When We Don't Know What to Pray

September 26th was my grandson's wedding day on the beautiful Epiphany Ranch. A day we had anticipated with joy!

But in the early morning hours of that day, my phone rang. My son was calling with heartbreaking news about our dear Jack Malouff's terrible accident.

At 3:30 a.m., my grandson Bryson, Jack's lifelong best friend, was on his way back to Austin to be beside him.

And what did we do? WE PRAYED!

Calls were made. Messages were sent. Family and friends began calling on heaven!

But here's something I've been thinking about. Sometimes we know exactly WHO needs prayer, but we haven't the slightest idea WHAT to pray!

Romans 8:26 says, "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans."

Oh, praise the Lord -- the Greater ONE intercedes for us!

Can you imagine your pastor standing before the congregation saying, "Let's bow our heads. I haven't a clue what we should pray for!"

Yet, that's exactly what the Apostle Paul was teaching us!

We don't always have the right words. We don't know every medical detail, every challenge ahead, or even what tomorrow holds.

BUT THE HOLY SPIRIT DOES!

Romans 8:27 assures us that the Spirit intercedes for God's people according to God's will.

Oh, what comfort!

Since that September morning, we've prayed for Jack's breathing, his surgeries, his healing, his family, and his medical team.

Sometimes our prayers have been long. Sometimes they've been nothing more than, "Jesus, HELP!"

And every one of those prayers matters!

Then comes Romans 8:28: "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him."

We may not understand the HOW or WHEN, but we can trust the WHO!

Perhaps you're carrying someone on your heart today. You want to pray, but words won't come.

PRAY ANYWAY!
Whisper their name. Shed your tears. Call on Jesus.
Because when words fail, the Holy Spirit doesn't!

And THAT, my friends, is the power, protection, and purpose of prayer! So let's keep on praying and believing!

#AllThingsWorkTogetherForGood #JesusHelp #praying

Don't Let Go of the Rope!

I

It's been nearly a month since our dear Jack Douglas Malouff's tragic dive into shallow water changed everything.

Oh, how we wish we could rewind the clock! Go back to that moment and somehow change what happened. But life doesn't offer do-overs. Yesterday is gone, and tomorrow remains unseen.

Meanwhile, the Malouff family has had to put their ordinary lives on hold and navigate a journey none of us could have imagined.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to peek into tomorrow and see Jack healed, walking, and traveling the world telling his miraculous story?

Oh, how we're believing for that day!

But here's the challenge. We want NOW answers from a God who sees the WHOLE picture!

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

Sometimes I want to say, "Lord, could we PLEASE fast-forward to the good part? The healing! The celebration! The HALLELUJAHS!"

But faith doesn't come with a fast-forward button!

Instead, I hear that gentle reminder: "Be patient, My child. Trust Me."

Galatians 6:9 says, "Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."

And THAT'S where we are!

Still praying. Still believing. Still trusting. Still holding on!

We don't know what tomorrow holds, but we know WHO holds tomorrow.

And while we wait, we're grateful for every little victory, every dedicated medical professional, every prayer warrior, and every evidence of God's sustaining grace.

Maybe you're waiting for your own breakthrough. A healing. A restored relationship. A financial miracle. An answer to a prayer you've whispered a thousand times.

DON'T LET GO OF THE ROPE!

Even when your hands are tired and your heart is weary, keep trusting the One who will never let go of YOU!

We're not giving up on Jack. We're not giving up on miracles. And we're certainly not giving up on GOD!

In due season, we will reap if we faint not!

Hold on, LIKE Jack!

Everything Has Changed. Nothing Has Changed.

Those powerful words came from Ryan Malouff, father of our dear Jack, who continues his healing journey at Craig Hospital in Colorado.

Twenty-four days ago, one terrible accident changed everything. Plans, schedules, dreams, and everyday routines were turned upside down. But Ryan's heartfelt tribute reminded me that while circumstances change, LOVE DOESN'T!

Ryan calls them his "GIANT KILLERS!" Three extraordinary people who stepped onto a battlefield they never expected and refused to retreat.

