April 2024

Gò0dNews

About Us

WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix

Brenda Dedmon

Charles Finney

Dorothy Teague

Judy Hood

Kristen West

Reagan Marsh

Rick Hughes

Dr. Rob Debelak

Sandra Gilmore

Sue Lavigne

Tamiko Jones

Dr. Terril D. Littrell

SALES

Bud Kinches

423-650-2801

Email: bud.goodnews@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch

Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER

Paula Knipp

423-310-4207

FACEBOOK

GoodNews Christian Magazine Catoosa

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Sandra Gilmore

Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

PUBLISHER

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman

Cell: 423-503-1410

E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

OFFICE

423-790-5378

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/catoosaga

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 throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Wisdom on Preparing for Worship by Reagan Marsh

GoodNews for Everyone

8 A Mount of Blessing: Numbers 6:22-27 by Dr. Rob Debelak

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Maximizing Your Retirement: The Benefits of Rolling Your 401(k) into an IRA by Rick Hughes

GoodNews for Men

12 The Game of Life by Dr. Terril D. Littrell

GoodNews for Women

14 Sacrificing the Best on the Altar of Good by Kristen West

GoodNews for Relationships

18 The Simple Act of Kindness by Tamiko Jones

GoodNews Cover Story

20 Groundbreakers in Georgia: Drifters Equipment Sales

GoodNews for Everyone

22 Giving Out Hope by Sandra Gilmore

GoodNews for Parents

24 Apply, Rinse, Repeat by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews for Kids

26 Animal Truths by Charles Finney

GoodNews for Everyone

28 Have You Been to the Mountain? by Dr. Alan Hix

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Promise Keepers by Dorothy Teague

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

32 Making the Most of National Picnic Day: 10 Memorable Celebration Ideas for April 23rd

GoodNews Poetry

34 In the Garden of Gethsemane by Judy Hood

GoodNews Ministry Spotlight

36 Awake America Prayer Meetings: Uniting Communities in Prayer for Revival

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

38 Balance: A Key To Good Health by Sue Lavigne

Wisdom on Preparing for Worship

by Rev. Reagan Marsh

Too many Christians roll out of bed at the last minute, rush to get the kids dressed and fed, and pull into church exhausted and frazzled. They get home and think, “Why don't I get more out of worship?” While the lack of practical preparation often plays a role, there's also the reality that many simply don't prepare their hearts to come before God. English Puritan minister Thomas Ridgely faced this question in his church and gave seven points on how we should prepare to worship.

1. We should bring our normal work to an end before the Lord’s Day.

Now, we ought, the evening before, to lay aside our care and worldly business, that our thoughts may not be encumbered, diverted, or taken up with unseasonable or unlawful concerns about it. This is a duty very much neglected; and the omission of it is one reason of our unprofitable attendance on the ordinances of God on the Lord’s Day.

2. We should ensure that our relationships are at peace before the Lord’s Day.

We may add, that all envyings, contentions, evil surmising against our neighbour, are to be laid aside; since these will tend to defile our souls and deprave our minds, when we ought to be wholly taken up about divine things. Thus the apostle advises those to whom he writes to “lay aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil-speakings, and as new-born babes to desire the sincere milk of the word, that they might grow thereby” (1 Peter 2:2-3 KJV).

3. We should direct our souls to God in repentance and thanksgiving before the Lord’s Day.

Moreover, we are, the evening before, to endeavor to bring our souls into a prepared frame for the duties of the Lord’s Day, by having our thoughts engaged in meditations which are suitable to these duties.

4. We should consider how fleeting everything is compared to eternity, before the Lord’s Day.

It would also be expedient for us to meditate on the vanity of worldly things. Hence, we must consider ourselves as having a greater work to transact with God on his own Day, and desire to have no disturbance from the world.

5. We should ask the Spirit’s help to worship attentively and faithfully on the Lord’s Day.

To these meditations we ought to join our fervent prayers to God, that the sins committed by us in former sabbaths may be forgiven, that he may not be provoked to withdraw the influences of his Spirit on the approaching Day, and that the world with its cares may not then be a snare to us through the temptations of Satan and the corruption of our own hearts, thereby our interrupting our fellowship with God.

