God's plans.... how do we know?

[midnight21]

Hello everyone....

I should be grateful that I managed to survive such a difficult year without losing my mind. However, the thing that bothers me most is that I've been praying to God for months and my prayers remain unanswered. Especially my prayers of finding some sort of a direction so I can finally go to college. It's been 8 long years since I've graduated from high school and I still haven't found any careers that interested me. I've tried counselors, vocational therapists, various websites, praying, and just about everything else. What I'm looking for is something that's easy enough for me to obtain and somewhat realistic. Whatever ideas I had in my mind before seemed unrealistic and impossible for me to reach. Especially with learning disabilities in math and sometimes troubled comprehension skills with hard material.

It's been said that God has a plan for everyone, but how do we know what it is? I'm so worried that it may never be revealed. And what if we spent our entire lives doing something God doesn't want us to do? Would we go to hell? And how the hell do we know if this is the direction god wants us to take? how do we know which path is wrong or which is right? Most importantly, how could we do good works in his name? I don't get it. If only I could feel a little more secure about the future then it wouldn't be such a big issue.

I'm sorry if I sound a bit whiny here everyone... I guess I'm just looking for answers and trying to make sense of it all.

[UVsaturated]

I used to feel the same way when I was younger, but over time I realized God was at work through me the whole time, even though I didn't know it at the time. I was a work in progress, and you won't always have the guidance you want, but later on you might realize why you had to go a certain direction in life.

Feeling secure about the future is a difficult one, which we all want. I made decisions that I felt were secure, only later they fell apart and I had to start over again. I learned that there aren't any 'sure' things in this life and that it is more important to trust God that no matter the choice, it is the right one because God is directing your choices, even though you may not know it. That is destiny. The reason we feel unsure is because we think we are the only ones choosing. In this way, life is discovery about ones self, and it is a better learned lesson than in any school.

[severdsoul]

Just sit back and relax and let things happen as they do.
When its time a opportunity will open up and you will know it.
Life leads you in strange places, through good times and some very hard ones,
but when you look back it all falls into place.
Enjoy what you have around you now, keep working at your goals and dont give up.
Things will happen when they are meant to.

[Jake99]

Midnite,

You were meant to feel this way as a fail safe mechanism to prevent you from feeling safe and secure when you are in danger. I say this not to scare you but to awaken you to the reality of how far off course 180 degrees and this World really is.

There are many professions that Jesus stood against and they are the enemy of God and mine make no mistake about that. What most people consider to be honorable work is seen by God as Evil work and vice versa. To stand against the mainstream is the most honorable thing you could ever do in the eyes of God. That would be to say that when the President of the US says go to the West that the real answer that God would give you is to go to the East. I have used this crazy philosophy for most of my life and I ended up exactly where I wanted to be which is where Jesus was.

You cannot be truely good until the New World because this wicked World does all the work God prohibits and none of the work he requires.

These are the professions that the Bible clearly stands against but they are the majority of jobs not the minority so it is hard to find good works jobs in this World. Moneychangers and salesman (any kind of privately controlled currency markets and services or non electronic transcations for products and services).

Soldiers, Stay out of the military,

Politicians are incompetent and corrupt do not support them.

The media is owned by the bankers they are the creators and reporters of the bad news. I like that they post thier report card of all F's all day every day so we can clearly see the results of the College educations.

I could on and on about what God would not approve of but what he would approve of are environmental, healthcare, recycling, basic needs and efficiency related jobs.

Do not gamble, I hope for the Stock Markets to crash every day and so does God so that people will wake up and see the path of destruction that the Markets of the liars, cheaters and thieves have created.

God's plan is to get mankind to follow Jake99 and then all will be well until the end of time.

[Singularity]

Become a teacher, go into Cultural Ethnic Studies, take your one required math class, and then move on to grad school. If it works out, you'll make good money while helping the world by educating the next generation. If it doesn't work out, you can always hang that diploma around your neck and ask any company to hire you. You can't lose.

