One of what some people consider my greatest fault and other my greatest virtue is that I want to help others because I care, I guess a little bit too much at times. I have been through so much, and made so many ungodly mistakes, that I want others to learn from my iniquity and not endure the troubles of their own poor choices if they don’t need to. There have been times when I gave advice when it was unsolicited, unsought, and more importantly unwelcomed and for that I apologize to any that I may have offended by overstepping my boundaries in our relationship. Sometimes I have misinterpreted a conversation and did not realize that the person was merely looking for a sounding board, someone to listen to his/her problem and not fix anything. They might just have wanted to vent or complain, and not have me help them seek a solution. Even at my age, I am in a constant state of acquiring new skills, trying to “Seek first to understand, then to be understood.” I usually figure out that I need to keep my mouth shut right after I open it and speak. In more recent times, as I have been led to say something, I stop and think, then I pause and pray, then take the situation before God in intercession. The one verse that I tend to focus on is written in *Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and his tongue keeps himself from troubles.* This is a truth I wish I would have learned when I was young. I am at the point of life where I am trying to be a little more sparing and selective with my advice, wisdom, and discernment. I feel that maybe I should save myself some time, breath, frustration, heartache, and withhold my words until it is actually sought intentionally. Sometimes, the wisest thing to do is to step back and let the person with the problem struggle and suffer to the point where they actually request my wisdom, experience, and help in a genuine way. My prayer is that even when I may have given advice that wasn’t asked for, that it helped in one way or another. I pray that it is eventually realized that I did it out of a genuineness of love, care, and a desire to help by sharing truth. When I care for someone there is very little that I wouldn’t do for them. I don’t know how to only give half way, it is not in my nature. The sad thing is, I think I am learning. My one big takeaway is in moving forward that I will make sure to seek consent before sharing relatable experiences or unsolicited advice no matter how biblical it may be or heartfelt because “unsolicited advice is most of the time wasted breath” and reflects the common experience that unrequested guidance is often ineffective, unappreciated, and can even damage relationships. I have come to see that most people are more likely to listen to someone who has offered support and empathy even with no solution, rather than criticism that results in peace and well being. 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.