The Real Me...
Okay here is the deal... there is a right way that bio's are supposed to be done. So, I've pasted my standard bio below. It gives my credits and credentials but to be honest it makes me sound way more polished than what I really am. I've included it in case you need to read it for whatever reason.
But this is who I really am...
Lysa TerKeurst: Yes, my mom spelled my name that way at birth. She named me after a soap opera character...and a mean one at that! But she loved the way the name sounded so she changed the spelling. My maiden name was King which I would love to keep as my middle name but Lysa King TerKeurst sounds a little lofty for a simple country girl.
Okay here is the deal... there is a right way that bio's are supposed to be done. So, I've pasted my standard bio below. It gives my credits and credentials but to be honest it makes me sound way more polished than what I really am. I've included it in case you need to read it for whatever reason.
But this is who I really am...
Lysa TerKeurst: Yes, my mom spelled my name that way at birth. She named me after a soap opera character...and a mean one at that! But she loved the way the name sounded so she changed the spelling. My maiden name was King which I would love to keep as my middle name but Lysa King TerKeurst sounds a little lofty for a simple country girl.
My husband: My husband Art owns a Chick-fil-A restaurant and is the most patient man I know! Three weeks out of the month he loves me and loves to do whatever he can to help me do ministry. One week out of the month he simply puts up with me and my bout with the Princess Must Scream syndrome. But hey, three out of four ain't bad! One of the greatest things about Art is that he lets me stick my cold feet under him at night and never complains. He is a great leader who teaches me something about leadership every day by simply watching him live his life.
My Kids: I have 5 kids. Me! The woman who struggled to keep goldfish and hamsters alive when I was a kid and now God has entrusted me with 5 children. I do feel incredibly blessed with my three biological kids and two adopted kids. I love them to pieces. They are the most fun part of my life! But they also challenge me in the deepest ways. The best parenting tip I've discovered is pray, pray, and pray some more. I can't be an effective parent without a whole lot of the Lord and some daily doses of chocolate.
My Ministry: I work with the most incredible team of women at Proverbs 31 Ministries. What started as a simple newsletter to encourage moms has now grown beyond my wildest dreams. The effectiveness of Proverbs 31 Ministries can't be attributed to slick marketing plans and flawless leadership. We are simply a group of women sold out to saying yes to God and He truly does the rest. I'd love to for you to get connected to Proverbs 31 Ministries by visiting http://www.proverbs31.org/.
My Everyday Life: I feel like a success in my everyday life if I get through the day having spent time with the Lord, exercised in some way, had a laugh with one of my kids, had clean underwear in my husband's drawer when he needed them, made a friend smile, and limited my chocolate intake within my weight watchers points!
Now for the standard bio...
Lysa TerKeurst is a wife to Art, mom to five priority blessings and a nationally known speaker. She is an award-winning author of 12 books including her newest release from Zondervan titled 'Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl'. She has been featured on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, Good Morning America, Woman's Day Magazine, “O” Magazine and on the Oprah Show. (To see an interview of Lysa on Life Today with James and Betty Robison click here.)
She is the co-host of the Proverbs 31 Ministry’s national radio program, which airs daily on over 1,200 stations as well as a writer for the ministry’s e-mail devotions called "Encouragement for Today," reaching more than 300,000 subscribers every day.
Her greatest passion is inspiring women to say yes to God and take part in the awesome adventure He has designed every soul to live. But she always chuckles when people call her the Proverbs 31 woman. While she is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries to those who know her best she is simply a car pooling mom who loves Jesus passionately, and struggles like the rest of us with laundry, junk drawers and cellulite.
Whether she is speaking, writing or simply sharing coffee with a few friends, Lysa delights in making Biblical truths come to life in a way that every woman feels equipped to become who God intends her to be. In her life changing messages, Lysa teaches women how to infuse new life into their Christian journey by saying yes to God’s divine appointments each and every day. But this isn’t just a message that Lysa teaches, it is one she lives out in her own life.
Whether you are a woman looking for a book to inspire richer daily quiet times for yourself and your Bible study group, or a women's ministry director looking to book a speaker, Lysa would feel honored to spend some time with you. You’ll laugh, you’ll be inspired, and you'll come away changed. Her greatest desire is that long after you forget the name Lysa TerKeurst...long after you forget the stories she shares and the messages she teaches...that you'll never forget how God personally touches your heart.
