"Embracing Divine Comfort: can we really be comfortable with ourselves in God? Does your ego, the left brain of life, keep you under fire at the Alter of Burnt offerings or doing another load of "SELF" laundry at the Laver, do you struggle with thoughts circling in your head constantly reminding you of imperfections, what needs change, improve? Embracing Divine Comfort: Finding Your Sanctuary in God's Love." a Sanctuary, what does that feel like? Kristen can you book me a room! How would I encounter God's love in a way that I look and like me? I'm comfortable as me? Today, we're diving into some profound insights from Ephesians 4, and exploring how simple divine truths can transform our journey and everyday life. Imagine for a moment, you're standing at the edge of a vast ocean, the waves lapping at your feet. This ocean represents the extravagant dimensions of grace. That is a tropical ocean, in my book, warm, inviting hues of blue-greens. Our ocean of grace wraps around each of us, regardless of our past performance or perceived shortcomings. Just like the ocean has no favorites, and holds the largest and smallest of living beings, this grace extends equally to all, offering us a sanctuary where we find divine comfort, assurance and our original and likable self. I can't wait to share it with you.
 and how would one describe the way Your Sanctuary makes you feel... I do believe I found a famous text written by Pablo Neruda from 100 Love Sonnets, that brilliantly illustrates it. “I love you without knowing how, or when, or from where. I love you simply, without problems or pride: I love you in this way because I do not know any other way of loving but this, in which there is no I or you, so intimate that your hand upon my chest is my hand, so intimate that when I fall asleep your eyes close.” Living Dream Language
This Psalm, the longest in the Book of Psalms, is like a symphony composed of 22 stanzas, each corresponding to a letter of the Hebrew alphabet. It’s as if each letter is a mentor whispering secrets of the heart and spirit. Aleph, for instance, invites us to begin with integrity, a foundation that holds us steady through life's storms. Beth follows, encouraging us to find a sacred space within our souls—a spiritual home where peace resides. Throughout this journey, we encounter letters like Gimel and Daleth, each with its own lesson, like old friends sharing invaluable insights. Gimel might remind you of the importance of generosity, nurturing the soul through acts of kindness. Daleth, on the other hand, speaks to moments of humility, those times when we feel low and need to seek strength from a higher source. Let's not forget He, a letter that breathes life into our dreams, urging us to walk in faith and trust the process. It's like planting seeds in a garden; you nurture them with care, trusting that in time, they’ll flourish. Each stanza of Psalm 119 is not just poetry but a call to action. It’s a reminder that spiritual principles are not abstract concepts; they're practical tools. Like a seasoned entrepreneur using a business plan, these verses encourage us to apply these principles daily. Reflect on them, meditate on their meaning, and let them guide your decisions. In this transformative journey through Psalms 119, you're not alone. These letters walk with you, offering encouragement and wisdom as you navigate your own path. So, embrace the written and ask God to take you on a journey to experience the “Living, Light Letters.” They will inspire your actions, as your life aligns with a higher purpose.  A self-protective mechanism is a behavior or coping tool that people use to protect themselves when they feel unsafe, out of control, or vulnerable. These mechanisms can become automatic and can cause people to sabotage their relationships. Some examples of self-protective mechanisms include:
Self-protective mechanisms can be activated when someone experiences a threat to their positive self-views, such as being criticized, performing poorly on an exam, or social rejection.  Highlighted Scripture from Ephesians 4 Mirror4:7 The gift of Christ measures the extravagant dimensions of grace; where everyone is equally advantaged. (One measure, one worth. Our individual value is defined by his gift; not by our performance.) 4:8 Scripture confirms that he arrested every possible threat that held mankind hostage. ["he took captivity captive"] And in his resurrection, he led us as trophies in his triumphant procession on high. Consider the genius of God, in the incarnate Christ, he repossessed what belonged to us by design, in human form; this is his grace-gift to us. 4:11 What God has in us, is gift wrapped to the world: some are commissioned to pioneer, others are gifted prophetically, some as announcers of good news, some as shepherds with a real gift to care and nurture, and others have a gift to ignite instruction through revelation knowledge. (Couriers, communicators, counsellors and coaches. — Rob Lacey.) 4:23 Thus you are habitually renewed in your innermost mind. This will cause you to be completely re-programmed in the way you think about yourself. (Ponder the truth about you, as it is displayed in Christ; begin with the fact of your co-seatedness. You can never be more co-raised and co-elevated than what you already are. You can only "grow" in your awareness of your redeemed oneness. BINGE LISTEN
No matter what storm you face, you need to know that God loves you. He has not abandoned you.
