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Showing posts with label I Walked with Jesus. Show all posts
Showing posts with label I Walked with Jesus. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 23, 2023
Monday, July 17, 2023
I Walked with Jesus - first chapter!
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| There is a sale going on at Amazon! Get this book for $3.50. That's the paperback! |
Have you ever considered yourself as one of the least of these?
The Rabbi
John 3
Since the first time he’d spoken with the Rabbi of Galilee, Nicodemus’ heart had burned. There was something about the man called Jesus of Nazareth that made him want to change his heart, maybe even his life.
His home was large with many rooms,
but he’d chosen to visit with the Rabbi outdoors, near the great well where
places for sitting in the cooler evening air were appreciated. Jesus must come
at night, when peering eyes slept, and when his leadership duties were not so
pressing. If his neighbors saw his visitor, he could merely remind them that it
was the law to study at night – besides, it was expected. He need not worry
about his place in the social and political arena.
Still, as Jesus entered, Nicodemus’
heart skipped more than one beat. He was curious to know the truth, but he was
also deeply afraid of what he would hear. Jesus was a great teacher, but he was
not a prophet.
Or was he?
Because it was dark the torches had
been lit. The dripping of water within the well where they spoke reminded Nicodemus
of the cleansing of his soul – what he feared the most.
The sound of Jesus’ sandals padded
toward him. He stopped and sat. Nicodemus followed.
“A drink?” he asked.
The Rabbi shook his head.
“Well, then, I will begin,” he
offered.
The wind was blowing softly and
easily, and Nicodemus was glad he’d chosen the location he had. But where
should he start? He’d gone over the conversation a million times, and now that
Jesus of Nazareth was here, he was at a loss.
The man was looking intently at him,
so Nicodemus began:
“Rabbi, we know that thou art a
teacher come from God: for no man can do these miracles that thou doest, except
God be with him.”
Jesus smiled. “Verily, verily, I say
unto thee, except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”
Born… again? Nicodemus
thought. “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter the second time
into his mother’s womb, and be born?” he asked.
Even in the dim light, he could see
that Jesus’ eyes were blue, the color of the sea of Galilee where he sometimes
walked to clear his head.
“Verily, verily, I say unto thee,
except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom
of God.”
Children were born of the water from
their mother’s womb. And there was a spirit that dwelt inside every man.
“That which is born of the flesh is
flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Marvel not that I said
unto thee, Ye must be born again. The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou
hearest the sound thereof but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it
goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit.”
“How can these things be?” Nicodemus
asked, taking a sip of the wine he had poured for himself. “Art thou a master
of Israel, and knowest not these things? Verily, verily, I say unto thee, we
speak that we do know, and testify that we have seen; and ye receive not our
witness. I have told you of earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye
believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?”
For a moment Nicodemus thought of
the wind in the trees, but the thought forming in his head escaped him as Jesus
continued:
“And no man hath ascended up to
heaven, but he that came down from heaven, even the Son of man which is in
heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the
Son of man be lifted up: That whosever believeth in him should not perish, but
have eternal life.”
Nicodemus knew of Moses and the
serpent he raised up. He knew the law of Moses and had lived it since he was
young. But who would come down from heaven and be lifted up? Was Jesus speaking
of himself?
“For God so loved the world, that he
gave his only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in him should not perish,
but have everlasting life.”
A trickling of warmth found his soul.
“For God sent not his Son into the
world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He
that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned
already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of
God.”
Did he believe? Was this truly the
Son of God?
“And this is the condemnation,” the
teacher continued, “that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness
rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”
Was Jesus saying his deeds
were evil?
“For every one that doeth evil
hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be
reproved.”
Suddenly, Nicodemus was thinking of
his sins. He had many, but so did others in his position. In his duties as a
ruler of the Jews and a member of the Sanhedrin, he must set an example of
strength.
“But he that doeth truth cometh to
the light, that his deeds may be manifest, that they are wrought in God.”
Nicodemus took another sip of wine,
but he could not meet the eyes of the teacher. Both were silent, and as
Nicodemus listened to the wind through the trees, and the dripping sound of the
water in his well, he was anxious to go inside to his family.
Jesus stood.
“Follow me,” he said.
They were at the front of his house
before Jesus spoke again. “Follow me. Learn of me.”
The wind brushing against Nicodemus’
face, and the rustle of leaves above his head seemed to speak words of comfort.
Could he do it? Could he leave his home, his profession? He had felt something
warm prick at his chest. Could he deny now what he thought to be true?
Tears glistened. “I believe thy
words are true,” he said.
“Then, come, follow me.”
