Daily Signs of Hope

A place to find Hope

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Don’t Pass Your Fears Onto Others

June 1, 2020 / / 0 Comments

There have been very trying times in our country lately. There is the Pandemic that is causing havoc. Now there is rioting all over this country.

There is widespread panic and people are full of fear.

One of the most important things we can do is to not pass our fears onto others. Yes, we do have fear, but please do not let it spread.

There are many things that are hurting people. Think of the high school students who can’t do their sports that they love. I certainly understand that. There is also no graduation ceremony. This will be the year they will want to forget.

As Christians, we must remember that God is always there. Jesus is always there.

We don’t need to find proof that they exist. We know about faith through God’s Word and His promises.

Yes, real faith doesn’t have all the facts. There all those who don’t believe just because they don’t have all the facts. True faith takes us beyond the facts.

What does all of this have to do with riots and the Pandemic? Both of these are major storms in our lives.

These storms may be more than we can handle, and God says to turn all your worries over to Him.

Let’s make this clear…. God didn’t cause the virus, or the riots. He doesn’t want any of His people to be hurt.

Things to think about during these tough times:

What do you think God is saying during this Pandemic, and rioting?

What do your think God is doing during this time?

What can YOU do to find rest during this time. ?

Be strong for not only you, but your family. Spreading fear is like putting gasoline on a fire.

I need to remind myself, and you, that all this pain and suffering is not going to waste. God in charge and He will figure everything out for us.

He is standing in the fire with us.

I guess the overwhelming question is….What is it going to be like after the Pandemic.? What is it going to be like after the rioting stops. Only God knows, and we need to trust Him and allow Him to take action for us.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

People Are Fighting Depression During this Pandemic

May 23, 2020 / / 0 Comments

It is Saturday. Should be a break for many of you, but since I am retired every day is Saturday. Sounds like I am rubbing it on you? Not at all. It is very hard to be retired and not be able to leave your home.

I have been climbing the walls. Charlotte and I take breaks by going on rides to nowhere. We just get in the car and start driving. We have found many places close to us that we have never seen before. We even drove into a closed community by accident, and could only get out when a homeowner opened the gate. That was an interesting adventure.

How are you holding up? Are you also climbing your walls? Are you frustrated on how we are in a lock down? Do you try to find excuses to travel in your car to nowhere? You certainly are not alone.

As you can see you are not alone.

Some thoughts:

  1. God didn’t promise a rose garden, and besides there are the thorns.
  2. Every day is a new day. Embrace it.
  3. 99% of all the worry we face doesn’t happen. Give the rest to God.
  4. We need to TRUST. We need to trust that God is with us always. There is no place to hide. He will find you and help you through your storms.
  5. All storms end.
  6. Use the storms to make you even stronger.
  7. It is hard at best to face the world, but if God is for us who can be against us?
  8. Life seems like two steps forward and one step back, but you are still going forward.
  9. When you hit a wall, climb over it, dig under it, or go around it. Never let it stop you.
  10. “I can do all things through Christ who give me strength.” (Phil 4:13.)

I have been to the bottom of the muck and mire. God pulled me out and made me whole again. He can do that for you as well.

Don’t let the dark side dictate to you. Embrace the light of Jesus and let Him guide you. He is always there for you.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

This Pandemic is Causing Pain and Fear

May 20, 2020 / / 0 Comments

With this Pandemic causing much pain and fear, we need to know that God is here for us.

The power of prayer comes to mind when I read that first sentence. We need to put out a plea to God to calm our spirit and help us keep strong.

My prayer last night was short, but very powerful:

“Thank you God, that you are good. Thank you for being with me during this chaos.”

This brings to mind about Biblical events where God was with someone and saw them through a storm.

Paul had every bad thing possible happen to him. Snake bites, ship wrecks, and of course he was put into prison. Did he curse God and become angry? No he didn’t. While in prison he converted several guards, and refused to have a pity party.

He knew God was with him and that he would do many great things in his paths ahead.

Did he have down times? Of course! Did he wish he could be freed to continue his mission? Yes. However, was he afraid? No. He knew God would take care of him, and see him through this storm.

Fear is a huge mean demon that over takes us far too often. It is said that 99% of what we worry about never happens, and we should turn the rest over to God. Make sense doesn’t it? God has huge shoulder, and will calm the storm.

What about this Pandemic in our lives right now?

Fear is rampant in the world today. People are hunkering down in their own homes, with no relief in sight. Some are becoming angry and wanting to be allowed to go back to work. They fear they will lose their homes and never recover.

Jesus said, “Fear not!” Only two words, but the most powerful two words in the Bible. He also said, ” I will be with you , and you will be with me.”

One thing we need to remember is to trust. Trust in God during this Pandemic makes the fear fade away.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

Why Can’t we Just be Content?

May 19, 2020 / / 0 Comments

During our troubling times, we wonder what is ahead. What will happen next? Is there a light at the end of the tunnel?

