Tuesday, May 31, 2016

Irreplaceable

At the entrance to aisle twelve (Tapes and Fasteners) at the Staples I work at, there’s a small Scotch Post-It Notes display that is definitely geared towards the female population. Its contents include packs of gold note cards and jewel-colored sticky notes, a gold high heel tape dispenser, and something apple green that looks like a back massager sticky note dispenser. The crowning jewel of this display is the motto at the top (and the reason for this post). It’s “a golden opportunity to shine.”

Think about those words for just a moment. Has there ever been anything in your life that has allowed you the chance to be the best version of yourself that you could be? Possibly, it’s been a crisis (you survived), a friendship (or a marriage), parenthood, or a passion in life. Are there more you can think of?

There are some precepts that are irreplaceable (and priceless) to God. Here are just a few of them (with their corresponding verse references).

1.  Be an example of God’s goodness to everyone you meet. (Matthew 5:16)

2.  Being smart (with your choices) is invaluable to who you really are. (Proverbs 20:15)


3.  God desires all people be treated fairly (and equally) equally. (James 2:1-4)

4.  Both a good name and discretion (in what you say and do) are of value to the Almighty. (Proverbs 22:1, 25:11)

5.  Allow someone (or yourself) to be imperfect by giving out forgiveness generously when errors are made. (Galatians 6:1-5)


Chances are you have heard of the quote “all that glitters isn’t gold. This means that something’s true value is not always what it appears to be. This can apply to anything in life (human or an object). This proverb was discovered from William Shakespeare’s 17th century play, Merchant of Venice.


Like a prospector panning for gold, are you the genuine article (true) or as much a fake as fool’s gold (pyrite) in who you are?


The display that started this post.

Monday, May 30, 2016

I’m Hungry

Like people all around the world, water has different character traits. On one hand, it is an essential element of life. The adult human body is sixty percent water, and can only survive about four days without it. Cells need water to function properly. This vital fluid acts as a lubricant for our joints. It also regulates body temperature through sweating and breathing.

Gardens won’t last very long without it (and sun). Animals get ill unless they can get to it. Many of your favorite beverages (like coffee) can’t be made devoid of it. Water has the ability to make power (that can make different objects run efficiently).

Starting the day with a cleansing and rejuvenating shower often puts one in the right frame of mind (for what lies ahead, Isaiah 1:16). Unfortunately, there is also a negative side to water.

Many of us have either heard of (or been part of) the results of a flood. However, when a tragedy like this happens both lives (human and animal) and property are lost (or destroyed). Have you ever read the familiar biblical story that follows?

In John 4, a five time divorced woman that was living with a man (from the town of Sychar in Samaria) has a conversation with a weary travel-worn Jesus at the town watering hole (known as Jacob’s well). **

Think about this. Do you truly agree with the words below that Jesus boldly proclaimed in this narrative in John 4:14 (MSG) to this emotionally needed woman? Its past time to live (and accept) that this needs to be true in your life.

 “Anyone who drinks the water I give will never thirst-not ever. The water I give will be an artesian spring within, gushing fountains of endless life.”

Be assured that God wants you to understand Him inside (and out). Matthew 5:6 (MSG) says, “You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat.” Spiritually, how hungry are you?


*Inspired by the sermon “Rooted: Water and Sun” Pastor Charlene Markarian, May 29, 2016, Eastside Community Church, Gahanna, OH

**The Jews did not associate with Samaritans as they were a shunned mixed race of both Jewish and Assyrian. Never would any man talk with a female in the public eye alone. I assume this woman had been shunned by the other females in this town. (Scripture does not provide a reason. Come to your own conclusions.)

She chose a time when water could be acquired without interference from other women. Typically, females gathered water in the morning and evening hours. This lady chose to come at noon when she met Jesus.

***I am an avid reader (via compact disc audio book). Sometimes biblical fiction on a particular topic (like the one above) can bring needed clarity to one’s mind as long as there is a distinguishing between scriptural fact (and the creation of a good author). Though I cannot verify the validity of any of the novel titles listed below, they could be worth your investigation time.