[Mystery]

We can not sit around waiting for God to tell us what to do. Trust the little gut instincts you get and begin to do the leg work. You will never figure out exactly what God has planned for you, as that would defeat the purpose completely. Our little lives are but a grain of sand in the big picture. He loves every grain of sand, but we also need to realize that one grain of sand does help make the beach, but does not make up the whole beach. Hope that makes sense. God provides us with the grace to endure all we go through. But we need to take the action and try to follow our heart. The heart that God gave us. Each one of us has certain born traits, interests, etc. These are some of God's signs. We just choose to not trust ourselves and God therefore to see that. So follow your heart and learn to know yourself. God made you a certain way for a reason.

[Fyhre]

Especially my prayers of finding some sort of a direction so I can finally go to college. It's been 8 long years since I've graduated from high school and I still haven't found any careers that interested me. I've tried counselors, vocational therapists, various websites, praying, and just about everything else.

Have you looked into placement testing? Of course, you'd have to pay a fee to find out which skills you possess. It'd be a start. I agree with Singularity. You'd likely make an excellent teacher of something...and you're a people person.

[proffett]

We can not sit around waiting for God to tell us what to do. Trust the little gut instincts you get and begin to do the leg work. You will never figure out exactly what God has planned for you, as that would defeat the purpose completely. Our little lives are but a grain of sand in the big picture. He loves every grain of sand, but we also need to realize that one grain of sand does help make the beach, but does not make up the whole beach. Hope that makes sense. God provides us with the grace to endure all we go through. But we need to take the action and try to follow our heart. The heart that God gave us. Each one of us has certain born traits, interests, etc. These are some of God's signs. We just choose to not trust ourselves and God therefore to see that. So follow your heart and learn to know yourself. God made you a certain way for a reason.

Even though I don't believe in a god in the typical sense, this was a beautiful post. Very true. We each possess the means to create our reality. Every journey begins with one step and even if we have no destination in mind, somehow it will manifest when you least expect it. Enjoy the journey.

[gordon]

Welcome Back, Midnight21. Have you tried talking with the salvation army people? I am sure if you could ask them that they might beable to help you.

[Mystery]

It really all comes down to learning to trust God, your Higher Power as you understand Him/Her. Learning to realize He/She is not of physical form, so what gives us the idea that we will be led through physical signs. Makes more sense to me the the signs, and such come from with in our own souls or spirits. Like He/She talks to our soul/spirit. Learn to listen to that. You know when you are about to do something questionable and that inkling pops in urging you not too. Where does that come from? I believe it comes from my Higher Power.

[Singularity]

If you wait for a sign from god about what you're supposed to do with your life, you'll be waiting until it's over. Pick yourself up by your bootstraps and make some decisions for yourself. As long as you had decent grades in highschool, there's no reason you can't get into college. Not everybody there was good at math. I sucked at it. It took me three tries just to get through algebra in highschool, yet here I am looking at the possibility of grad school and a career in teaching. If you can write coherently, which you obviously can, you can get a higher education, and from there it's up to you what you want to do with it.

But don't sit around waiting for some higher power to show you the way. It's not going to happen. Even if you do believe, which I do not, there's the old adage that God helps those who help themselves. I think taking that to heart would help.

[J. Cruise]

[QUOTE] I learned that there aren't any 'sure' things in this life and that it is more important to trust God that no matter the choice, it is the right one because God is directing your choices, even though you may not know it. That is destiny. The reason we feel unsure is because we think we are the only ones choosing. In this way, life is discovery about ones self, and it is a better learned lesson than in any school./QUOTE]

So let me get this straight jake99... you believe that "god" really makes all your choices for you? Wouldn't that negate the whole "free will" thing that sets us apart from all of "gods" other creations? lol... just saying... I don't know whether to take you seriously or if you're just messing around... if you're serious... oh boy am I scared... if you're just messin.... you're a pretty funny guy! lol...

OK.... Midnight.... you can't just pray and think that "god" is going to give you what you want.... it won't work.. you'll be waiting until you're dead... (I think someone said that already... so i'm just reiterating it!) when it comes to a career, it's simple... do what you love! find something that makes you happy and do it! I save lives... that's what I do.... and although jake99 feels no one should join the military but that's where I am and yes saving peoples lives is what I love to do, I also love singing, which is why I'm working on an album right now... point being, you need to make it happen... no one else will, not "god" not your friends or family, not jake99 if you choose to follow him on his crazy crusade to bring a "new world" about that he can lead.... You and only you can make your "destiny" don't let anyone tell you otherwise! So do what you love and love what you do! Then and only then will you know happiness! And you will find your way, you just have to pick up a machete and make your own path! Oh and as far as math goes... don't worry about it, I suck at math yet I have 2 college degree's so don't fret, you can do it if you just try hard enough and keep the determination and focus... most importantly follow through... even if you swing and miss so long as you follow through, at least you stuck with it. And if it doesn't work out in this life... there's always the next time around! Just make sure you live this life as a decent person, and I don't mean as a xtian, that's a whole diff story that I won't get into just yet... just do the right thing, what you feel is right, and all will turn out for the better.

