Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Our rain came later yesterday, so it was good to be able to get out and run errands in the morning. Everything is very wet and drippy this morning and I have a young lizard staring at me from the curtain behind this PC. He has been in the house about a week. I wish Matthew was still with us, because he is a great lizard catcher!
The water at the Park is very high now and plentiful. The trees that are touching the water, seem to be even lower, now, so I guess the tree crew will have to come in and remove them. They have to get in a boat and work in the mud... quite a job! But God is good and we need the rain.
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Psalm 146: 5-10 Happy are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He is the one who made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He is the one who keeps every promise forever; who gives justice to the oppressed and food to the hungry. The Lord frees the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind. The Lord lifts the burdens of those bent beneath their loads. the Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among their loads. The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord protects the foreigners among us. He cares for the orphans and widows, but he frustrates the plans of the wicked. The Lord will reign forever, O Jerusalem, your God is King for every generation! Praise the Lord!
Our hope is rooted in the wonderful acts of God in creation and history. the Bible gives full testimony to the fact that God is able to deliver us from any and every circumstance. He will either get us out of it or bring us through it--for his glory and our joy.
I pray that God , who gives you hope, will keep you happy and full of peace as you believe in him. May you overflow with hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Psoaring thru Psalm 91
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside early this morning, the very thin crescent moon was low in the east and cupped. I could see the shadow of the rest of the moon above it. Awesome! It probably won't be visible at all tomorrow, as it completes it cycle.
Well, once again yesterday, we had a rainy morning, but a hot, sunny afternoon! The towering white clouds are showing this morning, but, so far, no rain. We did our errands yesterday afternoon after the rain and took a ride through the drippy Park. Quite a few people there, and workers cleaning out the weir, where all the washed down trash accumulates.
An anhinga was drying its wings on one of the rails and a tourist stopped his car and walked over to see it. I wish he could have seen a great white heron slapping a fish, trying to swallow it! Now, that's a sight! God is Marvelous!
Psalm 91 NLT:
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High,
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare of the Lord
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety"
he is my God, and I am trusting him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from the fatal plague.
He will shield you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor fear the dangers of the day,
nor dread the plague that stalks in Darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around
you, these evils will not touch you.
But you will see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge,
If you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your dwelling.
For he orders his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you with their hands
to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.
They will trample down lions and poisonous snakes:
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet.
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer:
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with a long life
and give them my salvation."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Well, once again yesterday, we had a rainy morning, but a hot, sunny afternoon! The towering white clouds are showing this morning, but, so far, no rain. We did our errands yesterday afternoon after the rain and took a ride through the drippy Park. Quite a few people there, and workers cleaning out the weir, where all the washed down trash accumulates.
An anhinga was drying its wings on one of the rails and a tourist stopped his car and walked over to see it. I wish he could have seen a great white heron slapping a fish, trying to swallow it! Now, that's a sight! God is Marvelous!
Psalm 91 NLT:
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High,
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare of the Lord
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety"
he is my God, and I am trusting him.
For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from the fatal plague.
He will shield you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.
Do not be afraid of the terrors of the night,
nor fear the dangers of the day,
nor dread the plague that stalks in Darkness,
nor the disaster that strikes at midday.
Though a thousand fall at your side,
though ten thousand are dying around
you, these evils will not touch you.
But you will see how the wicked are punished.
If you make the Lord your refuge,
If you make the Most High your shelter,
no evil will conquer you;
no plague will come near your dwelling.
For he orders his angels
to protect you wherever you go.
They will hold you with their hands
to keep you from striking your foot on a stone.
They will trample down lions and poisonous snakes:
you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet.
The Lord says, "I will rescue those who love me.
I will protect those who trust in my name.
When they call on me, I will answer:
I will be with them in trouble.
I will rescue them and honor them.
I will satisfy them with a long life
and give them my salvation."
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Benediction
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside this morning, in the dark, the thin moon was shining brightly with stars twinkling all around, now, however, I hear the "rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed." How Great Thou Art!" And the rain just started!
Well, the Mexican petunias are loving the rain. They are a lovely purple and the crape myrtle is pink and just about through blooming. Strangely enough, this rain has brought blooms to the azaleas in the hot summer! God is good!
We drove through the Park in the heat of the afternoon, yesterday and saw quite a few cars there...people walking in the heat and not seeming to mind it. I know that after this rain quits this morning, the sun will come out and we will be hot again. But that's okay, after all this is Florida in summer!
