Crafting a Blessing/Prayer Journal

Sunday, January 24, 2016

Proverbs 10:22 
The blessing of the Lord, 
it maketh rich, 
and He addeth no sorrow with it. 

This week I was thinking about the goodness of the Lord and how He is so faithful to answer our prayers.  And not just the big ones, but the small ones too, that may never leave your lips, but are carried deep within your heart where no one can hear.  Sometimes these prayers are so small as to feel they are unworthy to be expressed aloud... and yet, He hears and knows those prayers too!  

Psalms 5:3  
My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, 
O Lord, in the morning 
will I direct my prayer unto thee, 
and will look up.

He knows our heart's desire, sometimes more even than we do ourselves! Last week I silently breathed a prayer for a friend to share my soup with... and I have been amazed all week at how the Lord arranged that meeting, with quite the adventure to go along with it!  (Story here if you haven't read it).  

Colossians 4:2
Continue in prayer
and watch in the same 
with thanksgiving. 

Prayer and thanksgiving go hand in hand... and as I thought about this, I knew that I needed to begin to document my own prayers, blessings, sorrows, triumphs in one place, a place where I can go back to, if need be, months down the road, and see how the Lord has provided the answer to my prayers.  

Yesterday I found the time, and the creative mindset to do just that!  Some of you who have been faithful readers here, know that I have not done much creating since we've moved because my creating space changed, and I've never been able to find the creative juices to flow productively in that space.  

But yesterday, all that changed. I was on a mission, and with the Lord's help, it happened.  I completely pulled everything out of all the nooks and crannies, and began to rearrange.  I cannot create in disorder. I have to start in an organized space... but once I start, the order ends.  When I'm done, it looks like a tornado hit... but at least in the beginning, everything must be in its place.  

First I began by laying out the paper, tools, glue that I needed... here is how it went... 

















And since I was on a roll, I decided to make two journals.  I have a dear friend who has been shut in for several weeks, and not able to get out due to illness.  I made this journal for her, and took it over to her yesterday.  I thought it might help for her to document the journey with her illness, and to be able to look back too, and see what the Lord was doing through this difficult time for her.





The process went quickly, once I got started. I used Aleene's craft glue to glue the cardstock to the journal.  This particular cardstock is from Stampin Up! and I do not believe they sell it any longer. However, it is called Coreinations because it has a lovely inner "core" that makes sanding it a joy.  The light sanding adds an aged vintage effect, and I was so pleased with how it looked almost like an old leather bound journal!  

After gluing on the cardstock, cutting around the edges of the journal, and sanding the paper down, I then cut out some soft velvet-feeling paper in a beautiful pattern and applied it to the front, and added some ribbon and a tag.  It doesn't take much, just whatever you have to adorn your journal!  I paid $0.79 for these journals back when school supplies were on sale (always the best time to stock up on these things) and saved myself quite a sum of money, considering a lovely journal like this in the store could be upwards of $10-20, and I used supplies that I already have on hand. 

You could also cover the journal with fabric too... so many options for a journal like this.  I enjoy writing in a beautiful journal, it always sparks my desire to write in a journal when it is a delight to hold it in my hands.  

This journal will be used for short little blurbs each day, or whenever I can find the time to write, and in it I will be writing my daily blessings, needs, and little thoughts.  I don't intend for this to be a journal where I write lengthy things, but just little smidgets of notes when I have the time.  But most of all, I want it to be a place where, in the future, I can come back and be amazed at how the Lord has answered the small prayers and provided His blessings in the daily routine and humdrum busy-ness of life.  

Psalms 65:2  
O thou that hearest prayer, 
unto thee shall all flesh come. 

Psalms 66:19 
But verily God hath heard me, 
he hath attended to the voice of my prayer.  

May the blessings of the Lord be with you today, and His spirit poured out in your life in a great measure! :) 

73 comments

  1. What a tremendously perfect way to see how our Lord works in each of our lives. I think I'm going to start one myself and see Him at work through this journey I'm walking in.

    Thank you for sharing your lovely journal. May our Lord bless you greatly through the snippets of joy that you will write. :-)

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    1. A journal is a wonderful place to document our journey indeed... and it is always fun to have one that you crafted yourself :) Praying the Lord is blessing you today my friend, in all the things you face... and that HE is sufficient!

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  2. Your journal is beautiful! I haven't made one in a while and I should. I have all the resources and some composition books to boot. When I'm done with my valentines, I think I'll start on a journal. Have a lovely evening!

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    1. It is a fun project that can be made with things you probably have in your house... and a wonderful place to collect your little bits and pieces of life :) Have a wonderful day!