6. We should pray for the Spirit’s help as the pastor proclaims Christ on the Lord’s Day.

We ought to pray also that he would assist his ministers in preparing a seasonable word, which may be blessed to ourselves and others. Thus the apostle exhorts the church to “pray always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and to watch thereunto with all perseverance, and supplication for all saints; and for him, that utterance might be given unto him, that he might open his mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel” (Ephesians 6:18-19 KJV).

7. We should pray fervently that God would help us to honor the Lord’s Day.

We ought to be unrelenting with God, that he would sanctify and fill our thoughts, from the beginning to the end of the Lord’s Day.

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Gò0 dNews for Everyone

A Mount of Blessing: Numbers 6:22-27

by Dr. Rob Debelak

Over four centuries lapsed before Israel was freed from Egyptian bondage (Genesis 15:13). The lamb’s blood was shed (Exodus 12), the sea was crossed (Exodus 14-15), and deliverance was realized! Three months of desert travel follow, seeing divine provision (Exodus 16:1-17:7), divine protection (Exodus 17:8-16), and divine direction. Called into the wilderness to worship (Exodus 5:1), the multitude journeyed to Sinai (Exodus 19), where meeting the Giver took priority over entering the Promised Land, making Sinai the mountain of encounter. This is where Moses had engaged God - at a bush on fire that was not consumed (Exodus 3:2). His personal story became the corporate experience of his nation as they now stood before a flaming mountain, but it was not expended (Exodus 19). Spanning the next year, Israel received God’s laws and the blueprint for acceptable worship. Before departing this mount, the LORD instructed Moses on how and why Aaron’s family line of priests will bless the people (Numbers 6:24-26). Quoting the Almighty, they said:

The LORD bless you and keep you:

The LORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you: The LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.

The blessing’s ‘speech and results’ pattern echoes the creation account. Genesis 1 depicts the LORD of eternity addressing a dark void, commanding good things from nothing. With heightened anticipation at the efficacy of God’s utterance, the barren wilderness of Sinai is the initial setting for these world-making words. The blessing elicits faith in the One Who is without limits.

At Sinai, Egypt lies behind, and Canaan awaits. Idolatry tested Israel’s spiritual metal, as these neighboring nations worshiped creation, not the Creator. God is the source of light and favor, not the natural elements (sun; Genesis 1). Isaiah (24:23) and John (Revelation 22:5) reiterate that when the sun ceases to shine, God will still be there. The blessing conveys a timeless worldview.

The hallowed Name is vocalized in each of the three lines. Reverently voicing the singular, sacred Name emphasizes the Holy One’s majestic splendor. Israel’s relationship with one God stands in distinction to the

plurality of gods revered by other nations. The blessing shapes identity - God’s people are in a spiritually troubled world but are not of it or like it.

Three pairs of benefits are petitioned: favor and security, approval and kindness, acceptance and wholeness. People need these qualities for healthy growth and fulfillment, but these features cannot be adequately appreciated apart from God. These words appeal to embracing life according to

the LORD’s instructions, abandoning contrary conduct that incurs judgment (Deuteronomy 28). The fruitful life of faith humbly receives what it needs (God’s goodness, protection, fellowship, affirmation, grace, and completeness) despite the recipient’s inability to return a gift in kind. The greater generously gives to the lesser, displaying the amazing covenant love of God! This blessing calls for holy humility. “And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them” (Numbers 6:27).

The Law at Sinai rendered due regard for God’s Name (Exodus 20:7). Set apart for Him, the people were to reflect the LORD’s holy character (Leviticus 11:44-45). Priestly fidelity among a faithful community would see the deepened closeness of the nation with God. His ministers are blessed, calling His people to purity by His gift of words – words of hope and commitment. Beautifully, then, the reason for meeting at this mount unfolds: God (the bridegroom) gives His Name to His bride (His people).

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AMaximizing Your Retirement: The Benefits of Rolling Your 401(k) into an IRA

Money Matters

Rick

with and Jamie Climer

Hughes

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007. His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

s you navigate the complexities of retirement planning, one crucial decision often arises: what to do with your 401(k) when you leave your job? While leaving your funds parked in your former employer's 401(k) plan is an option, rolling it over into an Individual Retirement Account (IRA) can offer a myriad of benefits that could significantly enhance your financial future.

