Enjoy!

The Math Evolution!

Last week I purchased a burger at Burger King for $1.58. The counter girl took my $2 and I was digging for my change when I pulled 8 cents from my pocket and gave it to her. She stood there, holding the nickel and 3 pennies, while looking at the screen on her register. I sensed her discomfort and tried to tell her to just give me two quarters, but she hailed the manager for help. While he tried to explain the transaction to her, she stood there and cried. Why do I tell you this?Because of the evolution in teaching math since the 1950s:

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1. Teaching Math In 1950:

A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price. What is his profit?

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2. Teaching Math In 1960: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is 4/5 of the price, or $80. What is his profit?

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3. Teaching Math In 1970: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80. Did he make a profit?

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4. Teaching Math In 1980: A logger sells a truckload of lumber for $100. His cost of production is $80 and his profit is $20. Your assignment: Underline the number 20.

I have been away for some time now. I don’t know that I’ll be back or not. Things have been very busy for me. In fact a lot has changed in the months that I have been away.

Maybe we will get into that later. Right now, I want to see if I’ll get any bites. So… I am posting a video file that compares the KJB with other versions such as the NIV, ERSV, NASV and NKJV.

Here is a question for you.

Do you believe that Jesus was born of a virgin?

If so… why do you believe that?

Is it because someone said so?

Is it due to scientific fact and research?

Is it because your Bible said so?

What if your Bible didn’t say so?

Here is an example of what I mean to say…

KJB

Isa 7:14  Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.  

RSV

Isa 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, a young woman shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Imman’u-el.

As you see, there is a difference. No miracle in a young woman conceiving. That is an everyday occurrence. So do readers of the RSV not believe in the virgin birth?

Watch for more examples

COMPARING NOTES:

No wonder the Democrats didn’t want him speaking before Congress. This should be a great boost to showing the rightness of what we’ve been doing in Iraq.

What they fail to see is that this does more harm than good to the people that these politicians are supposedly trying to help.

That expansion is a threat to Jewel and Dominick’s, the Chicago area’s two major supermarket chains, where workers are unionized and where prices are generally 15 to 30 percent higher than those at Wal-Mart.

It makes you wonder who’s being looked out for the most. Jewel & Dominick and their overpriced merchandise or the people of Chicago. The Chicago Tribune offers a complete story on the subject (you may need to register to view the story, but it’s free).

In a nutshell, this may make Wal-Mart change their plans of opening in the city and just saturating the suburbs. One idea that they are tossing around is opening Supercenters all around the perimeter of the city limits. This would create a ring of Wal-Marts around the city. Hopefully they will be able to service the inhabitants of Chicago, or at least those that are willing and able to cross city lines.

And for those of you who think that Wal-Mart is eeeeevillll and should be stopped, you may want to check out the following resources.

Wal-Mart is good for the economy.

The Ultimate pro-WalMart Article

Working Families For Wal-Mart

**Update**

John at RWN has a great article on this subject.

This man also has a handful of small children, so he thought that I would be able to relate to his situation. He asked me if our family has “family devotions” and if so, how? This has been a question of mine for sometime as well. I would speak with parents who have been where I’m at and the advice has been all over the spectrum. Good advice mind you, but ultimately they would all end up leaving me where I started. Then the Bible provided the answer. So, I would like to share with you some of this conversation and what my thoughts on this subject is, based on God’s Word.

He explained how that when they have their family devotions that it could become more of a hassle than a blessing. After all, how do you get a one or two year old child to sit still and listen to daddy read from the scriptures? Sure, you could demand that the child sit still and obey. You could even scold or punish the child for direct disobedience. You would be in your right to do so since you gave the child a direct order. But, is the order that you have given to that child fair? Furthermore, what is the end result of the battle that is bound to take place?  The parents are frustrated, the child is upset and the memory of “family devotions” is not a pleasant one. I am not suggesting that a parent back down, nor am I suggesting doing away with devotions in the home. I am however asking that God’s people be “wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” (Mt. 10:16) 

Our goal is not to cram scripture down the throat of our family members, nor should it be to puff ourselves up with a false since of spirituality. The goal should be to pass on the love for God and His Word to our children. Who are we trying to impress anyway?  