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  3. Oh my what a lovely journal you have made and to think you made one for your friend!!
    I enjoyed seing all your paper and pretties for dcorating. I always like to buy a few things when I see them on sale. As you never know when we might need to have them to make something beautiful out of a simple book or a notcard or my favorite bookmarkers!
    I really enjoyed your scriptures and your thoughts on this blof post!
    Hope you have a lovely weel ahead!
    I appreciate you and you always have the best comments and make each one of us sound special!
    Love, Roxy


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    1. I'll admit that I love paper, and have far too much of it, lol... all those clearance sales, yes, indeed! Thank you for your sweet comment, it is such a blessing to have this circle of ladies who encourage each other in the Lord, isn't it! Appreciate you too Roxy, and pray the Lord blesses your day today too :)

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  4. Your journals are beautiful! I love mixed media art and these are wonderful - and useful! Thanks for sharing! I hope your friend is on her feet soon!

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    1. It is fun to create beautiful things with paper, and I certainly have plenty of paper to do just that! I too hope my friend gets to feeling better as well, being ill and home bound is not fun at all! Appreciate your visit today :)

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  5. Hi MM! I have the same black bound journals myself. They could use a makeover...you are so talented! You mentioned that you can't create in chaos, and I think that's such an important thing to understand about yourself. We need peace to create, time to think.

    I am a big fan of mixed media, so I really admire your journal work. I know your friend will really enjoy your special gift!
    Blessings,
    Ceil

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    1. LOL... yes, it is so nice to journal in those black bound journals, and spiffy-ing them up is always so fun too, and quite easy to do with things you have around your home. No, indeed I can't get started creating in a mess, but once I am in the thick of it, everything is a mess, lol! Appreciate your visit today and pray you are having a blessed week :)

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  6. What beautiful journals! That makes me want to get my prayer journal out and pretty it up a little. I have all my card making/stamping stuff out today anyway so that would be a fun project to add. I love having a prayer journal to record prayers, answers to prayer and an every growing list of the blessings that God has given me. I hope yours is a blessing to you too.

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    1. It is a wonderful thing to have a pretty journal all "gussied" up with paper and supplies that you have on hand... it just adds to the special moments that are spent with that journal and writing. I too love having a prayer journal, and look forward to what the Lord is doing through the little things of our lives! :)

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  7. These are just beautiful! I just love how they look, and it was so precious of you to think of your dear friend. It must have brightened her day so much to have you bring her such a thoughtful, handmade gift that was straight from your loving heart! Such a lovely post, dear friend. God bless you for being so kind. :)

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    1. She was happy to have the journal indeed, but didn't have the strength to write in it now, but we believe that the Lord is touching her, and that soon she will feel strong enough again to get back to her normal routine. It was a joy to make them both, and I am enjoying using the journal :) Appreciate your visit, as always, and praying the Lord is blessing your day in a beautiful way!

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  8. I'm glad you got your groove back! These are lovely.
    Amalia
    xo

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    1. Yes, me too! I am so happy that some creative juices were flowing! Always fun when that happens! Thank you for your visit :)

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  9. How beautiful this is and easy to do. I would have never thought to use paper and then sand it. I love having a prayer journal to channel my thoughts. And I love the fact that you shared this by making one for your friend !!!

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    1. If it is heavy cardstock, you can sand the paper with lovely results usually! Indeed, having a journal to channel your thoughts in is a wonderful way to never forget the blessings of the Lord, and I do believe His blessings always outweigh the difficulties of our lives. So that is my goal... to illustrate the blessings of the Lord daily, so that they won't be forgotten!

      Thank you for visiting, and I pray the Lord blesses your day in a beautiful way! :)

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  10. I love them...and would, never ever guess that they were marble notebooks to start! Fabulous!

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    1. Yes, isn't it a great idea! I am really enjoying my dressed-up journal indeed :)

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  11. What a beautiful journal, such a good idea, I shall definitely try it ! I really like your blog so shall be back to learn some more great things. Thank you so much !

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    1. I'm so glad to have met you too, and I look forward to getting to know you better as well. It is always a fun thing to pretty up something ordinary, and since I love paper, it was a great project to do. I hope you are having a wonderful day :)

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  12. I have to have an organized space too when I create something although it may look like a tornado went through when I'm finished. Your journals are really lovely and what a thoughtful gift for your shut-in friend! I'm sure she will love it. Thanks so much for sharing with us and may you be continually inspired to create lovely and useful things!

