I realize that some of the stuff I go through and write about may seem a little heavy and challenging to read about at times. It is definitely much more difficult to live through, lol, but I do want all who read what I write to understand that what I share is just a small part of my life. There is so much more to my story than the struggles, the hardships, and the battles that sometimes find their way onto these pages. I understand that there is a purpose in every chapter. I believe it is important to be honest about life’s difficulties, but just as important to recognize and share the goodness that God continues to pour into our lives, even in the middle of those difficulties. Sometimes the very things we struggle through become the testimony that reminds someone else that they are not alone.

I may not share all of the joy in my life, but I will try to do it a little more in the future. My life is filled with the goodness of God and His provision day by day, the love of family and friends, the joy and satisfaction of ministry, as well as a calling of servitude to the community around me. There is so much beauty in the everyday moments, the unexpected blessings, the answered prayers, and even the quiet assurance that God is walking with me through it all.

It is so much more than any “got to” that others in ministry experience; it is truly my “Get To.” I get to minister to the lost and broken, the hungry and homeless, the poor and less fortunate, the ones struggling with substance abuse and mental illness, counseling challenging marriages and relationship issues, and helping those dealing with trauma and even death, and the list goes on.

Most of these situations I understand intimately because I have lived or experienced most of them in one way or another, if not all. I don’t believe our experiences are wasted when we surrender them to God. Sometimes the places where we have been wounded become the very places where we can extend compassion, understanding, and hope to someone who feels there is nowhere left to turn.

If you were to look at my calendar you would see that my weeks are full, but not too full as to not be able to find a way to provide some love and support to those in need. I pray about what is written in Galatians 5:13 For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

I understand that this is the calling, the road that God has for me, and I am doing the best I can in the moment. I know I won’t always get everything right, and there will be days when I am tired, stretched, or challenged beyond what I thought I could handle. But I also know that serving others isn’t about having all the answers or being able to fix every situation; it is about being willing to show up, love people where they are, and allow God to work through whatever I have to offer. Sometimes the greatest ministry is simply being present, listening without judgment, extending grace, and reminding someone that they still matter.

I read, “The road might be long. The journey might be challenging and full of dangers. Take rest if you must, but never turn back. Your very next step can be your moment of triumph. Your very next battle can be your greatest victory. Keep walking Warrior.”

As I look back on my life, I realize that I wouldn’t be who I am, where I am now, or be able to minister to those that I do, if I hadn’t lived the life that I have, and for that I am thankful beyond words. I have been truly blessed by all that I have endured. Good, bad, ugly; it all had a purpose in the story of what Jesus has called my life to be.

I have learned that our past does not have to define our future, and our struggles do not disqualify us from being used by God. In fact, when we allow Him to redeem the difficult chapters, they can become part of the very testimony that encourages others to keep going. So, wherever you find yourself today, don’t underestimate the power of a kind word, a helping hand, a listening ear, or a willingness to love someone through a difficult season. We may never fully know how much a simple act of compassion can mean to someone who is fighting a battle we cannot see.

Dear hearers, no matter what you read or think about me, always remember to do your due diligence to seek the truth of the matter, and more importantly, know that Jesus loves you and I love you too!

And please know that these words are meant for everyone, regardless of where you have been, what you have experienced, or what you may be facing today. There is room for you at God’s table, there is hope for you to be able to walk through this season, and there is a place for you in the love and grace of Jesus Christ. None of us can walk this road perfectly or need to do it alone; we simply need to keep taking the next step, extending love to one another, and trusting God with the journey ahead.

Please pray this with me:

Heavenly Father, thank You for every experience, every lesson, and every opportunity You give us to be Your hands and feet in this lost and broken world. Help us to use what we have been through to bring encouragement, compassion, and hope to those who are hurting, and give us the wisdom to recognize the needs around us. Teach us to serve with humility, love without judgment, and make room in our lives for those who need to know they are not forgotten or alone for loneliness is the only sickness everybody sees and yet very few will treat. Continue to guide our steps, strengthen us when the road gets difficult, and remind us each day that through Your love, our lives can make a difference in someone else’s. In Jesus’ precious and powerful name, Amen.

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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.