The repeated entreaty was followed
by a smile and a touch of a hand to his shoulder.
“When?”
“Tomorrow. We leave tomorrow.”
Nicodemus breathed in slowly and as
his breath escaped his lips, he looked into Jesus’ eyes. They were still
looking at him, watching him lovingly. He had never before seen such eyes.
“I don’t… know,” he stumbled. “You
say you are leaving tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow. Will you be there?”
With all of his heart, Nicodemus
wanted to say yes, but the words he wanted to say stuck in his throat. “I don’t
know…” he began.
“Think about it?” Jesus offered.
“I will,” he answered.
A sob escaped Nicodemus’ lips.
“Master?” he asked. “If I don’t come, will you yet love me?”
Of all the things he could have
said, these words were the hardest. He knew that tomorrow he would not come. He
would eat, he would go about his duties, he would walk the grounds of his
beautiful home and the synagogue, but Jesus would travel without him.
Still, watching the man who some
believed was God, there was no question in those heavenly eyes about his
answer.
Monday, July 10, 2023
Friday, June 23, 2023
Walk with Jesus today - UPDATE!
I am in need of a few more reviewers for either the audio, eBook, or paperback copy of I Walked with Jesus. My goal is to have at least 10 reviews on Amazon (more would be great!) before the second book in the series comes out in mid-September.
That means I need your help. Based on the reviews I've received thus far, you won't be disappointed in this book whatever way you get it. If you want the paperback, just send me a note here of your interest. and I'll mail you a copy. Anything else comes with a free audio code or an eBook gift directly from me!
Let me know if you'd like the code from Audible! Get it free!
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On Sale! Paperback $3.50! |
What do you know of the woman at the well? What led her to the well that day - the exact day Jesus would be there? What of the lepers, the blind man, the woman who dried Jesus' feet with her hair? What of the Centurion who said at the cross, "Surely this was the Son of God”? Stories of Jesus. You have heard them since you were young. But what about the parts that you’ve never heard?
Friday, December 16, 2022
Shopping for Christmas books? Two deals you'll not want to miss!
I Walked with Jesus: New Testament Stories of Faith and Healing from the Least of These
Paperback $6.32!
The Human Bean (picture book)
Paperback $5.46!
Wednesday, December 7, 2022
Preview of I Walked with Jesus - book 2 - update
[I expected this book to be finished by now, but I am not quite there. Becoming a beta reader has passed. I plan on working on the final-final this weekened, and then it will ready. I'll keep you posted].
I am almost there with book two in the I Walked with Jesus series. And because I am, and because the first story has everything to do with Christmas, I thought I would share it with you.
Initially, I had planned on having this book out before Christmas. But you know how things go. As it sits right now, expect the book to be out in February 2023.
Working through the Acts of the Apostles has been a bit harder than my first book. So many of my stories in the first book are well-known; i.e., The Woman at the Well, The Ten Lepers, and so on. Less is known of the apostles and their journeys after the resurrection of Jesus. I have 21 stories, the book is finished, but the stories are a bit shorter than the first book of 17.
Another thing you need to know. The first story, "The Handmaid" carries over from the first book. It takes place in Luke 1. Story two connects with the first, but the story comes from Acts 2 at the time of Pentecost.
Now is the time for me to get some beta readers for this book. After reading the first chapter, "The Handmaid" if you are interested in being a beta reader for me, please let me know at kathy@ariverofstones.com.
I would love to get some readers who enjoy historical fiction, especially those who enjoy learning more from the scriptures. Merry Christmas!
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The Virgin in Prayer, by Giovanni Battisti Salvi, Il Sassoferrato (1609-1685) |
The
Handmaid
Luke
1
Mary
loved her son even before he was born. Like most mothers, she found if she
rested, fed her soul as well as her body, and made time for reflection, the
energy she received at the hand of God was more than sufficient to carry her
pregnancy even at the last.
Though she was not always treated
kindly as a young girl by her friends because of her timidity, as she grew, she
discovered the wisdom in this. If she had something to say, she would say it,
and others would listen. Her mother and father treated her kindly, and her
brother and sisters spoke well of her. Her family didn’t have much in the way
of worldly goods, but they had each other, and that’s what mattered.
Mary had learned about God at a young
age, and, like most girls had been shown her place in Jewish society. She
respected this place, though she often thought about being equal to the young
boys with whom she associated. It wasn’t until Mary grew that she began to see
the truth of the matter.
When the angel came, Mary was at first
surprised as anyone would be. But her heart calmed as she spoke with the angel.
She wasn’t alone. There were others nearby, yes, but she could not hear them.
It was like she’d been brought to heaven while still kneeling on the earth.
