Bible Art Journaling Giveaway

Bible Art Journaling Giveaway

If you follow us at all on social media you know that I stumbled upon the Bible Art Journaling community. I am so in love with the art form. It has quickly drawn me deeper into the Scriptures. Each week I join the Bible Art Journaling Challenge that Rebekah Jones has put together. Her prompts and art lessons have been such a blessing. I always come away from it feeling stretched and strengthened. After spending a week meditating on the verse and planning out my project I find that I have usually memorized the passage. What a wonderful bonus! 

If you'd like to see some samples of what we have done up to this point you can take a peek at some of the past challenges: 


I've loved this new creative outlet so much that I wanted to be able to invite all of you to join me. Of course you'll need a Journaling Bible and maybe some Pigma Micron Pens and of course some Prismacolor Colored Pencils. So I contacted my friends at Zondervan and Family Christian and asked if they would help me put something together for all of you. They said yes . . . so here's your chance to get started with Bible Art Journaling!

The Giveaway

We have partnered with Zondervan and Family Christian to offer one of our readers a copy of Zondervan Note-Takers Bible (you choose the version: Amplified, NASB, NIV, NKJV or KJV) a set of Pigma Micron Pens and a set of Prismacolor Colored Pencils. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Friday, February 13, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

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The Righteous Are Bold! ~ Bible Art Journaling Challenge: Week 3 ~ Proverbs 28:1

The Righteous Are Bold! ~ Bible Art Journaling Challenge ~ Proverbs 28:1

The Righteous Are Bold!

The verse for this week's Bible Art Journaling Challenge is Proverbs 28:1.

" The wicked flee when no one pursues. But the righteous are bold as a lion."

When I first began studying this verse the nation of Israel immediately came to mind. I thought of the Six-Day War back in 1967 between Israel and Egypt, Jordan, and Syria. I won't give you a history lesson, but let's just say that Israel was outnumbered by far but because God's hand was upon them they prevailed and their enemies fled. 

I love the thought that the wicked will flee even though they are not being pursued. So even in those tough situations we (the righteous) don't have to retaliate we only have to be bold for Christ. We know that there is power in His name and we are called by His name. Therefore the wicked will flee not because they are being pursued or hunted down, but because darkness cannot exist where Light prevails.

The Process

This week's challenge took me so far out of my comfort zone. I love to paint, but I just don't do animals! That fur looks easy but I thought I would pull my hair out. 

Practicing the challenge.


I wanted to experiment with some different techniques this week. I wasn't comfortable experimenting directly on the Bible page so I decided to put the artwork on a piece of tracing paper and then glue it into my Bible.

I went online and printed out a picture of a lion to use as reference. (No I will not post a picture of the original. Let's just say my renditions aren't even close!) My first lion was done in watercolor pencils. It is a very cool product but not one that I am used to. I wasn't really crazy about the washed out look so I decided to try something else. 

My next attempt was with colored pencils. In general I liked this one better but I couldn't get it to blend as well as I liked. I'm not really sure why but I'm wondering if it has to do with the tracing paper. I was actually looking for a result somewhere between the two. So when in doubt revert to what you know.

I went back to my trusty old acrylic paints! I should back up and say that I put a coat of sealer on both the front and back of the tracing paper before I began to paint. I then put a coat of matte varnish on after I finished painting and before I inked in the lettering. After I did the handlettering with Pigma Micron Pens I then used a light spray of Krylon Matte Finish so the ink wouldn't smear by accident. 

To insert the page into my Bible I just ran a thin strip of glue down the back of the page and then inserted it into the crevice. It is holding very well and I can still flip the insert and read the text underneath. 

Of course as soon as I finished inking and spraying I realized I used the word "Brave" when I meant to use "Bold". I'm just glad that in this instance it works. They say measure twice and cut once. I guess I'd better use a similar thing in the future . . . proofread twice before you ink!

Products Used

DecoArt 
Loew Cornell
     Tracing Paper

Want To Join The Fun?


