Exercise

Exercise is an integral to our well being. If we don’t exercise our health will suffer, if our health suffers, our family suffers. Keep yourself on track by exercising a few days a week. Previously, I wrote an article about creating a home gym, an inexpensive way to stay fit without draining your bank account. Try exercising when you are stressed you’ll be surprised at how much better you’ll feel after a good run or workout. My tips for exercising:

• Take a brisk walk during lunch or after dinner.
• Squat while doing the dishes, this is great for your thighs.
• Lift arm weights while watching television and be pleasantly surprised at how quick they become sculpted.
• Try activities such as gardening, biking or swimming.

Eat Well

I can’t tell you how often I get tempted to order a pizza after a long day at work, but I always feel better when I don’t. Eating well gives you energy and keeps your body in good shape. When you cook at home you’ll most likely eat healthier. Stay away from junk food that lowers your energy level and keeps you feeling sluggish. When you are stressed the worst thing to do is overload on food of no nutritional value. Here are my tips for eating well:

• Buy fresh fruit and vegetables and put them in baggies so they are ready to snack on at work or while running errands.
• Invest in a slow cooker and let a nutritious meal cook itself during the day. Coming home to a cooked meal gives you free time in the evening to decompress.
• Plan your meals for the week. You will be less likely to order that pizza.
• Take your vitamins!

Take a Time Out

Life can beat you up! When the kids are misbehaving, work is overwhelming, and everything seems out of control one of the best things you can do is take a time out. Diffuse the situation by walking away and spending time breathing and relaxing. Don’t be ashamed to tell your kids, “Mommy needs a time out.” It is better to walk away than lash out in anger. Here are some suggestions for getting away from it all:

• Take a drive or sit in the car and listen to music.
• Go to the coffee shop and grab a latte or browse in a bookstore.
• Find a quiet room and slowly breathe in and out for 5-10 minutes.

Find a Hobby

When we become mothers our life doesn’t stop. We should continue to grow as an individual and nurture our creative interests. Find something you like to do and do it. Don’t lose yourself so completely in motherhood that you have no interests of our own except your children. I have been guilty of this, but I’ve discovered that I am a better mother when I am fueling my creative fire. Here are some ideas:

• Check out classes in your city that are inexpensive and convenient.
• Convince a friend to try something new with you, for example take an art class together.

Take Time for Beauty

If you look good you feel good. Take time to pamper yourself you deserve it! When Anya is with her father one night a week I take time to fill up a bubble bath, give myself a facial, and do body maintenance. I feel great afterward! You don’t have to run around in sweat pants every day, pulling yourself together gives you confidence and it is a great mood booster. Here are some inexpensive beauty ideas:

• Relax in bubble bath, light candles listen to music or just close your eyes and relax.
• Give yourself an inexpensive pedicure/manicure at home if you can’t afford a spa. All you need is a basin, some oils, nail clippers, a filer, moisturizing lotion, nail polish, foot scrubber, and a pair of comfy spa socks.
• Get your hair cut, your eyebrows waxed, and buy a new dress if you really want to indulge.

Nurture Your Spirit

When you are stressed the biggest stress reliever is turning to God. When you feel unappreciated and like the world is working against you, it is time to pray. As a single mom God has truly been my partner on this journey. Whenever I feel like I am heading toward dangerous water I turn to my father. Read the Bible and spiritual literature to enrich your spirit. Without God we can’t be effective mothers or women so always turn to God in good and bad times. Boost your spiritual life by:

• Keeping inspirational bible verses in your desk at work.
• Praying daily and keep a prayer journal.
• Creating a prayer hot line with your friends.

