Gò0dNews April 2022
Complimentary
Christian Magazine
®
CATOOSA & WALKER
LLC
TRACY LEE
BONNIE HOOD
DEEANN STURDIVANT
HAVEN COX
MARTHA ALEXANDER
LISA HEADRICK
STAN HOOD
NATHAN PHILLIPS
SHELLIE TYRRELL
DEAN BOTTING
CHUCK WILLIAMS
TYLER PAYNE
RANDY COMPTON
SARAH MCCLOSKEY
AMBER STEPANEK
LAUREN JOHNSON
ARICA PATTERSON
O U R A P R I L F E AT U R E D A G E N T S CHUCK WILLIAMS
(423) 883-4803 WILLIAMS.CHUCK96@YAHOO.COM
Chuck is lifelong resident of North Georgia. He comes to Elite Realtors with years of experience serving the community. He has over 20 years in the educational system. He is a husband and father of 3. He has a passion for serving. He is a Christian, loves to play golf, hunt and train Labrador’s retrievers in his spare time. He has a Business Degree and Master’s in Agriculture Education. He is excited to serve the greater Chattanooga and North Georgia area.
DEAN BOTTING
(515) 468-5737 DEANB.ELITE@GMAIL.COM
Dean Botting endeavors to find your perfect place to call home and with his 20 years of experience in the Greater Chattanooga Area he knows where to find it. He believes that creating a great relationship tied with exceptional customer service with his clients is the key to the success of finding your perfect living place. Dean is an active member in the community and volunteers with such groups as the Boy Scouts of America, National Eagle Scout Association, the Kidney Foundation of the Greater Chattanooga Area, North Georgia’s Primary Health Care and Chattanooga’s 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. He believes that giving back to his community through volunteerism is a pinnacle in life. Dean enjoys a magnitude of different activities, including being a professional Ballroom and Latin Dance Instructor where he has been ranked 5th in the world for Latin and 5th nationally in Ballroom Dancing. As well, he is a huge outdoor enthusiast believing that the Chattanooga area is a hidden mecca for anything possible in outdoor adventures. Dean believes that family and friends are the core to a healthy and fulfilled life. He carries that belief in everything he does, knowing that creating positive and meaningful relationships is the cornerstone.
TYLER PAYNE
(423) 508-4136 PAYNETYLER111@GMAIL.COM
At the end of 2020, Tyler initially began investing in real estate before ultimately deciding to pursue real estate as his career. Over the past year, he has developed relationships that have thrust him even deeper into discovering his passion for real estate. He received his license in March of 2021. Tyler graduated from The McCallie School in 2015, and then attended Lee University where he played baseball for four years and graduated with a degree in Business Finance. As a lifelong resident of the North Georgia and Greater Chattanooga areas, Tyler brings a deep understanding of the community that surrounds it.
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About Us WRITERS
Andrew Lee Brian Johnson Dana Robinson David Beckmann David Huff Douglas Baynes Greg Grotewold Juanita G. Ellis Judy Hood Karla Smedley Kristen West Mark Bailey Matt Jensen Porter Johnson Rachel Smith Rhonda Beavers Susan Lavigne
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PHOTOGRAPHER Paula Knipp 423-310-4207
GoodNews Christian Magazine Catoosa
Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us
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Contents APRIL 2022
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Keeping Our End in Mind by David Beckmann
GoodNews for Kids
8 The Old Goat’s Coat by Juanita G. Ellis
GoodNews Money Matters
10 The Rich Life—What’s Yours Look Like?
by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men
12 My Burial
by Douglas Baynes
GoodNews for Women
14 Sometimes Receiving Is Better
by Karla Smedley GoodNews for Couples
18 Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage
by Rachel Smith GoodNews for Life
20 The Christ We Need by Matt Jensen
GoodNews Cover Story
22 Through Covid, Supply
Chain and Employment Issues, Grass Continues to Grow
by Mark Bailey
GoodNews Business Spotlight
24 Lookout Eye Care GoodNews for Everyone
26 It’s Not Hurting Anyone by Brian Johnson
GoodNews for Poetry
28 I Witnessed
by Judy Hood
GoodNews for Everyone
30 Change of Plans by Kristen West
6
GoodNews for Parents
32 Surrender
by Greg Grotewold
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
34 Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Sensational Salads
by Dana Robinson GoodNews for Everyone
36 What are you looking for? by David Huff
GoodNews for Everyone
38 What’s The Truth?
22
by Susan Lavigne
GoodNews for Everyone
40 True Beauty
by Porter Johnson
GoodNews for Everyone
42 The Empty Grave by Rhonda Beavers
40
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Keeping Our End in Mind
“S
by David Beckmann
o teach us to number our days, that we may
people look at the message of Ecclesiastes as “everything
apply our hearts unto wisdom” (Psalm 90:12).
in this life is vain” and therefore point to the epilogue as
As we are in that time of year when we
the only really helpful thing about it. Gibson does a good
celebrate Easter, we read passages when Jesus said that
job of explaining how Solomon shows that facing the
His hour to glorify the Father had come. He knew that His
inevitability of our death puts life into perspective. He then
earthly ministry was coming to an end, and it was time
goes on to refer to the things that are really important—
to finish things up—indeed, it was time to do the most
especially that we fulfill God’s purpose for us by enjoying
important things He had come to do.
the good He has made for His glory. Gibson writes, “This is the main message of Ecclesiastes in a nutshell: life in God’s world is gift, not gain” (p. 37). Taking our death into consideration as we live in the present breaks the spell the world has on us and enables us to be wise and see life the way God sees it. Interestingly, this is the same kind of approach taken by Michael Hyatt and Daniel Harkavy in their book Living Forward: A Proven Plan to Stop Drifting and Get the Life You Want (Baker, 2016). “Backwards” or “forwards,” their main approach to priorities is Solomon’s. They want you to start your life planning by writing your epitaph! Remembering that we are going to die helps us consider what is important for
Do we pastors sometimes wish we knew when our
us to be and do in the time we have left.
time will run out? Perhaps, we think it might help us
In 1856, the famous French preacher, Adolph Monod,
focus or prioritize better. Being close to my “threescore
while he lay dying, said, “God alone has the right to decide
years and ten” (Psalm 90:10), I know my days are running
when the work He wants to do through us is finished. It
short. When you are young, you think you have forever—
may be very imperfect and incomplete in the eyes of man;
though you never know! But when you get older, the
but if we are upright before Him, He will not allow our
day of your death starts to be “a thing.” While the world
life finally to end without leaving some traces upon earth.”
would have us not think of the day of our death, I find it
Your labor in the Lord, fellow pastor, is not “all vanity.” Be
helpful. Indeed, we know it’s biblical to keep it in view.
wise about it and rejoice in it.
I was just introduced to the book by David Gibson, on Ecclesiastes. D. A. Carson says it’s one of the best of the new books that have come out about Ecclesiastes. Often,
6 // April 2022
About The Author
entitled Living Life Backward. It’s a devotional commentary The Rev. David Beckmann is an Anglican priest and Moderator of the C.S. Lewis Society of Chattanooga. Recently, he was director of the C. S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns, Oxford, UK. He blogs at revbeckmann.com.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
The Old Goat’s Coat by Juanita G. Ellis
“Please hold my coat,” the old goat said “The sleeves are way too long. My hand gets caught within its folds And makes this stone fall wrong.”