a little Left brain Right brain discussionLet's talk about an interesting concept: the battle between the left and right brain. If you've ever been called a left-brain thinker, you've been complimented on your exceptional prowess in math and logic. This is your comfort zone. But what about those dubbed right-brain thinkers? They usually find their strength in the beautiful chaos of creativity. Let's explore the traits that define these two types of thinkers. Those who are driven by their left brain have an affinity for language, they're logical, critical thinkers and have a knack for numbers and reasoning. They're the ones you'd want on your trivia team! The world sees them as analytical, logical, and organized. These are the folks who excel in careers that require linear thinking, maths, and verbal information. Think accountants, scientists, or computer programmers. On the flip side, we have the right-brained individuals. These are the people who can recognize faces in a crowd, express their emotions in a heartbeat, compose a symphony, and appreciate the nuances of every shade of color in a sunset. They have a vivid imagination, an intuitive sense, and a creative streak that sets them apart. In essence, right-brained people are often seen as emotional, intuitive, and creative. They thrive in careers that encourage creative expression and free-thinking, like artists, psychologists, or writers. So, are you a left-brain logical wizard or a right-brain creative genius? Or perhaps, like many of us, you're a beautiful blend of the two, bringing together the best of both worlds. Whichever one you are, remember to embrace your unique abilities and use them to better your life and the lives of those around you.
 To our weekly questionnaire discussion... my quest to answer 70 of the most asked questions by podcasters and famous interviewers. Last weeks question. Today's question: What was the biggest lesson you learned this past year? This too Shall Pass... Last weeks episode shares a brilliant smart phone wallpaper that is currently staring at me from its locked position on my phone. a book that was recommended to me via my Growth Day Coaching lessons. A fun and sassy read with a colorful tongue. Radical Confidence by Lisa Bilyeu. Little did she know that she shared with me one of the best how to lessons of the year. Page 184 captures her number-one tip for emotional sobriety. I didn't happen to have a sticky note at hand as requested by our authoress so I made a phone wall-paper which I see, and see, and is at my visual disposal everywhere my phone goes. 
POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING REVIEWS ARE GOLD. first they give me a HUGE high five and a Atta-Girl (thank you 💋) 2nd they tell others that you value the time, money and encouragement this artist has invested. 
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3. Reflect Regularly: Take time to look back on your journey. Journaling can be a powerful tool for this. Write about your progress, your challenges, and your triumphs. This reflection helps you stay connected to your purpose. 4. Share Your Journey: Don’t be afraid to share your story with others. Your experiences can inspire and encourage those who might be walking a similar path.
 Episode Highlights
Camp Whispering Winds Drum CircleHey there, fellow traveler on this incredible journey! Today, let's take a machete and swing into something truly transformative—the power of beating your own drum. Yes, I’m talking about that unique rhythm, that one of a kind sound, that only you can create. It’s your harvest season, and it’s time to be proud of yourself. Pat yourself on the back and celebrate. As an Author, Entrepreneur, and Podcaster its so easy to move to the next ta-do list or goal. Are you GUILTY of this? Picture this: a farmer standing in a golden field, the sun setting in a blaze of colors, reflecting off the ripening crops. Each stalk, each grain, a testament to months of hard work, dedication, and faith. Now, imagine that farmer is you. Your field might not be literal crops, but it’s the work you’ve poured your heart into—your projects, dreams, and goals. What would happen if you didn't harvest the field? Wildlife, varmints, rodents and bugs would soon move in and then you would really have a mess to clean up. In this episode I share 3 keys that you already have in your arsenal, a life application story that happened this week and some great motivational freebies, ripe for the pickin. I do believe we are ready...  Proud moments are not just for big accomplishments but also for small victories along the way.” – Jay Shetty A few drums in my life: Jacob WambachSolo shared at Church, on his way to National Youth Competition in South Carolina. Here are some effective methods I use to affirm myself:
We all encounter conflicts with those around us, especially with our spouses. Misunderstandings can hurt our feelings. Now, let's revisit some practical ways I affirm myself: The Evernote app features an audio recorder, which I love. As an Evernote enthusiast, I've collected many excellent planners and templates through years of entrepreneurial experiences that help me maintain my sanity. Feel free to explore them in my store. Additionally, your phone has a mic button in the text messaging app; you can record a message for yourself and save it!
