Lyli Dunbar's Blog, page 23
July 27, 2017
When God’s Glory Comes Down and Grabs Hold of You
I decided to sit in the registration area on the pretty couch. My goal was to make a friend. I resolved to smile and extend my hand to whoever God sent my way.
You will be brave. You’ve got this.
But my knees were knocking under my maxi dress. As a first time attendee at a conference for women writers and speakers, I couldn’t think of anything witty to say.
I needed a friend. If just one woman would invite me in and be a safe place to land, then I’d stop feeling like I needed to vomit. My stomach was somersaulting just like that day in the 4th grade when I carried my lunch tray into a huge cafeteria full of chattering kids who refused to make eye contact as I looked for an open seat.
I gulped as a brown haired woman walked over with her She Speaks bag and asked if the seat next to mine was taken.
“Please join me,” I responded.
Pretty please with sugar on top. Please be my friend. I am not a serial killer. I promise. I play nice.
I learned that her name was Rebecca, and as she started sharing her story, I lost myself in the similarities.
You do church drama?
I taught drama for years at a Christian school back home.
Me, too. Yay!
She gets me. [Insert sigh of relief here.]
My new best friend and I adopted Lucy — who’d sat down across from us and smiled. We headed to the pre-conference lunch buffet chatting like we’d known each other more than 5 seconds. In the line we started talking to Karen and made it a foursome.
Y’all, in less than 1 hour, God sent me 3 amazing new friends.
All I did was sit in the open and leave an empty seat.
God always shows up if you create open space for Him to show off.
God always shows up if you create open space for Him to show off.
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After lunch, we moved into the conference center for the welcome and opening worship. As I stood and linked arms with my sisters, we lifted up our hearts to heaven and sang a new song:
Here the Word, roaring as thunder
With a new, future to tell
For the dry, season is over.
There is a cloud, beginning to swell
To the skies, heavy with blessing
Lift your eyes, offer your hear
Jesus Christ, opened the heaven
Now we receive, the Spirit of God
We receive your rain...
The downpour of God’s goodness and glory started that morning, and I spent three wonderful days sitting under the teaching of incredibly wise women who are passionate about proclaiming the name of Jesus.
Karen Ehman and Jennifer Dukes Lee both encouraged me to love the women sitting at my own table, rather than looking for imaginary followers that I’m hoping Beth Moore will share with me some day.
Lynn Cowell challenged me to put my big girl pants on and keep going when it’s messy and hard because God’s calling is not about my comfort.
Katy McCown impressed upon me the importance of investing in you, my audience. She told me to pray for you.
Pastor Chris Hodges said I must suit up for success by wearing a garment of praise and assuming the best about others.
Chrystal Evans Hurst argued that interruptions are an invitation to experience an intimate encounter with Jesus.
Whitney Capps kicked my behind by proclaiming: “If you want to change the kingdom, go home and love your local church.”
My heart left Charlotte, NC full. But God was not done speaking yet. He had the sweetest surprise for me in the quiet.
Two days after the conference ended, I still needed a nap to recuperate. My hubby was driving us home, and I grabbed my Bible and decided to catch up on my Old Testament readings. I was about 4 days behind in II Chronicles.
Y’all, I thought for sure I’d be snoozing down the highway in no time. I mean, hello… II Chronicles is not normally my favorite.
I started reading with pen in hand looking for one verse to highlight for each chapter. When I reached the end of chapter 5, my heart skipped a beat:
Indeed it came to pass, when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music, and praised the Lord, saying:
‘For He is good,
For His mercy endures forever,’
that the house, the house of the Lord, was filled with a cloud, so that the priests could not continue ministering because of the cloud; for the glory of the Lord filled the house of God.
God speaks loudest when I stop striving and simply look up and allow His glory to pour down into the quiet places in my heart.
When God’s glory comes down:
Our hearts are filled with praise
When we clearly see the goodness and grace of God, we cannot help put proclaim He is glorious.
I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart; I will glorify your name forever. (Psalm 86:12, NIV)
Our eyes are lifted in prayer
In the light of His holiness, we see our need for mercy and forgiveness and seek a Savior.
O my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to all the prayers made to you in this place. (II Chronicles 6:40, NLT).
Our body is prostrate in humility
Those who fear God forsake pride and fall down in reverence and awe.
