Evening at Home

Everyone is cozy and happy at home. The house looks neat in the dimly-lit rooms. The children are all being quiet and sweet.

I took the boys to Karate class earlier and they had a great time.  While I waited, I read a wonderful book about homeschooling, called, "Pajama School." 

When I got home, I was able to accomplish a little work on the computer. All week long I have been fighting with my computer. It was not cooperating. But things are better today.

In the background, I can hear the quiet sound of The Kingsmen Quartet playing on my kitchen radio.  It is a nice, soothing sound that encourages me.

I have been struggling all week with bouts of minor depression and discouragement. But peace has finally come.

All is well at the White House.

Blessings
Mrs. White


Precious - What Sundays Used to Mean to Housewives.

Winter Memories - Pleasant Days by the Fire.

What my dear, teenage son did  - Presents to Cheer Me Up.


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Designer Walking Cane

Product - Adjustable, Aluminum Walking Cane

Price - $32.00

Company - Fashionable Canes and Walking Sticks





I've often wished I had a cane. I have those days when I cannot walk without assistance. I've fallen into walls, fallen down the stairs and struggled to keep my balance. Many times I've cried while holding onto someone else simply because I felt helpless that I couldn't walk alone. Those are the bad days.

Most of the time, I am healthy and feeling fine. I can even exercise and have no trouble walking and even running! But when the bad days come, I would either lean on someone else, or use crutches for extra support.

Last year, my mother bought her first cane. I was so impressed, I wanted one too. Now you may think that is strange, since I look young. My kids even tease me and say, "Mom, stop pretending you need a cane!" The fact is, there are many adults who need the extra support. But canes are often boring to look at. That's why I was thrilled to see fancy canes that look like they are used by royalty!

I now have a beautiful, elegant cane. The design is called Moonlit Floral, with a Derby Handle. It is lovely!

 
I use this on my bad days. I can walk around the house, the property and even in public with the extra support I need. The design is eye-catching.  When I walk with my new cane, I feel like I can hold my head up and keep my dignity.

The tag that came with my cane says it is from "The Royal Cane Collection." It also says their canes "are designed with a sense of style and quality that makes them the finest walking canes in the world."


*Disclosure - I received this product for review purposes.*

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.


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Let us Not Be Weary

The Homemaker has one of the greatest jobs in the world. She is the keeper of the home and of the family. She creates beauty with her skills . . with her hands. . and with her heart.

In the early morning, she can be found in prayer and Bible study. Then she starts her daily tasks:

She does the mending, ironing and washing. She prepares the meals. She tends to the children. She helps her husband in his work. She is diligent, but takes many breaks for refreshment.

Obstacles come that seem insurmountable. Perhaps these are designed to force her to stop and remind her to rely on God, rather than on her own strength.

After a time of rest, she can continue on, creating beauty and joy for those around her.

In the evening hour, she settles her house down and soothes and quiets their weary souls. She comforts them with her kind compassion and she makes home the happiest place on earth.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Working when you don't want to - Housekeeping Despite Lack of Motivation.

A Lovely time of Serving the Family - Spending the Day in the Kitchen.




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Creating Peace at Home

Things have been so stressful here lately.  I need to take a day off from my worries!

So tomorrow will be a better day.

I will have hot tea in the morning. I will sit by the window and read before the family wakes up. Then I will sweep the kitchen floor and start some laundry.

I will spend some time outside on the front porch.  I will watch the children play.

Then I will hang some towels on the back clothesline.  I will enjoy summer breezes and the warmth of fresh air.

I will play board games with the children in the afternoon. We will stay at home and pass the time with pleasant tasks.

Soon the storm clouds will go away. Soon my worries will fade. And before some new ones appear, I will have had a long enough break, so I am stronger for next time.

Blessings
Mrs. White


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The Christian Home - Issue 21

Welcome to the 21st edition of The Christian Home, a weekly Blog Magazine posted every Monday morning.

