Early this morning I had a conversation with one of my sisters in which we talked about just following Gods will each day by praying to Jesus and asking His Holy Spirit to guide while we just do our best to serve and love Him. After having the conversation I was by force of habit going to make some breakfast and usually I feed my dog hers first but she didn’t seem interested once I had put some food out for her which was unusual because she always eats immediately, but this time something felt more pressing than eating our breakfast! So I looked at her and said, walk, you want us to go for our walk first then we can come back and eat, is that it! Her ears perked up and she started mulling around in the room a bit so I said OK let me get my boots on and as I did she got all fired up and chomping at the bit in a sense. So off we went for a brisk morning walk and I decided to be sure to let her take the lead letting out some extra leash. She led us in the direction of the cove we often like to walk around and then hike on to some other sites in that area. We were coming up on a fairly busy secondary road which wasn’t as busy as it can often be but all the more unusual was that immediately there was a good break in the light approaching traffic so we hurried across the road and as we began to proceed on our walk I suddenly noticed a nice new pickup truck just about to pass us and saw that it was a neighbor who doesn’t live in town anymore and moved out of state but occasionally visits family here. We waved at each other and then my dog and I continued on in the usual direction. When we got to the next cross street my dog seemed not as typically wanting to head straight on toward the cove and then like a flash I realized the neighbor does have a dog that was in the truck, and with the direction they were heading the most likely place they would be going to is the park and how it does have paths that go along the shoreline too, so I suddenly had a feeling I should be heading to the park which was further away yet a nice long walk especially because when we got there we could walk along the trails and bike paths to another shoreline spot that I actually love. My dog was very eager and so we picked up the pace and continued on until we got to the gate into the park. As we went through the gate and walked about another 150 feet I looked to my left at a park bench and immediately something caught my eyes attention. It was a nearly triangular shaped stone almost the size of the palm of my hand. It was beautiful looking as it had been painted and had some distinct appearance right away as I noticed Biblical Scripture written on it and as nobody was around, because I really gave a good look in all directions, I decided maybe this stone was meant for me to see and pick it up for keeps. I put the stone into my jacket pocket and continued walking down the main driveway through the park waiting to pick up one of the trail entrances further along into the park. Just at the point along the way where I was about to turn to enter onto a path I saw the neighbor just getting into the truck and driving away and we had that brief moment to actually say hi and have a nice day! So my dog and I continued on to where there is also a fenced dog park area off of the path we were following that many people like to bring their dogs to let them run loose with the other dogs in the enclosure. My dog barks too much at other dogs and actually had far worse issues at the time I rescued her when she was about a year old, bad enough that she’s not even supposed to be alive, because when I found her at the animal shelter late one afternoon by a mysterious set of circumstances and I believe even directives, when she was slated to be put down first thing the next morning and when I saw her I was taken aback how beautiful and full of energy or even personality she had. Long story short here; through an act of God I know was divine intervention the very next morning I was taking her home in my Jeep to give her a life when all hope had been lost, and that was a first because the committee and Chief of Police that have to sign off on euthanizing the animals had never backtracked and cancelled an order and this dog was determined to be un-adoptable, having issues making her supposedly unsuitable! Thank God I got to her in that nick of time because she’s been so amazing and full of love, giving me a true friendship. I spoil the heck out of her and feed her the best food, basically that I actually eat; you name it as long as there’s no toxicity concern for dogs involved she eats it whether sockeye salmon, sea scallops or chicken dinner she eats like a queen, all of it along with a high grade kibble. Anyway I digress, as we continued on past the dog enclosure I rounded a corner on the fenced area and saw down in front of us on the grass a stone just about the same shape as the painted one but this one was just a blank stone.
Now the funny thing is this; I was planning on posting a short blog today because I had a feeling about the Holy Spirit telling me that there was something I was going to need to mention or write a blog about since yesterday; and today’s date being quite novel meant I really should get my butt in gear and find some time to put out a blog, no if’s and’s or but’s, so without trying something special happened here putting what to write the blog about right on my proverbial lap! My dog and I did our trail blazing and a few hours passed, then finally when we arrived home I put out some fresh cold water for her; and as I would be cooking an early afternoon dinner and needed to do some chores first, I got cranking along. Later as the dinner was just starting to cook I checked in online and saw that at the very top of my email inbox was one that arrived about a blog at exactly 2:02 PM, on this date of 02 22 2020! Now that caught my eye just as much as the Special Stone had, so I opened it and it was about a song I hadn’t heard in ages by a very poetic and at times quite spiritual soulful recording artist with much passion of soul in his music. This is the song and artist, “A Passing Ship” By Gordon Lightfoot (1986). This song and the video imagery fit to a tee many of the things I was feeling and thinking about over the last couple of days, and in a way some passing ship had arrived, during the walk by the shore! But, getting back to the Stones I had happened upon, when at home during careful examination of them I found on the back of the hand painted stone that it had a faintly painted inscription which said “Post On,” then “Salvation Stone” in the center! Of course you saw the feature photo of this stone which has the Biblical Scripture painted on it, which I’m listing here for your convenience, followed by the link to the Music Video which I’m sure you will enjoy!