But, why this hate? Oh, why this scorn? For Stephen young and brave? Oh, why the strong dislike of Christ, So newly from the grave?
Saul helped his older friend undress, And held his own arm out. The old goat draped his coat on Saul, Then quickly turned about.
Did Saul hear, too, as others did The sobs from Stephen’s heart? When as he prayed for that old goat, The heavens split apart?
Reaching for another rock, That old goat threw it straight. The rock fell short and missed its mark, His fist soon raised in hate.
As Christ stood up, with angels, round, To welcome Stephen there, The old goat left and went his way To only God knows where. The rocks were spent, the deed was done. His garment clean and dry. For Saul had held the old goat’s coat When gentle Stephen died.
8 // April 2022
About The Author
The Stoning of Stephen—See Acts 7:54-60. A young man named Saul held the coats of the men who stoned Stephen. Saul became the great Apostle Paul. He wrote 14 New Testament books!
Juanita G. Ellis created LSKidStuff, a ministry supplying printable, creative Christian material for classroom use. Visit lskidstuff.wordpress.com for more information.
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The Rich Life—What’s Yours Look Like? MONEY MATTERS
WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.
R
emember the days before GPS devices and MapQuest
idea aligns with your spouse’s, and where your ideas may
apps for smartphones? Hordes of hapless husbands
diverge. Discuss ways to accommodate each other’s “rich
steering with their knees while trying to read the Rand
life” dreams as you move toward practical steps to realize
McNally Road Atlas on their lap, or trying to unfold the AAA
these goals. Then, start taking action! This is where the rubber
TripTik map (without swearing) and still manage to keep the
meets the road. Most people have no shortage of dreams; we
car on the road moving at fifty-five mph. Meanwhile, the wiser
daydream in our cars sitting in traffic, at night while falling
and cooler-headed wife waits smugly for him to ask for her
asleep—dream of that glorious day when we’ve “made it”
help. Good times.
and can start relaxing, enjoying, laughing, loving life the way
Achieving our dream of “the rich life” can be just as
we always intended. But what most people do not do is start
frustrating as the scenario described above. Unless we’re
taking action now. Instead, they sit around wondering “Do I
clear on what our “rich life” destination looks like, how will
dare?” like J. Alfred Prufrock. Or, like Miniver Cheevy, they
we know what it takes to reach it—and how to recognize it
“thought and thought and thought about it.” (Nerd alert: As an
when we do, in fact, achieve it? I’m borrowing the term “rich
English professor, I can’t resist an occasional literary reference).
life” from author Ramit Sethi; the phrase simply means the
Meanwhile, time keeps ticking by, and the odds of reaching
financially secure life you always dreamed of realistically
your “rich life” dwindle.
reaching one day. Many of us might think of “rich life” as
So, let’s get going! Contact your employer’s Human
simply “retiring comfortably and being able to do whatever
Resources office and start contributing to your company
I want to do.” Each of us has a unique vision for what the
retirement plan if you haven’t yet. Or increase your monthly
“rich life” looks like. For some, it may be owning a luxury
retirement contributions if you’ve already been contributing.
car or traveling the world; for others, it may be having a cozy
Go online to TD Ameritrade and set up a Roth IRA account
cabin on a quiet lake, donating to charities, taking culinary
to have automatic monthly direct deposits going straight into
classes and hosting weekly dinner parties, or moving closer to
an investment of your choice (my kids chose the “VT symbol”
the grandkids. Maybe your “rich life” means having enough
exchange-traded fund which is the Vanguard Total World stock
financial resources so that the next time your verbally abusive
index fund—you own every stock in the world at one shot,
boss screams at you, you can simply walk away. It’s important
done!). If you’ve been wanting to explore real estate investing,
to have a clear vision of this goal so you can create a realistic
decide if you want to be a landlord by owning rental property
roadmap for achieving it.
(in which case, contact local realtors ASAP and start asking
If you’re married (or engaged), it’s important to talk about
questions), and join the Bigger Pockets online community to
both of your visions for the “rich life” and work together to
learn from others’ experiences. Your “rich life” won’t happen
make these a reality. Make notes about where your “rich life”
by itself: “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will
10 // April 2022
be established” (Proverbs 16:3).
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Gò0dNews for Men
My Burial
A
by Douglas Baynes
s I walked up the stairs, my climb was slow and I held
with the warmth of fresh air and the newness of life. I had, after
on to the banister. The carpet under my feet was wet
all these years, finally followed in my Lord’s footsteps. I gave
from others that had gone before me. As I reached
my heart and my life to Christ on April 30, 1961, and a few
the top of the stairs, I was met with a warm smile from an old
years later, all the boys at my church got together, let’s all get
friend—he came to my burial. My time had come, and I was
baptized. At twelve years old, none of us really understood the
beckoned down. When my feet touched the water, it was cold—
meaning of it. It was just another “get to heaven” thing you had
cold and icy as the grave itself. Each step I took was deliberate
to do.
and forceful as the frigate water slowly rose to envelop my
In the last few months, I felt compelled to be baptized again, as I now know the meaning of it and the eternal significance of it. Water baptism is the act of obedience to His command, as all those behind me from centuries past had done. I now have been made a new creature in, and with, Christ. The steps from that watery pool were now complete, and in that water, stripped from me was that old man, but I have been raised anew in Christ. If the Lord tarries too long in His return and my days here are completed, my pastor will once again stand at my burial site. He will be across from a flag-draped casket. But know this—as he raised me from that water on March 6, 2022, Jesus will take my hand and raise me to be with Him on that last day here. Forever I shall be with Him and all those that have followed Christ. Paul wrote to the Romans in 6:4: “Therefore we were
body. When I reached the bottom, the pastor smiled at me. He
buried with him through baptism into death, that just as Christ
asked my name and harking back to old days in the military, I
was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so, we
answered with a voice loud and deliberate. He then asked, “If
also should walk in newness of life.”
you were to die today, would heaven be your home?” “Oh yes!” I replied. With that, he spoke softly as if he was
You can ask the Lord to forgive you of your sins and to make Him the Lord of your life in private, but water baptism
my father, “I have you.” I was calm, and I was in his care. I
is the public confession of your faith and trust in Him. In
heard him say, “in the name of the Father, the Son, and the
Matthew 28:19, the Lord’s great commission to the church was
Holy Spirit, I baptize you, my brother.”
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them
Then laying me back into the water, the coldness of it now
in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
blanketed my whole being. Death, as it was, had finally come
In closing, I have to say that at seventy, I felt, well, silly
to this soul. I knew in my spirit what it was to die with Christ.
doing this until I saw my friend in front of me—and he has six
I was separated from the very air I needed, the warmth, and
years on me. No matter your age the time is short, for Jesus
from friends and loved ones.
is coming soon. Cross all the “T’s” and dot all the “I’s.” Make
Then a strong arm grasped about my back, I was lifted, as
everything right between you and the Lord.
being raised anew with Christ was complete. I raised my arms and shouted to the Lord! The watery grave was now replaced
12 // April 2022
About The Author
from that grave, and as the water flowed from me, my joy of Doug Baynes attends PRC with his wife Annie of forty-two years. They host “Caffeine Connection” every Sunday morning. Come and have a cup!
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Gò0dNews for Women
Sometimes Receiving Is Better
M
by Karla Smedley
y mom taught me that it is better to give
Saturday. Most of the time, we have good intentions
than receive. Perhaps when it comes to
but our follow-through is lacking.
talking and listening, this is not so.
