A place to find Hope

Category: awful things are happening (Page 3 of 4)

Are You Tired of Going Round and Round in This World?

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It has been a quiet day today. (Sure need those from time to time.) I just finished my post at www.dougbolton.com. Go there to see my latest excerpt from my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

If you or anyone you know are military. This is the site for you.

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Here is another excerpt from my first book, Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in This Unfriendly World.

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Chapter 1

Stop the World and Let Me Off. I’m Tired of Going ’Round and ’Round

The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.

Psalm 34:18

I was out of control. The sobbing filled my eyes with tears. I couldn’t see the road ahead of me as I drove my Explorer.

Everything seemed to be going wrong in my life. I had quit two jobs because of guilt. I even failed at running my own business. I quit the two jobs because I had to sell something to customers and I had a hard time trying to force people to buy something they may not really need.

The business that failed was a cash flow venture that helped businesses have a better flow of money while they waited for their accounts receivables to come in. I left that venture because I again had to convince people to take part in something they may not have needed.

Depression, self doubt, fear, anxiety, and even hopelessness, overcame me until I was in the pit of despair. I was a happily married man with three children and several grandchildren. I had a wonderful 25-year teaching career. Why was I feeling so low? Why did I feel so unloved?

All I wanted to do was to stop the madness and check out of this wretched hotel called Earth! I pulled my SUV into a high school parking lot in a secluded area. I was ready to commit suicide. The date was March 31, 2001. The next day was April Fools Day. A very fitting time to have your life end, don’t you think?

I did have the common sense to call my wife Charlotte. She came quickly to where I was. She calmed me down enough to where I thought I could drive myself home. After she left, I sat there behind the steering wheel still crying, and then I yelled, “God, I can’t take this anymore!”

In a flash, there was calmness in me. It even felt different in the vehicle. The air was fresher and cooler. It was as if God were saying, “It’s about time you came back to Me. I have been waiting for you. Let Me carry you the rest of the way.”

My life changed that day. I gave my life back to God.

I had been a Christian since I was about 16. But I was the poster child for a lukewarm Christian.

Yes, I went to church and made sure my children went also, but I wouldn’t say I was a perfect example for them. I rose up in my church to where I was the Sunday school superintendent and on the important Pastor-Parish Relations Committee, but in my heart I didn’t put God first.

On Sundays, I stayed home if there was a good football game on. You didn’t have to go to church every Sunday, did you? God let me know I did. He also let me know of a new direction for me to go.

Why had I allowed myself to fall to such a low spot? Why had I drifted so far away from God?

The answer my friend is I was in a battle with many afflictions like self-doubt, anxiety, etc. Those aren’t fancy medical terms like cardiovascular disease or leukemia, but they are just as deadly. These demons of the mind can control your life to the point where you are not functional. It can cause you to hide from the world and let your life go on unnoticed until you die. It can push you to ending your own life.

This book is for those who want to discuss all the enemies of man like self-doubt, fear of failure, divorce, death in the family, and many others. I want to share with you how God used me to write this book, and how He pulled me out of the muck and mire.

The walls we put up in life can be caused by a loss of a loved one or extreme trauma. We can put them up because of sexual abuse, inappropriate or unclear expectations, divorce, poverty, violence in the family, family addiction or environment.

Do you often feel like you don’t want to go to work? Are there times when you feel like you would rather stay in bed and not face the world? Have you fallen into the pit of despair without even knowing why you did? Have you ever felt lost—and alone?

You are not alone! Close to 19 million American adults, or about 9.5% of the U.S. population age 18 and older, suffer from some kind of handicapping mental disorder in a given year.1

Now that I have totally broken you down—there is hope! There are treatments that can help you. See your doctor to find what treatment is best for you. Then go to where there is eternal treatment, and that is through your loving heavenly Father.

The first part of this book talks about putting on God’s armor and fighting against the many mental afflictions. This information is from the horse’s mouth. That would be me. I have gone through many battles of my own. I have felt lost, and I thought that there was nowhere to go. I lived that way for many years. I existed from day to day, struggling with my emotions. I found out that I didn’t need to go through the torture. I had places I could go for help. I found out what they were, and I invite you to find out too.

            Bare with me! There is a happy ending.

“I have seen his ways, but I will heal him; I will guide him and restore comfort to him, creating praise on the lips of the mourners in Israel. Peace, peace, to those far and near,” says the Lord. “And I will heal them.”

Isaiah 57:18–19

Further Adventures

You know how easy it is to let your emotions take over in your life. You’ve been there. It is too easy to let the little things grow from molehills to mountains. When each trial comes up, try to put it into perspective. Is it something that is going to be life-changing? Is it something you can’t handle yourself?

You could tell in this chapter that I couldn’t handle what was happening to me, and what happened next? I felt God was changing me.

Stop in the middle of your grief and say, “Why am I so out of control? What can I do to stop this madness?” The answer was easy for me. I ran to God like a long lost prodigal son, and He opened His arms and took me back in like any father would do with his own son. You should do the same: Run to God and let Him carry you the rest of the way through your life like He is doing for me.