When all the people of Israel saw the fire coming down and the glorious presence of the Lord filling the Temple, they fell face down on the ground and worshiped and praised the Lord, saying, “He is good! His faithful love endures forever!” (II Chronicles 7:3)
I went to She Speaks to learn about writing and speaking, but God reminded me it’s all about Him. If I just cut away everything else and center my focus on His majesty, that’s when the magic happens.
When God’s glory comes down and grabs hold of you, everything changes.
When God’s glory comes down and grabs hold of you, everything changes.
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July 13, 2017
5 Ways to Get Off the Crazy Train
Right about 1 PM today, I boarded the crazy train.
Bruce called to explain our plans had changed. Start packing.
I immediately got to work. But, I put the wrong things in my suitcase. Instead of placing peace and joy in my carry on, I decided to weigh��myself down with anxiety and disappointment.
I failed to remember God always wants us to travel light. I won’t have room for all the delightful surprises He has prepared for me if I am cluttered up with unnecessary burdens.
But once I let my emotions derail my purpose, I didn’t know how to get back on track. Have you ever been there? Just in case you feel like you are on about to derail like me, I want to share a few suggestions on how to avoid a train wreck from Psalm 34.
5 Ways to Get off the Crazy Train
Praise Him
Magnify your God, and any pot holes on you path will appear miniscule. Worship and worry will fade from your view.
I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises. (Psalm 34:1, NLT)
Seek His Face
When we look up to the Light of His countenance, the difficult road before us opens up and broadens. Remember He knows the way and will walk with you step by step.
I prayed to the Lord, and He answered me. He freed me from all my fears. Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces. (Psalm 34:4-5, NLT)
Seek Peace
Pave the path with love and friendship. Fight for reconciliation rather than fussing over who is right.
Turn away from evil and do good. Search for peace, and work to maintain it. (Psalm 34:14, NLT)
Walk with Humility
When you are hurt, remember you’ve got a healer. Never nurse a grudge in pride when you can plant forgiveness instead.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; He rescues those whose spirits are crushed. (Psalm 34:18, NLT)
Serve wholly
Don’t get discouraged when people buy a ticket heading in the wrong direction. Keep pointing to Jesus and praying for redemption.
But the Lord will redeem those who serve Him. No one who takes refuge in Him will be condemned. (Psalm 34:22, NLT)
Let’s get off the crazy train and follow the freedom trail with Jesus.
Let’s get off the crazy train and follow the freedom trail with Jesus.
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Friends:��I’m taking a mini blogging break next week. I’d love for you to keep me in prayer before, during, and after the She Speaks Conference (July 20-22). Thanks in advance! xo
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July 6, 2017
4 Reasons Your Soul Should Sing
I hate it when my friends cry. My girls are fighters, but sometimes constantly carrying your sword onto the battlefield gets even the fiercest sword slayer weary.
The enemy of our soul wants to trick us into thinking that all hope is lost. He whispers in the dark: Hang up your sword. You will never win.
But if you slow down and lift your heart to heaven, you will hear your Savior sweetly singing victory over your life.
Even on the darkest nights, God can birth a song in your heart if you tune in and really listen to His love song.
You, my friend, are a songbird. Your life was created to sing His praises.
Emily Dickinson penned a poetic anthem for serenading nightingales like you and me. It’s one of my favorites, and I wanted to share it with you tonight:
Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune without the words,
And never stops at all,
And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.
I’ve heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.
Sisters, I want to remind you that God’s hope never leaves you. You may feel battered by the storms of life at this moment, but you still have so many reasons to sing.
Even when you feel battered by the storm, you still have a reason to sing.
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4 Reasons Your Soul Should Sing
God’s love never fails
You are walled in by God’s love. Nothing can penetrate His shield to destroy you.
Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. (Psalm 33:22, NLT)
God’s comfort is coming
God is willing to step into your pain. Remember His love is already written in red.
Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them. God’s love never fails you. (Psalm 10:17, NLT)
God faithfully answers your prayer
Your wonder working God will always win the day. Your salvation is sure.
You faithfully answer our prayers with awesome deeds, O God our Savior. You are the hope of everyone on earth, even those who sail on distant seas. (Psalm 65:5, NLT)
God overflows redemption
God is in the business of restoration. One day you will look back and see the beauty He birthed in this season.
O Israel, hope in the Lord; for with the Lord there is unfailing love. His redemption overflows. (Psalm 130:7, NLT)
God’s hope syncopates your soul and helps you sing in the storm.
God’s hope syncopates your soul and helps you sing in the storm.
