One of my purposes in writing what I do is to try to encourage my brethren to stand firm in their faith through whatever trials and tribulations that come their way. Hopefully, some of what I share will help the unbelievers and pagans as well come to believe that God is alive and active in our lives today as much as He was from the foundations of the world. My life has never been overflowing with blessings as the world would see it. I have been blessed with a loving family, encouraging friends, a roof over my head, clean clothes, and food to eat. I also feel that I have been called to suffer in ways that the world around me may never understand. My work has been demanding, my relationships have been challenging at times, my talent has been lacking, my heart has been broken more times than I can count. I share my experiences, my joy, my sorrows, my pain, my blessings, just about every aspect of my life, in hope that my world will see how great and mighty God is in the midst of life’s challenges. The very first book of the Bible that I studied as a new Christian was Job. I never related to the blessings he had in the beginning, but felt deep in my heart what seemed like the testing of his faith throughout the rest of the book. I regularly reflect on the words spoken in *Job 1:21…“Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”* Over the years my family has struggled at times in every way imaginable. When I quit working in automotive repair I took to the streets in search of discarded furniture during bulk pickup, and also helping others lighten their load of burdens from their homes of unwanted belongings. Not all of what I picked up had value so some went to the dump and some was ruined by the weather. Even though the storms in life came, one thing I noticed in the destruction and debris was that a path was cleared. We definitely live an unconventional life, but because of having children with specific and special needs in our home, living like we do helps us to help them while helping others as well. I do not always let others know the challenges that we face that only God and us know about. I ask that you would please pray that the Lord strengthens and establishes my family, and that we are able to endure eagerly and faithfully the difficulties that come our way no matter what they may be, financial, physical, emotional, and most importantly spiritual because that seems to be the most intense at this season of life. My desire is to stand firm in my faith, entrusting myself to God no matter what comes my way, expressing my praise, worship, and unwavering faith in God’s goodness, regardless of circumstances that are before me, acknowledging His holiness, sovereignty, and worthiness, giving thanks during both joyful and difficult times. I am honored for the call I have received and more importantly for all of the grace required to endure it. My prayer: “Dear Lord, continue to test my faith even through extreme duress if need be for You work all things together for my good.” My friends, please join me in saying no matter what comes our way, “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

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.