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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    1. Yes, I am a messy creator, but my beginning has to be organized, lol! My shut-in friend was so happy to get the journal, although right now she is not able to do much. We are praying she gets to feeling back to herself very soon. Appreciate your kind and sweet comment, as always! Hope you are having a blessed day today :)

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  13. Hello there! I just love what you did with your prayer journal. It's a great way to make a simple craft look pretty. And to be able to put prayers in it is lovely. All your scriptures are perfect for a prayer journal. I buy journals when I see them on sale but I never thought to make my own, I might have to try that sometime.
    I hope you enjoy your week!
    Hugs, Amy

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    1. Making your own is not hard at all, and really rewarding! I am looking forward to seeing how the blessings of the Lord make rich, and outweigh any difficulties in our lives! It is easy to forget the little things that happen, and that is what I am aspiring to do, remember the small things, as a testimony to the grace and goodness of God.

      I hope you are having a blessed and wonderful week too... if I lived closer, I would be by for some of your amazing food, you always share the best recipes! :)

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  14. Hello there! I just love what you did with your prayer journal. It's a great way to make a simple craft look pretty. And to be able to put prayers in it is lovely. All your scriptures are perfect for a prayer journal. I buy journals when I see them on sale but I never thought to make my own, I might have to try that sometime.
    I hope you enjoy your week!
    Hugs, Amy

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  15. Simply beautiful! The lace is lovely. A worthy place to record prayers. This past month has shown me as never before how many people need prayer. I want to be faithful.

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    1. Indeed, there is hurt somewhere in every heart, I think. But what a joy to be able to take it to the Lord, and have His comfort in the midst of our need. That is truly what makes life worth living! I look forward to seeing how the blessings of the Lord make rich, and add no sorrow with it... in the little things of life that are easily forgotten. Have a blessed day, and so happy to have met you!

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  16. So glad you were able to create this space in your home. What a blessing! Perspective is amazing and when we choose too there are so many things to be thankful for.

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    1. I want to record the little blessings in life that are often forgotten, hence the reason for my journal... truly the blessings of the Lord outweigh any sorrow or difficulties in our lives, and I want to remember those things. It was a joy to create my journal, but I am looking forward to the greater joy of the testimonies written in it of God's goodness :) So thankful to see you here Rhonda after your blogging time off, and pray that the Lord continues to bless your life in beautiful ways! :)

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  17. Beautiful journal. Blessings, Martha

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    1. Thank you Martha! I do appreciate your visit here today too! :)

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  18. Very pretty! I like the second one best I think.
    I've tried to keep a prayer journal in the past but I never was faithful to mark down when they were answered. :( Maybe I should try again.

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    1. Thank you Lydia, I truly loved them both, and was happy to be able to give one away :) A prayer journal doesn't have to be fancy, but it can be a memorial to the testimonies of how the Lord helps us in ways sometimes we don't even remember. :)

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  19. I've seen others decorate journals but your's have that special touch. Oh, I know what it is, it's all the love you poured into it for your ill friend! That makes it very special!
    I calling these "War Room" special!

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    1. I hope so... and I do hope she gets to feeling better very soon too! I haven't watched the War Room yet, but I have heard it is a very powerful movie, and hope to see it soon. :)

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  20. Hello, thank you for stopping by my place for tea : )
    Your journal is amazing. Wow!

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    1. Thanks Terri! I'm so happy to have met you today too! I hope that this journal is a beautiful reminder months down the road of the blessings of the Lord that make rich! Hope you are having a blessed and wonderful day! :)

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  21. Thank you Teri, it is a joy to create indeed! Praying you have a wonderful day too! :)

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  22. I love how crafty you are. You made such beautiful journals!

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    1. Thank you Julie, it was a blessing to make it, and I pray a blessing as I use it! Thank you for visiting today :)

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  23. Oh, they are beautiful! You did a wonderful job. I buy these composition books at back-to-school sales too -- they were 50¢ at Walmart this fall, and I love that they are made in USA too! I have been wanted to decorate one for awhile -- even bought some pretty black & white toile shelf liner to use for the purpose, but haven't yet found time. You've definitely inspired me! I'm sure your friend will be so encouraged by the one you made for her.

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    1. I always buy those books up when school supplies are on sale, as they are wonderful for so many different things, and the kids always need them at random times throughout the year too, it seems! You could decorate them with just about anything you have around the house, I think! Go for it! :)

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  24. Wow, what a great idea. I like composition books too. WOW, WOW, I say, how fun to make it pretty.
    I also have a prayer journal. I had one for many years, then I stopped for some reason. Two years ago, I got back to it. I am so happy I did. It is good for me. It helps me stop and listen to God and take time.