First, Dana — Jack's mother. For 24 days, she has been his constant advocate, encourager, and protector. When Jack couldn't speak, she learned to read his eyes. She's stayed through surgeries, sleepless nights, and even the flight to Colorado. Like Esther, she has stepped into her assignment "for such a time as this." (Esther 4:14)

Then there's Emma — Jack's sister. She put her New York life on hold to stand beside her brother. She's brought worship, prayer, encouragement, and even a little beauty treatment to his hospital room! She's loving him with everything she's got!

And then there's Bryson — my grandson and Jack's lifelong best friend. Since they were two years old, these boys have been inseparable. Bryson stepped away from college to stand beside his buddy. Through sleepless nights, he's watched Jack's eyes, understood his needs, and made certain his best friend still had a voice.

Oh, this grandmother's heart!

Ryan compared these three to David facing Goliath. They didn't know how big this battle would be, but they knew WHO would go before them!

And here's what touched me most. At 3 a.m., Ryan wasn't counting what they'd lost. He was counting the blessings standing beside his son.

What a lesson for all of us!

Life can change in a heartbeat. But God's faithfulness doesn't. Neither does genuine love.

"Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." (Hebrews 13:8)

Everything has changed. Nothing has changed.

We're still praying. Still believing.
Still trusting our GREAT PHYSICIAN!

FIGHT LIKE JACK! ❤️

#nothinghaschanged #EverythingHasChanged #GiantKillers

We'll Leave the Light on for You!

Early voting began on Monday, and I was right there in the thick of it! This time, instead of serving as an election judge or alternate judge, I chose to be a clerk. My job? Greeting voters, checking their photo IDs, verifying their information, and helping them take the next step toward casting their ballots.

And I LOVE it!

What a privilege to exercise our right to vote! We may not agree on candidates or propositions, but we can certainly agree that voting matters. And if we don't vote, perhaps we should think twice before complaining about the results! Just saying!

But something else matters to me while serving — being a LIGHT!

Remember that familiar hotel commercial? A lonely building stood in the darkness with one little porch light shining brightly. Then came those comforting words: "We'll leave the light on for you."

What a beautiful picture of our Christian calling!

Jesus said, "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14)

A porch light doesn't ask who's coming, how they vote, what they believe, or whether they agree with us. It simply SHINES!
And shouldn't we?

In a world filled with disagreements, frustration, and sometimes downright ugliness, we have opportunities to offer something different -- kindness, patience, encouragement, and LOVE!

Jesus continued, "Let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven." (Matthew 5:16)

That's my prayer as I greet voters. May they encounter more than a friendly election clerk. May they experience a little of Jesus through me!

After all, Jesus declared, "I am the light of the world." (John 8:12)

We don't have to be the brightest bulb on the porch! We just need to stay connected to the One who supplies the LIGHT!

So, have you left your light on today?

Someone walking through a dark season may be looking for the very light YOU carry.

Keep shining! Keep loving! Keep doing what's right!

And by all means — GO VOTE!

#letyourlightshine #election #lightoftheworld

Let's Round Up!

Many years ago, I directed a children's choir called the "Round-Up Corral Singers." Those precious little cowboys and cowgirls sang their hearts out at church, nursing homes, and even our town's Western Days celebrations. We were rounding up smiles, joy, and a whole lot of love!

Who knew that years later, "rounding up" would take on a whole new meaning?

You know the question at the checkout counter: "Ma'am, would you like to round up your purchase to support a children's charity?"

Sometimes, without even thinking, I've answered, "Not this time!" After all, I've already given here, donated there, and supported plenty of worthy causes.

But lately, something has been tugging at my heart. What if those few extra pennies are another opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus?

It's not about the amount. It's about the heart!

Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 20:35)

And remember the widow who gave her two small coins? Jesus noticed! While others gave from their abundance, she gave sacrificially. Her little became much in the eyes of God.

I've been watching an extraordinary "round-up" of love surrounding our dear Jack Malouff and his family. Prayers, meals, encouragement, financial gifts, and countless acts of kindness.

People giving what they can, doing what they can, and loving BIG!

That's what happens when hearts come together. Little things become BIG things!

Maybe we can't change the whole world today, but we can change somebody's world with a little generosity.

