Daniel Plan a Great Aid in Health and Weight Loss

Posted on May 3, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Clip Art Credit: lisastollmanrd.wordpress.com

What a shock – I am still in shock – today as I went to purchase new jeans! When I started the Daniel Plan on Jan 1, I was size 42 waist – Relaxed Cut (for fat people). I have given those pants away AND given away my size 40 pants, which I had in storage (previous photo posts on Facebook at The Daniel Plan). I have been in my size 38 jeans for a week or two and went to purchase some for an upcoming trip – and bought size 36 REGULAR cut! Praise God for the Daniel Plan!

On June 1st, 2010 I began a journey to lose 50 pounds in 50 weeks. I struggled throughout the summer, fall and into the holidays only losing 18 pounds – I was way behind in my weight loss and discouraged again over my inability to get off the excess weight.

Then my pastor, Rick Warren, shared his vision for the coming Decade of Destiny. The first major component of the coming decade was The Daniel Plan (Overview video). I was on board immediately.

While we have learned together as church, I have watched as the weigh has fallen off – to date I have lost close to 40 pounds in the first 4 months of the New Year! I am close to 60 pounds of weight loss since June 1st, 2010!

Among the amazing results of this new lifestyle (its not a diet) I have noticed:

  • Increased energy
  • Sleeping through the night (Had bouts of insomnia before)
  • Snoring stopped (Melodee, my wife, loves this one!)
  • No more use of antacids (used to pop these at night like candy)
  • Running half of my 4 mile daily exercise course now
  • Greater clarity of mind
  • New clothes (as mentioned above)
  • Mood swings have disappeared
  • Excited about God’s dream for my life for this Decade of Destiny and beyond!

I highly recommend that you check out The Daniel Plan (Website link) – you can start any time. (You will hear a LOT about this next year! Why not get a jump on others and demonstrate your Eagle Leadership again?)

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Want to Draw Closer to God?

Posted on May 2, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: wordjourney.com

God can feel distant … even if we have come to know Him in a personal relationship.  Enjoying an intimate walk with God seems impossible, yet it is something God longs for with you, and that’s the focus of Dr. Matthew Lee Smith’s How to Have An Exciting Daily Devotional Seminar!

The How to Have an Exciting Daily Devotional Seminar has helped thousands regain the closeness and freshness their faith longed for. Pastor Matt is an experienced speaker and gives encouraging, energetic and helpful presentations based on his experiences alone with God.

Dr. Smith is available to speak to any size group. (He will provide a free autographed copy of one of his books to the host of the event.)

Invite author, pastor, leadership developer, professor and podcaster Dr. Matthew Lee Smith to speak to your church, men’s group, Sunday School class or retreat.

To Schedule: Admin[at]EaglesInLeadership.org

Can’t Wait For a Seminar?

Dr. Smith has written two daily devotional helps you can order today:

Daily Devotional Helps: In His Image and In His Presence

Each book walks the reader through a year-long journey with God. In His Image restores the truth that “God Created You to Love You!” In His Presence invites the reader to “enter into God’s presence with the joys and pleasures of intimacy!”

To Purchase: Copies available at –

Amazon.com or EaglesInLeadership.org

About Dr. Matthew Smith

Dr. Matthew Lee Smith is the executive director of EaglesInLeadership.org, a ministry dedicated to “Encouraging Achievement in Godly Leaders by Emphasizing Servanthood” (EAGLES). He has been a pastor, trained leaders, counseled and spoken at conferences across the USA and in Mexico.

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2 Kings – The Fall of Israel

Posted on May 1, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: biblesearch.com

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

2 Kings: The Invasion and Captivity of Israel By Assyria (about 300 years)

Second Kings is a recounting of the destruction of both sides involved in the Civil War of Israel. It demonstrates the constant warnings of God through His prophets, attempting to call His people back to Himself. Also shown is the limits of God’s grace to a people who are stubborn and rebellious. We will split the book into halves. First, we will read about …

The Fall of the Northern Kingdom (2 Kings 1-17)

In this section note …

  • The ministry of Elisha the prophet. (2 Kings 1-8)
  • The struggles of the Kings of Israel and Judah. (2 Kings 9-16)
  • The fall of Israel. (2 Kings 17)

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

Technical Difficulties Last Week

For those reading these blogs through our Emailer, we apologize for you missing the week’s posts. A technical error caused the posts not to feed into the Emailer. However, all of the posts are available at our website and you can read them all here.

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Why Do We Gather Each Week to Worship?

