Donnna66 ... Like you, I have had that experience.
You are very brave to speak the truth. There are those here who will never accept what we say about that. |
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---alan8566_of_uk on 11/2/09 |
Colossians 3:1,2 If then you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. When I start to get depressed, I start quoting scriptures, promises from God. I can only imagine those things above and all the heavenly blessings I have inheritied, but I can relate to Scripture instantly. I know God will never leave us or forsake us and He is faithful when we are faithless. I really trust in Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. Fellowship with those who love God. |
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---Bob on 11/1/09 |
Depression can happen to anyone. Severe depression is a biochemical disorder that results in a nearly complete loss of hope.
IF you believed in God, you are now convinced He doesn't hear or doesn't care. Nothing a well-meaning Christian says to you penetrates. NOTHING is even worth the effort of praying about!
The Lord in His mercy has provided medication for this. It takes some time to work. But when the chemical equilibrium is restored, a Christian's faith in God can be likewise restored. I speak from experience. |
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---Donna66 on 11/1/09 |
Tam & Chuck ... So true!
When the depression is really extreme, you don't even realise there is a God in whom to trust. |
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---alan8566_of_uk on 11/1/09 |
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Depression tends to be very misunderstood. The pastor suffering depression got it right: the root cause is a lack of serotonin in the body. Others suggest that Christians only need to read their Bible and pray, but at this stage that adds guilt to a heavy heart. Lets spell it out: counseling, medication or natural supplements, and exercise.
As a friend, lead the prayer. Be a good listener, and don't worry about having all the answers. Just being there in a supportive, non-critical way will mean a lot. Although it isn't a Biblical quote I believe that when it comes to dealing with personal depression, God helps those who help themselves. When the black cloud lifts, Gods words will become clear. And He will be listening.
Blessings |
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---chuck on 10/31/09 |
Hi there. Apparently your friend has not ever experienced real clinical depression before! I am glad she has not! I have been a christian and a pastor for over 2o years and have major clinical depression/been hospitalized twice...real clinical depression is a lack of seritonin in the brain. If your friend had that lack...she would have depression too. Depression is not a "down day" it is a very painful and can be fatal!Please beloved people of God, we have GOT TO STOP SHOOTING OUR WOUNDED! |
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---Tam on 12/30/07 |
No Mark you can not compare physical problems to SATAN driving someone nuts. The ones that are saved is saved to serve God and God needs His people to be strong and stable. I urge all true believers to get close to God and obey God and God will get you stable and keep you stable. Do not gamble with your Salvation. Alot of people including God's people don't take care of themselves. Get plenty of rest, fellowshipping with God. Who am I? A tortured soul for forty years. Until Jesus. |
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---catherine on 8/24/07 |
Catherine:
Just where do you get the idea that saved people won't have any mental disorders? Can you cite chapter and verse?
Does the same apply to physical disorders as well? If not, can you show anything to back up mental disorders being different from physical disorders?
And if so, then any Christian who so much as gets a cold is showing evidence that he isn't saved. (Since I don't know ANY Christians who never gets cold, this is a grim prognosis indeed). |
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---Mark on 8/24/07 |
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There are days when I am truly depressed and I need to turn to the Lord in prayer. We live in a fallen world so to say that those Christians who are feeling depressed, don't read their bibles enough or pray enough is not taking the time to validate those who suffer from depression's feelings into consideration. |
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---Mary on 8/23/07 |
Jesus life was about showing COMPASSION to all.And He is the same yesterday , today and forever.Jesus does not bring condemnation. Depression can happen to any one of us- of course there are many saved people who still suffer from depression but Jesus wants to set us free. .He can work in all kinds of wonderful ways including through compassionate and wise counsellors, medication, prayer and scripture for instance. .He is wanting to touch all of us no matter who we are with His great Love for us. |
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---colleen on 5/15/07 |
Nothing will ever separate us from the Love of God it says in Romans 8. And in John 6 Jesus says I will never turn awy anyone who comes to Me. Jesus loves us all and reaches out to us all - He love those of us who are depressed and Psalm 34 says taht God is near to the broken hearted and the crushed in spirit He will save. |
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---colleen on 5/15/07 |
Maggie, the reason I'm joyful is because I know my Redeemer lives. And the day is very close when he will throw Satan, that old loser whose under my feet, into hell where Satan will rot forever and ever...and so will you, if you keep trying to stand against the children of God! Maggie, I'm joyful (joyful not intoxicated), and you can be too. |
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---Okebaram on 5/15/07 |
Maggie, it sounds like you've been hiding out with Adams' family.