[Assassin X]

I don't know about you but I got a fax from God that layed out his plans for me. If you contact his secretary through her 800 number maybe she has the wrong contact info for you and thats why you haven't gotten the plan yet.

[UVsaturated]

So let me get this straight jake99... you believe that "god" really makes all your choices for you? Wouldn't that negate the whole "free will" thing that sets us apart from all of "gods" other creations? lol... just saying... I don't know whether to take you seriously or if you're just messing around... if you're serious... oh boy am I scared... if you're just messin.... you're a pretty funny guy! lol...


First off, I am not Jake99.
Secondly, yes I do believe the voices in everyone's head is not their own but that of God and he is telling you what to do minute by minute. You have not realized this because you convince yourself that the voice in your head is your own, but how would you know really? You either believe it or you don't - what can I say?

I've always felt free-will is a sham. The only entities with free will are the Gods.

[Singularity]

I've always felt free-will is a sham.

Doesn't the Bible talk about how God gave everyone free will? Without belief he is nothing? What about those whose little critical-think voice tells them that there's no God? Why would God convince himself in my head that he doesn't exist?


The only entities with free will are the Gods.

Gods? So not only do you reject free will, but you're also polytheistic? Fascinating,

[UVsaturated]

Doesn't the Bible talk about how God gave everyone free will? Without belief he is nothing? What about those whose little critical-think voice tells them that there's no God? Why would God convince himself in my head that he doesn't exist?

Without getting into an entire debate of free-will vs. destiny, you can have the illusion of free-will or limited freedom within the framework of a destined outcome just as a citizen can believe they are free in a society which proclaims freedom yet has many laws and rules. Think of it as a dictatorship in which the leader is transparent and makes you feel as if you are calling all the shots.

I'm not sure what parts of the Bible you are referring to, but I've read many scriptures which I interpret to mean that God's will super-cedes any choice we make. In fact those who find the truth are called "elect" in Revelation. Elect does not mean self appointed but chosen. Therefore belief, while seemingly our own, evolves into something greater after understanding destiny as finding your whole again and returning in spirit to our first love.

The reason God chooses to make some not believe is because of the order of the master plan. It is destined that some are chosen and the majority not, but it is for the majorities benefit as Heaven is not a place where the masses serve one or a few, but the few serve the masses. It is opposite of this world. Belief in the source is a requisite of becoming one of the elect, but not exclusively. There is a point when belief becomes more than just an admission of where ones salvation lies and turns into an all encompassing knowledge of the creator the same way a human-like bond should exist between a husband and a wife. It is at that point that you understand how destiny is always at work towards the pivotal point in all history.




Gods? So not only do you reject free will, but you're also polytheistic? Fascinating,

Is it so unusual that a Father can have many sons that God could also do the same? Ever hear of alternate realities and parallel universes? Two people can be playing a copy of the same game on separate computer systems is a good analogy.

[Singularity]

Without getting into an entire debate of free-will vs. destiny, you can have the illusion of free-will or limited freedom within the framework of a destined outcome just as a citizen can believe they are free in a society which proclaims freedom yet has many laws and rules. Think of it as a dictatorship in which the leader is transparent and makes you feel as if you are calling all the shots.

I'm not sure what parts of the Bible you are referring to, but I've read many scriptures which I interpret to mean that God's will super-cedes any choice we make. In fact those who find the truth are called "elect" in Revelation. Elect does not mean self appointed but chosen. Therefore belief, while seemingly our own, evolves into something greater after understanding destiny as finding your whole again and returning in spirit to our first love.