Posted on April 29, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Photo Credit: risingsunchurch.org

Recently a church leadership team asked me the following question: “What is the purpose of the church weekly gatherings? “ As I thought about their question, I realized that the New Testament has much to say about the worship of God’s people on a weekly gathering. Among those statements,

  • Whatever else is done, worship must be done in spirit and in truth. (John 4.23-24) Many churches worship with lots of spirit but little truth – this can lead to fanatical heresy. Many other churches worship with lots of truth and little spirit – this can lead to Phariseeism. Every worship celebration should be a time of raving worship in spirit and passionate application of truth.
  • Whatever else is done, worship should provide an opportunity for the following elements from time to time. The following is exemplary, not exhaustive …

o   Explanation of our justification in Jesus (Romans 1-4; Galatians 3; Ephesians 1-3)

o   Encouragement in our sanctification process (Romans 5-8)

o   Reminder of the consequences of rejecting Christ (Romans 9-11; Galatians 4)

o   Call to total commitment to Christ (Romans 12)

o   Honoring of government in all we do (Romans 13)

o   Joy / responsibility of our liberty in Christ (Romans 14; Galatians 5)

o   Commitment to the nurture and unity of the congregation (Romans 15-16; 1 Corinthians 1; 3;  Ephesians 4.1-16; Galatians 6; Ephesians 4)

o   Focus on the pathway of humility as Christ’s follower (1 Corinthians 2; 8-9)

o   Calling of the congregation to maturity (1 Corinthians 3; Ephesians 5)

o   Reminder of the mission we are on (1 Corinthians 4)

o   Call to individual spiritual purity (1 Corinthians 5-7; 2 Corinthians 6-7)

o   Honoring of marriage and families (1 Corinthians 7; Romans 9; Ephesians 5-6; Hebrews 13)

o   Communion (1 Corinthians 12.17-26)

o   Spiritual examination (1 Corinthians 12.27-34)

o   Opportunity to utilize spiritual gifts when they are appropriate to the worship experience (1 Corinthians 12.1-11)

o   Diversity in worship expression (1 Corinthians 12.12-31; 14)

o   Centrality of loving God and all members by sacrificing one’s personal desires for the benefit of others (1 Corinthians 13)

o   Focus on the resurrected Lord (1 Corinthians 15; 2 Corinthians 2-5)

o   Generosity in giving (1 Corinthians 16; 2 Corinthians 8-9)

o   Forgiveness of the repentant (2 Corinthians 2)

o   Equipping for daily spiritual warfare (2 Corinthians 10; Ephesians 6)

o   Reminders of the glory in suffering (2 Corinthians 11-12)

o   Emphasis on God grace as the measure of life (Galatians 2)

So why do we worship? Here is a partial list of the purposes of worship from my worship pastor, Rick Munchow of Saddleback Church …

  • Worship is a time to be informed – so the message must clarify God’s purposes. (1 John 5.13; Luke 5.27-28; John 16.12)
  • Worship is a time to be inspired – so the messenger must cast the vision and raise the bar. (1 Corinthians 4.16)
  • Worship is a time to be influenced – so the worship team must lead them to their next spiritual step. (1 Corinthians 18.6; John 14.5-6; Mark 5.18-19; Proverbs 13.20)
  • Worship is a time to be invigorated – so the service must empower those who have gathered in Jesus’ name. (Matthew 18.20; 1 Thessalonians 2.11)
  • Worship is a time to be invested in – so the service must equip our people for purposeful living. (Acts 1.8; Romans 15.13; Proverbs 14.12; Ephesians 3.16, 20-21
  • Worship is a time to integrate faith and practice – so people need to be able to see practical application of biblical principles. (James 1.22-24; 1 Corinthians 4.20; 1 John 3.18; 2 Peter 1.7)
  • Worship is a time to initiate newcomers into the community – so we need to welcome guests and tell them they can belong here. (Romans 15.7; Ephesians 1.3; Romans 6.3-4; 2 Peter 1.12-13
  • In worship, we are trying to create an atmosphere of: 1) Expectation (Matthew 9.29); 2) Celebration (Psalm 100.2); 3) Affirmation (Hebrews 10.25); 4) Incorporation (1 Peter 3.8); 5) Restoration (Psalm 51.10, 12); and 6) Liberation (2 Corinthians 3.17).

When you gather this weekend, with God’s people, remember YOU are not the audience. We come to address an audience of ONE! Since He knows all about you, go ahead and share ALL of you with Him in the worship center. He will so appreciate your testimony of intimacy.

If you would like help with designing worship, leadership development or the discipleship process, we are here to help you with all of your leadership needs. Contact us for individual, leadership team or corporate consultation.