First and foremost, rolling your 401(k) into an IRA grants you more control over your retirement savings. With a 401(k) plan, your investment options are typically limited to what your employer offers. However, by transferring your funds to an IRA, you gain access to a broader range of investment choices, including stocks, bonds, mutual funds, exchange - traded funds (ETFs), annuities and more. This expanded universe of investment options allows you to tailor your portfolio to your specific financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon.

Another advantage of consolidating your retirement savings into an IRA is the potential for lower fees. 401(k) plans often come with administrative fees, investment management fees, and other expenses that can eat into your returns over time. By contrast, IRAs tend to offer more competitive fee structures. Over the long term, even seemingly small differences in fees can have a significant impact on the growth of your retirement nest egg.

Furthermore, rolling your 401(k) into an IRA can simplify your financial life. Instead of managing multiple retirement accounts scattered across different former employers, consolidating them into a single IRA streamlines your retirement planning efforts. This consolidation makes it easier to track your investments, monitor your portfolio performance, and adjust your asset allocation as needed. Additionally, having all your retirement savings in one place simplifies the process of calculating required minimum distributions (RMDs) once you reach retirement age.

An IRA rollover offers greater flexibility and access to your funds. While 401(k) plans may have restrictions on when and how you can withdraw your money, IRAs typically offer more freedom in this regard. With an IRA, you can choose to withdraw funds penalty-free for certain qualified expenses, such as higher education expenses, first-time home purchases, or medical expenses. Additionally, if you encounter financial hardships, some IRAs may allow penalty-free withdrawals under certain circumstances. 401(k) plans have a minimum 20% tax withholding on distributions as well, while an IRA allows, 0%, 10% or any other amount you choose.

Another compelling benefit of rolling your 401(k) into an IRA is the potential for enhanced estate planning opportunities. IRAs offer more flexibility when it comes to naming beneficiaries and structuring distributions after your passing. By designating beneficiaries strategically, you can potentially minimize taxes and ensure a smoother transfer of wealth to your heirs. Additionally, certain types of IRAs, such as Roth IRAs, offer tax-free growth and distributions for qualified beneficiaries, further enhancing the legacy you leave behind.

In conclusion, while leaving your 401(k) with a former employer is an option, rolling it over into an IRA can provide numerous advantages that may better serve your long-term financial interests. From increased control and flexibility to potentially lower fees and enhanced estate planning opportunities, an IRA rollover empowers you to optimize your retirement savings and achieve your financial goals with confidence. Before making any decisions, it's essential to consult with a financial advisor to assess your individual circumstances and determine the best course of action for your retirement strategy.

Hughes Retirement Group is here to coach you through your life changes in retirement and help you develop a game plan for your Retirement Playbook.

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Gò0 dNews for Men The Game of Life

by Dr. Terril D. Littrell

The Milton Bradley company introduced the “Game of Life” board game in the 1960s. I recall playing “Life.” You start with a little plastic car and move along the board trying to increase your assets and family while avoiding natural and financial disasters. The winner arrived at the end of the track at “Millionaire Acres.” I did, however, pick up on the not-so-subtle clues that told me what life was about.

Elon Musk also believes that life is a game. But instead of us playing it, we are the pieces on the board. As he describes it, our reality is actually a “virtual reality” created by a super technologically advanced being. Our universe is an enormous video game, perhaps being played by a super advanced teen drinking super advanced energy drinks in his super advanced parents’ basement. Somehow that does not stop him from wanting to be the winning character by accomplishing more than all of the other characters.

International relations between the various countries of the world is clearly a game. The winning player has the most influence, best economy, and strongest military. Each player uses its material and intellectual resources to jockey up the ladder to control things for its benefit.

School and academics have also become a kind of game. The students put in whatever time, money, and effort are required to win the promised outcomes: prestige, published papers, a good job, self-respect, or maybe access to really great parties.

All of these games have a core similarity: a competition for limited “goods.” The world is a game board, and I as a player must use my wits and advantages to get to the end of the track. What people think the end of the track looks like differs, but it is generally considered to be some sort of happiness or satisfaction.

But life is not a game. There is no competition with winners and losers. We are not trying to “get the goods” and achieve our dreams. It has nothing to do with winning.