As my girls grew, I tried to encourage open
When I was a mom of young children, they liked
communication between us. Some days they clammed
to tell me how to play and what to do. “Mommy, sit
up, but more often they were Jabberjaw and I couldn’t
here and put this dress on my Barbie.” When I looked
get a word in edgewise.
at them with my mama face, they would add, “Please.”
When I reflect on my relationship with God, I
Of course, I happily did as they asked. They enjoyed
realize that I am similar to my girls and Jabberjaw, the
giving me instructions, but they did not always like
cartoon character from the ’70s. I’d much rather talk to
receiving mine.
God than listen to Him. I pray more often than I read His Word, giving Him my list of wants and needs like He is a genie. To give me a little credit, I will ask Him for guidance at times and ponder for a while. But time after time, I go on my merry little way, usually because I want a quick resolution. His instructions for a better life are found in His Word, and He continues to wait. Probably, I am an eighty/twenty percent girl. I talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, talk, and only listen, listen. How prideful am I that I could think God would listen to me more than I should be listening to Him? I need a balance!
“Girls, five more minutes and then we need to
That’s what I need to do. Find the time to be still
leave” was not even heard at times. “Pick up your
and know that He is God. In His omniscience, He
toys, please” was weakly acknowledged with a weak
knows best for all my needs and all my wants.
“Okay.” Then, it went in and out of their ears—just
Yes, I believe there are many times when it is better
like it did with my little ears when my mom spoke
to receive than to give. God cares for us so much that
similar words. They much preferred giving the
He desires for us to spend time with Him. So, let’s
instructions rather than hearing them. Following my
sit and rest in His love. Read His words. Listen, and
directives, that was an entirely different situation.
receive His wisdom.
sometimes? We hear His Word on Sunday mornings, and out it goes the other ear on Monday through
14 // April 2022
About The Author
Isn’t that the way we are with God’s instructions Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.
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Ringgold Church Directory Baptist Boynton Baptist Church 4093 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1551 Briarwood Baptist Church 26 Ellis Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9177 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 518 Highway #41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9340 Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle 4994 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4323 Cherokee Valley Baptist Church 1495 Cherokee Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-6220 Christ First Church 1008 N. Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-1008 Clearview Baptist Church 2183 Dietz Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-0164 Ebenezer Baptist Church 77 Hackett Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7970 Faith Baptist Church 308 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 423-509-5334 First Baptist Church of Ringgold 7611 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2358 Friendship Primitive Baptist Church 851 Ooltewah Ringgold Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2382 Gospel Way Baptist Church 31 Bowling Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9866 Grace Baptist Church
16 // April 2022
7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7969 Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf 1314 Old Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7107 Video Call: 706-956-0445 Heritage Pointe Baptist Church 60 Dyer Bridge Place Ringgold, GA 30736 706-858-0976 Hickory Grove Baptist Church 5010 Houston Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-673-6999 Keith Baptist Church 1573 Keith Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-450-0963 Living Faith Baptist Church Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-1817 Midway Baptist Church Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-2317 Mount Peria Baptist Church 341 Sparks Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4887 Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 66 Westbrook Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3031 Mount Vernon Baptist Church 1006 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3872 New Bethel Baptist Church 1635 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3500 New Friendship Baptist Church 3833 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 New Heights Baptist Church 158 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9838 New Liberty Baptist Church 923 Graysville Road
Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4754 Peavine Baptist Church 1089 Peavine Road Rock Spring, GA 30739 706-375-4721 Philadelphia Baptist Church 1065 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-5683 Pine Grove Baptist Church 46 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-2427 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 7769 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3348 Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 1995 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-537-3633 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 422 Poplar Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-4461 Salem Baptist Church 1947 Keith Salem Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3907 Welcome Hill Baptist Church 223 Inman Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-4814 Church of Christ Cohutta Road Church of Christ 2233 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3884 Ringgold Church of Christ 4099 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-2820 Church of God Boynton Church of God 1956 Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-6300 Indian Springs Church of God 2256 Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-3599 Noble Church of God 75 Glass Rd
Lafayette, GA 30728 Ringgold Church of God 117 Emberson Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2056 Wallaceville Church of God 236 Harp Switch Road Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-2736 Community Green Pasture Community Church 1008 North Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7333 Lee’s Chapel Community Church 3253 Catoosa Parkway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-9928 Rock Bridge Community Church 102 Remco Shops Lane Ringgold, GA 30736 706-279-3175 Full Gospel Yates Spring Full Gospel Church 1300 Yates Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-638-2305 Methodist Boynton UMC 4246 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-2626 Graysville UMC 2331 Graysville Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9253 Ringgold UMC 7484 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4777 Woodstation UMC 13198 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3360 Non-Denominational Battlefield Church of Faith Highway 41 South Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-7729 Calvary Chapel Ringgold 548 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1502
Church of Living Faith 7623 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-5673 Crossroads Church 7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 crossroadsringgold.com Faith Builders International 8309 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 256-338-5031 Grace Memorial Church 118 East Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-7969 The Gathering 2501 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-841 0161 Light House Church 1201 Lafayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-861-2715 Messianic Ministry To Israel P.O. Box 22654 Chattanooga, TN 37422 New Life Church PO Box 1973 Ringgold, GA 30736
706-866-7799 Venue Church 3969 Cloud Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 423-637-7100 Presbyterian Chickamauga Presbyterian 700 7th Street Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-3432 Christ Fellowship 1176 North Three Notch Rd. Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4115 Morton Memorial
560 Red Belt Rd. Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-338-7176 Seventh-Day Adventist Ringgold Seventh-Day Adventist Church 124 Kittle Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3741 Battlefield Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church 96 Hillman Lane Ringgold, GA 30736 706-861-5999
Fort Oglethorpe Church Directory Baptist Anchor of Hope Baptist Church 2613 Lakeview Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8318 Battlefield Baptist Church 178 South Cedar Lane Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-1316 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 2 E Gate Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-6183 Cloud Springs Baptist Church 207 Cloud Springs Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0164 First Baptist Church Ft. Oglethorpe 2645 LaFayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232 Moriah Baptist Church 2864 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8843 Nellie Head Memorial Baptist 2379 Catoosa Parkway Tunnell Hill, GA 30755 706-935-5236 Old Fort Baptist Church 18 Van Cleve Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-2807
Parkway Baptist Temple 65 Stuart Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0325 Victory Baptist Church 1013 Layfayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-866-0371 Catholic Saint Gerard Catholic Church 3049 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-9410 Church of Christ Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ 6 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-4124 Community Battlefield Ministries Church 64 3rd Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9090 Episcopal Church of the Nativity 1520 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9773 Methodist Fairview UMC 2112 McFarland Avenue Rossville, GA 30741 423-653-1043 Fort Oglethorpe UMC 1733 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6314 Newnan Springs UMC
78 Monanaw Avenue Rossville GA 30741 706-866-6724 Nazarene Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9838 Non-Denominational Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-913-0531 Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777 Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-255-8655 Ridgeland Point Church 1417 Happy Valley Rd. Rossville, GA 30741 RockPointe Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6523 Untethered Church 2473 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-991-6067 Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232
List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Couples
Gain Wisdom for Your Marriage by Rachel Smith
I
n the Bible, God says, “My people are destroyed for
someone happily married, don’t let it discourage you—let it
lack of knowledge” (Hosea 4:6, NIV), and I believe that
give you hope. Hope that if God gave them the wisdom to
marriages are being destroyed for lack of knowledge
have a successful marriage, He can do it for you too.
as well. I was only eighteen years old when I got married.