Isaiah 40:8
8“The grass withers and the flowers fall,
but the word of our God endures forever.
9 You who bring good news to Zion,
go up on a high mountain.
You who bring good news to Jerusalem,[a]
lift up your voice with a shout,
lift it up, do not be afraid;
say to the towns of Judah,
“Here is your God!”
10 See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power,
and he rules with a mighty arm.
See, his reward is with him,
and his recompense accompanies him.
11 He tends his flock like a shepherd:
He gathers the lambs in his arms
and carries them close to his heart;
he gently leads those that have young.
28 Do you not know?
Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He will not grow tired or weary,
and his understanding no one can fathom.
29 He gives strength to the weary
and increases the power of the weak.
30 Even youths grow tired and weary,
and young men stumble and fall;
31 but those who hope in the Lord
will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
Feb 22 at 2:02 PM Arrived!
A Passing Ship By Gordon Lightfoot (1986) Gordon Lightfoot
A Passing Ship – Gordon Lightfoot. Video by Bob Perkins
Gordon Lightfoot Lyrics
“A Passing Ship”
A passing ship
I have found the open ocean
Give me no lip
The waves roll by as I pass on
A snulit sea
On the first day of April
How fresh the wind
Will you miss me when I’m gone
How many words
How many songs still unwritten
How many ships
Of the line have come and gone
In the good old days
May they never be forgotten
They had heavy wind
Or they had no wind at all
A passing ship
It is midnight on the ocean
Had a real long trip
I have been at sea all winter
When my ship came in
I was givin’ up the ghost
I think I should be
Leavin’ those passing ships alone
When the sea runs high
The sea runs wild and I’m unsteady
And I think of you
In the warmth of your home and family
When love is true
There is no truer occupation
And may this gale
Blow us to the ones we love
Another day
Another ocean
Give me no lip
But stand aside as I pass on
A sunlit sea
On the last day of October
How fresh the wind
Will you miss me from now on
I guess I should be
Leavin’ passing ships alone.
Later on after eating early dinner this entire spiritually inspiring course of events today brought me to remember an old tune I hadn’t heard in a while, “Straight Down the Line.” by Gerry Rafferty.
I did some praying and thanked God in the name of Jesus Christ for being with us and guiding us; thanking Him for every precious moment. Then I went into my music archive and selected that old tune and my dog went to sleep having a nice nap, as I kicked back and took in the song remembering some special times! I left it on loop for a good hour!
God Bless.
Lawrence Morra
Photo of the Burra Homestead. Dave And Deb
Zero Lift-Off 
A fellow blogger and devout Christian wrote a wonderful article regarding fear and how the evil one is always looking to use it as a means of defeating God’s children! I had to include here one of my comments to her blog because it has such imperative relevance to this blogs theme as well!
Relentless fear leads to a self-fulfilling prophesy of whatever one fears becoming true, as the old saying goes “you brought it on yourself.” We can be our own worst enemy allowing negativity to creep into our hearts and cripple us, to live as failed and lost, letting go of our hope and promise that our Lord brought to us when He took our places on that cross, that single most important act carried out on earth wiped away all of our tears, worries and fears! The enemy wants us to fail so if we allow him the opportunity to convince us that we have something to fear and that we are doomed, he will work that fear until we’re are living as losers without hope or direction. Which is contrary to what Jesus told us and He said not to fear He is always with us, to allow Him into our hearts and have faith in Him alone, so that we walk with Him as He holds our right hand without any fear; as He leads the way. Because we are victorious when we do this, as He leads us to victory and everlasting life which nothing can take away, by our having an abiding faith in Him. He is our Rock and Fortress to protect us until we join Him in His everlasting glory and peace in heaven. Thank you Meghan; for this lovely offering of truth and insight, giving us the opportunity to reflect as we continue to discern the truth that our Savior Christ Jesus has provided to us through our faith in Him.