As I told this man, it is my desire to make this time a time of a fun and a relaxed atmosphere. I do not wish to place a burden on myself or on my family with some need of reaching a quota. I want my children and even my wife to look forward to these times of togetherness. I want them to look back on these times with a fondness and a longing in their hearts. I want my children’s relationship with God to be real. I do not want their relationship to be based on some sort of religious requirement. 

We do not have family devotions in the traditional since of the word. We don’t sit around the table and read a pre-determined set of scriptures and then pray and pat ourselves on the back for having done so. Instead we have devotions all day long. I’ll explain that in just a moment, but first let me share our nightly routine with you. 

Most nights before bed we will sit around the living room and sing Bible Songs and then take turns praying. I help prod the children along in their prayers, but for the most part they have learned to pray on their own. The youngest ones will be led in prayer and every so often I’ll tell them to talk to God on their own, until finally they do not need my help. Sure some of their requests and thoughts could be considered silly, but somehow I think God looks upon it with great pleasure. The faith of a child… How wonderful it is to see that faith grow. Did He not say that we should come to Him as children?  

For example, last night our 5-year-old son told God that he was glad he had his mommy and daddy and without them he would be sad. A few days before that, he asked God to let daddy take him to the go-carts. They routinely pray for others without our leading them to do so, then there are times that their prayers are “selfish”. But I believe that it all glorifies their Heavenly Father. 

Now, how is it that we have devotions all day long? My children are 6, 5, 4 & 3. At this stage in their life we cannot truly expect to have a logical, spiritual or philosophical conversation with them. I am their teacher, and my desire is to teach them to love God and His Word. If they love God and His Word, they will know God and His Word. 

God tells us in Deuteronomy, as well as many other places, the way we are to bring our children up in His Word. Consider the following verses. 

Deu 6:1-9
(1)  Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments, which the LORD your God commanded to teach you, that ye might do them in the land whither ye go to possess it:
(2)  That thou mightest fear the LORD thy God, to keep all his statutes and his commandments, which I command thee, thou, and thy son, and thy son’s son, all the days of thy life; and that thy days may be prolonged.

Here we see that we are to learn His Word so that we might DO them. You will also notice in verse 2 that this is meant to be perpetual to all generations. “Thou” is a very personal word. Dad and Mom, you can not expect your children to follow God’s Word if you do not follow God’s word. “Thy son, and thy son’s son” leads us to the understanding that this practice is to continue onto and through our children. But, it starts with the parents.

Also consider the use of the male terms. Granted much of the Bible is written this way, but that even further proves the point that I am about to make. It was understood in these times (and should be today) that the husband was the head of the home. Men were meant to lead and the ladies were to follow. It was understood that if the men would do right and lead the family to do right that the women would do right. We need fathers to pick up the torch and lead the families in spiritual matters.

Thank God for godly mothers and women! But the men need to wake up and stop placing the burden and responsibility on the women. Church and such are not just for the women and children but also for the men. O that we would have godly men that would once again rise up and be the spiritual leaders of their homes. 

(3)  Hear therefore, O Israel, and observe to do it; that it may be well with thee, and that ye may increase mightily, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee, in the land that floweth with milk and honey.
(4)  Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:
(5)  And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.
(6)  And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

We must hear the words and then DO the words. Our children do not need parents to be hypocrites. They see right through that and it will be a major factor in turning them away from God. When you sit down at your “family devotions” and you constantly need to correct and become frustrated you are doing more harm to the spiritual well being of your family than if you had not had devotions at all.

As we hear and do we are promised that we will increase. Furthermore, we have a knowledge of the oneness of God.

Vs. 4 tells us that “The LORD our God is one LORD”. This was significant to the children of Israel as they had come out of Egypt and were under a religious system that served many gods. Now, the God that they were to serve, is ONE GOD.

