Daily Signs of Hope

A place to find Hope

Author: Butch (Page 30 of 40)

How do We Handle Someone Who Hates Us and is Very Hurtful?

February 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I am feeling much better today. The side effects of the COVID-19 shot are gone. So many people still haven’t even received their first shot. They need to increase the amount of the shots, and move quickly.

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I had a “run in,” with a Facebook guy today. He was very bitter with life, so I took it on myself to try to cheer him up. He wasn’t very receptive.

He was despondent over the fact that I had the nerve to post these words,

” Have you been in an outhouse all of your life? Want to live in a penthouse? Let God be the throne of your life. He will raise you up out of the muck and mire and build a mansion for you.”

His reply,

I’ve heard that many times before. But I always end up in another outhouse. Can you please get god to explain why he’s not giving me what you keep promising?’

My reply,

“The mansion is in Heaven. Our time on earth for a short time. Enjoy it.”

His reply,

*Very graphic from here on. He became very bitter and attacked me verbally.

“Well, that doesn’t do me any good until I’m &%*#@! dead.

My reply,

“Sorry you feel that way. Hope everything works well for you.”

His reply,

“You are not sorry! You are just another con artist with nothing realistic to say. Everyone should just cry now and do some more dope. Get yourself an emotion meter and stick it up your &%$#! Then wait for God to unplug you.”

His last reply,

“Listen dummy when I say goodbye it doesn’t require any response.

My heart cried out to him. He is in a very dark place, and has allowed this world to overcome him. The only way to free himself from his world is to turn to Jesus.

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This type of person is all too common in our world today. They flounder around; not knowing where they are going, and are lost and struggling.

There needs to be people near him to love him and let him know there is hope. He thinks there is no where to go, and yet it is staring him in the face.

Does God love someone like this? Of course He does. He loves everyone. God doesn’t go checking how good or bad you are, God still loves you.

This man who attacked me, needs to find hope and love, I am asking for you to pray for him. I will not give you his name even though I know it. Pray and God will know who you mean.

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How are you doing? Are you drowning in the muck and mire and, can’t see a way out?

God picked me up from the muck and mire, and got me on the right path. He can do that for you too.

Do not let the dark side overcome you like it has for this Facebook person. Seek the light of Jesus. He will guide you on your path.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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We Need to Slow Down Now and Let God Show Us the Way

February 8, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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The timing of the COVID-19 vaccinations seems to be rolling along right now. However, I know there are many of you who haven’t even gotten your first one yet. There doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason for the format they have going.

In my home state the process seems to change every day. Caregivers only one day. Teachers only the next, then 80+ starting today. There needs to be some consistency to help the people be clear when they can get their shots.

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Random thoughts:

Lord, I am sorry when I forgot you are enough for me. I just want you and nothing else.

Ingratitude is bad and is very contagious like the virus.

Do you think our lives are much more enriched than existed in Moses’ time?

People are self centered when they pray, “Give us this day our daily bread, but throw in a Filet Mignon while you are at it.”

God always gives us what we need WHEN we need it.

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Is your world rotating just right for you, or is it too fast. Are you caught up in the “rat race?”

Time to slow down and enjoy the smell of the roses. This world is spinning out of control right now, but you do not need to be a part of it. We need to pray for patience and gratitude.

God will take care of everything if we just relax and let Him do it. The,
“I can do it on my own,” attitude doesn’t cut it.

Lean on God in prayer. You will feel better, and He will answer your prayer. Not necessarily the straight answer you want from him. But it is the answer He thinks you need.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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We Need to Still be Careful Even Though the End is in Sight for the COVID Virus.

February 6, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Two days ago I got my second COVID vaccine. It seemed like it was going OK after the shot, Then yesterday, I starting feeling some of the side effects they predicted. I had slight headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. They weren’t severe and I am feeling better today.

I was able to get my vaccine so soon, because I have many underlying problems, mostly with the heart.

I am not sure what happens now. I am just going to keep wearing my mask until they tell me is OK to stop.

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Tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday. I hope people are very careful and not have big parties. I usually do every year, but not this year. Next year I will have the mother of all Super Bowl parties!!

Things are not changing much. We all still should to be wearing masks, and be distancing ourselves.

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I was almost going to have a pity party, but couldn’t come with a valid excuse. I am feeling OK. None of my family has come down with the virus. Life is not pounding on me right now. So why the silly “poor me” attitude?

