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  Conversation LeaderJosh (Social Media Pastor)

  Welcome to The Conversation! This space is here to help you take the truth from the weekend service with you through out the rest of the week. Please take some time to read the devotion and share your insights with us.

  544 days ago +61

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  Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

  A few days ago, millions of Americans flooded the stores at unthinkable shopping hours. The pursuit of a great gift or personal treasure motivated many of us to either not go to bed or set the alarm at 4a in hopes of capturing that perfect treasure. I personally was out the door at 4.25a. It strikes me odd that just the day before I was focused on gratitude. It’s amazing how quickly my intentions focused towards aspects of greed. Hey, I can rationalize that it was the gift I was purchasing for my loved one, but the passion of the pursuit of that item, even at the expense of other shoppers, tells me I can be pretty selfish.

  As I reflect on Brad’s weekend talk, “It’s a Wonderful Life”, I’m bothered by the lackidasical passion at which I pursue opportunities to tangibly care for the poor, the broken, the needy, the orphaned. Sure, I’m growing in this area, in fact, I even visited a family shelter in Ann Arbor the Monday before Thanksgiving–wow, that makes me feel better! The bottom line is that it’s not keeping me up at night or radically consuming my thoughts. There are so many needs that I walk over every day, but I’m bothered by them. They don’t significantly inconvenience my life on a regular basis. I want God to give me the passion to love those less fortunate with Christ-like love. I’m moving that way–but so far to go.

  544 days ago +63

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  Steve Alexander

  This is an area my household is really trying to work into our hearts, but it’s been like plowing hard clay soil. We’re “good” with donating a few dollars here and there, “did” Operation Christmas Child and a few other Christmas charity events but we are in no way emotionally ready to part with the comfort of our couches to go into a true form of Outreach (such as mission work). To help this, I bought the book “Radical” but (shamefully) stopped reading it. I am now asking God to guide my household (or at least me) to where we (or I) would give the most impact in serving. We LOVE that NorthRidge has so many opportunities but desperately need to find ourselves behaving with deeper generousity. I am looking forward to this devotional in hopes that I can cultivate growth in this area for my household.

  544 days ago1 Reply +62

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    Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

    in reply to Steve Alexander

    Your experience is like so many of ours. We recognize that change is in order and now we have to begin to chart a new course. Figuring out how we weave this into the fabric of our lives is paramount. I’m finding that walking this journey proactively with a few people from my Small Group is helping me with accountability–in the positive sense. Not from a smackdown, but out of a genuine heart of wanting to see God change our hearts together.

    544 days ago

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  Warren

  Brad said some powerful stuff in the last few weeks. Saturday night when the video of the family that went to Japan, and than the two girls sang by eyes swelled up with tears. Both my wife and I resolved to make a difference in Christmas this year, we bought everyone presents from “Feed the Children” web site. Each purchase you make also help pay for a number of meals which they indicate on their site. From what they indicate we were able to purchase over 840 meals with our gift purchases. I am not saying this to brag but I am encouraging others to make a difference in the way they buy Christmas gifts. Most gifts end up a memory in a few weeks, so purchase a gift that makes a difference. I read this passage this morning please let’s not make the following verses the narrative of Northridge Church.

  Ezek33: 30 “As for you, son of man, your countrymen are talking together about you by the walls and at the doors of the houses, saying to each other, ‘Come and hear the message that has come from the LORD.’ 31 My people come to you, as they usually do, and sit before you to listen to your words, but they do not put them into practice. With their mouths they express devotion, but their hearts are greedy for unjust gain. 32 Indeed, to them you are nothing more than one who sings love songs with a beautiful voice and plays an instrument well, for they hear your words but do not put them into practice.

  544 days ago2 Replies +47

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    Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

    in reply to Warren

    This is fantastic. Through World Vision you can even by a goats and other food opportunities for villages or families. I love the journey you’re on. Way to proactively be the hands, feet and voice of Christ. I”m continually asking God to show me more opportunities right in my backyard. My challenge with this is having margin in my life so I can engage the people personally.

    544 days ago

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    Warren

    in reply to Warren

    I agree Steve in the past I would advocate my mission responsibility to others in the form of contributions, but now I am on a journey to find opportunities in my backyard that would draw me closer to God and be responsible to my family. My first goal is to become a praying person and be consistent at praying for others, many times we say we are going to pray and that is where it end in a vocal gesture.