Each article was submitted by various Christian Blog Authors. I am grateful for their participation. I hope you enjoy visiting them, reading their work and spending some time getting to know them at their own blogs.  If you would like to write for us, please see the instructions at the end of this post. For your enjoyment, there is a selection of music at the end of this issue. Please feel welcome to play the song while reading this magazine.

Blessings,
Mrs. White




Design and Decorate




Featured Columnist -Deanna presents Decorating on the Prairie Within Small Spaces posted at Home Haven Ministry.

IllinoisLori presents Relieving Stress with a Thrifty Room Renewal! posted at Serenity in the Suburbs.


Finances




Featured Columnist - Kristen Hamilton from A Day in the Life will be back with us again next week.




Gardening and Flowers 




Featured Columnist -  Briana presents Garden Expansion posted at I Can't Decide.


Home Business



Featured Columnist -  Kathy Brodock presents Building a Family Economy- Lawn Care posted at Teaching Good Things. She says, ""Every young man (and woman) should be able to, at the very least mow grass and weed eat, and along with that he should be able to do some basic maintenance to the mower and weed eater. The more you can do for yourself, the stronger your family economy will be."


Modest Fashion





[I am looking for a columnist for this feature.]


Hospitality  



Featured Columnist - Heather presents  Gluten-Free Strawberry Pie with Almond Crust  posted at Marine Corps Nomads.

Michelle Smith presents Good and Easy Granola Bars (Peanut and Tree Nut Free) posted at A Life Better Than I Deserve.



Homekeeping




Featured Columnist - Angie Wright presents WorkBoxes posted at Petra School.

Rebecca Knox presents Perfecting The Yogurt Making Process - Making Greek Yogurt posted at Rebecca's Hearth and Home.


Parenting 



Featured Columnist - Susan presents Be Their Cheerleader  posted at Homeschooling Hearts and Minds.


 
Movies and Music



Featured Columnist -  Laura O in AK presents VBS Classics posted at Day By Day in Our World.



The Godly Home 



Featured Columnist - Molly presents Self-Denial is Everything posted at Dancing in the Light of His Glory.


Debbie presents Reading Challenges ~ The King Will Make A Way posted at Debbie's Digest.


Young Adults



[I am looking for a columnist for this section. It must be a young adult who is an established blogger.]


Gentle Humor




Featured Columnist - April E. presents The Never-Ending Battle posted at ElCloud Homeschool: Busy Minds, Busy Hands, Busy Feet.


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Thank you so much for reading!


To submit your work for consideration, or to find out more about The Christian Home magazine, just visit the about page.






The Entire Christian Home Series.

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Desperately Seeking Joy

I have seen godly mothers who have a joyful disposition. They are happy despite pain, trouble or heartache. They take everything to God and they praise Him throughout the day.

I am on a quest to find this same happiness. It is a daily journey. I constantly trip, fall into the mud of misery, and am beaten by hailstorms.   I cry at the drop of a hat.  I "take a break" in the middle of conflict because I am not strong enough to remain in the battle, without dropping from sheer exhaustion.

I have been puzzled all day, trying to find that ever-present joy. Where is that state of calm that provides peace?  I keep battling my own "ways" and "thoughts" and "wisdom."

When an unfair trial comes, I get stubborn and dwell on injustice.  Rather than using the opportunity to serve in humility.

When something unthinkable happens to my family, I fall into a depression. Rather than praying to God to help me nurse their wounds. 

Where was the part about my dying to self?

Of course, then I think - "I am only one person! How can so much weight be placed on my shoulders?"


Then I remember that I am trying to do it all alone. . . Again. 


How do we find joy in a sin-filled world?


How can we cheer up our brothers and live in the sunshine (as the old hymn goes)?

This is where daily laboring in memorizing Scripture and hymns becomes invaluable. Just like I am sometimes on auto-pilot when I drive or do housework, the Word of God will automatically be brought to mind at just the right time to give me the strength, wisdom and the joy I need to get through the daily storms.

May God help me never to forget this essential lesson!

John 15:10 - 11

Blessings
Mrs. White

Remembering my Childhood- Saturday Morning Chores.

