Many times we find ourselves wishing we could escape troubles we face such as the pain of grief with the loss of a loved one, feeling sorry for ourselves and even failing at something, which all seems to wear us down. Even when we face these and more we must remember, God promises that he will supply what we need to get through this.

In Psalm 34:18-19 we find or source of courage and wisdom:  “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Many are the afflictions of the righteous: but the Lord delivereth him out of them all.” So, when troubles arise, we must not take our frustrations out on God; we must admit our need for His help and be thankful that He is on our side.

Christian love and sympathy is extended to Bro. Ben and Paula Bates and family in the loss of Ben’s step-dad, Rick Sharp.

Our community was saddened this week by the loss of one of its community members. Robin Terry Ferrell passed away Wed., July 22, at the age of 50. Robin never met a stranger. After you met her for the first time, it felt like you’d known her for years. She loved her family, but Robin loved her three grandchildren Abby, Lilly and Hudson Ferrell with all her heart.

We extend our deepest Christian love and sympathy to Robin’s husband, Jerry; sons, Zac and Corey and families; her mother, Glendell Terry McCaghren; her brother, Greg Terry; and mother-in-law, Mildred Ferrel Varnadore. Please continue to remember these families in your prayers.

Get well wishes and a speedy recovery go out this week to my uncle, Billy Maples, who had back surgery recently.

Happy anniversary wishes to Mark and Dion Hatfield and Ray and Regina Long on July 30; Justin and Holly Turney and Bro. Ben and Paula Bates on July 31; and Brooks and Andrea Brown and Greg and Linda Bradford on Aug. 1.

Happy birthday wishes to Ellie Blackwood July 30; Abbey Jenkins and Ron Snyder on Aug. 1; Jordon Southern, Chandler Russell, Charity Teague, Jacob Winton and Vicki Ferguson on Aug. 2; and Zachary Jansen on Aug. 3.