Tag: Pandemic (Page 3 of 7)

Some Are Saying That The Christian Church is Collapsing

June 14, 2021 / Butch / 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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Getting Relaxed With our Masks. Big Increase in Illnesses

April 23, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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Thoughts of the day

I have felt that I had a wall around me and no one cared.

Isn’t it funny how we look for the silver lining and find rust? We are looking in the wrong place. We need to check our hearts.

When you are talking and walking, do it with wisdom and grace.

Why god? Why jesus? Why not?

Treat a person as he is, and he will remain as he is. Treat a person as if he will become what he could and should be.

We need a tent mentality, not a castle mentality.

The darkness will not prevail.

The battle belongs to you Lord. I am not strong enough.

When you fight your battle, it may look like you are surrounded, but you are surrounded by God.

Don’t be the cause of your trials..

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Have you ever gone to a restaurant and ordered something only to see it was too small? You still left hungry.

With God you have a full portion of His love everyday. You will never hunger for more.

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We are still battling a pandemic, and people are getting too loose with their masks. They think the terrible times are over. Of course there is a tremendous up swing of new cases because of it.

We have to be patient and wear our masks. It will save so many lives.

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How are you doing? Are you OK with the way our world is going right now? Maybe you don’t like what is happening. Maybe you wish things could be better. Well, you certainly ar enot alone. All of us would like that.

What we all need to do is to have God form a fortress for us to keep us safe. He is always there. He will give you comfort and peace.

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Remember:

You are not alone.

You are not forsaken.

You are not unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Be Strong During all the Turmoil We Must Endure right Now

April 12, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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Another beautiful day outside. Going to have to go on a walk to build my strength back up.

Whenever I think of walking, I think of our brothers and sisters in the military, who don’t dare go on a walk. They are hunkered down for fear of being shot. Never forget them.

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I can’t list all the things I think our country is doing wrong right now. The list would be long. I pray for our president, because to be honest with you, I do not think he is even in charge.

The far left is dragging him down like a huge magnate.

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I read an article where a second Lieutenant, in uniform, was dragged out of his car and pepper sprayed. The video doesn’t show him doing anything wrong. He told the officers he was afraid to get out of the car. Their answer… “You should be!”

He has sued the police department and I hope he wins.

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We still have more National Guardsmen in the nation’s capital than there are in Afghanistan. That is appalling. What are they afraid of?

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While in the military I found that the more you accept orders the less strain you will be in.

Some of the guys I knew tried to “buck,” the system, and it didn’t work out well for them.

The discipline I learned for the military has helped me in my civilian life.

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Up date on my upcoming book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

I have added another person to interview. I spoke to him while at the Oregon Coast. He has some funny ,and yet sad sharing to do and I know it will help other veterans.

Everything else is in the final stages of preparation.

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How are you doing today? Is the world spinning too fast?

You are not alone! There are many people struggling right now.

No job, lost relationship, death of a loved one, the pandemic.

It goes on and on. It is hard not to drown in the muck and mire.

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FEAR NOT!!

Even though it sometimes feels like there is no hope, God uses some of our darkest moments as our doorways to hope.

To know God’s voice is calling you is hope.

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Things can affect your life, but it can not define your life.

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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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Stop the Rollercoaster Ride of Life. It May Throw you Off

April 2, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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Another beautiful day outside. I hope to go for a walk this afternoon. I need to get the fresh air, and build up my legs.

I have been exercising more right now. I certainly need to get back my strength, after having a battle with Pneumonia.

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It seems to me that this world is going in the wrong direction very fast. The gas prices are skyrocketing. The military may take a big hit to help pay for President Biden’s fantasies. It already has been mentioned.

He has started a avalanche I am not sure he can stop.

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I was able to have breakfast with some good friends yesterday. They are the “Coffee group,” that used to meet everyday before the pandemic hit. It has cleared up a little, so now we meet once a week at a restaurant to catch up.

Lots of laughter, and talking going on.

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It is so important to keep up with you friends and family. They are the saving link in your life. They can cheer you up and listen to your hurts and pain.

I try to connect with my children as much as I can. It makes them feel better and it brings a smile to my face.

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How is your life going? Are you connecting with family and friends? Do you take time to “Check in, ” with them? I think it is vital that this happens. You will be glad you did it, and so will the people you connect with.

Our world seems to be spinning too fast for some of us. It is like a rollercoaster ride without any handrails. You hold on to something, and hope you aren’t thrown out.

