Do you ever wonder what the Bible says about effective leadership and what the appropriate response of followers should be to their leaders?

Matthew 23:3b-c tells us Jesus spoke to His disciples (in front of a crowd), referring to the “religion scholars and Pharisees” (MSG) — the religious teachers and leaders — as “competent teachers in God’s Law,” (NASB). He assured them the disciples wouldn’t be mislead in “their teachings on Moses.” However, He warned them (and us) not to “follow” them, because they don’t practice what they preach (NIV).

So in other words, the “religion scholars and Pharisees” offered good teaching, but were denounced as religious hypocrites because they didn’t personally live their faith. While people could learn from them, they should not emulate them.

On that subject, I’ve known of preachers who publicly admitted this to be accurate. Unfortunately, some have proven this to be true💔BUT - as always, there’s more to this Scripture and its application in our lives…

Since 2014, I’ve actively done deep-dive studies into relationships and human behavior. With the hope of encouraging restoration and growing healthy relationships, I often look through a lens to discover potential causes and motivations of various behaviors and relationship challenges.

A major part of my ongoing study includes the Bible. I search for wisdom and guidance on life matters, biblical principles to apply and in the process, I try to glean a practical life application found in Scripture. In this verse, I am seeking a life application for today, through the insight Jesus, our Lord and Savior has given us.

🔭 Like so many lessons Jesus taught, I look to see real life applications for today. While He is referring to the scholars and Pharisees at that time, I find an application in here for addressing today’s leaders and those with authority at any level of all peoples’ everyday life, worldwide. Let me explain…

It’s human nature for those holding recognized established authority over a nation or group of people to easily take on the role of being ‘in charge.’ Left unchecked, these fearless (possibly feckless) leaders can overdo things. They become expert at laying oppressive burdens on others. As a result, rules, mandates and unreasonable expectations grow exponentially.

This can be traced and repeatedly illustrated by unfortunate examples littering human history worldwide. Some extend to the present day. On a smaller scale, maybe you’ve personally observed this in a committee, club, group or organization. Most of us have experienced when someone got carried away being “in charge” of things …and it didn’t end well.

Throughout time, many with established authority as recognized leaders have engaged in obtrusive activities through a variety of means. Some include: delegating the heavy/most undesirable workload onto the backs of others, possibly slavery, increasing regulation, unbearable taxation, surveilling individuals, or controlling the everyday lives of a population through mandates, harsh laws, threatening physical force or incarceration.

A key component to many of these practices (and more) is lacking compassion for others — especially for the people these leaders exist to serve. Leadership gone awry is often seen forcing respect and honor without earning it. Laws and diminished privileges and less freedom are forced upon the people officious leaders are to serve. In the end, when things go wrong, there seems to be no accountability held by those “in charge.”

READ: The chapter of Matthew 23 outlines lessons, principles and responsibilities for effective leadership.

So what could this mean?

Jesus most assuredly said, “Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them.” ~ Matthew 23:3-4 (NASB)

Gleaning from what Jesus said, as a follower of Jesus Christ and in an application I’m seeking for leaders today, I take this to mean I should obey the law, but not set my moral compass according to a leader, authority figure or committee chair. I should not adopt their worldviews, practices or traditions. I should hold fast to that which I know to be right and true (the Bible), and my example (and my plum line to measure everything with) is Jesus.

✔️BOTTOMLINE: Matthew 23:1-39 is a positive lesson Jesus presented on leadership. In it, His instruction on how we are to be responsible citizens while currently living in this lost world. He is encouraging us all to hold onto our identity as Christians while we live out God’s message of grace. Let us live out our faith!

This also doesn’t mean everyone should transform into a bobble head, agreeing just to get along, when things are not just and right. As He points out, our guiding principles and standards are not the same as many of those who may be in leadership. Our Christian principles and standards never change.

This may seem to be a no-brainer, but how easily we can be swayed to believe otherwise as we are caught in the heat of a moment. Possibly we are encouraged to take a detour onto a new path. Maybe out of desperation we become incentivized to get off-track completely.

