Verses from Mama

Hearing God speak one Bible verse at a time.

Caring For People: A Ministry Pattern to Follow

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Luke 5:16 “But Jesus Himself would often slip away to the wilderness and pray.”

Caring for People

Dear Kids,

The path to service is often a long and exhausting one. For example, men or women who desire to run for public office spend inordinate amounts of time and money pushing their name in front of the voters. They develop a plan, gather workers, and try to make their ideals known and acceptable to as many people as possible. They have a goal and run towards it at full speed. While I believe it is admirable to pursue any type of ministry, I also believe there is a time when you need to step back and rest.

Recently, I have read a number of books about former United States presidents and their runs for public office. In her book, Pivotal Tuesdays: Four Elections that Shaped the Twentieth Century, author Margaret O’Mara compares four different elections and how they changed history. Although I didn’t understand every detail of the multi-faceted nuances of each election or political ideal, I did ask myself, “What is one take away from this book?”

Caring For People is Exhausting

One consistent theme for most candidates was the incredible amount of activity they invested on their endeavors. My head spun when I read about the thousands of speeches, handshaking, party attending, relationship developing, non-sleeping, super charged, high speed, railway train living that most of the candidates endured during their run for office. Add that to perfecting people skills, word massaging, and emotion milking, and you have one exhausted man or woman who may or may not finally attain a huge personal goal.

When I compare this type of focused determination with the way Jesus approached ministry on earth I see a great disparity. Jesus also spent many hours teaching and ministering to crowds. He spoke with and healed numerous individuals. He traveled to touch the dying and confronted evil spirits torturing their hosts. Yet He also understood the importance of finding time alone to commune with His Father. There were times when He purposefully sent the crowds away to give Himself and His disciples time to rest and recuperate from a busy day.

Jesus Took Time to Rest and Pray

Sometimes He slipped away to focus on His closest followers. Other times He knelt alone to pray in a quiet and deserted place. These times prepared Him for even more effective ministry. While alone, He gained strength for the assignments of the day, and understanding of His Father’s will. At the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry, despite these moments of pause, He finished all that God had called Him to do. Staying in high gear every moment of every day was not necessary to fulfilling His calling on earth.

Caring for people on any sort of level can be exhausting. Running for a public office takes a lot of time and money, but so does any type of care ministry. The opportunities to touch someone never end. But running full speed ahead to meet needs does not guarantee a successful effort.

Follow Jesus’ Pattern of Caring for People

I learned some things from my most recent book. First, I will never be President of the United States; I just don’t have the energy to run for public office. But most importantly, the best way of caring for people is not to drain yourself dry. Find out what God has called you to do and work hard, but regularly slip away from the crowds to rest and pray. This is how Jesus fulfilled His calling, and it is a pattern we also should follow.

Love,

Mama

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Who and What Do You Love?

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1 John 2:15 “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of  the Father is not in him.”

Dear Kids,

In recent years T-shirts with sayings on them have become a real craze. The wearer selects apparel with a goal of sending a message to others. You can tell something about the person by what they choose to say. But there is a more accurate way to evaluate the inner values of the message sender than the words emblazoned across their chest or back. This is discerned by the way they live on a daily basis.

Messages in a T-Shirt Medium

I am intrigued by some of the messages people send through the T-shirt medium. Some messages are in good taste. They may even share a word of encouragement such as a comforting Bible verse. On the other hand some of the quips are downright rude, telling those who approach them where to go or who’s the boss. Other sayings share information about the wearer like “I ‘heart’ my boyfriend” or “I ‘heart’ my cat.” This points to what the person believes they value most. But just because someone has a phrase printed on a T-shirt doesn’t mean the words are necessarily true. If a supposed cat lover kicks her cat every time it rubs against her leg, the action reveals the real heart of the matter.

Many people profess to love God. They may do all the “right” spiritual things such as attending church regularly, dropping money in the offering plate, and singing in the church choir. These individuals may even sport spiritual T-shirts, possibly even one that reads “I ‘heart’ Jesus.” But when it comes right down to it, the way they live their everyday lives will soon reveal their true heart love.

Do Not Love the World

John instructs his readers to consider long and hard about who and what they really love. He tells them, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” Of course, he is not saying that it is wrong to care for your boyfriend or your cat. He is talking about priorities within this world’s system. The world, run by Satan, doesn’t recognize God as supreme ruler and organizes all its passions – the desires of the flesh and the eyes and the pride of life – apart from God. Anything in our life that takes precedence over God and His purposes fits into these categories.