In addition to that, they learned about the unity that is found within God and His presence. Our times of devotions with the family should create a unity and bond between us rather than create strife and divisions.

Vs. 5 tells us that we should love God. With all of our heart, soul and might. I would like to expound on this later, but for our discussion today I’ll simply point out that our time of devotions should foster a love for God as was stated as our main goal.

This then results in His Words being apart of our life as they are in our heart (VS 6) 

(7)  And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

Here it is! How should you do “family devotions”? Rather than being stressed and pressured into a formula or criteria and thereby failing at your overall goal, just do what the Bible says.

We are to teach God’s Word to our children and we are to be diligent in our teaching.

DILIGENT, a. [L.]1. Steady in application to business; constant in effort or exertion to accomplish what is undertaken; assiduous; attentive; industrious; not idle or negligent; applied to persons.
~Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary

Consistency is a must. But still, how do we undertake such an important endeavor as this? Let me quote again, “… talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.”

Folks, don’t be so caught up in a specific time and a specific structure. Rather than being concerned with the perfect plan, realize that God has given us the solution. After all, who better to tell us how to raise a family in God’s Word than God Himself?

God’s word should be the focal point all day long. Talk about them when your sitting in your house. Talk about them when your walking or driving down the road. Talk about them when you ready yourself for bed. Talk about them when you get up in the morning. Talk about them with each other all the day long.

Not to point out the obvious, but in order to talk about God’s Word you must read God’s Word. As your children become old enough to read, encourage them to read the Bible on their own. You, as a parent should be doing this anyway. Then as you are around each other make it a point to discuss what you have read. This, in and of itself will encourage a young person to read the Bible just so they can be apart of the “adult” conversation.

Allow the every day things of life to bring up discussions about God and His Word. Teach the children that God is not to be relegated to only certain days or times, but that all we do should be with the knowledge of God’s presence around us. For example, as your driving down the street and you come across something that catches your attention, find a way for it to open up a conversation about God and His Word.

(8)  And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.
(9)  And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

A frontlet was a leather band that would be worn on the head. Many times they would have ornaments that would dangle down between the eyes, much like a charm bracelet. God, in effect, was telling His people to surround themselves with His Word. Everywhere they looked they were to be reminded of His Word. When they would go through their day and work with their hands, there was a constant reminder of His Word.

As they entered their home and as people passed by, there was a constant reminder of God and His Word. Our homes should be filled with Biblical reminders. Our children, our families would gain greatly from these practices, much more so than a 15-30 min. ditty at the end of the night. We should surround ourselves with God and talk of Him constantly with each other.

This does not mean that I am against a scheduled time with the family. But that should just be an extension of what the family has been doing the entire day. My family (at this stage in our children’s age) have a time before bed that we sing and pray. But all day long we surround ourselves with God’s Word. All day long we make an effort to find a way to bring Him into our conversation. Maybe as our children age and they have cultivated a love for God, we might find our set time to be one of deep discussion and conversation and study. But this will be an extension of a day that has been centered around Christ.

Do we err? Yes, we do. But even then we are not faced with failure and defeat. For we have allowed God to have a place of consistency in our home. So even if we might not talk of Him as often as we should on a given day, we are not burdened by guilt as those who only have 30 min set aside and then miss that time frame.

May you find this suggestion as a helpful tool to bring you and your family closer to God. As you come closer to God, may you be closer to each other.

Suggestions:

1. Steer the conversation at meal time around what you read in your personal Bible time.

2. Actively look for opportunities to talk of God and His Word with your family throughout the day. It will be contagious and eventually it we be a natural response. You will even catch yourself doing it with strangers as well :>)

3. Play scripture songs on your home CD player during the day.

4. Get the Bible on CD and play that throughout the day. You can download free MP3 files of the Bible here.

5. Set your screensaver on your computer with a Bible Program. Here is a link to a free one. (Scroll to the bottom of the page)

6. For fun with the family, have sword drills, memory verse contests.

7. Young children and maybe even old ones would benefit from Dad acting out bible stories before bed time.

8. Play charades with your family using Bible characters and stories.

The list could go on and on…

Keep in mind that I was asked to answer these questions in a paragraph form. Thus, some of these answers were not expounded upon as they could have been. I might take the time later on to give more insight to these questions on a more individual level, but for now, I will post them here just as I answered them. Also, please be aware that if you intend to look up the scripture references that I gave, you may want to do so with the King James Bible. Whether you believe it or not the “version” you use may change the interpretation of the scriptures. This is one of the reasons I stick with the trusty Old King James, but that is for another topic all together.