From Quiet Moments with God:
The very God of Peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV
A benediction is the pronouncing of a divine blessing. It is usually associated with the final words of a worship service, given by a spiritual leader, but you can give yourself a benediction right where your are, this very day!
The only requirement for a benediction is this; that no sin or unforgiveness stands between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. If you question the purity of your heart, today is a good time to ask the Lord to cleanse you and renew a right spirit within you.
Then pronounce this benediction upon yourself. Speak it with faith and boldness, in full confidence that the Lord desires this blessing to take root in you and bear good fruit. If you have a family, you may want to pronounce a blessing on them or on each member individually.
The benediction inscribed at Gloucester Cathedral is one you may want to use:
Go on your way in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you
And remain with you forever.
So be it. And have a blessed good night!
It is distrust of God to be troubled
about what is to come.
Impatience against God
to be troubles with what is
present; and anger at God to
be troubled for what is past.
Simon Patrick
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside this morning, in the dark, the thin moon was shining brightly with stars twinkling all around, now, however, I hear the "rolling thunder, Thy power throughout the universe displayed." How Great Thou Art!" And the rain just started!
Well, the Mexican petunias are loving the rain. They are a lovely purple and the crape myrtle is pink and just about through blooming. Strangely enough, this rain has brought blooms to the azaleas in the hot summer! God is good!
We drove through the Park in the heat of the afternoon, yesterday and saw quite a few cars there...people walking in the heat and not seeming to mind it. I know that after this rain quits this morning, the sun will come out and we will be hot again. But that's okay, after all this is Florida in summer!
From Quiet Moments with God:
The very God of Peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. "
1 Thessalonians 5:23 NIV
A benediction is the pronouncing of a divine blessing. It is usually associated with the final words of a worship service, given by a spiritual leader, but you can give yourself a benediction right where your are, this very day!
The only requirement for a benediction is this; that no sin or unforgiveness stands between you and the Lord Jesus Christ. If you question the purity of your heart, today is a good time to ask the Lord to cleanse you and renew a right spirit within you.
Then pronounce this benediction upon yourself. Speak it with faith and boldness, in full confidence that the Lord desires this blessing to take root in you and bear good fruit. If you have a family, you may want to pronounce a blessing on them or on each member individually.
The benediction inscribed at Gloucester Cathedral is one you may want to use:
Go on your way in peace.
Be of good courage.
Hold fast that which is good.
Render to no man evil for evil.
Strengthen the fainthearted.
Support the weak.
Help and cheer the sick.
Honor all men.
Love and serve the Lord.
May the blessing of God be upon you
And remain with you forever.
So be it. And have a blessed good night!
It is distrust of God to be troubled
about what is to come.
Impatience against God
to be troubles with what is
present; and anger at God to
be troubled for what is past.
Simon Patrick
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Monday, July 28, 2008
almost noon devotional
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! Who knew we would have a rainy morning? When I stepped outside about 5:30am, the crescent moon was shining brightly amongst the sparkly stars in the eastern sky, which was clear at the time. Well, anyway, this is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
On my way the dentist, which is why I am so late, I saw a beautiful rainbow right in front as we traveled west for awhile! God is Awesome!
I walked Saturday morning out to Mama Gator's nest and spoke to her. The water is now so high that she is completely covered except for her head. I saw lots of lizards running about, and once more, dragonflies flitting all around, hopefully catching mosquitoes. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
Hebrews 3:14 if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
A reward in heaven awaits those who are faithful to God. Faithfulness brings eternal rewards.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
On my way the dentist, which is why I am so late, I saw a beautiful rainbow right in front as we traveled west for awhile! God is Awesome!
I walked Saturday morning out to Mama Gator's nest and spoke to her. The water is now so high that she is completely covered except for her head. I saw lots of lizards running about, and once more, dragonflies flitting all around, hopefully catching mosquitoes. God is good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Why should I be faithful?
Proverbs 3:3-4 Never let loyalty and kindness get away from you! Wear them like a necklace, write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will gain a good reputation.
One of our greatest securities in life is that of a good name. Faithfulness brings a good reputation and trust from others. When we have problems, sometimes our reputation can be the key to a positive outcome.
Hebrews 3:14 if we are faithful to the end, trusting God just as firmly as when we first believed we will share in all that belongs to Christ.
A reward in heaven awaits those who are faithful to God. Faithfulness brings eternal rewards.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Friday, July 25, 2008
Greetings from Paul
Good morning, Dear friends and Prayer Partners! This is the sunshiny day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! When I stepped outside in the predawn light, I could not see the moon, but it was good to see that the sky is mostly clear and no rain yet. Not that I mind the rain, we really need it, but the sun is always welcome, too. God is good!
