Thankful for Blessings - Rainbows

Every Wednesday I join a special friend, Judy, in a meme that she hosts at her wonderful blog, A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings. In this meme we list the 5 things we are most thankful for this past week. Why not join us?

Here are some of my blessings this week:
1. Rainbows - I saw a rainbow this evening on my way home from work! So beautiful.
2. My new grandson - I have not seen him for a whole week now and I miss him!
3. Sunsets - we have had some beautiful sunsets lately. I posted a picture of one yesterday.
4. Modern technology - oh, the good things that can be done with computers and smartphones these days. They not only make a lot of what I do easier, but they are another way to learn and grow and share my faith and witness to the love of God. When they first came out with personal computers and the internet, who knew?
5. My hubby - he keeps me laughing. We need more laughter in this world.

Sixty Seconds on Tuesday - Sunset

On Tuesdays I join Jenny at her blog called Just a Minute. She has a meme called Sixty Seconds on Tuesday which you can read more about here. Join her on Tuesdays to preserve a precious moment in word or photo. It is fun to share!

On my way home from work one day, I was so blessed to be able to watch the sun set right in front of me. The sky became more and more beautiful with each passing minute. When I finally got home, I ran into the house to grab my camera and ran back out again and just barely caught the end of the sunset right after the sun disappeared behind some trees. I was so thrilled to have caught that moment just in time. Thank you, God.
(OK, admit it! How many of you thought I would have yet another picture of my new grandson? Wellll, there is always next week!)

Follow Me

And to another he said, “Follow me.” (Luke 9:59)

Where were you when you first heard those words? Do you remember? Do you remember when the Lord first called you and you knew it beyond a shadow of a doubt? 

I have written about it in my conversion story. But I wonder if I heard it earlier, when I was just a little girl. Those times I walked to church by myself. Those times I tried to read the entire bible. How about when I just felt like praying?

I must have heard Him.

And isn't that the awesome thing? I mean - Jesus is always calling us, isn't he? Our God is a God of second chances and we often need those second chances. We turn to Him and we follow Him and then we turn away, sometimes just for an instant. But God is there, calling us, over and over again. 

Follow me, He says to us.

Follow me.

Dear Lord, thank you for calling me, over and over. Thank you for loving me, always. Help me to follow you, Lord. Help me to stay on the journey to you and when I fall, pick me up and put me back on the path. Because you know me, Lord, you know my heart, you know that is where I want to be - on the path to You!

image source

Sunday Snippets - A Catholic Carnival June 27

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing and check out some posts from other bloggers participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?

Here are my contributions for this week:
Loving Much
Sixty Seconds on Tuesday - New Grandbaby!

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 24

I just love the Psalms. And I love joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 24.

The earth is the LORD'S and all it holds, the world and those who live there. For God founded it on the seas, established it over the rivers. (Psalm 24:1-2)

I especially love the first verse of this psalm. The earth and all it holds, the world and all who live there belong to to the Lord.
That's us. We live here in this earth. And we all belong to God. Regardless of where we come from, what religion we are, what color we are, we all belong to God. We are all created by the Lord and we are all loved by the Lord.
We may not agree on a lot. But we all belong to the Father. The Creator of heaven and earth. We are the children of God.
How truly awesome is that? 
Thank you, Lord, for all of your creation! And thank you for loving us all, even when we forget we belong to you. Even when we forget we are Your's.
O Lord, help us remember.

Sabbath Moment - Baby and Butterflies

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!
1. This week was spent mostly with my son and daughter in law and new grandson. Many of my Sabbath moments were spent holding my grandson or just watching him sleep. What a quiet restful moment with God, looking into the eyes of a newborn, sitting still, thanking God, and loving this baby. Certainly a contemplative moment as I marveled at the wonder and miracle of new life. 9 months ago, this child did not exist, and here he is - loved and worried about and prayed for. Lord God Almighty, praise and glory to you!
2. Yesterday was Remicade day - my IV infusion of medication for my Rheumatoid arthritis. As I received the medicine over 2 hours, I had a great view. I sat beside a big picture window and could look out on the trees and there were beautiful yellow butterflies that kept flying by! Oh, thank you Lord!
I have not spent much time with my blogging friends for past two weeks. But I am back!! And I will be by to "visit" with you. God bless.

