The Suicide Rate in the Military is Appalling

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Exciting news! We have a new book on the way that I am writing with Dennis Booth, from New South Wales, Australia. It will be called, “Signs of Hope: For the Weak Days.” (Working Title.) It is a compiling of posts that Dennis and I have been doing on my blog at: www.dailysignsofhope.com. There are 0ver 54,000 followers on that site, and it is because so many people are seeking hope and it is provided there.

*Update: 1-1-14. I have have over one half of my share of the book done. We still don’t have a publishing date yet, but stay tuned to see what is happening. I will try to have an update often. 

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I am finding more time to write on this site lately. It could be because God is telling me I need to spend ore time with you here.

This Site will have two functions:

  • Share with you what the latest news is on my writing, and new books that are coming out.
  • Write words of hope at the end of each of my post that you can cling to help you through those cloudy and stormy days.

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I haven’t had much time to write the last two weeks because of the holidays. I did spend time reflecting over the year 2013.

It wasn’t a year that some would want to remember. I had a couple surgeries; an ablation on my heart, and a cardio version on my heart, and nothing seems to be helping right now. I see my cardiologist this Friday and we will come up with a new route to take.

I know…other than that how is your day?

My day is wonderful. I have such a supportive group of family and friends to help me through this storm.

I have slightly altered my plans for writing this year. I am still planning to finish my new book “Signs of Hope: For the Weak Days.” I am writing this book with my good friend Dennis Booth in New South Wales, Australia. We are working hard on it , and it will come out some time this year.

Where I am changing my path will be for the next book after this one. I was going to write a book for seniors called, “Signs of Hope for Seniors: The Alligators that Chase Us.” I am still going to write that book, but God has opened my heart and mind to reaching out to the millions of military soldiers, and veterans of this world.

The suicide rate in the military and the after life of the military is appalling. The rate is much higher than any other “Cooperation,” in the world.

I have been in the trenches. I am a veteran. I know about the loneliness. I know about the fear. I know about facing the unknown. I have sat on top of an isolated hill in Korea, alone wondering what the noises were I was hearing; wondering if someone was there to take my life from me.

This book could a very  important book for millions of people affected by the military.

I will update you on its progress, after my second book is published.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!

You Could Change a Life by Caring

Things are really jumping right now. I have started a full promotion campaign, and I am overjoyed with the results.

Waldport, Oregon City, Gresham, Salem, and Albany, Oregon are all carrying the book. I also have books in two places in Vancouver, WA.  I am sending promotional books to Asheville, NC, and Saddleback, CA. Both places show great interest in carry my book.

The big possibility is a distributor called, Choice Books. They are a national outlet for Christian books. They have circular displays in all the grocery stores and gift shops through-out the nation.

I am sending them a copy, and suggesting they carry my book in all of their clients stores. If they agree it is a minimum 5,000 book order.

This all is happening in the first two weeks since the book was published. Pray that God will grant these opportunities. Not for me, but for all the people that will find hope through the book, Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.

You can order the book for your self right off of this site. Just go to the tab at the top that says “Bookstore,” and click on it. There is a 50% cut in the shipping cost from now until the end of the year. This helps you with Christmas shopping.

The book deals with anxiety, fear of failure, depression, addictions, self-doubt, and the many other usual suspects.

You can see the many people who have endorsed the book, by clicking on the tab that says, (you guessed it,) ” endorsements.

Now you may be thinking. I am feeling OK. I don’t need a book to help me with all those afflictions you mentioned. Try to think of those around you in your own world.

Is there someone you now who lost a loved one? Did some one just go through a divorce? Is someone battling a serious ailment? Do you have a family member or a friend who is struggling with an addiction? How about a family that has had a foreclosure on their home; a friend who just lost their job?

There are many other afflictions that I haven’t touched on, but you get the picture.

Think of what a wonderful gift it would be if you bought the book;  gave it to someone, and it changed their life? It could happen and you could be the messenger.

Countdown to Blast-off for New Book

The days are numbered as far as when my book, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World,” comes out. I am working with the publisher with the final phase of getting the book done. That would be the back cover.

Check back here every few days to see the big announcement when the book actually comes out. You will be the first to know! You will be able to order the book  right off of this site.

I thought I would share with you some of the endorsements that will be in the book, plus the foreword. This will be a long post because of it, but please read through and see the many people who are excited about the book.

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Douglas Bolton is more than just an author – he is a breath of fresh air and beacon of hope to a hurting world. He addresses issues he’s struggled within his own journey -the journey we call life. His speaks openly and honestly about his own struggles with anxiety, hopelessness and depression that brought him to the end of himself. He brings a personal perspective into his story while weaving the truth he has found in God’s word as his means of finding a purpose that is larger than himself. He has an amazing ability to connect with and motivate individuals from all walks of life and provides them with a vision that leads to life-altering breakthroughs in their own life.

 

Chaplain-Addiction Counselor

Michael Clark

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Doug’s collection of sayings from bumper stickers and other sources provides delightful—and usually profound—insights into the spiritual truths he draws from them.

 Sue Miholer, owner of Picky, Picky Ink, her freelance writing and editing business.

