Leadership Principles from the Life of Jesus

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

February 20, 2023 by Laura Leave a Comment

Leadership Principles from the Life of Jesus

In “Leadership Principles from the Life of Jesus,” Episode, #180, Meredith Curtis looks at Jesus’ example of leading strong. See how He treats His followers, makes decisions, and accomplishes His mission. You can apply these leadership principles to parenting, homeschooling, ministry, and at work. Jesus is our perfect example in every way and He provides the Holy Spirit so we can lead like Him.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Jesus lived a perfect life and left us a perfect example. As we follow Him and walk in His footsteps, we can experience freedom and joy!

God’s Will Alone

No polls, social media investigating
Prayer, fasting, time with the Father
“I have come to do the Father’s will”

Authority / Anointing

Confidence
Declare the Truth
No compromise
Began ministry after Baptism in Holy Spirit

Servant Leadership

No self-promotion
Serving other
Washing Feet
The cross

Love Deeply – Meet Real Needs

Questions, Listening, Ministry
Not trying to win people’s affection
Had compassion
Said hard things people needed to hear

Life Skills Leadership Summit

Are you overwhelmed as a homeschool mom? Trying to give your kids real life skills and the ability to make wise decisions, but it’s not that easy? Here’s help from over 30 expert homeschoolers who want to answer your questions.

Join Me for Life Skills Leadership Summit during February 20-24, 2023. Give your kids real life skills and the ability to make wise decisions. You’ll be encouraged, with tools to confidently finish your school year strong. Learn more here:

Live Life with His People

Not separate, set apart
Travel, eat, talk, hang out
Let people see Him up close
Lives are changed in the context of relationship

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Leadership Resources

Our curriculum and Bible studies work great at home; or in church, homeschool co-ops, and online classes, too! 😊

The Making of Real Men by Mike Curtis with Powerline Productions, Inc.

Celebrate Our Christian Super Heroes by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette at Powerline Productions, Inc.

Thank You to our Network Sponsor – CTC Math!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, disciple, Education, Example, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, leader, leadership, mentor, Meredith Curtis, Model, Parent

Special Replay | Best of HIRL Christmas Series: Jesus vs. Santa

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

December 5, 2022 by HomeschoolingIRL Leave a Comment

Does Santa have any place in the celebration of Christmas? If you listen to some homeschoolers talk about it, event the mention of Santa Claus associated with Christmas will land you in the “loner’s corner” of your co-op. Yet, others celebrate good ol’ jolly Santa Claus right next to the baby Jesus. There is also a third category of homeschoolers (like Fletch) who enjoy stirring the pot and cracking off remarks like: “You know…if you rearrange the letters in Santa…it spells S-A-T-A-N.” Fletch can be cheeky that way!

Where does that leave us?

Should we allow Santa to have a seat at the Christmas table or should he and Rudolph be hidden high up on the shelf with that pesky elf?

With sleighbells ringing and all the yuletide they can muster, Fletch and Kendra sit down for an open, honest discussion about the celebration of Christmas and answer the question: What should Christian homeschooling parents do with Santa Claus at Christmas? Tune in and join them for a fun and lively debate on this edition of HomeschoolingIRL.

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
None

Music clips used on this episode:
Blue Christmas – Elvis Presley – Go buy it on iTunes
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town – Willie Nelson – Go buy it on iTunes

Thank you to our Sponsor | 5000 BLANKETS

Inspired by a true story, 5000 BLANKETS will encourage you to give to others. Find hope this holiday season when you see 5000 BLANKETS in theaters. Exclusively in theaters December 12 & 13!

LISTEN HERE

Are you ready to listen to Fletch and Kendra get real about homeschooling? Press the PLAY button below.

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Filed Under: Homeschooling IRL Tagged With: Andy Fletcher, Cake Pop, Fletch, gospel, HomeschoolingIRL, Jesus, Kendra Fletcher, podcast, Santa Claus

Books Guys Love

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

April 18, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Books Guys Love

In “Books Guys Love,” Episode, #158, Meredith Curtis, mother of a son who loves to read now, but didn’t always in those early years, had to search out books for her son to read. She found a treasure trove in authors like Howard Pyle, Paul Hutchens, RM Ballantyne, GA Henty, Sir Walter Scott, and Scott O’Dell. Meredith will share 21 authors that boys will enjoy reading throughout the homeschool years.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

As much as times change, the things that beat in the hearts of little boys and young men stays the same. Let me introduce you to some timeless classics that still captivate the hearts of guys of all ages who still love thrilling adventures and fearless heroes.