    544 days ago

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  Bernie R

  I thought Brad’s message was, as usual, right on point, especially at this time of year.

  Our Small Group did the study on “The Hole in Our Gospel” and next to the Bible I think that book has impacted my life more than any other book I’ve ever read. Since reading this book (multiple times) my wife and I have sponsored 2 amazing children through World Vision and as of this past March, I became a Child Ambassador for World Vision.

  But after Church yesterday my wife sat and talked about what else could we be doing, we look around our house and all the “stuff” we own, it amazes us how complacent we have become. Lukewarm, kind of like the Church of Laodicea, because we figure that we are doing “something” but there is so much more we could be doing.

  Last night 60 minutes did a special on the homeless in Seminole County, Florida, children living in cars, families with nothing, then on the news you see people getting pepper sprayed over a DVD player. A record $52.4 billion was spent on Black Friday, just .1% of that could make such a huge difference to those 20,000+ children who die every day of starvation and other preventable causes.

  Thank you Brad for always calling us to action not letting NorthRidge become a Church of Laodicea!

  544 days ago3 Replies +60

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    Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

    in reply to Bernie R

    I’m gonna have to go on hulu and see if I can find that 60 minutes special. So here’s a challenge for you, Bernie. Take the month of December as a couple and investigate the real needs around your immediate city, not the city of Detroit, but within 15 minutes of your house. I’d love to download with you on your findings. Wouldn’t it be Great if your family and your Group would begin doing something tangible to make an even bigger difference.So many possibilities….it’s time for us to act!

    544 days ago

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    Bernie R

    in reply to Bernie R

    Steve, Agreed, our small group will be discussing this subject this week and I’ll let you know what we decide to do, there are a lot of opportunities in our local area! Here is the 60 Minute story, it was really sad and touching at the same time, the kids in the story had an amazing attitude after all they had been through! http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-18560_162-57330802/hard-times-generation-families-living-in-cars/?tag=pop;stories

    544 days ago

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    Steve Alexander

    in reply to Bernie R

    After reading Steve Y’s response below on “needs around your immediate city” written to Bernie, I’ve decided to meet with the Livonia Rotary AM group to see what they are doing to help out locally.

    543 days ago

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  Lisa Cummins

  It’s been on my heart for some time to start serving in a greater way here and abroad. Just last week I was searching the internet looking for creative ways to serve on Thanksgiving as opposed to consuming. The last 12 years since my mother passed, I have cooked a large dinner for my entire family and others without family obligations but I want to do more. This year, I’m looking for a different option. Im looking to serve orphaned children on Christmas Day. I hoped to find information to travel abroad and help hand out the Operation Christmas Child boxes but couldn’t find any info on this. Anyone have any ideas/suggestions/thoughts? Thanks!

  544 days ago1 Reply +62

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    Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

    in reply to Lisa Cummins

    Lisa, I’m not sure what age you are looking at, but here are some thoughts. We have a wonderful adoption & foster care team with some people who I’m sure might have some very practical ideas. If you’d contact me tomorrow via phone or email I’ll be glad to get you in touch with them directly. Also, Vista Maria, is a local girls home that you could also check out.

    544 days ago

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  Conversation LeaderRenee (Children's Ministry)

  Brad’s talk and the encouraging movement of compassion and generocity in our church remindes me of the story of Tabitha in Acts 9:36-42.

  “In Joppa there was a disciple named Tabitha (in Greek her name is Dorcas); she was always doing good and helping the poor. About that time she became sick and died, and her body was washed and placed in an upstairs room. Lydda was near Joppa; so when the disciples heard that Peter was in Lydda, they sent two men to him and urged him, “Please come at once!”

  Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.

  Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive. This became known all over Joppa, and many people believed in the Lord.”

  Tabitha got to the heart of generocity she wanted her heart to be connected to His. When we really get it … what we should want that too. Just Like Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Ruth, Esther, Peter, Paul, Tabitha’s compassion to love people was the call help them so they would ultimately come to know her God, her Savior – Jesus.

