I want to thank all of you who have been praying for my family and me. Lately, it seems to be one thing after another. I am probably not the only one who questions God as to why we go through what we do, but I feel like I question Him more than I think I should. As I was sharing some of my life with a friend, some of my daily struggles, I was directed to the Book of Lamentations, to have something to lament upon. I prayed fervently over what is written in *Lamentations 3:1 I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath. 2 He has led me and made me walk In darkness and not in light. 3Surely He has turned His hand against me Time and time again throughout the day.* This is how I feel on occasion, and in all truth, more often than not. There are moments when the weight of life’s burdens seems heavier than my strength can bear. Yet even in those moments, God faithfully places people in my path who gently remind me that I am never walking alone and encourage me to endure. Sometimes His greatest comfort comes through the prayers, encouragement, and presence of His people in my times of most need. Looking back, I can see that even in seasons that felt hopeless, His hand was quietly sustaining me every step of the way. Those reminders have become anchors that keep my heart from drifting into despair. One of my biggest faults is that I tend to write my failures in stone and my successes in sand. Lately, in my troubled times, I have learned to renew my gratitude and focus on all that I have to be thankful for. First and foremost is the following encouragement written in *Lamentations 3:22 Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, Because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I hope in Him!”* As I examine my life and look to see what God is doing, not only in my life but also in the lives of those around me, I realize that whatever I go through is worth it. I know it is good because everything is in God’s hands for He is sovereign, and He cannot do anything wrong. With all that said, I am eternally grateful for God’s grace and mercy, my family, my daily provisions, and for friends who care enough about me to speak words of love and encouragement on a regular basis. Renewed gratitude also comes by celebrating the joys of life, learning to forgive and accept forgiveness, accepting the hard things that come, and by giving of oneself fully and freely to God’s will in thought, purpose, and action. I have been convicted not to question why I go through what I do, but to endure it for the glory of God with joy. I am learning that faith is not the absence of questions but the decision to trust God even when the answers do not come. If my journey can encourage even one weary soul to keep holding on to Christ, then none of the pain or turmoil has been wasted. We all carry burdens that others may never see, and for that reason we should be quick to show grace, compassion, and love to one another. The body of Christ is strongest when we bear one another’s burdens and rejoice together in God’s faithfulness. I urge all who read these words to encourage one another, pray fervently for one another, and remind each other daily that God’s mercies truly are new every morning. Together, let us remain steadfast, united in faith, and fully convinced that the God who carries us through every trial will also be glorified through every victory. I am blessed to have people in my life who unknowingly inspire me simply by being who they are in Christ Jesus. My friends, you are truly valued. Thank you for loving me, even though I know I am undeserving. May God richly bless each of you for the kindness, prayers, and Christlike love you have so freely shared with me and my family.

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.