If you don’t have a King James, you can link to it here. Bible Gateway

Now on to the questionnaire…

What do you believe about the Scriptures? 

I believe that all Scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Tim. 3:16). I believe that they were preserved throughout history so that man has always had the written Word of God (Ps. 12:7). I believe that God’s Word was complete in Heaven before giving it to man here on earth (Ps. 119:89). Furthermore, I believe that the King James Bible is the only perfect Word of God.

What is your philosophy about the origin of life? 

I believe God created the worlds and all that are in them out of nothing. I believe the Genesis account of this event in that it was done in six literal days (24 hour periods) and that God rested on the seventh day.

What do you believe about the “Father, Son, and Holy Spirit” sometimes called the “Trinity?” 

I believe in one God. He is one yet in three persons. God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit. All three are one God.

Is there evidence that that Jesus Christ is Deity? Give example. 

Yes. John chapter one states that He was in the beginning with God and that He was God. It goes on to tell us that He was the creator and later became flesh and dwelt among men. Many times in His dealings with the Pharisees and others, He even made claims to be God. One of my favorite times is when He was in a conversation with the Pharisees and He claimed to see Abraham in his day. The Pharisees replied that He was only in His thirties and could not possibly have done so. To which Jesus replied, “Before Abraham was I am.” (Jn. 8:58)

What do you believe about the Virgin Birth? 

Christ was born of a virgin. Mary was not the mother of God as Christ was eternally in existence. Mary also did not remain a virgin after the birth of Christ. God did, however, through the Holy Spirit impregnate (by supernatural means) Mary so that she conceived of the Holy Ghost (Mt. 1:20; Lk. 1:31; 1 Peter 1:23). Thus Jesus has God’s blood and is God’s son, yet He is also the Man Christ Jesus.

How do you believe a man gets to Heaven? 

I believe a man gets to Heaven 100% grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9). One must believe on Christ and nothing else to receive eternal life. In order to do so, you need to acknowledge that Christ died for your sins (you are a sinner), that He was buried (suffered your death & hell), and that He rose again (victorious over death and hell)as described in 1 Cor. 15. Believing these things you may call upon His name for salvation.

Describe Heaven. 

Heaven is a literal place where all saved will go. A place that is free of sin, sickness and death. To describe it justly would take more room than is allowed here. Heaven is a place that Christ is preparing for His children.

Describe Hell. 

Hell is also a literal place. It is a place of eternal fire and torments. All who are not saved will wake up in Hell at the time of death. After they are judged at the Great White Throne they will then be cast into the Lake of Fire for all eternity (Rev. 20:14).

Men are basically Good / Wicked (circle one). Explain: 

Man chooses to sin. Even without knowledge of God or His word, man makes a choice to sin. Whether through violating his God-given conscience or willfully going against God’s word. But, when judgment is passed, all will be guilty of sin. There will be none that are excusable. No one will be able to plead ignorance. All have sinned and come short of God’s glory. (Romans chapters 1-6)

What do you believe about the Holy Spirit? Include in your answer what does the Holy Spirit do? 

I believe He is part of the Triune God. I believe that He indwells every believer. He empowers, teaches, sanctifies, and seals the believer. These are but a few things that He does. He also convicts the sinner of his need for Christ.

Do you have a position about “the rapture?” 