When things are really bad, sometimes all you can do is laugh - Trials and Laughter.

List of my Favorites - Mother's Hymns.





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Inspiration for Home Life

I was reading the autobiography of Patricia St. John. A portion of the book is a tribute to her father. She described the beauty of a Christian Home. Some of what she said about her father:

"He never spoke a discourteous word about anybody and we never heard an impatient or unloving word between him and our mother."

"He encouraged us to enjoy ourselves and he loved to give us treats; but we knew he denied himself and kept his body under strict discipline; and the positive, radiant holiness that went on its own way, seldom criticizing or scolding, was extraordinarily constructive and controlling."

"So we grew up and he watched and waited never trying to force upon us the spiritual riches he had stored up for us until we were ready."

"He emphasized the importance of example, quoting John Bunyan's words, 'I was very careful to give my children no occasion to blame, lest they should not be willing to go on pilgrimage.' "

Patricia was a dedicated missionary, who wrote several books. I delight in reading about her adventures, her wisdom and the miracles she witnessed throughout her life. I am inspired by her victories, despite times of misery all around her. Surely her parents were a tremendous influence who helped her, by their living testimonies, become who she was.

Blessings
Mrs. White

I will do this - No Matter What it Cost Me.

What was for supper? - A Place they Want to Come Home To.

Taking Care of Mother - A Hospital in the Home.


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Happy in the Kitchen

No matter what is going on here at home, no matter what trial I am facing, I can always find happiness in the kitchen.

There is something about putting on an apron and polishing counters. There is something special about listening to classical music or old time gospel while working.

Peace can be found in the kitchen.

I love to make tea and start a batch of brownies, cake or cookies.

I enjoy seeing the family, wondering what's cooking in the kitchen?

But most of all, I love the quiet time of prayer, looking out the window and just smiling while glancing at a neatly polished stove.

Then I am ready to face the world again.

Blessings
Mrs. White

Reading the Bible in the Parlour - with a picture.

Always remember, that - Mother Makes the Home.

Writing - Chore Letters for my Children.


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Double Take - by Melody Carlson

Book - Double Take by Melody Carlson

Publisher - Revell

Paperback, 270 pages




This is a delightful story about two teenage girls from different worlds.  Madison is very wealthy and lives in New York. Anna is Amish.  The fun part is that they completely switch worlds for a week!

Anna was supposed to spend time helping her Aunt Rachel, a busy mother of five. Anna comes from a family of hard workers and doesn't understand what she saw as "laziness" in Rachel. When Madison comes in Anna's place, she is able to have a more neutral perspective. She learns a lot from Rachel and appreciates her very much.

While Anna is in New York, she manages to heal a friendship with a neighbor in Madison's building. I enjoyed reading about Anna's shock and amazement of modern technology and the habits of the "English" (non-Amish). I was also greatly amused when Anna kept trying to clean up after herself, which shocked and infuriated the maid.

This was a quick read. It was nice, wholesome entertainment. I also picked up some good life lessons along the way.

*Disclosure - I received this book for review purposes.*


To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.


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Vintage Healthy Home Link Up

1950's - The White Family Kitchen

It's time to Link-up your posts! 

In the 1950's, families were more active, ate healthier foods and had more family time. Convenience foods had not yet come into fashion. This made for healthier homes! We want to bring back a more vintage lifestyle. 

Writings can be about anything related to Family happiness, Family game time, Family health, Mother's fitness (Fit Mommy), Outdoor activities and Nourishing foods. All you have to do is write something on your family-friendly blog and then come here to link-up! - Older posts are okay too!-

Just remember to link back to this post, so everyone else can enjoy all the submissions.

If you need a graphic or would like to read the introduction to this Link-up, please go to the Vintage Healthy Home Invitation. 


Fit Mommies -

If you are working on getting healthy and fit, we'd love to read about your goals, accomplishments and progress each week!

This week's featured blogger:

Jenn from Back on Track. Such an encouraging blog for those trying to get healthy and stay healthy!