1.  Journey to the Well by Diana Wallis Taylor 

2.  Marah: The Woman at the Well by Nina M. Bergman

3.  The Samaritan Woman at the Well Meets Jesus of Nazareth (Photina: A Woman Disciple of Jesus) by Martha E. Pearl 

4.  The Well (The Living Water Series) by Stephanie Landsem  


Sunday, May 29, 2016

The Odd Couple

In Mark 2:17 (MSG), Jesus states, “…who needs a doctor; the healthy or the sick? I’m here inviting the sin-sick, not the spiritually fit.” Our Savior definitely adhered to this advice by associating Himself with those considered “outsiders” (in His day) like the crippled, blind, mute, leprous, the dead, those demonically possessed, tax collectors, and females (like a divorcee; a widow, an adulterer, a prostitute, and a woman with a menstrual disorder.)

Do you ever intentionally go out of your way to get acquainted with others that have beliefs outside what you are accustomed to? Variety is the spice of life that often opens you up to more fully appreciating each other.

At the home improvement store my daughter works at; she’s become friends with a Muslim female the same age as her (nineteen) named Kowsar. Though Kowsar and Allena are different in many ways, a quality that connects them together is their unique, out-spoken personalities.

Recently, both young ladies reconnected in another way outside of their work. Allena has once again surprised me with a beautiful enhancement to her unique appearance. 

You see, Kowsar is a Henna artist. The process of applying the paste made from the crushed leaves and twigs of the Henna plant is known as “Mehndi.”

In ancient South Asia and North Africa, Henna was used to dye hair, skin, fingernails, leather, wool, and can also be done on a bride’s wedding day.

This individual work of art can vary in color from orange to dark maroon, and is temporary in nature (only lasting about two weeks).

It is applied to the skin (just like writing from a marker). Depending on the skill of the artist, (and the intricacy of the design), application can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours (or longer).

As an adult child still living at home, Allena has a desire to try new things (that stretch her boundaries). Her sense of compassion to relate to others her true self makes me proud to be the father of someone so very independent.

Though I’m certain joining her on the roller coaster ride of our lives could make me squeamish at times, this journey will definitely be both mysterious (and exciting).

We can all take a lesson from Allena in enriching our life perspective with friendships that appear to be odd (at first glance). They can connect us in ways unimaginable.

Romans 15:7 (MSG) precisely summarizes everything I want you to remember from this post. “So reach out and welcome one another to God’s glory. Jesus did it; now you do it!”


Allena's Henna design



Friday, May 27, 2016

A Bit Sheepish

I feel as a blogger that my unquenchable curiosity makes me seek out answers to all the many ideas that continuously bounce around in my brain.

My unique voice in the religious community desires to simply communicate important spiritual truths in an uplifting manner.

From The Living Bible (TLB), you will find the focus of this post below:

Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need! He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength.

He helps me do what honors him the most. Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way. You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies.

You have welcomed me as your guest; blessings overflow!  Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

Like me, have you always wondered how Psalms 23 became associated with funerals? In the 1900’s in America, the Episcopal Church (in their edition of The Book of Common Prayer) recommended the above scripture to be used in conjunction with the burial of children.

Eventually, this scripture became a staple at Christian funeral services everywhere. It is also used as a prayer in times of illness or suffering in the Jewish community.

What follows are insights on this familiar chapter that are adapted from notes from The Life Application Bible, New International Version edition. May they supply you with needed inspiration.

1.  King David was a Shepherd boy in his younger years. (I Samuel 16: 1-13) Those experiences were used in describing the Lord as his Shepherd.
2.  Sheep are completely dependent on a shepherd for provision, guidance, and protection as Jesus did in John 10:1-21 (as the Good Shepherd).

3.  We should not be like a frightened, passive sheep.  Instead, we should be obedient followers that are wise enough to proceed toward the Almighty where anything right in our life exist. The important point is to follow the Good Shepherd when you recognize Him.

4.  When we follow the Heavenly Father, contentment is the result. Don’t blame the Almighty about the negative repercussions that happen when you purposely choose to make the wrong choices.

Rebelling against God goes against our own best interests. Our Shepherd knows the best “meadow grass and quiet streams” to restore us in with when we obediently submit (and follow) to His lead.

