Daily Signs of Hope

A place to find Hope

Category: be thankful (Page 14 of 16)

Being Gracious to Those Around us Should be a Priority

September 3, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I can’t help but grieve for the Gold Star families that saw the 13 heroes come from the war in Afghanistan.

They were very upset and furious as to how the things turn out with evacuations. It shouldn’t have happened that way.

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Got a pleasant surprise yesterday in the mail from a friend. We received a box from Harry and David’s full of goodies. I am eating the popcorn now as I type. She is a very gracious lady and friend.

This is what we need more of in our world. Gracious people who are reaching out to others. What a difference that would make.

God is very gracious as well. He sent His only Son down to earth to take care of all of our sins. we have eternal life, by God’s graciousness.

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Have you been gracious to those around you? Have you made a phone call to that friend who lost their spouse recently? Have you help volunteer for a worth while charity? Do you reach out to your own loved ones, often?

Think about that. Do you need to take an inventory of your life to see if you are gracious enough?

Try to concentrate about reach out to everyone around you. The world would be a different place if we all did.

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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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The Shortest Verse in the Bible, “Fear Not!” Spoken by Jesus

August 14, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I have had a busy day. Went to Physical Therapy this morning. I have been working on my two blogs this afternoon, and then I have a doctor’s appointment at 3:30pm. No rest for the wicked they say.

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I have had the blessing to be somehow connected with a SFC soldier that is in Kabul, Afghanistan. She is in dire straits. They city is surrounded with Taliban. They figure the city will fall win the next 30 days.

Can’t find out why she is still there, but I am praying what they get her our soon. If the city falls, she will probably big harms way. The Taliban have no mercy. I will keep you posted how things are going for her.

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With all the horrible things that are happening around us, it is difficult to face the day. The pandemic is much worse now that when it started. Many people dying. I am repeating this, but I think it needs to be shared again.

In two of the bigger cities in the United States, there are many deaths, and in one city, 95% of those who died were unvaccinated. In the other city it was 94%.
A clear picture that we should ALL get vaccinated. If not, you most likely could die.

My post so far hasn’t been too cheery, but I thought I needed to share some important things.

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Have you found that your day isn’t very cheery either? Does the day seem long and the storms seem to be coming in your life?

FEAR NOT! That is the shortest verse in the Bible spoken by Jesus, and He means it.

He is there to see you though those storms that are coming. He will hold you hand, and protect you.

I pray to Him every day to help me to be more like Him. I tell Him, “You are the most loving, caring, and compassionate man I know. Please guide me, show me, and let me know how I can be more like you.”

I pray that each and every night. Please know that he listens to your cries for help.

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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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The Opinions, and the Turmoil is Dragging us Down

August 2, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Our pastor used the word, “Behold,” Yesterday. He explained that it meant to wake up and listen. This is important, and you better get this right.

We as parents use different words to try to get point across to our children. But, just for a second let’s see how it would work to use “Behold.”

Behold, your room is a mess. Clean it.

Behold your curfew is 10:30pm

Behold Get better grades.

I am not sure how well that would go, but it may be interesting.

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The reason our pastor was talking about behold was because when we see the word behold, it means this is important and pay attention. I remember seeing that word at many places in the Bible, and it woke me up to knowing something was coming.

Isaiah 42: 1-9 uses it several times. The Prophet Isaiah was trying to wake the people up about the wrong doings they were doing. Idolatry, Sexual living, Coveting others wives.

He warned them that things will go wrong if they didn’t change.

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In our day and age, we should be listening to Isaiah. We need to change. We need to stop listening to the crowd who wants rioting, cries of racism when there is none.

The only thing to listen to is the word of God. That never changes.

It’s not our feelings. It’s not popular opinion. It’s not what presidents or politicians say. God’s word is the only standard of truth. We cannot align with the rising opinions rather than the Bible, we won’t get justice.

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Do you feel emotionally, physically, and spiritually drained, because of all the turmoil going on around you? You have carried this burden too long on your own. You should not bear it alone.

Turn to God. He has big shoulders to lean on. Pray for His love and protection. He will be there for you through the storms in your life.

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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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What Can We Do to Survive the World we Live in?

July 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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“Another day, another dollar.” That was the saying when I was a kid. Many people only made a dollar a day. Now you can hardly survive when you are making $15.00 an hour. Times change and so does the cost of living.

I missed my post on Wednesday. My apologizes. Just a bad hair day for me. I actually am felling better today. A new med is helping me a great deal with my shortness of breath.

To be able to breath better has changed not only my health, but my mental state.