God Bless You and Yours.
Lawrence
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Thank you for leaving the link to this post for me. Loved it.
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More than honored to do it for you Melissa! I knew what happened that day was completely by God’s Divine intervention and always for reasons of importance that we may not see at the time, or be able to comprehend and understand, but we can rest assured there is a reason which God has in His plan and all will be revealed in the proper time. Your point about dogs was well taken and correct! I have another article I didn’t think to offer which I will now that speaks to this importance of God’s creatures and like all of His creation each thing has a purpose that He determined before it ever existed. A priest friend who I only knew for several years before his passing gave me a gift from God when he told me something during a conversation we had about a dog of mine that died. I know it will mean a lot to you so my heart is very pleased to share it specifically with you. I won’t go into the story much other than to say the one thing he told me that I never thought of but was a tap on my shoulder from God to help me get over the loss and begin to realize precisely what you pointed out in your wonderful article about the Holy water and your dog! Thank you and God bless you and yours. Amen.
Please take note of what I said in the comment to a reader after reading the little story, it was a point I left out of the story but is the one main reason I thought to share this with you and was what prompted me to remember I wrote it and how it would be special to you. It was the main thing in talking to the priest that gave my heart great solace and confirmation.
https://lawrencemorra.com/2019/08/14/a-special-dog-angel/
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Beautiful photos and poems.
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Thank you very much Sister! I’m glad it all worked for you and adds inspiration to your heart! I was so inspired that day as God does at times really making sure that I know He is there!
God bless you and yours!
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Reading your post just now. You are really taking me on a journey through the places that are familiar to you. Your dog sounds so special too. 🙂 This same verse ‘the grass withers…..but the Word of The Lord…..’ has been on my mind too recently as a couple of friends sent me flowers through the post a few weeks ago, and I have watched them bloom and fade, and this verse came to mind about the eternal, the Word of God, Christ, stands forever. I am listening to the song just now, and half way through reading your post. Sounds like a very special encounter and to see God’s handiwork in your day and with those stones.
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I just saw this message pop up and running along for a short jaunt so will get back to all of this!
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Enjoy your run 🙂
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Thank you! We did and just got back! I hope everything is going very well there for you! I need to collect my thoughts a bit so I can say what really comes to mind.🙂
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Thanks Lawrence. Glad you had a nice run. I will try to get to your messages a bit later, but feeling some general anxiety in this day. It will pass. God bless.
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Hope you have a good lunch there and relax! Nice cup of tea too; I’m having my morning concoction of green tea, ginger, lemon, cayenne pepper and raw honey all fresh and potent! And as I said I know you are very busy which is good, so not to worry about when any response can come; I have to learn patience more anyway! What is the Scripture, all good things come to those who wait! That’s about trusting in Him isn’t it now! Faith!
These always make me teary eyed or even cry a lot; love the song and the pipes!
https://lawrencemorra.com/2021/08/23/amazing-grace/
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Again I’m feeling so attuned to all of your words and direction as I feel the power and truth in all of that; and thus you!
This following quote was so good to see here now! “Keep thinking deep thoughts and praying to The One True God, Jesus Christ in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.” Colossians 2:3
That is precisely what we both should continue to do and we will!
First let me add here another of my favorite Scriptures, this one my Mother made sure I had this one memorized!
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6
This now is the entire excerpt from what you wrote which is revelatory and so much what I was just thinking as I was out with my dog on that jaunt/hike!
“It is encouraging in these days when many of us can’t meet together in church because of the pandemic and situations in our own countries that we can still ‘meet’ fellow believers online. Yes suffering certainly does impact us, I know this in my own way, and thankfully He went before us and often uses these things to bring us to Him. I have many experiences of this.” I was thinking these same thoughts and how the world is seemingly so upside down now more than ever, and of course with all of the talk of End Time being upon us we have a huge challenge each day to just be willing and able to face the great uncertainties that the Ways of the World is projecting aggressively into our psyche and personal affairs; but then I pause when this thought wants to overwhelm me because I’m just a mere mortal man who is honestly just trapped here until my Lord Jesus saves me from it all!
The point that matters is like what my Dad always told me growing up, Son just remember this, they can do whatever they want or can try to do to this flesh body, but my soul belongs to God Almighty and He is going to take my soul with Him up there where He is when this body dies; that is where I will be! My dad said that with absolute certainty not a modicum of doubt as I know from him and family members his faith was always so totally devout, dedicating his life to God saying to me on many occasions I only want to do his will each day when I wake!
