I spent this morning auditioning Easter outfits for Harper. Since we have decided to take her out on Easter Sunday.......I want her to look extra cute. I have about 3 options - this is not the winner but I thought she looked cute. I got this dress and sweater at where else - Wal-Mart. I saw them on a weekly grocery trip and almost bought it twice but finally last week they were both on sale and I caved. Most of Harper's 0-3 month outfits are onesies and she doesn't have much that is dressy so I just couldn't help it. I'm a sucker for a cute cardigan and a spring dress.
I spent last night and most of today just loving on my girl and thanking God for the blessing that she is. I have been SOOO overwhelmed with sadness for all the women out there longing for a child. I hear from so many of you daily and I know EXACTLY how you feel. This time last year I was just at my lowest point. I know how desperate and hopeless you feel. I want to take it from you and give you a precious child. But God knows the plan He has for you. I have been broken over all the sick children. I am sent so many prayer requests daily and it's my privilege to pray for each of them but it's also so hard to see so much pain. I have prayed in the middle of the night for God to save little Stellan. My heart hurts for Angie this week as she is nearing the anniversary of Audrey's birth and death.
I know there are many of you who read this blog and you have a strong faith. You know that we can't understand everything that happens but we know who our Father is and that He loves us and promises to never leave or forsake us. I know some of you are new Christians and you are probably struggling with answers. Some of you don't have a relationship with Jesus and you wonder if God even hears prayers.
What I know is in John 16:33 - God says "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart - I have overcome the world!" He knew your name before you were born. He knew the choices you would make and the plans He had for you. He knew if you would follow Him or reject Him. I don't think we can ever understand His ways - but I don't want to follow a God who I can understand. I want a God who created the earth, who sacrificed HIS SON out of love for us, who loves us more than we could ever fathom, a God who SINGS over us! I trust Him no matter what life may bring.
I love this song right now - Chris Tomlin's "I will rise". I watched a video today where he said that Louie Giglio ( who I love) challenged him to write a song that would encourage those who were facing tough times or possibly death. He wanted him to write a song that could be sung at a funeral. I hope you can listen and have hope. And if you have healthy children - hug them a little tighter today and pray for those who don't.
97 comments:
Harper is just so PRECIOUS! She is also adorable too. My heart aches for women who are wanting a child or have lost a child too.
~Elyse~
You always know the perfect things to say!
Thank you!
PS. Harper is such a DOLL!!
Kelly, thank you so much for those words. I read your blog everyday but this is the first time I've made a comment. My husband and I have not been able to have children yet either. We are waiting everyday for our miracle. Thank you for sharing with us and for sharing your adorable little Harper with us. God Bless You Richly. (0h, I'm also a fellow PK! Love it!)
Kayla
Kelly,
Have you seen the Louie Giglio excerpt on Lamin at you tube? It is amazing girl! watch it sometime if you haven't already seen it! God is so GOOD!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
Harper is simply adorable!
beautiful post! i just love your blog! you are so inspirational =) hope you have a wonderful rest of the week!
I can't wait to see what you chose as her Easter outfit!!!
Great post Kelly and Harper looks so stinkin' cute!! i love that outfit!
LOVE hearing that song on the radio. Wonderful post.
Beautiful thoughts today, Kelly. Thank you so much for lifting up prayers for ladies, like myself, who are waiting to become mothers. It is a blessing to serve Him with you!
Your Harper is TOO cute in that dress and bow!!!!
Kelly,
What a beauty that Harper is! What a blessing from above. Thanks for the Chris Tomlin song, that is one of my absolute favorites right now! Have a blessed Easter.
Soni
I sang that song at church yesterday with tears streaming down my face, and now you post it...hmmm maybe God is trying to send me a sweet little message of hope! Thanks Kelly!
She is so cute! I love that, "auditioning Easter outfits." :)
Auditioning Easter outfits--LOL.. I think she looks adorable in the one you bought at Wally World:) Love this song:)
Great post Kelly - I love that verse!!
I just saw that dress the other night at WM and was blown away at how cute of dresses they have!!
I just noticed your links (hats etc) to the left - I am sooooo going to check them out!!
many days i hold my kiddos extra tight b/c i am so thankful for them and i so hurt for those who have lost a child or have a sick child. thank you for your words of inspiration on a topic that is so hard to understand. but we all have the faith that God is in control!!!
