One Step Closer to the Miracle!

Oh, happy day! Another reason to praise our faithful God!

Our amazing Jack Malouff is making progress! After the frightening accident that changed his life and sent hundreds, even thousands, of us to our knees, we see another door opening.

A medical representative from Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, near Denver, came to evaluate Jack and prepare for his anticipated transfer next week.

And here's the GOOD NEWS! Jack is well enough to make that flight! HALLELUJAH!

Craig Hospital is internationally recognized for its specialized rehabilitation of people with spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries.

What an extraordinary opportunity for Jack to receive the focused care, expertise, and encouragement he needs for this next chapter of recovery!

Of course, our hearts are rejoicing! We know there is still a journey ahead. But we're not measuring our hope by the size of the challenges. We're measuring it by the greatness of our God!

Jack's best friend, my grandson Bryson, plans to drive to Denver to be near him. Jack's parents, Ryan and Dana, and sister, Emma, are preparing to be there, too. What a beautiful picture of love that refuses to let go!

And to every prayer warrior who has stood in the gap with us, brought food, offered encouragement, shed tears, and whispered Jack's name to heaven — THANK YOU! Your prayers and love matter more than words can express.

I keep thinking about Philippians 1:6: "He Who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ."

We're grateful for brilliant doctors, skilled therapists, remarkable facilities, and every advancement in medicine. And we continue looking to our Great Physician, who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all we ask or think (Ephesians 3:20).

We're not declaring the journey finished. We're declaring our faith UNFINISHED!

One breath. One movement. One milestone. One day at a time.

Because our God is STILL in the miracle-working business!

God is faithful. Hope is alive. And the story is still being written!

To God be the glory!

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Everything Has Changed, But Nothing Has Changed!

Fourteen days. Two weeks. And what a journey our precious Jack and his family have traveled!

With the help of a special speaking valve attached to his trach, Jack can occasionally use his own breath to make his voice heard!

This little valve allows air to enter his lungs through the trach, but when he breathes out, it redirects the air past his vocal cords so he can SPEAK.

And what did this precious young man do with that opportunity? I especially love that Jack used his opportunity to speak to express gratitude. After everything he's endured, he wanted to thank the people and his doctor for helping care for him!

When Lee (Jack's grandfather -- aka Popi) heard his grandson speaking, tears filled his eyes. Can you imagine? After days of watching Jack silently mouth his words, hearing his voice again was a gift beyond measure!

It's another encouraging step in a journey that we're walking one day, one breath, and one prayer at a time.

BREATH! Genesis 2:7 tells us that God breathed into Adam the breath of life.

And here we are, thousands of years later, praying for breath, strength, healing, and restoration for Jack.

We've been praying for Jack's breath, and now we're hearing what he's doing with that breath. He's using it to say THANK YOU!”

Oh, and by the way – you see this hat with TINGL on it (my mastermind, grandson Bryson had it made for Jack) and being held by Ryan -- Jack's dad

You know what that means – Jack is feeling tingling occasionally in his legs and body -- hallelujah!

One breath at a time. One step at a time. One miracle at a time.

Next week, the family and my Bryson are preparing for Jack's next chapter at Craig Hospital in Colorado, a specialized spinal cord rehabilitation hospital.

And there's MORE! Before the accident – Jack had won the honor of representing Austin Christian University at the Gloo Hackathon in Denver.

Jack's friends represented him a few days ago in Denver and Jack’s Fosterly app WON! What a beautiful reminder of this young man's creativity and dreams!

His dad, Ryan, shared these profound words:
“Everything Has Changed, But Nothing Has Changed.”
Their circumstances? Dramatically changed.
Their faith? UNCHANGED!
Their prayers? UNCHANGED!
Their confidence in God's goodness? UNCHANGED!

And something else is happening. I'm witnessing an awakening! People are setting aside their own concerns, filling social media with prayers, gathering in hospital waiting rooms, and standing together for Jack.

We're learning what it means to HOLD THE ROPE for one another!
We're believing for Jack's healing, breath, feeling, movement, and restoration. We don't know every step ahead, but we know God is with him through every one.

And perhaps that's the message for all of us. When life changes overnight, our circumstances don't have to dictate our faith.