Thankful for Blessings - New Grandson

I love this meme because it helps me to be more aware of all my blessings. An attitude of gratitude is so important in our spiritual life! Hope you all will join us in giving thanks. Judy, a special blogging friend of mine from A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this inspiring meme. Check out her beautiful blogs and website! Thank you, Judy!

Here are some of my blessings this week:
1. My new grandson - well, what can I say? I have been a bit absent from blogging because of my new grandchild as I am sure everyone understands. I can stare at him for hours. He is a miracle for sure. All babies are. I look at him and I think of God.
2. My DIL - she had a lot of stuff to deal with. She had a lot of complications throughout pregnancy and then baby had high bilirubin. And then every time she thought she was going home with her son something else kept them there. She was strong and hung in there. Both she and my son. My grandson is a lucky baby.
3. My son - He is so good with his new baby boy. He is so loving and tender with him. He is a good father - this is his second child - and I love watching him caring for his new son.
4. My hubby - he cooked for the new parents and held his brand new grandson who looked so small in his grandfather's arms. What is it about babies that makes grown men melt?
5. My good God - who watches over us and protects us and loves us through all the ups and downs of life and reminds us of what is important in this life He has given us. Amen.

Sixty Seconds on Tuesday - New Grandbaby!

On Tuesdays I join Jenny at her blog called Just a Minute. She has a meme called Sixty Seconds on Tuesday which you can read more about here. Join her on Tuesdays to preserve a precious moment in word or photo. It is fun to share!
It may come as no surprise to you that my Sixty Seconds on Tuesday is a moment with my new grandson who was born last week. There were many complications but all are doing well now and mom and baby are home and grammy is relieved, thanking God for His precious gift. Words are not enough.

 

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 23

I just love the Psalms. And I love joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 23.

Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come. (Psalm 23:6)

What a blessing - to know that goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life. Makes me think of the poem - "The Hound of Heaven" by Francis Thompson. The "Hound of Heaven" is God, who chases us throughout our lives, never giving up on us, chasing us "down the nights and down the days."
This relentless God who loves us so much, He never turns away from us. He never leaves us. He is our Home. 
Dear God, help me to remember, that because of you, I am never lost. So I can stop running now. I can stay put. You are my dwelling place.

Sabbath Moment - Baby Landan

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!
Sabbath Moments have been few and far between this week. This was Landan Week - our new grandson was born Thursday.
Friday as I write this, we are in a state of limbo. Landan is needing some tests. I ask for prayers as we wait to see what is happening.
So my Sabbath moment now is to sit still, pray quietly and be aware of God's presence with all of us as we wait.
Waiting seems so tedious and difficult and yet, we spend most of our Christian life waiting. Simone Weil said it was something like 95% of our time. I believe it.
So in this waiting, I sense that I am not alone, that God is waiting with me. What comfort that brings. Keeping God before my eyes will help me stay focused on the One who gives Life.
Update: Praise God! Tests came out OK. Landan doing better. May be going home today!

It's A Boy!!!

(OK, OK. I always knew it was a boy! But I had to say it!) 

My grandson, Landan, was born yesterday. He was about 3 weeks early and has been giving us all gray hair for days now. His mother has been in the hospital for the past week on bedrest and I have been wringing my hands because I live too far away to be able to do anything else.

Of course I also prayed. And I prayed. And I prayed.

Anyway, my grandson was wondering what all the fuss was about because he was born yesterday morning in tip top shape. Mom is doing well. And so is dad. (Grammy is exhausted.)

