Category: Ways to Cope (Page 21 of 24)

Are the walls closing in on you?

October 19, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

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I am having a bad hair day. Not feeling well. Got ache and pains, plus lack of energy. However, here I am.

I have these days from time to time. It is called old age!

It seems like the walls are closing in on me.

I am not afraid because I can see the light in the darkness, and I am walking towards it.

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I am locked up in my own home because of health issues.

How about you? Are you in lock down like me? Do you need to try to fill your day in with things you wouldn’t normally do? You certainly are not alone.

Here is what I try to do to help pass the time each day:

I try to go on walks, but the weather is changing and it rains often.
I am blessed to be able to do two blogs. That takes about three hours. It is very rewarding.
My wife and I go driving to no where. We just go and decide where we are going as we drive. We see lots of places near us that we have never seen before.
To get groceries we order online and then have the grocery store put our groceries in our car.
I love to read, so my kindle is running all the time. Great way to escape.
We connect with our family often by using Zoom. We just did that yesterday. It was very uplifting for all of us.
I pray every day. It is so refreshing to be able to talk to God every day.

You need to make your list of what to do to pass time. Idleness are the tools of the Devil is what it says in the Bible.

Do not let the dark side overcome you. God is by your side 24/7. He will not let face more than you can handle.

I am convinced all these storms will pass in our lives. The pandemic, rioting, wild fires, etc. They will be gone, but our heavenly Father will still be there by our side.

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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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Crucial Times are here. We Need to Lean on God

October 17, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

I am a day late. It is Saturday and I usually post on Fridays. Well my Friday was full of fun. I had a day full of health tests. I went to get my blood check since I use blood thinners. Test turned out fine.

Then I had a CT scan to see if I had a stroke recently. It turned out negative and I am fine.

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Great results on both tests, but it is getting tiresome to do so many tests. I know it is because of my age. I have two more appointments next week for different things. They all know my first name down at the clinic.

There is a bit of worrying going on of course, but I again have to just know that God is in charge.

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The election is only days away. It is an extremely important election for president. The outcome could drastically change the way our country continues on. Two complete opposites. I am going to be bold and say I am voting for President Trump. Here is why:

No one in their right mind thought that he was going to win in 2016. It had to be God who was in charge of the minds of the people and wanted Trump to be president.
President Trump has done many things that he promised to do. Not any presidents can say that.
He has affectively closed down the illegal aliens from coming across our southern borders. That was crucial in stopping drug trafficking, and the virus from crossing our borders.
He will be putting his third supreme court nominee into service. That will completely change outcomes on very important issues. It has been speculated that if he is reelected he will be able to nominate two or more judges.

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How are you doing? Is there some hard days in your life? Do you feel the heavy burdens of this world?

You certainly are not alone. There are many people struggling right now. It is time we put on the armor of God and fight back. Do not let this crazy world tear you down. Remember, God is by your side 24/7. He will not let you face more than you can handle.

Yes, it is hard, at best, to be strong at this time, but when you face walls in front of you. Go around, under, or over them with God’s 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!

Idols Will Fade Away, But Not God

October 12, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

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What is an idol? It is something you love more than God. It is taking the place of God. Do your idols control you?

We all have idols. They could be something material, or it could be someone in your life. Here are some examples of both:

A fancy car.
That great boat of yours.
Joe Biden, or President Trump.
A huge mansion.
That Harley Davidson.

There are many more that I can think of, but this gives you an idea.

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In Biblical times the Egyptians had hundreds of idols. One came back to haunt them. The frogs came into their homes and everywhere else, as one of the plagues. (There are only so many frog legs you can eat.) However, the most important one for them seemed to be the sun.

The worshipped the sun everyday. They offered sacrifices to it. Idols can destroy you like it did the Egyptians back then.

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Do you have idols? Are they more important to you than God? What do you need to do to put God first in your life? I suggest spending time in the Bible every day. The Word is wisdom. It can’t be destroyed like some idols.

I have learned that I need to use my time wisely. I am not sure how many breaths I have left. I want to use them to worship God and to share His love. I can’t say that I don’t have time for God. He should be first, and I should be spending most of my time with Him.

Do you feel more atoned to your I-Phone, or your Fit Bit watch than to God? They can become idols. My wife tells me that I spend far too much time on my I-Phone. I checked and I have to agree. I average 7 hours a day on the phone. Ridiculous!