If you are interested in booking Lysa TerKeurst for an event, please contact her assistant Holly Good at Holly@Proverbs31.org
My Everyday Life: I feel like a success in my everyday life if I get through the day having spent time with the Lord, exercised in some way, had a laugh with one of my kids, had clean underwear in my husband's drawer when he needed them, made a friend smile, and limited my chocolate intake within my weight watchers points!
Now for the standard bio...
Lysa TerKeurst is a wife to Art, mom to five priority blessings and a nationally known speaker. She is an award-winning author of 12 books including her newest release from Zondervan titled 'Becoming More Than a Good Bible Study Girl'. She has been featured on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today, Good Morning America, Woman's Day Magazine, “O” Magazine and on the Oprah Show. (To see an interview of Lysa on Life Today with James and Betty Robison click here.)
She is the co-host of the Proverbs 31 Ministry’s national radio program, which airs daily on over 1,200 stations as well as a writer for the ministry’s e-mail devotions called "Encouragement for Today," reaching more than 300,000 subscribers every day.
Her greatest passion is inspiring women to say yes to God and take part in the awesome adventure He has designed every soul to live. But she always chuckles when people call her the Proverbs 31 woman. While she is the president of Proverbs 31 Ministries to those who know her best she is simply a car pooling mom who loves Jesus passionately, and struggles like the rest of us with laundry, junk drawers and cellulite.
Whether she is speaking, writing or simply sharing coffee with a few friends, Lysa delights in making Biblical truths come to life in a way that every woman feels equipped to become who God intends her to be. In her life changing messages, Lysa teaches women how to infuse new life into their Christian journey by saying yes to God’s divine appointments each and every day. But this isn’t just a message that Lysa teaches, it is one she lives out in her own life.
Whether you are a woman looking for a book to inspire richer daily quiet times for yourself and your Bible study group, or a women's ministry director looking to book a speaker, Lysa would feel honored to spend some time with you. You’ll laugh, you’ll be inspired, and you'll come away changed. Her greatest desire is that long after you forget the name Lysa TerKeurst...long after you forget the stories she shares and the messages she teaches...that you'll never forget how God personally touches your heart.
If you are interested in booking Lysa TerKeurst for an event, please contact her assistant Holly Good at Holly@Proverbs31.org
53 Comments:
Thanks Lysa for the wonderful witness of your faith delivered with humor and passion. We are blessed by your message of brokeness made whole again by your faith in Him. Blessings, Sandi Vinton Weddington UMC Women's Nite Out Event Aug 30
Lysa-
This past weekend was such a wonderful retreat- and you and Art were the icing on the cake. Monty and I were so thankful for your Godly words of encouragement. Never underestimate the power of your ministry to truly change lives!
Thank you-
Lindsay Alexander, Couples Weekend Getaway at the Cove
~ Undeniably a servant of Christ. Thank you so much for your obedience. Your testimony is one which allows others to witness the power of God through your acceptance of His grace and mercy. His mercies are new every morning...thank you for sharing from your Spirit filled heart. The Breath of Heaven conference would not have been complete without you. (don't forget to keep it between the shoulder and elbow - the heart, of course! ;)
Hey Lysa, I read you devevotionals almost everyday and then froward them to my wife. I find them to encurage and challenge me well. The wisdom from God's Word that you share blesses me. Thank you!
Frank Diaz de Leon
I get these Encouragement emails everyday and they are very helpful. I am writing since I am in between Churches, trying to find a Church home and make Christian friends. Sometimes that is hard to do. Just Pray that I can find the right Church and make some Christian friends. I am married with one child. Thanks..
I get these Encouragement emails everyday and they are very helpful. I am writing since I am in between Churches, trying to find a Church home and make Christian friends. Sometimes that is hard to do. Just Pray that I can find the right Church and make some Christian friends. I am married with one child. Thanks..
I am inspired when I read about your life. I want so much to be sold out to Christ too!
Praise GOD!!! what a great priviledge to know you thru this web. Indeed GOD is AWESOME, our distance even million miles away is not a problem. We are so blessed with your encouragement daily in our lives & indeed I even shared to our local Ladies Ministry in our church during our Ladies fellowships & meetings your articles. It is a tremendous blessings to all of us.