When we are sick, we go to a doctor to get medical
My husband and I knew nothing about marriage. We went
advice, but that advice will only help us if we apply it to our
through pre-marital counseling like most couples, but I
lives. In the same way, as you become more knowledgeable
felt it only pointed out the ways we were different, and it
about marriage and your role as a husband or wife, nothing
didn’t help us learn what it would take to make a marriage
will change if you don’t apply it. In marriage, you will
succeed. After seven years of struggling in our marriage
change, your spouse will change, seasons will change, and
and being faced with a possible divorce, I knew something had to change. In 2014, when I prayed and asked the Lord to transform me as a wife and renew my mind according to Romans 12:2, my actions began to change. With my renewed mind came an eagerness to learn everything that God’s Word says about marriage and how a wife should treat her husband. I also started reading several books and attending conferences with my husband to gain more knowledge. I have learned that when marriage gets hard, you don’t just give up—you do whatever it takes to learn how to fix it. I love the story of Solomon in the Bible because when God allowed him to ask for whatever he wanted, he asked for wisdom. When is the last time you asked the Lord
circumstances will change. You never know what you may
for wisdom to handle the situation you’re facing in your
face tomorrow, but you can trust that God can and will give
marriage? “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,
you the wisdom to face it. Don’t let your marriage fall apart,
who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will
gain wisdom at all costs. “Get wisdom, get understanding;
be given to you” (James 1:5).
do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not
Asking the Lord for wisdom is just one of many ways
forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she
we can obtain it. We can also read the Bible, seek counseling,
will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get
read books, take personality tests, attend marriage
wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding”
conferences or retreats, and connect with others that are
(Proverbs 4:5-7, NIV).
wiser than us. Often, we look at other people’s lives and will become jealous of the very couple that God wants to connect us to in order to gain more wisdom. When you see
18 // April 2022
About The Author
compare our marriages to theirs. If we are not careful, we
Rachel Smith is the founder of Transformed Wife, a non-profit organization that helps others learn God’s design for marriage. She hosts local conferences and retreats to help strengthen couples, and travels to speak all over the world. She has been married to her husband, Richard Smith, for 14 years. www.transformedwife.com.
Church Activities & Events Philadelphia Baptist Church Dallas Rogers Music
Sunday, April 3 | 10:45AM 1065 Pine Grove Rd, Ringgold, GA
Redemption Point Church IF: Chattanooga 2022
Saturday, April 9 | 9AM - 5PM 3831 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd, Ooltewah, TN
Redemption to the Nations Church Water Baptism
Sunday, April 24 | 10AM 1908 Bailey Ave, Chattanooga, TN
Calvary Memorial Baptist Church The Hinson Family Friday, April 29 | 11PM 518 US-41, Ringgold, GA
Gò0dNews for Life
The Christ We Need
“J
by Matt Jensen
esus then took the loaves, and when he had given
event is taking place during the Passover festival (John 6:4 cf.,
thanks, he distributed them to those who were
Exodus 12-13). John wants to keep “the Lamb of God who takes
seated; so also the fish, as much as they wanted.
away the sin of the world” (John 1:29) ever before our eyes.
And when they had eaten their fill, he told his disciples,
During the Passover, Israel’s firstborn sons were spared, but
‘Gather up the leftover fragments that nothing may be lost’”
in the Passover, the only begotten Son of God was slain. During
(John 6:11-12).
the first Passover, blood was applied to the door, but in the
This passage comes to the heart of Jesus’ feeding of the five
Passover, Christ is the blood-soaked door (John 10:7, 9). During
thousand. I will not keep you waiting—this miracle shows us
the Passover, Israel was safely tucked inside their houses, but
the God who abundantly provides. But we need to be clear on
in the Passover, Jesus faced the cross outside. Unleavened bread
what He has promised to provide, which is seen in this miracle.
sustained Israel after the Passover, and in the Passover Jesus is the “bread of life” (John 6:35). It is Christ, not bread, that is the significance of this miracle. To miss this point is to miss heaven! Jesus exposes the hearts of those who were seeking Him “because they ate their fill of the loaves,” and commands, “Do not work for the food that perishes, but for the food that endures to eternal life” (John 6:27). In other words, don’t get caught in the cares of this world, forgetting the world to come. “I am the bread of Life,” Jesus says, “whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst” (John 6:35). Christ himself is what God has promised to give! Christ as true man and yet true God (John
Misunderstanding God’s provision has led many to serious
1:1-3, 14). Christ instructing His ignorant people (Hebrews
doubts or worse: apostasy.
1:1-3). Christ our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). Christ our
Does God provide health, wealth, and happiness? Of
protector and safety (John 10). Christ our Passover Lamb, who
course, He does, “every good gift and every perfect gift is
takes away our sin (1 Corinthians 5:7, John 1:29). Christ our
from above” (James 1:17). Jesus laid the test to Philip, “Where
righteousness (2 Corinthians 5:21). Christ our life (Colossians
are we to buy bread, so that these people may eat?” “We
3:1-4)! He must increase and we must decrease (John 3:30).
could work our fingers to the bone most of the year,” Philip
We must thank God for the abundance of bread that
basically retorts, “and not be able to provide even a bite for
perishes (i.e., health, wealth, and happiness), but don’t lose
everyone!” (John 6:5-7). Andrew’s answer is not much better
sight of the bread that endures to eternal life. Keep Christ ever
(John 6:8-9). Jesus—the Good Shepherd—leads the people into
before the hungry eyes of your soul! Let us thank God for the
green pastures (John 6:10; cf. Psalm 23) and provides so much
“bread of life.”
food that there were twelve baskets of leftovers after everyone But does God promise to provide health, wealth, and happiness, or is Jesus making a deeper statement? Notice this
20 // April 2022
About The Author
had eaten their fill.
Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah. They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.
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*Product Price – Actual retail prices are set by dealer and may vary. Taxes, freight, setup and handling charges may be addition al and may vary. Models to limited Specifications and programs are subject to freight, change without notice. Images may notImages reflect deale inventory and/or unit d maysubject vary. Models subject to retail limited availability. and programs are subject to change without notice. may not may reflect dealer *Product Price – availability. Actual prices are set bySpecifications dealer and may vary. Taxes, setup and handling charges may be addition alr and vary. Models specifications. **See your local Cub Cadet Independent Dealer for details. © 2020 Cub Cadet 2017_2PV_3X8 nce with SAE J2723 and certified by SAE International. **See your local Cubwarranty Cadet Independent Dealer forImages warranty details. subject to limited availability. Specifications and programs are subject to change without notice. may not reflect deale r inventory and/or unit specifications. **See your local Cub Cadet Independent Dealer for warranty details. © 2020 Cub Cadet 2017_2PV_3X8
FEATURED COVER STORY
Through Covid, Supply Chain and Employment Issues, Grass Continues to Grow
2
by Mark Bailey
021, as we know, was pretty much a repeat of the last ten
Our goal is not to just sell you a product, but to partner with
months of 2020. We have seen, faced, and overcome some
you and always strive to fit your needs without any customer
challenges presented to us as Americans that we will still
feeling we are trying to oversell. We stand behind the products
endure for years to come. One thing that hasn’t changed is, “If the
that we represent and sell and work hard to keep repair costs
Good Lord is giving us rain and sunshine, the grass will always
out of your pocket and let the manufacturers eat the cost. We
grow.” Our slogan here at Bailey Outdoors and Cub Cadet of
want customers for life, and that’s only achieved by treating the
Northwest Georgia has always been, “If you can grow it, we’ll help
customer with the respect they deserve and honesty in what we do.
you mow it.” As we enter into our ninth year of business in 2022, we have
Our business comes with a couple of old fashion business models. First, acknowledge the presence of the customer when
had to react to challenges, not in our original business plan, but at
they walk through the door, and if busy, let them know you will be
the same time, the Lord has blessed us with continued growth over
with them in a minute. Second, always tell the customer the truth,
the last two years. I tell people that this business and its success are
never lie to get their business. It may upset them, but you have left
because of the LORD. This business belongs to Him, He just lets
the door open for future business and hopefully, they will return.
me run it. Colossians 3:23 states, “Whatever you do, work heartily,
If you lie, that will spread like wildfire and tarnish your integrity.
as for the LORD and not for men.”
