Gospel Humble

Would like to take a moment and thank the new readers and subscribers, and also the faithful few, you're awesome. My goal is to provide you with top notch content that will encourage, inspire, and add value to your life. This will not be just another blog,  I promise. Writing affords me the opportunity to learn and go to the experts, libraries, and the Bible in search for answers. With that, this will probably be my last post on blogger. I will be transitioning to Wordpress in the coming months.

It's hard to make it through one day without feeling snubbed, or ignored, or getting down ourselves. My friends, the ego often hurts. It is void, inflated, busy, and delicate. It's all jacked up. It always makes us think how we look and how we feel, it's constantly drawing attention to itself. When incubated long enough, the ego produces pride, and I'm not referring to the good kind of pride. "I'm really proud of the job I did today." No, I'm referring to the ugly, and it's defined as a high or inordinate opinion of one's own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority. Augustine said, "It's the love of one's own excellence." Now if I were a tea drinker, I'd take a sip with my pinky up.

I write this week to those who struggle with pride, to those who seem to connect every experience with themselves. I write to you, I write to myself. Pride camouflages itself and creeps in as simply passion and hard work, but overtakes the soul as compliments, prestige, and the limelight distort our vision. Ever thought it was a great idea to share your greatest achievements and your vast extensive knowledge? Only to realize how foolish you were soon after? I'm guilty. The purpose of this post is to help us side step foolishness and provide the sustenance necessary to make the "ugly" pride in our lives, a thing of the past.

In his book the Freedom of Self Forgetfulness, author Tim Keller says,

"Pride gets no pleasure out of having something, only out of having more of it than the next person. We say that people are proud of being rich, or clever, or good looking, but they are not. They are proud of being richer, or cleverer, or better looking than others. If everyone else became equally rich, or clever, or good looking, there would be nothing to be proud about. " In other words, we are only proud of being more successful, more intelligent, or more good looking than the next person, and when we are in the presence of someone of who is more successful, intelligent, and good looking than we are, we lose all the pleasure we had.

Poof...can you smell the gun smoke?

The dictionary defines humility as having a “low view of one’s own importance.” But the Latin root of the word, means “to lower yourself,” or as Professor John Dickson advises, "It's the noble choice to forgo your status, deploy your resources, and use your influence for the good of others before yourself." CS Lewis goes on to say, "If we truly met a humble person, we would never come away thinking they were humble. They would not always be telling us they were a nobody. The thing we would remember from meeting a truly gospel-humble person is how much they seemed to be to be totally interested in us. Because the essence of gospel-humility is not thinking more of myself or thinking less of myself, it is thinking of myself less."

 A gospel humble person doesn't need to connect every experience and every conversation with themselves. They stop thinking thoughts such as , "I'm in this room with these people, does that make me look good? Do I want to be here?" According to Phillip Brooks, "The true way to be humble is not to stoop until you are smaller than yourself, but to stand at your real height against some higher nature that will show you what the real smallness of your greatness is." True humility is the attitude and practice of putting others first, no matter who they are. It's Jesus washing the feet of his disciples. That is humility. Jesus didn't forget who He was or what He was capable of, He simply chose to serve and lead by example. Shouldn't we? He said, "A student is not greater than his teacher, nor a slave His master."

What can we do?

• Simple and effective, pray for humility everyday. Can you honestly say, "Give me neither poverty nor riches, just give me my daily bread?" (We're not praying to be poor, we're saying, "Our main focus is You, and I want a God-shaped heart") 

•  Don't worry what others are thinking about you. They're simply thinking about  themselves like everyone else. 

• Welcome criticism, because there are no shortcuts to growth. It isn't much fun to hear it, but I know of nothing else that inspires change like well received constructive criticism.

• You don't always have to know the answer, risk looking stupid. You will learn something new and you'll naturally be more approachable by those around you. Be honest with yourself, and be known for who you really are.

"The Lord is good and does what is right; He shows the proper path to those who go astray. He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way."