Thank you, GOD BLESS everyone!
in behalf of our Ladies from WIN-AL AIN,
jasmin
Ladies Coordinator
WIN-AL AIN Church
Abu Dhabi, U.A.E
Within the past year, I have switched jobs from a Christian radio station to working in construction. Talk about a change of atmosphere. But as most days, I stay in the office by myself and I truly enjoy the daily devotions. In this type of atmosphere, I must keep His word in my head and heart. But as a single mom who is always on the go, I also find that I don't give enough time to God. I don't ever feel that I give Him what He deserves. I ask for your prayers in helping me find more time for God and for myself. Thanks for all your sacrifice and committment to God and this ministry.
Lysa: I came across your name in a Family Christian bookstore in Harrisoburg, VA and was shocked to see your last name. It instantly reminded me of a kamper that was in my kabin at Kanakuk Kamps! Your daughter was one of my kampers! I had known some of the things about your family, but had no idea that you were a co-founder of Proverbs 31. That's amazing to me! Well give Hop-E (Hoppy as we called her.. haha) a hug and tell her that she is still being prayed for! We miss her and love her dearly!
Hugs from Kanakuk!
Lysa: I came across your name in a Family Christian bookstore in Harrisoburg, VA and was shocked to see your last name. It instantly reminded me of a kamper that was in my kabin at Kanakuk Kamps! Your daughter was one of my kampers! I had known some of the things about your family, but had no idea that you were a co-founder of Proverbs 31. That's amazing to me! Well give Hop-E (Hoppy as we called her.. haha) a hug and tell her that she is still being prayed for! We miss her and love her dearly!
Hugs from Kanakuk!
Your daily devotions have been a blessing to me. I have always had ants in my pants and usually can't sit still long enough to be really quiet and still. It is who I am and who God created me to be. I have learned and continue to learn how to use this personality for His purpose. Your daily devotions have helped me to focus first thing each morning on Him, His Word and His Presence. Thank you.
Just want you to know how much i enjoy the daily devotions
Thank you for your daily devotional. I look forward to them every morning because they cause me to think and go deeper with God.
God bless the Proverbs 31 ministry.
I wanted to thank you for what you do. I read your devotions daily and they really are encouraging. We are recently going thru the foster/adopt process and sometimes it can be very stressful. Your devotions really help.
Dear Lisa:
Thank you for your daily devotional emails that I get everyday. They really help me start my day in the right frame of mind, they are thought provoking for me and challenge me to see the big picture, even though sometimes it is hard to see.
Thank you!!
Lysa, Thank you for your devotions. I feel like I really know you and you inspire me in all the devotions. When I receive them, I read them and then I forward them to all my email women friends. My list was only at 13 and now I have over 50 on it and it keeps growing. They all enjoy your devotions as much as I do. There are times that they are speaking just to me and I know the Lord has used you for this.
God Bless and keep up the Lord's work. Jenn.
Lisa, thank you for a Bio that does not glorify your education and awards. This confirms to me that you are truly SOLD OUT to GOD.
I give praises to GOD for choosing you as a tool for HIS work.
Janie
Lysa, thanks for all that you do. The daily devotions have been a life saver for me. Especially this mornings. I can't tell you how much I need it. Thanks for being you.
Your comments about a rag tag soul cut me to the quick. I am in the death struggle between letting go of my 'self life' and the life God wants me to have. I so desperately a family life and yet these things seem beyond my reach. So I rebel and I don't read, pray or worship as I should despite knowing in my head this is what I need to do. My heart is so filled with negativity and unfulfilled desires that I don't see past it to anything else. Even as I write this I realize how self-centered I am and don't care. I want a better relationship with God but honestly I'm tired - of being a good bible study girl (to use your words) I am full of knowledge but no experience with God. I'm at the point where I want to throw it all away for temporary satisfaction.