Life is more of a journey. We are not competing against others for limited resources. The key is how we follow our

path. Each such circumstance we face is an opportunity to choose to traverse the path either well or poorly. The underlying reality of our lives that defines us is how we get where we are going – that is, the manner by which we travel.

I believe that the Bible portrays life as a journey as well—a journey of faith. God uses the events and relationships in our lives to face us into our sin and our lack of trust in Him. He teaches us to value Him and His ways. He gives us His Word to guide us and make our paths straight.

Individuals may have vastly different resources on the journey. Some are poor; others are rich. Some have great families; others have abusive ones. Some are athletic or smart; others are uncoordinated or slow. But in the end, none of those differences matter since the journey is not about gaining worldly goods; it is about how we live our lives.

To adopt the game approach is easy. Our culture promotes it from every possible angle. Our culture picks the winners and the losers and tells us to be winners. One of the challenges of the journey approach is deciding what life is all about. Ultimately, we have to choose which slogan we prefer:

Winning isn’t everything; it’s the only thing. Or It’s not whether you won or lost, but how you played the game.

dNews for Women

Sacrificing the Best on the Altar of Good

by Kristen West

Can you work overtime this week? Sure!

Can you lead this new Bible study? Yes!

Can you help coach this team? Come to this party? Attend this important meeting? Of course!

Saying yes was a default setting of mine for years. No wasn’t an option.

There were many reasons why: I wanted to be helpful; I wanted to be seen as dependable and reliable; I felt that, if the shoe were on the other foot, I would appreciate the same measure of kindness and courtesy.

And, while all of those things were good, my inability to say no was sucking the life out of me and slowly chipping away at my joy, peace, and sanity. I spent years

looked to have quiet moments alone with His Father to connect, reflect, process, and talk things through so that He would be at His best when engaged with the people around Him. Repeatedly we see Him slipping away from the crowds to recharge (Mark 6:30-32) or simply carving out time to focus on prayer (Luke 5:16).

It’s an idea that is counter-cultural to our current fastpaced, I’ll-rest-when-I-die mentality and it’s absolutely counterintuitive to most everything we’ve been conditioned to believe in our workaholic society. For most of us, the Lord has to bring us to a place where we realize that to be human is to have limits. (Many times, that’s simply our body giving out in some way because we haven’t given it the needed space to rest, destress, and recover from the wear and tear of daily life).

sacrificing God’s best for me on the altar of good. Living life at breakneck speed left me spiritually dry, emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and mentally depleted.

Interestingly enough, the one Man who could have justified a life of continual busyness didn’t. Jesus’s life was one of healthy rhythms that incorporated boundaries and intentional margin. He understood the Sabbath (a day to stop, rest, delight, and contemplate) and purposefully

To quote Ruth Haley Barton from her book, Strengthening the Soul of Your Leadership, “God is the one who is infinite; I, on the other hand, must learn to live within the physical limits of time and space and the human limits of my own strength and energy. There are limits to my relational, emotional, mental, and spiritual capacities. I am not God. God is the only one who can be all things to all people. God is the only one who can be two places at once. God is the one who never sleeps. I am not. We can’t remind ourselves of this enough.”

Learning to say no – even to things that may be good –is critical to our maturing in faith. Being obedient to follow in the footsteps of our Savior and incorporate spaces of solitude, quiet, and rest will have us elevating His best for us (and we’ll be happier and healthier, as a result)!

Catoosa County 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

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 2 E Gate Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-6183