I have some things I want to share with you when the time comes to do that soon enough I believe! I would truly appreciate hearing about any of those hardships or difficult times you had and will take it all to heart I assure you as I want to understand as much as I possibly can, only again to see if there is any way I can offer my help or any words that will have a positive impact in your life! I do feel the interest and will to reach out that way; so I’ll just go with that inspiration that is in the heart and soul!
I can see how busy you are with your full time job and other personal commitments, so that with also having a time zone gap of several hours we can just eventually see how opportunity presents itself at convenient moments of inspiration.
I want to send you a couple of additional posting links of mine that you will surely love! You mentioned my dog here and how I appreciate her which you are absolutely right about that! I had five at one point but they have passed on and this girl is the last at the present time that I have, so as to allow her all my attention and comfort now that she is old.
I also have an essay which I want to send just in case you haven’t seen the two short video presentations I included in the posting which I know will touch and move you as they have me! I won’t say much now so we can just let them be a surprise; and you can have your own firsthand impressions!
I’ll be looking forward to you staying safe and doing well and then only when the best opportunity comes for you to respond please feel welcome to do that at any time!
So good to hear from you; and I hope you sleep tight and rest fully.
Have a great day tomorrow! I will see you here again!
God bless you!
Lawrence
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Thank you so much for your deep thoughts and reflections, and thank you for the links you have shared, I look forward to reading them. It is great that you have such spiritual Christian influences in your family, I don’t have that, but will keep praying. It sounds like you have a wealth and depth of inspiration and faith to draw from which is wonderful. I hope you enjoyed a nice walk with your dog. Hope you have a nice day ahead. God bless you too and thanks again.
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Well, you are very welcome and perhaps what you lack I can share some of what I have to fill a gap or two?! I do know we speak the same language; especially the spiritual which is obviously the most important factor in our lives because we are here in this finite flesh shell but not that long and eternity awaits; which is what our immortal souls yearn and cry out for! We are on the right path just keep believing! Immortality that younger persons seek these days so much in tech ways or attention in cyberspace can only be found as you know by following Jesus Christ!
It’s great that you got something beneficial from what I say or sent to you! I feel that is a worthy accomplishment! In both directions too!
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Aw, thank you, and yes definitely beneficial to read your thoughts. 🙂
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🙂So glad to know you are helped in any way so thank you for the acknowledgment it means a lot to me too! Have a blessed weekend!
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Lovely post with such a great message!!
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Hi there Pam! I’m very glad to hear this and it means a whole lot coming from you because I really know you mean it; and I’m very happy I did that!
That was a very special day and I fully experienced God’s presence in our daily lives just as the glorious word proclaims; Immanuel.
“The great thing to remember is that though our feelings come and go, God’s love for us does not.” C.S. Lewis
God desires to be with us, obviously that was why His perfect plan was to come as the baby Jesus and become the perfect human being to share in our humanness. It’s really so cool when we just realize that amazing simple Truth. And what awaits us if we see this Truth and accept Jesus!
Here are a few verses of Scripture for us to meditate on.
Acts 17:27 “God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”
Matthew 18:20 “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Joshua 1:9 “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
Isaiah 41:10 “Don’t be afraid, because I’m with you; don’t be anxious, because I am your God. I keep on strengthening you; I’m truly helping you. I’m surely upholding you with my victorious right hand.”
1 Corinthians 3:16 “Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?”
Matthew 1:23 “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.”
Thank you for the thoughts and for getting me going here!!!
Brother in Christ,
Lawrence
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Hello! Thank you for sharing! This is a beautiful reminder of how God always shows up in the most amazing ways!
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Hello to you Fine Lady! Isn’t it amazing when we really accept this reality that we are here to love and serve God our Father in heaven, and then such beautiful signs and reminders come our way as we follow His Son our Lord and Savior Jesus! It’s so exciting right now as I share this truth with you!
I’m glad to share anything with you and if there is anything I can do, I mean it, just let me know!
Our faith is being continually tested or challenged at times but like your profoundly wise handle says Growing Thru Something is what it’s all about my Sister, our faith is growing as we are shaped by the Master Potter!
I hope all things are fine for you there and I think your new day is about to start shortly, as I’m getting through the morning here!
Always good to share, OK!
🌷🤗🖖🙏 🙏 ❤🌹🌈🌞🐕😁😉👍
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He does you are absolutely right Sister! He did again today and I ask that you read this new essay and let me know anything you can share after you do! You can also always write to my email lmor3@aol.com
God bless you!