 

Change Small

It has been said that if we cease to change and grow we already have one foot in the grave. That isn't an ideal place for your foot to be, nor any other part of your body. While it's a good thing to periodically ask ourselves "Who am I?", more importantly it's essential we ask, "Who am I becoming?" Those of us who are honest, could find at least one, if not many "things" or areas of our lives we would like to change and improve. Unfortunately, the status quo is for folks to get stuck and remain complacent, while clinging to the desire to change. Hope is not a strategy, and there are a couple reasons most folks don't continue to improve or better themselves. Number one, is because they try ten different things at one time. Number two, is because they keep one eye on where they are and the other eye on their past. I write this week, to those who have one eye on where they are and one eye on where they want to go.

Tony Evans writes,

"If you want a better world composed of better nations, inhabited by better states, filled with better counties, made up of better cities, comprised of better neighborhoods, illuminated by better churches, populated by better families, then you'll have to start by becoming a better person."

Successful people are realistic about their problems and areas of weakness but find ways to resolve them.
Albert Einstein said, "It's not so much that I'm a genius, I just stick with problems longer than anyone else." The tallest hurdle we have to get over is sticking with a discipline through failure. We give up to easily when the going gets tough and if we fail once, it's all over. What's the thing you know is a problem but just can't seem to overcome? What are some of the darker areas of your life you want to shine brighter? The key to change is to start small, and stay the course. If you fail, learn the lesson and forget the details.

Let me give you an example...

This isn't going to be shocking to most who know me, but I'm not much of a conversation starter. Some may even call me anti-social and I'm fine with that, it's true. I would be perfectly happy not saying a word to anyone, ever. I could just nod or smile, and go about my business. I get stressed when I have to talk to folks, not sure exactly why but either way  I'm not proud of it and it's something I need to change. Obviously I can't change over night, but by taking small steps in the right direction I can overcome the defect.

This may sound cheesy, but indulge me for a moment. Changing small to me means introducing myself to folks I have never met. I try to follow through with at least one person everyday. This is most definitely out of my comfort zone, but the more I take the initiative to speak with others, the easier it will be to communicate naturally. The gym is my location of preference, remember small steps. It dawned on me a while back that I had been working out with the same group of people for almost two years and have never talked to any of them. Just a lot of grunts and glamour shots in the mirrors, neither of which I do by the way. (Unless of course nobody is around) The first time I followed through, I met a guy who knew my grandfather and had brushed shoulders with him in business a few times, pretty amazing.

Michael de Montaingne says, "No wind favors him who has no destined port." Likewise, success is connected to action.  If you don't feel like talking to a pastor, do it anyway, more than likely it will be the best conversation you've had in your life. When you don't feel like going to the gym, go anyway. It doesn't matter if you simply walk around in there for a few minutes, you went and perhaps even worked out a little. If you don't feel up to reading that book, do it anyway. Even if it's just a few words, the point is you read and perhaps learned more than expected or got an idea that will change your life forever. When you don't feel like practicing the guitar do it anyway. Little and often makes a lot in time. You don't have to hit a home run every time, consistent singles will do the trick. Or as Aristotle observed, "We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."

The process begins with one book, one mile, one smoke, one meal, one friend, one prayer. Whatever it is you would like to change, just begin and change small. In time you'll develop the qualities you admire and it will change you from who you were to who you desired to become. Might I suggest something else? Surround yourself with people who will hold you accountable. It does the body good to hear a dose of truth every now and then. If you're not following through on your commitments, hearing it from someone else will make it clearer. Though it may hurt briefly, it's the intake system that drives motivation. Remember, we want to change! I encourage you to begin the process this year. Take the first step and then learn from your mistakes. If you fail, correct your course and try again.

"Unless the LORD had helped me, I would soon have settled in the silence of the grave."
-Psalm 94:17

May God Bless you in 2014 and may you seek and walk out His will.
PS: There's an army rising up...

Eye to Eye, Knee to Knee, Toe to Toe

Since I've been away from writing for several months my mind is all over the place with ideas of how to nail this one down. I'm not going to be methodical in laying this one out, just going to let it rip. What I'm about to share comes from my own experience. The focal point of this post is a story shared by my Pastor this passed Sunday. It had such a powerful effect on me and has changed my perspective in how I view my relationship with God. It's not so much knowledge that I have lacked it's the surreal experience of knowing and abiding in the Lord.