All morning long, there had been a flurry of text messages from my son. He was doing a great job taking care of his wife and communicating to everyone abut the progress being made and taking the picture that you see above and I am lucky that I got anything done at work at all! I was so excited I could hardly concentrate. 

But I was so thankful for modern technology - I have never so appreciated cell phones and social media and laptops and digital cameras, etc as I did yesterday. 

Then my son sent out that picture of Landan looking at his mom for the very first time and the tears just started flowing. I remembered holding my oldest son (Landan's dad) for the first time. I had had a miscarriage and infertility problems and I had been afraid the day would never come.

And now my son and daughter in law have their first child. Now their day has come.

And into all of our lives and hearts comes this new little one. This new life. This new person to love.

God's little miracle of life and love.

Thankful for Blessings - June 16

I love this meme because it helps me to be more aware of all my blessings. An attitude of gratitude is so important in our spiritual life! Hope you all will join us in giving thanks. Judy, a special blogging friend of mine from A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this inspiring meme. Check out her beautiful blogs and website! Thank you, Judy!

Here are some of my blessings this week:
1. My grandbaby-to-be - He and his mom are in the hospital being monitored. They have had a tough time but right now it looks like tomorrow may be the happy day when our new little grandson enters our corner of the world! Thank you Lord!
2.Rain. We finally got some rain today. We are so dry where I work and live. The rain was so beautiful to watch.
3. Feeling better - medicine finally kicked in and my RA is much better than it was! Praise God! And thank you for your prayers!
4. My blogging friends - I am so blessed to know you all. Thank you for enriching my life.
5. My ministry of spiritual direction - God never ceases to surprise me in my ministry. I am so grateful He called me to do this. It is both joyful and amazing.
How about you? What are some of your blessings?

Loving Much

"So I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven; hence, she has shown great love." - Luke 7:47

(image source)

This Gospel story never ceases to move me. I am so amazed at what love can do. Love can forgive and love can be healed and love can love so intensely that one is willing to endure ridicule and disdain in order to show her love extravagantly.

To show love for Jesus, what I am willing to do? What am I willing to endure? What am I willing to give?

Am I willing to say I am sorry? Am I willing to beg forgiveness? Am I willing to cry tears of remorse and bathe Jesus' feet with those tears?

Many a time I have sat in front of the Blessed Sacrament and cried my eyes out. Maybe I was guilty of a sin. Maybe I was sad or afraid or hurting.

Did I give all of myself to Him? Did I pour out my heart and my tears and my love?

Did I love much?

Oh my sweet Lord. Help me to love much. Help me to pour out that love for you. 

 

One of the most beautiful songs sung by Cece Winans is The Alabaster Box. I hope you enjoy it. The lyrics are below as well.

The room grew still
As she made her way to Jesus
She stumbles through the tears that made her blind
She felt such pain
Some spoke in anger
Heard folks whisper
There's no place here for her kind
Still on she came
Through the shame that flushed her face
Until at last, she knelt before his feet
And though she spoke no words
Everything she said was heard
As she poured her love for the Master
From her box of alabaster 

Refrain 

And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And I dry them with my hair
You weren't there the night He found me
You did not feel what I felt
When he wrapped his love all around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box

I can't forget the way life used to be
I was a prisoner to the sin that had me bound
And I spent my days 
Poured my life without measure
Into a little treasure box
I'd thought I'd found
Until the day when Jesus came to me
And healed my soul
With the wonder of His touch
So now I'm giving back to Him
All the praise He's worthy of
I've been forgiven 
And that's why
I love Him so much
Refrain
And I've come to pour
My praise on Him
Like oil from Mary's alabaster box
Don't be angry if I wash his feet with my tears
And dry them with my hair (my hair)
You weren't there the night Jesus found me
You did not feel what I felt 
When He wrapped his loving arms around me and
You don't know the cost of the oil
Oh, you don't know the cost of my praise
You don't know the cost of the oil
In my alabaster box
Lyrics

Sunday Snippets - A Catholic Carnival June 13

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing and check out some posts from other bloggers participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?