Everything around us may change, but our faithful God NEVER DOES!

TOO GOOD TO NOT BELIEVE!

Yesterday, Carl and I witnessed something beautiful. Something that filled our hearts with hope and reminded us that miracles don't always happen all at once. Sometimes they come one tiny step at a time.

We brought a big bowl of treats, a blessing cross, and words of love to the hospital waiting room, where so many have gathered to pray for our precious Jack.

We expected only to peek through his ICU window. Instead, his sweet mom, Dana, welcomed us inside.

There was Jack, surrounded by his medical team, smiling and encouraging him as they moved him from his bed into a recliner facing the window.

And then came the moment I'll treasure forever.

Jack couldn't speak aloud because of the trach, but he looked at us with those beautiful, bright eyes and repeatedly mouthed, “I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU! I LOVE YOU!”

BE STILL MY HEART!

I teased him about telling my grandson Bryson, his lifelong best friend, “You look fat!”
“So, Jack, do I look fat, too?”
His answer? “NO! I LOVE YOU!”

Oh, how we laughed!

Later, we saw a hat bearing the letters TINGL, Bryson's idea! It celebrates Jack reporting sensations, including tingling and feeling that a cooling pad was too cold.

Little things? NOT TO US!

Each encouraging sign is another reason to thank God and keep praying.

Brandon Lake and Cody Carnes' song “Too Good to Not Believe” has become my victory anthem. It reminds me that our God is still the wonder-working God!

We don't know every detail of Jack's journey or how long recovery will take. But we know the One who walks beside him.

One day at a time. One step at a time. One word at a time.

We're praying, believing, and trusting God for more.
Jesus said, “With God all things are possible.” (Matthew 19:26)

And today, after hearing those silent “I love yous,” my heart is singing:
GOD, YOU ARE TOO GOOD TO NOT BELIEVE!

#toogoodtonotbelieve #WithGodAllThingsArePossible #onestepatatime

Inch by Inch, Step by Step — We’re Still Believing

Last Tuesday brought another reason to say, “Thank You, Lord!”

Our dear Jack Malouff made another step forward. He is off the ventilator and breathing through a tracheostomy. His medical team continues to carefully monitor him and help keep his airway clear. Oh, but hold on! Last evening Jack was able to speak and give glory to God for the prayers of so many! His first words in 12 days… his thank you to all of you praying and standing strong with us!!

What a beautiful strong boy who even in this -- is giving glory to God.

DAY 12 UPDATE from Ryan -- Jack's dad -- JACK, BREATHE

Jack began initiating more of his own breaths. He wasn't completely breathing on his own yet, but it was a HUGE step forward. So grateful!

And then something else happened that honestly felt like a gift to all. Jack was able to use a speaking valve with his trach, and the family could hear his voice. And once he started talking, he did not want to stop. It was the BEST. After days of tubes, machines, mouthing words, and trying to understand what he needed, they were able to sit there and TALK WITH THEIR BOY.

Ryan sent praise for those who stood with them, believed with them, and carried them through the first 12 days. Thank God, we are all celebrating this precious moment.

One step. One victory. And we celebrate it!

But we haven’t finished praying.

We are still contending for the miracle -- inch by inch, step by step, prayer by prayer. Because nothing is impossible with God.

What has touched me deeply is watching so many people stand in the gap for Jack. Hundreds -- perhaps thousands -- are praying.

Family, friends, churches, students and people who may never have met Jack are pleading with God on his behalf.

And here's the thing -- those people have problems too.

Some are facing health concerns. Financial worries. Exhaustion from caregiving. Family heartaches. Private battles nobody else knows about.

Yet, for a moment, they set their own burdens aside and carry someone else's.

Isn't that LOVE?

Galatians 6:2 says, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”

And maybe something beautiful happens when we pray for someone else. While we're carrying their burden to God, we suddenly remember -- God is carrying ours.

So, let's keep praying. We keep believing. We thank God for doctors, nurses, medical wisdom, every breath and every bit of progress.

And we continue expecting more.

I believe we are watching a miracle in the making.

Great Physician, we thank You for how far You've brought Jack.

And we're still believing You for the rest of the story.

