Okay, this analogy hits home with me....a hairdryer, a flat iron, a curling iron and a coffeemaker. Yes, I have all four of these items plugged in during the morning hours; today included.
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness" II Cor. 12:9
After a couple of days of driving back and forth to Spirit West Coast...I am feeling a tad weak, not my usual self. Yes, the coffee helps but when I took the time yesterday to really meditate on His words for me; for the day--plugging into Him, resting in His arms for a few hours; I was able to walk in peace for the remainder of the day. I NEEDED Jesus to direct my words for His purpose in a specific situation. I'm so thankful he continues to make Himself known in new and mysterious ways. His word is alive and active.
John 15 has long been a favorite chapter for me. God alone is my source. Not my husband, not my children, my job, my parents, my extended family, friends, Bible Study group, my church...no-- God and God alone. When I am connected to Him through the Holy Spirit life is AMAZING! Scary things come and go...dark places can try to engulf me....but the Holy Spirit surges with just the right amount of energy and at just the perfect time to work through the circumstances.
Recently, I had a group of ladies stay for a Design4Living Conference. When you have approx. 20 women needing to get ready for their day.....Hello! Power failure crisis! I'm so thankful that God's circuit breaker never trips. He has more than enough Power, we simply need to be completely plugged in.
Debbie lists wonderfully practical ways we can stay plugged in on pg. 93. Jesus is the Vine, I am the branch and I desire to bear much fruit. I MUST stay connected....apart from Him I can do nothing, except shrivel up; no fruit.
Today's Truth is speaking to me......
The grape vines in our backyard are developing large clusters of fruit--slowly plumping up, week by week. If I were to accidentally break off a branch as I was carelessly walking by, it would slowly wither and the fruit would not continue to grow. The fruit would gradually shrivel up. It wouldn't even make good raisins because there wouldn't be enough sugar content in the existing fruit. The branch would wither and there would NOT be any friuit. Sometimes we carelessly get in the way of the "Vine's" divine plan and "accidentally" knock off our branches before the harvest is ready. It can really mess up the plan. Thankfully, God will use his Vinedresser skills; prune us, redirect our growth and in DUE SEASON (another season-because our current season continues without us bearing fruit--OUCH!) WE WILL BEAR FRUIT. This time we WILL submit to the Vine and His skills/purpose and we will bear much fruit...in another season.
God is asking me to.....
Relax. Stay attached to Him--GROW! I am to allow His touch to trim and redirect and stretch the trellises so there will be a bountiful harvest. Keywords: Relax and stretch....I can't stretch unless I relax.
My challenge is to...
Relax...I can get wound up. Blessing and curse? Oh, RELAX IN HIM...ya, that's the ticket.
Continue to intercede; stand firm in my boundaries and live my life with intentional purpose and distinction of the Holy Spirit. Flipping the switch with the POWER SOURCE connected! I have to at least "Flip the Switch". What is your part today?
Peace be your today,
~Shauna
Monday, August 8, 2011
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Day 7--The Power of God
Good afternoon Ladies,
Today's blog is about the Power of God: Daring to believe in God's Power in All Circumstances.
I think my pages stuck together yesterday while at Spirit West Coast. So there might be cross over between the two days.
During the last two days I was privileged to see God's power displayed in amazing ways. Last night as the fog and mist were enveloping the Monterey hills and Toby Mac was leading the crowd in "Jesus Freak" songs I saw thousands of people worshipping their Creator. It was simple...the vision of God's plan --purpose was being cast within our hearts and minds. You could sense the praise rising to the heavens. Amazing! People from all different lifestyles, socio-economic backgrounds and religious beliefs. I am so glad he is powerful in all circumstances-all lives; if we allow him.
As Debbie mentioned on pg.87 "Paul cast the vision of truth out to them, that they would be truly be different because of Christ and that those alive in Christ they could walk in all the good things God had prepared for them. This is what it means to live in God's design for our lives, and in doing so with the assurance of his power at work in us rather than the flimsy notion that we can become strong enough for the task."
Today's truth is speaking to me.... To be available for His power to engage my Life, flow through my life and celebrate Him changing lives in His Power in others. Allowing complete access for His Power challenges us. Paul was up for the challenge, am I?