Here are my contributions for this week:

Where Our Treasure Is

Sixty Seconds on Tuesday

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 22

I just love the Psalms. And I love joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 22.

My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Why so far from my call for help, from my cries of anguish? 
My God, I call by day, but you do not answer; by night, but I have no relief. - Psalm 22:2-3

Jesus cried out from the Cross. My God, my God, why have you abandoned me? Did he feel abandoned?
It has been a long time but I do remember what it feels like to feel abandoned by God. My faith told me God was still here, but it did not FEEL like that. Sometimes feelings are not the best indicators of what is going on in our lives. Sometimes we just need to make the decision to believe - Yes, I know God is with me because He promised. And God does not break promises.
Amen. God does not break promises.
Dear Lord, thank you for your promise to be with us always. Help me to trust in your presence even when I fall into the pit of depression. Lord, I believe, help me in my unbelief. (Mk 9:24)

Sabbath Moments - Precious Gifts

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!
O Lord, thank you for the beautiful moments of the day, those moments when I stop and sense your loving presence with me. Such a gift.
1. I stop and listen to a beautiful bird singing a song outside my window.
2. I watch out the window of my car as squirrels play tag around the trees outside my office.
3. Several times throughout the day, my ipod alarm quietly reminds me that it is time to take a moment to pray.
4. In the middle of my work day, I go to check out supplies in the church, and I feel a strong pull to go to the chapel to pray silently before the Blessed Sacrament for just a few minutes, but precious minutes they were.
5. My son calls me and talks about the upcoming birth of his son, and it was such a beautiful conversation about love and awe and anticpation, that I am touched deeply and I can just see Jesus smiling, and I quietly thank Him.
How about you? Any Sabbath moments to share?

Where Our Treasure Is

"Nothing is more practical than finding God, that is, than falling in love in a quite absolute, final way. What you are in love with, what seizes your imagination, will affect everything. It will decide what will get you out of bed in the morning, what you will do with your evenings, how you will spend your weekends, what you read, who you know, what breaks your heart, and what amazes you with joy and gratitude.
Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything." - Pedro Arrupe

Oh my. I found this quote and loved it immediately. Isn't this true?
Do we not wish to see everything through the eyes of God? Do we not want to dedicate our lives and our hearts and our families and our homes to God? 
When I fell in love with God, when I decided that I wanted Jesus to be the Lord of my life, Number One in my heart, then everything changed. I was consumed by Jesus and by everything related to Him. I wanted to eat and sleep and breathe God.
I could not read too many books, I could not go to too many Masses. I could not talk about God enough or write about God enough...My life was forever changed.
"For where your treasure is, there also will your heart be." Luke 12:34
Eventually there may be fewer fireworks, but the love is there, deeper than ever, stronger than ever.
Like a married couple whose love grows deeper and more giving over the years. A love that is less about us and more about what can we do for the Other person - more about depth and meaning, sacrifice and commitment...faith and hope and Love with a capital L.
A Love that burns and lights the way - like the Eternal Flame.
Fall in love, stay in love, and it will decide everything. 
Amen to that.
published Prayerful Morsels 6/11/2010

Thankful for Blessings - June 9

I love this meme because it helps me to be more aware of all my blessings. An attitude of gratitude is so important in our spiritual life! Hope you all will join us in giving thanks. Judy, a special blogging friend of mine from A Thankful Woman's Book of Blessings, hosts this inspiring meme. Check out her beautiful blogs and website! Thank you, Judy!