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I have thought of many things that are important to me:

  1. Being with family.
  2. Having coffee with some buddies.
  3. Writing emails to those who need company.
  4. Fishing with my boys.
  5. Enjoying each day God has given me.
  6. Spending time with my bride.
  7. Sitting on my deck listening and seeing the birds.
  8. Going on walks.
  9. Reading.
  10. Reaching out to help others.

I bet you could have a list that is even longer than mine, and it will make more sense to you. Try it.

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I keep seeing how our country is going quickly in the wrong direction. Inflation is out of control. Gas prices are soaring. The pandemic is coming back in full force. People are angry and pushing back.

I wonder what we can do to survive this bad trend:

  1. Remember, God is in charge.
  2. All things work for the good of those who believe in God.
  3. God will never give you something that is too hard to handle. It is not Him doing it if it happens.
  4. Never feel you are unworthy of love. That is one of the most disheartening things that happen to us.
  5. Take each day, one at a time.

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How are you doing through the turmoil we are facing these days? Is it hard to get up in the morning to face the world?

God loves you! He made you in His own image. He wants the best for you. Lean on Him through prayer and He will guide you through the muck and mire of life.

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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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If We Love Everyone it Will be Returned

July 19, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Well, this old man is having issues again. My blood pressure is dropped big time. 105-59 is pretty low. Any time my blood pressure drops below 110, I seem to be in trouble. I see my cardiologist this afternoon.

Well you come to my pity party??? 🙂

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What do you binge on?

  1. Eating?
  2. Chocolate?
  3. Shopping?
  4. Fishing?
  5. Netflix?

My binge is ice cream. I have never seen a flavor I didn’t like.

Binging can certainly cause problems and yes, we need to control them. You first. 🙂

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Things I have learned this last week:

  1. You don’t have justice if you don’t have truth. This is sooo happening in our world today.
  2. The first order of love is that they are human beings. So many treat others like they aren’t worth of love.
  3. If you love someone tell them often.
  4. Be kind to everyone and it will be returned.
  5. Never turn your back on someone in 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 All Face Grueling Times. Let God Help You

June 30, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I had another physical therapy appointment today. Very grueling. I keep at it because in the end I will have much more energy, and stamina.

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I have shared with you that I am almost done with my second book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

I just have two more interviews to do and clean up the table of contents. I have a publisher who is waiting patiently. They are called, Book Baby. Funky name, but I am very impressed with them.

I will start keeping you posted as to its progress here. I may even have some excerpts. So be sure to come back often to keep caught up.

Better yet… Go to the top of this page and click on “Subscribe.” When you do all future posts will come directly to your inbox.

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So, have you had some real grueling moments lately? Did the world try to overcome you? I hear you! I have been there many times.

It is hard, at best, to face the world sometimes. So what are we to do?

  1. Be strong, fight back, persevere!
  2. Let God handle the hard stuff. He is there for you 24/7.
  3. Reach out to those you love and ask them to give you some support. I heard from a neighbor today that said she was helped, “Anbuntedly,” without even asking. Her family and friends came and helped her move into a new home since her husband died suddenly. Brought tears of joy to my eyes.

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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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You Are Never Too Old to be a Parent. Be a Good Example

June 11, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I have seven grandchildren. They are all Christians. All my children and their spouses are Christians as well. Can I retire from the world and sit in my rocking chair?

OF COURSE NOT!

You never stop being an example to others, no matter what your age may be. I am 81 years old, and feel I need to do much more than I did when I was a young dad. My family still looks to me for comfort and advice.

That is quite a responsibility.

As parent we need to nurture our children and raise them in the way God would want us to raise them. No, they don’t have to be perfect. You and I aren’t perfect. We just need to show them what is right and wrong, and keep reminding them of the important things in life.

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I saw some frightening news the other day. It showed people beating up defenseless people just for the fun of it. It also showed cops being attacked until they were unconscious.

What is happening to our country? Why are we heading in this direction? It seems it is OK to strike anyone you want and then get away with it.

The world is changing, and I am afraid it is changing in a very wrong way.

What can we do to stop the raging river of hatred?

  1. It starts at home. Your/my job is to instill into our children that it is not OK to show racism to anyone.
  2. We have to be the great example for them, because Monkey see and Monkey do. Whatever you do they will do. You take drugs. They will take drugs. If you drink alcohol, they will drink alcohol.
  3. It is hard, at best, to be a parent, but this is what we have chosen to do and we need to do it well.

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I was a teacher for 22 years. I loved my students, but some were a full load for me. It never failed…when I had parent conferences the parents of the trouble kids, were also trouble. They demand more. They expected special things for their children. They expect their child to excel in school.