A smile. A phone call. A prayer. A meal. A few extra cents at the checkout counter.

Galatians 6:10 reminds us, "As we have opportunity, let us do good to all people."

So, the next time someone asks me to round up, I hope I'll remember those little Round-Up Corral Singers and the joy of giving.

Let's round up a little more kindness, a little more love, and a little more generosity!

After all, when we give from the heart, God has a wonderful way of multiplying the blessing!

#Roundup #dogood #generosity #giveanditshallbegiven

Early Voting Begins Today!

Today, Monday, October 19th, 2026 -- early voting begins! I'm stoked to have the privilege to serve and to vote. It's a big deal to serve our country and it's a major right and privilege.

There’s one thing I know for sure -- it’s time for us all to muster up, use our voices, and finish 2026 strong.

I'm not giving political commentary or insider analysis here. But, I am encouraging everyone who can -- to vote for the platform that aligns closest to God's Word.

People are flawed. They have been flawed since the beginning of time. God used flawed people -- kings, disciples, and leaders throughout His Word. God's Word provides spiritual encouragement, something we’re all in desperate need of these days.

Let’s be real. This year has been exhausting. The headlines, the tension, the divisions. It feels like every day there’s something new to weigh on our hearts. And with November 3rd looming, it’s hard not to get caught up in the noise of it all.

The ‘He said, She said’ debates, the endless chatter -- sometimes it’s too much. We might even be asking, “Where’s the hope?”

Here’s the good news: hope is just four words away -- "Lift up your eyes."

When everything around us feels uncertain, we lift our eyes to the One who is unshakable.

When confusion and chaos try to steal our peace, we look to the Lord, the Rock Who never changes. The One who reigns over all creation is still on His throne.

He’s not moved by political sound bites or the latest crisis. He is perfect light, without a shadow of darkness.

Psalm 121:1-2 reminds us, “I lift up my eyes to the hills — where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

In the midst of the craziness of this world, let's lift our eyes and worship the One who loves us. May our hearts be lifted, our strength renewed.

And instead of seeking an escape, let's find our calling in serving and loving others right where we are.

So, let's take a deep breath and look up. There’s hope waiting for you AND me, and while breathing deeply, go VOTE! Every vote counts! Yours matters! God bless America!

Today He Rolls. Tomorrow He Walks!

PRAISE THE LORD! Our dear Jack Malouff has arrived safely at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado! Day 18 since his accident, and we're celebrating another answered prayer!

Jack and his mom, Dana, traveled by medical flight from Texas while his dad, Ryan, sister Emma, and best friend Bryson and Cheeks made the 14-hour drive.

Their mission? BEAT JACK TO THE HOSPITAL!

Ryan laughingly reported, "WE WERE LATE! -- Only ONE JOB!" And it all worked out, and most importantly and greatest news -- "We are all here together!"

Ryan expressed heartfelt gratitude for Jack's extraordinary Texas medical team, especially Dr. K, whose compassionate care made an everlasting impression.

Now, at Craig Hospital, specialists are already evaluating Jack and developing his rehabilitation plan.

And OH, the FIRSTS!

Jack woke up cheerful, excited, and ready! His breathing continues to strengthen. He enjoyed a special visit from his Austin Christian University president, Connor Champion, and was fitted for his first wheelchair -- complete with McLaren racing-inspired orange accents!

Ryan shared how proud they are of Jack's positive attitude and determination.

Of course, questions remain. Recovery won't be measured by a calendar. Some days will be taken one day at a time. Others, one hour at a time.

But here's the family's declaration:
"TODAY HE ROLLS. TOMORROW HE WALKS!"

That's what we're praying and believing for!

Ryan also shared these profound words:
"Everything has changed, but nothing has changed."

Their location has changed. Their circumstances have changed. Their daily lives have changed.

But their faith in Jesus? UNCHANGED!

And their gratitude for YOU -- faithful prayer warriors, generous supporters, and loving friends -- is immeasurable!

Philippians 1:6 reminds us, "He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

So, dear friends, let's keep praying, encouraging, giving, and believing!

We're celebrating today's victories while trusting God with tomorrow's possibilities.

