Category Archives: Faith

October 1st 2018 – Visions From God

“In the first year of Belshazzar king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head while on his bed. Then he wrote down the dream, telling the main facts.” (Daniel 7:1)

It was a time of rumblings in the kingdom of Babylon. Nebuchadnezzar had been dead for at least 15 years. His successors had been in bloody power grabs leading into this time when Daniel received a vision from the Lord. Daniel, in many ways was outside of the public eye, yet in Daniel chapter 7, he receives one of the most amazing prophetic visions from the Lord in all the Bible.

Perhaps you have found yourself in an obscure situation, feeling like you want to start over somewhere else. Perhaps like the apostle Paul you have been, or at least felt like you have been in prison to a situation or circumstance. Like Daniel in obscurity Paul received many letters from the Lord to write to the churches he had planted. These letters are part of the New Testament we have today. Did you know that you can also see a vision from the Lord in the middle of your situation? As long as you are willing to pursue Him with all your heart He will be faithful to work in you and with you even in the most trying times.

(Daniel 7:13-14) “As my vision continued that night, I saw someone like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and sovereignty over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language would obey him. His rule is eternal—it will never end. His kingdom will never be destroyed.”

Isaiah also saw a vision of God’s throne in Isaiah chapter 6 where he was given a mission to be a witness on behalf of the Lord. Isaiah felt himself unworthy to deliver God’s message so He was given a sign in the vision that encouraged him to fulfill his mission. When God imparts a vision of himself into our lives it invokes a change upon all that we are, conforming us into the image of Jesus and empowering us to know Him and make Him known. Take the time to be persistent with the Lord in prayer, diligently digging in His word and faithful in fellowship with other believers in Christ. It is in our walking after Him in these things that our vision of Him is enlarged in such a way our lives will be eternally impacting.

“A real vision will change your perspective, change the way you speak and change your heart toward God and toward others. So don’t run from it, engage in it!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You that You are willing to impart to me Your will and vision for my life even when I’m not in the best of circumstances. Please forgive me when I lose sight of You. And please continue to give me the power to pursue You with all my heart. I know that You will give me the vision to see You as I walk after You in faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 28th 2018 – God Still Heals

Leave a reply

“Now God worked unusual miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons were brought from his body to the sick, and the diseases left them and the evil spirits went out of them.” (Acts 19:11-12)

In this verse, we see that it is God who works the miracles out among people, not Paul. This is an interesting section of scripture that some have twisted for their own monetary gain in the selling of such items as prayer cloths and other “miracle producing items”. The miracles were not from the handkerchiefs nor from Paul, but from God. These were merely the instruments God used. We should desire to be God’s instrument. God used unexpected means to restore health to those who were ill.

The Bible is a supernatural book. Jesus, our leader who died and didn’t stay dead, offers us eternal life. While this passage is not a model for ministry, it does demonstrate that God can work through various unconventional means to draw people to Him. God used Paul to heal people then, and God still uses people today. Did God use Paul to heal everyone that he came across? No. Some were healed and some were not. Remember, Paul prayed for God to heal him and apparently Paul was not healed. We should pray for God to heal others and even expect God to heal them while trusting in His will.

(2 Corinthians 12:8-9) “Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

God said to Paul, “I am not going to heal you but give you the grace to get through it.” Sometimes God doesn’t heal us and take us out of our situation or condition, but He gives us the strength to go through it. When He heals, we can give Him the glory. When He doesn’t, we are made stronger in our walk with Him.

“God can and still does heal people.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for giving me the strength to endure the difficulties of this world. Please help me to keep my focus on You and not on those difficulties. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 27th 2018 – Rightly Dividing God’s Word

Leave a reply

“Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

To rightly the divide the Word of God it takes times of reading it, meditating on it, and also studying it. Each way opens up the truth of the Word. I look at the Word of God like a miner seeking for gold. Yes, he might get lucky and find some on the top, but most gold takes a lot of digging and working.

When we open our Bibles and start reading it, sometimes things can jump right off of the page and we are amazed and we get all excited. But there are other times that we read the Word and nothing really hits us. That’s when we need to ponder and chew on it for a while. Do it during the course of the day.