This Pandemic knows no boundaries. This is world wide. Everyone is in a panic. Let’s talk about how to handle our fears. We have ways to accept our problems.

Why can’t we just be content?

Are you content with what is happening? I know I am not. Why is that? I have all I need. I have a wonderful family to support me. Life should be good. But….We are actually trained to not be satisfied. We haven’t learned when more is enough.

I once lived the life of trying to take one step higher, and one step further. I was a full member of the rat race.

Then a wonderful thing happened by “accident.” I was reading the Bible and came across this verse: “Be still and know I am God!” (Psalms 46:10.)

I realized that I didn’t need ANYTHING from this earth. This is just a temporary home. What is important to know is that When we ask, What do we have? ” The clear answer is , “All that we need.”

God provides all we need. He knows our needs. He knows what is good for us and what isn’t good for us. Why do we scramble to try to reach the top of mountain of success, when God provides everything?

Think one this…

I know it is very hard right now. I am climbing the walls! But when ever I get too worked up I go back to my verse, “Be still and know I am God.

Use the words below to help you make it through the day.

Remember:

Your are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

How do We handle the Pandemic?

May 13, 2020 / / 0 Comments

This Pandemic is causing many problems for many. People feel the sky is falling.

I had an interesting day yesterday. Got our daily walk in. It has been difficult for me. Something wrong with the legs. Got to go to Walmart and buy some new ones. 🙂

Charlotte and I also went on a drive. We went through downtown Salem, where I live. It was eerie. No one walking on the sidewalks. Not many cars. Stores closed. It almost looked like a ghost town. We have a population of close to 200,000 and they are all in lock down.

I never have seen anything like it, I hope I never do again.

So what can we do??

  1. What a perfect time to work on your yard, and flowers.
  2. Get a book off of that huge book shelve you have and read.
  3. Check on your neighbors. Keep that six foot distance though.
  4. Call your family and see how they are doing.
  5. Find some movies that are uplifting, and fun.
  6. Clean out that closet, or what ever area you have been forgetting about.

I gave some other suggestions on my May 8th post.

So, are you troubled? Do you wonder what may be happening next? Is what happening in our world overwhelming you?

Remember you have support through our Heavenly Father. He is there where ever you are. We cannot hid from Him and that is a good thing.

Go to Him in prayer and ask for His protection and love. He will listen to your plea, and answer you according to what He feels is best for you. We may not always agree with the outcome, but again it is what is best for you.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Now What Do I do???

May 8, 2020 / / 0 Comments

It has been a long time since I last posted. I have many excuses, but you don’t want to come to my pity party.

We live in a very interesting time. Can’t go to my favorite restaurant. Can’t hug my children. Can’t go grocery shopping. (I am one of those special people who have underlining problems.)

The list could on much longer, but you all know what they are. We are basically locked down in our homes.

So what do we do now?

Here are some suggestions:

  1. Yes, you can watch TV all day.
  2. You can go on walks. My wife and I just got in from our walk. (Thought I was going to die, but now I am really glad it did it.)
  3. Get creative in your projects around the house. I have cleaned out to drawers that have been a mess for years. Very organized now.
  4. Call everyone you know to see how they are doing. You will put a smile on their face, which puts one on your face.
  5. Read a book. I feel that is what many are doing. Suggestion…The Bible. It is full of drama, happy endings, sad endings, and much hope. You will not find any other book so prefect for what we are going through right now.

I, of course saved the best for last. My Bible is my fortress, which is full of hope, praise, encouragement, faith, love, and much more.

Are you struggling with life right now? Do you feel depressed, and alone? You have many on that same boat with you.

Never let the dark side overcome you. Don’t fall for Satan’s lies that you are worthless.

God made you in His image. He loves you. He will protect you and guide you. Got doesn’t make mistakes. You are His child and He has a purpose for you.

Remember:

You are never unloved.

You are never Alone.

You are not forsaken.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Your’e A Speck in Life, But God Loves You

February 14, 2020 / / 0 Comments

The Universe is Huge and You Are Part of it

This may confuse you and make you wonder. We are just a speck, of a speck, of a speck, and even smaller.

The truth is, that as you look up into the skies you see literally billions of stars. Each star is created by God.

Let’s check on our own little planet.

I live in Oregon, and as I go on walks, I can see snow capped mountains, mainly Mount Hood. It is very beautiful to see. God created it. I drive to the Oregon coast and see a vast ocean. God created it.

Also think on this:

God created our earth, but did it with very sharp precision.Think of the placement of our planet. If we were a little closer to the sun we would all burn to death. If the earth was a little farther away from the sun we would freeze. God put it in the perfect spot for us to exist.

He created much more.

He created all the animals; all the plants, and all the people like you and me. He even gave you your first breath.

You are the pinnacle of his creations. Yes, you are a tiny speck compared to all the wonders He created and yet you are the joy of His life. There was no one like you before you were born, and there will be no one like you after you are gone.

Even your DNA is your own.