God is asking me to.... Allow Him access--so He can flip the Power switch to eliminate all darkness and be SHINE (be glorified).
My challenge is to....to truly surrender His amazing power daily...living in His power as if there is no tomorrow. Sharing His amazing power continually without holding back because I am worried about what others think. Reminding myself....Jesus is calling those He knows will be faithful to love Him with their whole heart. He's given me His power, what am I doing with it? What are we doing with the Power of God in our lives?
Today's blog is about the Power of God: Daring to believe in God's Power in All Circumstances.
I think my pages stuck together yesterday while at Spirit West Coast. So there might be cross over between the two days.
During the last two days I was privileged to see God's power displayed in amazing ways. Last night as the fog and mist were enveloping the Monterey hills and Toby Mac was leading the crowd in "Jesus Freak" songs I saw thousands of people worshipping their Creator. It was simple...the vision of God's plan --purpose was being cast within our hearts and minds. You could sense the praise rising to the heavens. Amazing! People from all different lifestyles, socio-economic backgrounds and religious beliefs. I am so glad he is powerful in all circumstances-all lives; if we allow him.
As Debbie mentioned on pg.87 "Paul cast the vision of truth out to them, that they would be truly be different because of Christ and that those alive in Christ they could walk in all the good things God had prepared for them. This is what it means to live in God's design for our lives, and in doing so with the assurance of his power at work in us rather than the flimsy notion that we can become strong enough for the task."
Today's truth is speaking to me.... To be available for His power to engage my Life, flow through my life and celebrate Him changing lives in His Power in others. Allowing complete access for His Power challenges us. Paul was up for the challenge, am I?
God is asking me to.... Allow Him access--so He can flip the Power switch to eliminate all darkness and be SHINE (be glorified).
My challenge is to....to truly surrender His amazing power daily...living in His power as if there is no tomorrow. Sharing His amazing power continually without holding back because I am worried about what others think. Reminding myself....Jesus is calling those He knows will be faithful to love Him with their whole heart. He's given me His power, what am I doing with it? What are we doing with the Power of God in our lives?
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Day 6--Transformed Lives
Hola from Spirit West Coast!
Connected in the wi-fi tent...via my VP of Logistics...I think I will need to give him a raise!
The sun is finally coming out from behind the clouds. The "Afters" just finished on the K-Love stage. A big shout out to Andrea!! Thank you for making wonderful memories. We pray many blessings for K-Love for serving Christ while He "Transforms Lives".
Power is an amazing force.....with power I am finally connected to the world outside of this tent. It is invisible to the naked eye in most cases--often taken for granted. This can often be the case with the power of God too. The question is: when we think we aren't able to 'see God at work' do we automatically kick into our .....in my own power mode? God gives His power to ALL Christians, no matter what their calling in life. P. 86
P. 87 is full of wonderful truths. I agree with Debbie when she states, "Life gets exciting when we realize that a resurrection took place within us when we became Christ's, and now we ARE filled with the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:18-20 Yes!!!
The list on pg. 88 is a quick reference....it is endless when you begin to reference with the Holy Spirit.
Our lives DO fit into His bigger picture. The DARE: to believe in God's power in ALL circumstances.
As I sit here with multiple bands singing out about Jesus...to different styles, loud, talking, computers, etc...it is taking a lot of concentration to know God is going to work through this crazy day, this blog getting out. But through HIS POWER, the energy within this computer, this sphere moves, rapidly to make it to your input. To remind you this day, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you can ever think, hope or ask for.
Today's Truth is speaking to me....
Remembering that God has already planned the good work He desires me to do. I need to work as if I believe it!! Walk it out....walk it out! Walk it out as Shauna Brynildson; not as someone's wife, someone's step-mom/mom, daughter, but to the fullest of God's plan.
God's asking me to....
Step up and use ALL of the tools He has given me. Not to shy away from them.
My Challenge is to....
Be completely sold out to the power of God opening doors....saddle up your horses! (That's for you Cheryl!) Let's go girlfriend!
Signing out from Spirit West Coast....Thanking the Lord for this day He has made. The day I am able to sit next to my brother at Spirit West Coast with his wife and daughters. Only God opens those doors!
Keep believing!