  That’s the point of our 6th Value at NorthRidge as Brad shared:

  “The church most visibly evidences the love of Christ by ministering with compassion and care to the poor, sick, hurting, lonely, rejected and forgotten people of the world.”

  May the influence of our generocity lead them to ultimate deliverance.

  544 days ago +62

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  Jennifer

  Love you Lisa. You are one of the most giving/serving person I know. You just don’t always realize you’re doing it. You give to others every single day, and I’ve witnessed this over the last 18 years of our friendship. You have the most compassionate heart of nearly anyone I’ve met, and your generosity abounds. I would love to see you travel abroad and use your nursing skills, as I know you so desperately want to do. Good luck with your search for Christmas day options. Another option for Christmas day is Meals on Wheels. You are so great with the elderly, I think you may enjoy that as well. I’m sure you’ll be a great blessing to anyone you help, as you are to me.

  544 days ago1 Reply +54

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    Steve

    in reply to Jennifer

    Thanks for your shout out to Jennifer. Isn’t it amazing how God puts around us friends to motivate and encourage us. This is a great example of Hebrews 12:1, “Since we are surrounded by such a great could of witnesses….” Lisa is motivating all of us to run the race God has marked out for us.

    543 days ago

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  Robert

  This is also an area that God is tugging at my heart. I want to lead my family to be generous to others since we truly are blessed with so much, but I find this very difficult. I really do now know “how” to do this. Sure, everyone is great with giving, but it is not sacrificial. What do I mean by this? We are great at wanting to meet the needs of others, but we do not sacrifice our own “needs” (yes, they are really “wants”). We will just go in a little more debt, but it is for Jesus, isn’t it? (that was sarcastic – just in case it was not obvious). This has been a struggle. Until I can lead my family into a better biblically financial sound situation / outlook, I am not sure how to be or even if I can be a generous giver. I want to, but again, just not sure how to “lead” my family to that same place.

  544 days ago2 Replies +47

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    Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

    in reply to Robert

    Thanks Robert for having the courage to say what so many others never verbalize. What you have just described in pragmatic terms is that you have a lot of “want to” but you aren’t positioned with the “can do” at this time. What you are uncovering is a larger conversation about what it takes to live a life of generosity. Like you, many of us are coming to a place in life where we begin asking the question of what it really means to be a steward of God’s resources. It’s not like we own everything and then we give some to God–quite the contrary. God owns everything and I just happen to be the trustee of what is in my care. In the long term this means requires us as families to reorder our lives financially. I don’t believe going into more debt is the solution. I don’t know if you heard Brad’s talk a few weeks ago, but he addressed the balance between saving & giving along with patterns of generosity & carelessness. Sometimes we save because we hoard. Sometimes we give carelessly and sometimes spend out of pure selfishness. I would practically encourage you to journey through Financial Peace University as a family. Remember, the Christian life is a marathon, not a sprint. In time God will transform us as long as we are open to surrender our hearts to His ways!!! don’t lose heart!

    543 days ago

  • 

    Rob

    in reply to Robert

    Thanks Steve,. I am totally on board with Financial Peace. Took it last year. Still need to find a way to get the rest of the family on board. Getting better, but just too slow for me. Looks more like I just need more prayer and patience…

    543 days ago

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  Rod

  The video of the Foley family brought my wife and I to tears. Following that up with the girls singing worship songs in English and Japanese had me weeping like I haven’t for years. That was a powerful testimony of how we can know true joy and true devotion if we listen to God’s voice and follow with our feet. Brad did an excellent job of explaining what true generosity is. Thank you NorthRidge for not only teaching me but also inspiring me.

  544 days ago +64

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  Bryan

  “Did you hear about the drive-by (fill in the blank)”? How many times have we said that, referring to a news story or something. Too many things in this world happen on a “drive-by basis” and none of it good. Brad challenged us to ask ourselves: “The next time you hear about a drive-by something, ask yourself, who or what did I just drive by with blinders on my heart? A neighbor in need? A hurting family member or friend? A spiritually broken person with whom you can share the greatest gift of a lifetime without spending a dime? Jesus engaged and invited these into His Kingdom. Do we even dare let them visit our castles, or let them leave a footprint in our lives? Or vice versa? As Brad observed, the truth is, we comfortable Christians need the “least of these” more than they need us.