🤔 How would I know?

Looking around, worldly influences are plainly visible wherever we turn. They exist like sharp hooks, snagging the next weary, unsuspecting or desperate person seeking something more.

People are human. Human nature is not infallible. We can think and do the wildest things and suddenly find ourselves in a vast wilderness, eventually wanting to return to normalcy.

✔️Truth be told: likely every one of us has experienced some instance of overboard authority or leadership gone awry. I ran across this Scripture today and it inspired me to write this piece. I hope it encourages you, or someone you know.

♥️The Good News is: Beyond our everyday, there is a much grander and wonderful life ahead for anyone who seeks it❤️‍🩹 No matter what. No matter who. And HEY — NO worries… He IS EVERYwhere 24-7. He IS the King of all kings and Lord of all lords. (1 Timothy 6:15) You can count on that!

What the Bible Says :

And of course you should obey their every whim! It may be all right to do what they say, but above anything else, don’t follow their example. For they don’t do what they tell you to do. They load you with impossible demands that they themselves don’t even try to keep. ~ Matthew 23:3-4 (TLB)

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So you must be careful to do everything they tell you. But do not do what they do, for they do not practice what they preach.

They tie up heavy, cumbersome loads and put them on other people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to lift a finger to move them ~ Matthew 23:3-4 (NIV)

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so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people's shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. ~ Matthew 23:3-4 (ESV)

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Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach. They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. ~ Matthew 23:3-4 (CSB)

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Therefore, whatever they tell you, do and comply with it all, but do not do as they do; for they say things and do not do them. And they tie up heavy burdens and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are unwilling to move them with so much as their finger. ~ Matthew 23:3-4 (NASB)

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Religious Fashion Shows

Now Jesus turned to address his disciples, along with the crowd that had gathered with them. “The religion scholars and Pharisees are competent teachers in God’s Law. You won’t go wrong in following their teachings on Moses. But be careful about following them. They talk a good line, but they don’t live it. They don’t take it into their hearts and live it out in their behavior. It’s all spit-and-polish veneer.

“Instead of giving you God’s Law as food and drink by which you can banquet on God, they package it in bundles of rules, loading you down like pack animals. They seem to take pleasure in watching you stagger under these loads, and wouldn’t think of lifting a finger to help. Their lives are perpetual fashion shows, embroidered prayer shawls one day and flowery prayers the next. They love to sit at the head table at church dinners, basking in the most prominent positions, preening in the radiance of public flattery, receiving honorary degrees, and getting called ‘Doctor’ and ‘Reverend.’  ~ Matthew 23:1-7 (MSG)

🕸️ How Easily We Can Get Hung up in a Tangled Web of Lies! It’s amazing to realize how swayed we can be by lies spun around us and by the lies we tell ourselves.

One thing we can know for sure is “seeing” is deceiving, especially with today’s polished presentations. Even before social media, we learned just because we say it “is” doesn’t make it so. We quickly learn that keeping up appearances is hard work!

Today people everywhere make their pronouncements and predictions from powerful platforms of influence. Blinded by the thought leader’s perceived brilliance, their words, thoughts, and misrepresentations are hungrily gobbled up by faithful followers or grazed upon by meandering truth-seekers. Each gem is embraced as a guiding truth.

Perhaps we would be better off considering what “is” rather than what “ifs.” Isn’t it time to stand up to lies and start living with heart and soul?

That’s why I wrote Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Don’t settle for less! Kick the lies to the curb and start living the life you were meant to live.

➡️ Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul is available on Amazon and LULUcom:

• Amazon Paperback https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BP9H3N51/

• Kindle eBook https://www.amazon.com/Kick-Life-Wrecking-Lies-Curb-Letting-ebook/dp/B0BNMG3DRS/

• LULUcom https://www.lulu.com/shop/becky-cortino/

#Leadership #ChristianLiving #Grace#LeadershipPrinciple #GraceEveryday

#relationships #KickLies

#KickLifeWreckingLies #KickLiesToTheCurb #LiveWithHeartAndSoul  #LivingYourBestLife #LivingGodsBest

Happy Groundhog Day! Phil said Spring will be coming soon🌷What do you think? I think Spring arrives when it does😆 (I’m repeating myself here because… well, you know!)