“Thank you, Lord, for saving my soul. Thank you, Lord, for making me whole!”

YES! That is our prayer for Jack and dear Jack’s prayer to Father God!

Jack's First Words in 12 Days

 

Update 10/7- Jacks first words in 12 days… his thankyou to all of you praying and standing strong with us!! What a beautiful strong boy who even in this is giving glory to God.

DAY 12 UPDATE from Ryan— JACK, BREATHE

Prayer team — today has been unbelievable. This morning, our prayer was simple: JACK — BREATHE. And today, Jack began initiating more of his own breaths. He is not completely breathing on his own yet, but this is a HUGE step forward, and we are so grateful.

And then something else happened that honestly felt like a gift to all of us. Jack was able to use a speaking valve with his trach, and we got to hear his voice. And once he started talking, he did not want to stop. It was the BEST. After days of tubes, machines, mouthing words, and trying to understand what he needed, we got to sit there and TALK WITH OUR BOY.

I am sending you a little video from Jack because he wanted to thank you himself. You are the people who have prayed with us, stood with us, believed with us, and carried us through these first 12 days, and we wanted you to get to share this moment with us.

Thank you. Seriously — thank you. Your prayers matter. Your faith matters. Your consistency matters. We have felt carried by you.

Today we prayed for breath, and today we saw progress. We heard Jack’s voice. We saw joy. We got to talk with our boy.

So tonight we celebrate what God is doing, and tomorrow we keep praying.

JACK — BREATHE.

Strong. Steady. Independent.

We love you all so much.

— RadDAD

https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1Dyhi3e1K7/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Here....and There

On Monday we attended a beautiful funeral Mass for the husband of a dear friend.

During the priest's message, he told about a young man grieving the death of his grandfather. What troubled him most was knowing how much he would miss their conversations.

Then the priest walked toward my friend, now a widow, and offered a tender thought:
Keep talking.
That touched me deeply.

Not praying to our loved ones. Not trying to summon them or receive messages from somewhere beyond. Simply allowing love to still have a voice.

Those of us who have loved ones who we deeply loved -- understand this.

Sometimes we still want to say, “You would have loved this!”
Or, “I wish you could see the kids now.”
Or even, “I am okay -- God is with me each day!"

Death may end our earthly conversations, but it doesn't erase decades of love, laughter, memories and shared life.

For those who die in Christ, we have an even greater comfort. Paul wrote -- that to be absent from the body is to be “present with the Lord.” (2 Corinthians 5:8)

What peace there is in knowing our loved ones are safely in God's keeping. No more pain. No more suffering. Now, safe in God's arms.

Do they hear the little things we say? Scripture doesn't give us enough information for me to declare that they do.
But God hears us.
And I'm sure that is enough.

We can remember. We can smile. We can tell their stories. We can even speak aloud the words our hearts are carrying -- and then place those words, and that person we love, into God's hands.

Love doesn't require us to pretend someone never existed simply because they moved from here to Heaven.

Grief says, “I miss you.”
Faith says, “I know where you are.”
And hope whispers, “This goodbye isn't forever.”

Jesus said, “Because I live, you also will live.” — John 14:19

So, until that glorious reunion, let's celebrate this beautiful life God has given us here! We're here -- so we're not done! Let's celebrate this beautiful life! #GodHearsUs #SafeInGodsArms #GodWithUs

Update from Jack's dad -- Ryan Malouff

 

Update from Jack’s dad! Thank you all for continuing to agree in prayer!

Update: Tuesday 10/6 From Ryan (Jack’s dad)—Thank you so much for being a trusted prayer warrior for Jack.

This has been the craziest fight of our lives, and your prayers have truly carried us, kept us, and sustained us.

If there is one thing I could ask of you today, it is simply this: please don’t stop. We need you.

I keep picturing Jack at the edge of a cliff, and all of us together holding the rope. Ecclesiastes 4:12 says, “A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.”

I believe every prayer, every person standing in faith, every voice calling out to God has become part of that cord around Jack.

And together, prayer by prayer, we are pulling. We are holding on. We are refusing to let go.

We are believing that what has tried to take Jack down will not have the final word, and that God is drawing him toward life, strength, healing, breath, feeling, movement and restoration.

