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Post by Erich on Sept 16, 2006 11:02:39 GMT -5
I just created this board because we all have problems in our lives and it is somethimes difficult to ask for and get help and support from those we have daily contact with in our local communities.
For lack of a better title I am temporarily calling it "Prayer Support". I'm looking for you guys to submit some suggestions for a better name and description...
In the meantime this will be a good place to tell about things that are going on in your life outside your online business... both good and bad...
You can share your religious beliefs and/or ideology along with anything else separate and away from your business life.
One of the reasons I have created this is because I want to witness to my savior Jesus Christ which I plan to do in a separate thread.
I am a Christian [though not a very good one]... however, many others who come here are not... and that is fine. We can all share our diverse beliefs and faiths here..
Quite a few of our Tops Members are from the US and Canada which both countries were founded on Christian ideas and principles. However, this board is open to all religious thought...
God Bless!
Erich
PS: Quite frequently I am reminded by people who email me that I am a Christian and I should behave more like one. That is true and hopefully this board and the posts I make here will be a small step in that right direction.
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Post by rbarras on Sept 16, 2006 11:25:17 GMT -5
Erich, I for one am pleased to see the new board and feel the name is great. I feel as Tim stated in another thread that this business is a lifeboat sent my way, and as a great bonus there are many Christians here.
God Bless!
Ruby
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zeta
Forum Leader
Zeta - Believe and UnBelievable Things Will Happen
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Post by zeta on Sept 16, 2006 11:58:13 GMT -5
Erich, This post is a great idea. We all know we sit in front of these computers for hours and I mean it when I say we are online "family" and we have all proved it to this point and it will only get better. Thanks Zeta
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Deb
Senior Advisor
In Chinese, the words "crisis" and "opportunity" are the same.
Posts: 506
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Post by Deb on Sept 16, 2006 12:30:30 GMT -5
Erich,
You have my full support on this one. God bless you for your stand!
You say you aren't a very good Christian, and of course you know your relationship to God best, but I just want to say one thing.
When I first started researching some of the top leaders in SFI to try to find someone to emulate, I noticed you mentioned you start every day with 30 min. of Bible reading and prayer. Perhaps you haven't always continued that, but the fact that you wrote it in your profile was a great inspiration and challenge to me. I was struggling with the question of whether it is right for a Christian to pursue wealth, and I must admit, missionary though I am, I wasn't being entirely faithful in my devotional life.
You provided a model of balance between business and faith that I could respect, and I've always appreciated that.
Thanks
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shing
Long Time Member
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
Posts: 1,682
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Post by shing on Sept 16, 2006 13:35:47 GMT -5
Erich,
This is a wonderful idea! Thanks for adding this section. I can't think of a better name for it.
Debbie, I believe the Lord wants us to be wise stewards over the blessings He gives us. He wants us to multiply our talents, to grow, and to learn while we're on this Earth, in an honest and honorable way. Sometimes that is followed by monetary blessings. He asked, "if your child asks for a piece of bread, will you give him a stone?" I believe He wants to bless us, and is waiting to do so. Otherwise, why - in my searching to help with the bills and failing as I honestly searched - would He have led me to find Erich?
Shawna
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Post by Hank and Dot on Sept 16, 2006 14:11:15 GMT -5
One of the reasons I have created this is because I want to witness to my savior Jesus Christ which I plan to do in a separate thread. When all is said and done, it will not matter at all how much money we made............. Thanks for this thread, Erich! Hank and Dot
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Post by Skyrocket on Sept 16, 2006 16:57:28 GMT -5
Hi Erich,
I don't follow religion at all, a Christian yes, but for some reason my outlook on life doesn't take me down the road to religion. If you've ever seen the X-Files, I guess I'm like the Scully, except I'm a guy and I don't have long ginger hair. I live day by day, life throws what it can at me and I just deal with it in the most logical sensible way, well, depending on the kind of day I've had beforehand.
I guess what I'm saying is that although I won't be asking for prayer support, I love the idea of this board. I been a part of this forum from the beginning and it's become something special and there are so many amazing kind and generous people here. If ever I did get to a point where I had no one else to turn to or felt that no one else would understand, then I certainly will be using this board to seek help and support from all my friends here.
