A few years back I went extreme mountain climbing. Okay, it was a hike with a friend in the hills around Tucson. As we were walking, the terrain got a “little” aggressive for me. Not severe for them because they had traveled the trail many times before. I watched to see where their feet were landing and noticed that even though we were side by side some of the time, and on the same path, our routes were a little different because of the rocky terrain. There were times where I would lead and then there were times that they would because of the narrowness of the path in certain places. Different verses came to mind as we walked and talked. I thought about what is written in *Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up.* At one point, I could not see where we had started and definitely did not know how far we were going because this was all new to me. I trusted my friend to make sure that I made it to where I was to go and back again. I trusted my friend in a similar way that I trust the Lord every day through this journey I am on called life. I pray often about what is written in *Proverbs 16:9 A man’s mind plans his way [as he journeys through life], But the Lord directs his steps and establishes them.* As we walked, we talked. Our spiritual footprints became more important than our physical ones as we shared the challenges that we both faced and how our love for our Lord helped us with focusing on His will for each of our lives. I was very thankful for the blessings that I received that day, more than the walk, the encouragement in Christ. I had experienced first hand what is written about in *Proverbs 27:17 As iron sharpens iron, So one man sharpens [and influences] another [through discussion].* I praise God for the friends He has given me who strengthen and embolden me in the Lord, and for all those who say they are my friends and have proved it by being there for me when I am on an unfamiliar and/or difficult path. There have been many times where I have compared the rockiness of my life’s journey to that of others and contemplated why it seems that their lives are so much more blessed and trouble free then mine, then I hear a still small voice whisper to me, “I don’t have that for you, but what I do have for you is a blessing that you will be able to bless others with, helping them to walk on unsteady ground for you have already traveled the difficult and challenging paths many times and survived.” In those moments, I’m reminded that even when the way feels lonely, I am never truly walking it alone. God sees every struggle, every doubt, every quiet tear, and He meets me there with grace and mercy. I have become drastically aware that God places people in my life at just the right time to steady me, to listen, and to remind me of His promises. And in turn, I have become accustomed on how to be that same source of comfort and strength for someone else who is finding their footing on a difficult path. I have come to understand through experience that when you walk beside another in their darkest hour, you can become the bridge that carries them over the heaviest waters if they let you. By offering my strength to someone whose spirit was weary, there has been a part of me that gets healed, a part of myself that  never recovered before due to the lack of care from those I expected to help me, not only in the distant past but the present also. True grace is found not in avoiding the struggle, but in lighting a candle for those still searching for the way to Jesus. He is my hope, my joy, that helps me endure. For all of you who encourage me on a regular basis, 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.