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My Check in-

Fit Mommy -  Monday, Tuesday  and Wednesday- Sadly, I got back into my old eating habits - junk food and soda. I had no energy at all.


Thursday  - 20 minute work out.

Friday - 30 minute work out. 

Starting next week, I'll do my check-ins in a separate post, and link up here. I need the motivation!!




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Would you like an opportunity to be featured next week? Just link up here and I'll pick one of you for next time.


Have a great weekend!

Blessings
Mrs. White





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Mother as the Coach

Ray Charles went blind when he was 5 years old. His mother was a devout Christian. They lived in a poor community and she had to train him for life. Did she know she was going to die when he was 15? Probably not. But she knew she had to help him to live in a difficult world.

I remember watching his life story on television. I remember seeing this small, precious boy calling for his mother. He had recently gone blind. He needed help. I remember seeing that wise woman standing off in a corner watching him. She just watched. That boy called and called and it broke her heart. She wouldn't answer because she was teaching him.  Thinking he was alone,  he started to listen to the sounds around him. He started to reach out and see where he was walking. He started to actually live blind.  His mother had tears on her cheeks.  He was learning.

                                     - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 

A Coach is someone who trains the team. He trains the players to succeed and to win. A Mother is a coach in her own home. She teaches her children how to get along, how to form a family team, and how to survive out in the real world.

1. Sibling Rivalry.

The coach wants the team to be a family. They need to have each other's backs. There has to be compassion and caring and kindness. No one is closer than a brother.  No one will sacrifice more for a brother. A brother will work despite pain, for the benefit of a suffering teammate. Yes, all children argue. Yes, they have their moments of feeling left out or that someone else is the favorite; but when trials come, when the games (in life) are being played, and the storms are brewing, the team pulls together and forms a bond which is not easily broken.  As for my own children, they have given up hard earned cash to help each other. They have willingly worked to pay for a designer coat, or a snack or a special birthday gift to cheer the other.  When times are hard, each one will give anything to take care of the other.   They are the teammates in the White House who were coached by Mother.

2. Work Ethic.

I required all my children to work hard. Each one had a job. I encouraged them to move fast and get the job done. When all the children were young, this was easier because they would compete with one another. They would see who could run faster, who could lift more grocery bags and who could have the cleanest room. (They did this on their own, to make the work fun.) But my youngest had it harder. I had to train him without the benefit of co-laborers. I would have him open doors for me (learn to be a gentleman), even while he was holding grocery bags. I would have him bring all the heavy shopping bags into the house - alone.  He did not understand this, but my praises and my kindness made him realize I was teaching him how to work.  All my children have a tremendous work ethic.

3. On the Field.

I have taught my children morals and values. I have advised them through some difficult times. But they don't always listen to me. Children will not always listen to their coach. But, know this, when they get out on the field, and they try it their own way - the players and the crowds (the world) will teach them. Your student may come back harmed, limping and sore. But he will understand your lessons.


4. Resenting the Coach.

Often the coach must be stern. The coach must carefully push the players to a point where their accomplishments exceed their own dreams. We Mothers don't want our children lazing around the house, being pampered by us. We don't want them to slack or get away with living an unproductive life. So we provide training opportunities. We provide work and see that it is carried out. In the beginning, the team will grumble and gripe, but as they rise and succeed, they appreciate and love their coach. They see that it was not all in vain. Many have come back to say, "Coach, thank you for making me work. Thank you for putting up with me and standing beside me all these years and never giving up on me."


The retired years of a Mother coach are the most precious of all. She sees the fruit of her labors. She sees those children coming back from the battlefield (life) with war stories and victories! She sees them as productive citizens who have learned life lessons. Her hair is white from age. Her vision is fading. But her team loves and respects her with great admiration.


Blessings,
Mrs. White

Living History - Homemaking Links the Generations.

Victory when we are overworked - The Homemaker's Despair.

Serious Advice - How a Godly Mother may Guide an Imperfect Family.