I have found it is far too common to easily fall into the trap of depression. We need to fight back by thinking about good things and push the bad things out of our thoughts.

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How are you doing? Is the earth rotating too fast for you. Does it feel like you are being weighed down by a huge magnate?

Well, then you need God to come to your aide. Lean on Him for your concerns. He is willing to listen to your pleas, and He answers our prayers. Not on the timeline we may want, but His timeline.

Don’t let the dark side overcome you. Seek the light of Jesus.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Tired of The Storms Coming Your Way? Ask God For Help

February 1, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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It will be a very busy month for me. Because of health issues, I have six doctor’s appointments this month. All dealing with the heart.

The main is a procedure to replace my defibrillator. They will be putting a new generator in. It shocked me when they said that. I asked, “You are putting a generator in my chest?” The girl laughed and said, “No. That is just what they call batteries now for your situation.”

OK…I can “live,” with that.

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In my last post I told you that I will be getting my second COVID shot on Thursday. We plan to be there early, because they have run out a few times. My appointment is at 10:45am so that should be Ok.

So I wondered…What then, do I still need to wear a mask? Am I immuned to the virus?

The right answer is to keep wearing the mask until this all clears up. Don’t want to take any chances.

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Things are getting dicey in Washington D.C. There are congressmen carrying guns onto the floor of the House. Even people are wanting the Republicans to be eliminated. Yes, I mean gone. The bitterness and fighting, is causing havoc in our country.

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So what can we do about all this?

I say this every time…PRAY! Every day I pray for our country. Not praying for one thing or another, but for the nation as a whole.

Try to keep calm and not get caught up in the frenzy. You have enough problems with the pandemic to have to worry about other things.

Lean on God. He has big shoulders. He will not allow anything to happen to you that you cannot handle.

Reach out to your family and friends and give them comfort. It helps them, and you will feel good yourself.

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This old guy is getting weary of the storms I keep facing. They come in droves. Like I said I have six doctor’s appointments just this month. Each of them is to help me be healthier, so I shouldn’t complain.

How about you? Is it getting a little overwhelming right now. Is the world pulling you down like a huge magnate?

Stand strong and face the storms. Know that God is there with you holding your hand. He will protect you. He made you in His own image, and He doesn’t make mistakes. He has a plan for you.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Fear of Not Having the Virus Vaccine is Very hard on Us.

January 29, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Got some very good news this morning. I am eligible to have my second virus shot. I will be getting it on February 4th.

I know…there are many of you who haven’t had your first. My health condition is severe enough that I am able to get the shot.

In the state of Oregon, where I live, the governor has said that only teachers can get their shots right now, and that would be ahead of the seniors. Many people are furious about this decision.

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What has been your experience? Have you had your first shot yet? Do you fear the virus will spread very fast before everyone can get the vaccine?

I hear you! We need to have faith in God since He is in charge.

We also need to be patient. It will be God’s timing and not ours.

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Somethings to give you hope:

Prayer is vital in these times. Pray for the people making the virus so that there is an abundance.

Read the Bible every day. I have found such comfort in that.

Concentrate on only positive things. Kick those negative things out of your brain.

Be a comfort to those around you. I find this gives them hope and gives me joy.

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There will also be storms in our lives. Storms go away, but God doesn’t. He is always there with you.

Rely on Him to carry you through your storms. He has big shoulders.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

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Battling Illnesses Can be Very Hard to Handle

January 27, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I am not usually negative about anything, but lately I have seen some alarming things happening with our government.

President Biden, has signed a massive amount of executive orders. I think some of them a very wrong.

He stopped building the border wall, which means thousands of people who are up to no good can still cross.

He ended the construction of a huge pipeline that caused over 11,000 people to be suddenly employed. I thought the democrats were union supports.

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I am OK now since I was allowed to let off some steam. 🙂

I have not been feeling all that good the last week. Had blood tests that do not look to good. Got a doctor’s appointment coming up.

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Have you battled with problems with your health? You can tell I understand. It is hard, at best, to face illnesses. They seem to come knocking at our door like a long lost relative and don’t want to leave.

What can we do to overcome those type of troubling times:

God is always with you. He knows your hurts and will hold your hand.

95% of what we worry about never happens. I my first book, Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World, I had a chapter title that said, “Worry is the Dark Room Where Negatives Develop.