Connected in the wi-fi tent...via my VP of Logistics...I think I will need to give him a raise!
The sun is finally coming out from behind the clouds. The "Afters" just finished on the K-Love stage. A big shout out to Andrea!! Thank you for making wonderful memories. We pray many blessings for K-Love for serving Christ while He "Transforms Lives".
Power is an amazing force.....with power I am finally connected to the world outside of this tent. It is invisible to the naked eye in most cases--often taken for granted. This can often be the case with the power of God too. The question is: when we think we aren't able to 'see God at work' do we automatically kick into our .....in my own power mode? God gives His power to ALL Christians, no matter what their calling in life. P. 86
P. 87 is full of wonderful truths. I agree with Debbie when she states, "Life gets exciting when we realize that a resurrection took place within us when we became Christ's, and now we ARE filled with the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:18-20 Yes!!!
The list on pg. 88 is a quick reference....it is endless when you begin to reference with the Holy Spirit.
Our lives DO fit into His bigger picture. The DARE: to believe in God's power in ALL circumstances.
As I sit here with multiple bands singing out about Jesus...to different styles, loud, talking, computers, etc...it is taking a lot of concentration to know God is going to work through this crazy day, this blog getting out. But through HIS POWER, the energy within this computer, this sphere moves, rapidly to make it to your input. To remind you this day, He is able to do exceedingly abundantly more than you can ever think, hope or ask for.
Today's Truth is speaking to me....
Remembering that God has already planned the good work He desires me to do. I need to work as if I believe it!! Walk it out....walk it out! Walk it out as Shauna Brynildson; not as someone's wife, someone's step-mom/mom, daughter, but to the fullest of God's plan.
God's asking me to....
Step up and use ALL of the tools He has given me. Not to shy away from them.
My Challenge is to....
Be completely sold out to the power of God opening doors....saddle up your horses! (That's for you Cheryl!) Let's go girlfriend!
Signing out from Spirit West Coast....Thanking the Lord for this day He has made. The day I am able to sit next to my brother at Spirit West Coast with his wife and daughters. Only God opens those doors!
Keep believing!
Friday, August 5, 2011
Day 5--Not Conformed to the World
Another day in this world that God created for us. Sometimes I ponder the messes around us and think "am I in this mess, did I cause this mess, or is/could this really part of God's plan to draw us closer to Him?" Yesterday was the biggest dip the stock market has seen since 2008-ouch! These situations affect real people and their lives, businesses, etc... Things will come and go---there will be ups and downs in our lives. But God's a constant we can hold onto. Romans 11: 36, "For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever! Amen." These are interesting days we are living in. It is going to require us to commit and sacrifice ourselves wholeheartedly to the Lord. He desires fellowship with all of us....not little increments.
On pg. 71, it states, "The world teaches us we can have it all, be it all, and experience it all. If being independent and liberated is so wonderful, why are we a culture of depressed and disappointed women?"
Further down the page....."When there isn't room for God, we live conformed to our culture, aligned to the world."
"We are to stay CONNECTED to the power of God because it will help us SURRENDER our all to a God who is bigger and more powerful than any power we have ever known--and who is more LOVING than any love we could imagine. When we get down to details, part of this sacrificial life involves OFFERING our physical selves to God--that means our bodies and all their faculties." pg. 75
Ok, this is a challenge for me. So I don't have to reflect very long on this one. I know my weak spots here and am faced with them again. I need God to help me "just do it".
Today's challenge is speaking to me:
Staying true to God and myself. SURRENDER it all and leave it there at the alter. No taking it back.
God is asking me to.... Do IT without excuses. He is my strength and desire. I need to be healthy so I can go to the next level of serving my family and friends---healthy habits are important witness experiences too.
My challenge is to.....Be consistent in my commitment to healthy habits; both physical and spiritual. With God there is no separation of two sectors. With Him; it is all one.....being conformed into one world--His image--His purpose.
So, here we go....off to Spirt West Coast. Lord I surrender my day to you...have your way!
On pg. 71, it states, "The world teaches us we can have it all, be it all, and experience it all. If being independent and liberated is so wonderful, why are we a culture of depressed and disappointed women?"
Further down the page....."When there isn't room for God, we live conformed to our culture, aligned to the world."