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Put together your priorities. My I-Phone should be near the bottom of the list.

Here is some of my priorities:

God
Family
Church
Reach out to help
Always have a positive attitude.

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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 Are The Things You Are Thankful For?

October 9, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

I was sitting here wondering what I was thankful for, and what I had trouble with in my life. Complete opposites and yet we have them every day.

The Thing(s) I am thankful for is long, but here are a few:

My family.
I do not have the COVID-19 virus.
I am working hard on my health by walking a lot.
My church.
That God is with me 24/7.
Friends.
Books to read.
God’s glorious mountains and valleys.
I still have my breath that God gives me.
Naps!

I have many more, but you get the picture. Now about things I have trouble with:

Procrastination.
Not enough communication with others.
Not going on walks enough.
Motivation, at times.

There are others, but I really need to work on these first.

How about you?

Make your list and be glad, plus work on your list that you are having trouble with.

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Another day of wondering what is going to happen in our world. So much to consider. The Pandemic, rioting, debates, wild fires, and facing each day.

So, what can we do to survive?

I have my own list I have for me, so I will share some with you:

99% of what we worry about never happens. Give the rest to God.
There will always be storms, but then the Son.
There are some things you can’t control, let them go.
Be sure to tell your children you love them every day.
Never let someone else tell you who you are.
Smile at everyone you see. They will often smile back. A win, win.
Check with your neighbors to see if they are Ok.
Have family time at you house at least once a week, Everyday would be better.
Love others as yourself. (Jesus)
Never, ever, give up!

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I was thinking (gives me a headache) about my new book coming up. I haven’t told you much about it here. If you want more information about it go to: http://www.dougbolton.com. There I share daily updates on how it is going.

I have a publisher who is very interesting, and I am almost done. It will be called, “Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.” It reaches out to those veterans who may be suffering from PTSD, TBI, depression, anxiety, Lost buddies, or war wounds.

At the other site I have been sharing interviews I have been having with veterans. Some are WWII veterans. Those interviews are gut wrenching. Every one of them. If you are a veteran, please check out the site and subscribe. It will give you hope and peace, Plus you will get every post sent right to your in box.

The reason I am writing the book is that 22 veterans, or current service people are taking their own lives every day. Yes, I said every day. Hopefully this book will help them in some way.

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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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I Need to Check Out of This Evil Hotel Called Earth

October 5, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

What a fun time we are having right now. The Pandemic is not letting up. The rioting is still going on. The wild fires are wilder than ever.

It is almost like we are on spin cycle in our own washing machines!! It is crazy, and we are holding on for dear life.

That reminds me of a story about my mother.

When she was a teenager she was out riding her horse. The horse stepped in a yellow jackets nest and the horse got stung several times. The horse started running and was out of control. My mother just held on for dear lfe. The horse was running back to the farm. When they got there he calmed down.

Is your life on spin cycle? Are you out of control like my mother’s horse was?

This is the time we have to listen to God. He says, “Be still and know I am God.”

A good example of relying on God happened in the wild fires near me in Oregon.

A man was trapped, and the fires were burning all around him. He got a plastic chair and sat it in a river he was near and waited it out. He was saved by praying and God gave Him the answer.

I am sure that many of you are screaming, “Stop and let me out of this house. “(earth)

It can be very frustrating.

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With all of this going on we may be thinking, “Why am I here?”

Let me make this clear to you. God created you in His own image. Why would He do that? It is becasue He loves you and considers you His child. He has plans for you. He may have not showed you His plan yet, but be patient. God is on His own timing not yours.

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Here is a little side note that I thought of yesterday while I was watching the online broadcast of my church.

I would love to have been at the tomb when Jesus came out! Wouldn’t that Have been a glorious moment?

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

Let God be in Charge as You Walk the Rough Paths

October 2, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

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Just received some wonderful news. I was tested for the COVID-19 virus and it was negative. A huge relief. Thank you Lord!!!

When I had my test done, there was a big line of others needing the test. Not a good sign. I hope they all tested negative like I did.

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I was very worried before the results came back. I am older than most and I have a couple underlining problems. If I do ever get the virus, I am toast.

I just started thinking about the results. I just saw them five minutes ago. Why was I so worried? When didn’t I trust the Lord. 99% of what we worry about never happens. We just need to give the rest to God.