Thank you for holding the rope with us. Thank you for pulling with us. Thank you for continuing to pray.

With all my heart,

RadDAD

(as Jack likes to call me)

Everybody Calls Him Popi

 

His name is Leland Rosenlund. We call him Lee.

To his grandchildren -- and a lot of people who have adopted him along the way -- he is simply Popi.

At 84, Lee still has enough get-up-and-go to make some of us younger folks look for a chair! He was a ski instructor and ran a children’s ski school called Powder Pigs. Even now, he continues to ski with his grandchildren.

But what impresses me most about Lee isn’t how well he can maneuver down a mountain. It’s how well he loves.

In fact, on the very day of Jack’s terrible accident, Popi was headed to the Austin airport to visit his son and family in Sun Valley.

Then came the call.

Jack had been seriously injured.

The trip came to a halt.

And Popi showed up.

There is something tender and beautiful about that kind of devotion.

Since then, he has spent every day in the hospital waiting room – right outside the intensive care unit, occasionally getting to see Jack but always there -- welcoming friends, family, students and prayer warriors who come through those doors.

He is the waiting room’s “Master of Ceremonies.” Not because there is anything ceremonial about these difficult days, but because Popi has become the familiar face who greets people, talks with them, thanks them and shares updates.

Last Thursday evening at our community’s Mix and Mingle, Lee was presented with a large card filled with messages from our residents. Many also contributed toward Jack’s medical expenses.

Watching him read those words and share his heart reminded me that love shows up.

My grandson Bryson knows something about that kind of love, too. Jack is his best friend. They shared an apartment at Austin Christian University. They have done life together – since two years old.

We can only thank God for His mercy today and entrust tomorrow to Him. Right now, it is difficult to see what Jack’s future will look like.

But this family keeps showing up.

Friends keep showing up.

Bryson keeps loving his best friend.

And Popi keeps taking his place in that waiting room.

Maybe that’s what a good reputation really looks like. It isn’t built by titles, accomplishments or even how many mountains we’ve skied.

It’s built by a lifetime of faithfulness, devotion and showing up.

“The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” Proverbs 20:7

Love stays. Love serves. Love shows up.

As for Jack’s tomorrow?

We don’t know yet.

BUT GOD does!

My Noble Man — In Name AND Deed!

Today I get to celebrate one of God’s sweetest gifts in my life -- my dear husband, Carl Noble! Today is his birthday!

And yes, his last name fits him! NOBLE
Isaiah 32:8 says, “But the noble make noble plans, and by noble deeds they stand.”

That’s my wonderful Carl.

Nobility isn’t about titles, position or applause. Sometimes it looks like picking up a friend who can no longer drive and taking him out for a good meal. Sometimes it’s driving someone to a doctor’s appointment. Sometimes it’s noticing someone who needs encouragement -- and doing something about it.

And sometimes nobility comes with a hilarious story!

Carl has an uncanny ability to pull one out at exactly the right moment. A gloomy day can be headed south when suddenly Carl starts telling a story, and before long we’re laughing. Sunshine restored!

He faithfully attends his men’s Bible studies, a Rotarian for years, he serves others, is a door guard/monitor for our church's childcare, is a relentless encourager to others, and somehow discovers what is special about the person standing in front of him.

He doesn’t just do noble things.
He lives nobly.

Philippians 4:8 tells us to think about whatever is true, NOBLE, right, pure, lovely and admirable. I’m blessed to share life with a man who gives me plenty of those things to think about.

He is faithful. Generous. Kind. Optimistic. Funny. A man of integrity who loves God and loves people.

In a world that often celebrates the loudest person in the room, I’m grateful for those who quietly show up, give, serve, encourage and love well.

The world needs noble men.
Families need noble men.
And I thank God that I get to call one of them my husband.

Happy Birthday, my wonderful Carl Noble!

May this new year bring you joy, laughter, good health, purpose -- and plenty more stories to tell.

You are Noble by name, but far more importantly, noble by the life you live.
And I sure do love doing life with my NOBLE man! ❤️

When We Can’t See the Way

Some songs become prayers before we even finish singing them. “Way Maker” is one of those songs for me.

