November 2007
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Archive for November 2007

Psalm 23- For the Work Place

November 29, 2007 by John Rasmussen.

The Lord is my real boss, and I shall not want.
He gives me peace, when chaos is all around me.
He gently reminds me to pray and do all things without
murmuring and complaining.
He reminds me that He is my source and not my job.
He restores my sanity every day and guides my decisions
that I might honor Him in all that I do.

Even though I face absurd amounts of e-mails, system
crashes, unrealistic deadlines, budget cutbacks, gossiping co-workers,
discriminating supervisors and an aging body
that doesn’t cooperate every morning, I still will not stop—
for He is with me! His presence, His peace, and His power
will see me through.

He raises me up, even when they fail to promote me.
He claims me as His own, even when the company threatens
to let me go. His Faithfulness and love is better than any bonus check.

His retirement plan beats any 401k there is!
When it’s all said and done, I’ll be working for Him a whole lot
longer and for that, I BLESS HIS NAME!!!!!!

Qoute of the Day: Whatever your past has been, you have a spotless future.

Have a Blessed Day!

J.R. on tract for Jesus!

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Be there if you can!

November 28, 2007 by John Rasmussen.

Marketplace Leadership Luncheon (Greater Huntsville)

Special Note: There will be NO MLL meetings during the month of December. The first MLL meeting for 2008 will be Thursday Jan 3rd! (See MLL Schedule)

Greetings!

This is a reminder of your special invitation to the Marketplace Leadership Luncheon (MLL) this Thursday!

This week’s MLL menu from Carrabba’s Italian Grill:
Creamy Parmesan Salad, Lasagna, Dessert*

While Carrabba’s is not generally open for lunch, they host our Thursday luncheons with a private Italian buffet that will open at 11:15am each week - cost $12 (includes 20% gratuity) - and with the private use of the facility.

If possible, please RSVP in weeks you are able to attend, and consider inviting a friend.

Our hope is these luncheons may serve to inspire, encourage, and bless you in a very unique way as you serve in the Marketplace and Business Community of Greater Huntsville and the Tennessee Valley!

MLL Steering Team

*Please note while menu substitutions are not possible, if you notify us of any food allergies with reservations we will try to make necessary arrangements.

Hope to see you at the meeting if your in the Huntsville Area!

Read the previous entries to this Blog and tell your friends.

Have a blessed Day!

J.R. on Tract!

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A Great Story!

November 26, 2007 by John Rasmussen.

To Meet Such A Man:I sat, with two friends, in the picture window of a quaint restaurant
just off the corner of the town-square. The food and the company were

both especially good that day.As we talked, my attention was drawn outside, across the street.
There, walking into town, was a man who appeared to be carrying all his
worldly goods on his back. He was carrying, a well-worn sign that read, ‘I
will work for food.’ My heart sank.

I brought him to the attention of my friends and noticed that others
around us had stopped eating to focus on him. Heads moved in a
mixture of sadness and disbelief.

We continued with our meal, but his image lingered in my mind. We
finished our meal and went our separate ways. I had errands to do and
quickly set out to accomplish them. I glanced toward the town square,

looking somewhat halfheartedly for the strange visitor. I was fearful,
knowing that seeing him again would call some response. I drove through
town and saw nothing of him. I made some purchases at a store and got
back in my car. Deep within me, the Spirit of God kept speaking to me: ‘Don’t go
back to the office until you’ve at least driven once more around the
square.’
Then with some hesitancy, I headed back into town. As I turned the
square’s third corner, I saw him. He was standing on the steps of the store
front church, going through his sack. I stopped and looked; feeling both
compelled to speak to him, yet wanting to drive on. The empty parking
space on the corner seemed to be a sign from God: an invitation to park.

I pulled in, got out and approached the town’s newest visitor.

’Looking for the pastor?’ I asked.

‘Not really,’ he replied, ‘just resting.’

’Have you eaten today?’

’Oh, I ate something early this morning.’

’Would you like to have lunch with me?’

‘Do you have some work I could do for you?’

’No work,’ I replied. ‘I commute here to work from the city, but I
would like to take you to lunch.’