The reason God chooses to make some not believe is because of the order of the master plan. It is destined that some are chosen and the majority not, but it is for the majorities benefit as Heaven is not a place where the masses serve one or a few, but the few serve the masses. It is opposite of this world. Belief in the source is a requisite of becoming one of the elect, but not exclusively. There is a point when belief becomes more than just an admission of where ones salvation lies and turns into an all encompassing knowledge of the creator the same way a human-like bond should exist between a husband and a wife. It is at that point that you understand how destiny is always at work towards the pivotal point in all history.


Right, this gets into one of the core contradictions of the religion. The notion is that we live our lives, even though God already knows who's going to be naughty and nice, so he has his book full of people who will eventually make it to heaven. What makes no sense is that if everything is preordained, and God is all powerful, why does he not create Heaven and then populate it with the appropriate souls? This notion of the lack of holding one's destiny on one's own hands essentially makes life pointless.


Is it so unusual that a Father can have many sons that God could also do the same? Ever hear of alternate realities and parallel universes? Two people can be playing a copy of the same game on separate computer systems is a good analogy.

All of the Abrahamic religions are pretty intent on the notion of there being no god but God. To suggest that he has godlike offspring means that you aren't worshiping the god you think you do. You're worshiping Zeus, or one of a number of other patriarchal gods that exist at the top of a given pantheon.

[UVsaturated]

What makes no sense is that if everything is preordained, and God is all powerful, why does he not create Heaven and then populate it with the appropriate souls?

Simple. All things being equal, God is carrying out a plan that ensures and will be provable that the elect are genuine and worthy to become a son of God. You wouldn't want someone in charge who would have the power to destroy all of creation on a whim. It will be the answer to the question: who gave God the right to rule.



This notion of the lack of holding one's destiny on one's own hands essentially makes life pointless.

That's a matter of opinion. Life can still be experienced even if you aren't in full control. When you ride down the road on a long trip in the back seat of a car, you aren't driving, but you can still enjoy the scenery and experience along the way and look forward to the destination.




All of the Abrahamic religions are pretty intent on the notion of there being no god but God. To suggest that he has godlike offspring means that you aren't worshiping the god you think you do. You're worshiping Zeus, or one of a number of other patriarchal gods that exist at the top of a given pantheon.

God can be one and many at the same time, otherwise he could not be God.

To respond to your statement about god having offspring (unless you don't believe the bible to be spiritually inspired);

Gen 6:4
"6:4 There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown. "

Simply put, if your mother is mortal and your father is a God, then you will be a man-God, but a God nonetheless - able to exist one in the spiritual realms and manifest in the physical realms.

[Singularity]

Simply put, if your mother is mortal and your father is a God, then you will be a man-God, but a God nonetheless - able to exist one in the spiritual realms and manifest in the physical realms.

Yep, definitely Zeus.

[J. Cruise]

OK well I do apologize UV, I went from reading your post and copying the text to quote into reading jake99's... and his obviously threw me for a bigger loop! lol... anyways, so if god has all these man-god sons then what the hell made jesus so special? I mean wasn't that their big thing? You know that he was the son of god??? Otherwise, what's the difference between him and Hercules or Achillies? Just wondering...

[UVsaturated]

OK well I do apologize UV, I went from reading your post and copying the text to quote into reading jake99's... and his obviously threw me for a bigger loop! lol... anyways, so if god has all these man-god sons then what the hell made jesus so special? I mean wasn't that their big thing? You know that he was the son of god??? Otherwise, what's the difference between him and Hercules or Achillies? Just wondering...

Supposing you prescribe to history as linear time and that Jesus did in fact live and breath the way you see people do today, and assuming the entire story of his life held in the Bible is factual in a literal sense then he would have been the only begotten son. In other words his birth was divine in the sense that he had no physical father.

This is where I depart from Christianity. I had some personal struggles with the whole idea of what Christianity asks of its followers and came to the conclusion that Jesus is in fact the deceiver or the wolf in sheep's clothing. For the most part, he taught the truth about the Father except for a couple catches or minor details. The main crux of Jesus' ministry is the belief in him as a deity and placing himself as the head and that no one can gain access to the Father except through him. However, when reading the story of Esau & Jacob in the OT, we find the truth hidden in the pages. The story basically is one of a blind father who bestows an inheritance on his second son by trickery and the selling of a birthright between two brothers over a simple meal. If you read and understand this story, you will see what Jesus is asking is that you grow to the point that you cut him off as your own head and take his place as the Christ.