Rebekah R Jones has put together a wonderful group of fellow Bible doodlers. If you are interested you are welcome to join in the fun. A new challenge is posted each Tuesday. Check out her introduction to the Bible Art Journaling Challenge on her blog and join the Facebook group and/or the Google+ Community.

Disclosure of Materials

Jesus Is (Student Edition): Discovering Who He Is Changes Who You Are by Judah Smith ~ Review & Giveaway

Jesus Is (Student Edition) by Judah Smith

Book Review Disclosure

Judah Smith
Juvenile Nonfiction

DISCOVERING WHO HE IS CHANGES WHO YOU ARE.

Jesus Is __________.

How would you finish that sentence?

A prophet? A teacher? A really nice guy?

How you fill in that blank probably says a lot about the journey you're on to becoming who you are meant to be.

With humor and conviction, author Judah Smith reveals over and over who Jesus really is and helps students ages 10-14 discover that He is so much more than they ever imagined. Engaging stories, lists, takeaway quotes, and discussion questions reveal that . . .

Jesus is life. Jesus is grace. And Jesus is your friend.

And when you discover who Jesus is, it will change who you are . . . forever.




My Thoughts

During those preteen and teenage years so many things are changing in our kids lives. Physically, hormonally, and perhaps even spiritually. It's a process that we all go through, but even though it is common to man it can be tough stuff.

During these years it is important that our kids have strong family support. But a more important thing that they need to have nailed down is who Jesus is. This will help form who they are and who they become. It's great if they are a whiz in school but if they don't have the foundation of Christ they are in jeopardy no matter how successful they become.

As an adult I have enjoyed the teaching of Judah Smith and I was thrilled to see him come out with a student edition of his Jesus Is book. Reading the book is like having a conversation with a trusted friend. Judah does a great job at meeting kids where they are at and leading them down a path that allows the kid to discover for themselves exactly who Jesus is.

This would be the perfect resource for parents and tweens/teens. My suggestion would be for the parent to get the adult edition and the tween/teen to get the student edition and then go through it together.

Connect With The Author

Judah Smith


The Giveaway

We have partnered with Tommy Nelson to offer one of our readers a copy of the book Jesus Is(Student Edition). The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Thursday, February 12, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

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Disclosure of Materieals

Search For The Shadow Key (Dreamtreaders Series, Book 2) by Wayne Batson ~ Juvenile Fiction Review & Giveaway

Search for the Shadow Key (Dreamtreaders Series, Book 2) by Wayne Thomas Batson

Book Disclosure

The Dreamtreaders Series, Book 2
Wayne Batson
Juvenile Fiction / Action & Adventure


WHAT IF YOUR WORST 
NIGHTMARES BECAME REAL?

When you close your eyes at night and fall asleep, your dreams can either take you into delightful adventures beyond your wildest imagination or into nightmares that you can't wait to wake up and leave behind. 

But what happens when you can't leave them behind?

Archer Keaton may seem pretty normal, but he has a hidden secret: he can explore dreams. As a dreamtreader, Archer is one of three warriors selected from each generation to defend the Waking World from the evil forces in the Dream. But after the other two dreamtreaders were killed. Archer is left all alone to protect the Dream.

Dream Inc.'s wealthy patrons are lining up left and right to go on "safari" in the Dream to experience the fantastical realm. But as Dream Inc. continues to operate, strange things begin happening around Archer's hometown--which means something is tearing huge rifts in the Dream fabric, and the Dream and Waking World are in danger of fusing together in one, chaotic nightmare. And it seems the only way to stop the madness is to find the mysterious Shadow Key.

This second book in the Dreamtreaders trilogy from bestselling author Wayne Thomas Batson is not only an epic fantasy steeped in  mystery, but also features important themes like resisting temptation, being a light in the darkness, and making wise choices, even when those choices are unpopular or difficult.





My Thoughts

Search for the Shadow Key is the follow up to last year's hit Dreamtreaders. Just like the first book it is a fast-paced fantasy that is sure to capture the attention of teens and tweens alike. While it is a fantasy type of book it has a very practical message that should strike a cord with the youth in the real world.

