Daily Signs of Hope

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Some Are Saying That The Christian Church is Collapsing

June 14, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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In an earlier post, I commented on the struggles that the churches are having. Less people coming. Turning their backs on the church. Many think this is because of the pandemic. Many were on lock down, and just lost the habit of going every Sunday.

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A true Christian would not accept those reasons. A friend told me, “If you have nothing to do with the church, then you have nothing to do with Jesus.” If you trust Jesus you are a member of a church.

Contrary to what people think, the power of the church is more powerful than anything else on earth.

I was on lock down for over a year because of the pandemic. I was “At Church,” every Sunday anyway. It is called online church.

It has been a true blessing for me. It is like I am sitting in my favorite pew, and listening.

Since my church is online, I invite you to come back and enjoy Sunday, with lots of singing, and worship.

http://www.mstar.church.com

I am there in the chat section to answer any questions the online people may have, plus throwing in encouraging thoughts from time to time. I will even pray with you.

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Has it been a while since you have been to church? The above link will you back in the groove. I guarantee you will be blessed, and will have found your own church home.

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Be sure to say hello when you see the name Doug in the chats.

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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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Are Fathers Really Needed to be in Children’s Lives

June 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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With Father’s Day just around the corner, I got to thinking how important a fathers are.

The questions are coming up more often about the need of fathers in a home. The leading newspapers in the world are questioning that. The New York Times, and many others challenge the need for fathers in the home.

I didn’t have a father in my life. He was in my home town and never saw me much.

What did I miss?

A boy needs his father to be an example for him. A boy needs a dad to tell him, “Way to go champ.” A boy needs his father to have someone to talk about boy things.

The majority of the hardened criminals in the penitentiaries didn’t have a father.

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How about a little girl?

They need to know how to choose a man. Girls without a father in the home tend to more sexually active in an earlier age.

In both girls and boys need a sense of security and love.

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So how do we help these children?

There are uncles, grandfathers, even friends, who need to step up to the plate and help these children.

In my teaching career the amount of broken homes kept growing every year, until over half of my students only had one parent.

So in reality, I became father to them. They would cling, and want to be near me during class time. I had to discourage this as much as I could, but I did a lot of hugging.

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How is your home going?

Are you divorced? Are you the only parent in your home?

I really understand. I was divorced once myself. However, I did everything in my power to love my children, and spend as much time with them as I could.

I have remarried and my children love her very much. They call her their second mom.

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Don’t let the past decide your future. Yes, you have so much work ahead of you, but you can do it!!

How? God is there to be your guiding light. Also, use Jesus as an example of how you should act and respond.

It won’t be easy, but who is more important in your life than your own children?

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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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Don’t be a Father Doing Drugs and Alcohol. Monkey See Monkey Do

June 7, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I heard the story about King David from the Bible and his son, Asbolum. It is a story about a father not paying attention to his son, and the son plotting against him to try to be the king.

Where was David was the question. Why didn’t he see what was going on and correct his son?

This made me think that our lives as fathers. Since Father’s Day is coming up a good discussion would be, where are we with our children?

Satan can be a huge detriment when it comes to being fathers. He will say, you can stay and have beers with the guys after a round of gold, instead of being home and playing with the kids.

He lets people hear what they want to hear. “It’s OK to forget your family and have fun.”

What I came up with is a guide for father s as to how they can be a good father:

  1. Love the mother of your children.
  2. Let your children hear you pray for them.
  3. Bring your children to church.
  4. Get home from work on time to be with family.
  5. Do not work when off work.
  6. Spend the majority of your free time with family.
  7. Play with your kids often.
  8. Say, “I love you,” every day.
  9. Put yourself on “time out,” when you are angry.
  10. Quickly admit to your mistakes and say, “I’m sorry.”

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Here are some shocking results of a survey held recently:

  1. 22% of adults stopped going to church since the pandemic started.
  2. 50% of millennials have stopped going to church.
  3. Podcasts and Tik Tok, lead people away from the church.

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How do we guard our hearts from Satan?

  1. A serious pursuit of holiness.
  2. A serious pursuit of worship.

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So where do you stand in all of this? Do you go to the bar and forget about your family? Remember…Monkey see and monkey do. Your children will end up bars too.

Do you do drugs and alcohol too much? Monkey see monkey do.

Do you play golf every chance you can to get away your family? Monkey see monkey do.

Don’t be that kind of father. Put your family first, and love them with all your heart.

