If you are reading this I thank you because it tells me you are all about love and you think this new journey is pretty cool. Also, if you are reading this you want an update, read on...
This Saturday I am heading for the red dirt of Georgia for a week of training camp. It's about to get real. This is where:
World racers bond over living outdoors
Receive important information
Meet our squad mates aka new family for 11 months
Experience crucial spiritual preparation
Financial details:
Y'all have raised an amazing $12,000 which leaves a mere $3,500.
God is good and I know this money will be raised but if you at all feel a nudge to give, NOW IS THE TIME!
<link to support yo girl on the left side of the home page of my blog>
A recent surprise was the cost of gear, shots and meds. Shots alone are $1500. Gear is crucial since our clothing options are limited therefore gear is another $1500. If you feel comfortable donating monies directly to me knowing it will fulfill these needs, that would be an answered prayer. <Checks addressed to Ellie Baker and mailed to the following address: 5616 w. 61st terrace Mission, KS 66202>>
<1 of many trips to the doctors office. shot #3 of 11>
<mastered the ability to assemble my new home>
<necessary meds for 11 months overseas>
My friends as this trip draws near, it is CRUCIAL a prayer team is established that will meet monthly to pray for me on this incredibly difficult journey. Prayer is powerful from any mouth therefore "where you are" in your faith is irrelevant. If you care for me and believe in Him, your prayer can move mountains. If you are interested contact me ASAP at: ebaker7057@yahoo.com
I'm a little over a month away from leaving for 11 months to love our family all over the world who are sick, lost and broken.
This journey isn't about me, but brining together people from all nations.
Your support isn't just for me but for the babies without parents, people dying from aids and the women trapped in sex trafficking.
If you feel called to love in this way please take that step and be involved through prayer or financial giving.
My people you are an answered prayer. Thanks for caring. Thanks for loving. May you be experiencing His crazy love today!
I'm a Young Life leader. I'm a sister. I'm a mentor. I'm a friend. I'm a teacher. I'm a daughter.
Regardless of who I'm around, I hear the same thing over and over, a diss on Christianity. Christianity is boring. Christianity is about being good. Christians don't have any fun.
The more and more I read the bible, the more this disturbs me. The same lie that tripped me up is trippin everyone else up, we're looking at human beings to determine the legitimacy of God, not the Man himself.
Fact: Jesus was a radical dude.
Fact: Jesus broke all the rules.
Fact: Jesus sought out the poor, lost, sinners and crippled.
Fact: Jesus possessed average looks yet everyone wanted to be with him.
I think our twisted view of Christianity is what keeps us from faith, not our actual being. Let me break it down, the reason you are not living for Christ is because you are looking too much at the person in the mirror and not the face of your creator.
"For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot."
-Romans 8:6 & 7
I never truly understood what being a Christian was about, I didn't get His trip to the cross was for my freedom not an act to guilt me into following Him.
"For the law of the spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death."
-Romans 8:2
If you possess the same mindset I did for years you believe that living for God is like preparing a resume of good deeds to eventually produce when arriving at heavens gates in hopes that you pass the test. My people I didn't get His love was a gift that had no requirements.
Reality check: He doesn't require church. He doesn't demand prayer. He doesn't require good deeds.
Where do we get this perception that God is a like a school principle? An authority figure you want to avoid at all costs because spending quality time with them usually implies we did something wrong.
Does he discipline?Yes because He loves. Do we face hardship? Yes because He wants to bring us closer to him. Do we get everything? No because He knows what is best.
He does not lecture but pulls us into a comforting hug. He does not put us down but lends us a hand to lift us off the ground.
We forget that He loves. He gives. He delights. He dances. He is faithful.
Constant prayer. Willing obedience. Viewing discipline as love. Strong faith. Perseverance in hard times. Thankfullness in the midst of hardship. These come when you understand His love for you. A majority of my years as a "Christian" were spent in what I call a cycle. My attempt to be a good Christian was out of guilt and a feeling of duty therefore my good behavior was short lived and I continuously found myself in a place of helplessness, confusion and questioning His existence because I kept messing up.