Thank you for the great suggestion Erich and I hope it helps reduce the emails about becoming more of a Christian!
By the way, as a non-religious person, my suggestion for a board name would be "The Couch", something like that. Not sure that's any good, but I see this as a place where I would feel comfortable, share with my friends, talk about stuff thats bothering me and listen to my friends. The couch in my house is probably the place where I would always sit down and talk to my wife or family about things, fun or serious. I know that Prayer Support is probably fine and means a lot to most of you, however I thought that a more generic name should be used. Still, I'm happy to be out voted and will still use the board as much as I would if it were changed.
Thanks again Erich, great idea,
Jim
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Roy
Forum Leader
Roy
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Post by Roy on Sept 16, 2006 17:50:05 GMT -5
How about this title:
"Your Friends in Your Time of Need"
Roy
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Post by troyzone on Sept 16, 2006 19:27:01 GMT -5
By the way, as a non-religious person, my suggestion for a board name would be "The Couch", something like that. Not sure that's any good, but I see this as a place where I would feel comfortable, share with my friends, talk about stuff thats bothering me and listen to my friends. I'm somewhat like Jim....maybe a tad more religious due to my frequent church attendance when I was younger that ingrained some religious tendencies in me even to this day, however my attendance in recent years has been sparse and I'm probably not much more so now. I think people can still be considered Christians though, at least to some degree, just by the way they live their lives and in how they treat others. To me at least, that is the most important thing. When I read Jim's "The Couch" suggestion, I was trying to think of something more generic as well and that also in some way related to this great forum, perhaps another spin on Jim's suggestion, and "TOPS Lounge" popped into my head. Erich's original name may be better and/or more descriptive and it's fine as-is if the majority agrees, but I think TOPS Lounge is a catchy title nonetheless Troy P.S. Jim - If you had long ginger hair, I might have asked you for your phone number ;D LOL j/k. Your gender might be a consideration too though
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Post by Sandi Moses on Sept 16, 2006 19:46:57 GMT -5
Troy, Troy, Troy! Tsk, Tsk. Talk about being off-topic! Besides, I believe Jim is already spoken for! ;D
Seriously, though, I vote to leave the board name as is. The requests that have been posted in other threads have all been for prayer. And while it can be well said that all of us are in constant need of "prayer without ceasing" the requests tend to be made in response of a crisis of some kind.
No one in a crises situation ever turns it down when someone offers to pray for them. With them, maybe, but never for them.
If you want you can combine the current title with Roy's suggestion and have "Prayer Support From Your Friends In Time Of Need"
Sandi
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Post by futureadvantage on Sept 16, 2006 19:47:38 GMT -5
Erich,
Again a great idea, a place to ask and receive support and encouragement from our online family, as well as prayer support. While we each have differing views about religion and its meaning to each of us, I believe this is great. As a Christian, I am even more proud of TOP's, Erich and this forum. Other than a forum sponsored through a religious group...I doubt you will find this as a listing in any other business or work at home forum.
Thanks.
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Post by Lori on Sept 16, 2006 21:46:03 GMT -5
Thank you Erich...
Having a special place to get us through rough times or help us in our times of need is an excellent idea! The support for help, guidance, good thoughts and prayer I’ve seen given on this forum is the greatest I’ve ever seen!
A title that popped into my mind is…Heart to Heart
Lori
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Post by Skyrocket on Sept 17, 2006 2:29:58 GMT -5
Seriously, though, I vote to leave the board name as is. The requests that have been posted in other threads have all been for prayer. And while it can be well said that all of us are in constant need of "prayer without ceasing" the requests tend to be made in response of a crisis of some kindHi Sandi, I understand what you are saying, you're right about the fact that we have had a few prayer requests from people in times of crises however these have all been from practising Christians who probably feel comfortable asking for this kind of support, especially in a forum such as this where we have a bunch of wonderful people and a bunch of practising Christians also. I also understand that Erich has probably been inspired to do this board and call it Prayer Support, due to the fact that we have now had a few prayer requests. From my point of view though, when you're not a practising Christian you either don't feel comfortable asking for Prayer or it's not the kind of support you are looking for. I don't actually agree with you on your comment: No one in a crises situation ever turns it down when someone offers to pray for them. With them, maybe, but never for them.