Kelly! i love this song too, I just posted it on my blog the other day as well! We sing it in church and I get choked up everytime! I would have caved too on the dress :). She looks like a sweet babydoll!
Such kind sentiments to the many women who are going through such hard times. I love your blog and read it religiously just like I would phone my best friend! I do want to see the other Easter dress options :) That one was too cute!
amen
amen
amen
"The LORD is my strength and my song; he has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will praise him, my father's God, and I will exalt him".Exodus 15:2
and a favorite.....
"that your ways may be known on earth, your salvation among all nations." Ps 67.2
lOVE THE DRESS and flower hat
God is good. Thank you for what you do and for loving Him so!
we're gearing up for Easter too! it's our last one having all girls until our little prince arrives on May 8!
thanks for that reminder, kelly. i'm telling you...the walmart in your city must be better than the ones in san antonio. she is a doll :)
She is soo beautiful!
I'm with you onthe pain for all the people who can't have children. I am angry with my sister so much because she has 2 wonderful children and yet I have raised them since I was 8. New years they moved with her to NC and we thought she had changed, only to find last week when we got here that she really hasnt. She has a guy living with her and my mom and I have stayed in keeping the kids everynight while they go out and party and when they are home, they are sleeping. Not to mention her daughter had her tonsils out last week and has been very sick. I mean seriously these kinds of people dont deserve children and many others do. I just dont get it sometimes. I guess God has a plan for everyone but it just hurts so much knowing so many women cant and so many others take it for granted.
You definately deserve to be a mother among lots of other women. I hope oneday to when I find the right guy I can also become a mother, though I am so scared because of my endometreosis and my ibs along with me colon that doesnt work properly that I will have problems having children and it scares me everyday and it just bings me to feel the pain that so many women are going through that actually have experienced this and know that they cant.
I hope I didnt seem preachy and that I didnt make anybody mad with this comment. I wasnt intending to anything like that, I was just stating about how my sister has two precious kids and doesnt even know it.
Beautiful girl, beautiful post....you are a beautiful example of the love of God. I am so glad our paths have crossed.
Easter is sooooooo fun. You will have more fun than Harper this year. But wait until next year!!!! Love Chris Tomlin and anything he writes or sings.
Kelly-
You know exactly how to put these thoughts into words with compassion and understanding. Thanks for sharing God's truth in such clear words: I always struggle with just how to say things like this because and I am thankful you use your gift!
Kelly, I just love your heart. Such encouraging words and such GREAT reminders to lift up our sisters and so many families who are struggling!
And that song is just perfect.
Love you friend!
That was a wonderful post. I struggle so hard some days and am on my last straw with these fertility issues! It's people like you who really give me hope though. I LOVE your blog. And I LOVE seeing new pictures of Harper, so adorable!
So precious!! As I'm sure you already saw on your mom's blog ~ I LOVE "I Will Rise!" I can seriously listen to it OVER and OVER again!!! :)
By the way, I finally got Stellan's/MckFamily's donation button up and running on my blog!! Just wanted you to know!!
Give Harper a GREAT big squeeze for me!
Love and Hugs to you, too.
Jess :)
Your Mom and I were just talking on our blog comments today to each other about this song. Isn't it amazing? It always give me goosebumps when I hear it. My daughter and I are going to hear Chris in April. I can't wait! Harper looks adorable in her cute dress and sweater. I can't wait to see her Easter outfit. Thanks for the post. God is so amazing and so faithful! I am so grateful that he let me be a Mom. Love & blessings from NC!
i've been shopping on ebay for my baby's dresses and i'm finding some cute stuff.
my aunt was standing here when i looked at your blog and i showed her harper's picture and told her that's the baby we prayed for and she said, oh, she's beautiful!
i know she'll be adorable in whatever she wears for Easter.
Oh, thank you so much! My heart is so deeply touched by this song and video. He really is our only hope and only overcomer, regardless of what this earthly life brings us. For me, being in my 40's am dealing with a season in life right now where I am walking beide Chritian friends who are suffering it tough, so I cling to him and walk beside them in as they walk through deep waters. I am still dealing with the loss of one of my best Christian friends, even though it was few years ago. It is tough, and difficult to understand when young children are left behind, yet I know this life is so short and we can rejoice in what Jesus has done for us through is resurrection. This song from Chris Tomlin really puts it all in perspective. Thanks Kelly, for sharing it! Harper is beautiful and yes, lets enjoy our children.