We should avoid doing our own thing. Does it work in the end? Instead, seek His abundant blessings in your life (that are all around you).

5.  We can struggle with pain, injury, disease, and suffering through out a lifetime. Death leaves us powerless because strength and courage cannot overcome it (as it has the final word).

6.  The Almighty is the only One that can lead us safely through the dark valley of death to the other side with his own brand of soothing reassurance.

7.  In Near Eastern culture, it was customary at a banquet to use aromatic oils as a cream to rub on guests. Hosts protected their visitors at all costs. God offers the protection an angelic host when our enemies surround us.





Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Living Delightfully

“Hallelujah! I give thanks to God with everything I’ve got. Wherever good people gather…” (Psalms 111:1, MSG)

1.  Affirm joy.

2.  Always look on the bright side


3.  Be you.

4.  Cultivate kindness.


5.  Eat vegetables.

6.  Flirt a little.

7.  Give something new a try.

8.  Greet each day with anticipation.


9.  Look for miracles.

10.     Love a lot.

11.     Remember, how loved you are.


12.     Pray mightily. (The Kinker’s add-on)


13.     Use your charm once a day

*Adapted from a Sunrise birthday card. Sunrise Greetings (www.sunrisegreetings.com) is the place where art meets life. This is where artists gather to inspire, refresh, and connect to customers (with their stories). 

Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Just a Thimble Full

June 2016 is Cancer Survivors Month at the James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute.* The motto during this month is “Hope Grows Here.”

During one’s lifetime, things can occur like relationship challenges, health issues, and employment changes. Often the smallest amount of hope can make an individual continue on in the most extreme circumstances, and feel cherished.

The scripture passage, I Corinthians 13:7(NLT), advises us Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.” (This part of the love chapter in the Bible often used in weddings.)

Hope comes in as many different varieties as there are people in the world. For some individuals hope comes in the form of a life-saving medical procedure. Still others get their source of optimism from family, friends, or a beloved pet. Physical activity (such as volunteering or exercising) can make many individuals see the positive part of life.

Often a person’s faith is the only thing that makes the challenges of life bearable at times. More specifically Psalms 119:43 (NIV) says this, “Never take the word of truth from my mouth, for I have put my hope in your laws.”

For many people, growing or receiving flowers (like the cheerful black-eyed Susan) become a symbol of encouragement (and hope).

We are all hopeful that our time here on Earth has been meaningful to someone. The reality of our brief years here is succinctly described in Job 14:2 (NIV): “We blossom like a flower and then wither. Like a passing shadow, we quickly disappear.”

Against other’s belief, I am not a supporter in the practice of past life regression because of Hebrews 9:27 (MSG) Everyone has to die once, then face the consequences. Christ’s death was also a one-time event, but it was a sacrifice that took care of sins forever. ”

 It is my conviction that this life is not a dress rehearsal (do-over) for several bad past lives (that you failed to learn from). I believe this is the only life the Almighty is going to provide you with. You need to make the most of it. When this life comes to an end, Heaven is next. Are you ready for an experience that is truly out of this world?


*This is where I received my cancer treatment in 2009 to 2010. I am thankful for the wonderful treatment I received, and to currently be in remission. 

Black-eyed Susans

Sunday, May 22, 2016

Workmanship

If you are part of the working class population, scripture has much to say about this area of your life.

1.  If you no longer feel valuable (and content) in your job, it may be time to look somewhere else for your employment satisfaction.

Maybe you feel you’re stuck there because of family responsibilities. That attitude of doesn’t cut it. We all make choices (throughout our life) with repercussions that can be either negative or positive. (Activate your decision-making skills now.)

2.  How can you be the best version of yourself (for family or friends) unless you performing what makes you truly passionate? (If you are a mom or dad, this is one profession that it is not an option to exit no matter how rough it gets. Parenting is a lifetime challenge that many people struggle with).

“I won’t set my eyes on anything worthless…” (Psalms 101:3, CEB)

3.  It’s difficult to find competent and hard workers that are willing to go above and beyond what is required of them to excel to true excellence. Ultimately (in any work situation), the true boss is not a human being, but God. (I Corinthians 10:31, Colossians 3:17)

Realistically, taking shortcuts with your job so you can do unauthorized, non-work related activities is the same as defacing property. Both are costly to correct. Guess which one is more socially acceptable? (Here’s a hint: it is not one that might involve spray paint.)