I respect your faith in the same way I respect my wife and her faith, however as I don't have your beliefs or faith, Prayer doesn't mean anything to me. It would be nice to know that people are thinking of me and wishing me well, but as Prayer means so much more to you I would rather you not waste it on me. I've probably totally missed the point of Prayer, I wouldn't be surprised as I don't have the first clue really when it comes to practising religion. My family are currently going through a pretty tough time, I probably have a good case to ask for prayer, however I haven't because I feel it a bit hypocritical when I say I don't practise religion but I'd like you to pray for me. I felt a bit like this when I got married even, in a church taking religious vows. My marriage doesn't mean any less than a married Christian couple though, as I made my vows to my wife and our families. I guess what I'm saying is that there are times when a non-religious person here may want to just talk about things that are happening and are looking for a few words of encouragement or support. They are not looking for Prayer which is why Prayer Support isn't always appropriate. Plus, especially for newbies to the forum that are non-religious, this board may get over-looked or not used as it should be, because they don't understand that the board is for everyone that needs to talk or share their problems. This forum has always been designed for every single member to get the most out of it, calling it Prayer Support may not send the right message to all members. Please don't get me wrong, I don't want to make a big issue of this. I just read my post back to me and it sounds like I'm really on a mission to get it changed, when in fact I'm not. I'm cool with the current title, I just wanted to be clear on my thoughts about this. The main reason being that when you are a practising Christian you probably feel that Prayer Support is a totally natural title for this board, it's says it all for you. However I speak from the other side, not the dark side I hasten to add, but the side where Prayer Support feels like it's only open to those that practise religion. I would hate to see members get the wrong impression about the board or indeed the entire 3PPP, where they may feel you'll only really get the support you need if you are a practising Christian. I think I've explained it OK, not sure, maybe it's just my screwed up view on religion, who knows. I hope I've not offended anyone, my only intention is to give you my view. Regards, Jim
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Deb
Senior Advisor
In Chinese, the words "crisis" and "opportunity" are the same.
Posts: 506
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Post by Deb on Sept 17, 2006 6:54:03 GMT -5
You have a very valid point, Jim. We'll have to see what Erich decides. We believe there is a God who listens to our prayers and takes action in response to them, so I for one will be praying for your family. Whether you believe or not makes no difference to whether God hears my prayers or not, so they will not be wasted. Know that my thoughts are with you as well, and I wish you a speedy and satisfactory solution to whatever it is that's troubling you.
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Susan Jennerjohn
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Thanks to my Work at Home job, I am able to spend a lot of time with my grandson
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Post by Susan Jennerjohn on Sept 17, 2006 7:35:28 GMT -5
On Jim's note (because we have to respect all beliefs or non) how about the name..."Support and Prayers Request" I for one think it is a wonderful idea Erich. When people are going through troubled times in their lives, it is always comforting to know there is somewhere to go for support and prayers. I know if I need support and prayers, (I am definitely a Christian, and also don't live it the way I should all the time either) I would feel most comfortable coming in here and asking for it. I have been in the forum since the beginning also and I would feel sincerity and comfort coming from the members in here. I feel much heated conversations coming up in discussing religion beliefs though. That one rather scares me. Everyone is set on their religious beliefs and the people in this forum are not afraid to say their minds. Politics and religion can be very touchy subjects and I would hate to see anyone judging one another in here because of this. Not sure if it would happen, but you never know. My 2 cents Susan
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Ken
Senior Member
Posts: 420
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Post by Ken on Sept 17, 2006 8:44:10 GMT -5
I think the creation of this board is a great idea. We are becoming a big family and it only makes sense we can offer help and support in areas of our lives besides business.
I suggest Life Support for the name of the board.
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Michael Gale
Forum Leader
"Accept the challenge so that you may feel the exhilaration of Victory" General George S. Patton
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Post by Michael Gale on Sept 17, 2006 9:40:50 GMT -5
Howdy Ho I like Susan's name except shorten it to "Support and Prayers".
I too believe in a superior being and it matters not what you call Him / Her. I was taught the name of our creator was God and His son Jesus Christ gave His life for our sins, other religions have different names and beliefs, and they have every right to that.
