Friday, 26 October 2012

From Grudges to Grace


Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you." 

 Next Step Devotional Thought

 Forgiveness is one of the most elusive yet essential aspects of our journey with the Lord. The concept of forgiveness seems so simple right? We mess up (against God or others), we recognize our mistake, ask forgiveness, end of story.... So why does true forgiveness continue to escape us in our relationships with others. Why do roots of bitterness, pain, mistrust, and insecurity continue to plague our relationships within the body of Christ when we know how to make sure they never occur? 

 I describe forgiveness as elusive because we often think that we have forgiven - we may even think we have forgotten! - only to discover later on when those old wounds are unexpectantly uncovered that we were not as fully healed as we imagined. 

 So why is this issue of forgiveness so important? Well, for one, forgiveness comprises the foundation for our entire relationship with our perfect, sinless God. Without forgiveness, it would be impossible for us to be in relationship with God, let alone have the assured hope of eternity with him! Secondly, forgiveness forms the base for which we are able to represent Christ to the world. Forgiveness connects us to God, so forgiveness is a pathway through which we can draw others into relationship with God as well....

 I'm reminded of Jesus' words in John 13:34-35 - "By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." 

 Have you ever known authentic love between two people to exist without forgiveness? Absolutely not! Forgiveness and love go hand in hand, and we can't display our relationship with Christ to the world without it. This is especially (BOLD, Italicize, and Underline!) true within the body of Christ. 

 So what about you? I want to challenge you with a little activity. Take a moment and reflect over all the people you interacted with today - phone calls, emails, classmates, texts, co-workers, and yes, Facebook friends. Pause a moment as you think about each of their names and faces. Ask the Holy Spirit to stand active in your heart and mind and to reveal to you any areas of uneasiness, hurt, fear, frustration, or even full-fledged hatred. Write those names down. Now ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in prayer over those names, asking forgiveness for the attitudes that have built walls between you, blocking the ability for Christ's love to be displayed to the world. God may even ask you to talk with some of them personally. Just be open! 

 If you caught part two of my interview with Jimmy and Vickie Duren this morning about forgiveness following divorce, Jimmy left us with a strong thought: "Forgiveness is really simple. It's hard to do, but it's simple. First we must ask the Lord to forgive us, and then you can begin forgiving on a whole new level." 

 Interview Recap


Key Scriptures

Hebrews 12:15 - Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many.

Matthew 5:14-15 - For if you forgive men when they sin against you, Your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Mark 11:25 - And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father, so that your Father in heaven may forgive your sins.

Luke 23:34 - Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they're doing." And they divided up His clothes by casting lots. 

2 Corinthians 5:18-19 - All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation.

My Next Step

Forgiveness is not easy, and I will be the first to admit that I have not always extended forgiveness exactly when I should, how I should, and as fully as I should. It would be easy for me to take this paragraph to list person after person, hurt after hurt, for which I have had to extend and seek forgiveness. However, if I did that, I certainly would not be practicing what I preach ,now would I?

To be completely transparent, the most difficult person to forgive has been... Myself. There is not room here to enter my life journey and testimony, but for much of my teenage life I hurt myself, separated myself, and loathed myself, building up bitterness towards the person I was rather than seeking God's full redemption. I didn't understand the complete and pure love God held towards me. I inflicted much pain, physically and emotionally, on myself, refusing the healing God always held out in His gently hands.

Even after escaping the traps of many of the things that hurt me so deeply, I did not recognize my need to forgive myself for another number of years. I carried the burden of my past along with me into every relationship, and even ministry opportunity. Once I finally came to understand how fully God had forgiven me, then I was able to extend that forgiveness to myself. And let me tell you, only at that point was I truly able to forgive others and begin new life-giving, glory-giving relationships! 

I urge you brothers and sisters... draw near to God. Seek His forgiveness. Receive His forgiveness. Extend His forgiveness. What joy awaits!

Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
melissa.rogers@moody.edu
.






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Friday, 19 October 2012

Taking a Look at Idols....

October 15-19: Taking a Look at Idols...

 What a thrilling week it has been here at Moody Radio South! While our New Day Cafe focus for most of the week delved into idols lurking within our hearts and unseating Christ from His throne of ultimate priority, we also took two days to partner with Compassion Intentional. We sought sponsors for children in poverty around the globe. THANK YOU for releasing 36 children in the name of Jesus Christ over these two days! These children will not only have food and clothing, but they will also be connected to a local church to teach them the scriptures, introduce them to Jesus, and restore hope for the future.

 If you still would like to sponsor a child, restoring them with hope and introducing them to Jesus Christ, you can visit www.moodyradiosouth.fm and click on the Compassion banner!