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Transformed Interviews Larry Osborne about "Sticky Teams"

Posted on April 28, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

In today’s episode of the Transformed podcast, we explore the treacherous world of pastoral leadership.

Matt’s guest today is Larry Osborne, lead pastor at North Coast Church in northern San Diego County. 

As they discuss Larry’s new book, Sticky Teams, Larry will expose the hidden roadblocks, structures, and goofy thinking that sabotage even the best-intentioned teams.

Then, as the interview progresses, he explains to us what it takes to get (and keep) a board, staff, and congregation on the same page, sticking together as a unified, healthy, and dynamic team.

We know you are going to greatly appreciate today’s interview.

Matt wants to make sure you pick up a copy of Sticky Teams for everyone on your leadership board and start working through this great resource. You can do that here.

How good is it? As Pastor Geoff Surratt says: “This is the stuff we thought they’d teach us in seminary.”

About Larry Osborne

Larry Osborne has served as a Senior Pastor and Teaching Pastor at North Coast Church since 1980. He has helped oversee the growth of the church from a fledgling group of 128 meeting in a rented school, to a multi-site ministry that reaches nearly 7,000 in weekend attendance.

Larry is also an author and a nationally recognized trainer of pastors. His books include STICKY CHURCH: Slamming the Back Door Shut, 10 DUMB THINGS SMART CHRISTIANS BELIEVE, SPIRITUALITY FOR THE REST OF US and THE UNITY FACTOR: Developing A Healthy Leadership Team. He travels extensively speaking at conferences and mentoring pastors and church planters across the country. His latest book, STICKY TEAMS, was released by Zondervan in April 2010.

In addition to his work as a pastor and writer, Larry also serves as an adjunct professor in the doctoral program at Trinity Evangelical Seminary and as president of the North Coast Training Network – an arm of North Coast Church dedicated to helping pastors across the country maximize their ministry.

North Coast Church has been recognized as one of the ten most influential churches in America as well as one of the most innovative. Pioneers in the use of Video Worship Venues, North Coast launched the first ever Video Venue in 1998, starting what is now known in ministry circles as the “Multi-Site Movement.” Each weekend, North Coast offers over 20 different worship options on multiple campuses – each targeted at a specific demographic or geographic audience.

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The Fall of the Kingdom of Israel in Splinters (1 Kings 12-22)

Posted on April 27, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: dorasdaddyspeak.blogspot.com

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

The Fall of the Kingdom of Israel in Splinters (1 Kings 12-22)

Fathering is not a well-achieved role in the lives of these leaders in the Old Testament. As we see the failure of another key leader to train his son, the effects this time have disastrous and long-term consequences for the people of the nation of Israel.

  • In the first steps of leadership by Solomon’s son Rehoboam, he seeks to impress his friends instead of influencing a nation, resulting in a civil war that ends in the total and complete destruction of Israel! (1 Kings 12)
  • In the first days of the rebellion of Israel from Solomon’s son, God makes the same promise to the rebel leader Jeroboam that He had made to David! (1 Kings 11.38)
  • In the first days of the rebellion of Israel, Jeroboam makes idolatry the core of his leadership base, thus rejecting God and dooming his nation forever! (1 Kings 12-14)
  • In the continuing days of the rebellion of Israel from Judah, the kings of Israel continue in the wicked ways of Jeroboam, further distancing themselves from God and any hope of future return to His blessing. (1 Kings 15-22)

The lesson from this section of God’s Word is simple: The failure of a leader at home is the future failure of a people! What can you do to make your parenting / leadership better this week?

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook. 

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

Check Out Dr. Smith’s latest blog on ChurchCentral.com!

Almost Isn’t Good Enough is call to live out the compassion of Jesus’ heart in a world of suffering and hopelessness. A man who decided one day to make a difference globally writes about what he has learned, hoping to challenge you to make a difference in your world in your generation. Read more here …

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Weeding the Garden of Our Soul

Posted on April 26, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general. Today we want to explore …

Weeding the Garden of My Soul

Repenting of Daily Sins

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting. ” (Psalm 139:23–24, NKJV)

“How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. ” (Job 13:23, NKJV)

Each morning, in my time alone with God I pray these two prayers by these two giants of the faith. I am captivated by the power of their words. They make a time of reflection for me, as I wait for God to answer. After praying them, I wait for God to answer my prayers, and he most certainly does!

I have learned there are 6 things I need to weed from my soul every day.