’Sure,’ he replied with a smile.

As he began to gather his things, I asked some surface questions.

Where you headed?’

‘

St. Louis ‘ ’Where you from?’

‘Oh, all over; mostly

Florida ‘ ’How long you been walking?’

’Fourteen years,’ came the reply.

I knew I had met someone unusual. We sat across from each other in
the same restart ant I had left earlier. His face was weathered slightly
beyond his 38 years. His eyes were dark yet clear, and he spoke with an
eloquence and articulation that was startling. He removed his jacket to
reveal
a bright red T-shirt that said, ‘Jesus is The Never Ending Story.’

Then Daniel’s story began to unfold. He had seen rough times early
in life. He’d made some wrong choices and reaped the consequences.

Fourteen years earlier, while backpacking across the country, he had
stopped on the beach in Daytona. He tried to hire on with some men who were
putting up a large tent and some equipment. A concert, he thought.

He was hired, but the tent would not house a concert but revival
services, and in those services he saw life more clearly. He gave his
life over to God.

’Nothing’s been the same since,’ he said, ‘I felt the Lord telling
me to keep walking, and so I did, some 14 years now.’

’Ever think of stopping?’ I asked.

’Oh, once in a while, when it seems to get the best of me But God
has given me this calling. I give out Bibles. That’s what’s in my sack.

I work to buy food and Bibles, and I give them out when His Spirit leads.’ I sat amazed. My homeless friend was not homeless. He was on a
mission and lived this way by choice. The question burned inside for a moment
and then I asked: ‘What’s it like?’

‘What?’

’To walk into a town carrying all your things on your back and to
show your sign?’

’Oh, it was humiliating at first. People would stare and make comments.
Once someone tossed a piece of half-eaten bread and made a gesture
that certainly didn’t make me feel welcome. But then it became humbling to
realize that God was using me to touch lives and change people’s concepts
of other folks like me.’

My concept was changing, too. We finished our dessert and gathered
his things. Just outside the door, he paused. He turned to me and said,
’Come Ye blessed of my Father and inherit the kingdom I’ve prepared for
you. For when I was hungry you gave me food, when I was thirsty you gave
me drink, a stranger and you took me in.’

I felt as if we were on holy ground. ‘Could you use another Bible?’ I
asked. He said he preferred a certain translation. It traveled well and was
not too heavy. It was also his personal favorite. ‘I’ve read through it
14 times,’ he said.

’I'm not sure we’ve got one of those, but let’s stop by our church
and see’ I was able to find my new friend a Bible that would do well, and
he seemed very grateful.

’Where are you headed from here?’ I asked.

‘Well, I found this little map on the back of this amusement park coupon.’

‘Are you hoping to hire on there for awhile?’

No, I just figure I should go there. I figure someone under that star
right there needs a Bible, so that’s where I’m going next.’

He smiled, and the warmth of his spirit radiated the sincerity of his

mission. I drove him back to the town-square where we’d met two hours
earlier, and as we drove, it started raining. We parked and unloaded
his things. ’Would you sign my autograph book?’ he asked. ‘I like to keep
messages from folks I meet.’

I wrote in his little book that his commitment to his calling had
touched my life. I encouraged him to stay strong. And I left him with a
verse of scripture from Jeremiah, ‘I know the plans I have for you, declared
the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you; Plans to give you a
future and a hope.’

‘Thanks, man,’ he said. ‘I know we just met and we’re really just
strangers, but I love you.’

’I know,’ I said, ‘I love you, too.’ ‘The Lord is good!’

’Yes, He is. How long has it been since someone hugged you?’ I
asked.

’A long time,’ he replied

And so on the busy street corner in the drizzling rain, my new
friend and I embraced, and I felt deep inside that I had been changed.
He put his things on his back, smiled his winning smile and said, ‘See you
in the New Jerusalem.’

’I'll be there!’ was my reply.

He began his journey again. He headed away with his sign dangling
from his bedroll and pack of Bibles. He stopped, turned and said, ‘When
you see something that makes you think of me, will you pray for me?’

‘You bet,’ I shouted back, ‘God bless.’

’God bless.’ And that was the last I saw of him.