Here are some of my blessings this week:
1. Vacation! - Had a great week off, spent most of it with my youngest son and his wife. It was such a gift to spend this time with them and see them so happy together.
2. Grandchild - my daughter in law went into premature labor right before we left on vacation. Doctor stopped the labor and put her on bedrest. They were hoping to stop the labor for at least a week and it has been about 2 now so things look good! Thanks for your prayers!
3. Deacon hubby  - we celebrated his 5th anniversary as a deacon last week with most of his classmates and wives. What a joy!
4. My job - I really am blessed to be working as a church secretary. I am not sure I felt that way Tuesday when I had to get up early to go back to work after a week off! But to have a steady job, and to be able to work at a Catholic church is such a gift and I am grateful.
5. Music - there are all kinds of music in this world. Right now I am listening to a song sung by a bird outsde my window. It is a beautiful serenade. Thank you Lord.
How about you? What are some of your blessings?

Sixty Seconds on Tuesday

I am joining Jenny this week at Just a Minute. She has a meme called Sixty Seconds on Tuesday which you can read more about here. Join her on Tuesdays to preserve a precious moment in word or photo. It is fun to share!

We visited our youngest son last week. I am not a great photographer but these pictures capture my son quite well. This one is showing his sense of humor. Knowing I wanted to get a nice picture of him, he pretended to ignore me and look rather studiously at the view in front of him.

This one is of my son with my hubby. Looking right at me with a look I can't forget because it was our last evening together before we came home. And I do not like goodbyes. Neither does he.

The Versatile Blogger Award

I received this gracious award from Rox at Natural Catholic. I am good at following the rules on this thing but wish to pass it on to all who read my blog! I think we are all very flexible!

The rules for " The Versatile Blogger" award are:
1. Thank the person who gave you this award.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass the award along to 15 bloggers who you have recently discovered and who you think are fantastic!
4. Contact the bloggers you've picked and let them know about the award.
( Rules are flexible, in case you're not good with rules!) 

Thank you for this award, Rox!!

7 things about me

1. I am Catholic

2. I am married to a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church and have 2 children, 4 stepchildren and 15 grandchildren!

3. I am not a morning person

4. I love sunsets and sunrises and ducks and elephants and beaches and rainbows and soft falling rain and convertibles ... and chocolate, of course

5. I love to read and to write and to blog and to pray and to sing

6. I am an introvert

7. I am an incest survivor and I am learning to love myself just as I am.. one day at a time

God bless!

Sunday Daybook - June 6

This is a Sunday Daybook. This is not a meme but all are invited to join in or make your own as you wish. I was inspired by some of these categories from Jenny at Just a Minute and so borrowed some of them (with permission.) I just love the idea of a Sunday daybook, some lectio divina, some contemplation of the world around us, helping us find the ways we can keep our eyes on the Lord! 

Reading (lectio) 
"Sometimes we get a taste of the wonder of God, but we hesitate to allow Him to really fill us. It is only when we take Him in that we are fully nourished by His strength, grace, peace and courage." - Be Still and Know That I Am God 
Meditation (meditatio) 

Taste and see that the Lord is good - Psalm 34:8 (NIV)  

Praying (oratio) 

Lord, please nourish me with your Word and Eucharist. 
Contemplation (contemplatio) 
Resting in the presence of God in front of the Blessed Sacrament. 
Words of prayer to carry with me this week 
Taste and see the goodness of the Lord. 
Beauty in the Ordinary 
3 grandchildren graduating from high school this year! Went to a family party and watched the 3 girls cut the cake (food, nourishment, love) and each of their mothers shed tears of joy and pride and maybe just a little sadness... their babies are growing up! So much love. 
Moments of gratitude 
So grateful for my family and for my parish family and for the Eucharist! 

The Solemnity of the Most Holy Body and Blood of Christ

"For I received from the Lord what I also handed on to you, that the Lord Jesus, on the night he was handed over, took bread, and, after he had given thanks, broke it and said, "This is my body that is for you. Do this in remembrance of me." 1 Cor 11:23-24

Rev. Ron Rolhesier wrote - "The Eucharist is God's kiss." I really love that.

It was the Eucharist that brought me to the Catholic Church. It was a call that I have heard  since I was a little girl.