Are you on assignment from one of the pagan groups that frequently show up here? |
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---Lurch on 5/14/07 |
I really do not like to get into debates of this sort. But here goes. Depressed christians are usually lukewarm christians who do not know the authority we have in Jesus Christ. We possess all we need to fight the attacks (depression etc...) that the devil throws our way. We try to live our christian lives according to the world standards. It can 't be done. Learn to look to the one who brought you out of darkness and saved you to the uttermost.His name is Jesus. King Jesus! Hallelujah! |
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---Robyn on 5/14/07 |
I am a born again, baptized, holy-ghost filled christian and I am not depressed! Praise God!Because Jesus lives in me.
But:
My heart goes out to those who are. A few suggestions: The bible says resist the devil and he will flee(go). Learn your scriptures(lessons) well and use them against satan. He won't have a choice but to run and find someone else to pick on. Plead the blood of Jesus over yourlife,spouse,kids, job etc... Isa 54:17. no weapon formed against me is going to prosper. |
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---Robyn on 5/14/07 |
The reason we are depressed is because we have woke up and discovered that there is no loving God. He has forsaken this world. It is run by Satan. God ,if there ever was one, has lost his power. |
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---Maggie on 5/14/07 |
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When God gave us his spirit he also gave us the power over comes anything that comes against us the devil can't be every where like jesus can but he has a lot of imps |
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---Betty on 5/7/07 |
Each depressed person is unique; so I should not just categorize all depressed people together, and make the same assumption about all. But I would want to get to know each one...see what each one needs.
God is able to give me sense to understand what another person needs > "And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment." (Philippians 1:9) In God's love, we can understand people and have compassion for them. |
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---Bill_bila5659 on 5/6/07 |
IF someone's depression is a reaction to not getting one's own way > well, I ALSO can get in emotional trouble about not getting my own way > but instead of getting depressed, I tend to CURSE others with my suspicion; but Jesus clearly says, "bless those who curse you", in Matthew 5:44 > so my paranoid cursing others with suspicion is NOT an innocent medical problem but is directly against how Jesus says to love. |
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---Bill_bila5659 on 5/6/07 |
I have a close relationship with God because I am a true believer. And also because I need God. I have a close relationship with the Lord thy God because I work on it. I hope now with all of your wisdom you understand why I have a close relationship with God. |
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---catherine on 5/6/07 |
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It's becasue many don't believe the power that's working in them. If we're depressed as christian, it's because of our lack of faith in God's word. There are promises flowing in God's Word and we need to embrace them for it gives life unto the dead. We must undstand that we will have trouble and we must believe that Jesus is in it with us. We Must TRUST HIM. He said that he give us Peace but that Peasce is found in HIM. |
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---A_Call_to_Righteous on 5/6/07 |
Depression panic attack fear are spirt's the devil brings on you he can opress you but he can't pocess you.You need deliverance of this. Medicine won't help but don't judge people if they take medicine be cause they don't know that this a spirt coming against them |
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---Betty on 5/6/07 |
catherine, you have a good relationship with the Lord. It provokes some to jealousy and some get mad. I can see that Jesus has been with you day in and day out.