Because of the rain, I didn't go out until afternoon to do some errands, so I drove through the Park and saw a few people had ventured out. There are always people walking their dogs... that is a popular place for dogs. Another of the trees has fallen over and is touching the water in the canal, but will be taken care of eventually.
One of the long-time workers was mowing, and the other was collecting trash, while they wait to see if they still have jobs in September. Big changes are coming up... not all good. But God is Sovereign and He is in Control!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Excerpts from Colossians 1
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard that you trust in Christ Jesus and that you love all of God's people...
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom, then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need.
...Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each others faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.
May the grace of God be with you,
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Because of the rain, I didn't go out until afternoon to do some errands, so I drove through the Park and saw a few people had ventured out. There are always people walking their dogs... that is a popular place for dogs. Another of the trees has fallen over and is touching the water in the canal, but will be taken care of eventually.
One of the long-time workers was mowing, and the other was collecting trash, while they wait to see if they still have jobs in September. Big changes are coming up... not all good. But God is Sovereign and He is in Control!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
Excerpts from Colossians 1
We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for we have heard that you trust in Christ Jesus and that you love all of God's people...
So we have continued praying for you ever since we first heard about you. We ask God to give you a complete understanding of what he wants to do in your lives, and we ask him to make you wise with spiritual wisdom, then the way you live will always honor and please the Lord, and you will continually do good, kind things for others. All the while, you will learn to know God better and better.
We also pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so that you will have all the patience and endurance you need.
...Since God chose you to be the holy people whom he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. You must make allowance for each others faults and forgive the person who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. And the most important piece of clothing you must wear is love. Love is what binds us all together in perfect harmony.
May the grace of God be with you,
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Straight Ahead
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it! Although it is cloudy and very overcast, I saw the moon much earlier trying to peek through the surrounding clouds. We had another good thunderstorm last night, and I think the rain has caused my phone to go berserk. It has a lot of static, so I called Verizon to see if I could get it repaired soon.
I was so busy yesterday, I didn't have time to walk in the Park, but did my exercising in Walmart... from one side to the other, The scenery is not nearly so relaxing there and is certainly not peaceful and quiet, but it does require a lot of walking!
I, of course, had to drive through the Park on our way home and noticed that once again, the water had gone over the weir, and lots of trash washed down from the houses backing up to the canal. Lots of food for the ibises who were busy pecking in the ground and not many people out because of the sprinkles. But God is good and He provides for our needs!
From the book Quiet Moments with God for teachers:
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33
The sun is barely up and that annoying alarm clock is blaring in your ear. Groggily you reach over and fumble around until you hit the snooze button. Just a few more minutes, you think, and then I can get up and face the day. The alarm sounds again. You know you can't put it off any longer.
After a couple of cups of coffee, your brain is finally humming. Now the question is, which of today's tasks should you tackle first? Before you head off to work, you might seek inspiration from this prayer written by Jacob Boehme, a German shoemaker who was born more than 400 years ago.
Rule over me this day, O God, leading me on the path of righteousness. Put your Word in my mind and your Truth in my heart, that this day I neither think nor feel anything except what is good and honest. Protect me from all lies and falsehood, helping me to discern deception wherever I meet it. Let my eyes always look straight ahead on the road you wish me to tread, that I might not be tempted by any distraction. And make my eyes pure, that no false desires may be awakened within me.
A day without distractions,
focused only on the important.
A day viewed through pure eyes.
A day marked by goodness and
honesty. A day of clear direction
and no deception. A day without
falsehood and lies. A day in
which God's Word rules our
minds and his truth reigns
in our hearts. Now that's
a day worth getting up for!
William Cowper
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
I was so busy yesterday, I didn't have time to walk in the Park, but did my exercising in Walmart... from one side to the other, The scenery is not nearly so relaxing there and is certainly not peaceful and quiet, but it does require a lot of walking!
I, of course, had to drive through the Park on our way home and noticed that once again, the water had gone over the weir, and lots of trash washed down from the houses backing up to the canal. Lots of food for the ibises who were busy pecking in the ground and not many people out because of the sprinkles. But God is good and He provides for our needs!
From the book Quiet Moments with God for teachers:
It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.
2 Samuel 22:33
The sun is barely up and that annoying alarm clock is blaring in your ear. Groggily you reach over and fumble around until you hit the snooze button. Just a few more minutes, you think, and then I can get up and face the day. The alarm sounds again. You know you can't put it off any longer.