  543 days ago1 Reply Thanks for likeing+69

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    Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

    in reply to Bryan

    Love it Bryan. We can all relate to those drive-by moments. Been there. Done that. I’m reminded of couple of things. One, I need to have more margins in my life so I can embrace the drive-by moments–of course sometimes I just need to say “NO” to my plan. Punt and embrace the moment God puts in front of me. Secondly, the next time we have that moment where we pass someone or something up and feel bothered by it, why not just turn around, go back and engage the moment.

    543 days ago

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  Lynn

  “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” Genesis 1:2

  543 days ago +56

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  aL Jacquez

  If Brad keeps delivering these hard hitting talks and we act upon them. . . somethin’ good might happen.

  543 days ago1 Reply +49

  • 

    Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

    in reply to aL Jacquez

    I hope so! God wants us to be catalytic people. Sounds like we need to do something!

    543 days ago

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  Conversation LeaderSteve (Small Groups Pastor)

  I was thinking this morning about the motivation for acts of kindness and outreach opportunities. As with with many things, motives can be a very dangerous thing. 1 Samuel 16:7 says, “People look at the outward appearance but the Lord looks at the heart.” I find I have to be very careful as to why I serve the poor, needy, and broken. Do I blow my own horn to let people know what I’m doing? When I do, why am I doing it? It has to be about Jesus and not about me.

  That brings me to another thought. Many times I am the hands and feet of Jesus to people, but I need to be sure I’m also the voice of Jesus. In other words, when appropriate I should express to people why I’m offering this cup of cool water. It’s not b/c of love that comes from me, but love that comes from Jesus. The centrality of Christ in the conversation is very important. Jesus offered the ultimate love gift by dying on the cross for my sin. Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:17, “If Christ has not bben raised, your faith is worthless.” It’s the ultimate sacrifice of Christ that drives me unabashedly.

  542 days ago +61

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  Judy

  No one knows the motives or the intent of the heart, but this I know……you give someone a blanket and share the gospel of Jesus with them, you get your message across and God will judge the heart

  542 days ago +60

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  Ronald Ponkey

  I am a little down today as I watch people enjoying buying big screen televisions, going on vacations, and really partying it up…I am working so hard to operate my own business which entails long hours and lots of marketing. Besides being a Dave Ramsey follower I refuse to charge what I cannot afford.
  I will not charge and am concentrating on saving and paying off my foolish Equity Loan which is there because I spent before I became a Christian and a Dave Ramsey follower so I am jealous of those people who seem to be taking the shortcut to having a good time….Christian Stewardship is difficult at times.

  542 days ago3 Replies +74

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    Conversation LeaderRenee (Children's Ministry)

    in reply to Ronald Ponkey

    Don’t feel down Ronald based on other peoples decisions. Instead you should be excited about your journey and what the Lord has taught you. Don’t forget we are suppose to be an example to others.

    542 days ago

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    Lori Madison

    in reply to Ronald Ponkey

    Hi Ronald, I just wanted to congratulate you on your commitment to a debt free life. I’m a dave Ramsey convert also. My husband and I completed the course less than a year ago and her impact has been tremendous. The principles offered are sound and will carry us further into the areas to generosity discussed during the talk this week. As Renee stated, the journey is much more signifiant for us as we are flexing our muscles of discipline and perseverance on the road to financial peace. As others are scrambling around in the malls attempting to secure the best deal on an item, you are laying the groundwork for a generations to come. Please remember that life’s shortcuts are designed to keep us off focus, off balance and short of the ultimate goal. You already know the process to buying that flat screen if you really wanted it. Instead you’ve gotten all gazelle like in your intensity to achieve your goals. I’m praying for you through this transition and I urge you to keep your eye on the prize. It’s so totally worth it!

    542 days ago

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    Chris S

    in reply to Ronald Ponkey

    Ron- I enjoy reading your post because I am in the same situation. I took FPU over a year ago, but have not had the gazelle intensity. I get down on myself for that, but remember if we life today like no one else, we can live like no one else. Hang in there….