You might say, how do I do that? Here, let me show you a couple of different ways. When you find a verse that speaks to you write it down or put it on the wallpaper on your phone, then, throughout the day look at it, say it a few times and think about what it’s saying to you personally.

Before I got a Smartphone, I used to write scriptures on 3 by 5 cards and carry them with me, or hang them in places I would go, like a mirror, or on the door of the fridge. Be creative and you will see that you will be digging up nuggets before you know it. His Word will be rightly divided in your life and you will be used for the kingdom of God, who is not ashamed.

“One who uses the Bible as his guide never loses his sense of direction”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Starting today, I’m going to be a doer and a digger of the Word. I’m going to let the Your Holy Word have first place in my life and study it so that I can rightly divide it and not be ashamed. I also ask that you allow me to experience Your word visually while reading and meditating on it. Give me insight and understanding on the scriptures. We ask this in Jesus precious name. Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 25th 2018 – Come, I Will Give You Rest

2 Replies

The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.” (Revelation 22:17)

In 2005 I experienced compounding events that ripped my world apart. It wasn’t only that my wife (who was also my best friend) decided to walk out of our children’s and my life without notice, without explanation. I also had a stroke not long after caused by the stress and anxiety of the breakup, trying to strong for our young children and continue to run our business.

I won’t go the details of the next five excruciating years of rehab and trying to relearn how to function and think clearly, how to do the things I used to take for granted everyday. But out of that tragedy, I found the Lord, I started a new life, and eventually with lots of prayer He granted me beautiful Christian wife and best friend.

In June of 2012, I’m my quiet time with the Lord, I felt the Lord prompting me to share His word and message to others. To share my testimony of how He rescued me and started the process of restoration in my personal life.

Scriptural Seeds was started by Roy and myself to honor the Lord and share biblical teachings of the scriptures, no personal opinions just Gods word and application in daily devotions.

The first three years were posted on only facebook and the following five years was on the Scriptural Seeds website.

Not one day has passed that we have not posted the Seed daily 2200 days consecutively close to 8,000 hours of writing. Countless hours of prayers. It still humbles me that we get on average 40,000 views a day worldwide. Even with all the trials and opposition from the enemy for sharing Gods word, close to 100,000 people have come to personally know Jesus Christ via this ministry. All because of surendering to the Lords prompting and making the commitment to be present and serve Him daily. Jesus did the rest.

However, the opening scripture represents something all of us really want: rest, relaxation, and time off. I have to remind myself that even Jesus took time off. In Mark we read,

Then the apostles gathered to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. And He said to them, “Come aside by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they did not even have time to eat. So they departed to a deserted place in the boat by themselves. (6:30–32)

Imangine the conversation.

(Apostles) “Lord, this happened. That happened.”

(Jesus) “Have you guys had lunch yet?”

(Apostles) “We are too busy to eat.”

(Jesus) “Come on. Let’s get some lunch. Relax a little bit. You need to rest. You need to recharge. Come aside with Me.”

If we don’t come aside, then we will come apart.

Jesus has something to say to the person who is exhausted and worn out. He has something to say to people who have been chewed up and spit out by life — people who are frustrated, who are hurting. Here is His personal offer of rest to those who will respond: “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:28-30)

This passage above gives us the Christian life in a nutshell. Here we see what it is to come to, to know, and to walk with Jesus Christ. This invitation stands today, but it won’t stay that way forever. What is the invitation? Jesus says, “Come to Me.”

That’s it? Yes, that’s it.

It’s so simple, yet so profound. And we see this same invitation echoed throughout Scripture. It all begins with coming to God . . . approaching Him . . . seeking Him . . . opening our hearts to Him. Never doubt it. He will respond.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we call upon You in the middle of our exhaustion, That You give us the strength to heavy burdens. We long to feel the warmth and love of Your divine compassion. Be mindful of us and have mercy on us while we struggle in life’s hardships that come. When fear and panic, shock and dismay are close by, so are you. May we always recconize you , Keep us ever in Your watch until these times of opposition of life pass. Thank you for the Church Body. In Jesus’ precious and glorious name, Amen.

Personal Prayer Request.