If your son or daughter has ever been in a situation where they faced temptation and had to make a decision that would perhaps have uncomfortable results then they will surely relate to the story of Archer Keaton. I liked how honestly the author portrayed the traps that teens can find themselves in. Another aspect of the story that I appreciated was the element of strong family ties. Archer's family isn't perfect but they love each other and support each other. That is a very needed message in this day and age.

I have to admit that fantasy books are not on the top of my desired reading, but this series is so well written that I couldn't help but enjoy it. If you have a child that loves action and adventure stories I think they will enjoy this one. This is book two in the series and in my opinion I think it is important that you read book one first to get the complete story.

Connect With The Author

Wayne Thomas Batson

Website  I  Goodreads  I  Facebook  I  Twitter


The Giveaway

We have partnered with Tommy Nelson to offer one of our readers a copy of the book Search For The Shadow Key. The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Thursday, February 5, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure of Materials

Miracles of Jesus (I Can Read! / Adventure Bible) ~ Juvenile Fiction Review



I Can Read! Level 2 / Adventure Bible
Juvenile Fiction (ages 4-8)

Miracles of Jesus is a level two I Can Read! based on the NIV Adventure Bible. In it, young readers read about how great God’s love is for all people. At this read-alone level, newly independent readers follow Jesus as he travels, spreading the Good News of his Father’s love. Along the way, Jesus shows in wondrous ways just how powerful God’s love is when he brings health back to a young girl and a long-suffering woman, and how he gives comfort to thousands of believers with a delicious meal as well as the precious word of God.

Written for the newly independent reader, vocabulary and content is at a more advanced reading level, making this series appropriate for children almost ready for their first chapter books.

This I Can Read! series of Bible stories makes use of the unique features found in the NIV Adventure Bible such as “People in Bible Times” and “Words to Treasure”.

Content aligns with the Common Core Standards for informational reading.

My Thoughts

I had the distinct pleasure of having one of my sweet grands read Miracles of Jesus with me. The book hightlights two of Jesus' miracles; Jairus' Daughter and Feeding Five Thousand. I so enjoyed hearing the story told from my sweet one's mouth. Such a blessing to have them be able to read with confidence about the miracles that Jesus performed.

Since it is taken from the Adventure Bible the illustrations by David Miles are wonderful. I especially like the facial expressions. Good pictures combined with an engaging story make for the perfect reading for a wiggly kiddo.

My grand is an eight year old and was able to read this with confidence. I did have to help with the pronunciation of  Jairus and Galilee but other than that everything was smooth. When we read it again a couple of days later it was perfect. If you have a new reader that is ready to move on to the next step this is great book to help them work on their skills.

Connect With ZONDERkidz


Website  I  Facebook  I  Twitter  I  YouTube




Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay ~ A Contemporary Fiction Review

Lizzy & Jane by Katherine Reay

Book Disclosure

Katherine Reay
Contemporary Fiction

Sometimes the courage to face your greatest fears comes
only when you've run out of ways to escape.

At the end of a long night, Elizabeth leans against the industrial oven and takes in her kingdom. Once vibrant and flawless, evenings in the kitchen now feel chaotic and exhausting. She's lost her culinary magic, and business is slowing down.

When worried investors enlist the talents of a tech-savvy celebrity chef to salvage the restaurant, Elizabeth feels the ground shift beneath her feet. Not only has she lost her touch; she's losing her dream.

And her means of escape.

When her mother died, Elizabeth fled home and the overwhelming sense of pain and loss. But fifteen years later, with no other escapes available, she now returns. Brimming with desperation and dread, Elizabeth finds herself in the unlikeliest of places, by her sister's side in Seattle as Jane undergoes chemotherapy.

As her new life takes the form of care, cookery, and classic literature, Elizabeth is forced to re-imagine her future and reevaluate her past. But can a New York City chef with a painful history settle down with the family she once abandoned . . . and make peace with the sister who once abandoned her?

One misstep can kill a New York restaurant.