Well Lyse,
I'm not one short for words, but I'm trying so here I go... your study on rag tag soul is so like my starting this year by telling God how I miss Him and want to spend more time with Him, and that I want this year to be the start of a closer walk, no, a closer entertwining of us, of our relationship. I want Him to be my lover, again! I'm sure Christians say this over and over during our life, but whether I "feel" the emotion behind the words or not (like today my comments aren't very full of a "feeling" of sincerity, but more a statement of fact), this is what I KNOW I NEED. So, after reading your study and then your bio, and seeing a bit of myself, okay perhaps a lot of myself :), I thought, why not let you know you're not the only strange kid on the planet. :) ( By the way, my husband let's me do the same thing with my feet! Aren't we blessed!!!!) And to end (yes, I am learning to talk less believe it or not), I think it awesome, trusting and courageous of you and your husband to adopt black children (I'm mixed black and white, and that's not the reason why I thought it awesome, but I thought it worth your knowing)! I'd love to know if you wrote about this experience. What a special family, not just due to that uniqueness, but for all you've likely gone though to raise all five of your children. May God bless you and Art in your respective and joint ministries and birth more ministries through those He's entrusted to your care!
Lysa-
I'm not much of a "blogger" in fact this is my first. Woo Hoo! I knew I needed to respond to your Rag Tag Soul! I'm so ready to be sold out - to die to some of my fleshy habits and get dirty! Thank you for the inspiration and the truth that you speak. You go girl!
I get so much out of reading the Proverbs 31 Ministries.
I'm so excited to find your blog - I am a stay-at-home mom of 3 and married to a great guy - Proverbs 31 is always a challenge and I'm looking forward to reading your devotions and blogs! Thank you for taking the time to minister to us in this way!
Hi,
I read your thoughts on Encouragemnt for Today on "Trust." I come form a broken family, raised as a Moslem, accepted Jesus as my Lord and savior in 1996, met my Christian Husband in 1997 and got married in 1999. When I asked God if I should get married to my husband, I think his answer was NO. I did not listen to God. My marriage has been loveless-deprives me of intimacy; my husband takes me for granted, lied to me several times, spent all our savings, and now that I told him I am leaving him, he wants to make amends. I had trust issues to begin with and now I feel lost, confused and broken. i have turned away from God and yearn for Him but I don't know how.
My daughter's name is Allyssa (she's one year old) and we call her Lyssa. Your name caught my eye on someone else's blog because of the similarity. Do you pronounce it Lisa or with a soft I? Your book sounds very interesting! I look forward to learning more about you!
Thank you for your words of wisdom in your devotion of September 18th. I too have struggled but not with the issue of my having an abortion but my sister having had one. She doesn't know that I know. It has been very difficult. I'm a mother of 2 and a grandmother of 3. I'm the Children's Sunday School Director at our church. My passion and my heart are children. It has been several years since I heard about what she had done. Up until now, it's been very hard to forgive her. I have never been able to wrap my mind around the fact that she could kill a part of her. Your devotional has help me understand her a little better. Is the forgiveness there? Not yet but it will be someday with God's help.
you are in my school district and i firmly believe that we are very fortunate to have such good, caring teachers and administrators...she will thrive and love all the friends she will make
Dear Lysa-How about homeschooling instead? God's word tells us to train our children up in the way they should go. I saw the difference and so did my teenager.7 hours a day with worldly teens influencing my teen was creating quite a conflict for her to conform to the world's view of what is cool...which is exactly the opposite of what God wants. I noticed rebellion and boys came into the picture.I don't allow boyfriends before graduation because I see no Christian beneficial point to "date" when they are not going to be marrying anytime soon. I have seen that allowing boy/girl friends early leads to sexual impurity.BUT GOD expects sexual purity until Marriage. So I decided to homeschool her and NOW my teenager is very strong in the Lord and sure of herself.She is firmly ROOTED in who she is as a Christian. She wants to be in ministry and lead purity studies for teens. She is an inspiration to other teens in her youth group of what a sexually pure and mature young Christian lady is to behave and look like. Many girls in her youth group have told her how they wish they could be strong in the Lord like she is. She is NO LONGER ASHAMED to be "uncool" for being a young Christian. She thanks me often for homeschooling her as she is able to see the difference it made in her Christian walk and happiness. She is praying daily for her future husband to remain pure for her too. The focus of our lives is to live for the Lord and train our children to put God first in their own lives. It makes it hard for them to not buckle to worldly peer pressure when 7 hours a day 5 days a week they are flooded with the idea that Godliness is geekiness.Christian Liberty Academy offers complete homes schooling with a highschool diploma ( if your interested). With love in Christ- A fellow Proverbs 31 wife and mom from Texas.