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June 29, 2017
5 Good Reasons to Break Away
Hello there, friends! I am currently on break. I plan on reading a few good books and staying in my pajamas as much as possible. I refuse to paint my face, iron out wrinkles, or slave over the stove.
My hair is in a permanent pony tail, and my sun glasses are near by. I have no idea where I put my monthly bills or bank statements. I left them behind with the dust bunnies.
I packed my comfy pillow, my favorite pen, and a blank notebook.
I will eat plenty of watermelon and drink tall glasses of iced tea with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
As the waves crash into the shore, I will marvel at the majestic beauty of God’s creation.
Next week, I will address the laundry. Maybe.
For now, I am off duty.
I do have a few things on my to-do list this week, and I wanted to share them with you today. If you are a people pleaser and busy body, I hope I haven’t scared you off from reading any further.
5 Good Reasons to Break Away
To Pray
Lift up your heart to heaven and share your secrets with Jesus.
“…but Jesus often slipped away to be alone so he could pray.” (Luke 5:16, NCV)
To Ponder
Listen for His voice in the quiet and ask Him to light your path.
“My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings…Do not turn to the right or the left; Remove your foot from evil.” (Proverbs 4:20 & 27, NKJV)
To Praise
Unplug from the noisy world an plug into worship. Rehearse God’s goodness and grace.
“Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise His holy name. Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things He does for me.” (Psalm 103:1-2, NLT)
To Purify
Refresh your spirit as you slow down and rest at His feet.
“Then Jesus said, ‘Let’s go off by ourselves to a quiet place and rest awhile…’ ”
To Prepare
Catch a glimpse of the greater things your God has planned. Set a few goals to stretch your faith.
“My heart has heard you say, ‘Come and talk with me.’ And my heart responds, ‘Lord, I am coming.’…Teach me how to live, O Lord, Lead me along the right path…” (Psalm 27:8 & 11, NLT)
Commune with Christ in the quiet, and your break away might just lead to a break through.
Commune with Christ in the quiet, and your break away might just lead to a break through.
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The Bottom Line
At the end of every month, millionaires and single moms alike look at the books to examine the bottom line. A rich man wants to know if his well-planned investments yielded a profit. A single mom on a budget is praying she has enough pennies to pay the bills.
When I read Matthew 19, I see men who’ve left it all behind to follow Jesus and want to know the bottom line. You see, the disciples expected a much different Messiah – one who would set them free from political oppression. Now, their pockets are empty, and they are wondering, “What’s in it for me? Is it really worth it?”
I must confess I’ve asked the same questions in the quiet of my heart. If I say no to selfishness and choose to serve the Savior with everything, will I regret the sacrifice? Will I live a scarce life? Does living “sold out” for Jesus really satisfy?
Jesus is telling us to count the cost. Discipleship requires us to forsake everything to follow Him. But, the forsaking doesn’t begin in our bank accounts. We must lay our very hearts on the altar.
Jesus offered up His life for me on a cross. The bottom line is I owe Him everything. Because of Christ, I am rich in joy. I am overflowing with love. I have inexplicable peace.
I’m sharing “The Bottom Line” at Love God Greatly today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
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June 26, 2017
5 Decisive Moves to Overcome Discouragement
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Almost every night when I lay my head on the pillow, the attacks begin. Disillusionment wraps itself up in a thought and pierces my mind in hopes of destroying my hope.
A battle is raging in my mind.
My adversary is unseen and relentless. Discouragement will stop at nothing to take me down.
The enemy wants to destroy my passion and purpose as a Child of God. If I am overwhelmed by fear and doubt, I am an ineffective witness.
Like a well-armed soldier, I must take up the shield of faith and make decisive moves to counteract the onslaught of my vicious opponent.
If like me you are waging a mental war every day as you step out to share the Good News, I want to encourage you to stay in the fight. Never forget that “Greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.”
I pray that these strategic moves will help you to effectively overcome the opposition.
I’m sharing 5 Decisive Moves to Overcome Discouragement at Missional Women.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
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June 23, 2017
4 Signs You Might Crash and Burn
I was almost to the turnpike exit when I heard a ding and looked down at the dashboard to discover an unfamiliar red alert signal.
I quickly grabbed my fancy phone and dialed up my favorite mechanic.
I was completely calm as I filled him in on the details. “Baby, this little red light thing-y just popped up on the dashboard. I’m not sure what it means. It looks like a flat platform foundation with a pole sticking up out of it. Almost like a sailboat. The pole has like flags on it — kind of like a comb.”