Late that evening as I left my office, the wind blew strong. The
cold front had settled hard upon the town. I bundled up and hurried to my
car. As I sat back and reached for the emergency brake, I saw them… a
pair of well-worn brown work gloves neatly laid over the length of the
handle. I picked them up and thought of my friend and wondered if his
hands would stay warm that night without them.

Then I remembered his words: ‘If you see something that makes you
think of me, will you pray for me?’

Today his gloves lie on my desk in my office. They help me to see
the world and its people in a new way, and they help me remember those
two hours with my unique friend and to pray for his ministry. ‘See you in
the New Jerusalem,’ he said. Yes, Daniel, I know I will…

I hope you enjoyed the above story! Tell your friends about this Blog!

Have a Blessed Day!

J.R on tract for the Lord!

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Happy Thanksgiving! Have a good Laugh!

November 21, 2007 by John Rasmussen.

Cookies for Giuseppe
=====================

An old Italian man lay perilously near death, his aquiline,
mahogany tinted features composed in stoic Christian
resignation at his approaching end. His mind was very much on
his impending demise, just as his parish priest had suggested,
when he suddenly smelled his favorite anisette sprinkle
cookies.

Their aroma wafted up the stairs from the kitchen to his
twitching nostrils, teasing his until then dulled senses.
Was he dreaming? He summoned some last vestige of strength and
laboriously hoisted himself up from the bed and slowly made
his way out of the bedroom. With even greater effort he
gripped the banisters with both hands and barely managed to
crawl downstairs, step by halting step.

His breath came in painful gasps when he finally collapsed
against the door frame and gazed teary eyed into the kitchen.
If it were not for his aching body he would have thought
himself in Heaven! There, spread out upon wax paper on the
table and on all the kitchen surfaces, were HUNDREDS of his
favorite anisette sprinkled cookies.

How his heart warmed towards his companion of the last 60
years. Wasn’t this, after all, proof of a devoted Italian
wife’s love for her husband? Look how she was seeing to it
that he left this world a happy man!! Yes, admittedly, at
times, she had been shrill or brusque but, Madonna Mia, just
contemplate this sign of true affection for her Caro Giuseppe!

Mustering yet more strength from he knew not where, he lunged
at the cookie laden table and landed on his knees, his lips
parted in expectation, waiting to savor that delectable and
characteristic taste of warm anisette flavored dough crumbling
in his mouth. He could almost feel those wondrous morsels on
his tongue! He felt a new surge of Life rise in him. Weariness
fell from him miraculously. He raised his arm. His withered,
blue-veined hand trembled and reached out, hovered longingly,
lingering just a fraction of a second in hesitation above the
nearest cookie on the table…………WHAAAM!!

Out of nowhere a spatula, deftly wielded by his devoted
Angelina, came down hard and unerringly on his offending hand,
imprisoning it relentlessly against the table’s
surface…..his crippled fingers scrabbled uselessly to retain
the tantalizing cookie.

“But what do you think you are doing?!!?” screeched his loving
wife. “They’re for the funeral!”

I hope the above gave you a little Chuckle! Are you like me and take everything for granted!

We never know what tomorrow may bring! I have experienced much in my life so far! and have prayed for better days many years ago while going thru some trials. I have took finances, health and much more for granted. I have come thru a lot with the Lord. He has brought me through! These last three weeks have been trying with the pain from this infection, However, thank the Lord I have avoided a stay in the hospital. The pain is easing up! I am looking forward to healing in all areas of my health. I feel there is so much to still do with this ministry and to reach people as the Lord leads. Pray for us as we pray for you! I am very thankful for much in life! I could have been born hungry on the plains of Africa! Thank the Lord for Great Parents and his provision, even when I did’t know it! Praise you Jesus! For bringing me and my family thru these many years! Remember to eat your cookies first! you never know what tomorrow brings! Those that seek the Lord shall lack no good thing. Have a blessed Thanksgiving! Call on the Lord while he may be found! Remember from whom all blessings flow! Jesus!

Have a great day in the Lord! Jesus Love and mine!

See what the Father says about you: www.fathersloveletter.com

J.R. on Tract!

