What do the words “I Love You” really mean to you? Are they words with impact, intention, meaning, and purpose, or are they words spoken out of habit, just in passing, a way to say good-bye with very little feeling or emotion? Are the words “I Love You” spoken to express your heart as being unselfish, loyal, and a benevolent concern for the well-being of another that includes sacrifice or words that imply the obligations from others for your own selfish desires and needs? I have seen many , even from stages, some behind pulpits, that will say “I Love You” and “See You Next Time” without knowing anything about me or care about what I am going through. When was the last time that you intentionally got someone’s attention, lifted up their chin, looked them in the eyes, and said ”I Love You” not to get a response, but to let them know that they have made an impact on your life and you wanted them to understand that they will be missed when you part? There have been a few people that have entered my life over my lifetime that have made that type of impact on me, but the sad part is that many of those individuals are no longer actively involved in my life for one reason or another, and I really miss some of them. Because I realize that some seasons with genuine people are shorter than others I try to live out what is written in *Romans 12:9 [Let your] love be sincere (a real thing); hate what is evil [loathe all ungodliness, turn in horror from wickedness], but hold fast to that which is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection [as members of one family], giving precedence and showing honor to one another.* I am not sure how many may know this but in French, they don’t say “I miss you” they say “tu me manques” which means, “you are missing from me.” I really like that. There is something powerful about recognizing that another person has become a meaningful part of who you are. Some of the people we love leave fingerprints on our hearts, shaping our character, perspective, and journey through life. Too often we assume they already know how much they matter to us and we leave important words unspoken. Love that remains unexpressed may still be real, but love spoken aloud has the power to encourage, strengthen, and heal. With all that is going on in the world right now, with rising health issues, natural disasters, and what seems at times that the end of the world is near, I have really considered that I could lose some special people in my life at any moment. I try to be intentional in loving the people in my life more freely and at times more fiercely, honestly without fear, not because there is nothing to lose, but because everything can be lost. My Friends, I want to encourage you, live for the moments not the money, the snippets of times and not the big one week adventures. Fireworks are fun to watch at a distance but they are so far away, the bright colors fade, the smoke drifts, but it’s the sparklers that light up your life, close and personal, because you hold them in your hands and run around with those close to you. Today is a new day, enjoy those close to you, you will never get this moment again, and tomorrow may not come. So, do not wait for the perfect occasion to express your love, gratitude, and appreciation; today is reason enough. I have heard it said that Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery, but Today is a gift, that is why it is called the Present. Pick up the phone, write the note, send the message, or speak the words face to face while you still have the opportunity. A life marked by sincere love will never be measured by what you accumulated, but by the people who knew without a doubt that they were loved. To those who read what I write regularly, those that love me and know that I love you, “tu me manques”. Looking forward to seeing you here, there, or in the air. 

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.