This approach helps me avoid irritation because it is grounded in faith and hope. Spiritual practices should be practical and easily implemented in your life. Amen.  BINGE LISTEN
Summer Reads: Ta Da!
Proud moments are the building blocks of confidence and self-belief.” – Deepak Chopra
POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING REVIEWS ARE GOLD. first they give me a HUGE high five and a Atta-Girl (thank you 💋) 2nd they tell others that you value the time, money and encouragement this artist has invested. And of course sharing with friends, co-workers and family! 💋 
When I first started my own entrepreneurial journey, I felt like a lone sailor navigating uncharted waters. There were moments of doubt, but the compass guiding me was the belief in something greater than myself—a conviction that my efforts, no matter how small, were part of a larger, divine plan. In the quiet moments, ask yourself:How can I serve? How can I contribute to the greater good while fulfilling my own dreams?
 bio-location in the Spirit National Archives Museum in Washington D.C.The original Declaration of Independence is located in the National Archives Museum in Washington, DC, in the Rotunda for the Charters of Freedom: The Declaration of Independence is on display with the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, which are also known as the "Charters of Freedom". The Declaration of Independence was unveiled in 1952 by President Harry S. Truman.  Credit: babylontours.com Imagine, if you will, a world where every soul has the freedom to be, to do, and to thrive. Picture a tapestry woven with threads of love, justice, and equality. This is not just an abstract ideal; it is a calling for each one of us to rise and weave our threads into the grand design of life. Welcome to today's episode, an exploration and an interview with Jesus, of what it means to live with purpose and passion in a world that desperately needs both. Today, we embark on a journey that melds the timeless wisdom of spiritual principles with the dynamic drive of entrepreneurial spirit. As we stand in the Company of hearts that have burned before us, Think of the founding fathers of any nation, the visionaries who dared to dream of a land where liberty and justice were more than just words. They were the entrepreneurs of their era, crafting a new reality from the raw material of hope and determination. The same spirit that fueled their dreams can fuel yours. When I first started my own entrepreneurial journey, I felt like a lone sailor navigating uncharted waters. There were moments of doubt, but the compass guiding me was the belief in something greater than myself—a conviction that my efforts, no matter how small, were part of a larger, divine plan. In the quiet moments, ask yourself: How can I serve? How can I contribute to the greater good while fulfilling my own dreams? As you ponder these questions, remember that you are not alone. We are all interconnected, bound by the same threads of love and purpose. So, let's dive deep into this episode, exploring words and realms hidden right beneath our noses, I have a task for you, to listen and to hear once again...they are ringing in the halls of our remembrance. Are you ready to embark on this transformative journey? Let's get started.