🎩Do you ever FEEL like it's “Groundhog Day” AGAIN in the Relationship Department? Many people do!

Are you ready to stop the endless loop right now? In my special LivRad TV mini-series, I present tips, encouragement and ideas to help you build stronger, better relationships:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLvwRZD4JBGx_MjtmbuMEDrkRLdPKXRw2M

#LivRadTV #RelationshipsMatter #GroundhogDay

💔A Thankful Heart At a Time Like This??!

How sweet, how wonderful —  to hear these beautiful words: “Life is precious!” from a loved one recently💕Indeed! 

This is an important and touching reminder for all of us because it’s essential to look at what we engage ourselves in, as well as its impact on life: our time spent. It’s important to consider this ongoing, not just when the year is “new,” during the month of January!

I could work all day and call it “life”  (and often have), or I could “play” all day and feel overwhelmingly “behind” in all I think I must do (as I often believed) and feeling life was diminished, not made better by my time away. Can you relate?

These encouraging words come at an interesting moment in time, during increasingly uncertain days. Upheaval, unwarranted hatred and turmoil are erupting everywhere have become a global epidemic.

I’m thankful we really can look beyond all the dark contentiousness swirling about to see what is right and true. Like a single candle glowing silently in the dark, this gives all with eyes to see and hearts to gladly receive needed HOPE.

Through disappointments, pain, struggle and chaos we always have Hope. Peace is found there. “and hope does not disappoint.” ~ Romans 5:5 [NASB]

Life IS precious!

📖In journaling the Word today, my verse was Psalm 138:2-3. I love the Scripture summary: “A Thankful Heart” [CSB], which said it so well. It is where I am right now… 

“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!” Psalm 138:1a [MSG]

…I am thankful for all. I’m thankful for all His blessings and unlimited answered prayers ongoing — SO many answered! And so many answered in AMAZING ways♥️ So I say…

“I kneel in worship facing your holy temple
    and say it again: “Thank you!”
Thank you for your love,
    thank you for your faithfulness;
Most holy is your name,
    most holy is your Word.
The moment I called out, you stepped in;
    you made my life large with strength.” 

~ Psalm 138: 2-3 [MSG]

AMEN. Indeed He did! He does! He will! He is!

Thank you, Father! I’m sharing this today to proclaim your Holy Name, to give thanks for all, and to share this for those who need a word of encouragement♥️

MORE VERSIONS of this Scripture:

“I will bow down toward your holy temple
and give thanks to your name
for your constant love and truth.
You have exalted your name
and your promise above everything else.

On the day I called, you answered me;
you increased strength within me.”

~ Psalm 138:2-3 [Christian Standard Bible]

--------

“I bow before your holy Temple as I worship.
    I praise your name for your unfailing love and faithfulness;
for your promises are backed
    by all the honor of your name.

As soon as I pray, you answer me;
    you encourage me by giving me strength.”

~ Psalm 138:2-3 [New Living Translation]

--------

“I will bow down [in worship] toward Your holy temple
And give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth;
For You have magnified Your word together with Your name.

On the day I called, You answered me;
And You made me bold and confident with [renewed] strength in my life.”

~ Psalm 138:2-3 [Amplified Bible]

--------

“I will bow down toward Your holy temple
and give thanks to Your name
for Your constant love and truth.
You have exalted Your name
and Your promise above everything else.

On the day I called, You answered me;
You increased strength within me.” 

~ Psalm 138:2-3 [Holman Christian Standard Bible]

--------

“Thank you! Everything in me says “Thank you!”
    Angels listen as I sing my thanks.

I kneel in worship facing your holy temple

and say it again: “Thank you!