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Women Living Well

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Lots of Winners

Several of my giveaways end today. Here are the winners:

1.  Betty Crocker Baking Mix -
Linda @ Linda's Lunacy

 2. Real Simplicity - 3 winners -
Illinois Lori
Christin
Elle

 3. Always True: God's 5 Promises When Life is hard -
Debbie

 4. Antioxidant Omega 3 Greens -
busymomof10

 5. As for Me and My House -
Very Blessed Mamma

The winners have already been contacted. Thank you to all who entered!

 Blessings
Mrs. White

Education Must Not Be Rushed

In my little homeschool, I have gotten in the habit of rushing our lessons. We had errands to do. We wanted to relax in the afternoons. We wanted to hurry and finish our work. I would be too tired later and wanted to rest. So we hurried.

But yesterday, I slowed down. I started a new schedule. We were to have school from 9 a.m to 4 p.m. We would have a one - hour lunch break. We would have short breaks throughout the day.

Yesterday, great things happened.

My 13 year old (dyslexic) son took the time to research and study. He relaxed over his lessons. He did not dawdle, thinking he couldn't wait to finish, or daydream about what he could do instead. He actually studied and learned and made me proud.

It made me remember the old days of our homeschool. We spent hours in the library. We read and we searched and we relaxed. We learned without rushing.  Education was everything.

I think of great scholars who lean over their books with a curious mind. They want to learn. They are eager to learn. They get excited about knowledge.

I also learned that, just like small children need a bedtime story to settle down to sleep, my student needs to have a quiet, enjoyable lesson to ease him into his assignments. I read to him about the pioneers in the 1800s. Then I ask questions. Then he does his math. We work at his pace. We work slowly and steadily. We learn that school requires effort. It requires concentration and focus. We also learn that weekends and holidays are far more appreciated when we labor in our books all week long.



Blessings
Mrs. White

The Old McGuffey Readers - Efficient Teaching Ideas for Busy Homeschooling Mothers.

A precious idea - The Mailbox in the House.

Clean Your House in just 2 Hours a Day!





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Outstanding Book - The Sword of the Lord

Book - The Sword of the Lord - The Roots of Fundamentalism in an American Family.

(A Kindle Edition is available for $2.99)

Author - Andrew Himes

Publisher - ChiaraPress

Publication Date - May 2011

Paperback, over 300 pages




There are many different reasons I recommend this book. But if you are not familiar with the author's family, it will be hard to describe how important this is.   Have you heard of Dr. John R. Rice? He was the founder of The Sword of the Lord newspaper and authored over 200 books.  That simple sentence is an understatement. But first, let me tell you that Andrew Himes is his grandson.

I have been searching for an update from the family for many years. I wanted to know how they were doing? Were their religious convictions still as strong, after all this time? How were they living in these "modern" days? How were the children and grandchildren in this family turning out and working for God?

I was thrilled to find a book written by someone from this family. Not only is Andrew the grandson of Dr. Rice, he is also the nephew of the well-known author (of Me? Obey Him?)  - Elizabeth Rice Handford!

Dr. Rice and his wife, Lloys, who I adore, had 6 daughters, including Elizabeth, and Mary Lloys, who is the mother of Andrew Himes.  Each one of these girls married preachers!

I grew up listening to the sermons of Dr. Rice on cassette tape. I entered my early married years reading books published by The Sword of the Lord  (including Me? Obey Him? - which was originally a small pamphlet called "How To Win Your Unsaved Husband."). These publications and sermons sustained me in my religious life and gave me tremendous peace!

I cannot even describe how precious Dr. Rice's sermons were to me. His faith, his conviction, his values, his wisdom coming through his words could make me cry and straighten up my act very quickly. To this day, I love hearing him preach on those old tapes! (He passed away in 1980, at the age of 85.)

Yet, in later years, there were hard times around me. I didn't understand the breaking apart of good churches. I could not fathom judgments and coldness in many congregations. The beauty of Christianity, as I knew it, was falling apart. I went in search of answers.