Something to Ponder

Isn’t it funny how we let the smallest winds grow into a full-blown storm?

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I will be sharing more excerpts in the future so keep coming back. 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. You will glad you did.

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Battling the darkside? Things seem too scary for you right now?

FEAR NOT!

GOD IS IN CHARGE!!

He will not let you be tempted any more than you can handle. Lean on Him to be your fortress, and protector.

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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 Fear Threats of Man, Rely On God For Comfort

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There are far too many threats in our country. People seem to be going crazy. A man drove his truck into a bunch of people walking in a parade. Killing five of them. WHY? He was caught and will spend the rest of his life in prison.

There are many incidents like this. It is spreading.

I am finding, and I am sure you are too, that the Christian life is not easy.

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The word Sovereign means, in complete control. God is sovereign. Why?

  1. He is the creator of all things.
  2. God makes Himself known.
  3. God decides what happens in this world.
  4. We send all of our pleas to a sovereign God.

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We need to let God use us, and we need to speak with boldness and courage. Will this get us persecuted? Yes, but it is God’s will.

We have our part to do, and God has His part.

I always talk to others about what God has done for me. I do not call them sinners, I just share my life.

One thing I have taken for granted all these years is the Holy Spirit. We all know of God and Jesus, but we forget the final part of the three. The Holy Spirit. When you are a Christian, the Holy Spirit dwells in you, and helps you through the storms. He helps you to say the right things when needed.

The Holy Spirit is God’s presence.

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Cling to the hope of God and His love for 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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I’m Not Part of This World. I’m Just Here Temporarily

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I’m off to the Oregon Coast today. The weather may be good as well.

There seems to be an uproar coming from the military itselt on the vaccination mandate. The Navy has said they will not force their people to get the shot, and one state National Guard General has said the same thing.

My feelings may be different from others, because I am an at risk person. I got my shots and I am hoping for the best.

I feel people have the right to choose, but remember your choices many affect, or should I say, infect others.

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I have come to the conclusion that I am not part of this world. I am just here temporarily. I do not agree with so much of what is happening around me, that I feel like an alien in my own country.

Have you been feeling that? Do you think the world is rolling too fast, and leaving you behind?

I certainly hear you. There are many of us like that.

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I have found that I am stronger when I read the Bible. It is full of hope and comfort. God reminds me that He is with me through my storms.

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Turn to the book of truth. The Bible. Much of what is said there is a wonderful guide for life.

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Never let the dark side overcome you. Know that God is with you to fight the evil one. Let Him take your burdens and pray for His protection.

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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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Woke Cancel Culture, and Critical Race Theory Are Spreading Fast

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Had a progress test today at physical therapy. I improved in all areas except one and that was almost the same. That’s the good news. The bad news is I am not sure how much longer I can use the PT. You have to be referred, and I haven’t been referred in a while.

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I’m making a huge prediction here right now. This is way off the subject, but I am picking Oregon State University football to win tomorrow against Stanford. If they lose you can pick on me.

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I looked up several phrases that I didn’t understand. Now you will know as well.

  1. Woke cancel culture—Kicked out of Social Media.
  2. Critical race therory—against black people.

Neither one of those are on my bucket list to do. Very discriminating.

Why are these phrases even around? They are used so much, the Webster’s dictionary added them as new words.

Well, I did research on this as well.:

The origin of both of those phrases come from the far left. That explains a lot to me. I certainly am not far left, but I can see why they make up these fake phrases to try to plow down our rights.

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How are you feeling about your rights today? Do you think they are slipping away?

To me, there is only one way to stay sane in this invironment. Only go by what it tells you in the Bible. There is nothing but truth in it. It speaks to all the left’s retoric.

Do not be overcome with their fake news, and scare tactics. Only go with what God is telling you and you will stand strong.

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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 Do Not Have to Fear Anything, But God

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I am going to be on a rant today. There are so many things I do not like:

  1. I do no t like the pandemic.
  2. I d not like the bickering and shouting in congress.
  3. I do not like the so called authority figures trying to tell parents what to do with their children in school.
  4. I do not like how our government is running things.
  5. I do not like, not liking things!

I have to realize, and I have said this almost every post, GOD IS IN CHARGE!!

His answer to all of my do nots, is “I am taking care of it.”

So just how much power does God really have?…

The Stars haven’t always been there. God created them. The earth hasn’t always been there, God created it. The universe is vast, and unending. He created it.

Just think how much power it took to do all of that.

So, if you fear facing the day. If you would rather stay under the covers all day. If the fear is just too much for you. You do not have to fear anything, but God.

As long as we believe in God and Jesus, nothing will be able to separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:38-39.)

Stand strong and never give into the dark side.

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Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never fosaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, everm give up!

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Storms Are Not Optional, But Inevitable.

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Got my booster shot! Now I can take on the world. (Not really!)

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There are some alarming things happening in our world right now.

An article I read stated that Presidnet Biden is a scapegoat. He is making all the mistakes and taking all the blame. This is what the rest of the democrats want. This is an opinion article, but I am not sure if this isn’t really happening.