But there are many people who do not have that relationship that you do. For those folks, they might have to live in a care center, and take medicine. They might hurt themselves or other people if they didn't. |
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---May on 5/5/07 |
Catherine,
I'm not sure why you make many of these comments, be it attention seeking or lack of knowledge. I do know that scripturaly we are held responsible for what we say to one another, and need to be very careful when saying things that may affect the lives of others. Judging, laughing, and alluding that others are not saved is not Godly conversation. Why would you assume you are one of the only truly saved people on this site?
The most one should say when there are no clear answers is PRAY. |
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---lynet on 5/5/07 |
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Realize while nearing the end times the Devil and his minions try harder and harder to bring God's children down. Attacking them with fear,depression,doubt and worry. It is a difficult time. He wants you to fail and become fruitless, don't let Him. Stand strong and pray to God for His love,patience and resilience. |
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---Matthew on 5/5/07 |
jana>>> You are not being judgmental when you tell the truth. People want us to lie and I will not lie. I am bent on pleasing God and not people. It is impossible to please both God and man. Oh by the way; I have trials that only God could possibly get me through. A human shrink and slap God in the face,after all He has done for me. The God that died on a cross so we can be overcomers,set free. No I won't, never. |
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---catherine on 5/5/07 |
Sorrow is better than laughter: for by the sadness of the countenance the heart is made fatter. |
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---Cynthia_1 on 5/5/07 |
1. My poem won first place, I thought you would like to read it.....
Though tests and trials confront me,
and Satan shouts in JOYFULL GLEE,
friends do turn and forsake me,
but JESUS ALONE I SEE,
but in my lonely solitude,
to Him, I turn my wounds to sooth,
this test then becomes my aptitude,
as I realize My Masters attitude,
Then I start to ponder in my heart,
This test came from Jesus, from the start,
Tis, a sin to worry, even in part |
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---Cynthia_1 on 5/5/07 |
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Part 2. As Satan would fling his fearful dart,
You who are amidst test and trial,
look not the path of a lonely mile,
But unto Jesus, His face, His smile,
In your lonely hour, of test and trial. |
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---Cynthia_1 on 5/5/07 |
There are many possible causes of depression. Jesus didn't say that a Christian wouldn't suffer in this life. What we do have is the promise of victory. Jesus gives us a purpose for living; if we grasp what we have in Jesus, we can put our problems in perspective - whatever their cause. As for depression - give it to God - cry out, pray, read the Word. Accept His guidance, including Godly counsel, Christian education, medical treatment, etc. Don't pass judgement on others - pray for and love them. |
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---Jane on 5/5/07 |
For only the saved and has peace with God. It is as if you are slapping God in the face, if you choose a human counselor over God.>>>Only Jesus Christ has the power to chase Satan away. Only Jesus Christ understands the mind, Only Jesus Christ is smart enough. Why the clinics and hospitals are slap running over. Pill companies are getting rich. I suspect when it gets out about Jesus and His way of counseling they will all go belly up. Okey keep going to them, I will stick with God. HA, HA. |
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---catherine on 5/5/07 |
Catherine: Just because a person is born again, that doesn't mean that they won't have mental disorders. When I trouble with my right kidney last year. My mind was in tormol. My husband was in the Police Academy, I wasn't able to drive cause I had a tube from my kidney and a bag (to catch my pee) wrapped around my leg. This went on for almost 5 months. I wasn't able to take care of my kids like I needed to. I was depressed. And yes I was/am a child of God. And I'm having trouble with my left kidney. |
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---Rebecca_D on 5/4/07 |
Dont ever blame christianity for such..this is what the devil will have all believe. Perhaps if one is not firmly rooted in the Word and truly believe, then satan will come in and destroy..He knows our very weakest point and comes in thru that. We just have to believe, be on the alert and have faith in Christ the healer of all things.Have u given your alllll to Christ and allow Him 2lead in your life? I have n life is so good..Forgive me if I sound judgemental cos I am not. |
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---jana on 5/5/07 |