This is also why he calls his followers "brothers" and also why the law demands that an true Israelite perform his duty to bare children with his brother's wife if he dies. In this case, Jesus died and his spouse would be the church and congregation of God, or the great multitude of peoples existing on the planet. Where conventional thinking relies on Jesus returning in some sort of rapture as a leader to conquer the forces of evil and rule with an iron scepter, the truth is his story was triumphant at the time it was ordained to occur, the next step in growth is to assume the same identity as the Jesus in becoming the Christ as a son of God.

The concept is merely the same as an ordinary family except on a larger and more grandiose scale. It's like winning the lottery endlessly.

[Singularity]

That is really an interesting interpretation. So since Jesus was able to create a new covenant between man and God, so too can anyone who decides to take Jesus' place create a new covenant between him or herself and God. Jesus said, "Hey look, salvation is easy. Just ask forgiveness and salvation is yours." Now you're essentially saying that the only thing that matters is the personal relationship between man and God, and that if you don't want to do it Jesus' way, you can do something else, as long as you basically stick to the commandments from the Old Testament." That's an interesting take on things because it means that inner faith trumps ritual.

That really doesn't change my position on the question of religion, but I find that interpretation surprisingly flexible.

[UVsaturated]

Now you're essentially saying that the only thing that matters is the personal relationship between man and God, and that if you don't want to do it Jesus' way, you can do something else, as long as you basically stick to the commandments from the Old Testament." That's an interesting take on things because it means that inner faith trumps ritual.

That really doesn't change my position on the question of religion, but I find that interpretation surprisingly flexible.

Jesus' way was essentially the correct way, but the door was left open and he was cut off in the midst of his mission for a purpose: to open the door for anyone wishing to follow to complete the task. He gives us his birthright if we are so bold as to take it from him, because he isn't coming back in the physical sense - that's what the Christians are waiting for and they will be terribly disappointed.

So far as the 10 commandments go, they are more of a higher order of divine law than what they appear to be. Like the lyrics in Stairway to Heaven reveal, "sometimes words have two meanings". The 10 commandments would be an example of having two meanings, like a lot of other things.

The best way I could possibly explain it to you (because I have found no one who understands) is life is being viewed currently at the working end of a pantograph.

[Jake99]

Supposing you prescribe to history as linear time and that Jesus did in fact live and breath the way you see people do today, and assuming the entire story of his life held in the Bible is factual in a literal sense then he would have been the only begotten son. In other words his birth was divine in the sense that he had no physical father.

This is where I depart from Christianity. I had some personal struggles with the whole idea of what Christianity asks of its followers and came to the conclusion that Jesus is in fact the deceiver or the wolf in sheep's clothing. For the most part, he taught the truth about the Father except for a couple catches or minor details. The main crux of Jesus' ministry is the belief in him as a deity and placing himself as the head and that no one can gain access to the Father except through him. However, when reading the story of Esau & Jacob in the OT, we find the truth hidden in the pages. The story basically is one of a blind father who bestows an inheritance on his second son by trickery and the selling of a birthright between two brothers over a simple meal. If you read and understand this story, you will see what Jesus is asking is that you grow to the point that you cut him off as your own head and take his place as the Christ.

Where conventional thinking relies on Jesus returning in some sort of rapture as a leader to conquer the forces of evil and rule with an iron scepter, the truth is his story was triumphant at the time it was ordained to occur, the next step in growth is to assume the same identity as the Jesus in becoming the Christ as a son of God.

The concept is merely the same as an ordinary family except on a larger and more grandiose scale. It's like winning the lottery endlessly.

I am the same identity as Jesus Christ in this Age and I have every intention of installing a simplified governing system that permanently conquers the forces of evil. I will rule as I always have in a fair and just manner that God would approve of if he were standing within me. I and my family have hit the lottery endlessly our whole life and so shall all those who come to me. Grandiose delusional does not apply when it is factual.


Jesus' way was essentially the correct way, but the door was left open and he was cut off in the midst of his mission for a purpose: to open the door for anyone wishing to follow to complete the task. He gives us his birthright if we are so bold as to take it from him, because he isn't coming back in the physical sense - that's what the Christians are waiting for and they will be terribly disappointed.