Dear Lysa, I heard your story on Focus on the Family yersterday & today. I was filled by the Spirit as I cried & laughed listening to your story. Your story is amazing. I love how you have allowed God to use you for His glory. I will be praying for you & your family as work so hard for our God. Thank you!
Dear Lysa,
I thank God for blessing me today through you!! I was listening to you on the radio this evening, and you were talking about your adopted sons and being a Mom. I recently went back to work after 19 years of being a stay-at-home Mom. I was working at a preschool when a three year old boy walked into my life. I am now a foster mom, and I have given my two week notice at work. I now have three teenagers and a preschooler. As I've been sorting this all out in my mind, I heard your message. Thank you for reminding me that I AM a Mom. Thank you for the laughter and the tears!!
Lysa - I was driving home from a friends house last night - it was late and I wasn't looking forward to the quiet ride home. Then I remembered Focus on the Family comes on at that time. I listened intently to your message on my drive home and arrived home with 15 minutes left in the broadcast! I sat out in the car to finish out the program. I laughed, I cried, I marveled God and was sooooo blessed by your story. I love how you used "But-God" He is truly amazing!!! I prayed that I would remember your name so that I could search you out on the internet - Yipee - I remembered!! I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to five children and need more of God in my day - I want him to write my motherhood story! Can't wait to wander through your website!! God Bless you and thank you for your obedience to God!!!
Lysa - I was driving home from a friends house last night - it was late and I wasn't looking forward to the quiet ride home. Then I remembered Focus on the Family comes on at that time. I listened intently to your message on my drive home and arrived home with 15 minutes left in the broadcast! I sat out in the car to finish out the program. I laughed, I cried, I marveled God and was sooooo blessed by your story. I love how you used "But-God" He is truly amazing!!! I prayed that I would remember your name so that I could search you out on the internet - Yipee - I remembered!! I am a stay-at-home, homeschooling mom to five children and need more of God in my day - I want him to write my motherhood story! Can't wait to wander through your website!! God Bless you and thank you for your obedience to God!!!
Hello Lysa, Just wanted to tell you your message is near and dear to my heart bc my dad too said he wanted my sister and myself to be boys so I too went through life feeling tossed aside and inconvient to those around me, also buying into the lie of abortion, I am now saved by my 1st love Jesus and am married with 4 children and 1 I had at 16 and gave up for adoption.....thanks
Dear Lysa I have read your book What happens when Women walk in Faith and it parallells my Daughter in law's life. I lunched with her covering a lot of areas of your lives and asked her to read your book as I feel God is calling her to minister to women to walk in Faith. She also loves to write and speak to groups. She goes to God's word immediately when she encounters a problem or situation...She also believes in prayer and prays one on one when asked. I own 5 of your books and look forward to reading them. I hope someday to have you as a speaker in the Annapolis Maryland area. Praise God!
Dear Lysa, I can't believe I'm just discovering you! As my Dad says, I must live under a rock! I have heard a few of your Proverbs 31 messages on WBGL, and I have enjoyed them! But last night it was announced that you will be the speaker at our annual Ladies Unity Night, so I got on your blog! WOW! I can't wait to order and read your What Happens When Women Walk in Faith! And, I wish I had known about you BEFORE I created and ran a bible study I entitled, Mommies Encouragement in 2007! Thank you for blessing me already, Lysa. And I know God will continue to bless you, as you so obviously surrender to His will. In Christ, Doreen Waldbieser
Thanks for your message today. God knows I needed that today. I have 5 children, a blended family of 3 years and to be real, there are just some days that are a struggle to get through. I'm so glad I have the hope of Jesus, without Him it would be impossible, with Him all things are possible. I've read a few of your Proverbs 31 daily emails, now I'm for sure gonna read your new book. Thanks again Lysa, you are a living example of John 15:5 "I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in Him, bears much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing.
Amen, Sister Traci! You are standing on the Rock of God, and He WILL get you through! Be still and know that He is God.
Ms. Terkeurst,
I've just read your devotional entitled An Emotional Affair and I want to say thank you. I am a young single woman. As I'm sure your are aware, some affairs have more than just married persons involved and though I am not married, I do honor marriages and was really blessed by your devotional. May God continue to do His great work in you!