  • I need to weed out my heart. Here is who I am, what I feel, how I act all wrapped into one word. The “heart” is often spoken of as meaning heart, mind, inner person. The primary usage of this word describes the entire disposition of the inner person that God can discern.[1] How often do I need God to show me where I have allowed the weeds of faithlessness and selfishness to creep in and grow?

  • I need to weed out my anxieties. What surprised me was this one – those disquieting thoughts that take away the peace (shalom) of God from my heart and soul. I have come to realize that when I am anxious (read: worry), I have lost my faith in God’s ability to resolve my problem and that he has already allowed into my life to test my faith (James 1.3).

  • I need to weed out my wicked ways. While I need to avoid the blatant sins this would immediately conjure up, there is a more subtle, practical reality at the core of this failure before God. Essentially this is the sin of irritability and anger, which often breaks out upon others. The [word “wicked”] relates to physical pain as well as to emotional sorrow.  Words similar in Hebrew are “to writhe,” “to be hot (with anger),” “to grieve,” “to become tired, weary,” “to be irritated, angry,” “to be bitter, despairing,” “to feel a disgust,” “to trouble” (Ps 78:41), and the noun “turmoil.”[2] This is a common weed in times of stress.

  • I need to weed out my iniquities. So often I get off the path of God’s plans for my life. I take a turn God never intended. In every instance, I realize it when I feel lost or I am in pain. Repenting (turning around) and seeking direction is at the center of my time alone with God at this point.

  • I need to weed out my transgressions. The fundamental idea of the root is a breach of relationships, civil or religious, between two parties.[3] How many times have I come to God asking for forgiveness and help with broken relationships – either with him or with others? And God answers! I can’t survive long without repairing relationships.

  • I need to weed out my sins. At its core, this is the most generic of the areas I need to ask God’s light to shine on. I simply ask God to show me where I’ve missed the mark in his sight, just as a dart thrower misses the bull’s eye. So often I just miss the mark and don’t accomplish what God desires.

Perhaps now you can see why I need to weed the garden of my soul each morning. Maybe you do too? I am sure you have learned some ways to do this that would be beneficial to all of us! Would you be willing to share what you have learned with the rest of us by leaving a comment? Thank you!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

[1] Baker, W. (2003). The complete word study dictionary : Old Testament (537). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.

[2] Harris, R. L., Harris, R. L., Archer, G. L., & Waltke, B. K. (1999). Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (electronic ed.) (687–688). Chicago: Moody Press.

[3] Harris, R. L., Harris, R. L., Archer, G. L., & Waltke, B. K. (1999). Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament (electronic ed.) (741). Chicago: Moody Press.

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Small Groups Build the “One Another” Dimension of Our Faith!

Posted on April 25, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: currie-baptist.org.uk

Often church leaders ask me, “How can we help our people care for one another more? I like to refer them to Acts 2 and ask them if they have a dynamic small group ministry.

When I first came to faith, I joined a small group (long before they were popular or even named “small groups”). Those key leaders of 3 generations discipled me and encourage me. I can safely say that the depth of my faith came as we did life together. I was discipled, disciplined and directed into the mission of Jesus through these dear men and women who became more than friends, they are family to this day!

Those dynamics, and so many more, are part of the original plan of Jesus found in the New Testament. Let me say clearly that small groups are born as people gather in genuine love and care for one another. (Acts 2.42-47)

1.      In a small group we are able to talk freely about the things that matter most to everyone. (Acts 2.42)

  • We are able to talk about the Pastor’s message and how we are working it out in our daily lives.
  • We are able to draw closer to one another and discover the joys and burdens others are living through.
  • We are able to enjoy great food from the hands of those who come together, thus revealing who we are all the more.
  • And we are able to immediately pray for the burdens of those who are dear to us, showing our love and compassion.

2.     In a small group, we are able to share in the financial and practical needs of those in our growing spiritual family. (Acts 2.44-45) And in the small group is where the church meets the needs of others!

  • When we gather in our small group, we become a family, a unity of God’s people in a place!
  • When we gather for small group, we care enough to meet each other’s needs, as a family would normally do.
  • When we leave the small group and head for home, the Spirit of God motivates us to consider ways we could meet the needs of those at the meal.
  • When we give sacrificially, we invest with the love of God in such a way so as to bring joy and praise to all who hear!

3.     As the small groups continue over time, this practical demonstration of the love of God wins the hearts of men and women. (Matthew 18.20; Acts 2.46-47)

  • Assembling for worship every week was essential to their spiritual understanding in their hearts.
  • Meeting for fellowship in their homes every week was vital to the spiritual demonstration of their faith.
  • Combining these dimensions of the spiritual life each week was essential to their spiritual magnification of God!
  • Gathering for small groups in their homes each week was critical to their spiritual evangelism of the world.