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Have you been faced with the unknown? Did you fret and worry? How many times did it really work out to be serious. Not very many times I am guessing. Please rely on God to help you with your fears.

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I went for a walk the other day. The smoke in Oregon had cleared and I needed to get out my prison because of the virus.

As I was walking everything look so different. The flowers looked more beautiful. The trees looked more majestic. Even the people I met seemed very happy. Of course, this could very easily been because I had been locked up for so long. I don’t think so though. Looking at God’s creations excites me no matter when it is. It is all around you. Check it out on your next walk.

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Never take anything for granted. Let God guide you through the tough paths you have to walk. Remember to let him be in charge.

He loves you. He made you in His own image, and he wouldn’t do that if He didn’t want you as His child.

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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 are in Troubling Times Time for Prayer

October 1, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

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My mind is blank today so I guess I will ramble.

The debate was the worest ever. Lots of shouting, and no control by the moderator. It was embarrasing. I hope they come up with a better format.

President trump has a love/hate relationship with the people. You either love him or you hate him. How could he be such a controversial figure? In my opinion…IT’S BECAUSE GOD WANTED HIM THERE! God wanted things to be rattled, and used this to wake up the people to what was going on in our government was not right

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Had a strange week this last week.

I wasn’t feeling well so my wife took me to Urgent care. MISTAKE! I met with the triage nurse and she asked me a bunch of questions, like what symptoms did I have. When she was finished she said I coudn’t come in. I was sent to an outside tent to have a test for COVID-19.

I was sure I didn’t have that, but played the game. At the tent the nurse asked me even more questions. She than sat down to type what she wrote. Out of nowhere, a PA (Physicians Assistant) came out and started talking to me. The nurse said she already asked the questions, and that she didn’t think I need the COVID test. He still insisted I take the test. This time they stuck the probe down my throat. The nurse jabbed the side of my throat by accident, and she was very apologetic.

I won’t know the results for a couple more days.

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We finally got rid of all the awful smoke from the wild fires here in Oregon. However, we woke today with more smoke. From the Claifornia fires!!!

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Let’s talk about you. How are you doing? Are you holding strong? Is the turmoil going on getting to you? I hear you!!

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Let’s remember a few things:

99% of what we worry about never happens. Give the rest to God.
God will never give you more than you can handle.
God is with you 24/7.
The most important thing to remember is…GOD IS IN CHARGE!!

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You ar enever fosaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

We Need to Pray About Our Fears to Stop Panic

September 29, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

WE NEED TO PRAY RIGHT NOW

Thre no way to avoid it, we are in troubling times right now. There is the pandemic, rioting, wild fires, etc. A bit overwhelming don’t you think?

I have made a prayer list for myself that I do every day before I lay my head down:

Pray for all leaders. From the president on down to our own local government.
Pray for those you have trouble with. Love you neighbor as yourself.
Pray for peace. There are many “hot posts,” in this world.
Pray that the gospel will reach out to many and they will be saved.
Pray for things that pleases God.
Pray for your family, and friends.

We have many fears:

Marriage-It is hard to have a good marriage if you don’t try hard to help it out.
Job-There is much turmoil in the world now. Many people laid off because of the pandemic.
Having enough money. Single moms wonder where the money will come for their rent.
People wonder if life has any meaning. Sharp increase in suicides since the pandemic started.
Many fear they are not accepted by God.
Some think they are a failure.
Others feel rejected.
The opposite of # 5. People are afraid they are too close to od.

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Jesus has got us covered my friends. He said it very clearly in:

Matthew 6:25-34

“Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed.

There is also a verse that shares these thoughts:

Philippians 4:6-7

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

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So where are you in your faith right now? Do you wonder if you are safe from disaster? Would you rather stay in bed all day then face the wolrd?

BE STRONG IN THE LORD!

Jesus is beside you 24/7. He will not sway. He will protect you and love you. He faced many more horrible things many times, and He never wavered.

Show others why you are not afraid or full of fear. Tell who has your back and that they should too.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

There Are Benefits to Facing Trials

September 25, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

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There are very trying times right now, with the pandemic, rioting, and wild fires. There are some things I have seen while facing trials:

We draw closer to God and others.
We see things more clearly.
We become more compassionate.

It happens time after time.