    541 days ago

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  Conversation LeaderRenee (Children's Ministry)

  Jesus commanded us in John 13:34-35 to love one another. What better way to demonstrate the love and kindness and compassion of Jesus Christ than by reaching out to the “least of these” among us?
  How much do we really love one another?
  When people’s hearts are consumed with the desire to truly love and serve one another; to give generously, they begin an amazing journey of giving and are blessed to experience the joy that comes with it. The spirit of graciously serving one another and giving needs to become our way of life.

  542 days ago +61

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  leeann

  Lots to think about in people’s responses this week. From Steve: “The bottom line is that it’s not keeping me up at night or radically consuming my thoughts.” I think this is key for me, too. I do several things that I should be doing, as a Christian, for “the least of these,” but the minute I rest and do not ask myself, “What more can I do?” I show God (and myself) that I have become satisfied or maybe complacent. I don’t want to be kept up at night—but I do want to have my thoughts “radically consum[ed]” by balancing giving, spending, and saving in ways that Jesus would have me do. I am so moved by Brad’s messages that regularly convict me in some aspect of my life. I don’t know a better way to grow as a Christian than to be called out by the Pastor or by someone in “The Conversation,” which is, of course, God using other people to call me out! Thanks to all who have participated thus far this week.

  542 days ago +54

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  Rochelle

  I grew up in the city of Detoit and my family was poor and we got for Christmas was a good fellow box. We didn’t get chooses of what wanted for Christmas. It’s amazing that I forgot about that or maybe I wanted to forget. This devotion reminded me and feel so bad . All I thought about this weekend was me . That good fellow box meant the world to me on Christmas day. I really thought it came from Santa. God is merciful and He knows the heat of every man. Jesus gave everything He had and if I could just reflect a little of that image I would be ok. I will make it my mission to donate to good fellow every year. God is Awesom! I love Him so much. Thanks guys your conversations really touched my heart .

  542 days ago2 Replies +79

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    Steve

    in reply to Rochelle

    This is an incredible story to hear how God touched your life through the generosity of others. As you’ve expresses, it’s scary how quickly we can forget those God moments in our lives. I love your passion to return the favor to someone else. Seize the day!

    541 days ago

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    Conversation LeaderRenee (Children's Ministry)

    in reply to Rochelle

    Rochelle, I love this story. Thank you for sharing. It is true how easy we forget how much even the seemingly smallest of gifts can have such an large lasting impact.

    541 days ago

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  Scott

  first half of the talk really hit me on this question. as i started to volunteer regularly about a year ago, i ended up in the discovery island 4yr olds serving,after going to a few others before, as i dont regret it at all but feel somewhat selfish, as of late i have been looking back and notice i want to be there every weekend & feel guilty when i cant be there, it means a lot when a child comes up to me and wants a hug or their parents thank us for doing what we do, so here is where i am troubled, am i doing it for God or for self reward? is God showing me how much He loves and cares for me through these people? as i feel rewarded every time i am there to watch over His children i cant help feel a little selfish. is this wrong of me?

  541 days ago2 Replies +70

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    Steve

    in reply to Scott

    Having fun serving God & others–yes, that’s what God intends. What you are experiencing is the joy and fulfillment of using your gifts and talents for eternal purposes. God has given every Christian spiritual gifts (see Romans 12:4-8). These are God-given abilities to serve others with effectivenes and signficance. It is great to hear that you are finding joy in your service. Sure, we don’t want to become proud about using our gifts. But I don’t think that’s what you are describing.

    541 days ago

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    Conversation LeaderRenee (Children's Ministry)

    in reply to Scott

    Scott, that feeling you get when a child comes up to you or a parent thanks you is the blessing you get for giving of yourself and serving!

    541 days ago

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  Scott

  sorry if this is a duplicate. but the first half of the service striked up this question of mine again. about a year ago i decided to start serving at northridge and knew i was good with kids, went to a few different rooms and stopped at discovery island 4yr olds and havent regretted it since except for, i feel a lil guilty, i am having a hard time thinking how one can have so much fun serving. so my question is, am i doing it for me or for God? every time i have a child wants a hug or to sit with me at large group or when a parent thanks us for what we do and tells us how much their child(ren) look forward to coming to church. am i getting rewarded instantly from God? is He showing His love for me through these children?

  541 days ago1 Reply +65

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    Scott

    in reply to Scott

    oops now i see my other post lol. sorry again

    541 days ago