"We are to stay CONNECTED to the power of God because it will help us SURRENDER our all to a God who is bigger and more powerful than any power we have ever known--and who is more LOVING than any love we could imagine. When we get down to details, part of this sacrificial life involves OFFERING our physical selves to God--that means our bodies and all their faculties." pg. 75
Ok, this is a challenge for me. So I don't have to reflect very long on this one. I know my weak spots here and am faced with them again. I need God to help me "just do it".
Today's challenge is speaking to me:
Staying true to God and myself. SURRENDER it all and leave it there at the alter. No taking it back.
God is asking me to.... Do IT without excuses. He is my strength and desire. I need to be healthy so I can go to the next level of serving my family and friends---healthy habits are important witness experiences too.
My challenge is to.....Be consistent in my commitment to healthy habits; both physical and spiritual. With God there is no separation of two sectors. With Him; it is all one.....being conformed into one world--His image--His purpose.
So, here we go....off to Spirt West Coast. Lord I surrender my day to you...have your way!
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Day 4--Dare to Live Like You Belong to God
While reading today's dare a vivid childhood memory flooded my thoughts. I was approx. 9 yrs. old and can recall the location, the smells and activity around me. The Presence of God, the reality of his supernatural touch in my heart, mind and body were overwhelming. He made Himself known to my very core. He gave me amazing thoughts of hope, love and desire for all people to know Him in that manner.
I quickly knew that this wasn't happening to everyone in my family or friend's lives. My sister kept telling me to be quiet, because I was crying out to God in joy as well as the sorrow of those who reject his love. I didn't know it at the time, but I was living out the hunger for worshipping in spirit and truth with my Creator. It was simple, pure and I was enveloped by His Presence. I was daring to live like I belonged to God.
But through the life experiences; the tug-of-war for my soul, I somehow lost the purity of worshipping like I truly belonged to God. I transitioned into a human-pleaser vs. a God lover. Why? By my own selfish-soulish desires to gratify the lusts of the flesh. We all have them, they may be wrapped in different wrapping paper...a detour of our sinful nature. But God knows our heart's desire to be free from the cares of this world---He alone is our Redeemer. So, slowly but surely I took steps--some small, some leaps of faith to draw closer to My Redeemer, My Creator, My Jesus once again.....acknowledging that I am His and He is mine. Actually living like I belong to Him....with thanksgiving, gratitude and desiring to share the Truth/Love of Christ with others.
Page 68 lists ideas/examples of living a life as if we REALLY belong to God.
Today's dare is speaking to me....Remember that every day is another opportunity! If I'm not hitting the target one day....God's mercies are new every morning....I am so grateful! I need all the mercy He has to give.
God is asking me to.... Continue to make strides forward in His truths: I am His and He is mine.
'Lifestyle surrender'....deep calling unto deep and celebrating the disciplines of
faith.
My challenge is to.....Stay softened to Him.pliable in this process. Dying to my flesh. Allowing/Letting
the Holy Spirit to flood my soul.
Yesterday's action to the challenge was to find something you can do to lavish love on another person in a practical way. I loved how God allowed this to happen. The seeds that were planted many years ago, grew into a vine, which was planted in our backyard. The vine was nurtured, pruned, watered....eventually in due season grew grapes that were harvested. Then the fruit was stretched even further by making jelly. Although the jelly was made last year, the jelly was able to be shared yesterday and spread on bread today for our sustenance. I'm reminded again, that IF I live like I belong to God--no matter the mess ups, He will cultivate me....nurture my heart, stretch my faith from seeds planted years ago in order to draw others closer to Him in Spirit and Truth. I'm so thankful God is my Redeemer.
I pray blessings on your day,
Shauna
I quickly knew that this wasn't happening to everyone in my family or friend's lives. My sister kept telling me to be quiet, because I was crying out to God in joy as well as the sorrow of those who reject his love. I didn't know it at the time, but I was living out the hunger for worshipping in spirit and truth with my Creator. It was simple, pure and I was enveloped by His Presence. I was daring to live like I belonged to God.