Don’t let the world spin you out of control. Seek the light, and stay away from the darkness.

God will be with you during your troubling times. He never leaves your side.

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Remember;

You are never alone.

You are enever forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Whining to God Doesn’t Put You on the Right Path

March 19, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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Have been battling pneumonia since Tuesday. On a antibiotic prescription routine. Have one day left for that. Getting better, but it seems slow.

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Another day another dollar. That was the saying when I was a child. They really meant it. A dollar a day was the wage back then. The amazing things about all of this is that I never felt poor. My single parent mother made sure my brother and I had, food to eat. A roof over our head, and even had a dime to go see a movie on Saturdays. We were happy.

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It pains me to hear about the “terrible” conditions people feel they have to go through these days. “Can’t buy the boat I wanted! Never able to drive the car I really want. Can’t give all my children I-Phones.” PLEASE!

Buckle up and face the day people. Things aren’t even close to being bad right now as far as material things. Be happy with what you have.

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I sound whiny today. Sorry about that. There really are bad things we do have to face:

The pandemic, rioting, fake media, illnesses, and threats of war.

The only suggestion I have is to depend on God to see you through all of this mess. He knows what is going on, and in my opinion, we shouldn’t question His ideas. He knows what is best for you , and it may not be what you want. However, in the long run you will look back and realize that what He did for you was the right choice.

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Never succumb to the earthly muck and mire. Stand strong and keep moving forward. Pray for guidence from God and He will show you the 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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We Need to Hold on Tight During Turmoils of Today

March 15, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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It is pretty rough for me right now. I have serious shortness of breath problems. Can’t even walk across a room. Going to have a nuclear stress test on Thursday, and go over the results with my cardiologist the next day. Hopefully we will come up with something.

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I have been blessed by being asked to be a host on our online church services. That means I watch the service at home, and react to questions followers there may have.

On my very first assignment a man asked for prayer. I connected with him. He didn’t respond to anything I said, but I prayed for him on the screen anyway. I will follow up to see if he responded later yesterday.

+He did not, but I know the seed is planted.

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Things seem to be running fast in the wrong direction in our country and all over the world. The liberal wing is pressing hard to cause an upheaval in our nation. They want to change laws. They want to slow down the building of the wall at the border.

The list goes on and on. We just have to pray for guidance during these troubling times.

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It is hard, at best, to cope with life, when we have the pandemic, and many other problems in our lives. I just cling to the robe of God, and pray for help.

We need to stop looking at things with our rose colored glasses. The real world can be dark and dreary. We can remain strong with the help of our Heavenly Father.

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Have you been running from the dark side? Have you feared what is ahead for you? I certainly hear you. I have my days of doubt, and discouragement.

The ace up my sleeve is God. He is with me wherever I go. He guides me through the muck and mire.

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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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Storms May Come and Storms May Go, But God is Always There

February 17, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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This is the week I have surgery to replace a battery in my defibrillator. It will be Friday. Today I am having a echocardiogram. That will tell them what my refraction rate is. (How well the heart is working.)

I hope the surgery will not only make me healthier, but help me with my dizziness as well. It has been a long haul, but hopefully the end is in sight for good health.

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We are still recuperating from a devastating freezing rain episode. Still many fallen tree around the neighborhood. Why aren’t they cleaned up you say? The tree businesses are swamped. There is damage on every block here.

The good news is that there were no one hurt from all the fallen trees as to what I have heard.

There are people who are still without electricity. Again, the electric companies are overwhelmed.

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Adversity has knocked at our doors and is trying to pull us down like a huge magnate.

Everyone around me here has faced adversity recently. The pandemic and severe weather have taken their toll. It is hard, at best, to see the positive side of things when all of this is happening to people.

How do I handle it?

I know that God will not allow anything to come at me that I can’t handle.

I know that adversity is just a way to grow even stronger.

I know that people are basically strong and can face the storms of life.

I know that if I help others through this adversity, then they will be happier and so will I.

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I am hoping that every is well with you. If not, fear not! God is with you for every step you take. He gave you your first breath. You are His child, and He will protect you through the tough times.

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Remember:

You are ever alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

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Tired of The Storms Coming Your Way? Ask God For Help

February 1, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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It will be a very busy month for me. Because of health issues, I have six doctor’s appointments this month. All dealing with the heart.

The main is a procedure to replace my defibrillator. They will be putting a new generator in. It shocked me when they said that. I asked, “You are putting a generator in my chest?” The girl laughed and said, “No. That is just what they call batteries now for your situation.”