 Next Step Devotional Thought

 I think we all know that when we speak of idols we are not talking about statues, alters, or crazy 1970's hippy shrines.When idols are mentioned throughout scripture, it goes much deeper than carved stone; God looks straight to the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). Where does this issue with idols come from? Why is it so important? 

 The very first of the ten commandments is found in Exodus 20:3 where God commands, "You shall have no other God's before me."  While we do not bow down before poles, wooden snakes, and golden calves today, we bow our hearts down before "idols" every single day. Things like your career, money, influence, control - even good things like your children or ministry vision - can rise up to such a high level of adoration in your life that Christ is unseated from his throne of ultimate priority. 

 Idols can be hidden deep within us in such a way that we do not recognize the power they hold. Let me ask you this question. Where do you spend the most amount of your time? Where do you spend or give the greatest percentage of your money? Or carrying it a little deeper, what visions or dreams have you held before God for so long that you have become impatient, or even bitter that God has not brought them to fruition? Stop and listen to the Holy Spirit for a moment....if anything was triggered in your spirit through those questions, God might be trying to cleanse you from an idol of the heart. 

 Let me leave you with this thought - we are what we worship. For the Israelite people, to worship any god before THE God was to say, "We are no longer God's people. We belong to and serve ___." You become what ever your submit your life to, whether that means you are a successful businessman, sacrificing mom, or even the leader of the largest ministry organization in town. None of those things are wrong in themselves, but if you are known for anything other than being a follower of Jesus, I'd encourage you step back a moment and measure what truly is the Lord of your life. 

 What is sitting on the throne of your heart?....

 Interview Recaps
Key Scriptures


 Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." 

 1 Samuel 16:7b - "The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." 

 1 Samuel 15:23a - "Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as back as worshipping idols."

 1 Cor. 6:9-10 - "Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral nor idolaters nor adulterers nor male prostitutes nor homosexual offenders nor thieves nor the greedy nor drunkards nor slanderers nor swindlers will inherit the kingdom of God

 My Next Step

 This issue of heart idols is serious folks. These hidden areas of our hearts and minds that are not fully submitted to the lordship of Jesus Christ can slip up on you before you know it, slowly clogging your ears and shielding your eyes from the voice and movement of God in your life. I've really asked the Lord to show me any hidden idols in my heart this week, and let me tell you, if you ask the Lord He will show you! 

 I have to confess that throughout most of my life I have sought approval and acceptance from others. Whether my teachers, parents, or church family, there is this drive within me seeking to be "liked" and valued. You know what? This desire for acceptance is an idol. Each time I turn to man for my identity and approval I am turning away from the throne of grace for which Jesus died to give me access (Heb 4:16). Countless hours focused on something other than Jesus, countless dollars spent, and not to mention countless moments of stress and insecurity are all that I have gained by worshipping my "acceptance idol." Oh if I could only forever stand on the solid rock of Jesus Christ that reminds me I am fully accepted, fully loved, and fully qualified for a glorious purpose beyond which anything in this world could compare. 

 I believe this issue of acceptance is a biggy for many women, especially in a culture constantly forcing us to compare ourselves with the lying images and unreachable standards. Maybe this isn't your heart idol, but I challenge you to seek the Lord to soften your heart and reveal to you the areas not fully submitted to his throne. Our God is the only one who saves, redeems, and restores. He is the ONLY one worthy of our praise. 

 Luke 10:27 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind..."

 Stepping Together

 We'd love to hear how God is speaking to you through this message on heart idols. You can leave a comment below, or email me at melissa.rogers@moody.edu with your testimonies of God speaking in your life! Trust me, I've got many more heart idols, and I need the body of Christ to help open my eyes and lead me to repentance. I look forward to hearing from you!!

 Blessings,
Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South
melissa.rogers@moody.edu
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Friday, 12 October 2012

"From the Playing Field to the Mission Field"

October 8 - 12 "From the Playing Field to the Mission Field"

 So, week two of the Moody Radio "The Next Step" blog is here! This week was certainly an exciting week on New Day Cafe. Who doesn't get excited about sports, right? Well, this week was about much MUCH more than sports (although we did get to speak with some pretty cool people!) This week we talked with players, coaches, and ministry leaders about how God is using the influential platform of the "playing field" to lead people to Christ and call Christians to a higher standard in their walk with Christ. 

 Next Step Devotional Thought

 Whether you are a mom taxi-driving your children to practices and games, little league coach, or even just married to a man who LOVES his Monday night football, most everyone interacts with sports at some level. For many, this can leave us a little "burned-out" when it comes to sports. So much so that we lose the true power it has to form the strong character, discipline, and servant leadership we are called to exhibit as followers of Christ. 

