Over the years I have had individuals approach me who suspect that there are some things going on in my life and without questioning any further they say that I don’t look happy, and I hate to admit it but there are many times they are correct. To me there is a big difference between happiness and joy. Happiness is affected by what is going on around you, whereas Joy is all about what God is doing within you in the midst of what is going on around you. One verse that I struggle with and yet so desperately try to apply to my life is *Psalms 118:24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.* Yesterday was a day that got away from me from the moment I opened my eyes. Lately, it seems as though I have been running just to catch myself. There are so many things that I need to get done that just don’t for one reason or another. My ability to accomplish simple tasks are few and far between causing other hardships and difficulties to follow. The weather causes me to have seasonal depression and I have noticed that I have been inconsistent with my time with the Lord. I am reading some, praying at times, and worshiping a little every day, not as deeply as I think I should, but in a way that works for me in this season of my life. I feel like I am trying to spin 50 plates at the same time and they are starting to fall off the sticks they are on one by one causing stress and raising my anxiety level through the roof. By the power of the Holy Spirit I have still been able to minister to the lost and broken around me with some consistency. My family seems to be constantly going through trials for which God carries us and supplies all of our needs and for that we are grateful beyond measure. Some of the people that God has me ministering to and praying for, have circumstances going on that are heart-rending and challenging. Through all that I am going through, I have peace in the trials, joy in the brokenness, and strength to endure the tribulations with hope, all because of who Jesus is in my life and what He is doing. For all those struggling, my prayer for you is found in *Romans 15:13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing [through the experience of your faith] that by the power of the Holy Spirit you will abound in hope and overflow with confidence in His promises. My prayer for myself is for the “joy of the Lord” to overflow my life. I am fervently desiring a deep, lasting, and internal sense of happiness that is rooted in a relationship with God rather than external circumstances. I pray that my life is characterized by having the “fruit of the Spirit”, providing a sense of divine, enduring, and abiding strength that enables me to remain steadfast regardless of trials that my family and I go through. We crave a permanent state of gladness, firm confidence in God’s goodness, and a joy stemming from God’s undeserved favor. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen. 

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.