We all have family and/or friends who are not in our lives for one reason or another. Some may be because of a falling out, but the ones that affect me more are the ones who are not alive anymore. The older I get and the more memorial services I attend, the more often I pray about the words written in *Ecclesiastes 3:1 To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven: 2 A time to be born, And a time to die* Over the past few years I have had different people that I have known and loved leave this world for one reason or another. Some I am confident went into glory, others gone possibly to hell, and some I am not confident about at all, but I pray they found grace in the end. As I look through my phone, some of their contacts are still there as a reminder to be praying for their families. As I contemplate my own life I am encouraged by the words of Charles Spurgeon, “There is an essential difference between the decease of the godly and the death of the ungodly. Death comes to the ungodly man as a penal infliction, but to the righteous as a summons to his Father’s palace. To the sinner it is an execution, to the saint an undressing from his sins and infirmities. Death to the wicked is the King of terrors. Death to the saint is the end of terrors, the commencement of glory.” I read a poem that reflects life to come for the believer that gives me hope, and I pray that it gives hope and joy for all who read these words: I have a place in heaven Please don’t sing sad songs for me, Forget your grief and fears, For I am in a perfect place Away from pain and tears. It’s far away from hunger And hurt and want and pride, I have a place in Heaven With the Master at my side. My life on earth was very good, As earthly life can go, But Paradise is so much more Than anyone can know. My heart is filled with happiness And sweet rejoicing, too. To walk with God is perfect peace, A joy forever new. –Author known to God. My friends, when someone is missing from your life, and their whereabouts cannot be established, and the circumstances of why are confusing, remember that when those you love are “Absent” that person is still in a place where they have purpose, in your prayers, in your heart, and at the end of their days, hopefully in heaven. Final thought, not everyone will Rest In Peace but all will be judged by a Righteous Judge, who will evaluate situations based on divine truth, fairness, and mercy rather than mere outward appearances or hypocrisy. I have a profound longing, a spiritual homesickness for a home, a peaceful place where my heart is full, my soul understood, and peace is absolute. I have the desire for a state of complete emotional and physical fulfillment. I do want to close with a quote by Dr. Seuss’s “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened”

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.