“Hail, thou that art highly favored,
the Lord is with thee: blessed art thou among women,” the angel began.
She was amazed. Not only at the bright
clothing the angel wore, but the manner in which he saluted her.
“Fear not, Mary: for thou hast found
favor with God. And, behold, thou shalt conceive in thy womb, and bring forth a
son, and shall call his name JESUS. He shall be great, and shall be called the
Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his
father David: And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his
kingdom there shall be no end.”
“How shall this be, seeing I know not
a man?” she asked.
“The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee
and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy
thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. And, behold,
thy cousin Elisabeth, she hath also conceived a son in her old age: and this is
the sixth month with her, who was called barren. For with God nothing shall be
impossible.”
The words of the angel spoke volumes
of love to Mary’s heart. How could she doubt what God could do? Her heart
burned as the words came: “Behold the handmaid of the Lord; be it unto me
according to thy word.”
She’d gone to see Elisabeth after the
departure of the angel, and the truth she’d known even before her arrival there
became a second witness. Truly God could do all things.
Her son was born six months later, and
they named him Jesus as the angel had spoken.
He was a beautiful baby. As his chubby
hands reached for her face, she would kiss them, and speak to Jesus of God’s
love. He grew into a good, kind, son. He was always thinking of her, teaching
her the ways of God. And as he continued into manhood and her husband, Joseph,
left the earth and returned heavenward, Jesus was a great comfort to her in her
loneliness. The first few months after Joseph’s passing, He consoled her, His
loving arms surrounding her, His voice soothing her aching soul.
By the time of Jesus’ crucifixion,
she’d made His teachings a part of her heart. She knew the truth of the
resurrection. He was here! They’d eaten together at his arrival, and He’d shown
her the marks of the nails in His hands and feet. She’d touched His side – the
babe she had carried in her womb. He lived!
At first, she thought He’d returned
for good. But then the news had come. His teachings were nearing an end. He had
many things to do, to help His father. Not Joseph – He smiled as he’d spoken it
– but His father in heaven.
She dared not ask if He’d seen her
Joseph, but Jesus seemed to know her thoughts.
“I have seen many loved ones. And
others are waiting to hear the gospel. Missionaries have been sent to the
waiting spirits in prison.”
“Can it be so?”
“Surely, Father is well pleased.” He
took her hand in his. “And you, how are you, Mother?”
“I am not eager to have you go,” she
said.
“But the 40 days of teaching, of
preparing hearts and souls for the greater work, are almost spent. It is time.”
“I know… And yet…”
“You will miss me, as I will miss you.
But my spirit will be here, and the gift of the Holy Ghost…”
“I know.”
“It is the greatest gift of the
Father. The Holy Ghost will teach you all things, and bring all things to your
remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
“Still…”
He embraced her then and, as the tears
fell, her heart ached for the separation that would soon come. Only when she
met His eyes again did she see tears in His own.
“You will always be my mother.”
She sobbed then, huge gushing tears,
and He held her tighter.
“It is more blessed to give than to
receive,” words given over an outdoor fire some two weeks past, filled her
soul long after Jesus had ascended to heaven. How could she give now that He
was gone?
Her children spent time near her; her
grandchildren pulled at her skirt for attention, and she had given it. At home,
it wasn’t difficult. When she was away from home, that’s when giving became
more difficult. But she would do it.
For weeks, she dreamed of her son. And
as the months passed and the dreams dwindled, a softening returned, and she was
able to live again. She hadn’t experienced the transfiguration for herself, but
Peter, James, and John had spoken of it often. They had seen Jesus, her very
son, as he looked in his glorified state. As she closed her eyes on those
lonely nights when her children and grandchildren had returned to their own homes,
she could see Him as He was during the 40 days – as she remembered Him.
And she was carried forward.
Friday, May 6, 2022
Surprise! You don't want to miss this discount!
If you're an author like I am, you're probably aware of the book surprises that often come along with having your book listed on Amazon.
Today I noticed I Walked With Jesus is discounted. Yes, this is the paperback! Authors never know in advance when this is going to happen. If you haven't read, "I Walked with Jesus," yet, NOW is the time to get the book NEW for $7.78. Save 40%.
Fifth price reduction. How about $6.52! a 50% discount?
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| Get the book today at Amazon |
Tuesday, December 14, 2021
I Love This Book! LAST DAY FREE!
Do you mean to tell me you haven't read I Walked With Jesus: New Testament Stories of Faith and Healing From the Least of These?
No problem.
From December 16 through 18, get the eBook for FREE.