One day at a time. One prayer at a time. One miracle at a time.

The journey continues, and we're not putting away our praying knees!

FIGHT LIKE JACK! 👊❤️ TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY!

#fightlikejack #craighospital #gratitude #faithunchanged

Watch Where You’re Walking!

Colorado is on my mind -- especially for our dear Jack, but today I'm seqwaying to a personal story.

I was remembering our trip to Crested Butte, Colorado. One morning we followed our leader -- Carl’s daughter, Amelia -- through some pretty rough terrain.

Oh, but it was so beautiful! Magnificent trees towered above us, evergreens surrounded us, and every turn seemed to offer another breathtaking view.

Along the way, I found a long tree limb, trimmed off the scraggly little branches, and made a walking stick for Carl’s sister. It helped steady her steps, but there was something else all of us needed even more:

We had to watch where WE were walking! YES! Keeping our eyes wide open! I have had some major falls -- when I wasn't being careful -- with rises in a sidewalk or street!

And, in Crested Butte -- we had to watch out for the beautiful trees that had roots that stretched right across our pathway. One distracted step and -- WHOOPS! -- down we could go!

Isn’t that a picture of life?

We can be walking through a beautiful season and still encounter something unexpected across our path. A disappointment. A hurt. A financial concern. A troubling report. An offense. Even our own fear or worry can become a “root” that trips us up.

Some obstacles are obvious. Others seem to appear out of nowhere.

That’s why we need to keep our eyes open -- but even more importantly -- keep our eyes on God.

God never promised every pathway would be smooth. But He did promise to walk it with us. Sometimes He removes the obstacle. Sometimes He leads us around it. And sometimes He simply gives us the strength and wisdom to step right over it.

Isaiah 42:16 says, “I will turn the darkness into light before them and make the rough places smooth.”

What a promise!

Maybe there’s a “root” across our path today. But, let's not stare at the obstacle so long that we forget Who is walking with us.

Let's take God's hand. Let's watch our step. Let's keep moving forward.

And let's remember -- the rough places don’t mean we’re on the wrong path. They may simply remind us to stay close to our Guide.

#watchyourstep #Strength #pictureoflife

The Miracle Journey Continues!

PRAISE THE LORD! The day we've prayed for has arrived! Our wonderful Jack Malouff has officially arrived to Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, for specialized spinal cord injury rehabilitation!

THANK YOU, JESUS!

Yesterday morning, Jack's dad, Ryan, announced: "WE ARE ON OUR WAY!"

Jack and his mom, Dana, were picked up by medical transport for their flight to Colorado, where a new chapter of healing and rehabilitation begins.

Ryan shared these powerful words: "Everything has changed, but nothing has changed."

New surroundings. New challenges. New medical teams. But the SAME GOD, the SAME FAITH, and the SAME determination to believe for Jack's complete healing!

And here's a beautiful God-wink! Some of their family already lives in Colorado, ready to surround them with love. God knew what they would need before they ever knew they needed it!

What an army of love has carried this family!

Ryan's supportive employer, Dana's best friend Shawntel, my son who coordinated countless logistics, and my grandson Bryson, Jack's lifelong best buddy, who has faithfully stood beside him.

And Lee aka Popi, Jack's grandfather, who became the hospital's unofficial greeter, encourager, and prayer warrior!

We thank Jack's extraordinary medical team, City Reach Church, its pastors and members, and countless prayer warriors worldwide.

And the generous hearts who have contributed over $250,000 toward Jack's enormous medical and rehabilitation expenses!

This isn't boasting about people. It's boasting about GOD'S LOVE working THROUGH people!

Jesus said, "With God all things are possible." (Matthew 19:26)

Ryan calls this faithful army "JACK'S PRAYER FIGHT CLUB!" I LOVE THAT!

And prayer warriors, we're not hanging up our boxing gloves!

The journey ahead will require courage, patience, rehabilitation, and unwavering faith.

We're not closing the book. We're turning the page!

Genesis 50:20 reminds us that God can turn what was meant for evil into good.

We're believing for that GOOD!

So keep praying. Keep encouraging. Keep believing!

One day at a time. One prayer at a time. One miracle at a time.