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    1. A prayer journal is beneficial in so many ways, but the scripture... the blessings of the Lord maketh rich, really spoke to me.. I want to record how the Lord blesses in spite of the things we go through. A memorial, and a testimony of His goodness :) Have a wonderful day!

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  25. I love it. I had a group of ladies I led in Mother's Prayer and we made these as well. Yours are beautiful and your friend will be blessed.

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    1. Oh how awesome! I think these kinds of journals bring even more blessings into our lives with the record of the testimony and goodness of our Lord! :)

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  26. gorgeous, you are a woman of many talents!! many years ago i did this now i use my blog as my journal but not everything can be shared online!!!!

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    1. That is so true... there are things just between you and the Lord that don't need to go any farther, and a prayer journal is just the place to do that, and what a joy to look back months down the road and see the Lord's provision, as a testimony, and a record! Have a wonderful day :)

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  27. How pretty. And so nice to make one to give away. I loved your thoughts.
    And the very you shared.
    Thanks for sharing!

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    1. It was a very fun project for sure, and practical too! Thank you for visiting and commenting, always appreciated! :)

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  28. Great job on that journal. It looks beautiful! Thank you for sharing. :D
    Love in Christ,
    Ashley
    creatingpreciousmoments.blogspot.com

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    1. It was wonderful to make, and I am looking forward to it being a record and testimony of the goodness of God! Have a blessed and special day :)

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  29. Wow...I'm impressed. These are totally beautiful!

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    1. They are easy to make, just using materials around your house, and some glue... and I believe having the record of the goodness of God as a testimony makes it a worthwhile project to do :)

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  30. I've been thinking about making a new journal for myself and now you've inspired me with these lovely journals. Thank you! Hugs, Nancy

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    1. They are so easy to make, just using materials you have on hand already and some glue... and I look forward to having the record of the testimony down the road of the Lord's provision... it is so easy to forget the little things, and I think this is a great way to remember :) Have a wonderful day!!!

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  31. What a beautiful and frugal project! I love it! :)

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    1. Thank you JES, yes, indeed it has been a wonderful worthwhile project :) Hope you are having a wonderful day!

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  32. Good morning! Just a little note to let you know we have *featured* this post today on the Art of Home-Making Mondays at Strangers & Pilgrims on Earth :) Thank you for linking up with us!

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    1. Thank you so much for the feature JES... it is always such a joy to visit with all the wonderful ladies who come to your site on Mondays, a perfect way to start the week!!! Have a blessed and wonderful day :)

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  33. Hi sweet friend! I just wanted to let you know this wonderful post will be featured at Roses of Inpiration tomorrow. Your journals are simply beautiful! Hugs to you!

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    1. Thank you dear Stephanie for this feature, it is always such a joy to visit your special place and see what other lovely ladies are sharing for the week! I pray that the journals become a blessing in someone's life, as they have mine! Much love to you dear Stephanie, have a wonderful day :)

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  34. You have made the most beautiful journals adding a little bit of this and a little bit of that. It is always lovely to write one's thoughts, prayers, dreams......in a beautiful journal. Who would have thought that a plain exercise book could be transformed into a thing of great beauty.

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    1. It is a joy isn't it, to take something quite plain and ugly, and turn it into something useful, and delightful to hold in your hands! Indeed, this journal is a delight to write in, and I look forward in the future to going back and seeing how the Lord has provided for the needs mentioned.

      Thank you for stopping by, and I'll be by to visit you soon, always a joy to see what you are doing! Have a wonderful day :)

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  35. These are such beautiful prayer journals. What a work of love. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. They really did turn out quite lovely, and I was so happy that they are not only beautiful, but a joy to write in as well. Thank you for visiting, and I've enjoyed stopping by your sweet blog today :)

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  36. I so love your prayer journal. What a precious treasure! You are inspiring me to want to make one of my own.

    :)Hope

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    1. Thank you Hope! I do hope you get to craft one of your own, they are so easy to make. :)

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  37. How lovely your journal turned out! I know you will fill it with precious and encouraging answers from the Lord and return to its pages in the future for encouragement. It's wonderful that your creativity has returned!
    Hugs from Shirley

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    1. Yes, it seems I go through dry spells, and oh what joy when the creative inspiration returns. I am enjoying using my journal, and it gives me great joy to write down not only the prayer requests, but the praise reports of what the Lord is doing. A wonderful testimony and record of the goodness of the Lord! :)

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  38. Beautiful! I'm making a new prayer journal and will print out the Scriptures quoted to use throughout.

    So glad to have seen this post even if it is a year later!

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Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!

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