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| At Amazon |
I Walked With Jesus: New Testament Stories of Faith and Healing From the Least of These is a collection of stories based on Biblical text from the New Testament. I loved seeing these stories come to life. I thought the author did a fantastic job making me feel as though I was transported back in time to see how they all lived. Such an inspiring and faith-filled book. I enjoyed every single page.
I Walked With Jesus: New Testament Stories of Faith and Healing From the Least of These will be getting very well-deserved five-plus stars. I highly recommend it for readers who enjoy reading Biblical Fiction. I would love to read more by Kathryn Elizabeth Jones in the future.
-Amy (GoodReads)
These stories are thought-provoking yet comforting to the soul. I can feel the holy spirit when I read them, and they help me reconsider stories I thought I knew. If you like 'Two from Galilee' or other books that bring Bible stories to life, you'll love these."
- Michelle Higham, author
"I love your book. I will forever remember all those stories in much more detail after reading this. The book is wonderful."
- Dorothy Crofts, poet
Saturday, November 6, 2021
FREE book on November 20! Today's the day!
Find me on Amazon!
Get this eBook for FREE on November 20!
and enjoy some inspirational reading about Jesus and those who knew Him.
Just my way of saying thanks to all of you!
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Hear that?
My audiobook is out and I would love for you to check it out! I love working with ACX and Audible.com for the production of all of my audiobooks.
If you are too busy to read but feel as if you are missing out on life because you haven't read a book lately, you might want to try audio. If you know what audiobooks are all about and you haven't listened for a while, you might want to check out what Audible.com has to offer.
Have a great day!
Kathryn
Monday, August 30, 2021
Wednesday, August 25, 2021
10 Ways to Enter the Drawing for I Walked With Jesus
Today is day 3 of the contest at Novels Alive. Click here and you will be sent directly to the page where my book, I Walked With Jesus, and the opportunity to win a $25 Amazon gift card are listed.
After that, you will want to make a visit to B for Bookreview. Here, I have a guest post "Tell Me a Story That Means Something." Find out why "pictures" are important to any book you are writing or reading, and why, even as a child, I sensed their importance.
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
DAY 2 - Have you entered to win yet?
Here we are on day 2!
For anyone who writes historical fiction, especially those who write Christian historical fiction, this blog post is for you!
Get a sneak peek of chapter one - the Rabbi - and find out how you can submit multiple entries for a chance to win my paperback of I Walked With Jesus and a $25 gift card from Amazon.
Monday, August 23, 2021
Why would you want to enter this contest today?
You might be chosen to win a $25 Amazon gift card and a paperback copy of I Walked With Jesus!
Go to Novels Alive. Enter. Wait.
You might be chosen as a winner!
Saturday, August 21, 2021
Be one of the first to review my audiobook!
My audiobook, "I Walked With Jesus: New Testament Stories of Faith and Healing" is HERE!
Just click the link above and you'll be taken to audible.com and the page where my audiobook is listed. Contact me at kathy@ariverofstones.com, or let me know here and I'll send you a free code to review this book.
Thank you!!
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| Get the audiobook and audible.com |
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Who Else Wants to Review I Walked With Jesus? [UPDATE]
Things on the book release homefront are getting closer with I Walked With Jesus: NewTestament Stories of Faith and Healing From the Least of These!
I would love to reach the 30 review mark by August 30th! [I am in need of 5 more reviewers!]
If you've been thinking about reviewing, but haven't committed yet, I would love to have you along. Let me know here or send me a note at kathy@ariverofstones.com.
Thanks!
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| You can choose to review the audiobook [I will send you a code for a free audiobook - Update! I now have the free codes!] |
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| or the paperback [I will send you a PDF] |
Thursday, August 5, 2021
Reviews of I Walked With Jesus [New Reviews Listed!]
Somehow, I missed this early review.
I Walked With Jesus: New Testament Stories of Faith and Healing From the Least of These
Aug 16, 2021
"You are so talented. I love all your stories; it really brings the scriptures to life. But, I do have my favorites; "The Father's Son", "Bartimaeus' Sight", and my all-time favorite "Malchus' Word"!
- Todd Tolman
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5.0 out of 5 stars A powerful book about the wonders of faith
Reviewed in the United States on August 31, 2021
Kathryn Elizabeth
Jones penned a wonderful collection of New Testament stories about people in
biblical times and how they interacted and reacted to Jesus’ teaching. Some of
the people were skeptical of the Rabbi who brought his friend Lazarus back to
life after he had been dead four days!
Some people, like Susanna, a Samaritan, felt she was unworthy because she had
married many times and she was burned by sins. She even lived with a man who
was not her husband. She met Jesus at a well, while she searched for something
to take away her loneliness. She looked into Jesus’ blue eyes when he told her
if followed him, she would lose the sadness in her soul. She felt Jesus’ love
for her and it transformed her life.