FIGHT LIKE JACK!

And to God be ALL the glory!

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Colorado Bound -- And God is Leading the Way

Oh, happy day! I could hardly contain my emotions when I received the news! Jack Malouff is Colorado bound! PRAISE GOD!

Yesterday, three vehicles headed toward Englewood, Colorado, home of Craig Hospital, a renowned rehabilitation center specializing in spinal cord and brain injuries.

Jack's dad, Ryan, drove a truck. His sister, Emma, and Bryson's girlfriend, Cheeks, drove Emma's car. And my 19-year-old grandson, Bryson? He's driving his own car!

Why? Because his best buddy since they were TWO YEARS OLD needs him! Talk about loyalty, devotion, and friendship! My grandmother's heart is overflowing!

Today, Jack and his precious mom, Dana, are scheduled to fly to Colorado with an experienced medical transport team, arriving between 2 and 4 p.m. And waiting for that plane? Jack's own personal cheering squad!

Isn't that just like God? He makes a way for family and friends to be close when they're needed most. Even Bryson has a place to stay at Ryan's mom's home. Doesn't that sound like God had a plan all along?

I keep thinking about the four friends who carried their paralyzed friend to Jesus. When they couldn't get through the crowd, they lowered him through the roof! That's friendship that refuses to give up! (Mark 2:1-12)

And that's what I'm witnessing today!

To the hundreds, perhaps thousands, who have prayed around the world for Jack, THANK YOU! Your prayers, encouragement, and unwavering faith have carried this family through some incredibly difficult days.

We aren't at the finish line. There is still a journey ahead. But what a milestone this is!

Craig Hospital has skilled medical professionals ready to help Jack take his next steps toward recovery. And above every doctor, therapist, and treatment plan, we continue trusting our Great Physician!

"The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective." — James 5:16 (NIV)

So, dear prayer warriors, PLEASE DON'T STOP PRAYING!

We're believing for healing, restoration, renewed strength, and miracles yet to come.

Colorado bound! Hope rising! Faith standing!

And God is going with them every mile of the way!

#craighospital #dontstoppraying #GreatPhysician

He Was Going to Colorado Anyway!

Sometimes life takes a detour so unexpected that we wonder, "Lord, what in the world is happening?" And yet, even in the detours, we can trust that God hasn't lost sight of us.

Three weeks ago, our dear Jack Malouff was headed for Denver, Colorado! Jack and his team's AI project "Fosterly" won a pitch competition at Austin Christian University. The app they created was/is to help young people aging out of foster care.

Their mission? "No one should age out alone."

Jack and his team were celebrated with confetti and dreams of what was ahead! Onward to Colorado!

But, then came a devastating accident. Jack's one dive into unexpected shallow water changed everything.

Instead of preparing for a competition, Jack was/is fighting to recover from a serious spinal cord injury.

But here's where my heart gets stirred!

Jack was supposed to have been in Denver competing at the Gloo AI Hackathon on October 8, 2026.

His teammate Katie and the "Fosterly" team were in Denver for the competition. They carried Jack's vision forward. Katie even wore a "Fight Like Jack" hoodie! They worked tirelessly to ensure Jack's voice would remain part of their presentation.

Jack couldn't stand beside them, so they stood for him!

And isn't that something? Jack helped create an app because he believed no young person should face life's difficult transitions alone. Now, in his own life-changing circumstances, Jack isn't alone either!

His family, friends, medical team, and thousands of prayer warriors are standing with him!

And now -- there's another Colorado connection!
Jack is awaiting medical clearance to be flown to Craig Hospital near Denver, where specialists will help guide his rehabilitation.

Colorado was already on his calendar. The reason for going has changed dramatically, but our prayers haven't!

We don't pretend to understand God's ways or why painful things happen. But Proverbs 3:5 reminds us, "Trust in the LORD with all your heart; and lean not your own understanding."

So, dear prayer warriors, please keep praying for Jack's healing, restored strength, sensation, movement, and safe travel.

We are so grateful that Katie and the Fosterly team were given wisdom, confidence -- and best news ever -- they succeeded!

