To all those who have been wondering where I have been or why the devotionals stopped two weeks ago, I went on a family vacation. I had every intention of continuing writing everyday but the day before I left I found my laptop to be broken and unusable, and when I got to where I was going the computer did not have easy access. The more I prayed, the more I was led to disconnect from my electronics and focus on what was right in front of me at the moment as much as that is possible for me. My time away was blessed to be with family, my daughters, their husbands and their children. To have eight of my grandchildren together was an amazing blessing. We were in Washington near Seattle. The weather was cooler so that was a challenge for me because I do not like the cold. The time went by fast and slow at the same time. We did a lot of family activities, zoos, aquariums, parks, and even a trip on a ferry across the Puget Sound. We ate all our meals together and experienced family time that seems rare these days. The moments were precious. It was a different normal for me, if only for two weeks, and one that challenged me more than I thought it would. One of the Bible verses I have always struggled with is *Psalms 46:10  Be still, and know that I am God…* This verse encourages a state of quietness, but it is not instruction to passive idleness. It implies a surrender of control and a cessation of personal efforts and submission to God’s plan for us. This part of the verse calls for a deep understanding and acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty, omnipotence, and faithful presence in every situation His children go through. It emphasizes that God’s will and plans are sovereign and will ultimately be fulfilled, regardless of the chaotic conditions that surround us. The act of being “still” is an active choice to trust in God’s control rather than attempting to force things through worry, striving, or fighting. In essence, I find this verse as a powerful message of trust, encouraging me to surrender my anxieties and recognize the unwavering power and presence of God in my life day by day as well as moment by moment. In my time being there I came to see life through a clearer lens. How short my days actually are in terms of how many are left. I truly felt the ministry of God’s presence over my life while away. I have contemplated my life and how there are so many pieces of my life flying around me and I am trying to catch them all but can’t. When I was watching all my grandchildren around me I tried to catch glimpses of who they were in the moments because I know that I may never experience that again. For those who are young and vibrant, I know it may feel like you have all the time in the world but you really don’t. I remember being young and quick, but I have noticed now more than ever that I am old and slow. I did enjoy my time away and God showed me more than I’m able to share right now. One thing for sure is that being disconnected from my world for a short time helped me reconnect with God on a deeper level and showed a more focused purpose, and for that I am humbled. My BeLoved, may the grace of the Lord Jesus, and the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen. In Christ Love, douglas. HE>i. pastord.blog

Special Note: I want to thank those who read what I write and are encouraged to give either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis in support of the different ministries God has entrusted to me. I am encouraged to see certain verses playing out before my eyes like what is written in *Philippians 4:16 For even in Thessalonica you sent aid once and again for my necessities. 17 Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.* 

To any who are interested, please feel free to reach out to me with prayer requests, questions, encouragement, or for information on how to come alongside me with financial support for the ministry activities that God has entrusted to me at  pastord.blog@gmail.com or I do have a Zelle account associated with my phone number, 5202720387 last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.