After a couple of cups of coffee, your brain is finally humming. Now the question is, which of today's tasks should you tackle first? Before you head off to work, you might seek inspiration from this prayer written by Jacob Boehme, a German shoemaker who was born more than 400 years ago.
Rule over me this day, O God, leading me on the path of righteousness. Put your Word in my mind and your Truth in my heart, that this day I neither think nor feel anything except what is good and honest. Protect me from all lies and falsehood, helping me to discern deception wherever I meet it. Let my eyes always look straight ahead on the road you wish me to tread, that I might not be tempted by any distraction. And make my eyes pure, that no false desires may be awakened within me.
A day without distractions,
focused only on the important.
A day viewed through pure eyes.
A day marked by goodness and
honesty. A day of clear direction
and no deception. A day without
falsehood and lies. A day in
which God's Word rules our
minds and his truth reigns
in our hearts. Now that's
a day worth getting up for!
William Cowper
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Wisdom
Good morning, Dear Friends and Prayer Partners! This is the overcast day that the Lord has made and we will rejoice and be glad in it!
When I stepped outside earlier, the football shaped moon was trying to beam through the layer of clouds and was indeed, casting some light.
What a thunderstorm we had yesterday evening! The water still had not dried up in our gutters and now there is more!
I took a walk out to the tower at the Park yesterday, even though it was getting oppressively warm. I stopped at the gator nest and looked and looked for Mama gator. If she was there, she was hiding under a thick canopy of ferns. But then I walked on to the tower where a lot of trash and lilies have washed in, and there was a big gator amidst the trash... looked like Mama gator taking a break, but I couldn't be sure.
I was just in time to see an osprey swoop up from the water with a fish in it's claws and make a beeline toward it's nest, which is probably the one on top of a field light pole at Sawgrass Elementary. Then I watched as two more ospreys glided and soared in their graceful flight around and around the lake. They didn't hover as I was hoping, but they were still beautiful.
Many dragonflies were flying back and forth in front of me, catching mosquitoes, I hope! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all-powerful, all knowing God has designed a moral universe with Consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what wee know, but Who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and
situations.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Psalm 25:8-9 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Heed his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
When I stepped outside earlier, the football shaped moon was trying to beam through the layer of clouds and was indeed, casting some light.
What a thunderstorm we had yesterday evening! The water still had not dried up in our gutters and now there is more!
I took a walk out to the tower at the Park yesterday, even though it was getting oppressively warm. I stopped at the gator nest and looked and looked for Mama gator. If she was there, she was hiding under a thick canopy of ferns. But then I walked on to the tower where a lot of trash and lilies have washed in, and there was a big gator amidst the trash... looked like Mama gator taking a break, but I couldn't be sure.
I was just in time to see an osprey swoop up from the water with a fish in it's claws and make a beeline toward it's nest, which is probably the one on top of a field light pole at Sawgrass Elementary. Then I watched as two more ospreys glided and soared in their graceful flight around and around the lake. They didn't hover as I was hoping, but they were still beautiful.
Many dragonflies were flying back and forth in front of me, catching mosquitoes, I hope! God is Good!
From the Promise Bible NLT:
What are the benefits of wisdom?
Proverbs 9:10 Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in understanding.
Psalm 111:10 Reverence for the Lord is the foundation of true wisdom. The rewards of wisdom come to all who obey him. Praise his name forever!
Wisdom is not simply knowing facts and figures; it is understanding that an all-powerful, all knowing God has designed a moral universe with Consequences for our good and evil choices. Wisdom begins with understanding our accountability to and our full dependence on our Creator. It's not what wee know, but Who we know.
Proverbs 3:21-26 My child, don't lose sight of good planning and insight. Hang on to them, for they fill you with life and bring you honor and respect. They keep you safe on your way and keep your feet from stumbling. You can lie down without fear and enjoy pleasant dreams. You need not be afraid of disaster or the destruction that comes upon the wicked for the Lord is your security. He will keep your foot from being caught in a trap.
Wisdom produces honor in our lives and protects us from trouble. Wise people know the difference between right and wrong and choose to do what's right. More than that, wisdom is choosing to apply God's truth and principles to our daily relationships and
situations.
Proverbs 9:11-12 Wisdom will multiply your days and add years to your life. If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer.
Psalm 25:8-9 The Lord is good and does what is right; he shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in what is right, teaching them his way.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding. Heed his will in all you do, and he will direct your paths.
I always give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers with thanksgiving, joy and love!
Love and hugs,
Amaryllis
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