What Kind of Books Should You Give Your Children?

Living Books

Classic Books (doesn’t matter age—classics are timeless)

Wholesome Books

Books with Good Role Models

Meet the Authors and Find Out Why Guys Love Their Books

George Sheldon

Felix Sutton

Scott O’Dell

Hugh Lofting

Albert Payson Terhune

William O. Steele

Jim Kjelgaard

Howard Pyle

Paul Hutchens (Sugar Creek Gang series)

Walt Morey

Quentin Reynolds

RM Ballantyne

GA Henty

H Rider Haggard

Robert Louis Stevenson

Sir Walter Scott

Rudyard Kipling

Mark Twain

James Fenimore Cooper

Jules Verne

HG Wells

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Resources

These resources help your teen grow in virtue and life skills/soft skills

Travel God's World Geography by Meredith Curtis

National Parks Fact Cards by Meredith Curtis

HIS Story of the 20th Century by Meredith Curtis

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: book, books, boy, boys, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, guy, guys, homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, read, reading

Resurrection-Powered Homeschooling

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

April 4, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Resurrection-Powered Homeschooling

In “Resurrection-Powered Homeschooling,” Episode, #157, Meredith Curtis honestly shares how to face the everyday stress and struggle of homeschooling with Resurrection-Power available to every Christian. We know it’s ours, but how do we walk in it. Start today!

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Why we need power for homeschooling

Jesus’ Resurrection

Appearing to Thomas, Peter, Road to Emmaus

Paul wants to know the power of His Resurrection

“Our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body” (Philippians 3:20-21)

It is a quest!

Paul says, “I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death” (Philippians 3:10)

Wait. Why is Paul mentioning resurrection power and suffering in the same passage?

Wisdom to Know Him Better

Ephesians 1:17-23

God Raised Jesus from the Dead

We died with Christ and are raised with Him?

What does that look like?

Homeschooling Dead to Me; Alive to Christ

Ephesians 1:17-23

Surrender

Receiving

Practical Examples

Remember who you are in Christ!

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Resources

These resources help your teen grow in virtue and life skills/soft skills

Unlocking the Mystery of Homeschooling High School by Meredith Curtis and Laura Nolette

Jesus Fill My Heart and Home by Meredith Curtis

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, Easter, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, homeschooling, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, Peace, Resurrection, stress, struggle, teen

Homeschooling with Hot Flashes & Broken Bones

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

March 21, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Homeschooling with Hot Flashes & Broken Bones

In “Homeschooling with Hot Flashes & Broken Bones,” Episode, #156, Meredith Curtis honestly reveals her own aging challenges and how they have impacted her homeschooling. She learned to work around hot flashes and broken bones—and you can too! Prepare to laugh a little, nod in agreement, and feel inspired to stay the course through it all—all while homeschooling effectively.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Breaking bones and trying to play soccer with teens stories.

Menopause

My first hot flash

Osteoporosis/Weakened bones

Grumpiness, Emotions Running High

This Age You Might Start Caring for Aging Parents

How to Homeschool While Body is Aging

Making time for gentle exercise and weights.
Nutrition
More sleep

How to Homeschool When Recovering from an Injury

Find comfortable positions
Homeschool in spurts
Back hurting, I can lay on my side
They read aloud or listen to audios and discuss
You can homeschool from bed!

How to Homeschool During Menopause

Gentle exercise & weights make symptoms easier
More sleep
Stay in the Word!
Learn to converse with God
Tell the children how you are feeling when you are having a bad day and ask them to pray for you
Be real! But be godly!

The Joys of Growing Older

Time alone
Grandchildren
Time to create
Enjoy now but don’t fear what is to come!