It reminds me that God’s power isn’t limited by what I can see, and His love doesn’t disappear when life gets difficult.

Of course, I would appreciate a few details sometimes!
“Lord, could You show me the plan? Perhaps circle the answer and include an arrival date?”

But faith often means taking His hand before we know where the next step will lead.

Think about the Israelites standing before the Red Sea. Water ahead. An army behind. No obvious escape.
But, God made a way they couldn’t have drawn on a map.

And today, our thoughts and prayers continue to be with our precious friend, Jack Malouff.

After surgeries, injuries, days on a ventilator, and so many prayers offered on his behalf, today brought another encouraging step: Jack sat in a chair for the first time!

Oh, how we thank God for progress!

Jack still has tubes helping him breathe, and we are praying that next week will bring another milestone -- the ability to have those removed. We are asking God for marked improvement every single day.

We don’t know every step ahead for Jack. His family doesn’t. His doctors don’t.
But his Way Maker does!!!

Perhaps you’re waiting beside a hospital bed, praying for someone you love, or wondering how a broken heart can ever mend.

We can ask boldly for miracles. We can bring God every fear. And while we wait, we can trust that we have not slipped from His care.

Jesus promised, “I am with you always.” Matthew 28:20

Sometimes His care becomes visible through a friend who stays, a meal delivered, a doctor’s skill -- or a man who, after days in bed, sits in a chair.

Today, we celebrate that chair!
And tomorrow? We’ll keep praying, trusting and believing.

Way Maker. Miracle Worker. Promise Keeper. Light in the darkness.
That is Who He is.

#waymakermiracleworker #promisekeeper #miracleworker #Prayingforjack

A New Season -- and a Cheeseburger!

Happy October! Bring on pumpkin spice, cooler mornings, and grateful hearts! Here in Austin, summer doesn’t always read the calendar! But beautiful rain recently blessed our parched ground.

Today, I’m especially grateful for my youngest grandson, Bryson, and his loving heart.

Bryson is Jack Malouff’s best friend. He stayed by Jack’s side for 72 hours before finally leaving to get some sleep. The next day, he returned to the hospital. This Nana is so proud of his loyalty. Sometimes love simply says, “I’m here.”

Thinking about the young man Bryson has become brought back a memory of his younger days -- one that still makes me laugh.

For seven months, he was a diehard vegetarian. His dad couldn’t tempt him with steak or hamburgers. Bryson loved his animals, and “no meat” meant NO MEAT!

Then one afternoon, I picked him up from school.
“Nana, let’s go to P. Terry’s!”
Certainly! I assumed he wanted a veggie burger.

Oh, NO! He ordered a DOUBLE CHEESEBURGER!

After one bite, he declared, “Oh, God! What was I thinking? This is the best thing I’ve ever eaten in my life!”

Nana’s laughter probably reached the parking lot!

His menu changed, but that tender heart is still there. These days, I see it in the way he shows up for Jack. This photo is Jack holding Bryson. Now, Bryson is holding Jack.

And that makes me consider what we’re feeding our own hearts.

Are we making room for gratitude, compassion, and hope? Are we letting God’s love become something others can see?

Jesus said, “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” —John 13:34

Sometimes that love looks like sitting beside a hospital bed, bringing a meal, or whispering a prayer.

If this October finds you facing something difficult, you don’t have to pretend it’s easy. God is with you. May someone’s kindness remind you of His care.

Let’s welcome this season with grateful hearts and love that shows up.

And if you’re riding with Nana, gratitude might come with a side of fries!
Happy, blessed October!

I Believe in Miracles Because I Believe in God

An old song has been playing in my heart:

“I believe in miracles…

Oh, I believe in miracles,

for I believe in God.”

And right now, those words mean more to me than ever.

Our precious Jack remains on a ventilator, recovering from surgery and preparing for another. And surrounding him is something beautiful: faith in action.

Family and friends continue praying. People stop by the hospital just to sit in the waiting room and pray. Others bring food and drinks. Churches are praying. Students are praying. Friends near and far are praying.

And we are still believing.

Not because we know exactly what tomorrow will bring. Not because faith gives us control over the outcome. But because we know the One to whom we are praying.