Thank you for your love,

thank you for your faithfulness;

Most holy is your name,

most holy is your Word.

The moment I called out, you stepped in;

you made my life large with strength.” 

~ Psalm 138:1-3 [The Message]

Happy New Year! As much as we believe things have changed even in the last year, if we’re truly honest with ourselves, many important things that trouble us most remain the same (or possibly they are worse).

Relationships rank high on the list of human needs. When things go awry, life becomes more difficult, we are less free to be ourselves, and to enjoy the company and special times with those near and dear that give life deeper meaning and greater joy.

As we come into the New Year with thoughts of a fresh start, renewal, and hopeful possibility, this is a great time to consider how we might work toward restoration, repairing brokenness and loving others more radically — perhaps as never expected.

Emotions reliably stir as we enter a New Year. Reviewing the last 365 days, happy memories come to mind. They warm us in the January chill. They give us hope for the days ahead. 

Painful thoughts inevitably come on the heels of bliss-filled remembering, coloring our yesterdays in darker hues. They remind us of where we’ve been. If we allow, they’ll  dictate where we’ll stay in the days stretching out before us.

At the dawning of a new year, many becoming misty-eyed reflecting on events of the recent past. Reviewing mountaintop moments, great joys, incredible accomplishments, happy times, they also carefully inspected their disappointments, tragedies, setbacks, and personal shortcomings. We’ve all experienced sweet moments and difficult times over the last 10 years!

Hope for the days ahead fuels beautiful dreams of what is yet to be. It can be a way forward for us, as a catalyst for the change we hope to live. Not just in personal improvement, but also in life and our broken relationships. 

Winston Churchill said: “The farther back you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.” There is wisdom in these words. Applied properly, considering past events can give us perspective on important life matters.

Reviewing what got us to where we are is an integral step in making essential life changes. Dwelling on the past promises to hold us there. Steeping in the sadness of overwhelm immobilizes us. As much as we desire to escape the unrelenting pain, we will remain stuck.

‘Understanding’ or trying to figure out a troubling relational situation can be helpful, but a clear view of a matter is not always possible. Things happen in life we’ll never understand. Lingering too long in trying to make sense of what doesn’t, holds us back on what is yet to be, or who we may become. 

It’s important to look back and learn from the past. In fact, “history” can never truly be erased — because it happened😉It can be and is an insightful source of understanding and learning for our lives. 

Thinking it’s all “in the past,” by complacently believing we can ‘shelve’ it because it’s unimportant, or we can’t do anything about a relational break, never addresses the issue. It remains, glaring at us, impatiently awaiting attention, even when we can rightfully claim “no fault” in causing the incident. 

Focusing on the past can keep us stuck in the place we want to free ourselves from. Don’t dwell on it, friend😊Instead, look to the possibilities ahead and relationships to be mended. Our future is not found in our past. Our future may in part be shaped by what has happened, but going back to linger too long is not the direction to focus on, as we look to move ahead. 

ZigZiglar said: “How you see the future is much more important than anything that has happened in your past.” In other words, the past may shape us and to an extent “the now, “ but it does not dictate our everyday —  unless we allow it. 

Our dreams, hopes and desires for a brighter, better future and strong relationships with others are always possible. How do you see these things in your life? I’m hoping for more rekindled friendships and restored broken places this new year!

Eventually we realize ‘letting go’ of the thing (NOTE: not the person — unless it involves abuse or risks personal safety) that binds us to an impossible situation is the only way to move forward. We know we will stay stuck otherwise. Grace for the matter (and those involved) is required. A change of heart in us is what’s needed. That’s where the transformation to live more in love and freely extending grace begins.

Of all the changes and good things we hope for in this New Year, may we enter the days ahead filled with the hope of things that are possible.      

We can begin to take steps toward relational restoration and reclaiming needed peace and joy in life. May we embrace the adventure we call life by living a truly radical life. May it often contradict conventional thinking (by the world’s standards), as we set our intentions to live in love and walk in grace every minute of every day.