Proverbs 12:22 states, “Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD,
As we head into 2022, we are preparing ourselves to be able
but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” Third, stand behind
to offer a variety of products to our customers, whatever your
what you repair. Based on what the customer tells us, we work
needs may be. Our issues are like most companies today as supply
hard to repair that issue and if we see additional issues, we call the
chain, transportation, and employment issues remain for many
customer to explain our findings, present them with an estimate
manufacturers and even for our small business. The facts are,
for repair and then let them decide if the investment is justifiable to
manufacturers are already notifying us there will be shortages of
them. If our repair has an issue, we will pick up, repair, and return
products to complete orders, so our suggestion is if you’re
the unit to the customer free of charge, but this is based on what
looking to purchase a new mower, don’t wait until mowing time
we repaired, not a different issue.
to purchase one as the selection may be limited. More importantly,
As we move into our Parts and Service Department, we carry
we feel we offer the best customer service in the area.
1,500 different parts for the equipment we sell. Most parts, if we
22 // April 2022
don’t have it and it’s at the warehouse, we can have it in 2-3 days.
Our Service Department strives daily to get whatever product you bring in for repair taken care of timely and ready for return to the customer. Even in the busy time of year, seldom do we take more than 5 days to complete a repair. If it takes longer, it’s normally due to waiting on parts from the warehouse. We pride ourselves in turnaround time on equipment, because we know the grass continues to grow. Why buy from us? We think it’s simple. Value prices on new products, service after the sale, turnaround time on repairs, supporting a local small business and not a big box store, and most importantly because of your overall customer experience at our dealership. We ask the questions customers come to appreciate.
available through our site. Example: You know a part number you
What size lot are you mowing? What is the terrain, flat, slope, heavy
need or you can look it up on our site, send us a message through
slope? What are you currently using and in what ways are you looking to
our site, or even ask us to look it up for you. Once we confirm, you
upgrade? Maybe deck width? Maybe reduce time in the seat? Maybe more
can pay online through our site, we can process your order and get
power? Let us help you fine-tune those decisions.
the part ready, then notify us once you arrive and we can bring the
We continue to grow in the commercial cutter business through the quality brands we sell. Are we always the least
part out to you, so you never have to enter the store. Your options to call and talk with us about a new mower or
expensive or cheapest to purchase products? I can tell you upfront,
any outdoor power equipment and complete purchases without
“NO.” There are dealers scattered around the Southeast that are
even coming inside is another way we want to help look after you
Volume Dealers and will sell you one or more products at a lower
during these trying times.
price because their buying power is lower than mine and they
We understand the daily challenges that this pandemic
can pass that along to the customer. It may be a 1-3% difference
continues to give us, but our goal is to still give you the personal
in a lot of cases, but my business is built on continued customer
attention you deserve while showing our appreciation to each and
loyalty. I could tell people loyalty comes with a cost, but that’s
every customer. We never expect anyone’s business, but strive
never my intention. What I want them to realize is loyalty comes
daily to earn that business through honest actions you expect.
with savings. Bottom line, my customers come first. My family
We look forward to helping customers find a way to continue
of customers through loyalty comes first. Buying a product
taking care of their properties. We are that local hometown dealer
somewhere else doesn’t mean I won’t work on it, but it means I
that greets you by name when you walk in the door, sees you at a
will work you in when I can. Those 5 to 8 hours round trips for
restaurant, at the bank, at a local ball field, in the grocery store, at
service or repairs at the dealership you purchased from quickly
church, or many other places. We get to know you like family or a
eat up that 1-3% savings you got upfront. Now, maybe you
neighbor next door. Your concern is our concern, so let’s help solve
understand my point of how there are savings in the end.
it together.
We all want loyal friends and customers. As Christians, we
Whether you’re that homeowner taking care of your yard,
are to be loyal to the people that God has put in our lives. Proverbs
that weekend warrior that picks up lawns for extra income on the
18:24 states, “There are ‘friends’ who destroy each other, but a real
side, or that commercial cutter looking to be more efficient and
friend sticks closer than a brother.”
profitable, find out why we are your one-stop-shop to answer any
When you purchase from us, our units have gone through a checklist to ensure once you have it home, you are ready to start cutting that lawn. Financing is available for just about every brand we sell. We use Sheffield Financial and TD Bank to help our customers
questions and fit your needs. People ask us quite often if we work on brands other than what we sell. I always answer, “YES we do,” as long as parts are accessible to get for the repair, we will take care of you. We offer pickup and delivery services for our customers. Don’t
customize their options when trying to purchase equipment. Based
let not having a way to get the mower to and from our dealership
on the financed amount, most qualify for 24, 36, and 48 months
ever be the reason not to trade with us. We want to make your
with low rates, to not make buying a new mower put an enormous
experience as easy as possible.
strain on anyone’s budget. Our mower brands are Cub Cadet, Ferris, Wright, and
Our store location is at 921 E. Morris St. in Dalton, GA. Give us a call at (706)-226-3126. You can also visit us online at
Walker. We sell RedMax outdoor power products in blowers,
cubcadetofnorthwestgeorgia.com. Our hours of operation beginning
trimmers, hedge trimmers, chainsaws, etc. We also carry Vortexx
in March are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.
pressure washers.
and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. Stop by and let us
As we expand on 2022 offers to our customers, combined with health and safety guidelines for both customers and employees, we now offer texting through our website. Payment options are also
discuss how you can better enjoy mowing that lawn. You’ll be glad you did.
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews Business Spotlight
H
Lookout Eye Care
ello from Lookout Eye Care! We have just had our firstyear founding anniversary, and we’re very thankful for the warm welcome from everyone in the community!