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Resources

These resources help your teen grow in virtue and life skills/soft skills

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: care, caring, challenge, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, health, homeschool, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

Small Churches Are A Blessing for Homeschooling Families

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

March 7, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Small Churches Are A Blessing for Homeschooling Families

In “Small Churches are A Blessing for Homeschooling Families,” Episode, #155, Meredith Curtis explains the benefits of small churches to Christian homeschooling families since most Americans go to a small church. These benefits include relationships, age integration, opportunities to serve, and internships/electives.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The average church building holds about 200 people with only about 65 people in attendance.

Since 2000, the average congregation size has gone from 140 to 65 people on a Sunday.

A small church is typically between 25 to 200 people. But, 60% of church goers attend a church with less than 75 members.

Here are five reasons small churches benefit homeschooling families.

Relationships

Lives are Changed in the Context of Relationships

Knowing Your Pastor

True Fellowship

Age Integration

Age Segregation is NOT Biblical

Age Segreation Leads to Self-Centeredness

Age Integration Enriches Us with Relational Skills, Fun, Wisdom, and Empathy

Opportunities to Serve

Room for Everyone

Greeting, Sunday School, Nursery, Sound Team, Powerpoint, Worship Team, Ushering, Hospitality, Hosting Church Events, Planning Church Events, Administration

These Opportunities Cultivate/Develop Life Skills/Soft Skills

These Opportunities Cultivate a Servant’s Heart

Internships

Possibilities: Pastoral Assistant, Administration, Worship Leader Assistant, Leadership

Electives

Sound Technology

Child Development

The Great Commission

Bible Classes

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Resources

These resources help your teen grow in virtue and life skills/soft skills

God's Girls 105: Homemaking by Meredith Curtis

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: book, books, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, small churches, teen

Books Girls Love

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

February 23, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Books Girls Love

In “Books Girls Love,” Episode, #154, Meredith Curtis, mother of four girls, shares their family’s favorite authors, including beloved authors enjoyed for four generations. She talks about the books they wrote and why girls love them. We’ve all heard of Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott, and Lucy Maud Montgomery. However, have you heard of Milly Howard, Lois Lenski, Elizabeth Yates, Patricia St. John, Kate Seredy, and Martha Finley? Find out why these books have delighted girls of all ages for decades.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

As much as times change, the things that beat in the hearts of little girls and young women stays the same. Let me introduce you to some timeless classics that still captivate the hearts of girls of all ages.

What Kind of Books Should You Give Your Children?

Living Books

Classic Books (doesn’t matter age—classics are timeless)

Wholesome Books

Books with Good Role Models

Meet the Authors and Find Out Why They Captivate Girls’ Hearts

Milly Howard

Lois Lenski

Laura Ingalls Wilder

Pamela L. Traveres

Maud Hart Lovelace

Eleanor Porter

Kate Seredy

Kate Douglas Wiggins

Noel Streatfeild

Arleta Richardson

Edith Nesbit

Hilda Van Stockum

Elizabeth Yates

Margaret Sidney

Martha Finley

Louisa May Alcott

Patricia St. John

Frances Hodgson Burnett

Gene Stratton Porter

Lucy Maud Montgomery

Jane Austen

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

All our curriculum is built around living books 😊

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: author, authors, book, books, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, girl, Girls, homeschool, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, read, reading, teen

Growing Lifetime Learners Who Become Leaders with Special Guest Kerry Beck

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

February 7, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Growing Lifetime Learners Who Become Leaders with Special Guest Kerry Beck

In “Growing Lifetime Learners Who Become Leaders with Special Guest Kerry Beck,” Episode, #153, host Meredith Curtis interviews Kerry Beck to discover her secrets of raising leaders intentionally starting in the the early years before formal schooling begins. Leadership starts with godly charcter and a genuine thirst for growing and learning. Kerry shows creative ways to use Scripture and tips to make learning enjoyable. From there, teach your children the soft skills needed to influence people around you including time management, money management, genuine love, decision-making, and people skills. Kerry also talks about her upcoming conference, Life Skills Leadership Summit and why her heart beats for parents to take raising leaders seriously.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

We are excited to have special guest Kerry Beck with us today. Kerry Beck is a homeschool mom, grandmom, speaker, publisher, curriculum creator. She manages How to Homeschool Your Child, Life Skills Leadership Summit, and Homeschool Super-Heros conference.