We all have days when it all seems too much. The key is learning how to respond to stress. Figure out what puts you at ease. Whatever makes you feel better as long as it isn’t destructive I encourage you to do it. Moms aren’t machines. We must take care of our physical, spiritual, and mental well being if we plan on being healthy and productive mothers. Take care of yourself so you can take care of your family.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Related Topics:

1. Save Money, Skip the Gym & Work Out at Home
2. Nourshing Your Temple In The Comfort Of Your Home
3. The Perfect Combination

1. Make a to-do list before going to bed each night. Write out everything you need to do for your business on one side of the paper and everything you need to do for your family on the other.
2. Take 10 minutes and write out your menu for the next week. Believe me when I tell you how much time & money this will save you! I love looking at my menu posted on the refrigerator each day and knowing exactly what we’re having for lunch/dinner and that all the ingredients are bought and ready to go. This saves me time that I can spend on my business and/or with my family.
3. Before you start checking off your to-do tasks the next morning, commit your work to the Lord and ask Him to bless your efforts.
4. Visit Heartlight.org and have a scripture e-mailed to you each morning. I love to see this special little Word from God show up in my e-mail each morning. It stays in my inbox all day and I can meditate on this verse throughout the day.
5. Create a “Power Hour” each day where you completely limit distractions. If you have young children, do this during nap time (or “rest time” as we call it at my house). Turn your phones off and set the timer for 60 minutes. Now see how many tasks you can complete in that 60 minute time frame. You’ll be amazed at how this turns into a “race against the clock!” It provides just enough momentum for me to work hard, work fast, and work well!

May the favor of the Lord our God rest upon us; establish the work of our hands for us—yes, establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 NIV

Until Next Time…

MariLee
Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

Related Topics:

1. Faith and Business 101: Holiday Helps For You and Your Mom Business – Part 1
2. Faith and Business 101: Holiday Helps for You and Your Mom Business – Part 2
3. Faith and Business 101: Christmas Vacation

This Friday (03/05/10) will be my birthday…which one? Well, let’s not worry about details…LOL! Anyway, I have done a lot of reflecting and at the end of 2009 was mostly depressed at the place I am in life.

Ungrateful? No.

Unsatisfied? Maybe.

Ready for Change? YES!

I have spent far too much time wishing, hoping and wanting in my life. I feel like it is now a season of doing and accepting. That is a very hard place to come to for someone like me. I have really struggled with this. I am by no means even completely in agreement with what must be. LOL! However, I DO know without any doubt that I MUST accept the life I have been given and where I am at in this journey. If I do not do this then not only will I lose my mind, I will also leave my children with a poor legacy, and I will be unable to reach the women and Mothers of this world in the way God has intended.

You see, my whole life has been one big “why me” fest. I have been angry about all the horrible things that happened to me and I have been unable to really move forward in some areas of my life because of this. I have shared my testimony from time to time and will share a little now…

Since I was about born my life has been in turmoil. I suffered years of molestation that started in toddler-hood and went on through my pre-teens…I was molested by a step sister up until age 6 and by my step brother as a preteen. I was also molested by various strangers…some of which I blocked out up until my 20’s.

I also grew up with an alcoholic father and a Mother who was unable to be a proper Mother and moved us around way too often. I was homeless many times as a child and lived in the car, missions and anywhere my Mother could finagle.  My entire childhood was spent not really knowing where my next bed would be, and never really building lasting friendships. There was a lot of pain and abuse. I was also tormented at school. I just never had an escape.

Puberty was even more fun. I was molested by a step brother, lost my virginity to rape, was still in poverty, lived with several strange people, lived in a children’s home for a bit, then met Rob, my husband.

We had a turbulent relationship from the beginning. There were parties, drugs, and lots of alcohol. I soon became addicted to drugs. Then came an unplanned pregnancy when I was 18. Of course, I kept the baby…I immediately stopped all drugs, alcohol, and even caffeine!

Had the baby…now my wonderful, beautiful, funny, strong, and fabulous teenage daughter.

We did not marry right away. When she was about 14 months, I started to watch Christian TV. You see, I went to church on and off as a kid and asked Jesus into my heart when I was 8. I always knew Jesus loved me…but I never really knew more than that. So, I wanted more than TV now…Rob and I started to go to church. We got married after 5 years together.