God intended trials to be used for good, pain for joy, hardship for character. Our emotions, experiences and relationships with others often cloud our ability to see God for who He truly is.
Truth: He promises us a life with Him. To change us to be like Him. To teach us how to love like Him. My faith did not come over night. My faith came when I stopped trying to be the "perfect" Christian I saw at Sunday service. I refuse to put on a front because truth is, I'm a mess but it has become a testimony, not a stain I try to get out in the wash.
Jesus was a wild dude who didn't follow the rules yet experienced no regret and no sin, who was rewarded and blessed by His heavenly father. No other relationship is selfless and ruled by grace. No other love demands nothing yet gives everything. If I'm going to take a risk sacrificing everything for a heavenly God, it's going to be for the one who promises to bring us life to the full. Considering I would never take back the day I chose to be a radical, I'd say I made the right choice.
"For in this hope we are saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do ot see, we wait with patience." -Romans 8: 24 &25
I lay in my bed about to go to sleep, so exhausted from the emotions and stress I'm currently facing and having no idea how to put my feelings into words.
Here is how to describe it....I'm called to leave my loving family behind. I'm called to leave my students and Young Life kids behind. I'm called to leave my beautiful Lincoln community behind.
It's down to the wire. I'm about to fly solo, Just me and God. Going to be with a group of people I don't know. Living out of 1 backpack I have no idea how to pack. Accepting that my body will most likely fail me multiple times.
At the end of the day I shall believe. Believe that he knows best. Believe he has something "better." Believe living life for others is living life to the full. Why I believe this, I don't know but you see, I've put myself in a position where I have no choice. At this point, telling me not to go would be like telling Beyonce not to sing.
I fight this new path. I become selfish. I think I've done my good deeds. I deserve a break. Why me?
He reminds me. He created me therefore he knows exactly what I need. He died on the cross to forgive my sins therefore he has no intent but to give me freedom and life in what he offers. To choose a different path, would be like settling for a single m& m when someone offers you a sundae. It makes no sense.
Friends, pray for me. Pray for yourself. We have to come to a point where we believe that it's not about us but only him and his love. Until then life is meaningless. My devo stated this
"Every hardship was intentionally orchestrated by Jesus to build your character."
At this point I can't not believe, I'm at the point of no return. At this point all I can say is #YOLO (You Only Live Once). Although we are going to live for an eternity in heaven (PARTY), we are only on this earth once therefore I must allow him to use me every day, every hour, and every minute. If I don't go on this journey, I will regret it and that is a word I freed from my vocabulary the minute I gave my life to Christ. I don't intend on incorporating that back into my vocab anytime soon.
I ask for your support, even if you don't believe in a Jesus. Even if you think what I'm doing is unsafe or stupid. I need your prayer and love and I'm asking for you to stand beside me on this. Your call.
Faithfully yours,
Ellie
Below is a video put together by a world racer near the Dominican Republic. When I watch this, I realize, why would I want to be anywhere else??
Update: this past week was the first week back at school and man, it is ROUGH. You have finally gained good rapport with your last group. You earned their respect and trust but life moves on, and a new quarter has arrived. New faces fill my room. Faces that look upon me as an authority figure, a person whose purpose is only to control them.
The hardest part about being a teacher and working with adolescents is knowing the pain they face on a daily basis. Knowing they are unaware that they are loved by a heavenly father who has a better life to offer them.
My kids look at me and I see it in their eyes, distrust. They have already faced pain that has left them broken and hurt inside. They see my desire to help them but past experiences has taught them to keep your guard up. People are not good. People deserted you. People are the ones who got you into this helpless state you're in. You are the only one you can trust.
I see it in the faces.....
Where was I when their dad left them for another family?
Where was I when their parents drug addiction forced them to be the parent?
Where was I when they were forced into having sex?
Where was I when their family member committed suicide?
Where was I when they were physically beaten by someone who claimed to love them?
