To get a better understanding of who I am and what has happen to me in recent years, check out the following dates:

November 15, 2002 - Michelle passes away from an accidental drug overdose.
December, 2003 - Jessica Ipema - age 3 passes away from heart problems as a result of ecoli.
January 22, 2005 - Dad, Ted Baar, passes away from fast moving cancer.
June, July 16, 2007 - Jim Alsum, Mike's brother is diagnosed with brain and liver cancer and passes away 6 weeks later.
December 5, 2007 - Mike falls approximately 30 feet and shatters both legs, breaks 11 ribs, plus a lot more injuries and survives with no spinal cord injuries, major brain injury, or significant internal injuries.
October 2008 - Jeff is in Motorcycle accident and arrives with no pulse, no blood pressure due to torn spleen - survives.
December 2008 - I am admitted to the hospital with pancreatitis due to interactions with "prescribed" medications. Could have dies if I had not gone in when I did. Severe damage to Pancrease.
April 16, 2010 - Brother- in-law Peter Wybenga passes away from a sudden heart attack.

These are life happenings that have affected my life, our lives, our families' lives. They are more than some people experience in their whole lifetime but still far less than what others experience in theirs. Some wonder how I deal with it and keep so positive. One word: GOD! I cannot, nor could not, and would not do it on my own. Yes, I have family support but each handles these events in their own way. We all have God but God made us differently, and we are all at different spiritual maturity levels. I am weak, I cry, I get angry, I am tempted... I am not perfect however, I have God who is my constant, my strength, He feels my tears, He tempers my temperament, He is my guide, He is my everything. He is unchangable, He is ever faithful!

I cannot change anything. I live by my faith, I walk by my faith, I talk my faith. I can do nothing less since God holds me in the palm of His hand. I can face the negative things, the sad things, the bad things because God is in control. It is also important on how I handle the good and wonderful things. I have said it before - I am human, I sin, I am affected by the earthly/worldly things but must run the race for God, striving for His good and to give Him the honor and glory.

I praise and thank God for the "challenges" He has placed in my life. If it weren't for the challenges and changes, I would be stagnant, as good as dead, but God has given me Life and Hope and Joy and Peace and Comfort. Praise be to God!