It stresses us to rely on God, and let him have to other 05% of our worries. He has big shoulders.

Be strong and face the storms head on.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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99% of What We Worry About Never happens

January 25, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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President Biden has been in office less than a week, and he has signed many executive orders. Executive orders do not need the approval of congress.

Much of what he has signed has wiped out many of the accomplishments of Donald trump. We will see how the people react to that.

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My doctor sent me to do blood testing. I got to the lab and the lab technician proceeded to draw blood. She drew and drew!! I looked on the counter where she was placing the vials of blood. There were eight vials filled.

I jokingly asked, “Am I going to need a transfusion.” The person didn’t like my remark, and said there is only eight ounces SO FAR! That’s right, she wasn’t finished yet. She pulled out two more vials that were huge. About the size of a small baby bottle. She filled both of those up.

I got up very slowly knowing I was going to be dizzy, and I was right.

I was able to make it home, and the results are already back. They have me very concerned. Eight of the results were abnormal. I see my doctor again in a month, or sooner if he looks at my tests early.

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Have you had this happen to you? Have you had a sudden surprise come upon you? The pandemic has you locked up in your home. The bills are piling up because you can’t work.

We all face unexpected happenings in our lives. It is how we handle them that defines our character.

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I have learned that 99% of what we worry about never happens. We worry way too much. We just need to rely on God for the other one percent.

I realize that it is not easy to accept this, but God is in charge.

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Never let the dark side overcome you. Go to the light of Jesus.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Failure Shouldn’t be Anything Bad in Our Lives, Move on

January 22, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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The election is behind us, and we have a new president. I did not vote for him, but my prayers are with him each day.

President Biden is in a big hurry to wipe out everything the President Trump accomplished. On his first day he signed over 25 executive orders to change many things President Trump had done.

We will have to wait and see how the people respond to all this change.

There were massive rioting on inauguration day in Seattle, and Portland, Oregon. President Biden has his hands full.

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Have you every failed? Did you attempt something and it all went south? You certainly are not alone. Here is a quote by arguably the greatest basketball player of all time.

” I’ve missed over 9,000 shots in my career. I lost lost almost 300 games. Twenty-six times I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I failed over and over in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Michael Jordan.

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Her is an example of failure in the Bible. Peter, one of Jesus’ closest friends failed.

He told Jesus He would never betray him. Jesus, said, “This very night before the rooster crows you will deny me three times. Peter declared, “Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you, and all the disciples said the same. Peter then denied knowing Jesus three times. Later, after the rooster crowed, Peter remembered what he had said and he wept bitterly.

Many people today point to Peter as an example of what not to do, such as, speaking before you think, having little faith, being impulsive, and shrinking back denying things.

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In our own lives this is what we need to do:

Admit it

Be open and admit when you fail. Trying to hide sin doesn’t work. God already knows what you have done.

Forget it

Once you have admitted it let it go. Stop thinking about it in your mind. God doesn’t give you a list of things He has forgive you for so neither should you.

Get Back in it

Once you are forgiven it is over. Don’t waste any time. Get back in the game! God wants you to live fully, without being weighed down by shame and guilt. Use your failure to fuel your future success. God has too much to accomplish through you to be burdened by past failures.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never foraken,

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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How Do We React to Someone Who Had done something Wrong to Us?

January 20, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Well…The inauguration is over and there was very little problems. That is a very good sign at the moment. However, we have to ask, “What is next?”

Such a divided nation. Split right down the middle. This causes lots of turmoil, and hardships. We have to let God be in charge, and hope He will get our country to where He wants it.

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What would you do? Coming face-to-face with someone who has caused you so much pain, how would you act? What would you decide in that moment? And maybe the more important question is to discover, is why?

We find an example of this type of situation in the Bible. The story of Joseph.

Genesis 50…

2 This is the account of Jacob and his family. When Joseph was seventeen years
old, he often tended his father’s flocks. He worked for his half brothers, the sons
of his father’s wives Bilhah and Zilpah. But Joseph reported to his father some of
the bad things his brothers were doing.
3 Jacob loved Joseph more than any of his other children because Joseph had been born to him in his old age. So one day Jacob had a special gift made for Joseph—a beautiful robe. 4 But his brothers hated Joseph because their father loved him more than the rest of them. They couldn’t say a kind word to him.