 Throughout scripture we see God inspiring the writers to use athletic analogies to reveal God's character, and thus the character He desires to see in us. Just take a look at verses such as...:

 Hebrews 12:1 - "...let us run with endurance the race that's set before us."

 2 Timothy 2:5 - "An athlete is not crowned unless he competes by the rules." 

 1 Corinthians 9:26-27 - "So I run with purpose in every step. I am not just shadowboxing. I discipline by body like an athlete, training it to do what it should. Otherwise, I fear that after preaching to others I myself might be disqualified." 

 Did you realize that there were so many "sport-isms" in scripture? I sure didn't! You see, whether sports, arts, academics, or career, God desires to reveal His character and His purposes to humanity. Through ALL aspects of our lives, His purpose is to bring glory to His name.

In our modern culture, few people hold more influence than high-profile athletes. We can all name those athletes who have made a statement for Christ (Tim Tebow, Shaun Alexander, Jeremy Lin). Each of these have boldly led countless boys, girls, teens, and colleges athletes to keep their focus on not only their athletic gift, but of the one who gave them that gift! Furthermore, few hold greater influence in the lives of teens and college students than their coaches. Whether these coaches lead their athletes toward Godly character or away, towards humility or pride, or towards service or selfishness determines the future of our nation and the values of a generation.  

 Do you remember the famous movie quote from Chariots of Fire where Eric Liddell states, "I believe God made me for a purpose, but he also made me fast. And when I run I feel His pleasure." 

 God made YOU for a purpose. But how else did he make you? Maybe you can cook up a storm and provide a hearty meal for a family in need. Maybe you can write notes of encouragement to weary pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders. Or maybe you can teach a child in the ways of scripture, transforming the future of our nation. What makes your heart flutter and blood race with the excitement of a 15 year old boy before his first football game? That's your playing field, and God wants to use it as a mission field. 

 God has given you a "playing field." That playing field invites you to exercise those passions, callings, and gifts to the glory of Christ. So, as Martin always says, "why don't you get off the sidelines and back in the game!" 

 Interview Recaps

 If you missed out of part of the New Day Cafe morning show this week, I encourage you to go to New Day Cafe and check out the audio (will be up within two weeks!). In the mean time, here is a recap of our interviews for the week along with links to find out more information covered in the interview. 

Key Scriptures

 2 Corinthians 5:18  "And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us the ministry of reconciling people to Him."

 Hebrews 12:1  "Therefore since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us strip off every weight that slows us down, especially the sin that so easily trips us up. And let us run with endurance the race that God has set before us." 

 Luke 12:48b "When someone has been given much, much will be required in return; and when someone has been entrusted with much, even more will be required." (UA Gymnastics Theme Verse)

 Colossians 3:23 "Whatever you do, work at it with all of your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men."

 1 Timothy 6:11-12 "But you, man of God, flee from all this, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, endurance and gentleness.Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called when you made your good confession in the presence of many witnesses."

 My Next Step

 For those of you who have met me in person, you might not imagine that I am particularly athletic....or even slightly athletic! BUT you might be surprised to learn that I played softball, 2nd Base and Back-up Pitcher, for 8 years (nevermind the fact that I still get slightly nervous whenever a ball heads my direction ha ha). I also danced for 15 years, sacrificing more time, energy, and money than anyone ever should pursuing my passion. Now I know what you are thinking..."dancing is not a sport!" For those of you thinking that, I'll challenge you to a 4 hour cardio dance practice anytime :)

 Now why do I share that with you? I share it because as I reflect back on the discipline, perseverance, and sacrifice that I learned through the hours and hours of practice, workouts, and travelling, I see so clearly how God was training me not only physically, but also spiritually. Every day that I stepped into the practice room was a day I was reminded of the incredible discipline and sacrifice my Lord Jesus made for me by coming to earth and dying on the cross...... 

 When your mind is fixed on Jesus in that way, Phil 4:13 ("I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength) comes to light in a way unlike ever before. If Jesus had the strength to give up his throne in heaven, come to a world of pain and turmoil (without running water I might add), be rejected by his family, be beaten, stripped naked, and nailed to a piece of carved wood...if he cold endure that for my sake, then I can endure the comparably trivial trials that come my way. 