There is depression that comes because of sinning > example > we have, "Do all things without complaining and disputing," (Philippians 2:14) > we have cases of housewives who have started to have their depression problems after an increase of arguing in their marriages. The disobedient spirit (Ephesians 2:2) of arguing is joy-dead; so its joy deadness can degrade an arguer into depression. |
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---Bill_bila5659 on 5/5/07 |
Another example of depression induced by sin > the Bible says rain is God's blessing and we should THANK God for His blessings. But we have people who actually complain against rain...blaspheming the Blesser by calling His blessing "bad weather" > they have SOWN their seed that rain is dismal, lousy...dooming themselves to have a lousy time whenever it is raining - - they will REAP all that depression whenever it is raining...for the rest of their lives, unless they get wise to this. |
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---Bill_bila5659 on 5/5/07 |
Catherine - You are dead wrong. There are plenty of born-again Christians who suffer mentally every day. God does not guarantee physical healing when we become saved, nor does He guarantee that He will ever heal us on this earth. However, I do know for sure that I will be healed when I get to Heaven for there will be no more sickness there. |
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---Helen_5378 on 5/4/07 |
** [Only for the saved] there will be NO mental disorders.**
HOGWASH! (I could give a more precise and accurate epithet, but it would not meet the standards.)
The Lord rebuke you, catherine.
It's PRECISELY this lie from the pits of hell that holds millions of Christians in painful bondage. |
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---Jack on 5/4/07 |
Hi Catherine; I am afraid I will have to disagree with you--but agreeably of course! :D Yeah, I and many other true believers suffer from emotional/mental disorders. Sometimes we feel guilty for it but we shouldn't--mental illness is no different than physical. Do we apologize to everyone for having cancer? Or my deafness? Yet I tend to do it for my breakdowns; silly me! |
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---Mary on 5/4/07 |
Depression strikes everywhere, No religion, is exempt. Though issues concerning spirituality may be a factor, depression comes from an inability to cope with lifes issues.
Why are we so judgemental? Lack of knowledge will not be accepted as a reason for blaming others for what we see as a down fall in their Christian walk.
Blaming and name calling is what causes so many people to shut themselves away when they need to reach out.
Is this all we can show them?
Shame on us, judge not. |
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---lynet on 5/4/07 |
If you have peace with God, which is an automatic when you are saved [Only for the saved] there will be NO mental disorders. Mabe your salvation,what you perceived as salvation, was not. True salvation does not mean that the devil has died.He hated you before you were saved, and now he cannot stand the ground that you walk on.>>>>For all true Christians, Do not be confused. The difference between the devil attacks to anything other than that> now you have God to help you. And may God bless you.++ |
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---catherine on 5/4/07 |
I believe that the Christian church is now more accepting of mental problems/illnesses, and open to the possibility that medication may help to overcome chronic mental problems/illness in addition to therapy (e.g. Christian counselling) and scripture. In the past, I think the Christian church more tended to hide and deny the problem. In fact, they still do in some/many cases. In any case, I think there is much more openess now. |
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---Laurie on 5/4/07 |
Firstly, in what capacity to you come into contact with depressed Christians? And what do you mean by depressed? Is that clinical depression? As a practicing psychologist who has suffered clinical depression, the answer does not lie in medication. It is in Christ, but medication helps as it does with other ailments of the human condition. |
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---Mike on 4/14/07 |
joe.. i never meant it to sound like no christian would ever get sick or depressed.. just that christians have God to lean on and to carry our burdens.. we have His strength which other dont. |
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---natasha on 11/10/05 |
hi natasha, I was watching a Christian TV channel and there was an evangelist's wife on their sharing her testimony about having been severely depressed for a few years to the point that she wasn't able to go to church and was suicidal. All of her and her's husband's prayers seemed futile. Then one day when she was at the end of her rope, God spoke to her and told her that He was using her to show that even Christians are not exempt from mental ailments. |
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---Joe on 11/10/05 |
Madison, as you know fromn other blogs on this subject, I am 100% with your comments.