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Kind words make good echoes’ is a good bumper sticker to describe Doug Bolton’s book. The simple truths he has written echo the truths we know and love from the Word of God. It is a good reminder of God’s constant love and care for us who are seasoned Christians and an encouragement to those just beginning their walk with their Savior.

 

Stacey Womack, Founder and Executive Director of Abuse Recovery Ministry and Services (ARMS)

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To anyone who hasn’t been able to experience a personal, intimate relationship with God, Doug Bolton’s book is a must read.  To the person who is exhausted from doing it all alone, who has lost their way, Doug’s beautiful journey to new levels of his purposeful life, will help you feel a most loving connection with a loving Father.  You will discover that you can never fail when following God’s quiet, most directive guidance.

   

-Mary Reynolds, Author of Make a Difference with the Power of Compassion

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“Plentiful in wisdom and experience, Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World, offers a lifeline to anyone adrift in the challenges of everyday living. Concentrated and easy to apply, Doug Bolton has smoothed the road for the weary traveler with Scriptural counsel that touches on the most paramount matters of life.”

-Chris Coppernoll, author of Screen Play and a Beautiful Fall

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“Sometimes it is only after we go through the darkest of valleys that
the light-beams of wisdom can shine through and illumine our path.
Doug Bolton has walked through that dark valley and, by the grace of
God, has discovered some wonderful lessons for life. You will enjoy
his ‘bumper sticker’ nuggets of wisdom.”

 

Pastor Scott Nelson

Morning Star Community Church 

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Doug Bolton openly shares his vulnerabilities while intertwining them with his experiences in his book Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World. From coping with deep depression to failed careers, Doug’s encounters with life will give you assurance that you are standing beside a fellow traveler who understands and won’t offer pat answers. Throughout the book he reaches out his hand to accompany you on this difficult journey of life, and help you more fully grasp God’s unconditional grace and love.

Although this book conquers tough topics about why we must suffer, why loved ones leave this earth so soon, or why circumstances out of our control prevent us from helping someone in need, it is truly a book of hope. Doug’s insights, devotional-style encouragement, practical suggestions, and even his sense of humor, will guide you toward to a more intimate relationship with Christ, regardless of the complex circumstances you may be facing.            

Doug shares bumper sticker sayings throughout the book, and as one who lives with a chronic illness and daily pain, I found Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World heartening and filled with reminders of one of my own favorite bumper stickers, “Know God, Know Peace. No God, No Peace.”

I am delighted to recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement, but especially those who live with chronic illness or pain.

Lisa Copen

Founder of Rest Ministries, joyfully serving those with chronic illness or pain

www.restministries.org

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 We all love a story–especially one that leads us to answers for problems we may be struggling with. Close Encounters of the Heavenly Kind is filled with encouraging and inspiring stories that lead us to God’s answers for all those personal struggles.

 

Sally E. Stuart, author of the Christian Writers’ Market Guide, stuartmarket.com

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This book that Doug has written is one to have on your shelf so that you can pick it up and read it time and time again. It could be used as a daily devotional. He gives us wonderful messages using his humor and personal experiences to make them real to each of us.  Doug’s use of Bible verses is so very relevant to each subject he is discusses.  I found myself writing them down to hopefully memorize later. The book ends with chapters challenging us to be witnesses of God’s salvation and then gives us tools and references to help us be fruitful. I will have this book on my shelf and I know I will give it as a gift to Christian and non-Christian friends.

 

Bonnie Nester, Author of Moments this Good, the story about a caregiver of a family member who has Alzheimer’s.

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Are you trying to make sense of your life?  Do you long for purpose and meaning in your heart?  If so, Doug Bolton’s masterpiece Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World, is a must read for you.  Doug is passionate about his relationship with Jesus Christ and he wants everyone to know about it.  The words he writes on the pages of this book paint a beautiful picture of the truth from Scripture that God loves you and created you for a personal relationship with Him.  Just as Doug testifies in his book you too can find purpose, love, and hope by living your life all for Jesus!

All for Jesus!

International Evangelist Reid Saunders

Reid Saunders Association  
www.reidsaunders.org

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Signs of Hope
Foreword

Stories have their own unique way of teaching us things. When Jesus taught the crowds from Capernaum to Jerusalem, He chose stories about everyday people in everyday places to teach us about ourselves and about the God we serve. With their panoramic perspective, stories give us insight into the essential matters of life. We learn from the truths embedded in the journey of others.

In Signs of Hope, Douglas Bolton extracts wisdom from his personal life experience, mining it for the faith lessons God’s urged his heart to pen for us. In his words, we find simple answers to the harrowing and the complicated, as he shares timely and powerful lessons on living with hope in the midst of this challenging age.

Hope refreshes, when we feel overpowered by the world around us. We observe bleakness in another’s eyes (and sometimes in our own), and wonder how our peace can be restored. Self-generated resources are inadequate. But when we turn back towards God, we discover His supply, an unending fountain for us to drink.

The power and richness of stories are themselves a fountain, if flowing with God’s eternal truth. It’s in this spirit, I recommend the journey Douglas Bolton has arranged for his readers. His experience of walking many years and miles with the Lord have infused these pages. May Signs of Hope, with its offering of refreshment, grow your faith in God, and lead you to a closer walk with Him.

Chris Coppernoll

International Radio talk show host on Soul to Soul