Kelly,
Well said! And, if that dress didn't make the final cut, I can't wait to see the winner!!
I just sent you an e-mail. Hope you don't think I'm too silly. Great post! Love on those chillens (babies to those not from Texas/south) :)
harper is just too precious! My youngest daughter gave birth today to her second little boy and just like the first, had trouble breathing and is in NICU. He seems to have gotten a big gulp of fluid on the way out. He had a complete knot in his cord also. Plus he was born sunny side up - just like his brother. He is doing better. Just keep him in your prayers. Sawyer is his name.
Beth
Thank you so much for this post. I've been having a hard time this week, because I'm at the point where if I were still pregnant I would be finding out what it's sex would be. There's just so much sadness around with those just aching for children and then there's who's babies are no longer with them or who are sick. All that we have that is certain is Jesus. Sometimes we just need to be reminded of that.. And sometimes we just need to see babies like Harper and know that Jesus is near... always. Thanks for sharing her with us and thanks again for this post..
I worry about you taking on the pain of all of the hurting in the blog world. It's a big place and that's a large burden for you to bear. I was so proud of you for asking for people's praises the other day. Consider not reading all of them all of the time. It's ok to ask God to pray for those needs in your inbox even if you do not read them all.
You and your little Harper are so beautiful. I am so happy to have found your blog. You bless me daily!
Kelly, you have such a beautiful and valuable ministry here. Thank you for being one of His ambassadors.
It's so funny you post this today, a day when I feel like the IF battle is starting to over take my heart. Thanks for reminding me where my heart belongs and answers will come in His time...
PS-I saw Louie Giglio speak at a Disciple Now conference ~2000 or so. He was AWESOME!
Harper is so precious, what a darling little girl! Thank you for taking the time to share prayer requests with us too. Love the video as well.
Kelly, you are such a blessing -thank you!
~Erika in NH
That flower headband is PRECIOUS! Harper is adorable!
I love that you "auditioned" Easter outfits! So cute! What you said was so right. I love that HE already knows the plan for my life and I think Him for that everyday!
Love that you say just what's on your heart...
Kelly,
Thank you for your post today. After a day of heaviness on my heart, I realized how blessed I truly am and how many others are struggling with things so much bigger than I am dealing with.
Bless you for your sweet spirit!
Great post - I'm one who had trouble getting pregnant and then had a child with a heart defect. It's all about the lessons we have to learn in this life and what we are being taught at the moment - at least that is how I look at it.
I asked for a child and was blessed with my son - because God knew we would love him no matter what.
Your kiddo is so precious!!
Thank you for this post. I was struggling at times today caring for my colicky and always-wanting-to-nurse seven-week-old son. Even before reading your blog I told myself that I am so fortunate that God has blessed me with a healthy baby boy who CAN scream and eat and grow! This post just seemed to back that up. Thanks for letting the Lord shine through you and your blog!
This song was sung at my church here in Fort worth and it brought me to tears then and it brings me to tears now.
I cry for those that don't get the chance to feel "this". I cry for those that want to be mothers. I cry for those mothers that are suffering through the unthinkable. I cry for Stellan and Baby Emily. This song is so full of hope. It is everything that is right now.
thank you.
I was crying when as I read the verse, and then you posted that song. We lost our 6 day old son two weeks ago today. That song was played at the end of his funeral. It has been everywhere today. Every time I got in my car and now even as I am on the computer. It is a gentle reminder that one day there will be no more sorrow and no more pain.
Thank you for this post. And I love Chris Tomlin!
Thank you for posting the song! I do not believe in coincidences...this is a Godincidence....I looked all over the web for that song yesterday. When I heard it on the radio I just knew this was my mom's final testimony...she graduated to heaven in November. Thank you so much!!!
She looks so cute in this outfit. I can't wait to see the winner!
Courtney
So cute and love that picture!
That is my favorite verse :) What a beautiful song--I hadn't heard it yet. Thanks!!