John goes on to say, “If anyone loves the world, then the love of the Father is not in him.” Those who make materialism, pleasure, beauty, or relationships apart from Christ their main goal in life show with whom they identify and what they truly love. When the world’s priorities rise to the forefront, then a person’s heart values become clear. And love of the Father and love of the world can’t coexist.

Live Your True Heart’s Passion

So have you thought about your own life? Maybe it’s time to evaluate where your priorities truly lie. Do not love the world or the things in the world because they quickly pass away. Instead, seek to do the will of God and give Him precedence in every area of your life. Then everyone you meet will be able to read your heart’s true passion . . . even on the days you aren’t wearing your “I ‘heart’ the Father” T-shirt.

Love,

Mama

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Why Do the Nations Rage? An Old But Relevant Question

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Psalm 2:1 “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?” (ESV)

Dear Kids,

Why do the nations rage? This is not an antiquated question. It came to my mind just a few days ago when I heard my phone notification ping and in shock read the headline telling of crowds storming the capitol and political leaders being forced to evacuate.

How could this be happening many asked. But irrational responses of angry people are not new. Uncontrolled human nature often responds to personal bias or perceived injustice in rash and violent ways.

Why Do the Nations Rage? An Ancient Question

Thousands of years ago the psalmist asked the same question. He foresaw nations revolting against an even higher authority than a particular country’s government. These people rant and rave against a sovereign king – the God of heaven and earth. They are angry because they have not gotten their way and choose to rebel against His authority. 

But the mighty King only laughs. The responses of the spoiled nations are like the antics of unruly children to Him. He has appointed His Son to rule over the nations in power and nothing can hinder His plans. Those who rebel will be punished. He will break them with a rod of iron and shatter them like earthenware. But those who worship the Son with reverence will be blessed and will find refuge.

The Heavenly Sovereign Causes Earthly Rulers to Rise and Fall

Politics all over the world today produces sparks that easily rage into uncontrollable fires. Citizens demand their own agendas and rebel when thwarted or believe they’ve been violated. Leaders misuse their authority to force their own agendas. But the Heavenly Sovereign is the One who allows earthly rulers to rise and to fall. Legislators may believe they’ve gained power through their own ingenuity or popular platform, but the truth remains: they’ve been installed to high positions only by God’s allowance. No finagling or powerful campaigning gave them an upper hand. They can also be easily removed from power in an instant at God’s dictate. So we, God’s children, are called to respect whom our Father has installed and to trust Him for our protection and provision.

Why do the nations rage? They want to gain control and have things their own way. But this is a pipe dream and pure foolishness! The way to blessing and peace is forever the same. Focus your allegiance on the One who assigns authority to whomever He will. Honor whom He has appointed knowing that they will answer to Him.  He is our powerful Father, and He is still the High and All-Sovereign King!!

Love,

Mama

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Making Decisions When You Hear Two Voices

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James 1:5 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

Making Decisions

Dear Kids,

No one makes it through life without facing some life-shaping decisions. Even one who resolves not to take one road or another is making the decision to stay where they are. And this choice also affects their life. Some decisions are no-brainers. Others stretch the mind. But what happens when you have two options with possible outcomes that could be good or bad? How do you make sure you are choosing the right one?

Following Two Voices

Those who know me best recognize that I am directionally challenged. As I have often admitted I rely heavily on Google Maps to take me wherever I need to go. The other day I began to drive to a nearby place of business. Since I don’t go there often I, of course, asked SIRI to guide me. It wasn’t long before I realized she was guiding me to the wrong place. This place of business has two offices and she was leading me to the incorrect one. So I stopped the car, Googled the correct information, and entered the appropriate address.

Confidently, I started out again following her advice until something strange happened. My technological advisor told me to turn left, but when I did so she immediately started chirping, “Reroute, reroute!” This kept happening until the opposing commands had me completely confused. I pulled over to the side of the road again to figure out my dilemma, and that’s when I realized the problem.

When I had typed in the new address I hadn’t turned off the first navigation router. So, now two voices were telling me where to go. They were guiding me to different places with the same business name, but the addresses were in opposite directions. Only one of the locations had what I needed. That’s where I had to go.

Making Decisions Can Be Confusing

I find that life’s decisions are often like this. Where should I go to school? Who should I marry? Should I invest or shouldn’t I? The possibilities for good and bad can race around in our heads until our thoughts tangle into a ball of confusion. But the decisions must be made.

James tells us that those who lack wisdom should ask of God who gives generously. Now God does not always immediately make the answers plain and clear, but He does promise to guide us when we wholeheartedly seek Him. So we must pray and ask Him to show us the correct way.

Wisdom For Making Decisions

Next, we must seek God’s will through His word. We can eliminate some of our options by comparing them against the Bible. Is the issue a matter of sin? If so, the answer is obvious. God would not want us to make that choice.