“Slack habits and sloppy work are as bad as vandalism.” (Proverbs 18:9, MSG)

You’ve probably met (or are aware of) the office drama busybody. That’s someone in the workplace who’s dramatically meddles in everyone’s personal business, and thus stirring up strife, which can cause rumors.

Don’t fall into that trap. Mind your own business, and do your own work. The only two reasons to get involved in someone else’s personal life are their safety is at risk, or they privately ask you too.

“Stay calm; mind your own business; do your own work…” (I Thessalonians 4:11, MSG)

4.  When you are succeeding in your job to upward employment mobility, be respectful of others you are passing by. (One day you may need their help.) Treat others as you would wish to be treated in the office. (Matthew 7:12)

“…don’t bother with those who climb the ladder, who elbow their way to the top.” (Psalms 37:7, MSG)

5.  How you look absolutely determines how well you do on your job. Dressing neatly and grooming appropriately gives you an air of dignity and intelligence to others (even if your internal emotions are not speaking that to your brain). Give it a try.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.” (Proverbs 31:25, NLT)

6.  God did not make you a robot. After years of intense work, your body needs adequate sleep at home, nightly time away from work and yearly breaks (or vacations) for your mental stability.

Even God took a day off at the conclusion of creation. If it good enough for our Heavenly Father, shouldn’t that be a clue to us all work-wise.

“On the seventh day God had finished His work of creation, so He rested from all His work.” (Genesis 2:2, NLT)

With the right effort in the office, you can become the Almighty’s workmanship to those around you as a masterpiece of exquisite technique, value (and beauty).

Luke 6:38 (MSG) gives us the solution to the effort needed to become like this. Does the verse below describe you? (If it doesn’t, what can you do to come in alignment with it?):

“Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back-given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”


P.S. You may also find the companion post “Guidance for Bosses” useful with this topic as well.


Friday, May 20, 2016

Stubborn

Throughout my life, obedience to any type of authority has been a struggle. It really doesn’t matter whether authority is God, a family member, an educator or spiritual leader (of any kind), a work boss, or anyone else that tries to tell me what to do.

Sometimes in a variety of situations; it’s all I can do to hold back this highly immature phrase (whether it’s true or not), “You’re not my boss. You can’t tell me what to do.”

Every time I read Genesis 22: 1-19, I cringe as a father. Abraham and Sarah were an older couple when their only biological child, a son named “Isaac,” was born. Though the Bible gives us no indication as to how old the participants in this story, God requested Abraham and Isaac travel to Mount Moriah to make a sacrifice to Him.

The twist in this story is Abraham knows God is asking him to sacrifice his only son, Isaac. I believe the Almighty was testing Abraham to see if his loyalty to Him was stronger than his desire to willingly give up fatherhood. Though the conclusion to this story is positive, read it for yourself (if you are un familiar with it).

I think the above situation was a man’s duty, I sincerely Sarah was not invited on the trip because the Heavenly Father (knew in His infinite wisdom) that this would be too great a test of faith for any mother. If Sarah knew God’s plan, I think she would have tried to stop it. (In the gospels, Mary, is required to sacrifice her son, Jesus, for the salvation of the world.)

Have you ever considered that Abraham was not the only one required to show obedience in this story? Isaac also had to be obedient as the sacrifice. Chances are Isaac could have overpowered his father in his old age to get off the altar if he’d chosen to.

Scripture does not indicate this happened. Instead verse nine of this account seems to indicate surrender to both the will of God and Abraham. It may be wrong of me to admit that if I had to choose between the Almighty and my child, I’m almost sure I would not make a divine choice. (This kind of absolute surrender to God is foreign to me.)

