Do you ever feel like time is just slipping away? Do you crave more meaningful moments with family and friends but get so caught up in things of the world with no eternal value? I do more than I care to admit. Most of us live our lives trying to forget past mistakes, attempting to make the most of every instant in the present, while planning to manipulate every second in our future to be able to achieve what we want, not concerned about living in the moment or how to live a life that is truly pleasing to God. Stealing time from the importance of daily interaction with those we love as we get hooked into watching T.V. or playing video games, watching TikTok, or simply being distracted by the ways of the world and not focused on the ones whom God has blessed us with. I used to have non-negotiables, but I have traded many of those due to lack of urgency. For my family, having meals together has always been one of the most impactful parts of the day and yet we have recently let it be a more fend for yourself type thing, eat what you want when you want, with or without someone else. Nearly every moment of our day we are bombarded with snapshots and sound bites of other people’s lives on social media and caught up watching others live their lives while we neglect to live our own. In plain words, we have become lethargic and complacent with what matters most. Why do we, really why do I, allow seemingly innocent distractions to consume hours of my life, especially when it often leaves me feeling less than I should? And why am I modeling this time-waster mentality to the children in my home? F.Y.I., I am not saying this to anyone else, but just preaching to myself out loud, and sharing with any who will listen that this may apply too as well. I am convicted by the words of the Lord Jesus written in *Matthew 7:3 And why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the plank in your own eye? 4 Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me remove the speck from your eye’; and look, a plank is in your own eye? 5 Hypocrite! First remove the plank from your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.* My friends, what if we put our devices down for an hour a day and invested in those around us? Take a walk as a family around the block? Go really old school and play cards or cook a meal together? More importantly, what about reading the Bible as a family and discussing what was read to have a clear understanding? And the true test for me is to resist the urge to be selfish with what little time I may have left and invest it into what really matters, my family and friends, and ultimately the kingdom. I pray that God convicts all of His children to allow something special to take root in our lives, in our homes, “koinonia”, intimate fellowship with each other in Christ. It’s amazing how many precious minutes get added to our day when we stay fully present and available to those we love and care about. On my death bed, I am confident that I will not be regretting all that I did so much as what I didn’t that I should have. 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 support the ministry God has entrusted to me either one time or have decided to give on a monthly basis. 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 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.