Things went good for a bit…then we began to have problems and eventually stopped going to church and separated. During our separation Rob had a relationship with another woman and was doing hard core drugs with her on a daily basis. I was hanging out with a bad crowd and doing drugs frequently as well…all along wanting to have a happy life.

Somehow, we got back together after a year and a half apart.

We continued to do drugs. The woman he was involved with continued to call him for two years on and off….which did NOT do good for our marriage. We did drugs together now…again. We had a LOT to deal with. We wanted to break free. However, we had such a friendly dealer…he would front us our drugs each week and we would get further and further behind. We racked up credit card bills and wasted all our money on drugs.

After MUCH struggle, we eventually broke free…and things were good for a while…We started going to church and had our happy little church faces on. I was never really me…

Then, I suffered a miscarriage. I was devastated. A terrible sadness overcame me and I had to stifle it because as many would say; “at least you did not know…’it’….” Hmmm… no one really understands how a miscarriage feels unless they have been through it. No, I did not meet the child, however, it was a living being inside of me and loved for almost 4 months. I did what all good Christians do though and put on my praise the Lord and glory be His name face….

Eventually the face got too hard to keep up and I wanted to dig deeper with my Daddy God. As I did this, I lost most of my Christian friends…I literally became friendless for several years and just poured myself into Moms of Faith.

About 2 years ago, and another precious daughter in my life, God began to bring friendships back again…friends that accepted me as me. Loved the honest outspoken me. Loved my bubbly personality and wanted to know ME! I was thrilled…for a little while…

Then, around summer of 2009 I became sad again…I began to see all that I did not have and all that I missed out on in life as a child and as an adult. I began to dwell…and dwell and dwell. It got to the point where I was literally fed up with being a Christian at all.

Why Me??

It became my theme song. I was consumed with what ifs and whys.

It got so bad I withdrew and began to get angry with God and the life He chose for me. After a few months of this, I managed to pull myself back up and get back in church and try again…

That was in January…here we are in March. Did I have a revelation? Not really. I just came to my “aha” moment. Obviously my childhood sucked…however, there are MANY who have been through worse and still are going through worse times than I am. Please do not think I want or even need your pity. I am making a point here. You see, I “thought” I had come to terms with my life and past. I “thought” I was over all the pain and hurts of the past.

I thought wrong.

The reality is, life stinks sometimes…even a lot of the time. My life was no picnic and my marriage may never be what I dreamed and I may never get my own home or to travel or forget the pain of yesteryear’s. However, I CAN choose to live in this moment. I have JUST now discovered that all I am is who I was meant to be and all that I have endured has brought me to this moment. A moment in time that I can embrace and live with passion…not looking back but pressing on to the goal and the prize of an eternity with Jesus.

Have I completely gotten this into my thick skull? Er…no…BUT…I DO believe that every day God helps me get a little bit closer to believing it and to believing I am chosen and not just a step child in the Kingdom of God. I DO believe that ONE DAY I WILL truly embrace what He is trying to teach me.

I want to close this post by saying THANK YOU to my Daddy God for allowing me to be a Mother to two of the most precious daughters on earth and that I am ABLE to be to them what was never given to me! THAT is the best birthday present of all!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

Related Topics:

1. Instilling the Gift of Forgiveness in Our Children
2. Incorporate Bible Study Into Your Family’s Daily Life
3. Teaching Your Children Through Your Shortcomings

Enough was enough! I whip my head around and decide to face these giggle boxes head on. I ask them if they are aware that we have been lost for the past half hour. With confident smiles, they inform me that they are fully aware of the situation. If they are aware that we are lost then how can they remain so calm? The answer was simple. They trusted me to guide them home. My daughter told me that she did not know where we were or when we would get home but she knew we would since I was driving. My son was in agreement. My 4 year old was simply along for the ride and happy as long as she had something to drink. At that moment my frustrating situation became a pleasant adventure. I quietly prayed and we soon found our way back safe and sound.

That event made me think about the confidence and trust our children have in us as parents. My children confidently sat in my car while I was aimlessly driving around only because of the trust they have in me. Do I place that same confidence in the Lord? After all, God is in the driver’s seat in my life. Do I spend my time backseat driving or do I enjoy the adventure because no matter what may come He will guide me safely through?