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

Cloud Springs Baptist Church 207 Cloud Springs Road

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

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 Ft. Oglethorpe

2645 LaFayette Road

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-0232

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

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

Moriah Baptist Church

2864 Battlefield Parkway

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-8843

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

Nellie Head Memorial Baptist

2379 Catoosa Parkway

Tunnell Hill, GA 30755

706-935-5236

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

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

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

Shiloh Baptist Church 24 Kay Street

Rossville, GA 30741

706-861-4359

Victory Baptist Church

1013 Layfayette Road

Rossville, GA 30741

706-866-0371

Welcome Hill Baptist Church

223 Inman Street

Ringgold, GA 30736

706-965-4814

Catholic

Saint Gerard Catholic Church

3049 Lafayette Road

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-861-9410

Church of Christ

Cohutta Road Church of Christ

2233 Mount Vernon Road

Ringgold, GA 30736

706-935-3884

Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ

6 Harker Road

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-4124

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

Battlefield Ministries Church

64 3rd Street

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-9090

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

Episcopal

Church of the Nativity 1520 Cross Street

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-9773

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

Fairview UMC

2112 McFarland Avenue

Rossville, GA 30741

423-653-1043

Fort Oglethorpe UMC

1733 Battlefield Parkway

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-820-6314

Graysville UMC

2331 Graysville Road

Ringgold, GA 30736

706-891-9253

Newnan Springs UMC 78 Monanaw Avenue

Rossville GA 30741

706-866-6724

Ringgold UMC

7484 Nashville Street

Ringgold, GA 30736

706-935-4777

Nazarene

Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-9838

Non-Denominational

Battlefield Assembly In Messiah 195 Ashley Lane, Rossville, GA 30741

304-890-0949

Battlefield Church of Faith Highway 41 South Ringgold, GA 30736

706-937-7729

Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-913-0531

Calvary Chapel Ringgold 548 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736

706-952-1502

Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

423-779-6777

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

Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

423-255-8655

New Life Church PO Box 1973 Ringgold, GA 30736

706-866-7799

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

Venue Church 3969 Cloud Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736

423-637-7100

Woodstation Church 13198 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736

706-965-3360

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

First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

706-866-2521

Morton Memorial

560 Red Belt Rd.

Chickamauga, GA 30707

706-338-7176

Ringgold, GA 30736

Walker County Church Directory

Assembly of God

Cross Connection

703 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-639-3303

Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God

1661 Highway 27

Chickamauga, GA Baptist

Antioch Baptist Church 236 Crow Gap Road Chickamauga, GA

706-539-1117

Bethel Baptist Church

4068 S Highway 341 Chickamauga, GA

706-375-3756

Bethlehem Baptist Church 278 Oak Grove Road Chickamauga, GA

706-375-2797

Bethel Memorial Baptist Church 198 Pledger St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-2995

Bethesda Baptist Church 13432 Highway 151

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-9450

Calvary Baptist Church 908 Bronco Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-8710

Cassandra Baptist Church

1371 W Cove Rd Chickamauga, GA 706-539-1046

Center Grove Baptist Church 68 Center Grove Church Rd

Rock Springs, GA

706-764-2060

Center Point Baptist Church

118 Center Point Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-764-1753

Chattanooga Baptist Church

7300 Highway 337

LaFayette, GA 30728

Christian Home

2518 Garretts Chapel Rd

Chickamauga, GA

423-313-5230

Community Baptist Church

14 Kemp Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1774

Corinth Baptist Church

2524 Corinth Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3963

East Armuchee Baptist Church 3196 E. Armuchee Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706 375-4512