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A message to save a life!

November 19, 2007 by John Rasmussen.

I recieved this email about safety and wanted to share it with you:

GREAT TIP FROM LAW ENFORCEMENT

PUT YOUR CAR KEYS BESIDE YOUR BED AT NIGHT

Put your car keys beside your bed at night. If you hear a noise outside your home or someone trying to get in your house, just press the panic button for your car. The alarm will be set off, and the horn will continue to sound until either you turn it off or the car battery dies.

This tip came from a neighborhood watch coordinator. Next time you come home for the night and you start to put your keys away, think of this: It’s a security alarm system that you probably already have and requires no installation. Test it. It will go off from most everywhere inside your house and will keep honking until your battery runs down or until you reset it with the button on the key fob chain.

It works if you park in your driveway or garage If your car alarm goes off when someone is trying to break in your house, odds are the burglar or rapist won’t stick around… after a few seconds all the neighbors will be looking out their windows to see who is out there and sure enough the criminal won’t want that.

And remember to carry your keys while walking to your car in a parking lot. The alarm can work the same way there…..

This is something that should really be shared with everyone. Maybe it could save a life or a sexual abuse crime.

P.S. I am sending this to everyone I know because I think it is fantastic. It would also be useful for any emergency, such as a heart attack, where you can’t reach a phone.

A wife suggested to her husband to carry his car keys with him in case he falls outside and she doesn’t hear him. He can activate the car alarm and then she’ll know there’s a problem.

I hope the above info never has to be used, however, you will know in case of an emergency.

Continue to remember me and my ministry in your prayers. I have came down with and infection that according to the internet medical instructions may take three months of no stress to recuperate. I have had tremendous pain dealing with this and the meds have made me sick to having cramps in my legs that I could hardly sleep. Things happen for a reason I know. I have prayed before this infection for a healing from the Lord. I know this is probably part of the healing process. I am continuing to believe the Lord for restoration of the things lost over the years in my life and for Good things to come. I hope that you my blog and website traffic are in Health and prosperity and that all your dreams for your life come to pass. I have always had great expections for my life. The bible says if you lose your life for Christ, you will find it. I have been given I feel a great vision for this ministry. The only thing is the greater provision. I am relying on the Lord for his provision. A pastor I know once said if he can get money through you for the lords ministries in tithes and offerings, He can get other money to you. I am believing this for this ministry and our needs, it is however in his timing. Thank you for your prayers and pray about your part you may play in this ministry. To learn more about this ministry, you may go to www.ontractforjesusministries.org

Tell others about this blog and be sure to check out our other sites listed on the Blogroll.

Qoute of the Day: Be grateful for your doors of opportunity and for friends who oil the hinges.

What you make possible for others, God makes possible for you!

Have a blessed day in the Lord! Get ready for a Great Thanksgiving!

You may email a note or comment to jrlivn4jc247@aol.com

I would love to hear from you!

God Bless you!

J.R. On tract!

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Did you call me?

November 12, 2007 by John Rasmussen.

=================

God: Hello. Did you call me?
Me: Called you? No… Who is this?

God: This is GOD. I heard your prayers.
So, I thought I will chat.
Me: I do pray. Just makes me feel good.
I am actually busy now.

God: What are you busy at? Ants are busy too.
Me: Don’t know. But, I can’t find free time.
Life has become hectic. It’s rush hour all the time.

God: Sure. Activity gets you busy.
   Productivity gets you results.
   Activity consumes time. Productivity frees it.
Me: I understand. Yet, I still can’t figure out. By the way,
   I was not expecting YOU to call me on instant messaging chat

God: I wanted to solve your fight for time, by giving you some
clarity. In this internet era, I wanted to reach you
through the way in which you would understand.

Me: Tell me, why has life become complicated now?
God: Stop analyzing life. Just live it. Analysis makes it
complicated.

Me: Why are we constantly unhappy?
God: Your today is the tomorrow that you worried about
   yesterday. You are worrying because you are analyzing.
   Worrying has become your habit. That’s why you are not
   happy.

Me: How can we not worry when there is so much uncertainty?
God: Uncertainty is inevitable. Worrying is optional.