 Through the years, I danced beside countless girls. Sadly, I cannot honestly tell you that I knew for sure whether each of them knew Christ or not. My mind was often focused on how I looked, what boy I could impress, or outshining my teammates. I missed my mission field for years, not that I did not live out my faith or talk with others about Christ occasionally, but definitely not with the urgency and understanding that God put me on those dance teams for HIS glory, not mine. 

 Friends, don't miss your mission field. When you run/dance/teach/paint/play for Jesus, I promise that you will feel His pleasure...

 Stepping Together

 We have seen some page traffic on the blog, which is awesome! Now I want to challenge you to challenge me! Leave me a comment, question, or a testimony of how God has turned your playing field in to the mission field. You can even leave me a complaint! (I hope I don't regret that!) We love our listeners at Moody Radio South and want to "take the next step" in our walk with Jesus Christ with you!

 Blessings,

 Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South

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Friday, 5 October 2012

Oct 1-5 - Did God Really Say?

Here it is! Week #1 of our new Moody Radio South "The Next Step" devotional blog! I hope you are as excited as we are about this. I mean, we are not just taking a step towards "no where." We are taking a step towards Jesus! That's what we are all about here at Moody, helping you "take the next step in your walk with Jesus Christ." 

First of all, if you missed our introduction post earlier this week, I want to encourage you to go back and take a look. In that post you will read more about the purpose of this blog and it's layout. PLUS we've put up some nifty pictures of the Moody South staff out from behind the mic that you do not want to miss. Just click HERE to go back and read.....go ahead I'll wait right here for you......you back? Ok Good! Here we go with a recap of our New Day Cafe morning show focus for the week of October 1st; "Did God Really Say?..."

Next Step Devotional Thought

If you grew up being taught the scriptures, or even if you have ever picked up the Bible, started at page 1 and read a few chapters in, then the phrase "Did God Really Say?" should ring a bell. This phrase is HUGE. In fact, it set the foundation for the entire collapse of the human race...and I'm not exaggerating either!

You remember Adam and Eve right? They were allowed to eat of the fruit of any tree or plant in the garden...exact one! The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil was off limits. They lived in complete freedom, without shame or pain, in complete harmony with God and one another, only having one rule. So in comes the serpent (Satan), set to twist God's provision for protection into the propellant to destroy God's beautiful earth and image-bearing humans. He asked Eve a simple question, "Did God really say you must not eat of any tree in the garden?" 

Did you catch it! One small twist of God's words and Eve was completely tongue tied. I'm sure her mind was racing with thoughts like, "Well, uhhh, I think God said just one, but ummmm......" Next thing you know a small seed of doubt enlarges into full-flown disregard of the Word she knew was true deep within her heart. In the next few verses we see this doubt spread, as her actions encourage her husband to doubt God's Word as well. Satan made that seem so very simple didn't he? From that moment man's sinful tendencies have escalated, his rebellion spread, and his disregard for God's original Word has left the world seeking for "truth" when God's truth has always been right in front of us. 

What about you? Have you have you ever had a moment where you stopped and thought, "Now, did God really say ____, or that I shouldn't do ___?" Today our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs are bombarded by a culture that has rejected the truths found in scripture, trading them for what "seems" right. It "seemed" right that Eve should have access to every tree in the garden. God had given them authority over all of creation, so why this one tree? Just as Satan twisted one word to plant a seed of doubt, the world does the same thing." 

When we listen to news stories, read books, watch movies, or (unfortunately) even sit in your school classroom, we must be on guard to that deceitful voice that questions the authority and integrity of God's Word. Yes we should study the scriptures, and yes we must seek the Holy Spirit to clarify passages of scripture that might cause confusion of differing interpretations. But when it comes to doubting either the undeniable authority of the Bible to speak to how we live, speak, and worship, we must take up the sword of the Spirit and put on our helmet of salvation that shields our minds from the enemy (Eph. 6:10-17). We must take every thought captive to the obedience of Christ (2 Cor. 10:5), and equip ourselves with the knowledge and truth of God's word, standing ready to defend the faith in which we place our hope (1 Peter 3:15). 

Interview Recaps

We tackled some of the most common "Did God Really Say?" topics on New Day Cafe this week. If you missed out on any of the interviews, here is a recap along with link to interviewee's websites (if available!). Remember, you can always listen to interview audio at www.moodyradiosouth.fm (click on the New Day Cafe banner!)

  • "Did God really say he would always protect us?"  - Rev. Rafaat Zaki of Eqypt
  • "Did God really say that faith without works is dead?" - Andy Boles and Jay Clarke 
Key Scriptures

Each week we offer key scriptures throughout the morning show and Bible Quizzes that reinforce our discussion. We encourage you to study these scriptures deeper, add them to your scripture memory list, and let God use them to transform you relationship with him. 