If you would like help with small groups, leadership development or the discipleship process, we are here to help you with all of your leadership needs. Contact us for individual, leadership team or corporate consultation.

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An Action Plan For Establishing A Small Group Ministry

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: ragamuffinsoul.com

Many churches ask me, “How do we grow our people into deeper faith?” As the Gospels and the book of Acts demonstrate, the best way to grow your faith is to live it in community! Jesus chose 12 to be around him. Paul constantly has a circle of men around him, training them for life and ministry.

It is my sincere belief that small groups are THE primary discipleship / leadership tool for the church. If you are considering starting a small groups ministry, I would encourage you to consider the elements of the following action plan …

  • 1st phase 6-12 months: Develop a relationship with the body, understand the church, the community and the city. This would include getting to know people, leaders and the pastor’s heart (if not you). You are seeking to grasp the corporate culture and history, the vision, dream and mission of the church on a visceral level. Seek to discover what makes the leadership and people tick. Look for hurts, habits and hang-ups that keep people stuck. Part of this time should be involved in vision casting, discipleship and leadership development. The end of this phase would be marked by having organized and established “the roadmap for spiritual growth ” at your church through the elders and pastors. At this point you will want to discuss why you want small groups, what is the purpose of small groups, what is the purpose of Sunday School (if you have one), how do you make all of these work with to your central mission statement. Small groups must complement the mission of the church, or they are just a fad that will eventually die off from lack of participation.
  • 2nd phase 6-12 months: Begin implementing the roadmap for spiritual growth. Small groups aren’t something you do, its something that causes spiritual growth. Therefore, leadership development becomes of great importance here. This is something that is unique to every church and follows the growth benchmarks in the New Testament. In your roadmap, design it to fulfill your church purposes.

  • 3rd phase (at the same time): Launch of small groups off of targeted fall campaign as set forth by the senior pastor. Focusing the congregation around a central time to host a new group brings about a significant increase in the number of small groups / people involved in them. Constantly be starting new groups with each fall campaign, as well as throughout the year. The pastor needs to encourage people each week to join / start a new small group. Those could be on their college or work campus, in their homes, at the local coffee shop or where ever. The best, most effective small groups happen off the church campus.
  • 4th phase: Establish the leadership components for the small group hosts to grow them in ministry / mission. This is an ongoing process that involves incorporating all of the training aspects of the roadmap and adding additional components on group health, etc. This process is part of the alignment of the mission and purposes of the church and the needs of health and growth of the groups.

As always, we are here to help you with all of your leadership needs. Contact us for individual, leadership team or corporate consultation.

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The Rise of the Kingdom of Israel in Splendor (1 Kings 1-11)

Posted on April 22, 2011 by Dr. Matthew Lee Smith

Artwork Credit: forums.civfanatics.com

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

1 Kings: The Rise and Fall of a Nation Leading to Civil War (about 130 years)

The book of 1 Kings traces the history of the northern ten tribes during the civil war of Israel (called Israel in this section of the Bible). We watch as these kings all reject God and follow the practices of idolatry and wickedness.

The Rise of the Kingdom of Israel in Splendor (1 Kings 1-11)

As David passes from the scene, his legacy continues on. In both the good and the bad, David’s influence and effect is seen in the reign of his son Solomon. Notice the opening days of the new King of Israel, Solomon …

  • As the days of David’s life grows short, David proclaims his son Solomon as King of Israel. (1)
  • As the days of Solomon begin, Solomon avenges his father David upon the enemies that would undermine his leadership in the future. (2)
  • As the days of Solomon continue, Solomon requests wisdom from God to lead the people of Israel, and God gives him wisdom and riches and honor. (3)
  • As the days of Solomon are established, Solomon prepares and builds the temple of the Lord, desired and designed by his father David. (4-7)
  • As the days of the Temple construction end, Solomon dedicates the temple in a prayer that God honors for the rest of the days of the Bible. (8-9)
  • As the years of Solomon continue, Solomon turns from the Lord by not controlling his lust for foreign [read: ungodly] woman. (10-11)

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

Check Out Dr. Smith’s latest blog on ChurchCentral.com!

Almost Isn’t Good Enough is call to live out the compassion of Jesus’ heart in a world of suffering and hopelessness. A man who decided one day to make a difference globally writes about what he has learned, hoping to challenge you to make a difference in your world in your generation. Read more here …

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