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China and Russia and teaming together to do military exercises. Doesn’t sound too good to me.

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I always say this, and I have to repeat it: GOD IS IN CHARGE!

We have many bad things happening in our world, but He knows it and is dealing with it in His own way.

I will not fear. I will not panic. I will depend on God to protect me.

How do you feel about all of this? Is it getting too scary for you? We also have the pnademic in our lives. What can we do with all of this piling up on us?

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  1. Do not panic. God will deal with it.
  2. Pray without ceasing.
  3. Much of what we worry about never happens. Turn the rest over to God.

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Here is a prayer that I sent up to God yesterday:

Father, I know that storms are not optional, but inevitable. And I know that you use the trials to transform me into the person you have deigsned me to be. Let me rejoice when I face trials and struggless and trust that you have a reason. Form my character through the fire. Make me look more like Jesus. Let me face each trial with expanding faith. Let me bring your glory as I tell of your faithfulness to me. Let me encourage others in their struggles as well.

In Jesus’s name, amen.

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I have been reminding you that I am almost finished with my second book called, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life. You can see excerpts of it on my author site at: www.dougbolton.com.

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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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People Are Broken, Distraced, and Weary From Life

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Satan is getting desparate, because he knows his time is short, and he wants to sabotage your efforts to serve the Lord.

The truth is, the closer we become with Jesus, the more intense our spiritual battles will be. We must be aware of Satan’s schemes.

It is God’s will that everyone will come closer to Jesus than to Satan. But Satan will do everything he can to distract you from following Him.

We need to let God establish our priorites.

Love God-Serve God

If we truly love God we will serve wherever we need to, for example:

  1. Your spouse…God has directed us to love and serve our spouses.
  2. Single? Serve your family and friends. Don’t let anybody distract you.

Knowing the truth doesn’t strengthen you, doing the truth does.

Whoever does the will of God will abide forever.

Don’t do what ever your are doing for yourself. Do it for others.

Back to Satan.. he wants you to feel awful about yourself. He wants to deceive us so we will disobey God. If he succeeds you are on his trophy wall.

To fight all of this we need God’s armor.

When we are attacked by Satan we need let the love of Jesus control us.

We don’t give into fear. We don’t look for the paths of least risistance. We follow Jesus weherever He leads us.

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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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Time for Prayer Warriors to Pray Without Ceasing

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It is time for prayer warriors to step up to the plate and hit a home run.

We can’t let the world control us. That is exactly what has been happening in the last few months. The government is dictating to us as to what we should do. That is called Socialism.

It has me boiling. I am not one to complain too much, but my rights are disappearing.

We need to stand and be recognized. Many feel the same way, but they just go with the flow hoping things will somehow get better.

We need to be strong and pray to God for help. He knows what is going on, and He wants His children to cry out to Him. He does answer prayer so we need to send our petitions to him and seek help.

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How are you dealing with the situation in our world? Does everything seem fine to you, or can you see the darkness coming. Come towards the light of Jesus, and leave the darkness.

As a group if we all send fervent prayers, God will listen and answer our prayers.

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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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Idolatry is Causing Many to Turn Away From God

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In our world of sadness and chaos we wonder what we need to do to survive in this not so friendly world. I heard a powerful message at church yesterday about idolatry.

When we think of it, many of the dictators of this world live off of idolatry.

Think about the Taliban in Afghanistan. They have only one thing on their minds, and that is people worship them or they die.

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The Bible has a story about a city that turned to idols instead of God. God punished them by destroying the whole city. There was nothing left there but dried bones.

The people who lived through this cried for help, and God said they need to repent to receive His grace.

Here is a definition of idolatry:

It takes place when we exchange God’s self revelations and replace them with our own ideas of who we think God is or should be.

The essence of idolatry is thinking thoughts about God that is unworthy of Him.

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Have our bones dried up because we worship idols like, cell phones, TV, our new car, or boat?

Take inventory of your live and see if you have placed something in front of God that you idolize.

Some thoughts:

God can be trusted.

God’s promises are sure.

God loves you just the way you are.

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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 War is Over, but the Suffering Will Last Forever

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I am still saddened by the results of the withdraw from Afghanistan. Needless death and destruction. People left stranded and fearing for their lives.

I was in contact with a SFC Army soldier in Afghanistan, and she was very frightened. She felt she would die soon. Thank God she made it out.

Yes the war is over, but the scars will last forever.

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This is certainly not a very friendly world right now. There are sad things happening all over. The pandemic is back and worse than ever. It never left. The unrest amongst the people is very high. Our president doesn’t seem to know what planet he is on.

What does our future hold for us?

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It will a rough and bumpy road we must travel, but we have need to remember that God is in charge. Yes, it is hard to believe that He would allow all of this turmoil in our lives, but He has a plan and we need to be silent and know He is God.

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I am in the same boat as you are . I am fearful for the future, but I have to sit back and wait on the Lord. He will rescue me and give me peace. He is my fortress. He is my salvation. He is my redeemer. Without Him I am totally lost.

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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.

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