My Thoughts

There is a line that appears several times in this book that resonates and sums up the entire story.
"The love needs to be stronger than the like. We're family."
Lizzy and Jane are sisters. But unlike the famous Austen sisters whom they are named for, they don't get along. In fact they really don't like each other that much. It wasn't always that way. But with their mother's unsuccessful battle with cancer their family began to splinter until there wasn't anything left to draw them together.

Lizzy has made a life in New York City where she is a successful chef, until recently that is. Her world that used to be filled with magic is crumbling around her. It seems that everything she sets her hands to do turns sour. The joy she used to derive from cooking has become elusive.

Jane is happily married and raising two beautiful kids on the west coast. Her life seems to be happily sailing along when she suddenly gets the diagnosis of cancer. She's determined to fight it and win but she continues to find herself back in that dark place of doubt that she lived in when her mother was dying.

This isn't an overly religious book, but I tended to look at it from a spiritual perspective. This is the story of a fractured family. There's no scandal. There's no horrific rift between the members. There's just an underlying resentment that has been allowed to grow and fester. The irony is that the very thing that drove them apart will now play a large part in their healing. Isn't that just the way God works so many times? He takes our weaknesses and refines them and then uses them to strengthen us. Glory!

If you have a sister this book will speak to you. There's something so deep about that relationship. Your past will always be linked no matter where you go in life. Something about that relationship has the power to wound like no other, but it also has the power to heal. Many times during the reading of this book I felt as if I were looking in a mirror. Many times I've experienced that feeling of loving my sister, but not particularly liking her. Lizzy & Jane is a beautiful story of reflection, repentance and restoration.

Lest you think that this book is all serious and riddled with angst . . . never fear! Just when I thought that I would break out into a weeping fit Katherine Reay would make a hilarious referral to Cold Comfort Farm. Absolutely priceless! (You'll have to look that reference up on your own!) I completely enjoyed her first book, Dear Mr. Knightley but this second book of hers is every bit as good if not better. I can't wait to read her next offering.

Connect With The Author





I Will Rejoice! ~ Bible Art Journaling Challenge: Week 2 ~ Proverbs 31:25

I Will Rejoice! Bible Art Journaling Challenge, Proverbs 31: 25

I Will Rejoice!

The verse for this week's Bible Art Journaling Challenge is Proverbs 31:25.

"Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in  time to come."

Of course this verse comes from that portion of Scripture that refers to the Proverbs 31 woman. You know the one . . . the one we all aspire to be. And if you're like me some days you resemble her and others, not so much!

When I study something in Scripture I like to look at it in context. I don't want to just study the verse but rather the whole chapter or segment that surrounds the verse. I also like to read the study notes in my Study Bible to see what the commentary says. I had to smile when I read that while verses 10-31 are about the perfect living and breathing wife the words could actually be applied to both genders because everyone can learn from the example of this very efficient wife.

After putting it in context I began to dwell on verse twenty-five. Again my Study Bible proved very useful in understanding the meaning fully. This verse talks about the woman being clothed in strength and honor. The commentary says that she has strength like the young and honor like the old. It also says that the verse refers back to Proverbs 20:29, which says:

"The glory of young men is their strength, and the splendor of old men is gray hair."

So with that in mind I had to give my woman gray hair! I love this verse and have delighted in meditating on it this week. As a wife, mother and grandmother I aspire for my family to proclaim like King Lemuel did about his momma . . . strength and honor are her clothing!

The Process

After last week's post several of you contacted me and asked a bit about how I put my page together. Here's a little peek into how I do it.

Thinking through the design.


Once I receive the week's Bible Art Journaling Challenge from Rebekah I lay my NKJV Note-Takers Bible open to the particular page that the verse is on. I spend time not only studying the verse but looking at the white space on the page and then I start sketching out what I plan on doing. Once I settle on a design I move on to prepping the page.

Sealing the page.


If I am going to use either acrylic or watercolor paints on my page I always seal it first. My favorite product is DecoArt Americana Multi Purpose Sealer. As you can see above it makes the page pretty wrinkly. But after I apply a thin coat to the page and blow it dry it begins to straighten out. Once it is dry I use my hand to smooth the page as I continue heating it with the blow dryer. That seems to straighten it out quite a bit. Then I am ready to proceed with my painting.  