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Hi Lawrence.
At last, I finally made it to your blog! It’s taken me a while, but I’m so glad I got here to read this post of yours. How beautiful your message is. I’ve always had a passion for stones and pebbles in whatever form they come in. Before I lost my dear Mum in December 2016, she gave me her bowl of blue glass pebbles – nothing special to look at, but special to me because they belonged to Mum, and she’d wanted me to have them. I also have a few random pebbles of my own. But the ones you found that day were more than special – they were so precious, and I do believe they were sent to you for a reason that only you and God know. Thank you for sharing the scripture from Isaiah. I’m familiar with that too, but from quite some time back. The video and song were lovely, and I went on to listen to the other Gordon Lightfoot song that you mentioned too, just out of interest and as you mentioned this too.
Your precious dog sounds adorable, and you definitely have a solid relationship and bond with him. Do you mind me asking what his name is, please? He sounds just like my cat, Peanut, as I feed her only the best food too. Even then, she can still be very particular, and what she’ll eat one day may not be what she’ll eat the next! Typical cat, though, I think. However, I love her nature and personality, and we love cuddles together too.
I was just writing a somewhat complicated, strange and long paragraph about my church experience in this comment and then thought better of it as it’s a bit personal, and as you know, WP isn’t private – it’s out there for all to see. I decided, after a lot of thought, not to share it. However, I’d be happy to have the conversation with you one-to-one. Would you be offended if I asked you for an email address I could write to you at, please? If not, naturally, I will totally understand. Not everyone feels comfortable doing that. I will leave it up to you to do whatever you think is best. Perhaps, it would be easier if I left you my email address instead. Please, don’t worry if you’d rather not be connected in this way. I will understand, as I said. My email is ellie.thompsonwp@yahoo.com. I look forward to hearing from you if you feel this is right for you. Thank you so much for listening and for contacting me through my blog. I’m so glad we met.
Love and blessings. Ellie xx ❤🌳🌹💛🌼💙🌞💕🤗
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Hi there Ellie! Of course we can share emails and one of mine is listed at the bottom of the page in any of my blog postings. Sorry about the loss of your Mum and her special collection of Blue Glass Pebbles must and should have special meaning to you because your Mum wanted you to have them!
I’m very glad to hear you know and appreciate this Scripture and it does culminate beautifully!
Isaiah 40:31 “but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary,
they will walk and not be faint.”
I’m a huge animal fan/lover as I have rescued stray ones and orphaned or injured wildlife too. I bet your Peanut is a dear pleasure to have with you and I had a cat myself some years ago that I had to adopt from a sister that couldn’t keep it; but I even had dreams about that cat when she was gone, she used to wait for me; I suppose in a way like a child as I remember doing looking out the window to see my dad driving to the house in his truck to return from work; just as she did, then even sit on my shoulder when I would pick her up in greeting each other!
You’re welcome Ellie for the connecting here and I’m more than happy that this posting of mine was interesting or maybe a bit inspiring for you; as well I’m sure sharing emails will be very interesting as also.
When I have a bit more time later I’ll see about sending an email off to you and all the best back to you! xx ❤🌳🌹💛🌼💙🌞💕🤗
Brother in Christ Jesus,
Lawrence
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Hi Lawrence. Thanks so much. I’ve just this minute received your other message but haven’t had a chance to read it or to reply yet. I hope you don’t mind if I leave this until the morning as I’ve just gone to bed with a splitting headache 🤕. I so appreciate you agreeing to ‘chat’ with you with more privacy. I’m looking forward to having the opportunity to connect with you in this way. I will reply in the morning. I’m in the UK so it is nearly 9pm here. Not sure where you are in the world or what time zone you’re in, but I’ll say good night to you for now. Take care. Hug 🤗, Ellie xx 💙🌹🍀🌼🦋❤️
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Hi Ellie and that will be fine, at any time you can I will be available, just send an email or try here also again so I can respond as soon as I get the message!
Absolutely you should get your rest immediately over any of this, or what matters most; you must recuperate, and you know the biggest part of that is plenty of rest and sleep!
Talk again tomorrow!
Good Night! 🤗,
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Oh by the way Ellie; being in a bit of a hurry earlier I had it in mind when answering your comment to let you know more regarding my dog by sending this following link about how that came to be that I got her!
So I hope this will be interesting for you to read.
God bless,
Lawrence 🌞💕🤗
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