For those who are not aware, today is a little bit of a different day, for tomorrow I will be another year older and another day closer to heaven. If you read any of my blogs or watch the videos, I pray that you can tell that I love Jesus, my family, my friends, as well as the lost and the broken  of the world that I come in contact with because I was one of them. I don’t just share my words to be heard; I share them because I know exactly what it feels like to be searching for a hope you can’t yet name, Jesus. As my birthday is here again, I have a simple request for what I would like as a gift, nothing really in the physical realm, mostly because I am a simple man having more than I need already. Please pray for me to truly comprehend what God’s will is for my life and more importantly to be obedient to it whether blessings or trials, in the furnace of affliction or having a mountain top experience. I’ve learned that the gift of another year isn’t just about more time for me, but about more opportunities to be used by Him. With all that is going on in the world, there are certain verses that have more impact in my heart than they used to. It is 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…* Time is the one currency you spend without ever seeing the balance, so I am learning to spend it wisely. As I come to realize that at 62 years old, I am probably more than ¾ of the way through my life if the Lord is merciful to me, the words of Charles Spurgeon have a little more impact than they did when I had my come to Jesus moment 26 years ago, he said “Time is short. Eternity is long. It is only reasonable that this short life be lived in the light of eternity.” There are other things that I contemplate as well like a poem that I have read called “The Dash”, a few of the lines bring lucidity to me, “He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but he said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.” When you realize you have more years behind you than ahead of you, the ‘dash’ between your dates stops being a concept and starts being a mission to fulfill. My prayer is that before I die, that everyone who has come to know me but didn’t know God, comes to know God because they have known me. And for those of you that do know God, my prayer is that my life has encouraged you in some way to draw you closer to the Lord Jesus. Most people never hear what kind of impact they have made in other people’s lives while they are still among the living because those types of words are usually only said at memorial services and funerals. If I have made an impact in your life in any way, good or bad, it would be a blessing and gift to me to know what you will remember about me when I am gone. Your stories are the mirror that helps me see if I’ve truly reflected the light of Jesus, or if I’ve let my own shadow get in the way. Thank you in advance to all who will share something, and my love is with all of you who bless me by encouraging me on a regular basis. Also, please feel free to share a prayer request if you would, so that I can have the honor and privilege of praying for you as well. Friendship goes both ways. Thank you all for the well wishes. Please feel free to text to the number or message the email address at the bottom of this devotional. Jesus loves you and I love you too.

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.