It is a proven fact that when a group of individuals unite with a common bond (religion) they can direct a united healing or helping energy toward an individual or situation. Erich has, in fact, created a "Master Mind" group even if that wasn't his intention. Just think of the power that is available right here within the pages of this forum, all of us united in a bond with common goals and dreams some are small and some are huge.
Good Luck and GOD Bless Michael
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Lori G.
Long Time Member
Love life and life will love you back.
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Post by Lori G. on Sept 17, 2006 12:59:53 GMT -5
I, like Susan, feel some tension building. Keeping religious beliefs aside, I think the important thing to remember is that we all have faith in one another. That we are all here for one another. Whether it is through prayer, good wishes, happy thoughts, whatever. Everyone is entitled to their beliefs, it doesn't make anyone right or wrong. You do not need to agree or disagree. Just accept all for who they are. Our colleagues, our follow entrepreneurs, our friends. Lori
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Post by Sandi Moses on Sept 17, 2006 15:02:12 GMT -5
I certainly hope this board remains a source of help and comfort, not a source of stress or tension.
Just as in a physical office setting, we have to respect the perspectives of others, just as we expect them to respect ours.
Nowhere in the Bible is anyone forced to believe anything. Each person makes their own decision. Here on the board that needs to be the way it is. Erich has started another thread which explains the salvation message quite clearly. God sets the example by giving you the choice to "take it or leave it" and we here on this forum need to remember to follow His example.
I hope this board remains a place where Christians can come and share prayer, and non-Christians feel comfortable sharing or just reading and keeping informed. No one should ever feel left out. Everyone needs to feel welcome and loved, respected and valued.
We have already demonstrated what a helpful supportive group we can be ~ surely we can keep those vibes going in this board, too.
Sandi
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Post by futureadvantage on Sept 18, 2006 1:33:09 GMT -5
Erich
I like the title Heart to Heart Life Support. I would even be open to using that at our church as a name of a group or study.
Michael
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Post by futureadvantage on Sept 18, 2006 1:41:31 GMT -5
Erich, You provided a model of balance between business and faith that I could respect, and I've always appreciated that. Thanks Erich I believe this can be multiplied many times over by the view and feeling most of us have about your life and lifestyle I see both a great business person and a man striving to live out his faith. That makes you a solid Christian-Businessman in my book, (and I think the Lords also).
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Post by Erich on Sept 18, 2006 8:30:09 GMT -5
Erich I like the title Heart to Heart Life Support. I would even be open to using that at our church as a name of a group or study. Michael I changed the name out of respect to non Christians who come to our Forum. The new name was a combination of Lori P and Ken's suggestions... The name of the Board is really unimportant... the mesages we post here is what will have value and meaning... I truely believe that most all "normal" and healthy people have a need for spirituality in their lives... this will be a place to share that.... I want to thank everyone for receving this new board so warmly... Our Forum is still first and foremost a home business and financial support forum. However, based on all the messages that have been posted in the past, I felt their was a place for this Board too... It is like anything else... you can take it or leave it... and no one will twist your arm to click on this particular Board link. It isn't featured nor does it stand out any more than the rest of our subjects... Take Care Erich
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Susan Jennerjohn
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Thanks to my Work at Home job, I am able to spend a lot of time with my grandson
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Post by Susan Jennerjohn on Sept 18, 2006 9:50:15 GMT -5
I think that is perfect and very well said Erich!