Me: There is so much pain due to uncertainty.
God: Pain is inevitable - it will come. Suffering is optional,
you can choose.

Me: If suffering is optional, why do good people also suffer?
God: Diamonds cannot be polished without friction.
   Gold cannot be purified without fire.
   Good people go through trials, but, don’t suffer.
   With that experience, their life becomes better,
   not bitter.

Me: You mean to say such experience is useful?
God: Yes. Experience is a hard teacher.
She gives the test first and the lessons afterwards.

Me: Still, why should we go through such tests?
   Why can’t we be free from problems?
God: Problems are purposeful roadblocks offering beneficial
   lessons to develop strength.
   Inner strength comes from struggle and endurance,
   not when you are free from problems.

Me: Frankly, in the midst of so many problems,
   we don’t know where we are heading …
God: If you look outside, you will not know where you are going.
   Look inside.
   Looking outside, you dream.
   Looking inside, you awaken.
   Eyes provide sight. Heart provides insight.

Me: Sometimes not succeeding fast seems to hurt more than
   moving in the right direction. What should I do?
God: Success is a measurement decided by others.
   Satisfaction is a measurement decided by you.
   Knowing the road ahead is more satisfying.
   You work with the compass. Let others work with the clock.

Me: In tough times, how do you stay motivated?
God: Always look at how far you have come rather than how far
you have to go.
Always count your blessing, not what you are missing.

Me: What surprises you about people?
God: When they suffer they ask, “Why me?”
   When they prosper, they never ask “Why me?”
   Everyone wishes to have truth on their side.
   Few want to be on the side of the truth.

Me: Sometimes, I ask, “Who am I? Why am I here?”
   I can’t get the answer.
God: Seek not to find who you are, but, to determine who you
   want to be. Stop looking for a purpose as to why you are
   here. Create it.
   Life is not a process of discovery.
   It’s a process of creation.

Me: How can I get the best out of life?
God: Face your past without regret.
Handle your present with confidence.
Prepare for the future without fear.

Me: One last question. Sometimes, I feel my prayers are not
answered.
God: There are no unanswered prayers. At times, the answer is
“NO.”

Me: Thank you for this wonderful chat.
God: Well, keep the faith and drop the fear.
Life is a mystery to solve not a problem to resolve.

Trust me.

Have a Great Day in the Lord! And Read the other good post to this blog from previous days!

Say a prayer for me when you can, I have developed an infection and need an answer to prayer!

God is already healing me! I am praying for all my web traffic!

Jesus Love and Mine!

J.R on tract today!

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He knows you! Do you know him?

November 5, 2007 by John Rasmussen.

A LETTER FROM YOUR HEAVENLY FATHER! 

The following words come from the heart of God. After all
God loves you, and He is the Father you have been looking
for all your life. This is His Love Letter to you!