He fired off questions like an detective interrogating a suspect. “Is the car making any noises? Do you see smoke? Do you hear the fan running? Look at the dashboard. Is it running hot?”
My heart racing, I scanned the dashboard for several minutes before I located a gauge I’d never noticed before. I gasped as I realized my car was apparently about to catch on fire.
“It’s all the way to the H. What should I do?”
“Pull over now!” he ordered.
I spent the remainder of the morning sitting at a gas station waiting for a flat bed truck to come escort my car back home for inspection. Honestly, I was shocked. I was racing down the highway completely oblivious to the war raging under the hood of my car. If it had not been for the warning signal, the car probably would have imploded into a ball of fire with clueless me strapped into the driver’s seat.
Just like the warning lights in the car, the Holy Spirit will often illuminate a specific area of our hearts to help us diagnose problems as we consult the sacred text in our Owner’s Manual.
Lately, I’ve noticed 4 warning lights on the dashboard of my heart:
My love tank is on empty.
Instead of humming with the oil of joy, doubt and fear are clogging my mental filters.
My grace gauge is all out of whack and causing my forgiveness to misfire.
I am running recklessly low on meekness and self control and emitting fumes of jealousy and pride.
Maybe like me you don’t want to continue recklessly driving on without heeding the warning signals. Let’s pull over to the side of the road together and chat about how to avoid a breakdown.
4 Ways to Avoid a Spiritual Crash and Burn
Stop
We must say goodbye to performance and perfection. Rather than striving to obey rules, let’s set our course on fueling relationship.
For when I tried to keep the law, it condemned me. So I died to the law—I stopped trying to meet all its requirements—so that I might live for God. My old self has been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me. So I live in this earthly body by trusting in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. (Galatians 2:19-20, NLT)
Refresh
We must slow down and cool off hot engine hearts. Ingesting a good dose of common sense and wisdom will helps us see the way more clearly.
My child, don’t lose sight of common sense and discernment. Hang on to them, for they will refresh your soul. They are like jewels on a necklace. They keep you safe on your way, and your feet will not stumble. (Proverbs 3:21-23l, NLT)
Refill
We must only fill up with Truth. Let’s clean out the pollutants in our system for a more efficient and energetic journey.
Summing it all up, friends, I’d say you’ll do best by filling your minds and meditating on things true, noble, reputable, authentic, compelling, gracious—the best, not the worst; the beautiful, not the ugly; things to praise, not things to curse. Put into practice what you learned from me, what you heard and saw and realized. Do that, and God, who makes everything work together, will work you into his most excellent harmonies. (Philippians 4:8-9, MSG)
Watch Out
Yield to the Spirit. The warning signals in our heart always indicate when we need routine maintenance.
So watch your step, friends. Make sure there’s no evil unbelief lying around that will trip you up and throw you off course, diverting you from the living God. For as long as it’s still God’s Today, keep each other on your toes so sin doesn’t slow down your reflexes. (Hebrews 3:12-13, MSG)
Avoid a spiritual crash and burn by regularly tuning up your heart.
Avoid a spiritual crash and burn by regularly tuning up your heart.
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June 18, 2017
Awaken Your Senses to the Father’s Love
[image error]When my husband and I got engaged, his friend Hal thought it was necessary to educate me on the ways of marriage. Hal was schooled in matrimony by his wife from Venezuela, and now that he was no longer wild and free, he considered himself a marital expert of sorts. We were standing in front of my new undecorated house, and Bruce was helping unload my many heavy bundles from the car.
“Soon, she will call you, Papi, and you will come running,” he predicted. I bristled at the remark. “Papi” is a Spanish term of endearment for Father, but many Hispanic women also use it as a pet name for their husbands.
I looked at Bruce and declared, “I promise you, I will never call you Papi.” That was 8 years ago.
I’ve discovered much about the love of the Father by observing my husband. He delights in playing peekaboo with our grandson. He delays judgment when the phone doesn’t ring on his birthday. He dedicates hours at his workbench to fix a beloved toy. He consistently deposits gifts of grace in our lives and never demands anything in return.
When I am heartbroken and ready to give up, Bruce will often reach out to enclose me in His loving arms and say, “Come to Papa.”
Friends, we are secure in our Father’s embrace. He loves prodigals and cry babies and spoiled brats alike. He longs to shelter us.
I’m sharing “Awaken Y0ur Senses to the Father’s Love” at Flourishing Today.
To read the rest of this post, join me here.
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June 16, 2017
5 Keys to Living a Resolute Life
I stood in front of the bathroom mirror staring at a hypocrite.