I believe that the rapture is an event that will take place before the tribulation that is spoken of in Revelation. I believe that first, those who are saved and have passed away will be reunited with their physical bodies and then the saved that remain will be called up together with them in the air.(1 Thes. 4:14-17) During this process our bodies will be changed in a moment and a twinkling of the eye. We will be glorified. We will finally be as God sees us to be.

What are the ordinances of the church and what are their purposes? 

The ordinances of the church are water baptism and The Lord’s Supper. Baptism is an act of obedience that identifies believers with Christ. It is a picture of the death, burial and resurrection of Christ. It is a prerequisite to church membership.

The Lord’s Supper is to be partaken of by those who have been saved and baptized. It is to be administered by a local church as often as that church chooses. It is not to be taken lightly as we are to remember what Christ has done for us. Unleavened bread is used as a picture of Christ’s broken body and unfermented grape juice is a picture of His shed blood. Neither ordinance has any saving power whatsoever. 

Who do you think Satan is / was? 

Satan was a beautiful angel in charge of guarding God’s throne. He lifted himself up in pride and wanted to be equal with God. Not equal in holiness but in power. He drew 1/3 of the angels with him in his rebellion. He has been cast down and is awaiting his final judgment that will be in the lake of fire. Presently, he is the god of this world seeking to thwart the cause of Christ.

What is your understanding of the Resurrection? 

The resurrection of Christ was a bodily resurrection. The resurrection of the saved will take place at the rapture; this also is a bodily resurrection. The resurrection of the lost unto judgment will take place at the end of the millennial reign. Their bodies (in the grave) will be reunited with their souls (in Hell). They will then stand before God and both body and soul will be cast into the Lake of Fire.

Can someone lose their Salvation? Explain. 

1 John 5 teaches that God has given us eternal life and this life is in His Son. It is not dependent upon us. He that hath the Son hath life. If you have Christ as your Saviour, you have eternal life. Furthermore, God tells us in this passage that He wrote these things so that we can KNOW that we HAVE eternal life. If I know I have it, it must be mine. If it is eternal, it is mine forever. Then Titus 1:2 tells us that God promised us eternal life before the world began and that God cannot lie.

What do you believe about Soul Winning? 

It is a command of God that every saved person is to go and reach the lost. Soul winning should be a way of life, not just an activity that we take part in once or twice a week. Wherever we are, we should be soul conscious

How many Missionaries should a church of about 100 active members support? Explain. 

Honestly, I have never given this much thought. The Bible does not say, so I believe that this is an issue that each church should answer for themselves. I believe we are commanded to reach the world, I believe in missions. I believe you should support as many as your church is willing to support with their giving.  I do not see much purpose behind supporting hundreds of missionaries at $10-$25 each. Is that really support? I think the amount should be in proportion to the need.

Explain Sanctification. 

I believe in sanctification by grace through faith. All of the Christian life is through faith. God has sanctified us through the shed blood of Christ and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. We have been set apart to do good works. We have been made new in Christ. God “…calleth those things which be not as though they were.” (Rom 4:17)

Describe a “Church”? 

A Church is a called out assembly of baptized believers. It is a local group of believers working together to do God’s will on earth. I do not believe in hierarchical church government, but rather that each church is a local body of called out, baptized believers who are separated unto God and good works. Each church is accountable to God through the leadership of its pastor.

What is your position on Human Sexuality? 

God made male and female. By joining together, these two become one flesh. Sex is a beautiful gift given to us by God. It is only for one man and one woman who have joined together in marriage.

When would an abortion be an acceptable option? 

Never.

What should the relationship between the church and civil government be? 

The Government’s responsibility is to protect our rights to worship and serve God. Beyond that it has no business in the church. The Church, or rather the individual members, should play an active part in the affairs of government. Our voting and community service should be an extension of our faith.

What do you believe about giving? 

I believe that we a stewards of the resources that God has given to us. I believe in the law of sowing and reaping (Gal 6). I believe that every man is accountable to God and that it is each person’s responsibility to support the work of God and His servants. We are taught that we are to give willfully and cheerfully. Our giving should be done in proportion to our ability (1 Cor. 16:2; 2 Cor. 8:11-14; 2 Cor. 9:6-7).