Just recently, I came across old issues of the Rice daughters' newsletters, dated back in the 1970's and 1980's. I loved the sweet simplicity of their religious faith and encouragement for Christian Mothers. But the girls stopped publishing. They are in their 70's and 80's now.  I am sure they are tired!  But I needed help.

Thank God for Andrew's book! Inside you'll find pictures of the Rice family. You'll hear stories of his growing up years. You'll also get a tremendous look at American History, Religious History and the History of his family.  You will begin to understand the civil war and how religion played a part in it. You'll understand the firm stance of religious zeal and how it can divide people. You will also start to soften, in your heart, for the lost, and greatly appreciate a pure Christian faith.


From the book:

- Page 219  Billy Graham "was inspired by Rice's citywide revival campaigns and became an avid reader of The Sword of the Lord." [newspaper]

- Some of Billy Graham's first sermons were published in The Sword of the Lord newspaper. Billy was 23 years younger than Dr. John R. Rice.

- Page 204 "John R. Rice displayed a dramatic, emotional, and personable pulpit style. He was an old-fashioned, pulpit-pounding, sin-condemning, story-telling, hymn-singing evangelist."

This is a well researched book and is highly recommended for those who are interested in the Rice Family. I also want to strongly urge Christian  homeschoolers to get a copy of this book as well.  The History of our country, from the viewpoint of the Rice family, is priceless.


*Disclosure - Even though I received a copy of this book for review purposes, I would have gladly bought this book and written this review on my own. I am a longtime subscriber of The Sword of the Lord newspaper and am very grateful for its ongoing publication.*



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Praying for Your Future Husband - Giveaway

Book - Praying for Your Future Husband.

Authors - Robin Jones Gunn and Tricia Goyer

Publisher - Multnomah

Paperback, 207 pages



Teenage girls of today need some guidance in finding a husband. They also need to learn to pray for him to be a man of God. They need to start caring about him before they even meet him.

This book includes inspiring devotions with true stories from the authors' own lives, as well as stories gathered from others.

A few things that stood out for me:

1. A boy from youth group told a girl he loved her, without even knowing her. This caused a frenzy of emotions but was not true love. The authors do an excellent job describing this common situation, and how girls can evaluate and understand how to approach godly relationships.

2. Many girls write a "list" of what they are looking for in a husband. These can be long, hopeful, and even picky! The authors share a completely different kind of list - a Biblical list of qualities that are more important than anything else. I love the way these ideas are presented!

3. I appreciate hearing Robin and Tricia's personal stories in each chapter. They really help the messages come alive.

4. Both Robin and Tricia are well-known writers of Christian Fiction.  I respect both authors and believe they have taken their gift of crafting stories and created an enjoyable work of non-fiction that will touch the hearts of many teens. This book is sure to become a must-have classic in the Christian genre!
 
Each chapter ends with a prayer, a section to jot down thoughts, and several discussion questions that would work perfectly in a small group study. 



The Giveaway

How would you like a chance to win your very own copy of Praying for Your Future Husband? I have one available for a giveaway. All you have to do is leave me a comment.

For additional Entries:

1. Post about this on Facebook.

2. Post about this on Twitter.

3. Follow me on Twitter.

4. Write a post, linking to this giveaway, on your own Blog. (This is worth 3 entries. Please leave 3 separate comments.)

5. Become a Public Follower through Google Friend Connect, or let me know if you are already a follower.

6. Choose to "Like" The Legacy of Home on Facebook.

7. Subscribe in an email to The Legacy of Home Blog.

*Please leave a separate comment for each entry.*

This contest is closed. The winner is Julieanne!

One random winner we be selected on Monday, June 27, 2011. (U.S.  Entries only.) If I am unable to reach the winner within 48 hours, an alternate winner will be selected. Your entry is only valid if you include a way for me to contact you. 

*Disclosure - This is part of a Litfuse blog tour. I received this book for review purposes.*

Want a chance to win more presents? Please visit my giveaway page.

To find out more about my commercial breaks, please see my disclosure page.

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