I personally am facing complete exhaustion, These events came in the form of spiritual attacks. The enemy has been orchestrating opposition around every corner for a very long time, I can actually relate to the book of Job. I do trust and seek the Lord daily. I keep pushing forward, in the midst of the chaos. But I feel weak, exhausted. I know God loves me, I know God can help us with the circumstances. I now petition the Church Body to pray for my wife and I. That by some miracle the circumstances will change and we could have a time of relief and not opposition for sharing Gods word in such a lost world.

We have never asked for or received any donations. However we have reached a point where I am asking God for a new direction and answers. The emails, and request are overwhelming to me. I am not only strained from 50 hr a week career, the Seeds takes another 30 hrs. I am weary and exhausted..

If you personally feel prompted to pray, volunteer or feel led to help support this ministry, so much more can be done to minister and share Gods word. Please reach out and contact me at roblavallee@gmail.com

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 22nd 2018 – The Journey

Leave a reply

“Now Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. So he came to a certain place and stayed there all night, because the sun had set. And he took one of the stones of that place and put it at his head, and he lay down in that place to sleep.” (Genesis 28:10-11)

Jacob had quite a journey in front of him. He would be traveling hundreds of miles to eventually reach his destination. Even though Rebekah and Isaac sent him to find a wife, the reality of his brother Esau wanting to kill him was there. This journey was not like the journey we would be taking today. This would be a journey in a wilderness, traveled by foot. At this point in the journey Jacob had been walking all day. He was tired enough to lay his head on a stone and fall asleep.

Right before this journey we see that Jacob received a promise from his father. He was told that he would have the fat of the land, plenty of grain and wheat, people would serve him, and that he would inherit land. Now in the wilderness, on the run from his brother, that thought had to be conflicting. It would be to anyone? Jacob had been told that he would inherit the promise, but the promise was yet to come.

Do you find yourself there today? Has God given you a word for your life, but you are stuck between the promise and fulfillment of the promise. Take heart because God is using scenarios in your life to do an amazing work in your life. God will fulfill His promise in due time. In the meantime He is doing a transformative work in your life.

“When you find yourself in the place between the promises and fulfillment, Take heart that He is doing a transformative work in you.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for always working on my behalf. Give me the strength to Trust You in the good times and bad. I am thankful You are always faithful even when I question or don’t understand. Continue to do Your work in my heart. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 20th 2018 – The Spiritual Solution

Leave a reply

“For the Lord God is our sun and our shield. He gives us grace and glory. The Lord will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right” (Psalm 84:11)

As Christian’s there are times in our lives where we experience times and situations where things look rather bleak. We may not understand why, but what we need to remember is to call on the name of the Lord, and He will intervene.

Here in our nation, if you watch the news and listen to the arguments and pointing fingers between the political parties, things are looking rather bleak. But God says, “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from Heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

This is basically what God is saying, “Check this out. Call on Me, and watch what I will do. Pray right now for a revival in your land. Watch how I will intervene.”

It is God’s desire to bless us. And did you know that God wants to bless us even more than we want to be blessed? Psalm 84:11 tells us, “For the LORD God is a sun and shield; the LORD will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.”

Often the reason we pray is because we have a need, we have a crisis. We need a healing . . . we need direction . . . we need financial provision. We pray because we are in trouble. It is not as though God simply gives us everything we have ever wanted and our lives are free of problems or conflicts. Rather, God will allow conflict in our lives so we will see our own weakness and then see the greatness of God as we depend on Him.

I don’t believe the ultimate need of our nation will be solved by a new president or by new members of Congress and Senate. I believe the real need for America will be met by a spiritual solution. Therefore, we need to pray for true healing for our nation and ask for revival!

“God will allow conflict in our lives so we will see our own weakness.”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for the Bible. It is through these pages that we find life and light. Within Your Word, there is the story of our salvation in Christ and instruction on how we can live victorious lives. Teach me Your ways and help me grow in wisdom and understanding. Father, we pray not for shallow selfish ends, but for Your great glory and kingdom. Cause us to come to You in true humility, brokenness and contriteness of heart. May this be time Lord, that this nation falls on its knees in prayer and that a revival sweeps across our land and true healing can begin because of changed hearts, A Great Awakening! In Jesus’ Glorious and Holy Name. Amen!