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

Think about it.

God parted a sea.

He provided manna in a wilderness.

Jesus opened blind eyes.

He strengthened crippled legs.

He calmed raging seas.

And the greatest miracle of all? Jesus conquered death and walked out of His own tomb!

So, yes -- I still believe in miracles.

Sometimes the miracle comes suddenly. Sometimes it comes little by little. Sometimes it looks different from what we desperately prayed to see.

But God is still God.

So we will keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Keep praying over Jack. Keep surrounding this precious family. Keep believing when believing is hard.

And when our faith feels small, perhaps our prayer can simply be:

“Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” (Mark 9:24)

Today, tomorrow, and for as long as it takes --

I believe in miracles because I believe in God.

#ibelieveinmiracles #NothingIsImpossibleWithGod

Keep Believing in the Middle

Miracles are wonderful when we’re telling the story afterward.

“The doctors couldn’t explain it!”
“The situation turned around!”
“God answered our prayers!”
And everybody says, “Praise the Lord!”

But what about the middle?

The place between asking and receiving. Between the diagnosis and the testimony. Between “Lord, please!” and “Thank You, Jesus!”

That’s where faith gets some exercise!

Right now, so many people are standing in that middle place with our precious friends, the Malouff family. Family, friends, churches, students at Austin Christian University, and prayer warriors near and far are praying and believing.
And maybe that’s where you are today, too.

Jesus said, “All things are possible to him who believes.” (Mark 9:23)

Notice He didn’t say all things are easy to believe.
Sometimes faith has tears running down its face. Sometimes faith whispers because it doesn’t have enough strength to shout. Sometimes faith simply says, “God, I don’t understand, but I still trust You.”

We have seen God do the impossible before:
A Red Sea opened.
A giant fell.
A blind man saw.
A lame man walked.
A storm became still.
Lazarus walked out of a tomb.

And then there was an empty tomb that forever declared that even death doesn’t get the final word.

So, prayer warriors, please do not stop now!

We don’t tell God how the miracle must look. We simply keep bringing our requests to the One who sees what we cannot see and knows what we cannot know.

Today, we keep praying.
We keep hoping.
We keep trusting.
And right here in the middle -- we keep believing!

#inthemiddle #keeppraying #KeepBelieving #KeepTrustingGod

Some Trust in Chariots -- But We Trust in God

Yesterday brought GOOD NEWS!

Yesterday, our dear friends -- Ryan and Dana Malouff's son, Jack, came through a very serious surgery without complications. His surgeon reported that everything went as well as it could.

Titanium screws now stabilize injured vertebrae, other areas have been fused, and now begins the long process of recovery, healing and, eventually -- rehabilitation.

THANK GOD for brilliant surgeons!
Thank God for nurses, respiratory therapists, medications, medical equipment, technology and rehabilitation specialists.

Thank God for hospitals equipped to handle injuries this serious. We are praying that, when the time comes, Jack will have access to the very best rehabilitation available.
These are tremendous resources in the natural.

But we are also praying for the supernatural.

Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.”

In David’s day, horses and chariots represented some of the greatest human strength and technology available.

Today we might say:
Some trust in surgeons and hospitals.
Some trust in titanium and technology.
Some trust in medicine and rehabilitation.

And we are THANKFUL for every single one of them!

But our ultimate trust is in the Lord our God.

Doctors can stabilize bones. Therapists can work with muscles. Machines can assist breathing. Rehabilitation can help the body relearn and rebuild.

And then there is GOD.

So we are praying beyond what we can see today. We are asking God for swelling to decrease, breathing to strengthen, nerves to awaken and communication between Jack’s brain and body to be restored.

We are praying for peace over fear and panic, and strength for his parents, Ryan and Dana, his sister Emma, his grandfather Lee, and everyone who loves him.

We don't know what this journey will look like.
But we know Who will be walking it with Jack.

We are grateful for the chariots.
We are grateful for the horses.
But our trust is in the name of the LORD our God!

And we are still praying for MIRACLES. NOTHING is impossible with our Great Physician -- Almighty God!

#nothingisimpossible #sometrustinchariots #TrustInGod