Then, we can ask knowledgeable and wise counselors to give us advice and list the pros and cons of each possibility. After we have done all our homework, prayed for wisdom, and thoughtfully weighed all the options, we must make the decision and trust God for the outcome. He is completely able to close doors at any time and lead in a different direction. By going through this process we may still experience questions about whether we made the right choice, but we can have confidence that God will keep His word. He promises to give wisdom when we ask, and we must believe and not doubt.

So the next time you hear two voices in your head giving conflicting opinions about the direction you should take, don’t panic. Do what James suggests. Ask God for wisdom, do all your homework thoroughly, and then make the decision with confidence. God is faithful! And who knows to what exciting places He will take you!

Love,

Mama

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How to Deal With Conflict and Gain Peace

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Mark 9:50 “Salt is good; but if the salt becomes unsalty, with what will you make it salty again? Have salt in yourselves, and be at peace with one another.”

Dear Kids,

Deal With ConflictDoes anyone really love conflict? I know there are some who thrive on the drama of difficult circumstances and relationships. But I expect there are many more who would love to float through life without ever facing any kind of uncomfortable disagreement. This would be nice, but the Bible makes it clear that such ease will not be the norm. Life in a sinful world that is full of sinful people portends hurt and strife. We will need to deal with conflict. And in order to attain peace we must embrace the painful path.

Different Ways to Deal With Conflict

All of us deal  with conflict differently. Some, with feet planted and fists clenched, like to face it head on. These ones are ready to protect and fight to the end. And that is often what happens. Harsh words fly, hearts shrivel, and souls die a painful death.

Others defend themselves by running away and avoiding the fray at all costs. In their minds they think this will guard against hurt and preserve the peace. But these responses are wrong also. The painful emotions caused by misunderstanding take root in the heart spreading cancerous bitterness that over time erodes even the best of relationships.

If you want to experience peace in a confusing, hurtful, disappointing world there is only one way to do it. It is to walk the path of conflict courageously with wisdom, grace, and love. This thorny trail is risky. But the benefits are reconciliation and life.

Interpersonal Struggles Have Been Around Since the Fall

Interpersonal relationship struggles have been around since Adam and Eve chose to disobey God. Even Jesus had to deal with them while here on earth. His closest band of followers struggled just as we do. One day they were travelling to Capernaum and on the way the twelve argued over which of them was the greatest.

Jesus could have blasted these prideful men for thinking so highly of themselves, or He could have avoided the conflict by trying to change the subject. Instead Jesus appropriately addressed the heated discussion and used it as a teachable moment.

How Did Jesus Deal With Conflict

First, Jesus waited for the right timing. He did not enter the fray in the public arena, but delayed until they were inside a house and could speak privately. Next, Jesus gently questioned His disciples about what they had been discussing on the road. The disciples knew they were wrong and were embarrassed, so they kept quiet and didn’t answer.

Instead of accusing and belittling these men because of their misconduct, Jesus sat down with them and explained that the way to become great is to be a servant of all. To help them understand He demonstrated His point by taking a child in His arms and showing the kind of humility they must maintain to reflect Christlikeness.

The Benefits of Dealing With Conflict Appropriately

Many more missteps took place during those days as Jesus trained His disciples, but each time the Lord gently guided them to the right way of thinking and acting. They were to salt the earth with prudence in their dealings with each other and all people. This salt would be the very ingredient necessary to preserve relationships and share the gospel of peace successfully with the world.

We will always be confronted with conflict on this sinful earth. How we deal with it will make all the difference. Do not run away. Do not go toe-to-toe only to defend your self-interest. Instead, when appropriate, gently and humbly enter in with love and grace. This painful path is what leads to interpersonal healing and gives us opportunity to promote the gospel of peace. This is the salt that seasons the earth.

Love,
Mama

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What’s Really Behind Your Mask?

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Jeremiah 17:9-10a “The heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it? I the LORD search the heart . . .” (NIV)

Dear Kids,

What's Really Behind Your Mask?

What’s Really Behind Your Mask?

We now live in a world where masks are an everyday reality. Every time you engage with someone – whether at work, school, or store – everyone wears a mask to protect themselves and others. But is this really very different than what has always been?

The other day I took my weekly grocery shopping trip into town. While in the store I ran into four people I thought I knew. I didn’t recognize any of them at first because half of their face was covered, but after scrutinizing their other physical characteristics, even one person’s sandaled feet, I realized they were acquaintances. It took some time and effort to recognize these individuals because I couldn’t see an important part of their face.