 John Locke (1632-1704) was a major English philosopher, whose political writings in particular helped pave the way for the French and American revolutions. He coined the phrase ‘pursuit of happiness,’ in his book An Essay Concerning Human Understanding, and thus this website is deeply indebted to him. Thomas Jefferson took the phrase “pursuit of happiness” from Locke and incorporated it into his famous statement of a peoples’ inalienable right to “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” in the Declaration of Independence. What most people don’t know, however, is that Locke’s concept of happiness was majorly influenced by the Greek philosophers, Aristotle and Epicurus in particular. Far from simply equating “happiness” with “pleasure,” “property,” or the satisfaction of desire, Locke distinguishes between “imaginary” happiness and “true happiness.” Thus, in the passage where he coins the phrase “pursuit of happiness,” Locke writes: “The necessity of pursuing happiness [is] the foundation of liberty. As therefore the highest perfection of intellectual nature lies in a careful and constant pursuit of true and solid happiness; so the care of ourselves, that we mistake not imaginary for real happiness, is the necessary foundation of our liberty. The stronger ties we have to an unalterable pursuit of happiness in general, which is our greatest good, and which, as such, our desires always follow, the more are we free from any necessary determination of our will to any particular action…” (1894, p. 348) Credit the Pursuit of Happiness.org Read the entire Article  Your redeemed identity defines your freedom, my friends. But freedom does not mean that you are now free to again employ the law. On the contrary, your freedom finds its most complete expression in a love that serves one another. As free as you are to the law, so enslaved you are now to love. (You are at last free to live the life of your original design.)  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Credit NPR I have a dream, by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice. I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day down in Alabama with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, one day right down in Alabama little Black boys and Black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today. I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together. Credit: NPR. Read the entire article and speech  Scripture TreasureGALATIANS Chapter 4 4:1 Infant heirs have no more say than a slave, even though they own everything. (The best deal the law could possibly broker confirmed mankind’s slavery to sin.) 4:2 He would remain under domestic supervision and house rules until the date fixed by his father for his official graduation to the status of sonship. 4:3 This is exactly how it was with us; we were kidnapped as if in infancy and confined to that state through the law. (An inferior mindset as a result of Adam’s fall.) 4:4 But then the day dawned; the most complete culmination of time. (Everything predicted was concluded in Christ.) The Son arrived, commissioned by the Father; his legal passport to the planet was his mother’s womb. In a human body exactly like ours he lived his life subject to the same scrutiny of the law. 4:5 His mandate was to rescue the human race from the regime of the law of performance and announce the revelation of their true sonship in God. (Now our true state of sonship is again realized. [Jn 1:12; see Jn 1:11-14] “It was not as though he arrived on a foreign planet, he came to his own, yet his own did not recognize him. [Ps 24:1] But to everyone who realizes their association in him, convinced that he is their original life, in them he confirms that we are his offspring. These are they who discover their genesis in God beyond their natural conception. Man began in God. We are not the invention of our parents. Suddenly the invisible eternal Word takes on visible form. The Incarnation. In him, in us. The most accurate tangible display of God’s eternal thought finds expression in human life. The Word became a human being; we are his address; he resides in us. He captivates our gaze. The glory we see there is not a religious replica; he is the authentic monogenes begotten only of God. In him we recognize our true beginning. The Glory that Adam lost, returns. In fullness. Only Grace can communicate truth in such complete context.) 4:6 To seal our sonship God has commissioned the Spirit of sonship to resonate the Abba echo in our hearts; and now, in our innermost being we recognize him as our true and very dear Father. (The original life of the Father revealed in his Son is the life the Spirit now conducts within us. [Rom 8:14] Slavery is such a poor substitute for sonship. They are opposites; the one leads forcefully through fear; sonship responds fondly to Abba Father. [Rom 8:15] His Spirit resonates within our spirit to confirm the fact that we originate in God. [Rom 8:16] Because we are his offspring, we qualify to be his heirs, God himself is our portion, we co-inherit with Christ. Rom 8:17.) 