I am from Oregon and we have been devasted with wild fires. People have died and over 600 homes destroyed. This would normaly cause widespread depression, and panic.

It is not happening.

The people who lost their homes are out helping others to sift through the rubble to try to find some memories for them. People in my neighborhood have opened their doors for those displayed. People have volunteered to hand out water, food, and masks.

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People are very tired of the rioting, and have bonded together to confront the rioters. It is not pretty, but the rioters are gettng the message.

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Here are some more thoughts I love to share. You also seem to like them. (Let me know)

Forget what others think you are.
God is love, so we sshould love one another.
Perfect love casts out fear.
Praying is not just for praying. It is to speak to God.
Reading the Bible is not the goal. The goal is to grow spiritually while reading the Bible.
Only through death can we find life.
Every pain, every disappointment, is covered by Jesus’s love.
Live life like you are expecting Jesus to come.
Be joyful; be prayful, and be grateful. (Always without ceasing)
Through affliction, we know that God will do something greater.
We need to be more concerned about God’s glory.
We should obey God even if we are in pain.
If one suffers all of us suffer. If one is honored, all of us are glad.
Envy: Painful or resentful of some one’s possession. Leads to dissatisfacton, discontentment.
Always look at the cross. It reminds you to trust.
Are we just living, or are we living life well?
Are we trusting the Lord to lead us, or are we wanting the Lord to do things our way?
Are we mangaing our time to serve the Lord; our responsiblities, or our relationships?
Do we need to be desparate to read the Bible? Are we willing to let God give us the desire to do so?
You come to a crossroad. There only two directions to go. Left is wisdom, and the right is folly. Which way will you go?

I always suggest you go through those thoughts one at a time and ponder them. Much wisdom could come from them.

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What is your life like?

Are you happy? Do you think life is great, or are you depressed with what is going on around you? Never let the dark side overcome you!! Reach for the light. Yes, there are many painful things happening right now, but always remember God is in charge. Stay strong and alway lean on Him for His love.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unlloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!!

Thoughts to Help You Survive

September 24, 2020 / Butch / 0 Comments

Sorry I missed posting yesterday. Too may errands to do.

I have really enjoyed putting thoughts down for you to ponder.

I am going share some more today:

We need to find encouragement in discouraging times.
We will be given new bodies when we get to Heaven.
Jesus didn’t have a New Testament, He IS the new testament.
Selfish sin makes justice impossible.
Who can test my faith when there is an army of Angels on my side?
We spend way too much of our lives glued to the TV screen.
When is the last time we have reflected on what Jesus has done for us?
God’s plan is much better than anything we can expect.
Are we living for ourselves, or for God?
Some are always fighting not having enough, discontentment, discouragement, and bitterness.
We all face storms. It is what we do with them that defines our character.
If we think God has turned away from us, we lose all hope.
God doesn’t take us through the worst paths. He takes us through the best path possible for us.
Shame has no place to hide, because you are forgiven.
My fear doesn’t have a chance, because God is always near.
God knows what you want before you ask for it.
I think back to my days with boom boxes, 8 track tapes, and CD’s. I have to accept the new makes the old absolete.
I often hear God telling me, ” Now I am speaking to you, because you were not listening to me before.”
Backsliding: Not believing in that which you already know is true.
Forget what others think your are!

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I have been on complete lock down since early March.

That is seven months of self imprisioning. I only do dirve up for fast food, go to cardiac rehab, where there are several nurses, and a walk with my wife from time to time.

It is, of course, very hard on me. There only so many movies you can watch on TV. I am enjoying reading, and doing these blogs.

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The wild fires in Oregon have devastated many towns near me here.

Three towns were completely wipped out. The people there have bonded, and are helping each other with clean-up and support.

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It amazes me how people come together after they are faced with disaster.

It happens over and over again. This shows there is still love out there even though there is rioting everywhere.

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How are you doing?

Do you have some not so fun days? Have you been overwhelmed? BE STRONG! God is there with you. He will not forsake you. He made you in His image, and that makes you His child.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Category: Ways to Cope (Page 21 of 24)

Crucial Times are here. We Need to Lean on God

Idols Will Fade Away, But Not God

We are in Troubling Times Time for Prayer

We Need to Pray About Our Fears to Stop Panic

There Are Benefits to Facing Trials

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