Our Story Dr. Wellford and Dr. Catarino always had a vision of having
their own family business, so after graduating from Optometry school in 2020, they decided to move to Northwest Georgia and purchase Dr. Shepard’s practice ahead of her retirement. Dr. Wellford hails from Waukesha, Wisconsin, and completed his undergraduate degree at UW Madison (but Go Bulldogs!). Dr. Catarino has lived in both Canada and Portugal and completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto. She also provides eye exams in Portuguese and Spanish. They met in Optometry school in Boston, are now married, and are the proud parents of two dogs—Rocket and Zelda. They love exploring the mountains, parks, and lakes in the area and have the best time camping and landscaping their yard. Our staff family includes our Optician, Sabrina, who will help you pick out glasses, take lens measurements, order your contact lenses, fix broken frames, etc. Candy, in addition to helping Sabrina, is also our billing and insurance expert and will check your coverage ahead of each appointment. Tabatha is our pretesting technician; she schedules appointments and helps our doctors stay on schedule! Patient Care Lookout Eye Care is honored to serve patients of all ages from weeks old to 100+. With the help of our great staff, Lookout Eye Care has thrived in the variety of services offered such as the diagnosis and management of glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, and childhood visual problems such as strabismus and amblyopia (lazy eye). We have also implemented new dry eye management techniques over time. From eye exams, contact lens fittings, and medical visits to helping you pick that perfect pair of sunglasses, we do it all! In the world of contact lenses, our doctors are committed to providing the best comfort and visual outcome for patients of all ages and prescriptions including astigmatism, multifocal and scleral specialty contact lenses. Our doctors are very passionate about offering the best care possible and have a great referral system in place for patients needing cataract surgery, retinal detachment repair surgery, advanced macular degeneration treatment, and LASIK, among others. Optical We have recently started carrying OAKLEY, Rayban, and Michael Kors Eyewear which has been a lot of fun! These include
24 // April 2022
regular prescription glasses as well as sunglasses. Other frame collections we offer include Kate Spade, Ann Taylor, Lilly Pulitzer, Bebe, Champion, Draper James, and very adorable options for children and teenagers! Our glasses frames come with a one-year warranty and some lens options have a 2-year warranty—great for the active child in your family. Lookout Eye Care also has a wide range of ophthalmic lenses and add-on options to choose from to best suit your visual needs, such as anti-reflection and blue-blocking coatings, multiple designs of progressive lenses (no-line bifocals), transition and polarized lenses as well as thinner lens materials for those with higher prescriptions. Community Outreach Lookout Eye Care is actively involved in the community by being a part of the Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce and participating in many fundraising activities. We are also a corporate sponsor of the Kiwanis Club of Ringgold which focuses on helping underprivileged children. Dr. Catarino is also the eye care provider for Safehaven, an in-patient center for traumatic brain injury patients, located in Rock Springs. We look forward to continuing to serve the community. See you soon!
ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!
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DR. WELLFORD DR. CATARINO
1895 BATTLEFIELD PKWY, FORT OGLETHORPE, GA 30742
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
It’s Not Hurting Anyone
S
by Brian Johnson
amson is one of those people we learn about at an early age. I can still remember seeing pictures of him with his arms stretched out between two pillars at the
end of his life. I used to always wonder how he fell into the trap of letting Delilah cut his hair. He told her his strength could be nullified by tying him with seven new cords that hadn’t been dried, seven new cords that had never been used. Then, he said to weave the seven locks of his hair together, and she did all those things. So, why would he let her know to cut his hair? Surely, he would know she would cut it. I propose he told her because of a combination of pride and overlooking the longsuffering of God. We know Samson was a Nazarite from birth. According to Numbers 6, that involved no drinking of “wine and strong drink…nor eat moist grapes, or dried” (vs 3), “there shall no razor come upon his head” (vs 5), and “he shall come at no dead body” (vs 6). We don’t have proof that he drank wine or strong drink, but we know he came at several dead bodies. He killed many men and, in Judges 14:19, he ate honey that he got from the carcass of a dead lion. He gave some to
since there aren’t any immediate consequences, we keep
his parents but didn’t tell them where he got it from.
doing the same wrong repeatedly. We forget that we have a
According to the Nazarite vow, whenever he came at a
God that loves us and is longsuffering. But Numbers 32:23
dead body, he should’ve shaved his head and performed
says, “…be sure your sin will find you out.”
certain sacrifices, but he never did and didn’t lose his
Remember, God always sees and He always knows. As
strength until Delilah cut his hair. He never lost his
Christians, we shouldn’t want to continue in sin. It hurts our
strength any other time he broke the vow. Why should this
closeness to God and prevents Him from being able to work
time be different?
through us as effectively. You say it’s not hurting anyone
We go through life prideful. We got the success we have
but when it prevents the Holy Spirit from working through
solely from hard work or because of our own intelligence.
you, the efforts of your sin are potentially hurting everyone
We don’t take the time to recognize God or give Him the
around you. Don’t continue in sin. Repent and allow God to
glory. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, ye are the branches:
use you. Eventually, your sin will find you out.
He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth Or we continue in sin. Knowingly and willingly. We say things like “no one knows” or “it’s not hurting anyone,” and
26 // April 2022
About The Author
much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.”
Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.
Opening Soon! Call For Details. 2625 Chattanooga Rd, Rocky Face GA 30740
Gò0dNews Poetry
I Witnessed by Judy Hood
When your love ran red down the cross for me My tear-stained eyes, I could hardly see You looked up and said, “Father, it is done.” Open wide the gates, for here comes your son I had to stand back a moment and catch my breath For I have just watched my Lord conquer death He has gone to that place he has talked about When he arrives, he will be welcomed with a shout The angels standing, waiting, clad in garments white as snow As the heavenly angelic music flows He will meet his Father at the throne And be placed on his right side because he did no wrong 28 // April 2022
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Change of Plans
A
by Kristen West
complete conundrum. That’s what it was. Three of my dear friends and I stood there in
the Chattanooga airport gazing into the apologetic
eyes of the Delta airline check-in attendant. “I’m so sorry,” the nice lady said. “All the planes are grounded due to the storm last night.” My friends and I had been planning, preparing, and packing for this much-anticipated cruise vacation to New
cleared, we sprinted out and caught the LAST shuttle that day heading to the cruise port. We climbed in, giddy with excitement—we were almost there. Our shuttle dropped us off within a few blocks of the dock, and as soon as we had our luggage in hand, we were sprinting again, determined to make it to our ferry that would finally connect us to our boat.
England for months. Now, it appeared as though we
WE MADE IT! (*insert Chariots of Fire theme music here*)
wouldn’t even get to leave our area.
All the twists, turns, and changes in plans hadn’t
The following 24-hour period looked like something scripted for a sitcom and involved some massive changes in plans.
stopped us. They simply rerouted us. Through it all, none of us got frustrated. No one became angry or upset. We all just enjoyed the journey. Every surprising and unplanned detail of it. To be clear, I wasn’t always like that. Sudden changes used to send my emotions into a tailspin or cause my stress levels to go into orbit. It took me years to get to a place where I could roll with the punches, pivot on a dime, or have my plans suddenly change without my innards crinkling up. (I’m not saying the work in me is complete, but a huge internal transformation has definitely taken place.) Can you relate? God, in His wisdom and mercy, knew ahead of time that sudden changes in plans might be
We hopped a shuttle to Atlanta and jumped on a new
an issue for us and graciously gives us this beautiful verse,
flight to Boston (our cruise port) only to find that by the time
“A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his
our plane landed, we had missed the boat!
steps” (Proverbs 16:9, HCSB).
We grabbed our luggage, hailed a taxi, and headed for the nearest hotel. By morning, we were strapped into an early flight that was off to Bar Harbor, Maine. (The airline “hoped” we’d
Having that promise gives us daily opportunities to embrace our Father’s alternate routes for us and gives us the grace to change direction and live in the moment for whatever HE has planned!