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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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Exercise Can Change Life in a Very Positive Way

June 4, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I am going to rant a little today. I have seen some shocking things happening from our National Leadership.

I read an article that stated that a marine was going to handed over to a foreign country so they can try him for attempting to help a citizen defect to the U. S.

This is a death sentence!

I think this Marine should be considered a hero not a criminal. Our president, once again, is turning his back n the military. Write your congressman to stop this death sentence.

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Sorry for the rant, but I am a veteran, and this Marine is my brother in arms.

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I have been going to physical therapy for a while now to help me with my balance. The young lady that is helping me is doing wonders for me. I am already feeling better, and gaing my balance back.

This is happening to prepare me for a trip to Hawaii the end of August and the first week of September. So excited to be going there. I love Hawaii.

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Have you had times that you wish you could be doing better with your health?Have you lost a few steps here and there?

You certainly are not alone. Many people seem to slow down as they get older.

So what can we do the fight back.

  1. Exercise…I diffidently diced that when I started therapy. The change is awesome for me.. Much stronger and more agile.
  2. Park far away from wherever you stop to shop or visit. You will be surprised how just that one little adjustment will give you more strength.
  3. Don’t take the elevator. Walk those stairs.
  4. Ride bikes, or go on walks. Lots to see as you are doing this.

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Trust me I am not your health expert. Just some thoughts on getting back the body you want.

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How are you days going? Are they long and tedious? Do you struggle to make it through them?

Time to lean on God. He has big shoulders, and loves you.

Allow God to do a change in your life for the better. He can do that in a moment.

Drop those burdens for relief from God.

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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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We Don’t need to Worry Because God is There For Us.

May 24, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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Went to see my hearing aid doctor this morning. I asked her to help me write a letter to the VA about my hearing loss. She said I have to go through proper channels and then she will help.

I already went through several channels. What I need is another letter in support that I lost some of my hearing while deployed to Korea.

I will NOT give up! You shouldn’t either if you are a veteran struggling with the VA to get compensation.

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It has been hard to get back to normal; whatever that is. I think we are setting up a new normal. I don’t expect anyone will ever want to shake hands again.

What a world changing event we are taking part in right now. People dying all around the world. India being the worst spot.

Have you been struggling with the new normal? Do you face big obstacles every day because of the limited things you can do?

I certainly hear you. Days seem long and slow. Nowhere to go. Nothing to do, and frustration facing us wherever we do go.

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David had nowhere to go. He was isolated. He had to live in caves to stay alive. He was facing much of what we are facing today. Stay away from danger and hide.

David persevered however, and eventually became the king of Israel. He overcome all the danger and near death experiences, and prevailed.

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You and I can do that too. We can persevere and overcome all the darkness we are facing right now.

How did David make it? He relied on God to protect Him and give him comfort.

Too simplistic? Not all all. God is always there. He will protect us , and comfort us just like He did David.

He loved David and called him, a man after His own heart.

He will do that for you too. Pray for His comfort and protection right now. He listens and answers prayer.

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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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I was Suicidal Until God was With me.

May 10, 2021 / / 0 Comments

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I told you yesterday that I had my first physical therapy for getting better balance. Well, something I had to do during the therapy injured my back. Now I am a lame duck. I will have to heal before I can go back.

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One of the things we most fear is that we are alone on this world. We feel isolated, and lost. We do not know where to go for help.

David in the Old Testament felt that way. He was suppose to be king, but Saul had other ideas. Saul was trying to find David and kill him. David ran and hid. He lived in caves, for fear he would be found and killed.

What a terrible existence.

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Have you been lost and fearful? Have you felt there was nowhere to turn to?

You certainly are not alone. Many of us have felt that fear of being alone. We have felt there was nowhere to turn to.

Let me share some thoughts that I think will give you hope and comfort.

  1. God is near in times of need. He can take care of all your worries and fears.
  2. God is sufficient in the times of need. He is capable of handling all your burdens.
  3. You need to be saying, God is mine in my time of greatest need.

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Never think you are alone. Never think God has forsaken you. He loves you and wants the best for you. You are His child.

I was alone and lost in the year 2001. I was ready to end my life. Then I realized that God was right there with me. That gave me peace and comfort. I made it through that day, and I am here today talking to 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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+If you like what you see, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says, “subscribe.” When you do, all future posts will come directly to your inbox. Also, if you know some else who could benefit from this site, please let them know about it.

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