Being obedient to God in your life can happen in a variety of ways. It can take place…
1.   In your heart by loving the Almighty more than any relationship, activity, achievement, or possession.
2.   In your will by committing ourselves completely to the Almighty.
3.   In your mind by seeking to know the Almighty and His word, so His principles and values form the foundation of all we think and do.
4.   In your body by recognizing that our strengths, talents, and sexuality are given to us by the Almighty to be used for pleasure and fulfillment according to His rules, not ours.
5.   In your finances by deciding that all of the resources we have ultimately come from the Almighty, and that we are to be managers and not owners.
6.   In your future by deciding to make service to the Almighty and man, the main purpose of our life’s work.*

There are things in my personality that I need to surrender to the will of my Heavenly Father.  I Samuel 15:22(MSG) hits me between the eyes with it truth. It gives me a great idea of where I should start in submission of my stubborn will. I’ve got to ask you, “Does the verse below apply to you too?”

“Do you think all God wants are sacrifices-empty rituals just for show? He wants you to listen to Him! Plain listening is the thing, not staging a lavish religious production.”

*Adapted from the article, “Obedience,” from The Life Application Bible, New International Version edition.


Thursday, May 19, 2016

Chips Ahoy

That little 3" x 2" piece of plastic in your wallet is getting an upgrade. That’s right; your debit card is getting a face lift. Talk about plastic surgery! Honestly, most of us don’t give a lot of thought to how that debit card works on a daily basis. For years, we’ve just swiped the card, typed in our PIN number, and headed home with our stuff.

Beginning late in 2015, that process started to change. Banks and financial institutions began rolling out the new chip debit cards. These MasterCard and Visa cards look like the ones you’ve used for years—the same numbers, logos, security number on the back and magnetic strip. So what’s new?

The real difference with these new cards is the small computer chip embedded in the front just above the first set of numbers. That little metallic microchip allows your card to "talk" to the latest chip-enabled point-of-sale terminals at your favorite stores.

Why all the fuss about this little chip? The standard magnetic strip cards we typically use in the U.S. are based on a 50-year-old technology. The magnetic strip stores your name, account number, the card expiration date and the security code from the back of the card. If someone stole your card or even just swiped it through a card reader, all of that information could be used for illegal purposes and even full-blown identity theft.

The new EMV chip cards, however, have been used in Europe since 1994 as an attempt to battle the high rates of fraud and counterfeiting. EMV stands for Europay/MasterCard/Visa — these companies have worked together to implement new, more secure technology.

The card’s microchip creates a unique one-time-use code for each transaction. This makes the cards more difficult to counterfeit and makes them useless for onsite retail purchases if someone steals your card without knowing your PIN. It also prevents hackers from getting your account number in the event of a store’s data breach.

This has significantly reduced counterfeit card fraud, saving Europeans hundreds of millions of dollars. As a result, EMV chip cards have almost completely replaced the magnetic-strip cards in Europe and they’re gradually replacing them in Asia, South America, Canada and Mexico. In 2015, the U.S. started transitioning to the new EMV technology and has already seen a reduction in card fraud figures.1

It’s about data protection. You may think, “But I’m super careful with my card. Why do I have to jump through these new hoops?” Fair question. The problem is, though, that retailers may not be as careful with your personal information.

Take the recent Target data breach, for example. During the Christmas shopping season of 2013, hackers gained access to Target’s customer database. Over 60 million people had their personal information accessed including 40 million card numbers used by Target customers.2   That means all you had to do to put your personal information in jeopardy was buy one Christmas present using your debit card at Target.

If you were one of the victims, the good news is that Visa, MasterCard or the issuing bank was responsible for protecting you from fraudulent charges per their different protection plans.

That was bad news for the banks, because they were out tens of millions of dollars in losses from covering those charges. In the end, the banks sued Target, and Target agreed to a $39 million settlement with several U.S. banks to reimburse them for their losses.3

That was the last straw for the U.S. banks who were tired of being on the hook for fraudulent charges because of outdated card security. In response, they started revising their policies and security practices, looking to use the European EMV model here in the states.

Banks set a date of October 2015, and they encouraged American retailers to replace the outdated swipe-only card readers for the new chip-and-PIN terminals. That’s when things started getting confusing for all of us!