There are many miracles described in this book, such as Bartimeus, who was born
blind. People in his area scorned him when his younger sister, Leah, led him
from place to place. But Jesus healed him. What happened to Jedaiah after he
fell? He was paralyzed from the neck down, but he prayed for faith and healing.
His brothers took him to hear Jesus speak and he was healed.
The stories in I walked with Jesus are often poignant because you feel whatever
events the characters are experiencing. You relate to the power of their faith
and the immeasurable love that Jesus shared with each of his children. It’s a
beautiful book that I learned from and enjoyed. Well done, Kathryn Elizabeth
Jones.
* I received a complimentary ARC from the author and chose to review it without compensation.
Review by children’s author Deanie Humphrys-Dunne
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| Fisher Boy |
"Tell me the stories of Jesus, I long to hear, things I would ask him to tell me if he were here.” [From the Children’s Songbook]
There have been so many times when I have read stories of Jesus when I wondered
why we couldn’t have more information. The Bible stories have left me with many
questions.
Who was the woman at the well? Why did only one of the lepers thank Jesus for
his healing? Why did a young boy throw himself into a fire? Who sinned, a boy
or his parents that he was born blind? Why did Jesus wait for four days to heal
Lazarus?
When you read, “I Walked with Jesus,” you will read the rest of the story and
feel through the Holy Ghost what it was really like to be in the presence of
the Savior.
Learn more about your Savior and the love he has for all mankind and the faith
it takes to be a recipient of his healing power.
Kathryn Elizabeth Jones has written a heartfelt, fact-filled Bible Storybook
with information, she has found through her own research and the research of
other Bible scholars to put together the imagery that she adds to biblically
accurate stories. The stories enlighten us who 'the least of these
really were, what kind of faith was required for them to be healed by Jesus
Christ and what their lives were like at the time of Christ.
I highly recommend “I Walked with Jesus as an aide for family bible study or
study groups who wish to know the rest of the story. The author added names to
make the stories more complete and she also added facts from her research of
the time period, with scriptures right from the Bible text.
- Jill Ammon Vanderwood, Mom's Choice Award-winning author of Off Target
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| The Centurion |
"I Walked with Jesus by veteran author Kathryn Elizabeth Jones is a series of well-written stories based on scriptures from the New Testament about personal encounters with Jesus, and how those meetings strengthened faith, mind, and bodies. This book will speak especially to those already on a well-trodden spiritual path in the LDS tradition. The dialogue is written in two forms, contemporary and as quoted text from the King James Version of the Bible. I found the change in dialogue style required sudden “gear shifts”; however, readers from the LDS tradition will be familiar with this style. Kathryn Jones is a sincere, skilled writer and I recommend this book for readers of the Christian faith or for those interested in LDS perspective."
Review: 4/5
- Lori Knutson
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| Rachel's Jar |
"I love your book. I will forever remember all those stories in much more detail after reading this. The book is wonderful."
- Dorothy Crofts
"I enjoyed the book. It was well written and must have taken a long time to research the information."
"I'm only about halfway through [as of August 8] because I've been ill and
physically struggling. These stories are thought-provoking, yet comforting to
the soul. I can feel the holy spirit when I read them and they help me
reconsider stories I thought I knew. If you like 'Two from Galilee' or other books that bring Bible stories to life, you'll love these."
- Michelle Higham
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| Jairus' Daughter |
"After reading Kathryn’s stories, I felt that I needed to
read the stories again from the scriptures. I was impressed with how she developed each story giving detail that
made the event more meaningful to me. I
have been guilty of reading the scriptures through without thinking deeply
about what is happening in the life of the individuals. In the story “A Certain Woman” about the woman
with a blood issue who had been rejected by society, Kathryn helped me to feel
the woman’s loneliness and her desire to be accepted in society. A woman with a blood issue could not be with
members of her family–those who loved her and could give her comfort. Touching Jesus would make him unclean so she
had to battle the guilt that she felt. After she touched him and was healed, she probably feared that he would
be angry and lash out at her. Instead,
she felt his love.
I recommend this book to those who have a desire to have a
deeper understanding of the scriptures. Her work is imaginative, thought-provoking, and very moving."
- Valerie Tomer
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| Bartimaeus' Sight |
“Your book takes us on an incredible adventure. So, for anyone looking for a good book to read, look no further. Kathryn's book will bring you hope and leave you feeling encouraged. I highly recommend gifting yourself and others with her timeless piece of literature.”
-Vernita
Simmons
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