Thank you, Thank you, Thank you! I was having a low day today in my journey to become a mother. I popped onto your blog and you gave me hope! I actually had tears in my eyes as I listened to the song "I will Rise". Beautiful!
Sweet, honest, from-the-bottom-of-your-good-heart post, Kelly. I can't even imagine the long ache that so many women have who are wanting a baby. I always say that there's never been anybody who wanted to be a momma as much as me. I had that desire for years (before I was even married, I'm talking), but, when the time came, I never struggled with infertility. I can't even fathom the depth of that ache. I hope and pray that the ladies needing to hear encouragement find this post of yours. :o)
Now, about Missy Priss...I can't wait to see her Easter outfit! How excited is y'all's church gonna be when they see her coming?! Harper's first day at church (on Easter Sunday, no less)... Oh, happy day! :o) I love that white cardigan, by the way...it's so hard to find sweet, simple white cardigans for them to where over dresses. This one is cute!
i went to a funeral of dear women i knew from churchand they played that song. it was perfect to play at this wonderful woman's funeral who literally was physically blind at the end of her life and she can now see and is sitting at her Savior's feet.
I find faith in Harper. You have no idea how your little girl brings so much faith and hope to those who are at their lowest point, especially when we are trying to have a baby of our own. Those big beautiful eyes give me a reason to hope when I read about all of the children suffering and in pain, it proves that there are angels here with us, and that those angels are truly sent by Him. All the hope and faith that can fill a mothers heart all in those beautiful eyes peering out from under one of those fabulour hats. :)
Harper looks so cute in that dress!! Love it!!
Harper looks so cute in that outfit!
I have been reading your blog for quite some time, but have decided to comment on this post. I love the video. I am one of those women that can't have kids. I have been pregnant four times (two miscarriages and two tubal pregnancies) and have since had a hysterectomy. I was so angry at God for so long and would not talk to him. I didn't realize until in 2006 our Church got a new pastor that explained that it's OK to be angry, but you can't stop talking to him. He helped me a great deal and I am back in the Church which feels like home. He also helped me with the adoption process. Since then I have adopted the most beautiful little boy from Guatemala. I realize now that was God's plan all along. That I was meant to be Zach's mom. I thank the Lord all the time for guiding me down this path. It is amazing! Now I help others that are going through similar circumstances. God is Good!!
Blessings,
Beth
Such a beautiful post! I love love LOVE the song I will rise! In fact I posted it and the video of Chris Tomlin discussing the background of the song on my blog about a month ago! That song has really ministered to me! Thanks for sharing this post and as always Harper is just precious!
Jen
I just needed to read this tonight. Thank you.
I am a newlywed, and your blog has really encouraged me about having children. I can't wait!! It looks like you and little Harper have so much fun together, and she has the cutest style! I enjoy your blog so much :) Go Hogs!!
Kelly, I have been strugling with fertility issues for about 3 years actually who am I KIDDING 3 YEARS 2 months and 29 days!(ha) I often wonder about some of the same things you used to wonder about. I wish there were better answers thank you for your hope I also know I was put on this earth to be a mom and one day I will get to.
Hello Kelly,
That was a very nice post...I like so many follow your blog and little Harpers good fashion sense. That's a very nice reminder...God does have a plan for everyone. I remember when I was so crushed when we lost our second son and I couldn't understand how God could allow it to happen. And he put my mom there to look at me and remind me that this isn't our world...this isn't the world for christians. There is pain and suffering here but God does exist, God is the one to lift me off the floor and bring me joy. I pray all the women don't forget that, and will just pray for peace, for guidance, he's listening. Each night I pray that he'll care for the babies I did lose and I know we will be reunited in heaven.
What a beautiful 'thankful' picture!
Thanks for your encouragement Kelly. We shall be 'thankful' in knowing HE is carrying each and every one of us.
Blessings always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
I just wrote a Praise Post yesterday for the same reasons...I have been so consumed with all the sadness of blogs I read that I needed to just reflect and be thankful.
And I love Chris Tomlin...just downloaded "I will rise". :)
Harper would be absolutely beautiful in nothing but a diaper! Thank you for such a wonderful post today. For a long time, I took for granted how easy it was for my husband and I to get pregnant. We talked about having a baby and I would be pregnant, surprisingly, within two months. Neither of our two beautiful children were planned. But now that I am older, and learning about all of these truly deserving women having trouble getting/staying pregnant, or with terribly ill children, I realize how truly blessed that I am. You all are welcome to see my babies (who really aren't babies anymore)at www.thepulatties.blogspot.com
I am truly blessed to have found your blog, with your wonderful ministry.