My Dear child,
You may not know me, but I know everything about you. (Ps 139:1)
I know when you sit down and when you rise up. (Psalm 139:2)
I am familiar with all your ways. (Psalm 139:3)
Even the very hairs on your head are numbered. (Matthew 10:29-30)
For you were made in my image. (Genesis 1:27)
In me you live and move and have your being. For you are my
offspring. (Acts 17:28)
I knew you even before you were conceived. (Jeremiah 1:4-5)
I chose you when I planned creation. (Ephesians 1:11-12)
You were not a mistake, for all your days are written in my book.
(Psalm 139:15-16)
I determined the exact time of your birth and where you would
live. (Acts 17:26)
You are fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)
I knit you together in your mother's womb. (Psalm 139:13)
And brought you forth on the day you were born. (Psalm 71:6)
I have been misrepresented by those who don't know me.
(John 8:41-44)
I am not distant and angry, but am the complete expression of
love. (I John 4:16)
And it is my desire to lavish my love on you. (I John 3:1)
Simply because you are my child and I am your Father. (I John 3:7)
I offer you more than your earthly father ever could. (Matthew 7:11)
For I am the perfect Father. (Matthew 5:48)
Every good gift you receive comes from my hand. (James 1:17)
For I am your provider and I meet your needs. (Matthew 6:31-33)
My plan for your future has always been filled with hope.
(Jeremiah 29:11)
Because I love you with an everlasting love. (Jeremiah 31:3)
My thoughts toward you are countless as the sand on the
seashore. (Psalm 139:17-18)
And I rejoice over you with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
I will never stop doing good to you. (Jeremiah 32:40)
For you are my treasured possession. (Exodus 19:5)
I desire to establish you with all my heart and all my soul.
(Jeremiah 32:41)
And I want to show you great and marvelous things. (Jeremiah 33:3)
For if you seek me with all your heart, you will find me.
(Deuteronomy 4:29)
So, Delight in me and I will give you the desires of your heart.
(Psalm 37:4)
For it is I who gave you those desires. (Philippians 2:13)
I am able to do more for you than you could possibly imagine.
(Ephesians 3:20)
For I am your greatest encourager. (2 Thessalonians 2:16-17)
I am also the Father who comforts you in all your troubles.
(2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
When you are brokenhearted, I am close to you. (Psalm 34:18)
As a shepherd carries a lamb, I have carried you close to my heart.
(Isaiah 40:11)
One day I will wipe away every tear from your eyes. And I will take
away all the pain you have suffered on this earth.(Revelation 21:3-4)
I am your Father, and I love you even as I love my son, Jesus.
(John 17:23)
For in Jesus, my love for you is revealed. (John 17:26)
And to tell you that I am not counting your sins. Jesus died so that
you and I could be reconciled. (2 Corinthians 5;18-19)
His death was the ultimate expression of my love for you.
(I John 4:10)
I gave up everything I loved that I might gain your love.
(Romans 8:31-32)
If you receive the gift of my son Jesus, you receive me. (I John 2:23)
And nothing will ever separate you from my love again.
(Romans 8:38-29)
When it's time for you to Come home and I'll throw the biggest
party heaven has ever seen. (Luke 15:7)
I have always been your Father, and will always be your Father.
(Ephesians 3:14-15)
My question is....Will you be my child? (John 1:12-13)
I am waiting for you. (Luke 15:11-32)

With Love, Your Father,
Almighty God

I hope this letter has touched your heart! Jesus Loves you So! Tell others about this Blog!

Be sure to read the previous days post about Franklin Grahams Ministry of Samaritan's Purse.

Pray about our t-shirt shop, We are currently not taking orders, Our webmaster is working on

getting the shipping to calculate within the shopping cart program. I know it is right here at Christmas,

We are believing God for our supply and hope to have things going within his timing and supply of other

things we need. Pray about our ministry and the help we need in all areas, From finance to shipping shirts.

Prayer Changes things as I have said, We are expectant of his answers! Christmas will be here before you know it.

Our t-shirt shop is available for you to look at all the designs of shirts , just don't use the shopping cart yet,

take note of the shirts you would like in future and click by and check the status of our store.

We are still available to fill all your Fundraiser needs for your Church,Group, Non-profit, with shirts

candles,tote bags and Fridge magnets. Just email us at jrlivn4jc247@aol.com for a info packet and

instructions.

Have a Blessed Day!

J.R. on Tract for the Lord!

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Franklin Grahams Ministry

November 2, 2007 by John Rasmussen.

If you are looking for good ways to give your money. You might consider Billy Graham’s Son’s Ministry. It is Samaritans Purse run by Franklin Graham. They have a great catalog that outlines different projects to give to. My favorite for the holiday season is the Shoe box gifts for kid’s around the world. You fill a shoe box with Christmas gift goodies and give to there organization or you can give them a monetary gift towards the purchase of these gift boxes. They are distributed with a message about Jesus in each box and what Christmas means. Many local churches are involved in this program for Christmas. You may check with your church and see if they are sending a shipment of boxes to Samaritans Purse or you may contact them online at www.samaritanspurse.org or call 1-800-353-5957 for a ways to give catalog.

Give a gift of the heart! Touch a child in another country with these special Shoe box greetings!

Pray for us as we pray for you! Pray for Samaritans Purse and Franklin Graham.

Have great Weekend and a start to a new month!

J.R. on tract! www.livn4jc.com

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