mind. Then I must ask God to interrupt my natural flesh response throughout the day with the truths He taught me that morning. That’s the preparation part.
The next essential view of my quiet time each morning is the invitation part. Spending time with God first thing invites His presence into my life and acknowledges, “Not my will God, but Yours be done.” So if my husband forgets to do something he promised, or my kids push my buttons, or a person cuts me off in traffic, or one of the other one million things happens that causes my flesh to want to rear up and act ugly… I can say, “Not my will God, but yours be done.”
This slight pause and acknowledgement of God redirects my frustration and replaces it with grace. Then and only then will my life speak to the fact that I have spent time with Jesus.
Romans 7:21-24 So I find this law at work: When I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God's law; but I see another law at work in the members of my body, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within my members. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body of death? Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!
Lord, teach me how to reveal more and more of You through the way I live my life. I want to tell the whole world about You using words only when necessary. Forgive me for all the times I haven't been a good testimony for You...and thank You for the assurace of that forgiveness. Help me to just do better today, Lord...one day at a time. These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
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Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/18/2008 8:11:51 AM
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AngelInWaiting1983
Posts: 10842
Joined: 6/8/2007
From: South Carolina
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Morning Love! Thanks for the devotion!
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Reflecting with Terri
Dance like no one is watching. If they are, who cares!
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/22/2008 11:15:16 AM
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WalkingwithHim2
Posts: 2787
Joined: 12/13/2007
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Kimberly....where is you?
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Jesus saves the soul not necessarily the brain
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/24/2008 1:02:39 AM
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humbleinspirit
Posts: 18075
Joined: 4/13/2005
From: Just Outside of Boston
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Now I wish I could live that way myself.
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/25/2008 8:00:24 AM
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kj88il
Posts: 2046
Joined: 3/3/2008
From: IL (NW Central)
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today's devotion...
Extreme Makeover Meets the Real World
About a year ago, a family in my community received a new home courtesy of ABC’s hit show Extreme Makeover: Home Edition. For a week, construction professionals and good-hearted volunteers worked side-by-side as the thrill of Hollywood filled the air. Local news crews descended on the scene. Police officers controlled the throngs of spectators.
Excitement bubbled everywhere I went. Even my kids came home from school abuzz with tales of who knew the recipient family, whose dad was a worker at the site, and who (gasp!) had actually met Ty Pennington!
At the end of the week, amid thousands of cheering people, the family shouted those famous words, “Bus driver, move that bus!” and a magnificent mini-mansion was revealed. It was glorious.
Fast forward almost exactly one year later. Literally right around the corner from this Extreme Makeover was another home, with another family in overwhelming need.
A single mother needed to quickly sell her ex-husband’s house after his recent death. But it was badly run down, and an open house was scheduled for just two weeks away. Overwhelmed by the task at hand, she sent out a call for help to our church family. Soon dozens of volunteers—armed with toolboxes, yard tools and paint brushes—arrived. Side-by-side they hammered, sawed, spackled, painted, repaired, vacuumed, dusted, raked, mulched and more! And when it was done, it was glorious. I know because I was there.
Arriving on the last day, I gazed at the sparkling house and was awed by my brothers and sisters in Christ who had selflessly and immediately joined together to do what seemed a daunting task with an impossible deadline.
As I worked in the quiet of the front yard, the official Extreme Makeover home loomed in the distance as a startling counterpoint. Sure it’s spectacular, but it’s fantasy—a wood, shingle and glass lottery ticket. Our life’s problems are rarely, if ever, solved so extravagantly and beautifully.
At my friend’s house we had experienced an extreme home makeover in the real world. We saw what it looks like when we love one another as Jesus commanded. We saw what the Master Carpenter meant when He said, “Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples” (John 13:35, NLT). Without cameras, celebrities, front-page stories or cheering crowds they offered hard work, a helping hand, and even a shoulder to cry on.
Our group of volunteers is special, but not unusual. Every day church families everywhere join together to do this very thing. We don’t do it for fame or recognition. We do it because that’s what the Bible tells us to do.
When I drove home that final day, the newly-planted For Sale sign silently proclaimed our glorious transformation. As it faded in my rear view mirror, I realized the most life-changing makeovers don’t happen in the glow of the spotlight, but in the quiet of our own hearts with God spearheading the effort.
Lord, thank You for the example of love we have in Jesus. Forgive me for putting my needs above the needs of others. Help me to think with love...so I can respond selflessly and generously to my brothers' and sisters' needs. And remind me that extravegance doesn't necessarily bring the greatest reward...even if it's modest...whatever I give from my heart...that which comes from You...will make the biggest difference. I praise You, Lord, for showing me the beauty of "enough." These things I pray...in Jesus' name...amen.
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Kimberly (aka KJ)
Shifing Gears w/ Kimberly
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RE: Shifting Gears with Kimberly - 8/25/2008 10:49:18 AM
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oh well.....it was a great meal & we had a really nice waitress)...then we 
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