It doesn't matter that I wasn't able to help them because I was unaware of the situation, the fact is they were left unprotected. I demand their trust and respect yet I understand why they hesitate, I'm one more person who has left them to face this corrupt world ALONE.
I can relate with my kids and strongly believe their feelings towards me are justified. Truth is, I do this with my Lord Jesus. Every day I wake up having to battle the doubt that creeps into my being about whether he truly knows what's best for me. Whether this Jesus thing actually does any good.
I wasn't loved like I needed.
You weren't there for me.
You didn't answer my prayers.
People denied me.
I'm not strong enough.
I don't have anything to offer.
There's no way my sins can be washed clean, not after what I did.
I'm scared to look like a Jesus freak.
Too many people need help.
The corrupt always win.
You already abandoned them.
I don't have time.
I don't have money.
Someone else will do it.
We deny the life Christ wants to give us.
Sometimes I am so similar to my kids......
They become upset when they receive consequences for misbehaving, not understanding it is out of love that I must punish them.
They are embarrassed and ignore me when they know they have done me wrong, if only they understood I don't hold it against them.
If their grade begins to go downhill they give up on themselves and skip class, not giving me a chance to help them get back up on their feet.
They come into my classroom and I can tell they are insecure. Feeling inadequate about their appearance. Viewing themselves as ugly or fat. If only they could see themselves through my eyes, as precious and beautiful.
Teaching has shown me how often I have a misconception about my Jesus and his love. I am not perfect but why do I think that is what he expects of me? Why do I hide when I screw up? Why do I pass by his people when I know I am called to love?
I'm a Christian admitting I have left my people to fend for themselves. I fail to follow his word. I struggle to do what he wants me too. I ignore those he calls me to help.
Reality check: I deny him on a daily basis. You deny him on a daily basis. We can choose to focus on the moments we chose not to love or look ahead and ask God to give us the strength to do what he asks.
"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?'
The king will reply, ' I tell you the truth, whatever you did for the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Mathew 25
This is what I've decided: Regardless of what this world has taught me. Regardless of what my kids go through and the horrendous stories I hear on a daily basis. Regardless of the hurt and anger I see in the world around me. Regardless of the mistrust and doubt I see in the eyes of those I attempt to love. I will choose to believe that my same heavenly father is also a father to every face I see.
A father to my homeless friends on the street.
A father to the corrupt and evil.
I will choose to trust that my father loves my kids more than I ever can.
That my father has the ability to take care of every child whose parents have abandoned them.
That my father will use the bad in this world to glorify him.
That my father will never forget even one of his children.
The greatest commandment is to love. The opposite is denial. You have a choice. You make a choice everyday. I pray one day, if not now, we will realize God knows what is best for us. The man we often deny, is the only one who can truly take care of us. The only one who never abandoned us.
"Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you!" -Isaiah 49:15
In every circumstance, may we not forget, there is a father out there who has mad love for you and for me.
Your doubting sister,
Ellie
*A huge inspiration for this blog is an amazing book given to me by my friend Marilyn called "Kisses from Katie." If you are looking for a good read and have a passion for missions, I highly recommend this one :)
Hello my people- You just watched a promo video that my skillful friend Robert Morrison put together. This stellar video is one of many examples of how people have used their time, skill and energy to shine love into my life and those I will encounter on my journey. Praise! Lincoln has been an amazing support system in my life and it's super awesome to give you a small picture of this wonderful community.
With the help of so many, I am overjoyed to report the recent "pledged" total:
$10,297.94!!!
PRAISE on PRAISE on PRAISE.
That leaves only, $5,202.06 to raise. My goal and prayer is to have the ENTIRE AMOUNT "pledged" by the time I leave in July. That is 4 months from now, do your thing God! I thank those who have already graciously donated their money, taken time to speak with me or spread the word, and most importantly said a prayer or two for your girl. Please continue to pray for me on this crazy and overwhelming journey.
I have to share something that is very difficult to admit.
My #1 priority (besides spending time with Jesus) is my body image. My day revolves around trying to figure out when I will have time to work out and what it will consist of. As of 2 years ago, I have followed a strict gluten-free diet (stomach reasons) aka I'm forced to eat healthy. I now have issues eating unhealthy food. Let me clarify, this is not a confession to an eating disorder but a struggle of a person who always denied caring about her body image.