Thank you for how much you love!
Mindy
My heart has been breaking for all the sick babies out there also...seems like it's been overwhelming lately.
Love the little dress on Harper!!! She's just adorable!
I read your blog a lot...Harper is a cutie! Marlee (my daughter) is a little younger than she is and I am very thankful that I have her! My only thing would be if you would pray for her. She has a heart murmur. It could heal on its own, or it could take surgery. We just found out about it. I am not posting it on my blog...I just thought if you could keep us in your thoughts and prayers she has more tests tomorrow!
Thanks!
Hi Kelly~ Harper just looks so adorable and "springy" in her little outfit. Walmart rocks! I have to ask b/c I've been meaning to for a while, where do you get the ginormous flowers for her little hats and headbands? I must have them for my two little girls! Thanks so much and have a wonderful evening :)
Harper looks like an absolute doll! Don't ya just love having a baby girl to dress up :)
I'm so thankful that you mentioned sweet Stellan on your blog. He and his family are in our thoughts and prayers everyday. Hopefully more people will follow your lead and pray for MckMama and her sweet baby boy.
Hi Kelly,
I just wanted to let you know that I live in Alabama and Brittany Daniel is my cousin. I don't know how you found out about the Daniel family and what they're going through, but wanted to let you know how much we appreciate you adding them to your blog. I just checked their blog and they have had over 21,000 visits to their site and when I read the comments, so many of them found their unfolding story through your blog. I'm new to the blog thing, but I can see that it can definitely be used to bring glory to God and uplift many people.
Also, your little Harper is adorable. I know you are very proud of her.
Keep on keepin' on and may God bless you and your family.
Thanks again for everyone's prayers concering the Daniel family.
Rosie in Alabama
Kelly thank you so much for your very sincere post. It's so great how the Lord knows exactly what I need to hear.
I am so happy that you DID overcome infertility, and that you have been blessed with such a precious gift from the Lord. The Lord does have a plan for everyone, and I cannot wait to see if mine includes being a mommy!!
Thank you. I didn't have an easy day today. the song served as a reminder of what's important. Thanks for posting it.
Harper is adorable!
Thank you for your encouragement today it is just what I needed, I love it when God puts something on someone's heart to share!! My husband and I are going on our 2 year of fertility treatments. Brian and I just keep telling ourselves that God must be trying to teach us patience!
Hopeful for the Future,
Allyson
Incredible song!! I have read your blog for a while but never posted. I prayed for Harper while she was sick and now your blog is one of my daily reads! She is adorable and with 2 girls of my own, I really enjoyed your post today and everyday. I have been through some tough losses recently losing both parents and listened to this song through tears. I have also been following Stellan's blog and cannot imagine how they are feeling. I needed to be reminded that God has overcome all the pain of death. Thanks for posting this song, it was a new one to me. You have been an encouragement to so many even during your trying times. Thanks! Elizabeth
Hi Kelly,
I've followed your blog since Harper was born - and commented a few times too - but today was the first time I went back to read some of your story BEFORE Harper was born. I followed the link to your 'low' point and read from there to when I started.
What a miracle Harper truly is - twice! I'm so thankful for you that she was conceived in such a time of peace for you.
Many posts brought tears to my eyes, but seeing your mom overcome in the pictures the day you told your parents sent the tears streaming down my cheeks.
Thank-you again for sharing your story.
Harper is a doll! She'll be cute in whatever you dress her up in:)
Thanks for the encouraging words. They come just when I need them. They were perfect, as if God were whispering them in my ear. He's using your blog to reach and encourage others!
Amanda in Indy
I just has my little girl's Easter pictures taken today in the exact same dress. She will be 4mos old on the 10th.
Amy
www.amyandgaryreems.blogspot.com
Oh that picture is so cute - I love the dress, cardigan and the flower! I have 3 boys so I didn't get to do the girl thing - but I did dress them up in the outfits they had and I would have a "photo shoot"- I didn't have a digital camera or a blog then. I need to go dig those old photos out - anyway, enjoy Harper and this time with her; time goes by so fast. My youngest is 7 now. Bless you and your family.