Creativity With Your Masks

Since the mandate to mask up, I’ve also noticed a wide variety of creativity. I’ve come across big toothy smiley faces, scary monster grimaces, animal snouts, and masks with various messages. Each of these is meant to draw attention to the wearer and evoke some sort of response, but no one really knows the true sentiment behind the cloth cover.

This may seem like a new and strange development in our COVID-19 world, but people have been masking up for years. Some of the seemingly happiest people I’ve known have struggled with debilitating depression within the recesses of their inner self. Other ultra-charismatic people sometimes have ulterior motives. Their smooth and well-timed words may be meant to induce the response they want from the hearer. What we initially see in people is not always the truth of their character.

God Sees Behind Your Mask

Although we can’t always discern what’s behind the masks people wear, there is Someone Who can. God is not fooled by a laughing face cover trying to disguise tears. Likewise, He never capitulates to smooth talk and calculated actions meant to use others for personal gain. He sees directly into the soul and discerns the deepest hurts and truest motives. This can be a scary thought if your heart is not right. But it is also very comforting when others don’t get you or understand your broken heart.

I’m sorry to say that for now it looks like masks are around to stay for a while. So keep your creative stash handy and available for all occasions. But while you must keep your mouth and nose covered for safety’s sake, be careful not to cover up the true sentiments of your heart. Friends and family may not always see the real you, but there is Someone who does. And not even a mask will fool Him.

Love,

Mama

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When It Hurts So Good – Healing From Hard Words

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Colossians 3:12-13 “Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”

Dear Kids,

Sometimes it’s necessary to hear hard words. We often fail to see ourselves in a proper light. But God has a way of pointing out our weaknesses. When this happens don’t shy away from the truth but respond appropriately. His reprimands will hurt “so good” and the results will be great blessings in your life.

God Sometimes Speaks Hard Words

A person who reads God’s word regularly may once in a while become uncomfortable. There will always be calming words of encouragement to soothe the frazzled heart and mind, but there will also be times when a strong exhortation will stop you in your tracks. The question then is what are you going to do about it?

It was a long and hot Monday and I just wasn’t feeling the routine beginnings of a new week. I grudgingly dragged myself through the motions while constantly checking the clock for quitting time. Right before five I took a phone call. The particular circumstances of the call stirred up some previous frustrations and I drove home feeling annoyed.

I grabbed my daily devotional book and plopped down in a lawn chair on the porch hoping to read an inspirational passage of Scripture and something to make me feel better about the unreasonable people who were ruffling my feathers.

Forgive Others as God Has Forgiven You

But instead God used the passage of the day to point out my own personal need for an attitude adjustment. He reminded me that His chosen people must always put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. It is our duty to bear with others and forgive them just as God has forgiven us.

This was not what I wanted to hear!

But as the words penetrated my heart I started to think about all the annoying things I do and say. Despite my blind spots and flaws God is always so forgiving and gracious. And I hope that others will also cut me some slack when I grate on their nerves.

God’s Words Demand a Decision

It was decision time! What would I do? Would I shut the book and tune out this pertinent reminder, choosing to cling to my annoyance and frustration? Or would I agree with God, repent, and let the offense go?

It didn’t take too much convincing. I know how I want to be treated despite my flaws. And as God’s child it is my responsibility to treat others accordingly.

Obedience Brings Healing From Hard Words

The uncomfortable feeling dissipated as I let the wrongdoing go and immediately I felt so much better. I had forgiven. I was forgiven. And the previously elusive peace I had desired finally took over. Life was good again.

If you are human, you can be sure you have some blind spots. But take a lesson from me. When God’s word hits you right where you need it most, don’t shy away. Listen to what you need to hear and respond. It will hurt “so good.” You will be much happier. And the result will be great blessings for all!

Love,

Mama

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Finding Space in Your Life for God’s Peace

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Philippians 4:6-7 “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Dear Kids,

Clearing out the clutter makes room for peace!

Do you want to experience God’s peace in your life? Then it’s time to do some mental housecleaning and clear out unwanted clutter.

I happen to be an organization fanatic. Deep down inside I have a need for things to be in order and find it hard to function if things are cluttered and out of place. Even performing the simplest of tasks, like making lunch, can’t happen until the counter is clean. Some call this OCD. I just call it survival.

Make Space in Your life

While I may be over the top with this functionality essential, I think it is appropriate to say that in order to enjoy certain things in life you need to make some space. For example, if you want a drink of lemonade, you must have an empty glass so you can fill it with the chosen beverage. Adding lemonade to a glass of water will dilute the refreshing flavor you were hoping for.