I am reminded the verse:

Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage: be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD they God is with thee whithersoever thou goest. - Joshua 1:9

My children were not dismayed because imperfect me was in the driver’s seat. Well, I have a perfect Father in heaven how can I be dismayed when the road seems bumpy? I need to put my faith in the Lord in all situations and circumstances. Being strong and of good courage is not solely for the good times. It is in the bad times that our good courage glorifies the Lord. My children taught me an important lesson that day. They taught me how to view my Heavenly Father and rejoice in any situation. If you look closely at your children you will see how we can become better sons and daughters of our heavenly Father.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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Spring cleaning can be simple, below are some tips to keep in mind as you begin.

Have a Goal
Think about what you want to accomplish. Maybe it isn’t cleaning the entire house from top to bottom. You may want to focus on the one area in your house that has been a thorn in your side for the past three years. Focusing on a goal for your home helps you target exactly what you want to attain and keeps you from getting overwhelmed.

Create a List
Never underestimate the power of a list. Lists are a great way to stay organized, while keeping your goals and to do list on task. If you plan on cleaning all the rooms in your house make a list for each room. Write down what you want to accomplish in each room, be specific, and keep track of your progress. If your kids are spring cleaning their room, give them a list this will eliminate misunderstanding and they’ll know exactly what you expect of them and you can track their progress.

Have the Supplies Ready
Before you sweep up those cobwebs make sure you have all the cleaning supplies, storage boxes, and any other resources you need. Nothing throws you off your cleaning groove more than running out of window cleaner or paper towels. Create a separate list of all the supplies you need and purchase them in advance. Save money by going to the dollar store for sponges or paper towels.

Create Reasonable Expectations
Life is busy! Moms are running in a million different directions so don’t place too much pressure on yourself. If you expect to thoroughly clean your house from top to bottom in two days and you have three children, a dog, and other obligations most likely it isn’t going to happen. Think about your daily responsibilities and fit it in where it fits. Set your expectations to meet your lifestyle. Don’t neglect to set expectations because then nothing will get done, but be realistic.

Think Outside the Box
Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be exclusive to cleaning. It can include rearranging the furniture, changing the color of a room, or adding new pieces to a once dreary nook in the house. Spring conjures up a sense of renewal so while a thorough cleaning is a great detox for your home so is switching it up and adding something new! Also with all the tragedies occurring around the world donating home goods or clothes is a wonderful way to help out those in need. Check with local and international charities to find out donation procedures.

Don’t Do it Alone
The beauty of a family is that you aren’t alone. Too often moms take on the role of superwoman which only makes them frustrated, overworked, and exhausted. Involve your family from the youngest to the oldest and make it a family project. Kids want to be included and should be. You are part of a unit so make sure you work together as a team. Assign each family member a chore and hold them to it!

Don’t Give Up
It is easy to become overwhelmed, but don’t give up. Keep going and stick to your original goal. If you procrastinate the task only becomes bigger the next year and the stuff keeps on accumulating making the next time you decide to return to it worse. Once you finish you’ll feel relieved, uncluttered, and you’ll love the results.

Open the windows, put a fresh vase of flowers on the table, plant some seedlings and enjoy the spring time! Make spring cleaning satisfying and manageable. Take time to smell the roses while clearing out the old to make room for a new season!

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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Here’s what happened:

I have a “mommy’s helper” that comes over for a few hours twice a week to play with my son while I work (she’s 11 and my son just loves her to death!). I try to schedule all of my important calls, writing projects, etc., during the hours that she is here and my son is happily occupied. However, my young friend’s family was ill this week so she didn’t come over this morning to entertain my son during this important phone meeting. On top of that, we are potty training so I really had to bare all to this new client that I have never talked to…all the while, praying that she would be understanding!

Thankfully, this woman had been through it all! She was positively understanding and didn’t mind one bit if I needed to hang up quickly to help my little guy jump up on his sesame street potty chair! We had a great conversation and I’m happy to say that we will start working together next week.