Who’s responsible for your protection? As of October 2015, the liability for card-present (a physical card used in a store) fraud shifted to whichever party is the least EMV-compliant at the time of the transaction. Three players could be liable:

1.  The retailer (where you shop)

2.  The card issuer (your local bank)

3.  The credit card company who backs the debit card (like Visa or MasterCard)

For example, if you use your debit card at a retail store that hasn’t updated its card terminal for the new chip-enabled security, the retailer is now responsible for any losses you incur if your personal data is stolen.

The card issuer figures they’ve done their job in making the new security systems available, so if the retailer doesn’t take advantage of them, they’re on the hook for any mishaps.

However, if the store has updated their payment technology and your information is hacked, the card issuer (backed by the credit card company) assumes responsibility just like they always have.

These kinds of Target-style data breaches shouldn’t happen anymore if you’re using a new chip-enabled debit card at a chip-enabled point-of-sale register.

The chip on your card doesn’t pass your actual card number to the retailer; instead, it creates a one-time-use number that’s only good for the transaction you’re making at that moment. Even if someone hacked the store’s database, your card number wouldn’t be on file, so you wouldn’t be in danger.

Online fraud is another matter. Since the new chip cards have an actual card number printed on them, that’s the number, you’d use to make purchases online.

So, if someone stole your card number, they could make fraudulent online purchases on your account. In that case, the card issuer (backed by the credit card company) is liable for any illegal charges.

This is the bottom line. Generally speaking, your debit card issuer (your bank) assumes the main responsibility for your account and it provides fraud and purchase protection backed by Visa and MasterCard.


Any debit charges you make are processed only by your bank—they aren’t processed through Visa or MasterCard whether you use your PIN at the point of sale or not.
If you file a fraud claim, though, the bank will probably check to see if the retailer bears the burden. That’s a fight between the bank and the retailer, however. On your end, the bank should refund any money lost due to fraud.

It’s also worth noting that this change is not the result of any new laws. There have been no new laws passed regarding chip-enabled cards. This is all coming from the banks trying to eliminate the fraud that costs them millions of dollars every year. The new EMV chip debit cards are the first step in that process.

The most confusing part of this transition is that we’re currently in the "messy middle" of the chip-card transition. European banks have fully transitioned, so their cards have no magnetic strip at all. American cards, however, have both the chip and a magnetic strip right now.

In a few years, American cards will also drop the magnetic strip and we’ll be fully transitioned. For now, though, not knowing when you should swipe or when you should insert the card into the chip reader is a pain, and there’s a good chance the clerk behind the counter won’t be informed enough to help you.

Knowing that, here are a few things to keep in mind during the chip-card conversion:

1.  If you’re using your chip debit card at a chip-enabled retailer, you probably won’t have the option of choosing "credit" at checkout. That’s good, though, because chip debit cards are much more secure when used with a PIN.

2.  If someone steals your physical card, they won’t be able to use it in a chip-enabled physical retail store unless they also know your PIN.


3.  Retailers are already supposed to have chip-enabled terminals in place, but gas stations have until late in 2017 to update their hardware.

4.  The microchip produces a unique one-time digital authentication code for each transaction when the card is verified with the user’s PIN. That means the retailer won’t even know your actual account or card number, meaning it can’t be hacked and stolen later.

Get in the habit of checking your account activity weekly to monitor transactions. As soon as you see something suspicious, call the bank that issued your debit card and alert them to possible fraud.

Many card issuers, as well as Visa and MasterCard, provide extra measures you can use to protect your card information when making online purchases. If you shop online often, check into that information.

Of course, the rules for chip debit cards are likely to change as the technology changes, so you should always check with your bank to see exactly what their policy is and how you can best protect yourself. 

In general, you should have confidence when using your EMV chip debit cards because they provide the most secure transaction when used in combination with your PIN.

*Adapted from the article, “Chip Debit Cards: What You Need to Know,” by Dave Ramsey

1 Charisse Jones, "Visa: Some Merchants See Dip in Fraud Thanks to Chip Cards," USA TODAY, April 19, 2016.

2 Eric Dezenhall, 
"A Look Back at the Target Breach," Huffpost Business, June 6, 2015.


3 Ahiza Garcia, 
"Target Settles for $39 Million Over Data Breach," CNN Money, December 2, 2015.




Everything

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