But through the life experiences; the tug-of-war for my soul, I somehow lost the purity of worshipping like I truly belonged to God. I transitioned into a human-pleaser vs. a God lover. Why? By my own selfish-soulish desires to gratify the lusts of the flesh. We all have them, they may be wrapped in different wrapping paper...a detour of our sinful nature. But God knows our heart's desire to be free from the cares of this world---He alone is our Redeemer. So, slowly but surely I took steps--some small, some leaps of faith to draw closer to My Redeemer, My Creator, My Jesus once again.....acknowledging that I am His and He is mine. Actually living like I belong to Him....with thanksgiving, gratitude and desiring to share the Truth/Love of Christ with others.
Page 68 lists ideas/examples of living a life as if we REALLY belong to God.
Today's dare is speaking to me....Remember that every day is another opportunity! If I'm not hitting the target one day....God's mercies are new every morning....I am so grateful! I need all the mercy He has to give.
God is asking me to.... Continue to make strides forward in His truths: I am His and He is mine.
'Lifestyle surrender'....deep calling unto deep and celebrating the disciplines of
faith.
My challenge is to.....Stay softened to Him.pliable in this process. Dying to my flesh. Allowing/Letting
the Holy Spirit to flood my soul.
Yesterday's action to the challenge was to find something you can do to lavish love on another person in a practical way. I loved how God allowed this to happen. The seeds that were planted many years ago, grew into a vine, which was planted in our backyard. The vine was nurtured, pruned, watered....eventually in due season grew grapes that were harvested. Then the fruit was stretched even further by making jelly. Although the jelly was made last year, the jelly was able to be shared yesterday and spread on bread today for our sustenance. I'm reminded again, that IF I live like I belong to God--no matter the mess ups, He will cultivate me....nurture my heart, stretch my faith from seeds planted years ago in order to draw others closer to Him in Spirit and Truth. I'm so thankful God is my Redeemer.
I pray blessings on your day,
Shauna
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Day 3--Living Loved
Good morning Ladies!
This dare is one that I have spent many years "getting into my mind, body and spirit". Through life experiences I too had heard words of discouragement/judgement about being a "not-enough girl",pg.60. But the reminder of walking in the freedom of God's love for me, my family, my friends, this world rev's me up!
When I finally accepted what Jesus was lavishly bestowing upon me---WOW!
The items of "dare" are powerful for this day. We could camp here for weeks. Day by day, let's challenge ourselves to walk out this living. Which item are you going to do today? I am going to do #4. with my bible study group tonight.
Truth speaking to me:
*Attitude of gratitude throughout my day.
*Living like I am the King's daughter of love, joy and graciousness.
*Receive everything God has for me through His love... today.
God is asking me to:
*Love intentionally, even when people push me away...never give up on the power of Jesus' love.
My challenge is to:
*Let go of the "unlovable labels" others have placed on me. I will "DELETE....DELETE....DELETE", those words. I will walk in the fullness of God's grace and mercy, extending the hand of love. I will DARE TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY by LIVING LIKE I AM LOVED.
This dare is one that I have spent many years "getting into my mind, body and spirit". Through life experiences I too had heard words of discouragement/judgement about being a "not-enough girl",pg.60. But the reminder of walking in the freedom of God's love for me, my family, my friends, this world rev's me up!
When I finally accepted what Jesus was lavishly bestowing upon me---WOW!
The items of "dare" are powerful for this day. We could camp here for weeks. Day by day, let's challenge ourselves to walk out this living. Which item are you going to do today? I am going to do #4. with my bible study group tonight.
Truth speaking to me:
*Attitude of gratitude throughout my day.
*Living like I am the King's daughter of love, joy and graciousness.
*Receive everything God has for me through His love... today.
God is asking me to:
*Love intentionally, even when people push me away...never give up on the power of Jesus' love.
My challenge is to:
*Let go of the "unlovable labels" others have placed on me. I will "DELETE....DELETE....DELETE", those words. I will walk in the fullness of God's grace and mercy, extending the hand of love. I will DARE TO LIVE DIFFERENTLY by LIVING LIKE I AM LOVED.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Day 2
Ok-- Day 1 accidentally posted under comments.
DAY 2: Follow the Leader Dare to Pay Attention to God's Lead
On pg. 53, "It's easy to do things that come naturally to us. But it's not so easy to lay down our wil and follow God into areas that are difficult or unnatural to our reasoning, feelings, or habitual ways of living."