Upon landing, we looked like we were on the starting blocks of the Olympic 500-meter dash. As soon as the aisle
30 // April 2022
About The Author
land in time to connect to our cruise.) Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.
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706.866.7454 616 Mohawk St. • Rossville, GA
Gò0dNews for Parents
Surrender
T
by Greg Grotewold
he parable of the sower is perhaps Jesus’s most famous allegory (Mark 4:3-8). And until recently, I thought its sole intent was to explain why not everyone who hears the word
of God (the seed) receives Christ and truly abides in Him. While that’s the primary aim of the text, I’m discovering that the third scenario (seed falling among thorns) is a bit more nuanced and
perhaps carries a broader application. Aided by a recent sermon from my pastor, I now see how a thorn’s capacity to overwhelm isn’t isolated to just unbelievers. After all, good soil produces not only grain but also weeds. A thistle here and there is innocuous enough, but problems occur if the field is left untended for any material length of time. If prolonged, an infestation will occur. The suffocated grain plant will begin to wither, and yield will be compromised. While the Lord promises the blood-bought believer that the plant itself will never die, it will remain barren until action is taken. I recognize it’s an image not explicitly depicted in the passage; nonetheless, I do sense that this specific circumstance is anticipated and for good reason. It’s real. I very much feel such barrenness at times, and so does every other disciple. Whether we always recognize its source is a different matter but one that Jesus helps us with later in the chapter. He pinpoints these yield-thwarting thorns as “the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things” (Mark 4:19, ESV). In other words, thorns are idols. They grab hold of the heart’s affections and begin choking the believer’s love for the Lord. While Jesus specifically targets riches, the reference to “the desires for other things” suggests He is speaking about any form of idolatry. The revelation here isn’t that I’m an idolater and have weeds. I know that; it’s not news. However, the speed with which these pesky intruders can develop into an infestation is. I’m currently living that reality. I look away for what seems but a fleeting moment, and my field becomes littered with them. The growth is invasive. In fact, it’s only upon closer examination that I can even see the grain. This is not without consequence. Weariness has become my dominant emotion, thanks in large part to one particular idol. It isn’t money or possessions but an item potentially even more dangerous. What I euphemistically frame as resolve and dedication, the Lord sees as something quite different: control. And He is correct. I’m a helicopter parent, hovering overhead and
In this gracious rebuke, the Lord is beginning to show me there is a better way. It’s Him. The energy I exert to secure outcomes for my sons needs to be redirected towards securing a greater reliance upon Him and His omnipotent goodness. As much as I love my kids, Jesus loves them infinitely more. He too wants them to prosper. The very best way I can serve them, and myself for that matter is by allowing Jesus to serve us. I must lean into His wise and gracious care and surrender these burdens. They are not mine to shoulder. They’re His. If I will deepen my dependency upon Christ, He promises a spiritual reversal will occur. “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing” (John 15:5, ESV). The thorns will wilt. The grain plants will strengthen. And to His glory and my family’s peace, the yield will grow thirty, sixty, a hundredfold. May the Lord give me the strength to abide in Him and surrender my hardships. May He do the same for you, too.
swooping down whenever there is an issue or concern with either for them, but my relentlessness in trying to protect their well-being has proved exhausting for all involved.
32 // April 2022
About The Author
of my sons. I dearly love my children and want only the very best
Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.
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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Let Food Be Thy Medicine: Sensational Salads
W
by Dana Robinson
hen we think of healthy eating, salad is one of the first things that comes to mind. As children, we are encouraged to eat our fruits and vegetables to grow healthy and strong. After all, Popeye gulps down his spinach. Some people appreciate a nice salad for the colorful combinations of fresh fruits and vegetables, while others classify salad as boring “diet” food. I’ll be honest—I am a bit of an oddball and love salad. I mean, I truly love a delicious salad. In fact, when I was pregnant with my first son, I craved salad! My tastebuds exploded with the watery yet crisp romaine lettuce and the sweet crunch of the orange baby carrots. I remember asking my husband if that was the sweetest carrot he had ever tasted as I excitedly enjoyed my lunch salad for the day. He looked at me mildly perplexed and replied that it tasted like a carrot. Clearly, he categorizes salads as diet food. In a world with over processed, over salted, and over sugared foods, how can we get back to enjoying the freshness and sweetness of raw fruits and vegetables? A single salad can provide a multitude of vitamins and minerals into our diets. Aside from promoting regularity and preventing dehydration, salad ingredients like tomatoes, bell peppers, berries, seeds, nuts, cucumbers, carrots, olives, etc. are chocked full of antioxidants and other cancer fighting properties. When my husband, Jamie Robinson and I founded Lighthouse Personal Care Homes, we knew that food would be a foundation for healthy and joyful living. Real food makes such a difference in a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health. Too many organizations skimp on fresh quality foods. During meal planning, I’m guided not only by Hippocrates, “Let food be thy medicine, and medicine be thy food,” but also by a passion for bringing to life the true pleasures of food. Simple ingredient variations can create delicious salad sensations that are truly something to look forward to eating. We don’t just experience food with our noses and our mouths, food should be visually appealing as well. Food is beautiful and artistic. When the right ingredients are paired together, the ordinary becomes extraordinary. I challenge
34 // April 2022
you to incorporate more salads in your daily routine. Be bold and playful. Be creative and savory. Go with the sweet flavors of the season. Step out of the mundane, basic salad and enjoy one of these sensational salads!
Hawaiian Salad Recipe • 1 head romaine lettuce, chopped
• 1/2 cup pineapple tidbits, reserve juice for dressing • 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 cup pecans or macadamia nuts
• 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles (optional)
Strawberry Pineapple Vinaigrette • ½ cup strawberries
• ¼ cup pineapple juice • 1 tbs honey
• ¼ cup white wine vinegar • ¾ cup olive oil
• ¼ tsp Himalayan Pink Salt Wash and chop lettuce. Evenly distribute remaining ingredients on top of salad. In a blender or separate bowl, blend vinaigrette ingredients together. Drizzle dressing over salad mixture. Serve or toss as desired. Can substitute strawberries and honey with 3 tbs strawberry jelly.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
What are you looking for?
R
by David Huff
omans 3:23-24, “For all have sinned and fall
it up by saying, where is your God now? He left you
short of the glory of God, being justified
alone. The truth is we are the ones that pull away
freely by His grace through the redemption
from God. He is still in the same place that we felt
that is in Christ Jesus.” I could hear the voices saying you’re not good
Him at before. We just choose to separate ourselves from Him. God gives us a promise that He will
enough—just look at your past. Is that worthy of the
never abandon us or leave us. Even in our darkest
calling God has given to you—all the things you have done
hour, God is still there and wants to help us, but are
wrong and every time you mess up even now? Do you
we listening for Him?
believe you are good enough to be in His presence? What makes you think that God has forgiven a sinner like you? Why do you think a person like you has been forgiven? These are the all too familiar words that the devil loves to put in our heads to make us think that we cannot be forgiven. The truth is we are. Through Jesus we are offered forgiveness for everything that we have ever done. God no longer sees those pages in our book. They have been blotted out and washed clean by the blood of the lamb. It’s hard to imagine ourselves as being forgiven for the past that we tend to hold onto far longer than we should. For the longest time, I couldn’t let go of who
Life can be overwhelming at times, but it does
I used to be. The devil constantly berated my mind
not have to be. In my darkest moments, I have found
with thoughts of being unworthy and not good
a peace that has outshined the sun. We will find
enough. In Ephesians 1:4, the Bible says even before
what we are looking for. If we are looking for chaos
He made the world, God loved us and chose us in
and darkness, we will find it, but if we are looking
Christ to be holy and without fault in His eyes. God
for the love of God and the peace that comes from
no longer sees us as we see each other. He now sees
Him, we will find it. What we give our heart to is
us through Christ Jesus who has freed us from the
what we will become.