The reason I am telling you all of this is because I believe it is so important to choose your clients wisely! How different the outcome of this meeting could have been had I not been talking with another Christian mom!

You may not market primarily to the Christian community, but even so…I urge you to make sure that the people you work with are people of integrity!

Here’s what the Bible says:

Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good habits.” 1 Corinthians 15:33 NKJV

He who walks with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. Proverbs 13:20 NIV

Do not make friends with a hot-tempered man, do not associate with one easily angered, or you may learn his ways and get yourself ensnared. Proverbs 22:24-25 NIV

The people you work closest with should be positive, honest, hard-working people! Does this mean you should shut out everyone else? Certainly not! You want to love everyone that God puts in your path without discrimination or judgment. But the ones that are in your “inner circle,” the people who influence you, the ones you work with on a daily basis….choose those people wisely!

Your Faith & Business Assignment for this week: Pray for Godly colleagues, clients & customers! It’s amazing who God will put in your life at exactly the right time. Even when you’re potty training!

Until Next Time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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The reality is your children won’t always be surrounded by those who share the same values, morals, and beliefs. That is why fellowship at a young age is so important. When your children are in the world they are faced with worldly desires and temptations just as we are. The kids they go to school with may or may not have a spiritual background. Christian children can feel left out when they are in school or in peer situations because they are raised differently. This may be difficult for children especially teens who may feel excluded or like the odd ball out. Sunday school and youth groups are a wonderful avenue for youngsters to share their faith, honor God, and create meaningful relationships. They may be less likely to give into peer pressure and temptation when they have the support from friends who do share the same values.

In the Bible a recurring theme is how fellowship played a big role in the life of the disciples and believers of Christ. In chapter two of Acts, we’re told that all the Lord’s followers met together and shared everything they had. They met in the temple, broke bread together in different homes while sharing their food freely and supported one another. In Acts, chapter four when Peter and John returned from the Council, they went back to the people to pray together for courage. The Scriptures say that God greatly blessed his followers and no one went in need of anything. The impact of fellowship was spiritually powerful then and it is equally powerful now.

God gives us a gift when he gives us our clergy and our brothers and sisters. Instill in your children that they are given a gift when they develop relationships in Sunday school and in youth groups that can be long lasting and invaluable. Through fellowship we celebrate God and one another for being believers in Jesus Christ. When I was younger I recognized that church was a second home. It was a place where people felt safe and shared their love for their Savior, something that remained with me into adulthood.

Children who attend church have an awesome opportunity to have a support network and community that nurtures them. When they go to school and are faced with pressure, instead of looking and admiring the kids who are doing the wrong thing, they have access and are exposed to kids who are doing the right things and may even realize those are the really cool kids! It is vital that our children have a community of support, love, and guidance.

Foster the gift of fellowship by encouraging your children to:

• Develop friendships that aren’t only nurtured on Sundays
• Form bible studies
• Organize social outings or if you have younger children be proactive in scheduling play dates
• Invite friends from church over for dinner or special occasions
• Create a peer support network where they can discuss issues they encounter in school

The disciples were blessed with the instruction of Christ and with being able to fellowship and share this knowledge with their fellow believers in Christ. They knew God wanted them to love one another and to be supportive of each other. They understood the power of prayer, praise, and true authentic friendship. In a world where temptation lurks around every corner, it is crucial for Christians of all ages to have fellowship with one another to share their love, strength, and faith in God.

Copyright © Chere Williams, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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1. Household Chores for All Ages
2. Incorporate Bible Study Into Your Family’s Daily Life
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Why am I writing about this in the “Faith & Business” section? Well, because the way I live my life affects my business. These issues I need to tackle keep me from being all God wants me to be. In life. In business. I have a hard time believing a person who says they can “check all their stuff at the door,” disconnect with their personal life, and be a great business leader. I have met a lot of great leaders in my life, and all of them have been real. Authentic. That’s the kind of leader that I respect. That’s the kind of leader that I can learn from. Someone who pretends like they have it all together doesn’t help me at all. Those people are frustrating, right? And they aren’t being honest with themselves.