I am the man who walked in the shoes of Jesus and I am here in the pyhsical sense to complete the mission that Jesus started.

So far as the 10 commandments go, they are more of a higher order of divine law than what they appear to be. Like the lyrics in Stairway to Heaven reveal, "sometimes words have two meanings". The 10 commandments would be an example of having two meanings, like a lot of other things.

The best way I could possibly explain it to you (because I have found no one who understands) is life is being viewed currently at the working end of a pantograph.

Not sure what a pantograph is but yes words can have 2 meanings and if you interpret one wrong you miss the whole meaning and end up somewhere way off course. Mankind is speeding along 180 degrees off course (as far from God as possible) and it is my job to turn people around on a dime and direct mankind toward God the Father and Heaven on Earth.

Walking on water and turning it into wine, raising the dead and healing the sick is what I do professionally. I have been a Process Improvement Manager for many years for the largest Baking companies in the US and that would in the old days be called a Miracle Worker. Give what you have to me and I will multiply it and give it back to you has always been my money back guarantee.

[Jake99]

Become a teacher, go into Cultural Ethnic Studies, take your one required math class, and then move on to grad school. If it works out, you'll make good money while helping the world by educating the next generation. If it doesn't work out, you can always hang that diploma around your neck and ask any company to hire you. You can't lose.


I plan on automating basic education and putting it on the Internet for free. Who cares about cultural ethnics they are obviously unethical and we are to start a New World and the Old World Cultures and Ethnics will have gone away.

We have computers that will be doing the math and grad school will be more like On the Job Training. The B.S. diploma in profiteering wont be worth a plugged nickel in the New World.

[UVsaturated]

I will rule as I always have in a fair and just manner that God would approve of if he were standing within me.


Jake, considering homosexuality to be wrong as you have stated in other threads automatically makes you unfair and unjust. You are already biased considering sexuality.

You said it best by stating "if [God] were standing within me."

God is pure and loves all his creation.

[Jake99]

[quote] ./QUOTE]

So let me get this straight jake99... you believe that "god" really makes all your choices for you? Wouldn't that negate the whole "free will" thing that sets us apart from all of "gods" other creations? lol... just saying... I don't know whether to take you seriously or if you're just messing around... if you're serious... oh boy am I scared... if you're just messin.... you're a pretty funny guy! lol...

Not all of my actions are choices made by God but some of them are, I am completing the mission of Jesus and I already did all the things Jesus did to a much greater degree.

although jake99 feels no one should join the military but that's where I am and yes saving peoples lives is what I love to do, I also love singing, which is why I'm working on an album right now... point being, you need to make it happen... no one else will, not "god" not your friends or family, not jake99 if you choose to follow him on his crazy crusade to bring a "new world" about that he can lead.... You and only you can make your "destiny" don't let anyone tell you otherwise! So do what you love and love what you do! Then and only then will you know happiness! And you will find your way, you just have to pick up a machete and make your own path! Oh and as far as math goes... don't worry about it, I suck at math yet I have 2 college degree's so don't fret, you can do it if you just try hard enough and keep the determination and focus... most importantly follow through... even if you swing and miss so long as you follow through, at least you stuck with it. And if it doesn't work out in this life... there's always the next time around! Just make sure you live this life as a decent person, and I don't mean as a xtian, that's a whole diff story that I won't get into just yet... just do the right thing, what you feel is right, and all will turn out for the better.


The swing and miss follow through throw it at the walll and see what sticks theories is what got the Planet into this mess.


I promote the New World that Jesus was talking about and I want to install that One World Government ASAP.

[Cyranothe2nd]

Who cares about cultural ethics they are obviously unethical and we are to start a New World and the Old World Cultures and Ethics will have gone away.


Ummm...Jake, "ethnic" and "ethic" aren't the same...

[Jake99]

Ummm...Jake, "ethnic" and "ethic" aren't the same...


Opps I missed the N twice, corrected. That was my Archie Bunker impression, its always funny.

[Jake99]

Jake, considering homosexuality to be wrong as you have stated in other threads automatically makes you unfair and unjust. You are already biased considering sexuality.

You said it best by stating "if [God] were standing within me."

God is pure and loves all his creation.

I do not promote homosexuality it and it may not be much of an issue in the New World. What you do sexually should stay behind closed doors in my opinion and I stand against Gay marriage.