How “Separated” from the world should church members be? 

We should not dress like the world, talk like the world or act like the world. We are to be a peculiar people. Our lives should emulate Christ. We are in the world, and therefore, we will be a part of this world, but we are not of this world and should live on a higher plane. I am sorry for the vagueness of this answer, but I’m not sure how specific I am supposed to be. Christians are to act like… Christians.

Why are you Baptist? 

I am a Biblicist. In other words, I am a Bible believer. My loyalties are to God’s Word, not to an organization or a denomination. This being said, I believe that a name identifies a person. I believe that throughout history, true Baptists have always identified themselves with God’s Word. I believe that you can trace the history of the Baptist, historically and scripturally, back to the disciples of Christ. I am a Biblicist; therefore, I am a Baptist.

What are your financial requirements? 

I have my wife and four children. I am practically debt free. It is God’s responsibility to provide for me. He uses the giving of God’s people. If God’s people are obedient to God’s command than God’s servants will be taken care of according to their needs. I am not concerned about this issue.

If not already provided in your resume, provide your personal salvation testimony including your call to preach. 

I believe this was provided in my resume. 

Why is it that Doctors can schedule 5, 10, or even 20 people for the same time slot? They charge high prices for a 5-10 min. appointment, yet you have to wait 2 hours past your appointment just to be seen.  

Does any one else see a problem with this?

Or how about airlines that sell tickets for their planes, knowing full well that they do not have enough room on that plane to accommodate all the people who purchased those tickets?

But what can you do? I’ll tell you what you can do. NOTHING!!!

But I for one am doing something. I’m complaining. I’m complaining to people that don’t care about my plight and have no way of changing these circumstances. I am expressing myself. I am wasting your time and mine. But hey, I’m board. I’m sitting here with nothing to do and you just happen to be an innocent bystander who are stuck listening (reading) to me rant.

Don’t get mad at me!

No one made you read this!

That was your choice!

Breath…. Breath…. Breath… ok, ok, I’m calm now. Sorry, I didn’t mean to yell at you.

WHAT!!!! Why are they calling her in! We were in here first. Hey, Hey get away from me. Take that white coat somewhere else. Is that a needle? Nooooo! I don’t need to be sedated! Ouch! That hurrrrrtzzzzzzzz.

~~~~

Here Are the Facts on the Cross Issue ACLU and activist judge put on ice over Mt. Soledad cross by Supreme Court

Dear George,

In our latest AFA Action Alert, we asked you to take action by encouraging the U.S. Senate to pass legislation protecting the crosses in all federal cemeteries and use Article Three, Section Two to remove jurisdiction from federal judges.

There has been some confusion regarding our Action Alert. Many have been led to believe by outdated material and websites that the ACLU’s efforts are nothing more than a rumor or hoax.

I have said, and maintain, that the ACLU is behind the effort to remove this cross.

Late last Friday, according to CBS News, Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy intervened in a 17-year battle over a large cross on city property in San Diego, allowing the 29-foot structure to remain until its supporters complete a legal challenge.

U.S. District Judge Gordon Thompson had ordered the city to remove the structure by Aug. 1 or face a fine of $5,000 a day. Thompson ruled the cross unconstitutional in 1991, but the case has remained in courts and become an issue of public policy.

I urge you to research the facts for yourself. Please take time to view these sources regarding the ACLU and the activist judge who wants the cross removed.

Judge orders San Diego cross removed. Gives city 90 days in case brought by ACLU-backed atheist
http://www.wnd.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=50038

Supreme Court Saves San Diego Cross. Ruling Stays Order That Would Have Forced City To Remove It
http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/07/03/national/main1774069.shtml

It is only logical that if the cross is removed from the Mt. Soledad Memorial, then the next move by the ACLU would be to remove crosses from all memorials and cemeteries.

If you think our efforts are worthy, would you please support us with a small gift? Thank you for caring enough to get involved.

Sincerely,

Donald E. Wildmon, Founder and Chairman
American Family Association 

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