This is my favorite song right now. I heard it for the first time about a month ago. I was driving into the parking lot at church with something weighing really heavy on my heart. This song came on the radio and I sat in the chuch parking lot and cried. (I'm pretty sure my kids were wondering why we were sitting in the car and not rushing into church!) It was exactly what I needed to hear at that moment in time and God totally spoke through the song to my aching heart.
I came home, downloaded it from iTunes, and listened to it over and over and over for the next few days. God is so, so good and I can not wait for for my "faith to by my eyes." Glory to His name...
You have an amazing heart, Kelly. I feel so much of what you are feeling. I have been on my knees and in tears for Stellan, much the way I was with Harper. My heart is just breaking over him. And there are so many who are hurting and experiencing great pain and loss and sadness.
Sunday morning, during the offering our worship team played "He Knows My Name" and it was so moving to me. I am so thankful that we serve a God that knows our names and knows our every thought... and hears our every prayer.
That outfit is adorable - I can't believe that's Walmart!!
Hey Kelly I currently follow your blog. My husband and I are currently going through testing to see why we havn't been able to have children yet. I just started a blog. http://seanaubjourney.blogspot.com/
I too have been overwhelmed with a burden to pray for all of these sick children. I wept all day on Saturday when I learned of baby Sage passing. I have definitely been holding my children tighter! I am so blessed with four precious children. Children that GOD trusted me to bring up! Wow! What an awesome yet scary responsibility!! I love reading you blog!!! Harper is BEAUTIFUL! God is GREAT and there is meaning in all of this sorrow. Sometimes I think we are able to dig to the bottom and see the meaning, and other times we may not. We just have to trust HIM for he is mighty!!!
Love the dress for H! Kelly you always know what to say and how to say it. Thank you for all the prayers that you are sending out there
Thank you for posting the Chris Tomlin song and video...really encouraged my heart today!
If that adorable outfit was not the winner for Easter I can hardly wait to see the one that one...Harper is such a precious little girl!
Your thoughts are always so uplifting and you have such a caring heart!
I love this song too! I was listening to the radio on my way to work this morning and it came on I always try to listen to the words and really take them in.
This was such a GREAT post Kelly. Thank you so much for your support and awesome words...I agree, He knows the plans He has for us...and I just KNOW they are plans of abundance :)
Kelly,
You do not know me but I came across your blog on Angie's blog while Harper was in the hospital. I have been reading your blog ever since and I love it...
I wanted to say that your blog is an encouragement to alot of women. And what you said in this post is so true.
April will be 5 yrs ago that we lost our twin boys to preterm birth at 21 1/2 wks. This past November 1st I found out that we are expecting August 8th. We thought that we would never be able to conceive on our own but I/we know that God gave us this child. Two months before I became pregnant God gave me a dream that he had a little boy for us that we needed to come get ASAP!! I woke up and prayed to God & asked him that if this was true to please make it happen. Well, a week ago on Friday we found out that we are having a BOY!!! Isn't God Great?!?
Please continue to be an encouragement...you and your family are a true blessing.
Take care,
Jen S.
Atl, GA
My sister is going in today for another try at insemination. They have been trying for about 5-6 years now. (Off and on) I know that when he feels like it is time, he will bless them with a baby but I hope for her case, it is now. We will see!
Chris Tomlin is actually singing that song "I Will Rise" TODAY at his Grandfather's funeral. We saw him in concert last night in Minneapolis. He was amazing and I couldn't hold back the tears when he talked about his Grandpa, his hero, who is the man that pushed him to be where he is today!
Harper, tell your Mommie thank you for the tip on shopping for your little dress at Wal-Mart. I have a new grandaughter born 5 days ago. I went and got her the cutest dress there today. It was even on sale. Later today if Mommie checks my blog, I hope to get a picture posted of it.
Take care.
I almost bought that same dress tonight for Audrey!! How sweet does Harper look!!
I am where you were. Thank you for this post.
Hi Kelly! Just fyi...Chris Tomlin just sang that very song at his grandfather's funeral this weekend in our home church. It sounded JUST like he does on CD.....amazing voice from a hugely gifted man! Love the dress btw....your walmart seems to have better selections than ours!!
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