As some of you may remember, three years ago I took a little time away from my life in Tucson and spent invaluable time with my youngest daughter Tawnye and her dog Nox. We went on an expedition from the east coast to the west as the Navy transferred her from Virginia to Washington State. Even though being away from my family at home and all that life there consisted of was not easy on them, I stepped out in faith and went on this mission trip. I was blessed to meet new people, visit family that I have not seen in years, and pray with a variety of different individuals along the way. On our journey we visited Niagara Falls, as well as a childhood home that I grew up in, that I left 50 years ago, yes the building was still standing, lol. We were immersed on a few other adventures along the way, a visit to Cedar Point amusement park and Lake Erie, the Ark Exhibit in Kentucky, a visit to beloved brethren in Christ along the way in Ohio, and a few other places the Lord led. We even drove eight hours out of the way for me to be able to stop by the Alamo, one of the things on my bucket list, for me to get out for a quick picture of the exterior, get back in the truck and head home. It was probably one of the top five best adventures I have ever experienced. Time with one of my most cherished best friends. There was a challenge though that I knew I was going to have to work through when I got home that caused me a little anxiety in my journey. I remember that I heard about the rain and the destruction it caused to some of my work that I knew I would need to deal with when I got back home, but that was for another day. The unknown tried to consume my thoughts but I found peace in what was written in *Psalms 37:3 Trust [rely on and have confidence] in the Lord and do good; Dwell in the land and feed [securely] on His faithfulness. 4 Delight yourself in the Lord, And He will give you the desires and petitions of your heart.* My mind had been set on not having a specific agenda and seeing where the Lord led me and to whom I may encourage in Christ along the way and that is just what I did. I like what Spurgeon said, “The more objects you set your heart upon, the more thorns there are to tear your peace of mind to shreds.” In the end, the only thing that my mind was set upon was to be in His will, doing what I believe that He had called me to do in the moment, and try my best to glorify Him in everything I did as written about in *Philippians 4:13 I can do all things [which He has called me to do] through Him who strengthens and empowers me [to fulfill His purpose—I am self-sufficient in Christ’s sufficiency; I am ready for anything and equal to anything through Him who infuses me with inner strength and confident peace.]* I want to thank all who have given genuine encouragement, reassurance, and compassion in that season as well as the one I am in today, for my life is being consumed with many opportunities for ministry. Also to those who have offered support to me emotionally, financially, and more importantly, to those who pray for my family and I on a regular basis, you are truly my beloved. In Christ, Douglas. Please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, or for information on how to help support the ministry God has entrusted to me as you feel led at pastord.blog@gmail.com