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click Here to learn more.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 19th 2018 – Is God Listening

Leave a reply

“O LORD, how long shall I cry, And You will not hear? Even cry out to You, “Violence!” And You will not save? (Habakkuk 1:2)

There are times in life, as a believer, that we feel like our prayers are getting struck out. Whether because of a trial or just loneliness, we begin feeling that God doesn’t care. Even the prophet, Habakkuk, experienced these emotions. He watched as Judah went from a godly nation to forgetting the law of God almost overnight. He cried out for God but felt that God was not listening. Have you been there?

Sometimes we may all find ourselves in that place, but we must understand the truth. The truth is that as a child of God, we have direct communication with Him no matter how bad we feel or where ever we are. No matter how difficult our life is or how hopeless it seems, God is always there.

(Ephesians 3:11-13) “according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him. Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my tribulations for you, which is your glory.”

Did you notice the words “boldness, access and confidence?” Because of Jesus, we can come to God knowing that He is listening and that He cares for us. So the next time you feel like your prayers are hitting left field, trust in this verse and pray with boldness because God is listening, and He loves you dearly.

Gods answer to Habakkuk.

“Look at the nations and watch – and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. (Habakkuk 1:5-7)

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I am so thankful that You listen to my prayers. I come to You with boldness asking for Your continued grace and mercy on my life. Lord continue to be my encourger and forgive me when I say I can’t do, or it’s too difficult to learn something new. Help me realize that I have meaning and are needed by you in Your minisrty. I need encouragement and confidence when I feel like I have little to offer. Help heal my loneliness by not choosing to be lonely. Fill me with Your Spirit and guide me into Your ministry that You have for me today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 18th 2018 – I’m Here With You

Leave a reply

Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” (John 20:15)

Jesus asked two very insightful questions of Mary at this point: “Why are you weeping?” and “Whom are you seeking?” Often in life, we find ourselves in a place where we feel like crying and other times find ourselves in tears. Jesus sees those tears and wants to dry them… if we will let Him.

We need to allow Jesus, sometimes through the hands and wisdom of others, to tend to our tears. Whatever the circumstance, life threatening Illness, brokeness of a marriage or loss of a loved one, spouse or child. Jesus is the answer to our pain..He will comfort us.

Sometimes though, we become strangely comfortable with pain and sadness. They become almost like old familiar friends. Jesus wants to be the better friend. For some, it may mean breaking a cycle long established and for others, it may mean coming out of a short season of pain.

Seek Jesus. Realize that in the midst of trial, trouble, turmoil and temptation, He is there with you. You may need to turn around to face Him. He wants to pull you out of your problems and liberate you from sadness, but before He does, He wants to walk with you through the valley. Even when you are in the valley of the shadow of death, He is there. May you know He is there to dry your tears, lighten your load and be a closer friend than any you have ever known. Loved one, right now take a few minutes out of your busy day and turn to Him. You will be glad you did. And so will He.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, Thank You for sticking by me through good times and bad times. You are the true friend. Sometimes, I become content to wallow in self pity. Please forgive me for that and humble me to allow You, through the hands of others, to comfort and even challenge me to trust you and Your promise. Please help me through the times of panic, the times when the pain is crippling and I cant breathe. Hold me close Jesus when I feel all alone. Remind me that You are here and Love me when I am unable to see past the pain. I pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Watch “Here With You – Hillsong Worship” on YouTube

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 16th 2018 – Trusting God In All Things

Leave a reply

“But [Joseph] did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus” (Matthew 1:25)

Some people are good at the immediate. They can jump right into anything, but they are not always good at “keeping on keeping on.” And other people are good at lasting, but it takes them a long time to get there.

To live the exciting life of faith that God has planned for you, you need to be good at both the immediate and the lasting. And both of those require that you keep on trusting in God.

Joseph didn’t understand what it meant for Jesus to have a virgin birth, he didn’t understand Jesus would be God in human flesh. But he knew what God told him to do, so Joseph kept on trusting. He was a newlywed who didn’t get a honeymoon, and his new marriage was not anything like he planned, but he still kept trusting.

What are you going to do when life doesn’t work out like you planned or wanted?

I want to encouraged you by what the Apostle Paul says in (2 Corinthians 4:8) “We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit”.