We sing the song, "It's all about you, it's all about you Jesus." And it may be on Sunday, sometimes...But usually the song goes, "It's all about me, it's all about me Jesus." How often are we really praising and thanking Him? Especially when things aren't going so well or we're in a dry season. We want to get in our worship, hear the Word, and ask God to bless our plans. When trouble comes we may pray, speak the Word, or apply the blood. Or we may spend so much time in prayer, read the Word daily, go through our rituals just so everything is kosher when trouble starts to attack our plans. I'm not trying to offend anyone, unconsciously I catch myself doing this. The blood isn't to be applied, the rituals don't protect, it's all about abiding in Him all the time.

The Pastor's question went like this, "If you were sitting in front of Jesus; eye to eye, toe to toe, knee to knee, what would He say to you?" Visualize that for a moment, what would He say? Honestly? If you know who He is and what His character is like this should rock you to the core. Let me share just two scriptures. From Isaiah 42, "He will not shout or raise His voice in public. He will not crush the weakest reed or put out a flickering candle." We should all be familiar with the passage in Matthew 11 that says, "Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."

I believe the Lord would look at me and say, "What are you doing? Let me explain the gospel to you and what I've done for you." Can you imagine that? "You're trying so hard and getting nowhere. I have poured out my compassion on you, saved you, created you with a purpose in mind. It's not about you, the sin is gone, abide in me, and you will be everything I created you to be." If that happened to me I'm not sure I would ever get up from my chair. You talk about being overwhelmed, and overwhelmed with compassion at that. That's amazing to me.

Every time you pray do it eye to eye, toe to toe, knee to knee with the Lord. That's an encounter. "Abide in Me." That's what He says to do. It's easy and light. Get a new grip, sit down in the chair, and let Him mold your heart. It's a tough, fast world out there. We weren't created to destroy ourselves or to simply enjoy life to the maximum. We were created to worship the Creator. We were created with a specific purpose in mind. Lay aside the sin that entangles, walk in the Light, be pure, and take on the heart of a servant. Seek His will, stay in the Word, abide don't apply, and sit in the chair.

New Year, New Focus

My wife and I had the opportunity to enter 2013 in the presence of God. We went to a service at a local church, one that her and I attended several years ago. It's actually where we met. It was a small scale homecoming for us and we enjoyed seeing the familiar faces and catching up with those who are such a big part of our life, some of which we owe many thanks for guiding us to where we are today. If you ever get the opportunity to attend a new year's service, do it. There's no better way to reflect on the past year and to renew your spirit to walk into a new one.

By far, the most captivating part of the night were the testimonies given throughout the service by those who attended and also the pastors. One thing was clear, 2012 was a tough year on us all and at times it seemed as though we may not make it through. Our families, marriages, careers, and ministries were under heavy assault. This was the theme for all, and it was comforting to know that we were not alone. Through it all, we kept our minds on the Lord and His Word. Our relationship and worship may not have been anywhere near perfect, the point is that we stayed the course.

“For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, or a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life.” -Alfred D'Souza

There's a lot of wisdom in the above quote and again it's nice to know that we aren't alone. There's a reason for the struggles, they create maturity and shake those things which we need to let go of. We are faced with a choice when we meet an obstacle. We can fight it ourselves and burn out, or we can surrender and conform to the Lord's will and walk through it with Him. Last year was a year of great preparation for those in the house of the Lord. The enemy has tried to play many of us out of position because he knows what lies ahead. If you made it through 2012 you can make it through anything.

 My objective in this blog is to encourage you to renew your focus this year. What has the Lord been saying to you? What is that thing inside you that just keeps coming back? What are you passionate about? Make this the year that you focus your energy on your passion. Develop and practice the skills you need to be successful.