Through a changed heart, we see things differently. When the pain is too piercing to continue, hanging on to it becomes too great. Then we can see our way clear of it. This is the path to #forgiveness and by following it, we are on our way to restoring life’s broken places♥️I’m on the Road to Forgiveness too — are you with me?

More about forgiveness and building healthy relationships:

♥️See “What if tomorrow never comes”:

8

If you only read 1 book this year — I recommend reading RESTORING THE BROKEN PLACES IN AN UNFORGIVING WORLD, to help you build healthy relationships and mend life’s broken places!

Restoring the Broken Places in an Unforgiving World is available for sale in any bookstore -- your favorite local shop, indie, brick-and-mortar! Ask for it, if you don't see it, please!

Available on Amazon: 

📖Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08LJ9TL3L/

📱Kindle eBook: https://www.amazon.com/Restoring-Broken-Places-Unforgiving-World-ebook/dp/B08KFNWVST/

📖📚☕️Retailers and Online Booksellers: https://www.restoringthebrokenplaces.com/livradpublishing-featured-author-becky-cortino/

How wonderful, how beautiful are the strong family ties that bind a group of individuals together as “family”! Unfortunately, some have never known the depth and true joy of life-enhancing family ties like these. This can happen for many reasons, each as unique as the relationship situation and all involved.

In this action-packed episode of LivRad The Podcast With Becky Cortino, we'll examine some of the ways joy gets sucked out of relationships, how to begin restoring life's broken places, and the healing power of forgiveness.

⏰ If you lack strong, healthy family relationships, it’s never too late to begin to make things right with family♥️ You might be surprised to find they miss you! ...and you'll likely be glad you reconnected so you don't miss out on wonderful family gatherings and events!

📖From this episode:

“This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him.”

~ John 3:16-18 [The Message]

R E S O U R C E S

📚☕️Books by @BeckyCortino: ❤️‍🩹About Relationships & Forgiveness:

📖☕Restoring the Broken Places in an Unforgiving World (book & ebook) -- available on Amazon and wherever books and ebooks are sold!

🤩Kick Life-Wrecking Lies to the Curb! Letting Go of the Lies Keeping You From Living with Heart and Soul (book & ebook)

🎧Catch LivRad The Podcast With Becky Cortino on Your FAV Platform!

LivRad Media 🎙LivRad The Podcast

📺 LivRad The Podcast TV On YouTube

📺 LivRad TV

Like a last-minute hug before leaving for a long time, life felt secure and assured that all was well as we launched into the day. This morning was so especially gorgeous, it belied the potential evil lurking in the corners of the day. Looking back, it seemed impossible this serene day could take the turn it did in mere hours on 9-11.

22 years ago, on the Saturday afternoon following 9-11, a group of women gathered in our Herbal Treasures of Hickory Hollow Garden. It was September 15th. As the last big event of the 2001 gardening season, it was the grand finale.

This garden gathering had been planned months before. The program offered sweet fellowship time and sharing about our family’s visit to the Chelsea Flower Show — the ultimate garden party! Special refreshments included serving Sticky Toffee Pudding, a delight we discovered on our trip (long before becoming an internet sensation).

The Infamous Day Life Changed Forever

On 9-11 (Tuesday) life changed forever for the United States, and dare I say also the world. The life-altering events of that day impacted every aspect of life, immediately including regular schedules, special plans, and everyday life as we knew it.

By Wednesday, I knew I had to decide whether to go forward with our planned event or not. After prayerful consideration, we determined we must continue with our plans. Press on we did!

The women gathered in quiet anticipation of needed time with others in a loving safe space — our garden. These are women of faith. Standing together in the center of the garden, we prayed deeply that day. We prayed over the horrific events unleashing unexpected destruction that week.

There were so many needs to cover with prayer, that it was almost difficult to know where to begin. We prayed for our country, leaders, and all who were touched by the unfolding horrors: affected families… destroyed businesses… lost lives… bystanders harmed, and the cities and areas affected. The list grew on!