The devil will pound your mind with thoughts to separate you from God, and then he will follow
36 // April 2022
About The Author
eternal death we deserved. My name is David Huff, and I am married to Brittany and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team, host team, and a small group co leader.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
What’s The Truth?
W
by Susan Lavigne
hile rooming with a friend during my college
As with my situation, sometimes our perceptions of
days, we both went to bed around 10 p.m.
what we believe and what is the truth clash. It’s like waking
because of our early morning schedules. This
up one morning thinking it’s a workday when it’s actually
was before cell phones, so we only had one phone hanging
the weekend. It’s hard to change your belief when you don’t
on the kitchen wall. One night, my roommate came into my
recognize the truth.
room around 11:30 p.m. I was so sound asleep that I didn’t
A biblical example of this problem with perception
hear the phone ring. She said, “Susan, the phone is for you.”
happened to the apostle Paul in his early days (when he was
Now, since I didn’t hear the phone, I proceeded to tell my
known as Saul). He persecuted the new church of Christian
roommate that she was dreaming and to go back to bed. She
believers. You see, he was zealous to do “God’s work” and
was very unhappy with my assessment of the situation and
truly believed he was doing God a favor by ridding the
more forcefully said, “Susan, the phone is for you!”
Jews of this new religious cult. Although he was passionate, his perception was not the truth of what God wanted. When his eyes were literally opened to the truth, he found a new mission, this time in support of the church he had previously persecuted. All of us develop different perceptions from our experiences and emotions. We then develop expectations about life from what we were taught or saw modeled. For example, we may have expectations of what our spouse needs, or more often, what we expect from our spouse. However, sometimes conflicts arise when our expectations differ from another. So, where is the truth in our perceptions? As a Christian, when I am struggling with the truth of my
Showing incredible compassion for this poor friend who
perceptions, the best thing I can do is seek out God’s Word
was obviously having a bad dream, I continued trying to
on the issue and listen to the Holy Spirit for guidance.
convince her that everything was okay and she just needed
Sometimes, guidance comes in the form of wise Christian
to go back to bed. At this point, she totally lost patience with
counsel. Trust me, God wants us to know the truth and will
me and said, “SUSAN, YOU GET OUT OF YOUR BED AND
do whatever it takes to help us know it, even if it has to
PICK UP THE PHONE IN THE KITCHEN!” Shocked by
come from a friend shouting at us to pick up the phone.
more shocked to hear a person’s voice on the other end of the telephone.
38 // April 2022
About The Author
her words, I got out of bed to answer the phone. I was even Susan Lavigne attends Cornerstone Church. She is a Christian speaker and songwriter. Feel free to contact her at susanclavigne@gmail.com.
Gò0dNews
Christian Magazine
Mission Statement:
W
Writer Guidelines:
e believe when people are equipped,
Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and
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reach out to people through words of encouragement. What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you! Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
True Beauty by Porter Johnson
I
n December of 2021, I went on a backpacking trip to Big
all hindrances are sins. Therefore, God’s people must not be
Bend National Park in Texas. My best friend and I were
content with asking the question, “Is this a sin?” Christians
celebrating college graduation. When we planned the trip,
must move forward to the question, “Does this help me run
I didn’t know that the park has an incredible view of the
after God?”
stars at night. Big Bend is one of the top five darkest places
When we conclude that an action, relationship,
in the United States. There is virtually no light pollution, so
substance, topic of conversation, or anything else does not
you can see every star in the sky. I thought I had seen the
help us run the race of life, the biblical command is to lay
beauty of the stars growing up in the mountains of Northwest Georgia, but I had no idea their true beauty until I saw them in Big Bend. The point of this story is that I could not see the true beauty of the stars until all light pollution was removed from my sight. Similarly, we cannot see the full beauty of God until all hindrances and sins are removed from our hearts. “Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross,
it aside. Paul wrote a parallel statement in 1 Corinthians
despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the
10:23, “‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything is
throne of God” (Hebrews 12:1-2, CSB).
beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible,’ but not everything
There is a significant nuance in this passage from the
builds up.” The heartbeat of a born-again Christian is to get
book of Hebrews. An exhortation to lay things aside in order
closer to God. Nearness to God is best accomplished when
to run after God is found. The author encourages readers to
all hindrances and sins have been cast aside. Dear Christian,
“lay aside every hindrance and sin that so easily ensnares
lay aside sins and lay aside all other hindrances as well.
us.” It is easy to see that sins will hold the Christian back
Then you will be able to run with endurance the race that is
from seeing God. However, sins are not the only thing
set out for you, and you will clearly gaze upon the beauty of
that keeps Christians from running with endurance.
the Savior.
hindrances and sins. According to this passage, there are hindrances that are not sins. All sins are hindrances, but not
40 // April 2022
About The Author
Hebrews 12:1-2 specifies that Christians must lay aside both Porter Johnson is a Shorter University Graduate, a current student at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, and College Pastor at Sherwood Rome.
LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES.
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Empty Grave
W
by Rhonda Beavers
hen my parents were first married, they decided
but socially because he tended to look down his nose on
to live with my maternal grandmother to help
others he perceived as inferior to himself.
her bring up her pre-adolescent son. My dad
After quickly observing my father’s perfectionistic
moved into a community in which my mom had lived for
efforts, this outsider announced, “that’s good enough, it’s
years. This didn’t phase my dad at all, as he was the most
just Abb Addison.” There was no way out of the grave
outgoing people-person you ever met. He loved talking
except to be pulled out by a pal. After what must have been
to everyone, old or young, rich or poor, male or female.
a cold, steely glare from my dad’s hazel green eyes, my
My mom had no reason to be jealous as there was never a
father put up his young, strong hand and instructed his
more loyal husband. My dad considered them all his peers,
friend Buck, “Pull me out.” The intruder quickly saw his
no more, no less. All these people had a story to tell, and it seems as if my father was determined to hear every one of them. “For I say, for the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). He was also a good neighbor, pitching in a hand whenever necessary. These duties even extended to digging a grave for an old family friend by the name of Abb
social faux pas and beat a path homeward, leaving the dead
Addison after my dad and his best friend had found the
man’s friends to send him to Heaven in style.
gentleman deceased in his bed one chilly late winter morning.
Christ sees us all as equal. He loves to talk with us, but
In those days, graves were dug by hand, and my dad was a
He doesn’t need to because He already knows our story
perfectionist when it came to any handiwork he attempted.
better than we do. “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is
On this occasion, he was standing in the bottom of the
neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for
freshly dug grave, perfecting a small ledge that was placed
ye are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). Christ was
necessarily just below the opening. The group of attending
surrounded at the time of his death by those who loved him,
community men were approached by what some of them
those who mocked him, and those who cared not either
considered to be an outsider. Not an outsider geographically,
way. He was placed in a borrowed grave, but not for long.
42 // April 2022
All He had to do was ask His Heavenly Father, “Pull me out,” and Satan knew to beat a path.
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