Troubles show God is trying to wake us
As I begin to write this article, I want to say that it is written with love. It seems that in the days in which we are living, the love of many has grown cold. Families donít love each other any more. We only think about ourselves. This should not be so.
Things have gotten so bad since they took God out of everything. His word tells us if we forget him, his mercy will flee. This has happened and is happening more every day. The weather has been strange this year. The country is having no success solving its economic problems. Something has to change. I believe God is trying to awaken us from our sleep and let us know he will soon ó it could be any moment ó send Jesus back in a cloud to get the ones who have been saved and are waiting for him to get out of all the trouble that is happening.
The only way to heaven is through being sorry for our sins; confess and ask him to come into our hearts. Then live for him, a holy life, because he said, ěBe ye holy as I am holy.î
People are deceived when they think they can live any way and get to heaven. This is not true. God loves us all, but he hates sin.
As I said before, this is written because I love you. Jesus said in the Bible, ěSurely I come quickly.î Please be ready is my prayer.
ó Alma Johnson
Salisbury
After losing spouse
In my efforts to help my friend who was approaching the first anniversary of losing a spouse, I expected finding groups of others experiencing the same thing would be an easy task.
All my friends said there were church groups that have social activities for widows and widowers so they can get together and discuss their common problems, meet new friends and help them through their grieving process. I found one group in the entire area.
It is so very hard ó after spending most of a lifetime developing a routine and family and having the love and security of a spouse ó to lose all of the life that you two believed you would go through together.
Many need sound, honest financial advice, as well as learning to go places as a single person after many years as half of a couple. They need a place to meet and talk about the things each has experienced, their fears of loneliness and to share what activities they are now enjoying. They could tell each other when and where groups of people like themselves can meet and safely socialize, whether it is a lunch or church meeting or class.
I hope that people in our area will discuss this need, because all of us will eventually need help for ourselves and our friends.
Perhaps you could help start a group so that, instead of so many being at home alone, not knowing how to go out and be comfortable making a life for themselves, they can meet and help each other find friends and new activities which will bring them back comfortably into our community and bring back happiness into their lives.
ó Janet Dennis
China Grove