Daily Signs of Hope

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Tag: anxiety (Page 36 of 37)

How can we face the Rioting, Looting and the Pandemic?

June 12, 2020 / / 0 Comments

The days along and tedious. The pandemic seems to be spreading again. There is rioting, looting and arson. How do we face this dilemma?

I have a lot of time, of course, to think about this. Let me share some thoughts:

Use Your Hardships to Shine

  1. There is always someone or something that is worse off than what we are facing. When I was teaching I had a young lady in one of my classes that was severely handicapped. She was strapped to a electric wheelchair. She couldn’t move and had no control of her hands. There was one thing I noticed with her. She was always smiling. She never got upset. She never got too hurt when the other students picked on her. When I came in the classroom she was the first one I would look for. Why would I do that? It was because of her attitude about life and her circumstances. She knew she was handicapped. She knew she couldn’t play on the swings and slides with the other kids, but she was out there laughing and cheering on the other kids. Believe it or not, I realized I wanted to be like her. She was a wonderful example of someone who seemed to have the whole world against her, and yet she faced the storm head on. BTW… She was a bright student. she had an aide with her at all times, and she took all the tests, by having the aide write the answers down. She was very good at math. I still think of her often.

Let People know When You Are Hurting

I had another student with Tourette’s Syndrome. That is a disease where the child blurts out nonsensical words for no reason. He also had a tic in his face. His face would twitch a lot. He had a hard time getting along with the other kids. Mostly because of his handicap. I decided to let him move his desk up close to my desk. I could look over his shoulder and see his work all day. I could see that he was very hurt by other kids picking on him. So I had a little class “counseling,” session. We sat in a big circle and I asked each kid what was bothering him/her. Most of the kids couldn’t really think of what was bothering them, but it came to my student I had my desk, he unloaded. He said he can’t help what he is doing. He said he wasn’t trying to offend anyone. He had tears flowing. I saw that several other students began to cry. I ended the session and a little miracle happened. One of the students came up and asked if my student could move his desk next to him. I agreed and the class applauded when he moved. From then on he was in the good crowd and not an outcast. What did I learn from this…Everyone needs to be heard. Being silent doesn’t help anything. Let others know of your pain and hurts.

How does this fit into you and I facing a pandemic, rioting, looting, arson?

To me it shows that we can make it through anything. We can conquer our fear and worries.

I had many other student examples of perseverance, and courage. We need to think like these children. Take on our fears. Take on the worries, and with God’s help we can conquer anything.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give up!

Words of Wisdom From Friends

June 8, 2020 / / 0 Comments

I watched a great message from my church online yesterday. It had some great wisdom from parables as it foundation. The first parable is from Matthew 4:26-29.

It speaks of a farmer who scatters his seed on the ground. It grows and he harvests it.

Another parable is later in Matthew 4. It is Matthew 4:30-32.

It talks about a tiny mustard seed growing to one being of the biggest trees around. Jesus is comparing The Kingdom of God to the seed.

When the seed is planted it starts growing, It keeps growing and growing until it is a magnificient tree. It gets so big that birds can make nests in it.

What these two parables infer is that we can plant seeds as well. If we do it in the right way, People will come to Christ as their savior. I often heard someone tell me, “You just planted a seed in that person.” I knew what they meant and I was glad.

As parents we need to plant seeds into our children, We need to let them know about God and His Son Jesus. As they grow up they will be like that mustard seed grown up into a beautiful person.

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I was thinking about sports the other day. We really miss it right? I was online at a breakfast last Tuesday when one of the members related the Bible is for people who love sports. He said that we all have a great playbook in the Bible. Everything is laid out for us to follow and be a winner. I loved that.

Another person said, “If you are teaching, you are learning.” I can relate to thta as well since a taught school for 22 years. We never stop learning not matter what our age is.

Yet another said, We spend too much time deciding if we want to or have to. There are things in life that aren’t pretty or rewarding, but they need to get done.

My favorite thing I heard was just one sentence: “See, feel, trust.” We need to know that God is always there for us. We need to trust His guidance.

Remember:

Your are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

Are You Content at This Horrific Time?

June 5, 2020 / / 0 Comments

How many of you feel content? Do you feel you have everything you need? Does the end of the money come before the end of the month?

I am guessing most of you would be saying NO!

Behind in car payments. Children sick. Parents in assisted living. Rioting throughout our country. The Pendemic taking many lives.

With all this going on we seem to be trained not to be satisfied.

When is more enough?

Let’s check with Jesus to see what He thinks. In one sentence He said: ” We need to be content.”

I could end this post right here, but I am sure you need some more answers.

We need to concentrate on loving what we have.

God gives us another thought: “We have all that we need.”

Bottom line is: We need to have a gratitude attitude.

I have been watching closely what is going on in the world. A pandemic, rioting, and chaos.

It is very easy to get very discouraged right now. What is going to happen? Will my family be safe? Should I stay hunkered down?

The answer to the last question for me is yes. I have to stay hunkered down. I have several underlying problems and I wouldn’t make it if I got the virus. However, my wife and I go on walks every day. In all problems there is a silver lining. We never had time to walk together before.

As for the rioting, looting, and arson. I am very upset, because the majority of the protesters are good people just wanting to use their free speech rights. However, There are some very serious anarchist, attacking the businesses, the police, and other protesters. That have no thought of mourning the death of anyone. They just want to disrupt. I am told they are paid to come in and cause havic.

We need to be strong and pray for God’s intervention here. He is in charge.

I know, It doesn’t seem right that He is allowing all this to happen. Why would He? It is because He gives man the freedom to choose. We are not robots. We do our own thinking and cause our own actions.

Stay the course, and stay close to God. We will overcome these storms together.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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!

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!

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!

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