Lifetime Learning

Modeling a love of learning

Cultivating a Love of Learning

Explore the role of lifetime learning in leadership.

Overcoming Challenges to Raising Lifetime Learning

Little Ones

Middle School

High School

Preparation for Adulthood in High School

God’s Rules vs. House Rules

Managing Schedule

Choosing Classwork

Life Skills Leadership Summit

Are you overwhelmed as a homeschool mom? Trying to give your kids real life skills and the ability to make wise decisions, but it’s not that easy? Here’s help from 30 expert homeschoolers who want to answer your questions.

Join Kerry and Meredith for Life Skills Leadership Summit during February 21-25, 2022. Besides getting your questions answered, you’ll be encouraged, with tools to confidently finish your school year strong. Get your free Basic Pass HERE.

You’ll get access to 50+ sessions, swag bag valued over $400 and daily, live kick off sessions.

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, Jesus, Kerry Beck, Laura Nolette, leader, leadership, Meredith Curtis, Parent, Raise Kids, raising kids, teen, Training

The Assault on Men & Masculinity

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

January 17, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

The Assault on Men & Masculinity

In “The Assault on Men & Masculinity,” Episode, #152, Meredith Curtis reveals the challenges that Christian men face in this day and age. Enemy #1 in the secular world today is the Christian man. He is ridiculed, villainized, canceled. The world tries to change him into a feminized version that is impotent and ineffective. Meredith shares the ways biblical manhood has been attacked and calls Christians to embrace God’s design for men and to appreciate the men in our lives.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

Enemy #1 in the secular world today is the Christian man. He is ridiculed, villainized, canceled. The world tries to change him into a feminized version that is impotent and ineffective.

The World’s Assault on Manhood

Be more sensitive, express your feelings
Don’t be so aggressive.
Don’t be competitive.
Be quiet like the girls.
Men are missing from families—boys grow up without a dad.
Schools/churches are filled with women teachers—again no role model.
Society is filled with harmful things to tempt men away from being honorable and holy—porn, anger, divorce, adultery, sexual immorality, drugs, drunkedness, smoking, criminal activity.

Destroy men and you have destroyed our culture.

What is Going On?

God loves families. He designed them.
Satan hates families. He is out to destroy them.
Men lead families so they are the target.
God loves local churches. He designed them.
Satan hates local churches. He is out to destroy them.
Men lead local churches so they are the target.

What Does Godly Manhood Look Like?

Leadership.
Protective.
Noble, honorable.
Courageous.
Provider
Integrity, Honesty.
Hard worker.

Exhorting, challenging, urging others to live sold out for God.

What Can Men Do?

Dig into the Word.
Pray.
Get together with other men to grow in the Lord.
Overcome strongholds in Christ.
Ignore the world.
Invest in your sons.
Mentor fatherless boys.
Be the man God’s called you to be.

What Can Women Do?

Stop trying to make boys act like girls and men act like women.
Affirm men as leaders. Follow their leadership.
Respect and appreciate men.
Pray for them to rise up and live like Jesus.
Don’t expect your husband to be your girlfriend.

What Can Parents Do?

Let boys hunt, fish, and play sports.
Give them opportunities to lead and protect.
Intentially raise them to be godly men according to God’s Word.
Require them to respect you.
Be alert for pornography—protect your household.

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Resources

Real Men 102: Freedom, Courtship, Marriage, & Family

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: Courageous Movie

From the Kendrick Brothers, creators of the No. 1 box-office movie WAR ROOM and OVERCOMER, comes the remastered re-release of COURAGEOUS Legacy, in theaters September 24. Celebrating 10 years of impact on families and fathers, this updated version of the film includes new scenes and an enhanced look and sound.

Filled with action-packed drama, COURAGEOUS Legacy will once again have viewers laughing, crying, and cheering as they are challenged and inspired by everyday heroes who long to be the kinds of dads that make a lifelong impact on their children. Protecting the streets is second nature to these men. Raising their children in a God-honoring way? That’s courageous.

Check out the trailer here!

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Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: assault, biblical masculinity, Christian, Christianity, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, Jesus, Laura Nolette, man, masculine, masculinity, men, Meredith Curtis, Parent, teen

Do We Really Need It?