The task I feel that I have been given is to perfect my evangelistic message. The Lord opened my eyes to this in early December. I feel this responsibility is something that we all have as well. We are stewards over the mysteries of God, and we are the only way those around us will see the Kingdom. This year I'm taking a targeted approach in my Bible study and reading. I'm going to memorize all necessary scriptures, and work on my presentation for leading a person to Christ, as well as answering  the questions that most folks raise about God and salvation. I'm laying out a clear plan, one that starts with the existence of God, His attributes, and why Jesus. This will no doubt be a lot of work, but its something I'm passionate about and exactly what the world needs. May God help me in my pursuit this year and also in yours.

In closing I'd like to share the scripture the Lord gave my wife and I to stand on this year:

Those who sow in tears
Shall reap in joy.
 He who continually goes forth weeping,
Bearing seed for sowing,
Shall doubtless come again with rejoicing,
Bringing his sheaves with him.

-Psalm 126:6

2012 was tough, it took a lot of effort to make it through, and much of the work we did was done through pain. But...We shall doubtless come again rejoicing! 

Shout out to Living Faith Church and the Isaiah 58 Project!
419 N Cameron St
Winchester, VA 22601
www.isaiah58project.com/

Stay the Course

More often than not I find myself thinking about the future. When will I find my purpose and what will it be? What does the Lord have planned for me? Is this what I'm going to be doing the rest of my life? I'd like to offer some encouragement today, for all of us who have hopes of seeing the Lord's plans come to full fruition in our lives. In saying that, most of us have discovered that walking with the Lord is a journey and that He is in no hurry to have us take over the world. If you didn't know that, welcome to the club.

God has birthed passions and desires in our hearts, but in order to turn our dreams into reality we have to walk the path set before us and be willing to stay the course no matter what. We can choose to let God work and to establish us as His chosen vessel, or we can resist, losing His best for us. God is not interested in using only what we think is beneficial to Him, He is interested in using us in the way He designed and destined us to be used. It will take time, patience, and perserverance. Below is an illustration of our journey taken from the "Ultimate Conversation", be encouraged.

When I was just a lad, my mother taught me this principle through a wonderful lesson about gardening. I can still remember how we went out to the backyard and she prepared a small, three-foot-square area so we could sow some seeds. Even though I had no idea what we were growing, I was eager to see what would happen. We dug the holes, planted those seeds in the ground, and covered them up again. Then Mother explained that it wouldn't be long before we noticed tiny green sprouts coming up, which would confirm that something was developing below the soil. Not long after that, we would have fruit. So day after day, I would walk out to the backyard and look for evidence of growth. Seeing none, I began to get so frustrated that I decided to find out what was happening with those seeds.

So, I dug them up. I did not realize that it was going to take a while for the plants to mature and produce fruit. And because of my haste to see results, I destroyed those seeds right as they were developing. How much fruit did I grow? None. That experience taught me a lesson about being patient and waiting for God's timing. The Lord has a schedule for how He will answer our prayers and help each of us progress spiritually, conforming us to the image of Christ. However, we should not allow ourselves to become impatient or try to take control because there are destructive consequences to our actions. Our responsibility is simply, to rest in the eager anticipation of His provision for us and to trust: "The Lord will accomplish that which concerns me." (Psalm 138:8)

 -Charles Stanley, The Ultimate Conversation 2012

Jesus never promised that every door would open immediately. On the contrary my brothers, in telling us to "seek" and "knock," Jesus used a Greek verb which is best translated as "knock, and keep on knocking" and "seek, and keep on seeking." Some of the gifts the Lord has for us will only come after long seasons of waiting and praying. God knows what is best for us, and He always has our best interest in mind. When we think we aren't getting what we want, there is a reason behind it. The Lord sees more deeply than we do. We need to trust Him to answer our prayers in His timing and to transform our dreams so they conform to His will. We must realize that while we are patiently expecting the Lord's answer, He is actively engaged on our behalf: arranging circumstances, purifying our motives, teaching us to rely on Him, and preparing us to influence others.