Ms. Terkeurst,
I've just read your devotional entitled An Emotional Affair and I want to say thank you. I am a young single woman. As I'm sure your are aware, some affairs have more than just married persons involved and though I am not married, I do honor marriages and was really blessed by your devotional. May God continue to do His great work in you!
Mrs. Terkeurst,
I just wanted to let you know how amazing your story is to me. It really opens up how much we take for granted and how we can trust in God. I hope that someday I can really impact people's lives like you and have a testimony. I know that God was watching you all along, and I was really amazed and blessed my your message, "The Blessings of Walking in Faith." I heard it on the radio and I love it.
Thank you,
Brittany :)
Hilarious site (what with all the "y'all" hick stuff), I just wish it was a parody rather than a serious one.
I just hope that when your kids grow up they start asking some questions about all the biblethumping nonsense you're force feeding them. As for praying as an effective parental technique: well it's killed a few kids in the last year or so thanks to people thinking praying works (rather than taking them to hospital). That's the sort of thing your superstitious nonsense can lead to unfortunately.
Amazing the amount of self delusion and wasted energy you spend on praying. But I guess it probably pays well (like all things religious) to keep up the praise jesus rubbish.
H Lysa....I have just listened to your testimony of how you found favour in God's word...of how your friend led you to His Love..!! I am in South Africa and your inspirational talk was broadcast.
Please keep me in your prayers.
GBU
Jenny
My precious niece is attending your event tonight with friends. I am praying for you to be used as a vessel of hope and encouragement. This lovely young woman has no idea of how completely she personifies the Proverbs 31 woman. Thank you for blessing her and all the women in attendance tonight.
Lysa, There is no doubt that you are God's vessel being used to do God's work. Your message last night at the WVLUN was...powerful. I'm still processing it all and what message the Holy Spirit had for me. I KNOW (that I know that I know!) that He had a message for each and every one of us, that it WAS His divine intervention to get each and every one of us there. Thank you.
Lysa - so often when I need it the most, your daily message touches my heart and gives me exactly the encouragement to keep me going. It did so again today - you are so real and real is what we all need. Thank you!
I have never heard of another person on the planet being named after a mean soap opera character. I thought I alone had that privilege... How fun!!! Thanks for sharing that little tidbit among all the rest.
I praised the Lord for guiding me on what to watch over TV here Saudi Arabia, i.e. INI, 3ABN, etc. I want you to know, Ms Lysa, I was blessed by the caterpillar story you shared in James Robison Program. I want to share this to my wife in Baltimore. We are OCW Filipino, me here in Arabia and my wife far from me. It is the love of the Lord that keeps us together. I can relate to all you shared because I feel the way how the Lord works amazingly in each of us. To Him be all the glory. In Christ-Celerino Aninon
hi Lysa im a 13 year old girl from ontario ... i dont know where you live ... but i think your very inspreational ... and my daddy passsed away when i was 3. Thanks!
Samm!
Oh yes i absoulutley loved the caterpiller story !
Lysa,thank you for using your gifts and beauty to serve God!I receive devotions from crosswalk everyday and they are all inspiring.People i forward it to ,always testify to how God reaches them through the devotions.May God give you deeper insight into His word in Jesus' name!Amen!Keep up the good work,He who has called you,will equip you even to the very end.I love you Sister..
O M G giiirl ive been friends with gabe for 6 years, i cant believe your his auuunt! teehee
Hello Lysa,
Let me start out by saying, you are a beautiful woman. Your personality is authentic and rich. I believe, without a doubt, you have found your reality in Christ and now, you are living that reality openly for the whole world to see.
Church life, ministry, tithing, first fruit, and quoting scriptures could never replace a personal, one on one, relationship with God through Christ. He must come first and everything else last. Getting to know him and walking his love; applying his word to our life; and worshiping him are far more than anything he could ever want from his children.
So I'm glad that you have found your place of fulfillment in our Father. When we are lead to him, he becomes our God, but as we walk side by side with him, listening and learing from him- he's our Father.
So pray that I can become more. For I am a young Christian (almost 6 years old) who desires to be and stand firm in that place of fulfilment in Christ.
Glory to his name!
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