Susan
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shellymac
Senior Advisor
"With God all things are possible"
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Post by shellymac on Sept 18, 2006 15:19:22 GMT -5
Thank you Erich for starting this new board. I was once in a position of being UNSAVED...and things like this just made me mad and uncomfortable..but when the TRUTH hits you, you can never go back This would also be a great place to list Testimonies to what God is doing in our lives (and our businesses)... I also pray that non believers and individuals who pratice other faith will not get offended. Thank You Jesus. Shelly
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Post by Skyrocket on Sept 18, 2006 17:15:26 GMT -5
Thank you Debbie, for your thoughts, you are very kind. I love the title Erich and your explanation under the title makes it clear as to it's intension and makes everyone feel welcome. Thank you again for going the extra step, this forum is very much "alive" and this board is a perfect addition. Of course I have another theory, that you are just trying to make it as long as a WAH Directory web page, I think you have a thing about having to scroll down web pages you've created!? I, like Susan, feel some tension building. I have a feeling this was directed at my earlier post and I apologise if I gave the impression that I was getting a bit touchy, or if I didn't but I started to say things that could be sensitive to others then I too apologise for this. I guess I've not figured it out myself yet, I'm an eternal optimist and have faith that things will work out in the end, but I don't have faith as far as god, jesus or the bible goes. My faith comes from knowing that there is always a way, even when you think there isn't, if you look hard enough and you ask enough questions you will find the answer. I am also fasinated with people, their beliefs and what makes them tick. I respect all forms of religion and have an interest particularly in eastern philosophy. I find the Christian faith very interesting too and my wife attends Church very regularly and is involved in Church activities, in fact we were just picking out some questions for the Quiz Night coming up this Saturday. I get on well with all her friends from the Church and have no problem getting involved in the social side, I just don't attend as an active Christian as I find that I simply don't believe. I do hold strong opinions on things and seem to have an opinion about everything, so I do tend to get quite passionate in my discussions, whatever they may be. When I get like this at home with my wife, she tends to say something like "Leave your work at work!". My line of work involves a lot of challenging back and problem solving, so I know what she means and humbly accept that I need to back off and losen up. I should have started another thread entitled, Jim's Biography! The reason I'm telling you all this about me is because I want you all to know where I stand on this and why I may jump in sometimes with my opinion. I hope that's Okay and I certainly don't want to cause any tension of any kind in such a wonderful place amongst some of the generous, kind and thoughtful people I've ever met, digitally and face to face.
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Lori G.
Long Time Member
Love life and life will love you back.
Posts: 2,429
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Post by Lori G. on Sept 18, 2006 18:03:55 GMT -5
Hi Jim, Religion is a very powerful topic of conversation. I respect you, as well as everyone else, for your beliefs even if they differ from mine. I was afraid that some might feel hesitant in going into a thread if they felt intimadated by the title. I, for one, find your posts fascinating. You are a very "logical" person. You remind me of Spock from Star Trek (I'm sorry, both my dad and husband are big fans). I mean this in every way, a compliment. Anyway, the title is changed and everyone seems OK with it. This will be a good place to come and relax with friends. Lori
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Post by Erich on Sept 19, 2006 7:52:13 GMT -5
Everyones opinion and thoughts are important and meaningful. Both believers and non-believers can contribute to this board.
I am very happy that we can disagree about such a profound subect and not be confrontational in the process.
Yes politics and relgion are difficult topics for conversation... but that doesn't mean we have to avoid them.
Erich
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Post by billcole on Oct 7, 2006 14:02:06 GMT -5
hello erich, this is bill cole, thanks for this new board. i have had a tough year with my katrina experence, the more i am on this forum, the more i am seeing a lot of good people, and not just about business, its nice to have a place to go and ask people to pray for you, so i am asking now keep me in your prayers, we are finally in a house after a year, but there is a long way to go. thanks again........................bill
p.s. i wish somewhere along the line that we could have something like a convention so we could actually meet each other face to face.
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shing
Long Time Member
"Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work."
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Post by shing on Oct 7, 2006 15:41:39 GMT -5
Bill... I'm amazed that you are working to build a webpage when you have been without a house! I'm so glad you are in your house now and hope that you can get things together again soon
Take Care,
Shawna
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Susan Jennerjohn
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Thanks to my Work at Home job, I am able to spend a lot of time with my grandson
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Post by Susan Jennerjohn on Oct 7, 2006 16:57:10 GMT -5
I, like Susan, feel some tension building. I have a feeling this was directed at my earlier post and I apologise if I gave the impression that I was getting a bit touchy, or if I didn't but I started to say things that could be sensitive to others then I too apologise for this. Hey Jim, my comment was totally NOT directed to what you said. Please don't apologize for what you believe. It is your opinion (which you are in titled to just like us) and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that. It is just an opinion I had because I have dealt with it so many times. Not at all necessarily to this group in the forum. My Momma always taught me (and from my own experience) that religion and politics could get into heated conversations. I think she told me that when I went on my first date or something. Sometimes those conversations can be fun. I think the whole thing is a super idea and we should just roll with it. Susan
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