Our Veterans Need Help!

Wow! Very impressive my friends. In just the last week we added 30 new subscribers. Welcome to all of you!

There is a reason this is happening. This site reaches out to all veterans and their families to give them hope. Every post will be directed to sharing thoughts and ideas on how to cope in this not so friendly world.

I have been reaching out for months and the response is fantastic. Keeping joining me here to get help for veterans with PTSD, TBI, Depression, anxiety, war wounds, etc.

What is on your plate? Do you have days when you wish you could stay in bed? Are there times when the storms seem too strong? Do you feel uncomfortable around other people? You are certainly not alone.

I am a member of a social network called RallyPoint. It is a network just for veterans and their families. There are over 1.8 million members there. I love RallyPoint. I have made so many new friends there. I have helped some who are hurting, and some have helped me through some dark times. Totally support them and please check them out yourself.

Remember that you are a special person. There is no one else like you. You are unique.

You are capable of doing anything you attempt. Don’t let the naysayers tell you that it can’t be done.

If you buckle up and ride the world in the terrible way it is now, you will be a winner. You will stand above all the noise, and turmoil.

I have been near death!

Back in 2001, I was a basket case. I couldn’t function properly. I was driving my Ford Explorer one day and I was crying. I didn’t know why. It was getting pretty bad, so I turned into a high school parking lot and stopped. I was getting worse. The windows were all fogged up from my sobbing.

I was sitting there thinking of checking out of this hotel called earth.

I finally cried out to god, “ I can’t take this anymore!” Instantly I stopped crying and the windows started clearing up. It was if God said, “It is about time you came back to me . Now let me carry you the rest of the way.”

My life completely changed that day. I am not saying everything was rosy right away. I still had some struggles, but knowing that God was there with me, gave me strength to carry on.

I went home and opened my desk drawer, and saw some journals I had been writing. They were full of my hurts, but also some days that were good. I realized that this needed to be written. I wrote a book called, “Signs of Hope: Ways to Survive in an Unfriendly World.” I was able to get it published. It went on to win a national award from the Reader’s Favorite Awards.

So now, I am on my second book that I started about three years ago. It is called, “Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.” It reaches out to all veterans who are seeking hope.

I will be updating you on the progress of this book, and share some excerpts from time to time. If you would like to read those excerpts, please subscribe at the top of this page where it says “Subscribe,” When you do all future posts will directly to your inbox.

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all….never, ever, give!

They Will Allow Recruits in Even if they Smoke Marijuana

Thanks to all of you who have been joining me here. We help bring change to lives. The response has been wonderful.  

We Made it to 5,000! Never dreamed we would do that. Thank you so much for the support. It also excites us that you are supporting veterans. That is our theme here right now. 

Help us make it to 6,000 by subscribing today if you haven’t already. As of today we have 5665.  This shows you care for veterans. Just click on the icon right after the title of this post and click on FEEDBLITZ , and the posts will come straight to your inbox.                            ____________________________________________________________

Doug Bolton, the founder of the blog, Signs of Hope, which is at www.dailysignsofhope.com, has written a new book, “Signs of Hope for the Military: In and Out of the Trenches of Life.” It reaches out the many military and veterans who may be battling anxiety, fear, depression, addictions, rejections, and the many other usual suspects. There are 22 military connected suicides every day. That is almost one every hour. Doug wants to help stop those statistics.  

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This is a new social network just for veterans. I joined it and made instant friendships with veterans who want to talk about what I want to talk about. Please check it out. You will be glad you did. 

https://www.rallypoint.com/join/spc-douglas-bolton

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They will Fight

If Russia moves against NATO  in the Baltic states or Poland, NATO will stand and fight, a key NATO commander said. This evokes thoughts of a cold war.

The “cold war” has become a problem in that there may be a major conflict causing increasing tensions.

They will stand united against any aggressor.

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The Deregulation President

The Federal Register, which contains all Federal rules, notices and regulations, topped 97,330 pages under President Obama. Under President Trump it has been shaved down to 45,678 pages.

The number of new rules for Trump was 65, way below the average of 213 rules from the last six presidents.

The cost for regulation soared from $68 billion under Bush, to $122 billion under Obama.

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The Army Relaxes Rules on Recruits and Marijuana

In an effort to boost its ranks and hot new targets for enlistees, the Army is relaxing its rules on granting waivers for marijuana use.

The catch is that the new recruits have to pledge to never use marijuana again. (Really?)

IN 2017 the Army granted 506 waivers-up from 191 in 2016.

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Could be a serious problems with a couple of the stories above. Allowing recruits to agree to not smoke marijuana again is pushing it. In the Vietnam days it was common for many of the soldiers to smoke.

Now they will be punished if they start again? Good luck with that.

The fact that NATO is willing to back us 100% is reassuring, but pray they never need to.

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Good evening fellow veterans. How are you doing? Have you had some struggles? Do you battle demons when you try to sleep? You are not alone. There are thousands just like you. We want you to be well, so if you are struggling seek help. If you are considering suicide, seek help.

There is a 24/7 helpline for just you. Call:

(877-247-4645)

Remember:

You are never alone.

You are never forsaken.

You are never unloved.

And above all…never, ever, give up!!

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