Today, my family will celebrate the memory of my father, my dad, my friend. He would have been 87 today. It’s been 13 years since we’ve seen him face to face. The best thing for him is that he gets to celebrate his earthly birthday in the heavenly kingdom with Jesus! For those that may not know, my dad became a born again believer three weeks before he died. I remember reading the Gospel of John to him when he was in hospice. When certain verses came up my dad would ask questions. I am thankful for verses that gave him assurance like what is written in *John 3:2 This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.”* There were events that happened that gave my dad the blessing of being able to go into glory from home. During this time I witnessed the change, I saw the difference. He understood about grace and forgiveness. I saw God’s Spirit live inside of him. I remember he apologized to my mom for the way that he had treated her over the years. My dad rarely apologized for anything. He stopped focusing on the TV that had not been turned off in forever and invested in family, in the moments he had left. He made the important things important again. I experienced first hand certain verses come to life like what is written in *2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.* There was no way that I could be there at the moment of his birth, but the sad thing for me is that I was not there at the moment of his death either. I was able to spend quite a bit of time with him in his final days though and that is a blessing I will always cherish. When I was reading to my dad I came across *John 5:42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you.* I told my day that I did see the love of God in him and he said so did he. The other verse that I am thankful he heard is written in *John 6:47 Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life.* Shortly after I read him these words he went home to be with Jesus. It’s been years since I’ve seen him. I miss my dad, he is one of the reasons that I am looking so forward to heaven, to be able to see him again. I like what Charles Spurgeon said, “Death comes to the ungodly man as a penal infliction, but to the righteous as a summons to his Father’s palace. To the sinner it is an execution, to the saint an undressing from his sins and infirmities. Death to the wicked is the King of terrors. Death to the saint is the end of terrors, the commencement of glory.” My dad was disabled when I was about three, I have peace believing that his pain is gone and he is finally at peace. One thing that saddens me is that my grandchildren never got to meet him. They have heard some stories but don’t really understand who he was. I realize that after my children go into glory that any actual remembrance of him will be gone and another generation or two so will I. I pray that for those who know me today, that they witness my love for Jesus and that they realize it is all because of Him I live. May He be what is remembered about me and nothing about myself. My family thanks you for your prayers. My BeLoved, may the grace and peace of the Lord Jesus, 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.