Genesis 3:1 (Mon. Bible Quiz) "Now the serpent was more crafty than any of the wild animals the LORD God had made. He said to the woman, "Did God really say, 'You must not eat from any tree in the garden'?"

Matthew 7:21 (Tues. Bible Quiz) “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven."

Matthew 16:24 (Wed. Bible Quiz) "Then Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me."

Mark 10:22-24 (Fri. Bible Quiz)" Jesus looked at him and loved him. “One thing you lack,” he said. “Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me. At this the man’s face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, “How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!” The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, “Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.”

Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."

Deuteronomy 31:8 "The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged."

James 2:18 "But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.

My Next Step

Just as our listeners are growing in their relationship with Christ each day they tune in to Moody Radio, we (the Moody South staff) are developing a deeper relationship with Christ as well. We spend much time in prayer and planning when seeking the topics and interviews God desires for us to place on air, and more often than not he uses them to personally impact our lives as well. 

For me (Melissa), the rampant escalation by my generation (20 somethings) to reject the Bible as absolute truth and the ultimate authority is something I face every single day. As a college student I could not enter one class without a teaching that either underhandedly or blatantly countered/twisted the truths of scripture. I became keenly aware of my need to be firmly rooted in the scriptures and confident of my faith. I've seen former church youth group members simply "walk away" from the faith they once commitment their lives and future to, all because of one professor, or one actor, or one politician who has twisted Christianity.

After graduating, working in ministry and now being blessed to work in an environment that consistently upholds the gospel, I have to admit that I have slipped into a "comfortable" place with God. I am not daily challenged to defend my faith in the way I once was. This week has been a refreshing wake up call for me to always be on guard and to delve deeper into my understanding and confidence in the scriptures. I urge you brothers and sisters to not allow yourself to become comfortable either. We must be active about defending the truth of the gospel. If we don't, how can we expect my generation to do so either?

Stepping Together

Please leave your comments below with your thoughts and testimonies of how God has ministered to you through these interviews and messages this week! We would love to hear your comments about future program ideas as well. Share the link on Facebook, email it to your friends/family/co-workers, and spread the gospel message! We love our listeners, and we love Jesus Christ. Let's keep moving forward, taking our next step toward Jesus together. 

Blessings,

Melissa Rogers
Moody Radio South 







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Monday, 1 October 2012

Welcome to Moody Radio South's "The Next Step" blog! Here at Moody South our mission is to help you take the next step in your walk with Jesus Christ. That is what this blog is all about. Each week (Fridays to be exact!) we will "recap" the program focus of our New Day Cafe morning show, going a little deeper in a devotional style to help you "hide the word in your heart" (Psalm 119:11). 

 If you have been listening in the mornings between 6-9am, this will be a way for you to join us at the New Day Cafe table on the weekends. For those of you who can only catch us during your commute to work, or maybe only after you send your kids off to school, this will be a way for you to go back and catch up on all you missed during the live morning program. We all know there are those "crazy" mornings that you are doing good just to remember to brush your teeth. This blog is for those mornings too! We are just excited about the opportunity to take the next step with you as you grow and move with Jesus Christ!

 So let's take a look at how this will work. Each Friday, before 12:00pm, we will update the blog with a new post. You can always access it via our website, www.moodyradiosouth.fm, and we will also upload it to our facebook page https://www.facebook.com/MoodyRadioSouth so you can share with your friends! 

 In each post you will find sections:

 1. Next Step Devotional - Short devotion based upon the New Day Cafe weekly focus

 2. Interview Recaps - Short recap from weekly interviews (links to interviewee websites if available!)

 3. Key Scriptures - Scriptures discussed on air & from Bible Quiz to study & memorize

 4. My Next Step -  I (Melissa Rogers) invite you to "journey with me" as I learn and grow through the Moody Radio South ministry as well!

 5. Stepping Together - This is the important part! Leave us comments, questions, and what God has taught you through the week in the blog comments section. We are on this journey together!

 So who's ready to take the next step in their walk with Jesus? The first post will come this Friday, October 6th on our New Day Cafe focus for the week, "Did God Really Say...??" Come take the next step with me!
OH! And just for fun, I thought you might like to get to know the Moody Radio Staff "up close and personal....
Me (Melissa Rogers, OA) and my hubby Jonathan!


Rob Moore (Station Manager) and his beauty Ginger!

John Rogers and his wife Connie
Martin Houston & the family - Xavier not pictured
Karen Worley, husband Ken  grandbaby!

Kristie Drake (PR Dixons Mills/Selma) and her boys! 
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