I sketch or trace with pencil my drawing. Then I add paint. Then I finally ink in the portions I want inked. I personally like to blow dry between coats of paint. I am impatient and don't like to wait for it to air dry. Once the page is finished and completely dry I shut the Bible and put some weight on it. After it has been shut overnight the page straightens right out. I have not had any bleed through on pages that I have used this product.

Just a note . . . if I am going to just use colored pencils on my page I don't bother to seal it. The colored pencils seem to work better on the page without the sealer. 

There you have it! That's the basics of the process. 

Products Used

DecoArt 

Want To Join The Fun?


Rebekah R Jones has put together a wonderful group of fellow Bible doodlers. If you are interested you are welcome to join in the fun. A new challenge is posted each Tuesday. Check out her introduction to the Bible Art Journaling Challenge on her blog and join the Facebook group.



You Can't Sit With Us (Mean Girl Makeover, Book 2) by Nancy Rue ~ Juvenile Fiction Review & Giveaway

You Can't Sit With Us by Nancy Rue

Book Review Disclosure

Mean Girl Makeover, Book 2
Nancy Rue
Juvenile Fiction (ages 9-12)


BULLYING DOESN'T END IN THE HALLWAY ANYMORE
WITH A SMARTPHONE OR TABLET
IT CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE

From bestselling author Nancy Rue comes the story of Ginger Hollingberry, a new sixth grader at Gold Country Middle School. With greasy red hair, hand-me-down clothes, and a loud mouth, Ginger seems like she has a bullseye on her back for bullies like Kylie Steppe, who's had it out for Ginger since the first day of school. The student body of GCMS has just signed the Code, a strict anti-bullying pledge, except for one person--and, of course, it's Kylie. Since teachers and students are hyperaware of bullying thanks to the Code, Kylie and her gang of frenemies discover a new medium for taunts; social media. And now Ginger isn't safe from bullies anywhere.

Will the rumors spread about Ginger online ever stop? How can she show her face at school--or home--ever again?



My Thoughts

This was a difficult book to read . . . in a good way! You Can't Sit with Us is the second book in the Mean Girl Makeover series. This time we get to look at bullying from the perspective of the one being bullied. As a mom it just made me cringe. All the ugly behavior of middle school girls is splashed on the page and it is both heart-rending and anger inducing.

The first book in the series was So Not Okay and the story focused on the perspective of Tori who was a bystander to the bullying. This time around the focus shifts to Ginger who is the new girl and the bullying target of Kylie. I was struck by how my emotions shifted back and forth in this story. I found myself thinking, "Kylie, why do you have to be so mean? It just makes you so ugly." Then a bit later I would think, "Don't do it or say it Ginger! You know the outcome won't be good." And all along the way I just wanted one of the Tribelet to speak up. I felt like my shoulders were up around my ears just from the stress of it all.

Unfortunately the reason I had such a strong reaction to the story was because it is very real. Add the thought of it being your daughter that is being bullied is enough to make a momma come unglued! The really good thing about this whole series is that Nancy Rue uses the characters to teach very important lessons on bullying that can be applied to real life situations. As a mom I would highly recommend this whole series for moms and daughters to read and discuss together.


Do not what you want to do but what is right to do.


Connect With The Author


Nancy Rue

www.NancyRue.com
'Tween You and Me Blog
Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Pinterest  I  YouTube

The Giveaway

We have partnered with Tommy Nelson to offer one of our readers a copy of You Can't Sit With Us . The giveaway is open to U.S. residents and will run through midnight on Wednesday, January 28, 2015. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. The winner will be contacted by email and will have forty-eight hours to claim the prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. The winners’ entries will be verified. Please enter the contest using the Rafflecopter form below. All entries are optional.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure of Materials

Return To Exile (The Carthage Chronicles, Book 2) by Lynne Gentry ~ Historical Fiction Review

Return to Exile by Lynne Gentry

A book was provided for this revies.