This hit home with me today. As I am leaving for some lab work for more screening to be a donor for a bone marrow recipient I am reminded how it is more natural to say, someone else is better suited for this. Really God, you have matched my chemical make-up to share with another? It took an unction last summer to participant with Be The Match Foundation from a young child in our church who needed a transplant match. It wasn't a match there but today I will be one step closer to share a very intricate part of who God create me to be, with another woman. The point is it took a step--forward motion, to pay attention to God's lead last summer. The opportunity wouldn't have been there, if two years ago I hadn't of responded to an e-Harmony match with my husband Mark. Which led me to resend my Wyoming Teaching Credential application process-yes, I was on my way to Wyoming when Mark and I met. Ok, you can stop laughing now. I have lived on a farm-Green Acres Darling. If I hadn't of listen to the leading of the Lord and taken that leap of FAITH--( believe me it was), to stay in CA and marry Mark and relocate to Livermore and attend a new church and act on the nudge to participate in Be The Match, I would not be where I am this morning. There has been so much in between it blows my mind, but God's leading has led to some amazing growth, friendship, heartache/healing, stretching, knowledge and TRUSTin Him. God's ways are not man's ways.
Pg. 27, "Faith is....living in confident trust and certainty that God is who he says he is. It is living what God's Word says about his ways rather than what my eyes, senses, or emotions say about each situation, circumstance, and daily challenge in this life." I desire to live out THIS life: a life of FAITH.
Pg. 56, The top paragraph listed 5 basic questions-check them out. I asked the Lord "What are you asking me to do today?" I read some scripture, I thought about the truth there, waited on the Holy Spirit to penetrate my impatience and I then heard a still small voice. "do not grow weary, for in due season you shall reap a harvest." God is faithful to complete that which HE has started.
So lead us this day that you have made Lord....help us be obedient to your leading no matter what it looks like on the outside appearances. We want to serve you Lord with our whole heart.
So--off to the lab I go!
Blessings,
~Shauna
DAY 2: Follow the Leader Dare to Pay Attention to God's Lead
On pg. 53, "It's easy to do things that come naturally to us. But it's not so easy to lay down our wil and follow God into areas that are difficult or unnatural to our reasoning, feelings, or habitual ways of living."
This hit home with me today. As I am leaving for some lab work for more screening to be a donor for a bone marrow recipient I am reminded how it is more natural to say, someone else is better suited for this. Really God, you have matched my chemical make-up to share with another? It took an unction last summer to participant with Be The Match Foundation from a young child in our church who needed a transplant match. It wasn't a match there but today I will be one step closer to share a very intricate part of who God create me to be, with another woman. The point is it took a step--forward motion, to pay attention to God's lead last summer. The opportunity wouldn't have been there, if two years ago I hadn't of responded to an e-Harmony match with my husband Mark. Which led me to resend my Wyoming Teaching Credential application process-yes, I was on my way to Wyoming when Mark and I met. Ok, you can stop laughing now. I have lived on a farm-Green Acres Darling. If I hadn't of listen to the leading of the Lord and taken that leap of FAITH--( believe me it was), to stay in CA and marry Mark and relocate to Livermore and attend a new church and act on the nudge to participate in Be The Match, I would not be where I am this morning. There has been so much in between it blows my mind, but God's leading has led to some amazing growth, friendship, heartache/healing, stretching, knowledge and TRUSTin Him. God's ways are not man's ways.
Pg. 27, "Faith is....living in confident trust and certainty that God is who he says he is. It is living what God's Word says about his ways rather than what my eyes, senses, or emotions say about each situation, circumstance, and daily challenge in this life." I desire to live out THIS life: a life of FAITH.
Pg. 56, The top paragraph listed 5 basic questions-check them out. I asked the Lord "What are you asking me to do today?" I read some scripture, I thought about the truth there, waited on the Holy Spirit to penetrate my impatience and I then heard a still small voice. "do not grow weary, for in due season you shall reap a harvest." God is faithful to complete that which HE has started.
So lead us this day that you have made Lord....help us be obedient to your leading no matter what it looks like on the outside appearances. We want to serve you Lord with our whole heart.
So--off to the lab I go!
Blessings,
~Shauna
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