Instead of viewing my body as a beautiful creation and work of God, I struggle to not see it as a cheap, knock off brand that belongs on the clearance rack.
We live in a culture that communicates to us that a perfect body leads to the perfect relationship, career and status. Reality check: we were created in God's image therefore we were made for his pleasure and to glorify him.
"Your beauty should not come from outward adornment...Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight." -1 Peter 3:3-4
Our culture has twisted the definition of beauty, something that was possessed on the inside has somehow become an outward trait that can be purchased or obtained with sacrifice and hard work.
Men: Know that every woman, no matter how physically attractive struggles with this. It does not take a lady with a low self-esteem to be down on her body image.
Pause for a second, if you looked at the pictures below, which body image seems more beauitul? healthy?
Get my point? We must stop and ask ourselves, to what are we evaluating our beauty? Is it the word of God or the 100's of images we see on a daily basis?
Ask yourself this....
Why do you work out? To respect what God has given you and ensure that the time given to you on earth is not threatened by your health OR to obtain the "perfect" hot body you see modeled on tv?
Why do you eat healthy? Is it out of appreciation for a God who has provided you with food to sustain your body OR is it out of a desire to achieve a slim and "sexy" figure?
or the opposite extreme....
Why do you eat unhealthy? Is it to gain some control over your life when you feel you have none? Is it to release stress or due to feelings of inadequacy?
Ladies-Why do we dress the way we do? Is it to demonstrate God's quality work and help our men stay focused on our God OR to turn heads and trick ourselves into thinking the attention received from men on our bodies is the same as his interest in our personality.
Men- How do you treat women? Do your actions and words encourage women to flaunt their inner beauty OR do your unrealistic images of physical beauty transform women into physical objects to be had?
I look forward to The World Race, being in an environment where working out at the gym is not an option and unhealthy American food is no longer available. Where my body can be used to glorify God on a daily basis and a perfect appearance is impossible to be had due to the lack of resources (straightener, make-up, etc.). Where I am not striving to find a man aka my actions and words towards the opposite sex are pure with no hidden agendas. To simply be with God and learn how to be like God.
Here is why I'm disturbed.
Why is it so difficult to obtain this in America?
Why do I feel this can only be accomplished in a foreign country?
How can beauty once again be something that we possess and not something we strive to obtain?
How does our health and body imgae become a Kingdom matter?
I don't have an exact answer or method, but I do know that we have to redefine beauty and pray to see it in ourselves. Pray to see it for what it truly is and not trick ourselves into thinking it is unattainable. Pray that we learn how to bring out the beauty in those around us, to refrain from negative self-talk and replace it with encouragement. I'm sick of being owned by this fake version of beauty and I've decided to search for the true meaning of beauty.
"to grant to those who mourn in Zion- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, oil of gladness instead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he may be glorified." -Isaiah 61:3
A role model of a woman who has truly discovered her beauty>>Miss Queen Latifah
May you find your true beauty and may we all be about the Kingdom.
We're told that being single means there is something wrong with us.
They think we're fools.
We're told music is only legit if it's about sex, drugs or money.
They think we're fools.
We're told the only way to be happy is through money.
They think we're fools.
We're told we don't have any sense of self control.
They think we're fools.
We're told a "quick fix" is the way to deal with problems.
They think we're fools.
We're told emotions are for the weak.
They think we're fools.
We're told the church is for those who have it together.
They think we're fools.
News flash: Do you realize that EVERYTHING in our world revolves around striving for something we cannot obtain?
They think we're fools and that we can easily be convinced our life is inadequate, boring, or a lost cause without (blank). Society communicates that happiness has to be bought.
Surgery. Diet Pills. Memberships. Cars. Clothing. Drugs. Alcohol. Even relationships.
Reality check: Living for these things, REQUIRES something of us, it is NOT free.