We can't change the past. Whatever has happened in our lives so far, both good and bad, cannot be altered and all the decisions and events that have made us what we are today are inscribed in the story of our life. With the LORD's help we can change the future. You and I aren't here by chance or by accident; God put us here on this journey called life. We came from Him, and our greatest joy will come from giving ourselves back to Him and learning to walk with Him everyday. Through the twists, turns, briars, and lush pastures, we will find our way if we keep our eyes on Him. Lord help us to stay on the potters wheel, through the frustration, pain, sin, and hurt, until we become the vessel you had in mind all along. Stay the course, and may God bless you and your family, and may all your plans succeed in 2013.

For my wife, I love you. (2010)

O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth, who have set Your glory above the heavens! Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants you have ordained strength, because of Your enemies, that You may silence the enemy and the avenger. When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, The moon and the stars, which You have ordained, what is man that You are mindful of him, and the son of man that You visit him? For You have made him a little lower than the angels, and You have crowned him with glory and honor. You have made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands; You have put all things under his feet, all sheep and oxen—even the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea that pass through the paths of the seas. O Lord, our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth! (Psalm 8)

Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. (Proverbs 16:3)

God Always Comes Through

I stumbled upon a gem of a scripture this week. It's as straightforward as they come, nothing flashy but one that can be that can applied all the time. Before I share the scripture, allow me to set it up with a quote I read from Charles Stanley this morning. "Jesus never let circumstances control His emotions or dictate His actions. He chose to trust that God was able to carry out His Word." 

Every time I read that quote it stops me in my tracks. Wow, God always carries out His Word. Not just in the Bible from a historical and prophetic account, but in verses that He's given us personally. I can look back in the recent past and see how His Word has shaped my life and the very scriptures that were illuminated to me came to pass. The only thing that "is what is..."is God's Word. I write this week to encourage those who are going through change. I write this week to tell you...God Always Comes Through.

If there's one thing that's certain in life, it's change. Change is gonna come. It can be pleasant, hurtful, dreadful, painful, and uncomfortable. Wow. One good word, the others, not so much. Those negative words can turn into welcoming words, with the right attitude. Change isn't fun, it's challenging, but it leads us to our destiny. The scripture is Psalm 69:32, "The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." 

I know a guy right now getting ready to go through a divorce. He and his wife just recently bought a house together too. How can you tell someone going through that it's going to be alright? "Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." Reading through the Psalms you'll discover that David struggled in life and also in His relationship with God. On many occasions he asked God to forgive him of his sins, and for God to create in him a clean heart. Being broken and beat down though didn't stop him from putting his trust in the Lord. He knew God would heal him and God was the only one that could. Ever been there? Not a fun place to be, but God restores those who seek Him. "The humble will see their God at work and be glad."

Personally, I'm embarking on a new journey. I'll be switching careers early next year, leaving behind comfort and security that I've known for years. I'll be taking a pay cut which is outlandish I know, but I'm putting my trust in God who has led me thus far and has opened a door of opportunity for me and my family. My wife and I are step parents, and we face challenges every day with our children and other family members. We want what is best for them and we do our best to raise them properly. Dealing with change is tough, and life is tough. But putting our hope in God will always bring about praise! "From where the sun rises to where it sets, You inspire shouts of joy!" Penned by David after being up to his neck in flood waters. 

For you, for me, and for all who put their hope in God, choose to trust that God will always carry out His Word. "Let all who seek God's help be encouraged." If you've never sought His help before, make today the day. Be encouraged. He Always Comes Through. 

Drawing Near

Yesterday, I was thinking about my own personal walk with God, and how much I've grown over the last few months. I posted an article on facebook about a year ago, entitled Spiritual Rhythm, which came to mind as I was reflecting and thinking about the season. Over the next month, I want to issue a challenge to all those (5), lol, who read this blog or at least follow it, to draw closer to the Lord. We'll take a journey together with the intent of drawing closer to our Lord. I'm not looking for comments, if you'd like to share please do, but I'm expecting God to do the work inside of your hearts. There is no formula to follow here, just please read the blogs and let God speak into your life.

