I value friendship more than just about anything in this world. I have noticed that the term “friend” has been used very loosely in more recent times. Good friendships are one of the biggest influences of happiness and peace in our lives and yet it seems as though there is so little time for them due to the busyness of life. There is a story of a son who had asked his father to call 50 of his friends and invite them to his wedding. The dad said that he would. The day of the wedding, the groom only sees 15 of his friends there. The son goes to the father puzzled and asks why there are so few people from the list that he had given him. The father said that he had done what his son had asked… with a twist. He’d invited all 50 friends and told them that the son was in trouble and he needed help. He gave them the time and location of the service. The son quickly came to realize the truth of friendship is not in the number of those around you but in the quality of those that are willing to be there for you in your time of need. Those who came rushing to the wedding, thinking that their friend was in imminent danger are the ones that valued him. Those who ignored the plea, were the ones that were not in his life for what they could give to him, but for only what they could get from him. I have learned the hard way that just because someone says that they are my friend doesn’t make it true, many times there has been a huge void in my greatest times of need. Disappointment has a way of revealing who is truly invested in your life and who is merely passing through it. The difficult seasons often strip away the superficial and expose the relationships that are built on genuine care and sacrifice. While those realizations can be painful, they are also invaluable because they help us recognize and appreciate authentic friendship when we find it. I covet the friendship written about in *1 Samuel 18:3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him as his own soul. 4 And Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.* I am blessed to have a few people in my life that I believe would do that for me and more. They check in on me, return my call, text me back, they are intentional to make sure we stay connected. The one aspect that truly sticks out to me is that certain individuals who I thought should care for me don’t, and show it when I have said that I am not doing well and they go about their business as if I didn’t exist. Genuine friendship is not about being there when it is convenient, it is about being there for someone when it isn’t. I have heard it said that everyone needs 3 types of friends in life. One is a truth teller, someone who is willing to tell you the good and the bad, and hold you accountable to what you say. Then you need a confidant, someone you can tell anything to and they will protect that information, keep it safe and counsel you in a way that is fruitful and beneficial for you,  And you also need a Ride or Die who you can call at 3 o’clock in the morning saying I need you to get your stuff, and the only thing they say is where are you at, I am on my way. You will be lucky in life if you have these 3 friends, but you will be blessed in life if you have all 3 of these in one person. My desire is to cultivate friendships that are marked by loyalty, honesty, compassion, and mutual encouragement. I want to be more than just an acquaintance with the people around me, I endeavor to be intentional in being their friend and not just friendly. There is room at my table and in my heart for those who value genuine connection and are willing to walk through both the joys and struggles of life together. I remain convinced that investing intentionally in meaningful relationships is one of the greatest callings and blessings we can experience this side of eternity. Through every friendship in my life that has endured the tests of time and adversity, I can see the hand of God faithfully providing the encouragement, accountability, and companionship my soul has needed. As I continue this journey, I am grateful that the Lord not only teaches us the value of true friendship but also lovingly places the right people in our lives at the right time, reminding us that His care is often expressed through the faithfulness of those He sends to walk beside us. I pray that you remember today that, 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.