4:7 Can you see how foolish it would be for a son to continue to live his life with a slave mentality? Your sonship qualifies you to immediately participate in all the wealth of God’s inheritance which is yours because of Christ. (Legalism in its every disguise contradicts sonship. Sonship is not for sale.) 4:8 What really amazes me is how gullible you Gentile believers are to get yourselves all tangled up again in oppressive Jewish rites. I mean you know all about your BC days of slavery to imaginary gods under your pagan beliefs. 4:9 In the meantime, you have come to know the real God; [quite unlike the god of your imagination] what is most significant however, is to discover that he knew you all along. After all, how could you possibly feel attracted again to the pathetic principles of religious deception? It does not matter in what disguise legalism comes, whether pagan or Jewish, it brings the same bondage. 4:10 All of a sudden there are special days, months, seasonal, and annual festivities that are scrupulously celebrated; this is nothing more than superstitious religious sentiment. 4:11 I am alarmed that all my passion seems wasted on you. 4:12 I urge you to imitate me [in my conviction about the fact that Jewish customs and their shadow-sentiments are out-dated.]. We are exactly in the same boat, it is really not about me; it is about you. (Our Jewish or Gentile background makes absolutely no difference. I’m not into winning or losing votes for my ministry or me. It’s this Gospel that is my concern and urgency.) 4:13 I have never compromised the Gospel, from the first day I met you, even though I was physically challenged at the time it did not distract from the message. 4:14 Remember how hospitable and sensitive you were towards me in spite of my frail condition. Instead of feeling embarrassed or repelled you treated me like a celestial messenger with the same courtesy you would have shown Christ Jesus. 4:15 At that time you were so overwhelmed with gratitude towards me that you would have gladly given me what is most precious to you, even your own eyes, to give me relief for my discomfort. What tenderness of affection you showed. 4:16 Alas. How is it possible that the same truth that then bonded you to me now turns me into your enemy? 4:17 The people who make me out to be your enemy do that to your disadvantage: they are very eager to isolate you from me, so that your zeal for their Jewish sentiments will boost their religious ego. (Can you not see it; the Law and its followers do not like you for you; their only desire is for themselves.) 4:18 If you want to be zealous for the best possible cause, be zealous for grace. You are fooling yourselves to be nice to me when I’m with you but zealous for them behind my back. It is not about me, I am jealous for you. It is the message that matters most, not someone’s private agenda. 4:19 My darling little children, my jealousy for you compares to a mother over her newly born. I gave birth to you once through my gospel; now I feel those same labor pains all over again. I travail for the full realization of Christ to be 1formed within in you. (The word, 1morpho, means to mold, from meros, form or portion; note the word translated, sin, hameros, to be without form or without your allotted portion; metamorpho, together with form.) 4:20 I long to be with you right now; I want you to hear the urgency in my voice. I wish I could convince you that the law is a cul-de-sac. (Any effort of your own to add to what God has already perfected in you in Christ is a waste of time. It is like trying to re-invent the wheel.) 4:21 Since you are so intrigued by the law, would you please, also understand its prophetic message: 4:22 The law records the fact that Abraham had two sons: one by a slave girl, the other by a free woman. 4:23 The one is produced by the flesh [the Do It Yourself-tree], the other by faith [the promise]. 4:24 There is a parallel meaning in the story of the two sons: they represent two systems, works and grace. 4:25 Sinai is an Arabian rocky mountain named after Hagar, [outside the land of promise]. Its association with the law of Moses mirrors Jerusalem as the capital of Jewish legalism. Hagar is the mother of the law of works. [DIY-religion] (See Gal 3:7 The conclusion is clear; faith and not flesh relates us to Abraham. [Grace rather than law is our true lineage. Ishmael represents so much more than the Muslim religion. Ishmael represents the clumsy effort of the flesh to compete with faith; the preaching of a mixed message of law and grace.]) 4:26 But the mother from above, the true mother of mankind is grace, the free Jerusalem; she is the mother of the promise. 4:27 For it is written, “Rejoice, Oh childless one. Erupt in jubilee. For though you have never known travail before, your children will greatly outnumber her who was married." (Married to the law; Isaiah 54:1; see also Rom 7:1-6.) 4:28 We resemble Isaac: we are begotten of faith; the promise is our parent. 4:29 Just as when the flesh child persecuted the faith child, so now these Jerusalem Jews in their Christian disguise seek to harass you; 4:30 however, Scripture is clear: “Expel the slave mother and her son; the slave son cannot inherit with the free son.” (In exactly the same way, rid your minds radically from the slave mother and child mentality. Light dispels darkness effortlessly.) 4:31 Realize whose children we are my Brothers and Sisters: we are not children of the slave-mother, the law, but children of the free mother; we are begotten of grace. Mirror Study Bible