I realize that most parents want these same goals, but the approach these parents used showed me why the children were they way they were.

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How do you think you are doing as a parent? No matter what your age you are still a parent. Do your children respect you and love you, or do they try to avoid you?

Lean on God to find the right path to being a good parent. The perfect example of love is Jesus Christ. I pray every night for Him to guide me on how I could be more like Him.

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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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It’s Easy to be Saved, But Can we be Sanctified?

May 27, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I was at a Christian Men’s Zoom call on Tuesday. It was very inspiring for me. Many things that were said gave me comfort and hope.

We can easily be saved, by the blood of Jesus, but can we be sanctified? That seemed to be the thoughts of all eight of us.

The dictionary says…….

Sanctify:

  1. To make holy; set apart as holy; consecrate.
  2. To be purified and free from sin.

That seems to be a problem with many of those who can’t asked to be saved. They don’t think that can be purified from sin for what they have done in the past.

God wants you to come as you are, but god doesn’t want you to stay that way. In other words, what ever you have done does not close the door on you.

Remember the other two men who were crucified with Jesus. Both of them deserved what they were getting. However, one of them asked Jesus to save him. Jesus did and said, “Today you will be with me in paradise.”

A criminal was saved and sanctified all in one day.

One of the Zoom guys mentioned that people need to come and see; go and be. Meaning we need to accept Christ into our heart, and then tell others.

As a Christian we should never think we are retired.

  1. We still a lot to learn from God.
  2. We are still a parent to our children, and we need to always lead by example.

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Are you thinking you are retired from the world? Do you feel you are done nurturing your children, family, and friends. God says otherwise. Never think you can sit back and let others save the world. God still has many plans for you no matter what your age is.

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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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What Was the Life Changing Event in Your Life?

May 21, 2021 / / 0 Comments
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President Biden said this morning that there have been over 200 million first time virus shots given. That is good news. It is rolling in the right direction.

However, he also said that people who do not wear masks could be punished.

Mixed thoughts there for sure.

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One thing I always wondered is what were my life changing events.

I had a few, but the biggest change in my life was when I joined the Army. I was only 18 and never had traveled out of my home state. It was a real awakening.

The military taught me discipline. It showed me how to protect myself. It also showed me the importance of friendships. Because of the military, I came out a totally different person.

David from the Bible had several life changing moments as well. This teenage boy killed Goliath with just a slingshot. That made him an overnight hero to his people. He also went on to lead the Israelites in battle. Winning everywhere he went. He even was made King of the whole country.

What was you life changing event? It could be:

Winning your first race in highschool.

Graduating from college.

Getting married.

Having children.

Death of a loved one.

Retirement.

Grandchildren.

I know you can think of other times, but what made them a life changing event?

Was it a good change, or not so good?

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The most important thing to remember is that God has been, and will be with you always. He knows every hair on your head. He loves you, and wants the best for you. He made you in His own image.

With all of that, who can be against you…NO ONE!

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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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Death Has Ways of Pulling us Down Like huge Magnate

May 12, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I was posting on my other blog this morning at www.dougbolton.com, and I realized that I have lost close friends not only in the military, but in life as well.

The two in the military were in peacetime. My best buddy, who had signed up with me to go into the military, died of some kind of crude while in Korea.

The second buddy died right in my own platoon, also in Korea, He suffocated in a honey bucket. A honey bucket is where to locals put their human waste for fertilizer.

These two deaths were extremely hard on me.

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When I got out. I went back to college to be a teacher. I got a job in Albany, Oregon.

I lost three students during my career there.

The first one was a car accident. The boy had taken his mom’s car without permission and went on a joy ride. He was only 14 and had no license. As he was driving, he hit same loose gravel and went off the road. He was killed instantly.

The second student died right in front of me in the school. He had a massive brain injury. The last thing he said was, “I can’t see.”

The last one was suicide. He was a troubled kid, who kept getting into fights. I am guessing he didn’t like where he was in life, and ended it all.

So, I lost five people who I cared very much for. This doesn’t even include my own family members who have passed away.

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Have you been there? Have you lost friends and family?

You certainly are not alone. Many of us have had to face that.

How do I keep going after all the death I have seen?

  1. I thank God for each and every day I have on this earth.
  2. I love all of my family to the max.
  3. I keep in touch with old friends to see how they are doing. It cheers them up and I cheers me up as well.
  4. I pray for God’s protection which gives me peace and comfort.

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Never let the dark side overcome you into thinking the world is lost. Be strong and know God is with you. He can overcome any fears you may have. He will give you peace and comfort through the toughest of storms.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

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