Have you ever had one of those days that before you get out of bed, before your feet hit the floor, because of all that you have gone through over the past few days your first thought of the day is “I Quit”? I am sure that many of the things that I am going through are less severe than what many others around me are going through but still, it has been a lot lately. Just because I am a Pastor, some people are led to believe that I am not human, that I don’t have feelings and emotions, trials or tribulations, or at least there is no way that I should share them with others. I find that it helps me to share what is going on in my world with others in hopes that maybe one or two “friends” might be willing to come alongside me and be willing to help me carry the load, my burden, even just a little bit with me. I pray fervently about how I am to come alongside others as I read what is written about in *Galatians 6:2 Bear (endure, carry) one another’s burdens and troublesome moral faults, and in this way fulfill and observe perfectly the law of Christ (the Messiah) and complete what is lacking [in your obedience to it].* I have been called immature because I let the people of my world know that I struggle and at times have anxiety and even fall into depression. When I bring up others who are more notable in the faith than I that “struggle” I am dismissed. King David wrote about his problems of life, the Prophet Jeremiah told of his woes, Martin Luther lived with depressive episodes through most of his adult life, and it may come as a surprise to some that Charles Spurgeon had a lifelong battle with depression that he wrote about regularly. One of the most impactful individuals to me was reading about how the Lord Jesus fought strategic battles against despondency and depression. As we read of the account in Matthew 26:37-39 we see the choices Jesus made that we should as well. He chose some close friends to be with him in His time of need. He shared His heart with them and they listened. Jesus asked them to help intercede for Him and partner with Him in the battle he was facing. He poured out his heart to his Father in prayer. He rested his soul in God’s sovereign wisdom. In the midst of all of what I go through I am thankful for what is written in *Hebrews 12:2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work].* I don’t really understand why I have been rebuked about asking for prayer because I am having a bad day at times, or in all reality a few moments. I am frustrated when people read what I write about my life’s struggles and instead of coming to me and asking what they can do to help, they sneak around and talk to everyone else about me instead of spending a little time with me to find out why I am where I am. I have been rebuked to my face and told to stop telling people how I am doing, but they still don’t ask what’s going on. One thing that many cannot fathom is that now it is a day here or there, it used to be weeks, months, and even years where my life was a living hell. I just don’t get it. How we walk with the broken speaks a lot more about our character than who we sit with that are considered great. It is a great tragedy that so many of us are wanting to be heard but not many want to listen because it is so inconvenient. When I look back over my past and try to figure out what influenced my life the most, in all honesty it was the bad things, the pain, the struggles that helped shape me into who I am today more than anything good, and for that I really am thankful to God because it gives me the ability to help others on an entirely different level. It was never the hurtful things of those who did not like me, it was the lacking on the part of those who said they loved me and were nowhere to be found in my time of need. Because of the Lord Jesus in my life I have come to a place where I “Don’t” Quit. When I am stressed, I pause, and when I pause, I pray. My friends, please pray for me as I pray for all who read these words and struggle in similar ways. 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.