It was January 12, 2012 when my father, James Joseph Blaser, went to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I remember that day like it was yesterday. I remember where I was when I got the news because I was not with him when he took his last breath on earth, and for that I am still heartbroken. My dad was more than my father, he was my friend. Because of my relationship with him, and I can honestly say it was challenging at times, I have tried to be more involved, more intentional in the lives of those around me, especially with my children and grand-children. I realized a little while back that each day is not really one more day of life but one less. Over the years I have learned to start giving value to what really matters, moments of time that I can never get back. As now that I am closer to the day of my death than the day of my birth, I have come to a deep understanding of what is written in *James 4:14 Yet you do not know [the least thing] about what may happen in your life tomorrow. [What is secure in your life?] You are merely a vapor [like a puff of smoke or a wisp of steam from a cooking pot] that is visible for a little while and then vanishes [into thin air].* Because of different times of illness that I have gone through, there were a few times when I begged God to take me home, to heaven, because it was painful to endure. Since then, I have been convicted and now I liken to the words of Charles Spurgeon, “Surely, if there could be regrets in heaven, the saints might mourn that they did not live longer here to do more good. Oh, for more sheaves for my Lord’s garner! more jewels for His crown! But how, unless there be more work? True, there is the other side of it, that, living so briefly, our sins are the fewer; but oh! when we are fully serving God, and He is giving us to scatter precious seed, and reap a hundredfold, we would even say it is well for us to abide where we are. Whether our Master shall say “go,” or “stay,” let us be equally well pleased so long as He indulges us with His presence.” One of the things that Paul wrote really reflects these thoughts as written in *2 Corinthians 5:6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord. 7 For we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.* I pray that all who read these words fully comprehend how quickly our lives pass before it’s too late. The older I get the more I regret the time that I wasted on the wrong priorities and more importantly the wrong people. I feel sorry for the people that I spent time with that did not appreciate it, but I will never regret investing in the lives of those around me, because that is where the greatest harvest has been. It was 3 weeks before my father died that he became a born again Christian and I can say without a doubt that every exigent conversation and every tearful prayer was worth it. My purpose has become to know Jesus more and to make Him known more to the world around me. I want to go to heaven, but I want to take as many people who are willing with me as I can. Who else will join me in this endeavor? 

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.