OK…I can “live,” with that.

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In my last post I told you that I will be getting my second COVID shot on Thursday. We plan to be there early, because they have run out a few times. My appointment is at 10:45am so that should be Ok.

So I wondered…What then, do I still need to wear a mask? Am I immuned to the virus?

The right answer is to keep wearing the mask until this all clears up. Don’t want to take any chances.

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Things are getting dicey in Washington D.C. There are congressmen carrying guns onto the floor of the House. Even people are wanting the Republicans to be eliminated. Yes, I mean gone. The bitterness and fighting, is causing havoc in our country.

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So what can we do about all this?

I say this every time…PRAY! Every day I pray for our country. Not praying for one thing or another, but for the nation as a whole.

Try to keep calm and not get caught up in the frenzy. You have enough problems with the pandemic to have to worry about other things.

Lean on God. He has big shoulders. He will not allow anything to happen to you that you cannot handle.

Reach out to your family and friends and give them comfort. It helps them, and you will feel good yourself.

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This old guy is getting weary of the storms I keep facing. They come in droves. Like I said I have six doctor’s appointments just this month. Each of them is to help me be healthier, so I shouldn’t complain.

How about you? Is it getting a little overwhelming right now. Is the world pulling you down like a huge magnate?

Stand strong and face the storms. Know that God is there with you holding your hand. He will protect you. He made you in His own image, and He doesn’t make mistakes. He has a plan 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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99% of What We Worry About Never happens

January 25, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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President Biden has been in office less than a week, and he has signed many executive orders. Executive orders do not need the approval of congress.

Much of what he has signed has wiped out many of the accomplishments of Donald trump. We will see how the people react to that.

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My doctor sent me to do blood testing. I got to the lab and the lab technician proceeded to draw blood. She drew and drew!! I looked on the counter where she was placing the vials of blood. There were eight vials filled.

I jokingly asked, “Am I going to need a transfusion.” The person didn’t like my remark, and said there is only eight ounces SO FAR! That’s right, she wasn’t finished yet. She pulled out two more vials that were huge. About the size of a small baby bottle. She filled both of those up.

I got up very slowly knowing I was going to be dizzy, and I was right.

I was able to make it home, and the results are already back. They have me very concerned. Eight of the results were abnormal. I see my doctor again in a month, or sooner if he looks at my tests early.

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Have you had this happen to you? Have you had a sudden surprise come upon you? The pandemic has you locked up in your home. The bills are piling up because you can’t work.

We all face unexpected happenings in our lives. It is how we handle them that defines our character.

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I have learned that 99% of what we worry about never happens. We worry way too much. We just need to rely on God for the other one percent.

I realize that it is not easy to accept this, but God is in charge.

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Never let the dark side overcome you. Go to the light of Jesus.

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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 Time to Set Goals for 2021 Choose Wisely

January 1, 2021 / Butch / 0 Comments

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It is now 2021. 2020 is gone. It is in the past. Let’s move on. Enjoy the new beginning. Enjoy the new hope.

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Today is a big day for football fans. You could watch bowl games all day. I have picked my favorite to win it all. Clemson has a tremendous quarterback, and they look pretty good.

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What is your goals for the new year? I suggest you do not do resolutions. They are too easy to break. You goals should be realistic and reachable.

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Here is my goals for 2021:

Finish my new book, Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.

I have been spending over three years on this book. So much research and phone calling. I want this to be just what our military needs to win their inner battles.

If you want to know about the book, go to www.dougbolton.com. I have been sharing excerpts there.

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The next goal is to be healthy. I have been having issues, and I am tired of being tired. Need to find the ways to be stronger, and healthier.

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Then I want to be able to go where ever I want, when ever I want to. This pandemic has caused me to be on lock down since last March.

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Of course, I want to be closer to God. He is my heavenly Father. I need to read the Bible more. Pray more, and do more to glorify His name.

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I have many more goals in my head, but they can be added as I finish some of the others. Do not over load your goals.

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How about you? Have you thought of the new year and what you have for goals? Make a list right now. Most important goals first. Put them up somewhere to remind you to be doing them.

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God has plans for you. He will reveal those to you when He feels it is the right time. Listen to Him. Do not ignore His instructions. He wants the best 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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Tag: Pandemic (Page 3 of 7)

It’s Time to Set Goals for 2021 Choose Wisely

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