Hallelujah and praise be to God and a united team who believed in "nothing is impossible with God!"

Jack's friends are still carrying his dreams. We're all carrying Jack in prayer. And we're trusting God to carry them ALL!

FIGHT LIKE JACK!
Because no one should have to fight alone!

#miraclesstillhappen #TrustInGod #HealingJourney

Don't Stop Believing! Don't Stop Praying!

We're STILL praying! STILL believing! STILL expecting God's healing power to work in our wonderful Jack Malouff! One day at a time. One victory at a time. And we're NOT giving up!

Matthew West's song, "Don't Stop Praying," has become a cheerleading anthem for my heart! I especially love these words:

"Don't stop praying
Don't stop calling on Jesus' name"

And that's exactly what thousands of prayer warriors around the world are doing! We're calling on Jesus, standing in faith, and refusing to surrender our hope!

Yesterday morning, I awakened to a message on my Facebook feed from "God Met Me There." It felt like a little love note from heaven, reminding me that faith isn't always accompanied by smiles and sunshine.

Sometimes faith has tears streaming down its face. Sometimes it asks difficult questions. Sometimes it simply whispers, "Lord, help me take one more step."

Corrie ten Boom is credited with saying, "Faith is when you praise God in the storm, you trust Him in the valley, and you follow Him in the dark."

Oh, how those words speak to my heart!

Faith doesn't mean we never feel afraid. It means we know WHO to run to when fear comes knocking!

As Jack prepares for the next chapter of rehabilitation at Craig Hospital in Colorado, we're thanking God for every milestone, every answered prayer, every medical professional, and every person standing with this precious family.

Jesus said in Luke 18:1 that we "should always pray and not give up."
And that's our marching orders!

We don't know exactly what tomorrow holds, but we KNOW Who holds tomorrow!

So, dear friends, whatever mountain you're facing, whatever prayer you're still praying, whatever miracle you're believing for -- DON'T STOP!

Keep praying. Keep trusting. Keep praising.

The same God who carried us yesterday is holding us today and will be faithful tomorrow! AMEN!

#DontStopBelieving #dontstoppraying #corrietenboom

LOOK AGAIN! The Cloud Is Rising!

Yesterday -- Carl and I visited the hospital where our precious Jack Malouff continues his fight toward healing. There was Jack's grandfather, Lee Rosenlund (our beloved Popi), his dad, Ryan, and others faithfully standing in the gap. What a beautiful sight!

Prayers, hugs, encouragement, food, donations, and love continue pouring in from near and far.

And, praise God, there is encouraging news!

Jack has been initiating breaths with reduced ventilator support, exceeding his medical team's goals! His white blood cell count has returned to normal following a lung infection. He's spending some time upright in a specialized chair. Small steps? Maybe. But we're celebrating EVERY ONE!

Ryan shared that Jack may be flown Wednesday or Thursday to Craig Hospital in Colorado, a renowned rehabilitation hospital specializing in spinal cord injuries. His medical team is carefully determining whether he's ready for the flight. We're trusting God's wisdom and guidance in every decision.

But here's what stirred my heart!

Ryan shared how he awakened during the night hearing one unmistakable word: "LOOK!"

Immediately, he remembered Elijah praying for rain in 1 Kings 18. Elijah sent his servant to look toward the sea. Nothing! Again. Nothing! Seven times he looked until finally, a tiny cloud appeared, no bigger than a man's hand.

And that little cloud was the beginning of a mighty rainstorm!

LOOK AGAIN!

Look for another breath! Another movement! Another sign of strength! Another encouraging report!

We're praying for Jack's spinal cord to heal, for communication between his brain and body to be restored, for feeling, movement, and strength to return.

We're also praying for relief from nausea, comfortable rest, and safe travel when the time comes.

Dear friends, sometimes faith means looking again when yesterday's view hasn't changed.

We're not denying the seriousness of Jack's injuries. We're declaring our confidence in the God who hears our prayers!

So, prayer warriors, keep praying! Keep believing! Keep looking!

That little cloud reminds us that what we see today may not be the whole story.

And we're trusting God with every chapter still to come!

#lookagain #TrustingGod #prayerwarriors #cloudisrising