A Production of the Ultimate Homeschool Podcast Network.

January 3, 2022 by Laura Leave a Comment

Do We Really Need It?

In “Do We Really Need It?,” Episode, #151, Meredith Curtis reveals the challenges that Christians face as wise consumers trying spend money for the glory of God. “Just do it!” Nike shouts! Do what? you wonder, confused. Advertising slogans dazzle and repel us from billboards to glossy magazine pages, from sides of buses to television commercials to internet ad pop-ups. How do parents, teens, and children combat advertising that leads us in the wrong direction? How can we separate our desires and wants? And our good desires from evil desires? Meredith helps us sort through these murky waters with biblical principles and practical wisdom.

Powerline Productions, Inc.

Bringing Homeschool Joy to Families Everywhere!

Show Notes

The Power of Advertising

Culture heavily influenced by Advertising
Advertising dictates how we decorate & celebrate holidays
New product promotional ads

How Advertising Works

Advertising appeals to both good and evil desires
Products will often be linked to a universally desired thing (happy marriage, mate, fast car, admiration, athletic skill)
Target certain segments of society
Most companies targeting homeschooling families are not homeschoolers themselves
Many homeschooling companies targeting Christian homeschooling families are not Christians.
Advertising isn’t always honest

How Jesus Responded to Advertising

Satan advertised the Kingdom of Darkness to Jesus (see Matthew 4)
Satan advertised food while Jesus was fasting and challenged him to test God
Finally, Satan offered Jesus wealth and power.
Jesus resisted using the Word of God as a weapon of Truth.

Our New Way of Life

Imitate Jesus in responding to advertising. Respond to lies with truth. Respond to insinuations with reality.
Don’t fall into the trap of having advertising dictate what and when you purchase.
Seek God about your needs and desires.
Work/talk together as a family to apply truth to advertising and felt needs.

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Resources

Government: God's Blueprint/Man's Agenda by Meredith Curtis

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: Courageous Movie

Check out the trailer here!

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Filed Under: Finish Well Tagged With: buy, Christian, Education, family, Finish Well, homeschool, Jesus, Laura Nolette, Meredith Curtis, Parent, save, shop, stewardship, store, teen

Leadership Principles from the Life of Jesus

Show Notes

God’s Will Alone

Authority / Anointing

Servant Leadership

Love Deeply – Meet Real Needs

Life Skills Leadership Summit

Live Life with His People

Sign up for our Newsletter

Leadership Resources

Thank you to our Sponsor | 5000 BLANKETS

Books Guys Love

Show Notes

What Kind of Books Should You Give Your Children?

Meet the Authors and Find Out Why Guys Love Their Books

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

Resurrection-Powered Homeschooling

Show Notes

Jesus’ Resurrection

Wisdom to Know Him Better

Homeschooling Dead to Me; Alive to Christ

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

Homeschooling with Hot Flashes & Broken Bones

Show Notes

Menopause

How to Homeschool While Body is Aging

How to Homeschool When Recovering from an Injury

How to Homeschool During Menopause

The Joys of Growing Older

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

Small Churches Are A Blessing for Homeschooling Families

Show Notes

Relationships

Age Integration

Opportunities to Serve

Internships

Electives

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

Books Girls Love

Show Notes

What Kind of Books Should You Give Your Children?

Meet the Authors and Find Out Why They Captivate Girls’ Hearts

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

Growing Lifetime Learners Who Become Leaders with Special Guest Kerry Beck

Show Notes

Lifetime Learning

Overcoming Challenges to Raising Lifetime Learning

Preparation for Adulthood in High School

Life Skills Leadership Summit

The Assault on Men & Masculinity

Show Notes

The World’s Assault on Manhood

What is Going On?

What Does Godly Manhood Look Like?

What Can Men Do?

What Can Women Do?

What Can Parents Do?

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: Courageous Movie

Do We Really Need It?

Show Notes

The Power of Advertising

How Advertising Works

How Jesus Responded to Advertising

Our New Way of Life

Sign up for our Newsletter

Resources

A Special Thank You to Our Network Sponsor: Courageous Movie

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