Recently I decided to make one of our now unused bedrooms into a cozy den and work room. In my mind’s eye I envisioned a peaceful space with a small loveseat, television, and a sizeable table for Bible study or other projects. But in order to reach this goal, I first must rid the room of everything that won’t help me reach my goal. Closets need to be cleaned out and unwanted furniture removed. Once the room is clear I can begin to fill it with the accouterments needed to create my calming space.

Clear Out Mind Clutter to Experience God’s Peace

This concept applies to our mental capacity as well. In order to embrace appropriate thoughts and emotions, we need to take inventory of what is in our mind and clear out the clutter. When my heart is full of worry and anxiety I am not focusing on God and His power. Biblical truths are squeezed out by frantic imaginings and desperate attempts to control the situation.

The way to experience God’s peace that transcends our understanding is to do some mental housecleaning. The peace comes when we obey the first part of today’s verses. We must present our requests to God by prayer and petition with thanksgiving. I think of it as taking all the cluttery anxieties that clog up my mind and releasing them into God’s hands. Sometimes I even make a list of my worries on paper in one column and a list of things related to the situation for which I am thankful in another column. This practical exercise helps empty the chamber of my mind and free it up for God’s peace to flow in. And let me tell you, it is refreshing!

Our Minds Need Constant Supervision

As with all things this is not a one-time procedure. When I finish fashioning my cozy den, I will continually need to clean up and put things in their place to keep it free from untidiness. Our minds also need constant supervision. It’s important to check daily for mental clutter and keep it under control through prayer and thanksgiving. This is how to maintain the calm and tranquility the Lord offers.

Do you want to experience God’s peace in your life? It’s free and it’s there for the taking. All you need to do is some mental housekeeping. Clear away all your unwanted anxiety through prayer and thanksgiving. Present your requests to God.  And this will make room for God’s perfect peace.

Love,

Mama

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Seeking the Lord – An All Out Heart and Soul Effort

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Deuteronomy 4:29 “But from there you will seek the LORD your God, and you will find Him if you search for Him with all your heart and all your soul.”

Dear Kids,

Have you ever wanted something so badly that you exerted an all out, heart-and-soul effort to attain it? These kinds of goals are few and far between. They take a tremendous amount of time and effort. But seeking the Lord is a pursuit in which the reward is amazing!

An All Out Heart and Soul Effort

I daily get a laugh out of our German shepherd dog. Apache has a one-track mind. Each morning when I open the door to the kennel she follows the same routine. First, she darts out of the pen to take a quick run around the yard. Next, she gallops back and nuzzles her head on my leg to gain my attention and get some love. And after the head rub and affirmation she sets her sights on the fields.

As soon as she hears the bajeep bajeep of a nervous killdeer swooping low over the field to distract intruders from her babies, Apache is off! In seconds she hits the ground running at a good 35 miles per hour (I know; I clocked her in the car once). Ears pasted against her head, body tense, and legs stretched out, she gives every ounce of strength to the chase as she fades into a black and tan speck against the brown soil. Soon the bird swings around and heads back to her nest. Apache also navigates a wide arc and barrels towards home without losing any speed. The blur becomes clearer and clearer to me the closer she comes. Exhausted she collapses onto the porch. She hasn’t caught any killdeers yet, but I know she’ll give it an all out effort again tomorrow.

Seeking the Lord is what God wants

Apache knows what she wants and day after day she goes after it with everything she’s got. This kind of effort is how we should be seeking the Lord.

Moses, the famous Israelite leader, urged the Israelites to fear the Lord, walk in His ways, and seek Him with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength. Moses understood the fickleness of the children of Israel and warned them to put God first. He knew they would wander away from God and suffer great punishment because of it. But he assured them that they would find the Lord if only they searched for Him with all their heart.

The New Testament writers, likewise, encourage us to seek the Lord wholeheartedly. Matthew and Luke reiterate Moses’ instruction to love Him with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The Apostle Paul declared, “But whatever things were gain to me, those things I have counted a loss for the sake of Christ.” Paul wanted to know Jesus and the power of His resurrection more than anything else. He desired it so badly that he gave an all out, heart-and-soul effort to the endeavor. This pursuit eventually cost him his life. But Paul would be the first to tell you of the eternal rewards. He knew Christ was worth more than anything and that to die was gain.

Seek the Lord and You Will Find Him

What kind of effort are you willing to give in order to develop a meaningful relationship with the Lord? Apache gives her all to catch a mere killdeer. Should we not have this same kind of determination for a much better goal? The best part is our efforts will never be in vain. God promises that when we are seeking the Lord diligently, we will find Him. Now, that’s a desire worth an all out, heart-and-soul effort.

Love,
Mama

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