"The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." -John 10:10
The Lord God doesn't require a resume, certain look, or economic status. JUST YOU, the way you are NOW. Hard to comprehend? I see this in my kids every day and it pains me. They feel inadequate and are constantly striving for a life that will never truly satisfy. I will see this on The World Race. The corrupt are just as much victims as those who are victimized. Real talk: We've all been corrupted.
No age, nationality or economic status is protected from the pressures of our culture.
""....Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. Go and learn what this means, I desire mercy, and not sacrifice. For I came not to call the righteous, but sinners." -Mathew 9: 12 & 13
This is what I've concluded: Our culture thinks we're fools but we know of something better. Someone who died for us and gave us a gift for FREE, Jesus. They think they've got us but they don't know we serve a God that's bigger and worth more than anything obtained on this earth.
"For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh." -Romans 7:3
Jokes on them.
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." -Romans 14:17
Tonight a certain dude chose to support me, he received $317.13 then turned around and graciously donated the money to The World Race. We're not hopeless and we're catching on to the fact that this world has used and abused us.
People are hearing the Gospel everyday.
People are entering a life of freedom.
People are choosing to live selfless lives.
People are choosing to use their money to bless others.
"In the path of righteousness is life, and in the pathway there is no death." -Proverbs 12:28
We're NOT fools but a people who are acknowledging we're criminals and taking our case directly to the Lord God. Believing in the power of salvation and his ability to give us a good conscious. Announcing to the world it has used and abused us for far too long.
Rising up and shaking off the things of this world like it is dust. A dirty substance that no longer belongs on our glorious bodies. Praise the Lord God on high our world is changing, starting with you.
Your not so foolish sista',
Ellie
Rap music can be used to praise God. Word of advice: watch the entire video, it has a powerful and important message.
This morning has gone as usual. Wake up at 5 AM, very slowly get dressed and pack a lunch (hint that I'm officially a teacher) then head to Starbucks to prepare for the day (coffee + bible = fab combo). Lately, I've been doing a lot of reflecting and the World Race has suddenly become something that is scary and overwhelming.
Over the last few days I've been on the struggle bus of emotions. I've started to randomly cry at family events or when discussing anything taking place in the future that I won't be here for. Let's just say God and I have officially been going AT IT.
Reality has hit.
I love Lincoln and the community formed here. (Side note: Due to my parents divorce at 8, I have internally and unconsciously taught myself to NOT become attached to people. I am an expert at getting to know EVERYTHING about them while keeping a safe bubble around myself that often goes unnoticed). To my dismay, Lincoln and the people here have managed to pop my bubble.
My Young Life and high school kids have captured my heart. My roommates at the Catdaddy have become my rock. The list goes on and on....you get the picture. I can't deny it any longer, I will miss this place and I will very much miss these people.
Even shallow things have become sacred. I love Starbucks coffee (it's officially an addiction). I love Panera. I love wearing my high top Nikes. I love cruising in my car and listening to my music. I love crawling into my big comfy bed.
I'm content not knowing anyone whose body has been sold for sex against their will. I'm content not knowing any children who have died simply because their area lacked proper sanitation facilities. I'm content not knowing any children whose parents have abandoned them so they live on the street, stealing and doing drugs to survive. I'm content not knowing anyone who was sent to prison, beaten, or put to death because they claimed to be a Christian. You might read this and think "DUH, me and you both sista!" Reality check: this is about to become my world.
I'm leaving in July. 5 months. 2 1/2 more in Lincoln. 2 1/2 in Kansas City. Internally I'm freaking out...."It's not enough time! I'm not ready!"
Remember how I said God and I have been going at it??? Well here's what he tells me....
"I've got you girl." > Seriously though. That simple.
If we don't take a leap of faith, how can we change?
If we don't surrender and trust, how will he take control over our lives?
Here's what I think. God's plan is the ULTIMATE plan. His plan will turn us into a radical individual aka the best version of ourselves. The version that is free of slavery. The version that can change lives. Satan doesn't want that. He will use ANYTHING to keep you from that plan. Satan will use doubt and fear to keep you where you are. My doubt is not from the Lord and I refuse to take orders from anyone but the Lord Jesus Christ therefore I will follow. I hope you do the same.
