Just about every year, around this time, flashbacks become commonplace in my life due to one thing or another. Many parts of my past trauma have been around the holidays. Triggers set off a PTSD type of thought process in me, fight or flight at times. I look at what I have gone through and to some it seems extreme and to others it is nothing. I realize that we can’t compare apples to apples in every aspect of our lives. I have dear friends that have gone to war and some of the things that they have experienced haunt them continually, and for some it has cost them their very lives. I know that what I have gone through has a lot to do with the poor choices that I have made in the past more than anything else, and for that I will deal with the consequences of my actions for the rest of my life because it has been ingrained in my mind. The enemy has a purpose and so does Jesus as it is written in *John 10:10 The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I (Jesus) came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].* As I speak certain verses to myself, I pray fervently to be able to “enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows].” I also want to encourage my brethren and friends that are facing battles, we all need to know and understand without a doubt that we are not alone. Jesus is with us. I am encouraged by what is written in *Ephesians 6:12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this [present] darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) places.* There are different levels of demonic activity that come against the followers, the disciples of the Lord Jesus. And whether we like it or not, the enemy uses some of those that are supposed to be looking out for us, as well as leading those in authority to cause division in the church. For those of you that do not face any battles, I would recommend that you pray fervently and evaluate whether or not you are even in the fight of just a conscientious objector, an “individual who has claimed the right to refuse to perform military service.” I am willing to help whosoever needs it, as much as I can, through prayer and any other way that is possible for me to do. Closing thought: What has screwed me up most in life has been the picture in my head of how I thought my life was supposed to be, not understanding that we can apply the character and attributes of God in our lives like what is written in *Isaiah 55: 8 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts.* His ways are so much better than mine for HE >i. 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.