Depression is an illness like any other, and there is no reason for anyone to be ashamed of it. |
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---alan8869_of_UK on 11/9/05 |
hi joe :) i do believe in depression and that people including christians suffer from it as a disease or sickeness. I just meant that i find it hard to believe that so many christians in particular are. Everyone feels depressed sometimes but christians should know that God overcomes all. With Him nothing is impossible. I believe most christians have faith in the Lord and if its not a chemical imbalance then i feel that they would be quite ungrateful to be depressed if they know Christ. |
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---natasha on 11/9/05 |
David suffered depression a lot. If he hadn't we would not have the wonderful Psalms that describe his emotional aguish.
Depression is more than just feeling down about something. It is usually caused by either a chemical imbalance, or some sort of trauma in one's life. Usually the combination of both.
It is totally wrong to say that Christians should not be depressed. That is like saying Christians should not get cancer or have heart attacks. |
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---Madison on 11/9/05 |
Natasha..many times depression is caused by a chemical imbalance or other physical problem. Medication is the only remedy. God never promised us a life without sickness or problems. Nor does God always heal us whether we suffer mentally or physically. |
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---joe on 11/9/05 |
I am pressed but not crushed, persecuted not abandoned, struck down but not destroyed, i am blessed beyond a curse because His promise will endure and His joy is going to be my strength..though the sorrow may last through the night, His joy comes with the morning.. Praise And Worship (Yes Lord) |
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---natasha on 11/9/05 |
God is a good,great,amazing God and i find it hard to believe that many christians are suffering depression, however, the world can be very depressing. Habakkuk 1:2-5. |
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---natasha on 11/9/05 |
It's because the world and our environment in which we live and work is growing more sinful, and greedy and selfish, and more hostile towards God, Christ, the true Christians, and Christianity. The Bible predicted that these end times would come and that it would be similar to Sodom and Amorah- truly depressing, especially for America which was founded on Christian principles. If my dead Grandmother would ever get wind of what's going on in the world today, she would indeed turn over in her grave. |
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---Eloy on 11/9/05 |
2. Regarding your last sentence, I'm sure that the reason for the increased numbers of people suffering from depression generally is because of the state of the world. Non-Christians will not understand that, as we near the end, things will get bad. I don't know how great the problem of depression is amongst Christians but we are still affected by global issues. However we have someone to turn to that the world does not have. |
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---M.P. on 11/9/05 |
1. I think your friend is correct. Young people today have few or no standards set for them. Discipline has broken down in home and school and few are taught anything of a moral and/or religious nature. They are totally confused as to why they are here at all. Where previous generations attended church, had moral codes to follow and were taught how to handle problems, today's generation feel they have no-one to turn to and, often, just give up. |
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---M.P. on 11/9/05 |
I don't think it is proper to generalize that there's "so much depression among christians", in the same manner that I would not like to generalize that there is so much homosexuality among Muslims! I think depression among Christians is much in your own locality which is also true of much homosexuality among Muslims in my own locality. There might be something in the two cultures mentioned that enhances depression among Christians in your place and enhances homosexuality among Muslims in mine. |
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---Linda6546 on 11/9/05 |
Having worked in Mental Health field for 17 yrs, "too blessed to be depressed" is bunk. Yes, we're blessed, but Jesus himself knew depression and wept...cried out and sweated blood in the garden of Gethsemane. Depression is not new. |
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---Carol on 11/9/05 |
Honestly depression is a characteristic of a Lazy Christian, I too think am depressed. There might seem to be many causes for depression but we have to accept that the main cause is our inability to spend quality time in Prayer and yield to the guidance of the Spirit of God. The church should be sensitive to the weak, help them to discipline their life in Christ. Churches should be lead by True men/ women of God. |
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---Aurunoday on 11/8/05 |
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