BINGE LISTEN
POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING REVIEWS ARE GOLD. first they give me a HUGE high five and a Atta-Girl (thank you 💋) 2nd they tell others that you value the time, money and encouragement this artist has invested. FOLLOWING PODCAST INSTRUCTIONS as with any application you are required to signup with your email address. And of course sharing with friends, co-workers and family! 💋 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS
Sometimes arriving too quickly is detrimental. It is dangerous to arrive without our character mature or intact.”—Lisa Bevere
It is believed that the average person uses no more than 10% of his or her potential. Ten percent! We’re not even scratching the surface of what we’re capable of. We are all blessed with a continent of unexplored gifts and talents. Use them, or lose them!—Clifton Anderson The Magic of Musée d'Orsay's Clock: An Unforgettable Parisian Journey Picture this. You're in the heart of Paris, the city of love, and you find yourself strolling into the Musée d'Orsay. You're there to see the famous Impressionist artwork, but then something unexpected catches your eye. It's a clock. But not just any clock. This clock is a grand, ornate masterpiece perched on the fifth floor, its face a window to the city. You're immediately drawn to it, just as I was on my first visit. The clock's intricate ironwork and elegant Roman numerals reflecting a craftsmanship that whispers tales of a time when locomotives were the kings of travel.  Musée d'Orsay clock from interior, photo by Mark Craft This clock isn't just a timepiece, though. It's a window. A window that frames the city in a way no other can. Standing in front of it, you can see the Eiffel Tower, standing tall and proud against the sky. It's a view that blends art, history, and the city's charm into a single, breathtaking moment. Just like me, tourists and photographers can't resist this spot. They capture this blend of past, present, and timeless beauty, each snapshot a memory etched in time. Whether you're an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates a beautiful view, this clock offers an experience that feels like stepping outside of time. So, if you ever find yourself in Paris, I encourage you to seek out this clock. Take a moment to stand in front of it, to see the city through its face. It's more than just a clock, it's a window into the soul of Paris, offering a timeless perspective on the city's enduring charm. Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it." —Helen Keller BINGE LISTEN...
Scripture Treasure
Wrapping himself around me like a shield, he is so generous with his gifts of grace and glory. Those who walk along his paths with integrity will never lack one thing they need, for he provides it all! (For the Lord God is a sun and shield; The Lord bestows grace and favor and honor; No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. AMP) O Lord of Heaven’s Armies, what euphoria fills those who forever trust in you! Psalms 84: 10-12 Passion Father bring the tuning harp of Jesus Christ and return us to the sound, frequency and song of our harmony and Oneness in Him.
In this “Lady in Waiting” season, everything I read/heard and perceived in my mindset in scripture was bent toward a tomorrow, promises were for tomorrow. God is faithful, but it was always tomorrow. God always hears our prayers, but any delay was “God’s will” or “God’s timing.” Again, I was a Lady in Waiting. Everything that seemed promised was in the spirit, for another day, in heaven. I was laying up treasure in heaven, right? Even marriage vows polluted a given life-promise “until death do you part.” Take a very emotionally needy mom of 4 young children, feeling bound by man’s doctrine of the Gospel that is supposed to set her free and put death in front of her as an escape? If we are transparently honest here, it knocked on my door more than once. The enemy pulls no punches. He knows what kind of sword will be carried into battle one day; he spared no expense to try any hindrance to take me out. Or destroy my testimony of family which would leave me on clean up, brokenness and survival mode for years. Grace indeed stewarded my heart and mercy was tremendously assisting my immaturity. I’m painting myself as an emotional basket case. Interesting to read over your words that you wrote several days before. How you interpret the condition of your own heart. Read the rest of the story... Wambach, Kristen. The UnFinished Book: Some of the greater things in life are unseen
Placing value on your thoughts, Good, Bad, Inspiring or Ugly... they will lead you to really good questions. And then you have the opportunity to come boldly before the Throne of Grace to me TRUTH Himself. Amazing!
POSITIVE AND ENCOURAGING REVIEWS ARE GOLD. first they give me a HUGE high five and a Atta-Girl (thank you 💋) 2nd they tell others that you value the time, money and encouragement this artist has invested. |