Back to “The Mirror.” Yes, I’ve held it up and I see some ugly things. The problem? Where will I find the time and energy to do what needs done? I have been pondering these verses:

“I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4: 12-13 NIV

First, I was just looking for verse 13. “I can do everything through HIM who gives me strength.” That is a famous, often quoted piece of scripture. The verse before it is not nearly as well-known. But I think its very important!

How can I be content in my current situation when I see such giant tasks ahead of me? Does this verse mean that I should just be lazy and content with where I am and do nothing? I don’t think so.

I think God is telling me not to beat myself up over the way things are. Yes, I’ve looked in the mirror and I know what needs to be done, but I’m not supposed to wallow in it. I have to DO something about it. With God’s help. I can do everything through His power and His strength. I can be content knowing that God will come along side me and help me conquer these giants.

What giants do you see in the mirror? Remember…

You can do everything with the power of Christ working through you!

Until Next Time…

MariLee

Copyright © MariLee Parrish, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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1. Faith and Business 101: 5 Tips For Making Your Life and Business Run a Little Smoother
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When I first decided that I wanted to be green, I was not swimming in the green…if ya know what I mean. LOL! However, I had a desire to be a better steward of the planet and I started to brainstorm. It helps me be more creative and I am forced to come up with cheap and free ways to be an environmentally minded person.

Yep, that’s all it takes, people. Willingness and effort.

Eco Tips to Get Your Started on the Greener…Cheaper Path

Recycle. most states have recycling programs and they provide the bins and pick up service for minimal cost. It is actually a part of your garbage bill…at least it is in my town. this ONE act can do a world of good for the environment!

Reuse. start thinking about ways that you can reuse the items you use every day.

Limit paper use. stop overusing paper towels and paper products like they are going out of style. make the most of everything and use it more then once. we have many paper tips here.

Stop wasting. waste is something anyone and everyone can stop doing. it is free and simply requires willingness.

These are just a few simple changes to get you started. If you implement even one of them, you are already making a difference!

Copyright © Lara Velez, All Rights Reserved

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What is Easy Lunchboxes? Easy Lunchboxes is a system that allows you to pack lunches quickly, easily with less packaging all while saving money and promoting healthy eating.  Seriously, it does all that!  The only thing this systems does not do is pack the lunch.  Sorry mom, that’s still your job.  However, with these cute containers, I’m sure your kids will love to help out.  Each single lid container has three compartments to house a lunch with plenty of space for a sandwich and two sides.  You can consult Easy Lunchboxes for some fun lunch ideas to keep your kids and you from getting lunch burnout.   Since the Easy Lunchboxes provide room for sides, you no longer have to buy prepackaged foods!

Easy Lunchboxes are affordable.  A set of four containers costs $13.95 and  a carrying case (which comes in a variety of colors) costs $7.95.  So for $21.90 you are done for the year…wait…you are just plain done with lunch.  The construction on the containers and the carrying case will last you for years to come.  How much are you spending now on plastic baggies and prepackaged foods?

Let’s talk carrying case.  The carrying case is the perfect size, and I don’t say that lightly.  My husband brings his lunch to work almost daily.  I try to stuff as much as I can in his little cooler.  Often his thermos or water bottle is left out because there is no room after filling his cooler up with his lunch.  The insulated, vinyl-free, carrying case from Easy Lunchboxes, is small enough to carry easily but big enough to house your entire lunch including thermos and ice packs.  In fact, I can fit two Easy Lunchboxes containers, a bottle of water and an ice pack!  Really.  Now, it might bit stuffed but it can be done.  To distinguish your lunch carrying case you can add a clip on or key ring decoration which you can easily change as often as you like.

I am giving this item highest marks on quality, efficiency, ease of use, usefulness, economical and earth friendly.

Copyright © Richele McFarlin, Moms of Faith, All Rights Reserved

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