The Carthage Chronicles, Book 2
Lynne Gentry
Historical Fiction

HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO
SAVE THE ONE YOU LOVE?

Six years ago, impossible circumstances forced Dr. Lisbeth Hastings to leave behind the love of her life, not just in another country, but in another time. Her work as a top-notch epidemiologist and parenting her little girl help alleviate the pain, but at night, when her exhausted head hits the pillow, images of her beloved Cyprian haunt her sleep.

Cyprian Thascius returns from political exile a broken man. He's lost his faith, the love of his life, and his purpose. He attempts to move on, to face the danger that is looming over Carthage, but when Cyprian's true love suddenly reappears, his heart becomes as imperiled as the fledgling church he seeks to save. 

Have the years that kept Lisbeth and Cyprian apart created too wide a chasm to bridge? In the midst of a new epidemic and rising oppression, will their love be the most costly fatality? Filled with gripping action and raw emotion, this spellbinding adventure of star-crossed lovers captivates with every turn of the page in the electric continuation of the Carthage Chronicles.




My Thoughts

I don't like time-travel storylines, really I don't. But last year I read Healer of Carthage and was completely drawn into the story. When Return to Exile came out I knew I had to read it just to find out what happened next.

For the first few chapters I was enthralled. Lisbeth is in Dallas during the current year. She is now a practicing epidemiologist and finds herself in the midst of a very serious outbreak. She's busy with her work and raising her daughter but she continues to think about those she left behind in Carthage.

Cyprian, Lisbeth's husband, is still in the past living in exile. He eventually makes his way back to Carthage only to find the city devastated by a plague. His mother-in-law Magdalena and Lisbeth's friend Ruth have set up a makeshift hospital to care for the sick and dying in his home. Members of the church have come alongside to help them. 

The angst and tension between the two different worlds is great. I found myself quickly flipping pages just to see where the story was going. Eventually the characters are reunited in Carthage. That's when my interest hit a snag. I hate to say it but I just don't like Cyprian. In the first book I did, but now, not so much! To cut him a little slack I will say that there were some other people that added to my discontent with him, but ultimately it was him.

Don't get me wrong, the writing is still superb. Lynne is masterful at giving detailed descriptions of the events without boring you to death. The funny part is that at some point I even forgot that I was reading a dreaded time travel book. The storyline just kept me riveted and I found myself believing the plausibility of the tale.

This book is part of a three part series. There was a cliff-hanger ending with the first and there is another cliff-hanger ending with this second book. Will I be reading the third book when it comes out? You bet!

Connect With The Author

Lynne Gentry

Facebook  I  Twitter  I  Pinterest  I  Goodreads


Disclosure of Materials


Preggers Maternity by Therafirm

Preggers by Therafirm


With this being my third pregnancy there are must have items that I had no clue of with my first baby. One of these prized items is Preggers compression wear. I had no idea how compression wear can help provide so much comfort to a pregnant woman’s body.

preggers maternity leggings in cocoa and belly band


A current winter wardrobe staple for me is leggings. Being pregnant this winter I knew I wanted a good maternity legging and turned to Preggers to assist me. They were thrilled to help and suggested I get their support pack which also comes with a band to help lessen backaches. I choose the cocoa colored leggings so I could pair it with my caramel sweater dress.


preggers maternity leggings and belly band


The day I chose to wear the support pack was to my son’s birthday party. I knew I would be on my feet all day and would need the extra support. I wasn't sure I would like the support band all day. In the past I've tried other bands and they would roll or just cut into my belly. I wore the support band the entire day and had no rolling. It offered just the right support to my belly and back. My son’s party was at an all-you-can-eat buffet and I ate too much. Guess what . . . the support band never cut in.


preggers maternity leggings in chocolate and belly band


The leggings are also worth every penny. They really offer just the right amount of support without being too binding. I also love that Preggers comes in so many different colors. You can really extend your fall wardrobe all through winter with these leggings and unlike skinny jeans you are not going to be miserable!


Connect with Preggers on Facebook , Pinterest, & Twitter!

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