1) Joseph was sold into slavery by his own brothers, who decided to profit off of him, rather than kill him.
2) Thrown into prison, after being falsely accused of attempted rape because he refused to sleep with his master’s wife. 3) For two years, alone and forgotten in prison by the man he witnessed to. I don’t know about you, but that sounds like a rough life. For anyone, this would give them ample reasons to turn to anything but God—to give themselves over to bitterness and anger—to turn inward—to turn to self-pity—or have a legitimate cry for JUSTICE and VENGEANCE! ALL THAT TIME IN PRISON TO STEW OVER THE WRONGS THAT HAD BEEN DONE!

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Well, here is what happened next…

The brothers had come to Egypt because their families were starving and were asking for mercy. They didn’t recognize Joseph and bowed down before him seeking help. Then Joseph broke down and started weeping. He said,

3 “I am Joseph!” he said to his brothers. “Is my father still alive?” But his brothers
were speechless! They were stunned to realize that Joseph was standing there in
front of them. 4 “Please, come closer,” he said to them. So they came closer. And
he said again, “I am Joseph, your brother, whom you sold into slavery in
Egypt. 5 But don’t be upset, and don’t be angry with yourselves for selling me to
this place. It was God who sent me here ahead of you to preserve your lives. 6 This
famine that has ravaged the land for two years will last five more years, and there
will be neither plowing nor harvesting. 7 God has sent me ahead of you to keep
you and your families alive and to preserve many survivors. 8 So it was God who
sent me here, not you! And he is the one who made me an adviser to Pharaoh—the
manager of his entire palace and the governor of all Egypt.

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So how would you have handled this? What would you have done?

Can you forgive someone that had done so much wrong to you? Will you forget the past and open your arms to this person, or persons?

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I have to admit it would be very hard for me, but I would do it. We must think of Jesus hanging on the cross and had the complete right to be angry, bitter, and want revenge, but He said, Father, forgive them for the do not know what they are doing.

He was being killed and He ask God to forgive them!!

With that always stuck in my mind, I overcome any bitterness I may have and forgive.

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Think about this in the future. Think, what would Jesus do?

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Vaccines Are Being Given. Be Patient and Your Time Will Come

January 15, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Had a very interesting day and I was blessed much beyond what I deserve.

They are now doing vaccine shots for the COVID-19 virus. They had a list of who gets the shot and when. I was a ways down the list. My wife and I decided we would attempt to get one anyway. They have a huge vaccination center at our State Fairgrounds.

We went a different route to get there faster. That was a very wise choice. (God directed us) The lines of cars to get into the grounds was at least a mile long coming towards us, but our line was very short.

The light changed to green, but the the traffic from the other way attempted to keep turning in. My wife became a race track driver at that time and forced her way ahead of a car that had no business trying to cut us off. Of course that person gave a friendly salute with her hand. 🙂

The line from there was tremendous. About another mile long, but we were moving forward pretty fast.

W got to the correct parking lot, and saw people scurrying towards the building where the shots were being given out.

I knew a wouldn’t be able to move fast, so I used my walker to guide me. That turned out to be a blessing from God.

We got to the end of the line, and I sat down on my walker exhausted. We were very slowly moving up when a Private First Class National Guards man came up and told us to follow him. We went through a side door. He talked to the directing nurse and she waved us through.

The PFC took us to a side room that was set up for handicapped people. Only those who were struggling could go in that area.

We were in there 20 minutes, and was done. We had to wait one half hour in an area to make sure we didn’t have any reactions.

We got there at 8:00am and was done at 9:04am. We saw the same people who was in line when we came up to the building still waiting to get in.

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So what does this mean:

If I hadn’t decided to use the walker I have still been there waiting my turn. I think God pocked me and said take the walker.

I decided? God, decided that I needed to wear a hat in case it was chilly. The hat I wore was a military hat for the Army.

The PFC was able to see the hat through all the people and came out to help me.

+ A side note is that the vaccine center closed two hours after we were done, because they switched to only giving care givers the shots. Another blessing from God.

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God was completely in charge yesterday and I thank Him for His guidance and love.

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We have no side effects from the shot. Another blessing from God.

How are you doing? Have the burdens of this world been weighting you down like a huge magnate? You certainly are not alone. There is wide spread chaos throughout the world. (The end times?)

Be strong. Face the storm, and cling to God’s promises. He loves you. He made you in His image, and God never makes mistakes. He has a plan for you.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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