Thank you to all those that have prayed for my family and I over the years and continue praying for us now without knowing the intimate details of our trials and tribulations. As for what I am dealing with, it is nothing new to me, all throughout my life I have “Struggled” in one way or another. Mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually, I have struggled in an almost cyclical interval. I have had people rebuke me and tell me to pray more, read my Bible more, trust in Jesus more, and ask them in return, “Do you think I don’t do those things?” To cope with life’s struggles, I have tried to prioritize self-care through sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and address my emotional needs by practicing gratitude for all that God has done for me and still feel lacking. I regularly talk to others to encourage them to endure, and find healthy ways to express my feelings and emotions to the world around me and try my best to not sound like I am complaining. I have actively pursued managing my stress and finding clarity by setting achievable goals, planning ahead, and focusing on positive aspects of life, remembering that experiencing struggle is a normal part of growth and a chance for change to happen by the grace of God. Life is still overwhelming at times. I think of the story of when Peter sank in the water as written in *Matthew 14:29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!”* Recently there have been days when I feel like I am sinking, the waves are crashing in and it takes all that I have to say, “Lord, save me!” It is not that I have taken my eyes off of Jesus for long periods of time, only moments here and there, but I believe that there are storms going on in the spiritual realm that are causing me to struggle to have the Joy of the Lord each day. I was asked a question that really struck me, “How is your faith?” The answer that I gave is, “Day by day, and at times, moment by moment”. I realize that I am NOT the only person dealing with struggles in the ways of life. I may be one of the few that admit it to the world though. As I reflect on my struggles, I am moved by the words of Charles Spurgeon, “Our prayers have stains in them, our faith is mixed with unbelief, our repentance is not as tender as it should be, our communion is distant and interrupted. We cannot pray without sinning and there is filth even in our tears.” I need to remember that hard things in my life do not determine my identity. Especially when I am in a negative mood, I must look for the cracks, imperfections, and flaws in my life because that is where the light of the Lord comes through and shines bright when I am in a dark place.The “cracks” represent my vulnerabilities and imperfections, and the “light” symbolizes insight, hope, and connection with God in a formidable way. My brethren, I ask humbly that you not only pray for me but for ALL those that you know that are struggling in the ways of life as well. It may be because of your prayers that others feel not only peace with God but also a peace of God, and maybe, just maybe, experience the presence of God in an awe inspiring way as well. 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.