Ok, spiritual rhythm... As I have rethought my spiritual life from the perspective of the seasons, I have given up a myth I long cherished: the quest for balance. I wanted to find the point of perfect equipoise between work, play, family, and rest. But, as I started to see my life and faith seasonally, I saw how little the idea made sense. No season has perfect balance. It’s either too hot, or to cold, to wet or to dry, to muddy or to parched. Seasons don't call for balance...They call for RHYTHM. If my heart is in winter, it’s hardly the season to try and sow seed. Winter is good for pruning, but not for grafting. It’s good for transplanting, but not for fertilizing. Likewise spring is not the season for idleness, there is a brief window of time to ready the ground to collaborate with earth's deep stirrings. Each season requires a pace and a motion for moving through it that best matches the season’s demands. The rhythm of winter is waiting, the rhythm of spring preparing, and summer enjoying, and in fall, gathering. As we move in rhythm with each season we find Christ in the middle of it all. (Credit: Mark Buchanan)

Spiritual seasons. That's my point. The season we are in now is the time to draw close. We are about to celebrate Christmas, and enter a new year. 2012, wow. Many churches will be doing a 21 day fast to start out the New Year. Tammy and I participated last year, and it turned out to be very rewarding. I personally believe 2012 is going to be a year of great change, perhaps one that will change the course of history and life as we know it. There are many things happening and that have happened behind the scenes, and all is in place for "it" to unfold. I'm not into conspiracies, one just needs to take a glance around the world stage to understand what I'm referring to.  I'm not preaching doomsday, I'm issuing a warning. We need to allow God to speak into our lives and this is only done by drawing near. We must be strengthened, renewed, and walk out His will as best we can. Wake up, for it is high time. Think about the events of the last year, or two. Can you see how God has been trying to get your attention?

Let me share a few scriptures to get us started. Keep these in your mind over the next few weeks. Perhaps write them down and meditate on them. "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." (James 4:8) We have heard that many times, but let it really sink in. How do we get closer to God? We draw near, and what? He, God, draws near to us. "Seek and you shall find." "Behold, I stand at the door and knock." All we need to do is consciously, humbly, and honestly, seek Him. Put aside everything you think you know, open your heart, and allow Him to fill it. The greatest hindrance to spiritual growth is a hardened heart, one that cannot receive any new knowledge of God. There are so many people who pride themselves on a knowledge of God they simply do not possess. These tend to be those who are actually living secret lives, and have no peace. Hence, if they have the knowledge they claim to possess their life would speak for itself. You can judge a tree by it's fruit. Growing in the knowledge of God isn't for spiritual pride and ego. It's for living a life of worship and fellowship with God!

The second scripture, (first one is James) I want to share is John 4:23, "Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." Again, honesty, humility, and a sincere effort to worship Him is all it takes. Let me be clear on what worship is. Worship is a lifestyle of obedience, praise, and serving the Lord in all we do. Look at the end of that verse. "They are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks." Other translations elaborate a bit more, but try and wrap your mind around the fact that Holy God, Creator, is seeking you out. Last verse. John 14:21, "Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him.” Do I need to elaborate? That's one of my favorite scriptures and its jam packed full of power.

"This book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day, and night, that you may observe to do all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success." (Joshua 1:8) Ok, this is God telling us to meditate on His Word; therefore it must be pretty important to do so. Why? When we meditate on His Word we grow in knowledge, thus learning to walk in His ways, we learn to think as He thinks, and it also keeps our hearts close to His. The first step in drawing closer is to confess of any known sins, empty your heart, and ask Him to speak to you through His Word. He knows we are ignorant, so don't put on a front like you know what to ask and pray. "Lord, I don't know your Word that well, I want to draw closer, and I'm asking you to help me do so." Then begin meditating, thinking about a passage or two throughout the day. There is an application and experience that goes with each scripture and it always changes.:)  This is called revelation. In keeping with the challenge, let’s make it simple and meditate on the scriptures in the blog. If you'd like to add more that's fine too.

Finally, it’s Christmas, well almost. Pull out your Bible, and each time you do, read the story of the birth of Jesus. Luke 2 is a good one. Let us meditate on the birth of our Lord this Christmas. We can't get closer to the Father without getting closer to the Son. Merry Christmas to you all!

"My heart has heard you say, "Come and talk with me." And my heart responds, "Lord I am coming." Psalm 27:8 (NLT)