"For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
-Romans 8:38 & 39
Regardless of doubt, I will choose to have faith. May you have faith to do whatever wonderfully scary thing he is calling you to do.
Student teaching has exposed me to the harsh reality of this world and I'm convinced I know whose at fault...
I blame the kidslack of respect and bad attitudes on the parents who raised their kids on corrupted morals and didn't teach them they had value.
I blame the low graduation rate on a system that allows kids to fall through the crack. That isolates kids from school when they act up instead of requiring them to do time in school or the community.
I blame the studentslack of effort on the other teachers who tell them they can't do it.
I blame the students bad decision making on the pressure of this world who tells them sex, drugs, alcohol and money is the way to happiness.
We live in a world that lacks taking ownership, instead we point the finger. We blame the system. We blame other individuals. We blame anyone but ourselves.
Over the past few weeks, I have given into this twisted game. Convincing myself that I am the only one trying. Time for me to step down, strip off the pride, and take ownership.
I'm taking responsibility.
For those who felt embarrassed by their social class status and the inability to afford name brand clothing, I am truly sorry.
For those who have ever felt they were lacking, inferior, or didn't fit in because they weren't born with "white" skin, I am truly sorry.
For those who felt judged by another Christian, I am truly sorry.
For those who felt they weren't welcome by the church because they didn't have their life together, I am truly sorry.
For the women who have never had someone tell them they had value and have been treated poorly by men, I am truly sorry.
I promoted this selfish, corrupt, and insensitive world with my possessions, actions and words. The fact that I did this unconsciously is irrelevant because the damage was done.
"Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord when did we see you hungry and feed you or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will answer them, 'Truly I say to you, as you did it to one for the least of these my brothers, you did it to me." -Mathew 25:37-40
Be a people who takes responsibility. God is love. Hatin' is Satin. Pride that puts us above others is not from the Lord. Blame is not from the Lord. Let's step it up my friends.
There's a man named David. David loves to tell jokes and has an amazing toothless smile. I smile because he has the "ultimate" beard, earned by years of not shaving. He often has crumbs in his beard but I love that he doesn't care. He always acknowledges me and always loves to talk. He is never in a rush and never brushes me off. David is one of my favorite people to talk to and I know he never judges. People don't notice the things I do about David and they often label him, looking at only his outer appearance. Other people bother me when I'm with David, they ignore him and won't even make eye contact with him.
David is what we refer to as "homeless" but I'm sure he would tell you he has a home. A home that's waiting, it has a beautiful name > heaven.
Sometimes I think David has it more together than the rest of us. His life is simple, he isn't caught up in the "rate race" of chasing paper. He see's people for what they are. He is humble, It takes a true man to release pride and beg for money on a daily basis. David has grace because he talks to someone like me, a middle class person, the same "type" of person who passes by him on a daily basis not thinking twice about his alarming situation.
But he's scary. You can't trust anyone these days. What you're doing isn't safe. It's his fault he's in this situation. He's lazy. He's a psycho. He's a crack addict. Sound familiar?
Here's the reality. We're not robots, we were created with a need to be loved that only other people can fill. David is a human being. David has a soul. A heart. A mind.
Every human being deserves to know their loved.
It's a battle field and it's time we joined forces. There is good in this world, but that good was not meant to be stored away for a "special" time but to be shared on a daily basis. It's easy to ignore what's staring you in the face but by doing so you are saying it's ok. Starvation is ok. Racism is ok. Disrespect is ok. Poverty is ok. God did not create us like robots yet we act "oblivious" to the desperate need of those around us on a daily basis. I am especially guilty but thankfully God does not put an expiration date on love.
I like to think of it this way...."Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." -Hebrews 13:12
You could leave it for someone else but what if God planned that special moment just for you? Reality check: there is no question about it, He placed that person, situation, obstacle in your path for a reason.
<1 of many trips to the doctors office. shot #3 of 11
<mastered the ability to assemble my new home>
