A little history of me, myself, and I. I have been writing encouragements that turned into devotionals for close to 15 years. Many people have told me that I should organize them and put them into a book, well that is far beyond my knowledge or capability. I have been blessed with a blog site (pastord.blog) by a good friend who felt led to be a partner in the ministry that God has entrusted to me. I am not sure how many individuals actually read what I share, how far they actually go, but my heart is that if even one person is encouraged, if one person reads something one day that they can relate to that helps them to decide to endure a little bit more, draw someone a little bit closer to the Lord Jesus, that it in the end it will all have been worth it. My life is not overly exciting, my house is not fancy, my friends are not influential by worldly standards, but my life is full with the daily joy of ministry, my home is filled with love because of all of the people that enter, and my friends have genuine care and concern for me and my family and show it by their encouragement and support. I have been involved in ministry ever since first becoming a Christian almost 26 years ago. I got involved in every ministry possible at the church I attend, you name it and I was most likely involved at one time or another. Whenever I saw there was a need I filled it to the best of my ability and still continue to live that way the best I can today. I have never been in ministry for the income, it has always been for the outcome. I have been led to invest into the lives of others because I try to live out loud my life verse that is written in *2 Corinthians 5:14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.* The road that I have traveled has never been easy, but I do believe that it has been the road ordained for me to be able accomplish all that God has given me to do for He is Sovereign. Along the way, I have discovered that some of life’s greatest lessons are learned in seasons of hardship where faith is all that remains to hold onto. Those difficult seasons have taught me to depend less on my own strength and more on God’s faithfulness, which has never failed me. I reach out to help broken and hurting people because I have lived a life of brokenness, hurt, and also pain beyond measure. No matter how long I have to go, I will continue to trust that God will get me through my life’s challenges and give me endurance so that I can lift up others along the way and show them the love of my Savior, His healing power and amazing grace. I have come to learn the hard way, not by the example of others, but by neglect of those who were called to minister to me, that walking a mile in someone else’s shoes isn’t as much about the walk or the shoes; it’s trying to see life from where they are at and seeking to think like they think, feel what they feel, and doing whatever you can to understand why they are who they are and what put them there. Every step is about empathy and not sympathy. Empathy is shown in how much compassion and understanding we can give to another. Sympathy is more of a feeling of pity for someone that is considered less fortunate. I seem to have received more pity than empathy because I have experienced a lack of investment from others, not of money but of time. Another way to see it is, it is not so much about walking in their shoes, it is about walking along with them and trying to understand what goes on in their mind, heart, and soul. The life of another is not even so much walking with someone else, it can be more about sitting with them in the dark and not saying a word. Know this, “Nobody cares how much you know, until they know how much you care.” That truth applies to every person we encounter, regardless of their background, their struggles, or where they find themselves in life today. We are all called to make room at the table of grace, extending the same love, patience, and understanding that Christ has so freely extended to us. May we not only seek to understand others, but also put that understanding into action by walking beside them, encouraging them, and reflecting the heart of Jesus in every opportunity God provides. I try to Love like Jesus and I want to thank all of you who have come alongside my family and I and supported us in the various ways that you have. You are truly my Beloved.  

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.