It is the Eucharist that brings me to Mass.

It is the Eucharist that feeds me and nourishes my soul. It is Jesus' gift of Himself to me.

Out of love.

A Kiss, out of Love.

Oh, Lord, do not let me forget your love and your gift of yourself.
Help me to receive you with love and thankfulness.

Help me to do all, in remembrance of you.

Out of love.

Sunday Snippets - A Catholic Carnival June 6

This is the weekly Catholic Carnival! Be sure to visit RAnn at This, That and the Other Thing and check out some posts from other bloggers participating in Sunday Snippets this week. Why not join us and share a blog post or two from last week?

Here are my contributions for this week:
June Flowers
A Gift of Contentment

Praying the Psalms - Psalm 21 (two posts today)

I just love the Psalms. And I love joining Jenny at Just A Minute in Praying the Psalms every Saturday. Won't you join us? This week is Psalm 21. 
"You make him the pattern of blessings forever, you gladden him with the joy of your presence. For the king trusts in the LORD, stands firm through the love of the Most High." - Psalm 21:7-8
Yes, Lord, you gladden me with the joy of your presence, that joy that comes out of nowhere that I know is your blessing, your gift, your grace. Oh, Lord, may I trust in you and your presence always. May I stand firm in your love and recognize your blessings forever. Amen.

Sabbath Moment - Vacation

Sabbath moments are the moments we rest in God, when we take time to just Be with God rather than Do. Sabbath moments are those times when we live in the moment and find the holy in the ordinary. I invite you to share your Sabbath moment(s) here on Saturdays. Be sure to sign into Mr. Linky below. If you don't have a blog, share about it in a comment! Hope you will join us!

In a way, I have been on a long Sabbath moment! Just returned from a mini vacation, spent with my youngest son and his bride. Had a great time. Beautiful weather. Long leisurely mornings. Went to Mass at an old beautiful church. Spent a lot of time just talking with my son and his wife about everything under the sun, listening with pride and joy as they talked about school and teaching.

One day while my son was working and daughter in law at school, we walked to a place for lunch and coffee. Sat outside on a city street, watching the sights and sounds, discussing our children and life in a city and reminisced about our lives together, thanking and praising God.
In no rush to go anywhere. No desire to accomplish anything. Happy to discuss our lives and our children and God's goodness.

A Gift of Contentment

My husband and I have just spent a few days with our youngest son and his wife who live quite a distance away from us. It is the first time that I have seen them in their own home as a married couple. To see them together, working together to make a life, on little money but lots of love, brings joy to my heart.

On top of this, my other son and his wife are perhaps days away from giving birth to their first child, and I just wonder how much joy and contentment my heart can take.

I think contentment may be an under-used word in my vocabulary. Contentment in a life such as mine is something that has, throughout my life, been hard to come by. As a survivor of sexual abuse, growing up in a dysfunctional family, I have seldom felt contented. Happy at times? Sure. Full of joy? Yes. But contented? Seems like there has always been some kind of pain or crisis or worry or anxiety right beneath the surface. But now I am seeing some of my own life and work and prayers bearing fruit  - something I once thought impossible.

... To know that maybe, just maybe, I have made a difference in this world, made a difference in the lives of my children...

... To know that I truly broke the cycle and was part of creating a healthy family and to see it grow in such a healthy and life-giving way...well... Words are not enough.

To God goes the glory. I am grateful beyond measure for the contented life my Father in heaven has given me.

Beyond measure.

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June Flowers

What does the month of June bring into our lives? Here is my partial list (feel free to share your's!) -

• Summer - hot humid Florida weather
• Red ants - ouch!
• Pretty new flowers! - Roses blooming beautifully!
• 2 more high school graduations
• Beach days- yay!
• Hubby's 5th anniversary of ordination as a permanent deacon in the Catholic Church
• Possibly - actually probably - a new grandchild! He is due in July but signs are indicating sooner! 

Happy June to all!

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