I’d spent a solid week drowning my sorrows with junk food, and now I was sick to my stomach.
Rather than pressing into prayer and feeding my spirit, I’d chosen to channel surf and gorge on M&M’s.
My spiritual arteries were clogged, and I decided to take desperate measures to clean up my diet and flush out the poison.
I marched to the kitchen, grabbed the ginormous bag of button-shaped delight, and emptied it into the trashcan.
Bruce gasped in horror. I am quite sure he thought I’d gone mad.
Now, I was a woman on a mission. I opened up the fridge and picked up my drug of choice.
You are not the boss of me, Coca Cola.
I screwed off the cap and smiled as the fizz guzzled down the drain.
Today was a new day, and I resolved to choose life.
We all need to clean out the clutter from time to time. Negative emotions, half truths, and fear can weigh us down and slow down our progress.
I don’t know about you, but I want to live a resolute life rather than rest on my laurels.
Don’t rest on your laurels. Live a resolute life.
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5 Keys to Living a Resolute Life
Remember
Cherish friendships as gifts of God’s grace. Celebrate the unique beauty in every individual.
I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts he has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. (I Corinthians 1:4, NLT)
Refresh
Fight for unity. Don’t allow divisions to destroy your God-given destiny.
I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose. (I Corinthians 1:10, NLT)
Roar
Speak life. Stay on message.
The message of the cross is foolish to those who are headed for destruction! But we who are being saved know it is the very power of God…This foolish plan of God is wiser than the wisest of human plans, and God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength. (I Corinthians 1:18 & 25)
Radiate
Never shy away from an opportunity to share your redemption story. Always point to God’s goodness and glory.
Therefore, as the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the Lord. (I Corinthians 1:31)
Respond
Stay in step with the Spirit. Tap into the unlimited power source at your disposal daily.
And my message and my preaching were very plain. Rather than using clever and persuasive speeches, I relied only on the power of the Holy Spirit. (I Corinthians 2:4)
Resolve to life a resolute life, and you’ll have no regrets.
Resolve to life a resolute life, and you’ll have no regrets.
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June 9, 2017
5 Ways to Stay Prayed Up and Prepared
I was determined not to miss a very important phone call this week.
Shame paid me a visit yet again, but I hung up and redialed heaven instead. I refused to allow the bully to rent space in my head.
Instead, I kept my scheduled appointment with a wise woman. My favorite pen in hand, I scrambled to capture every detail on paper.
She has experienced tremendous success, and I wanted to learn her secret.
Where should I invest the bulk of my time? What action plan should I implement to achieve my goal?
Her answer was quite simple.
Stay prayed up.
Are you prayed up?
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The woman who has conquered the mountain more than once informed me to fall flat on my face.
The way up is down.
You don’t need to scheme or plot or maneuver. Prepare on your knees.
No cross. No crown.
I am reminded that on the night before Jesus faced the cross, He flung Himself at the feet of the Father.
We are called to watch and pray, my friends. Why do I forget?
Tonight, I sat at the feet of the Master Teacher and asked Him to school me in Prayer 101. I thought I’d share my takeaways with you in case you need a little refresher course, too.
5 Ways to Stay Prayed Up and Prepared
Face the day early
Jesus started His day before the roster crowed and laid out His plans before the Father. He had a daily agenda meeting with God.
Before daybreak the next morning, Jesus got up and went out to an isolated place to pray. (Mark 1:35, NLT)
Follow a simple blueprint
Have a list of bullet points handy to corral your crazy thinking. Every soldier has a battle plan.
Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may Your name be kept holy. May Your Kingdom come soon. May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven. Give us today the food we need, and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one. (Matthew 6:9-13)
Focus your heart upward
Invite the Lord to have His way in you. Yield to Spirit and crucify your flesh. Surrender your agenda to His leading.
Father, if You are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine. (Luke 22:42)
Foster a culture of forgiveness
Remember you are a sinner and extend grace to the fallen and the fearful alike. Wounded people will see your witness when you choose not to condemn.
Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing…” (Luke 23:34)
Flee to your Defender
Ask God to surround you and your loves ones with His power, provision, and peace. Access the storehouse of His provision and arm yourself with His protection.
I am not praying that You take them out of the world but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth. (John 17:15-17, HCSB)
So here are my marching orders as I prepare for the She Speaks conference:
Before you speak a Word, speak to the Father.
Before you speak a Word, speak to the Father.
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