He Holds The Whole World In His Hands

That day, each sweet lady left her 9-11 related concerns at Jesus’ feet right there in the garden. While we had difficulty finding all the words, He was there with us, as well (as with everyone calling out to Him everywhere). He is among us and He hears us, sees us, and knows us.

Jesus was with all of us wherever we were on the fateful day of 9-11. Before the dark events caused such a tragic outcome and in the aftermath, He was present. He continues to stay close to all of us today.

Jesus heard all the cries, saw our tears, witnessed the pain and unimaginable desecration. He brought us together with one another to get through the excruciating pain and dark uncertain days that followed. We found we were better together.

People were seeking answers. They needed assurances. They wanted something they could hold onto that was secure in this world gone mad. The truth is, we always are looking for these things. In the topsy-turvy days following 9-11, this quest spread like wildfire!

We Always Have Hope, Even Amidst the Ashes

There are many things we can count on:

• Life is always uncertain.

• Evil exists in the world.

• Our pain and struggles are real.

• Even on dark days, we are never alone.

• Every day of our lives, Jesus is with us.

• God loves all deeply (even bad guys).

• He keeps His promises.

• God — NEVER man — is “in charge.”

• Evil will be punished.

• Hope is found in Him, for all our needs.

• God hears our prayers and knows us.

• God answers our prayers in His time.

• His Will, His Plan supersedes man’s.

• God uses even bad things for His good.

• Man will NOT have “the last word.”

The truth is: even in our darkest days, we are never alone. God is with us. Jesus stands by us and will go forward with us as we press on through it all.

In Deuteronomy 31:6, Scripture tells us:

“Be strong. Take courage. Don’t be intimidated. Don’t give them a second thought because God, your God, is striding ahead of you. He’s right there with you. He won’t let you down; he won’t leave you.” (MSG)

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the LORD your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.” (CSB)

“Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the LORD your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you.” (ASB)

“So be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid and do not panic before them. For the LORD your God will personally go ahead of you. He will neither fail you nor abandon you.” (NLT)

ABOUT the Author: Becky Cortino is a Christian Living nonfiction author of 10 books, including RESTORING THE BROKEN PLACES IN AN UNFORGIVING WORLD.. She is a speaker, author, podcaster, and tightrope walker, who has written for, and her words have been published and broadcast on every form of media globally.

Her first 7 books are based on ministry work she and her family participated in for over 20 years, serving through her family’s Christian Creative Arts ministries, and as ministry volunteers in the pastoral care department of a non-denominational hospital, and in the children’s care unit of a psychiatric hospital unit.

In the process of serving intergenerational groups, women, children, and families, she observed an incredible range of human conditions. Just prior to the pandemic, in February 2020 Becky established LivRad.com, a speaking and writing ministry of encouraging words for hurtinghearts. She is a YouTuber, podcaster, blogger, and multimedia creator.

🌻MORE ABOUT Herbal Treasures of Hickory Hollow: http://HerbalTreasuresOfHickoryHollow.com

Think about that for a minute… quite often the chasm created in personal relationships actually requires both parties to address it, but the condition that set it up to begin with. Someone may need help or look to others for guidance… but what if everyone turns their backs on them?

There are many scenarios! Each is as varied as the human condition creates. Check out my list of situational possibilities in this video. Can you find yourself on this list? Or do you have a different situation? What can you do about it? How can you address it?

Sometimes it’s a mind shift thing for us — or even a change in heart that makes all the difference! If you want to strengthen and build healthy relationships, you can repair and restore them.

I provide RealLife Resources to help — many are FREE: ❤️‍🩹 Selected REAL LIFE Resources Created to Help You Transform Life, One Relationship at a Time (LOTS Of FREEBIES & Some For Purchase): REAL LIFE Resources

🧰 Back-up Link: https://www.restoringthebrokenplaces.com/realliferesources/

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In the meantime, tell your friends!