Today, with all the busyness of life, I was remembering going back to the dark ages and how I have really missed it recently. A few years ago my phone stopped working and I decided to wait for a few days to get a replacement but also regretted waiting at the time because it seemed like an eternity. My daughter told me that if she was going to go somewhere she would leave me a “Note”, lol. Being without a phone my life changed, even if only for a short period of time. As I was out and about, without my “Camera,” my “Social Media,” my “Boom Box,” and all that my cell phone had replaced, I looked around and “people watched.” I ended up spending more time in prayer for those in my life and those that I saw in passing. Since I was able to look ahead and not down, I noticed how many others were living more on their phones than off of it. For many, it is a huge distraction from the world around them, almost like a ball and chain and for the majority they don’t even realize it much less care. More importantly, I realized how distracted I had been from what was supposed to be most important, what was right before my eyes, the blessings; the Lord Jesus, my family, my friends, my calling. I reflect on what is written in *Proverbs 4:25 Let your eyes look straight ahead, And your eyelids look right before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, And let all your ways be established.* I know for myself, there have been times when I have been waiting for something, in line, or to meet someone, and I would be on the phone. During my time “phoneless”, I became more attentive to those around me, more present because I was looking around and seeing life going on and not looking down while it passed me by. I read a quote that touched my heart, “Don’t let the noise of the world keep you from hearing the voice of the Lord” while adding to that focusing on those that need your presence and maybe more importantly your availability. My friends, we must remember, we were not created to live a distracted life, we were created to live a life whole heartily devoted to the Lord, and sometimes that means sitting still, enjoying the quiet moments, and from what I can remember before cell phones, it can be amazing. Also, remember to look up and make some eye contact with whoever you can, it may be uncomfortable, but it also just might be what it takes to be able to change someone else’s focus as well. In this season don’t let your cell phone put you in your own prison. 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, 5202720387last name Blaser. Thank you my Beloved for your ongoing prayers and support.