I don’t know why some people are diagnosed with terminal cancer. I don’t know why some children rebel so strongly against their parents. I don’t know why so many things happen that don’t make sense. So it’s encouraging to hear one of the greatest men of faith say, “I don’t know why things happen as they do, but I still choose to not give up.”

It’s good to know that we can trust God and that he knows things we don’t. He has promised that one day He will set everything right. One day He will bring together everyone who trusts in him.

Until then there are two ways you can live your life. You can live feeling like God owes you an explanation or you can live realizing God has given you great gifts.

If you live life feeling like God owes you an explanation, you will only wind up in a constant state of bitterness, because God doesn’t owe you anything.

But even though He doesn’t owe you anything, He has given you everything. He gave you his own Son. He gave you the gift of eternal life. He gave you the promise of being together with him forever. Those are great gifts.

“Do you trust God for the things that you don’t understand? Or do you seek the answers for yourself”

“When we don’t understand what God is doing in our life, consider the source – Who is it that you’re trusting, God or yourself?”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask that you place within me your obedient spirit so that I may be obedient to your instruction. Help me Lord to walk by faith and not by sight. I don’t always understand what you’re doing in my life, but I make a decision to trust you God, In all things, I ask that you place within me your spirit of joy, peace and rest to endure all that comes my way. Right now, I make a decision to trust you Lord because I know that you’re in control of my life even when my life seems to be out of control. Lord, I thank you for clarity, guidance, provision and strength. I pray and ask for these things in Jesus name’ Amen.

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you have never asked Jesus into your heart or want to recommit. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

September 12th 2018 -Downhearted and Discouraged

Leave a reply

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me.” (John 14:1)

Have you ever felt troubled in your heart? Maybe agitated, stressed out, or uncertain about tomorrow?

There is a lot to be afraid of these days, isn’t there? Maybe something has happened to you recently that has turned your world upside down. Maybe you’ve found yourself wondering whether God really is aware of the problems you’re facing right now.

That is exactly how the disciples of Jesus felt. They were downhearted and discouraged. When they were all gathered in the Upper Room for the Passover feast, Jesus told them that one of them was going to betray Him. Then He identified Judas Iscariot as the betrayer. Not only that, but Jesus also said that Simon Peter would deny Him—not once, not twice, but three times. Peter! Could it really be? The whole world turned upside down for these men. And then, worst of all, Jesus began talking about leaving them, about being crucified. Can you blame them for wondering, What in the world is going on here?

Maybe you feel that way. Maybe there is uncertainty in your future. As you survey your fears and concerns today, take a few minutes to consider what Jesus said to His disciples and to us in that tense Upper Room: “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me” (John 14:1). This verse could also be translated, “Let not your heart be agitated or disturbed or thrown into confusion.”

In other words, “Don’t let these things throw you! Put your full trust and faith in Me!”

God does not want us to ever to be overcome by feelings of defeat and despair in spite of the crushing blows we receive. He has given us His powerful word full of encouragement and hope to strengthen us instead. Ultimately, His will for us is that we live our lives in victory.

“When your lost and can’t seem to find your way, Considder God and seek Him for guidance, encouragement and hope!”

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, I ask You to replace sadness my with joy, defeat with victory, and weariness with praise. Help me when I feel defeated, weary or sad to focus on Your blessings in my life rather than on my circumstances. Remind me to praise You the Father at all times so I may obtain life and hope. I ask that You bring all things to my memory that concern You and Your plans in my life. Holy Spirit, please increase my hope as I focus on Your Word. Help me to not be conformed to this world, but transformed by the renewing of my mind. Strengthen and renew me in my innermost being. Destroy the fiery darts of the enemy that attempt to pierce my souls. May always always hear Your voice and obey Your will. Father, help me to overcome today fears. Thank You for the ones in my life that Love me. I praise You and Love You Lord in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Here is a list of crisis numbers for 24 hour help line. Click on the link for help —-> Broken Believers

If you are in need of prayer for yourself or others, please Click Here

If you are seeking Jesus in your life or want to recommit your life to Him. Click here to learn more.

Rob Lavallee

Scriptural Seeds Ministries

http://www.scripturalseeds.org

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: