Today was productive and insightful at work. I got to meet with Melanie and Lara Gopp in reference to some marketing and PR ideas. Lara used to work for SCBC over a decade ago, and continues to do contract work for them as well as us. She gave me so many great ideas and things to think on, it's got my head spinning. 

So this is a guilty pleasure of mine. I know that it's a super cheesy show. It kind of embodies the qualities of a good Hallmark movie. Although, this show also highlights things of God, is super clean, and at least makes me feel good at the end of it all.

My day back at work was pretty uneventful. Tried working on some website stuff for SC WMU, and managed to get ridiculously stumped as to what to do with it. Thankfully I know a few people that know a thing or two about website redesign, as well as just marketing in general. Helped me realize I was jumping the gun, so I've got some time to figure out some minor details, and a little less time to figure out the big details. Thankfully big is obvious.

These ladies never fail to make my day! ❤

A post shared by Brittany Prahl (@diednsaved) on Feb 19, 2017 at 4:31pm PST

This morning I woke up at the crack of dawn, okay not really, but on Saturday 8 am feels like the crack of dawn, to head to Soda City with my HS buddy Tori. We managed to snag some really good stuff, get some yummy foods, eat lunch at Cantina 76, and then enjoyed Starbucks and a movie back at my house until 3pm or so this afternoon. It was a much needed day with her, as well as a good out of the norm adventure for us two.

Enjoyed a great morning and afternoon Saturday with one of my besties of almost 15 years @tori_pearson7 at Soda City. Managed to snag some awesome jewelry too!

A post shared by Brittany Prahl (@diednsaved) on Feb 19, 2017 at 7:13pm PST

This evening though I headed out with Stephen on a shoe hunt. He's been in dire need of new shoes for a while now. He's worked holes into all his shoes just about, and when it rains his poor socks get all wet and soggy. We actually managed to get him 4 pairs of shoes for less than $90, and I hope htey serve him well for a while!

Can you tell when I really just don't feel like having to type one of these entries? Ha. But I'm thankful for the reminder of good days, and that thought alone keeps me pressing forward.

Over the course of the past few months, we've had a lot of new faces at Unleashed. Tonight was no different. In fact Chad did an awesome job at Buffalo Wild Wings of inviting Megan our waitress. She was super friendly and seemed really interested in coming sometime soon--genuinely interested, not just being nice interested. So really hoping I hear from her this week and she can join us on Thursday.

This one is a long one, so I'm going to preface it with a good thing of the day...

Judy our website person at work, complimented me profusely today on the work I did with our Camp La Vida website. She set up a structure for me, and I developed content and design to the website. So now we're looking at completing the SC WMU and Janie Chapman website soon, and her and Laurie's confidence in me gives me the confidence I need. Laurie even said she didn't realize what an asset they were hiring when the asked me on, but the talents and abilities I've been able to pour into our organization has been greatly beneficial. Wow. On days where I wonder why I'm still there, that keeps me going a bit longer.



Stephen's mom, Jan, shared a really interesting article today on the Millennial generation and the church. I think there is this initial reaction to something like this article, that points out the flaws and shortcomings churches have as a whole towards the Millennial generation, that makes a church want to get up in arms and be defensive to such claims.

So take a deep breath. One more.

Even as a Millennial myself (which I didn't think I was but according to Wikipedia I was wrong), I'm one of the few that have stuck it out in my church, so there's a bit of pride and offense in discrediting the work of the church I've devoted so much of my life to. Doesn't help I work for a religious organization either, one that works to help support these churches that are doing such a horrendous job apparently at reaching Millennials. But the truth is, I know it is true.

See I've been living this disconnect between the church and Millennials for quite a few years now. In fact we're one of the few college and career groups in the greater Lexington area that is actually successful and growing. We've seen the huge need there is for a community and place to actually fit in within a church setting. We also get the inside view to the struggles we still face even as a successful college and career group, and the push-back we get from the church. Something I've tried to deny for a long time exists, but I think Steve has seen all along.

In fact he's been our advocate for this demographic. I cannot express how blessed we are to have a man of God, who serves as faithfully as he has for so many years, not only invest in us, but rally and fight for us to be recognized as a worthwhile generation. He's seen the things in us we didn't know were there. He's poked and prodded us into becoming leaders, when we still thought we were kids. He's challenged us to think outside of ourselves, and look for ways to reach beyond our four walls.

While the church tells us we've yet to contribute anything of value, Steve reminded us we had. He fought for us to have the respect we'd earned, and I can say now more than ever our church has begun to see us an asset. If it were not for Steve's discipleship and leadership, I'm not sure we'd be here though.

Because while now we can almost function without his guidance (signs of a true disciple maker, am I right?), when we left our youth groups that was not the case. In fact, as youth we're catered to, invested in, served, and treated as children. Then, BAM, you're an adult now. You're expected to invest in others, serve others, and be leaders. Things you've never really been taught, just things you've watched others do for you. And while somewhere in me it seems then that should have been our training, it wasn't. We watched, but were never taught.

So to me there has been a failure in discipleship in the church. It's created a culture where there is a lack of respect between the church and Millennials. So in that I think the article I shared in the beginning makes some valid points.

One, the world is not really going to change unless you choose to do something about it. Yes things may be worse than they once were, but adapt and try to change the culture instead of blaming it. Adapting means you actually have to listen to what the current generation needs and wants. Two, you actually have to live what you preach. It means you can't keep revamping a mission statement to redirect your attention to. It means you actually have to help the poor as we have been commanded. It means you actually have to be transparent with people and accepting of who they currently are. Three, live out one of the commands you have been given as a disciple of Christ and make other disciples. Live life with people, transparently and openly, and guide others into a life that resembles and reflects Christ. It means you actually have to be willing to be a servant, give up your seat, and not be exclusive but be inclusive. Show others the value they have in Christ.

Maybe a few points they made have a few flaws, but overall pretty on point.

Feeling the love ❤ @slp950

A post shared by Brittany Prahl (@diednsaved) on Feb 15, 2017 at 4:32pm PST

Throughout my life there are obviously many things I have prayed for. Things I've seen God answer clearly; like when I prayed for what seemed like almost 10 years that I would just have an understanding of why my dad was not willing to go to church or have a relationship with God, and so around age 17 or so we finally got to talk about it. Not only that, but the secret prayer of mine that God would reconcile my father to Himself was answered just a year or so ago. 

Today was the second week we've tried grabbing food to go after service, and bringing it back to church to enjoy eating together--rather than taking up an entire restaurant with people complaining about where we're eating and us being a nuisance.

And it worked. We grabbed Subway and Sonic along with Rachel and Sarah, and came back to church to enjoy eating with everyone. Pretty quickly everyone began playing Redneck Life, which is still proving to be the most hilarious game.

Since it managed to last about 3 hours, due to the redneck lingo and story telling going on by the players, we had to carry it outside so the church could use the room we were in.

Which meant everyone had to "HOLD IT" when the wind picked up, but it didn't mean a few Check N Scams didn't have to be chased down in the parking lot.

Managed to not get Caroline who is next to Joel... :(

Caroline came out victorious, but not nearly as victorious as Amber did last time. Amber's win will go down in history.

Afterwards, Stephen, Matt and I went to Kmart and Goodwill. I found some baskets I'd seen at another Goodwill a while ago and missed, and Matt found a $10 Jos A Bank suit. It was a win. But I'm still thinking about a couple of other finds I found....

$20 floor lamp.. needs new shade though.

$75 leather seat... uh yeah.

Unfortunately today I did not see Jenn like planned. So instead the day consisted of a lot of cleaning. A lot. Not sure that was a trade off I wanted.

So thankfully though, the Christmas tree is gone, the floors are clean, the laundry is done, the laundry is put away, the dishes are done, the bed has clean sheets, my jewelry got organized, Christmas is put away, and I'm just going to be etc. on here cause I feel like there are things I'm missing.

But I did watch a lot of Supernatural in between. Even rented a movie later tonight, Sully, as well as getting Rush's take out and a coffee from Starbucks. #TreatYourself

Got a call from Lydia and Stephanie that they were bored. So they came over, but I may have just made them more bored. Or at least ridiculously tired. 

Fridays. You are so good to me.

Subway with my parents after sleeping in a bit.

2 hours later, I stopped by Goodwill (no luck) and World Market (lots of luck).

Bought earrings and a necklace at World Market.

Muted gold earrings.

Hubby came home. We went to McAllisters. 

Today was one filled with a bit of anxiety. No matter how hard I try, my fear of speaking in front of people always seems to win out. Even though, after every time I finish, I feel good. I feel accomplished. Even in the midst of speaking, I can feel in that moment, "This isn't as bad as I thought. Actually it's going pretty well." Nonetheless my fear wins out prior to me speaking. Every. Time.

So I'd told Daniel Atkins a couple days ago that I was willing to give a testimony of something God has recently taught me in my life, or my testimony of salvation during our Thursday night Worship Service. Mainly because while my fear was winning, I knew God could still be desiring me to step up and have courage in this moment. So I told Daniel I'd pray about it. I did as soon as I told him that. Then I asked what would it be that God would have me share that he's taught me recently.

And the words poured out of me so quickly. Before I knew it I'd written two pages on the verse 2 Corinthians 12:9.

This verse has become my life verse.

When I was a kid it was a verse I learned in Bible Drill. Is that just a Southern Baptist thing? You have to memorize scripture, references, and books of the Bible, and find them all in 10 seconds or less. This was a verse I had to memorize. When I was a kid though, it didn't make a whole lot of sense. Probably due to the fact we learned everything in KJV, and it's a bunch of large words no kid really understands.

But later on, about the time Unleashed began at Oakwood, this verse began to stand out to me again. In fact during my new hire interview at WMU (where I currently work) to introduce me to our SC churches, I mentioned it was my favorite verse. Since then it keeps just finding it's way into my life. But instead of something I've felt like I've embodied, it's almost been this challenge from God.

•she gave herself grace, because she knew He was strong in her weakness• So thankful that He can use me and my many weaknesses for His glory! Giving myself a little grace today. You should give yourself some too. 🌿 . . {#TheAdoptShoppestickers are available in my website shoppe} 💛

A photo posted by The Adopt Shoppe 💛 {Kate} (@theadoptshoppe) on Jan 25, 2017 at 6:37am PST

Including finding it on this sticker from one of my favorite little shops on Instagram, and of course I bought myself one. But I treasure it so much, I can't figure out where to stick it. It's a $1 sticker. I need to get over myself.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Where I'd failed to embody this verse was in the "boasting in my weaknesses". Not just any weakness, but the ones where God filled in the gaps. The one where His grace was sufficient. Instead, I've lived behind this mask of perfection. I don't remember putting it on intentionally, but I realized I've been wearing it for a long time when a few months ago a friend said, "you just always seem like you have it together."  Uh no.

A few months later, I realized that mask was still on when we had a room full of people share the things God had helped them overcome one night at Unleashed. My pride was winning and I couldn't dare speak the awful things I'd done--even if God had released me from them.

So this was my moment. My moment to boast. God has pulled me out of an addiction to pornography, for almost half my life, and given me the strength where I have none. The times I'd tried to fix this, and rely on my own strength, I failed. I failed miserably. God had pulled me out of this once before, but I became prideful and sinful, and all those desires and addictions came back stronger.

This time, God prompted the heart of a coworker/friend, who challenged me to let God step in. While she gave me some tangible things to do to try and prevent myself from sinning, it gave me the space, the breathing room, I needed to let God step in and begin doing a work in me. I was able to come clean about this with friends and family. When I faced temptation, God gave me clear ways out. I just had to choose His way and not mine.

Just like Paul in that passage still has his thorn, I still have mine. It's still a big temptation. It's just that it seems to have gotten easier and easier to deal with the more I let God be my strength in those moments. When I allow his grace to cover this situation, and his power to rest on me.

Like Paul said, I would be a fool to brag of the other things in my life, but bragging about what God has accomplished in me is worthy of being bragged about.

And somehow, in my nervous state, God showed up and used my words his words to touch people. A lot of people just said how moving it was for me to share that, but specifically I had a friend who came and grabbed me to share how it felt like I was speaking specifically to them. That's God. God's story of how he can change not only me, but how he can change others.

So what things in your life may not paint the most pretty picture of you, but paints the most perfect picture of God? What things have you overcome with Jesus that could help someone else? Or what shortcomings, sins, weaknesses have you yet to give to God to allow his grace and glory to shine through?

God's grace is sufficient. You need nothing else.

This week has been tough for my other half. Like really tough. He's capable of so much, and so its very rare to see him feel down or defeated. While he's not defeated, he's licking some wounds, but I know he'll be back on top again in no time.

I hate to say this, because it's a moment where I feel like God is teaching me instead of him, and for Stephen to have to go through hardships for me makes my heart ache. More so I guess it's just God using our circumstances to teach me. But for a while now I've been beyond hesitant about Stephen to pursue his dreams of a used car dealership--in fact I've been scared.

I've wanted all our ducks lined in a row before we take the next step, when sometimes in reality I think God asks us to step before we've got it figured out, before we've got the courage to step out, and asks us instead to trust Him first.

I realized praying to God on my way home from work today, that God has let us fill up our storehouse. There's a reason for that. Since day one of us getting married it's been my intent to have 6 months of savings built up, in case we were to lose our job we'd be covered for a good long while.

He prepared us for a time like this before it was even a thought. Because I know, somewhere down the line whether it's now or later, we will have to use what we've stored up.

But now more than ever I want my husband happy. So whatever that takes, I think I'm finally ready for us to do that.

The rest of the day was spent cuddled up on the couch with Stephen, halfway between awake and asleep,and then an early night since Stephen has started going in at 5 am to catch up on things.

He's a workhorse.

EDIT: The BIGGEST thing I forgot to include about today, was the fact that my husband, literally after the worst day, came home and straightened up our bedroom because he knew it was overwhelming my little head. Is he not literally the best?

Well tonight I felt like a running advertisement for IF, but we've been trying to decide what would be a good fit for our next girls Bible study. The guys have been going strong dissecting and discussing a different verse each week. While they go in depth and learn lots, sometimes its really more about building their bonds with one another. I think our ladies really have been aching for more than just hang out time.

We did that a couple of years ago, and because I am just not made to be a leader, our time together was good, but we just never really were able to open up easily with one another, nor did everyone give input. When you've only got 3-4 people regularly showing up, it's tough when people don't speak. So instead it turned into hang out time, instead of Bible time.

About 6 months later we tried again with a book study, but doing book studies always costs money. So that was tough because we're then asking our college students to always fork over money every 6 weeks.

So again about 4 months after the fact we had another study that required purchasing a book. It was really good, but we just can't keep that up.

So here we go at trying to implement an IF:Table...


It's simple. Super simple. Just a few women gathering together over a meal, and discussing questions pertaining to God and His Word. It's intended for discussion, and hopefully between Amber and I (some of the biggest introverts) we can get this discussion rolling between us ladies. We've definitely all grown closer, so I'm hoping this is not too difficult for us to do.

It's free. It's engaging. It doesn't require everyone to have read or done a study ahead of time. There's no right or wrong in this setting.

And then around April we are going to try and use an IF:Equip study on how to study your Bible that centers on Philippians, and see if we can implement it into a group study instead.

But we've got a few months. So I'm hopeful we can make this work!

Plus after I came away from this past weekend, it just felt right to begin doing something simple. Nothing complicated or expensive, just back to the basics.

The rest of the night with Amber, we talked about house hunting, jobs, and even watched one of the speakers from IF: Gathering, Jill Briscoe. Her story was much longer than I remember, but I found myself once again getting sucked into her incredible story telling. Hopefully I didn't bore Amber to death, but we ended up having some good discussion on it and another Pastor's message clip that a friend had shared.

Before we knew it, it was 10 pm, and the storm had finally let up outside long enough for Amber to head to her car without getting wet.

I sat inside watching some of my Timeless episode, until the lights began to flicker and then pitch black darkness surrounded me. Very quickly I felt a little wet nose touching my feet, and then the warmth of Bear's body on top of my legs. Pretty sure I have no idea where any of our flashlights live, so I had to use my phone instead. And in the dark, Bear and I just sat there, him shivering and me telling him it would be okay. The flashes of light flooding into the den, and the rumbling of thunder not far behind.

Stephen and Matt made it home from guy's group in the dark, but not long after the power was back on.

If you're reading, would you pray for Stephen. It's been a rough time at work, and this man who excels at everything he puts his mind to has had it difficult for 6 months plus now. He's been handed a bad deck, and there is literally no way to win this game. But instead he's got all the officials telling him he's still got to win, they can't end this game with out a win.

Terrible analogy, but you get me. Just need prayers.

Stephen and I have a pattern of never shopping for clothes until we desperately need new ones. It's been a while since I've really had any new looks. And this isn't even in a dent in what I need for my wardrobe, but heck it's more than I've done in a while. So Lucky Brand wore off on me and I managed to snag some 60% off deals on what was already marked down....

Little taste of what is to come.

Because I struggle with the shame of my weight lately, its tough for me to want to invest in clothing that I see in a size that's larger than I'd like, or I hope I won't fit into much longer. But gotta be happy in the skin your in, and dress for how you want to feel and be now. Because looking like a dump in holey clothes that don't really go together doesn't help anything. Although I still need help in the fashion department. Give me a house to decorate, but myself not so much.

This morning we got up, slowly got ready, and headed out to meet Deepty, Siva and their son. We enjoyed breakfast at the Grand Luxe Cafe. It was pretty grand. The shopping center it was in was amazing too. Super nice shops and restaurants, very similar to South Park Mall in Charlotte.

After breakfast, Melinda and I had time to spare, so we browsed in a little odds and end shop. I found some socks for Stephen, Matt and my mom.. weird socks. And also caught glimpse of some awesome pillows...

Who do I spy with my little eye?

Aren't these the best?

We saw Deepty and her family one last time in Apple, but quickly decided we should head into Lucky Brand store. Which I was not going to object to. Normally would never afford their items, but I recently got a purse from TJ Maxx that is Lucky Brand and I'm slightly obsessed with the quality of it, so for me it's worth the extra money. I never spend a lot on things, and anything over $20 is a struggle. But after having my $30 purse from Target be destroyed very quickly (peeling, etc), I figured it was time to invest a little more in something I knew I'd use.

TJ Maxx Online is my jam.

All leather, so no peeling. So far it's worn beautifully and I use it ALL THE TIME.

Today was an all day IF:Gathering meeting, and also unfortunately the last day of it.

We got to hear from beautiful speakers like Bianca Olthoff....

Rise Up

of course Jennie Allen...

Give Jesus Away

so many others, but especially this lady...

Jill Briscoe

Jill Briscoe is a master story teller, and all she does is just tell her story of what God has done, and I swear you could just listen to her for days on end. She communicated so honestly that she's not bold, she's scared at times, and that she's just human, but God's used her when she's said "yes". Some speakers I think "yeah sure", but you know Jill is telling you the honest truth. She went 20 minutes over, and I think we could have let her keep going for another 40 minutes. Seriously just want to bottle up the wisdom God has given her so I can learn from it and see what she's seen.

This morning we woke up early hoping to go to graffiti park after a good breakfast and do a little spray painting.

They require a license. Great.

So we consoled ourselves with an amazing breakfast at Snooze. Seriously. The best. I had the Chile Verde Benny. Oh my.

I may not ever need to eat again. 😵 #sogood

A photo posted by Brittany Prahl (@diednsaved) on Feb 3, 2017 at 9:04am PST

We did decide to atleast look at Graffiti Park, and lo and behold were empty cans of spray paint, so we painted!

A photo posted by Brittany Prahl (@diednsaved) on Feb 3, 2017 at 10:03am PST

We headed on to IF:Gathering at Austin City Limits for their pre taping session, where they lead an IF:Table which I had never seen or been a part of.

It was my first introduction to IF, and I thoroughly enjoyed no only it, but IF itself. We got to meet so many interesting people,and they began to make so many things I already knew more tangible. Especially discipleship. I'm not sure I can delve into it all right now, but nonetheless I'm loving every moment of it.

We ventured out to Torchy's again tonight, because well we got tired of looking for somewhere to eat.

The End.

At the crack of dawn this morning, I woke up to only have to walk next door to my neighbor Melinda's house. We loaded up our luggage, and began our hour and half drive to the Charlotte airport. Amazingly, other than just my body feeling exhausted, I was wide awake.

We made it to Charlotte with plenty of time to spare, and grabbed a cup of Starbucks coffee to keep us pressing on. One flight later we'd landed in Austin a little early, and managed to grab us some amazing tacos at Torchey's Tacos.

Just outside of downtown Austin

We then quickly went and picked up Deepty from her new apartment in Austin. Crazy it took her moving halfway across the country for the three of us to do anything together. But thankfully this world is a little smaller due to planes and such.

Guess where we are?!

A photo posted by Brittany Prahl (@diednsaved) on Feb 2, 2017 at 11:30am PST

The last night before heading to Austin, TX for the weekend, so Stephen vowed that it would be an intentional night together with no distractions. We enjoyed dinner together at my favorite joint apparently (I'm always there), Chick-fil-a. Quickly ate our meal, before heading right back home to meet my parents for a late night walk in our neighborhood.

My dad actually came with!

So my mom and I talked, as Stephen and my dad talked. We toured the neighborhood. Noticing all the houses for sale, and the different styles of home between our two neighborhoods.

Then we arrived back to our house, and instead of going in, because my parents were "about to leave" we stood in the grass in front of our house for about 30 minutes.

Melinda drove up during our conversation, and handed me my poncho. She's already taking care of me for this trip.

Said our goodbyes, and Stephen and I headed inside for a late night game of Spinners which happens to be made in Waco, TX. Fitting.

While Stephen tried to stay up with me tonight, I finally convinced him to get some rest, because I just don't think I can go to sleep when I've only got 2 hours  or so to rest before our flight. I will oversleep, I know it.

I am not well versed in politics. Honestly. I hate conflict. I can't hold my own in a debate without thorough research beforehand. Honestly I don't have much time these days for that. But I have views. I also hope I am open enough to consider other viewpoints when presented to me. To discuss. To share. To educate one another.

But I'm tired, so stinking tired of this political battle that keeps roaring on around us. We've gotten in a yelling match. That's all it is. No one is changing their minds. No one is open to listening. You've chosen your stance, and there is no going back. We've pitted ourselves against one another.

So why do we keep yelling? When we've lost the battle of trying to win people to our sides, we start complaining to the world about how tired we are of seeing this stuff rage on around us, and we'd wish everyone would hush.

I guess that's what I'm doing now.

But I guess what I'd like to say is that I feel there is a better way.

I remember a few years ago when the whole Chick-fil-a being boycotted because they support traditional marriages was raging on, and so in retaliation and support of Chick-fil-a all Christians and traditional marriage supporters flocked to Chick-fil-as around the country to show that same sex marriages are evil. And while that may not have been everyone's intent, that's what the message conveyed.

I think that's the problem with a lot of this. We support one thing, and that means we automatically condemn another thing. So let's be aware of that misconception, and make sure our actions can't be misinterpreted as something else. If we do things in action of love, can those intentions be misunderstood?

And all I can think as a Christian, is that we keep trying to apply commands and standards to a sinful world, when they have been given to followers of Christ alone. We expect that somehow a sinful world isn't supposed to do these sinful things.

If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. - 1 Corinthians 13:1

When we hold people to these standards that a Holy Spirit has not revealed Himself to, our words and actions which we believe support our beliefs are really nothing. When we don't choose to love the world instead of condemning it, everything we say and do is nothing but obnoxious. Nothing is heard over that clanging symbol.

Instead should we not be speaking these words of truth into our fellow believers? When the world says "same sex marriage is beautiful," so we yell back "it's an abomination and a sin", but we don't let them know first there's a love for them out there that can cover their sins (we don't introduce them to Christ first), we are nothing but a clanging symbol.When the world says "abortion is a woman's right", so we yell back "but adoption is another way!", but we don't adopt or foster, we are nothing but a clanging cymbal. When the world says "we can't close our doors to those who need us most", so we yell back "but we need to help the homeless and veterans in our country first", but we don't donate clothing, housing, money, and more to these individuals, we are nothing but a clanging cymbal.

So my thought is, what if we did what we were commanded? What if instead of spewing back an argument, we showed love? What if we decided we don't want the world to doubt our ability as Americans/Christians to adopt unaborted children, so we adopted and foster to the point every child had a home? What if we gave and volunteered our time, money, resources and more to the homeless and veterans the government didn't always have to step in to help them? What if we went overseas to assist those in need, or befriended our Muslim neighbor living here?

I'm not eloquent in what I say, I know this, and I'm not really sure I conveyed what I meant to say. But I can't help but think about the song from Matthew West and how it kind of perfectly sums this up...