You have your own DNA and fingerprints. To top all of that, He has plans for each and every one of us. Yes, the universe is huge but we still don’t grasp that.

We all still sin.

Knowing all of this, we tend to still wander. We know there is a God, but we sway and falter, because Go gave us the freedom to choose.

God still loves you.

We must remember that God loves us very much. He created each of us in His own image. When you are facing fear, depression, and trials know that God controls everything. He is there for you.

He is the creator and there is nothing else else we should be worshiping.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

Why Can’t we All Just Get Along

February 7, 2020 / / 0 Comments

One of the hardest things for me to face is how the United States is so divided. It breaks my heart to see this happening, and I am not sure how to correct it.

The recent happens in Congress has even the most loyal Americans cringing.

Our country is so divided. What can we do to try to heal our wounds?

It is easy to say everything will be OK, but not everyone agrees with that.

There are people protesting and causing riots. There are people who boycott businesses they disagree with.

I have all kinds of suggestions, but people have to follow through to make them work:

  1. Pray for our leaders. This is a tough one for many, because they hate our leaders. To me it doesn’t matter what party is in charge I will be praying for the president.
  2. Don’t believe much of the news you see. The fake news is running rampant now.
  3. Take care of your own nest. Make sure your family is happy. They are your inner circle.
  4. Spend time at your church meeting people who agree with your beliefs are. That sounds kind of silly doesn’t it? However, we need to make friendships with the right people. The people of your church may be the pillar you need to lean on.
  5. Speaking of church, I have also seen people coming to the services, and leaving with a blank look on their faces. They didn’t hear anything. They just come to show people they are “Christians.”

I exercise at least twice a week. I do the treadmill for one half hour. It gets me going, and the rest of the day I am eager to do things. Talking more about # 5 above, It is great to be in good physical shape, but it is even better to be in good spiritual shape.

Thoughts:

  1. God has work plans for you. Even if you are a senior citizen like me. Serve God just as hard as the others. God will use you no matter what you age is.
  2. We only on this planet called earth for a short time. Use you time wisely.
  3. People are so afraid of failure. I can’t tell all the times I failed and grew more because of them. Do not fear failure.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all… never, ever, give up!

Looking Back at the Holidays

January 8, 2020 / / 0 Comments

The holidays are past, but I have had time to reflect and thought I would share some thoughts.

We should have joy around the holidays, but some don’t think so. They have to face their relatives.

From that I learned that we need to have a family mentality.

We need need to be related by faith, family, caring. If we do that and more, we are a family that is glorious.

Yes, we have some relatives that we have differences with. When they come to visit it seems like they know what buttons to push to make us angry.

How do we deal with that?

Even if there is a problem with one of the relatives, we need to know that they have needs just like we do. We need to calmly sit with them and seek out the problems and try to find ways to help.

This should cause a miracle. They will be glad someone cares, and they will look at you in a whole new way.

I Have learned to pray for them.

I am so angry sometimes that this is very hard. If I can just spend 30 seconds praying for them that would be a good start. Then stretch it out to 35 seconds, and so on. I realized the more I prayed for them the less I was angry. It should be like daily exercise. The more you pray the stronger you become.

Try this out and let me know how it goes. Show me other ways I can reach out to those I sometimes find unpleasant.

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There is much happening causing me to roll fast on finishing my second book, “Signs of Hope for the Military: In an Out of the trenches of Life.” All I have left are a few interviews with veterans who have been in the trenches. Their stories will warm your heart. They will cause you to cry, and wanting to help them.

You can go to http://www.dougbolton.com to see the progress.

You should always remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Top 10 Ways to Survive in 2020

January 3, 2020 / / 0 Comments

I have been off the air for several months. I have many excuses, but none that I can say are valid!

Starting today I will be trying to post every day. You will have to be helping me by subscribing. If you do, all future posts will directly to your inbox.

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My first post of the new year concentrates on the year ahead. What will it bring? What am I going to do to grow and improve.?

  1. Do not have any new year’s resolutions. This one of the most overrated acts a person can cling to. Just plan your goals and hit the street running.
  2. I need to find ways to reach out to those in need more than I did last year. People who need help are not hard to find. They are everywhere.
  3. Don’t expect everything to go smoothly. Life doesn’t seem to go that way. You may have some storms hit. Be ready for them and be strong.
  4. Be a good listener. Sometimes silence is very important. People want to share and not be judged.
  5. Don’t get caught up into today’s politics. We live in a very hostile environment right now. Don’t believe almost all you hear.
  6. Always make your family your top priority. They should always come first.
  7. Have a year where you are much closer to God. He is in charge, and He is watching over you.
  8. Try to have your health as a top priority. I am really concentrating on this one this year.
  9. Respectively disagree with those who oppose your views. Doesn’t have to be a shouting match.
  10. Live each day as if it is your last. ENJOY!

In Closing

I hope you have enjoyed the first post of 2020. I will be back tomorrow with more in depth thoughts and ramblings.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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