Emanuel Baptist Church

639 S Main St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1751

Faith Baptist Church of Chickamauga

14251 Highway 193

Chickamauga, GA 423-760-8895

First Baptist Church

603 7th St

Chickamauga, GA 706-375-2733

Friendship Baptist Church

1200 N Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3560

Garrett’s Chapel Baptist Church

3235 Garretts Chapel Rd

Chickamauga, GA 706-375-6708

Grace Baptist Tabernacle 27 Jones Rd

Rock Springs, GA 423-362-3158

Grand Center Baptist Church of Chickamauga

1753 Grand Center Rd

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-8505

Happy Home Baptist Church

704 N Chattanooga St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

Harbor Light Baptist Church

600 Crane St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

423-605-0917

LaFayette 2nd Baptist Church

500 W Main Street

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-2779

Lafayette First Baptist Church

201 N Main St, LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3727

Lake Howard Baptist Church

1528 Lake Howard Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

423-304-4990

Linwood Baptist Church

18 Steele St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-6527

Lookout Baptist Church

8645 Highway 193

Chickamauga, GA

706-931-2356

Macedonia Baptist Church

12461 E Highway 136

LaFayette, GA 30728

Marble Top Baptist Church

7131 N Marble Top Rd

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-3536

Mt Hermon Baptist Church

2373 Hog Jowl Rd

Chickamauga, GA

706-858-5650

Naomi Baptist Church

4171 E Highway 136

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-4601

New Harvest Missionary Baptist Church

2034 Highway 337

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-764-6257

New Home Baptist Church

256 New Home Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

North LaFayette Baptist Church

1649 N Main St

LaFayette, GA 30728

Oakwood Baptist Church

115 Oakwood St

Chickamauga, GA 706-375-5760

Peavine Baptist Church

1089 Peavine Rd

Rock Springs, GA 706-375-4721

Prospect Baptist Church

194 Prospect Church Rd

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-397-2908

Ridgeview Baptist Church

1001 Magnolis St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

334-300-4733

Ridgeway Baptist Church

1594 Ridgeway Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-6832

Rock Springs Baptist Church

194 E Turnipseed Rd

Rock Springs, GA 706-810-8199

Shield Baptist Church

12684 N Highway 27

Chickamauga, GA 706-375-2554

Shiloh Baptist Church

46 Manning Mill Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-397-8427

Sunnyside Baptist Church

3573 Round Pond Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

423-364-9701

True Life Baptist Church

1115 N Main St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-996-8571

Walnut Grove Baptist Church

55 Walnut Grove Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1377

Woodstation Baptist Church

42 Round Pond Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-764-1794

Church of Christ

Church Of Christ

105 Crittenden Ave

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-2222

Highway 27 Church of Christ

1684 S Highway 27

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-4644

Lafayette Church of Christ

104 W Main St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1890

Steele Street Church of Christ

4 Steele St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

423-505-9583

Church of God

Catlett Community Church

122 Round Pond Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

423-309-4649

Cooper Heights Church of God

12598 Highway 193

Chickamauga, GA

423-903-3759

Cove Road Church of God

620 N Chattanooga St LaFayette, GA 30728

678-467-6982

Covenant Life Worship Center

7001 Lafayette Rd

Chickamauga, GA

706-375-5286

LaFayette First Church of God

301 Daugherty St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-639-7329

LaFayette Church of God

1002 S Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-450-0872

Noble Church of God

75 Glass Rd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-764-1093

Jehovah’s Witness Kingdom Hall

457 Rodrunner Blvd.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-4342

Methodist

Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church

139 Cove Rd

Chickamauga, GA 706-375-2182

First United Methodist

15 Sunrise Dr.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1942

First United Methodist Church

301 S Main St.

LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-2067

LaFayette First United Methodist Church

301 S. Main Street

LaFayette, GA 30728

(706) 638-2057

Rock Springs United Methodist Church 3477 Peavine Rd  Rock Springs, GA

706-375-5345

Non-Denominational

Battlefield of Life Worship Center 56 Kevin Ln. Rock Springs, GA

770-827-6718

Care Mission 105 N Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3664

Faith Worship Center 200 S. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728

423-313-7035

Gospel Light Christian Fellowship 36 Fortune St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-996-8535

Hope Fellowship 2000 Twin Cedars Rd Chickamauga, GA 30707

706-375-4673

Life Gate Church 204 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-7620

Mission Bridge Church 807 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

423-364-6771

Mount Zion Church 223 Dunwoody Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-1238

New Bethel Christian Fellowship 4009 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-6904

Power of Life LaFayette Church 798 W Main St LaFayette, GA 423-596-703430728

River of Life Church 807 W. Maqin St. LaFayette, GA 423-596-703430728

The Haven - LaFayette 415 Chestnut St. LaFayette, GA 706-996-815030728

Presbyterian

Chickamauga Presbyterian Church 700 7th Street

Chickamauga, GA (706) 375-3432

Highland Presbyterian Church 1211 W Noth Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-8940

Lafayette Presbyterian Church 107 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-3932

Quaker

New Friendship Baptist Church 281 Friendship Rd

Chickamauga, GA 706-375-7198

Wesleyan

Gordon Lake Weslyan Church 29 Gordon Lake Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728

706-638-6517

The Simple Act of Kindness

by Tamiko Jones

“Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over men shall give into your bosom” (Luke 6:38 KJV). What a powerful scripture! We often associate that scripture with receiving wealth. Notice that it doesn’t talk about money at all. It just says give and you will reap a harvest from your actions.

This year I have experienced the blessing of this scripture coming alive in my life. It’s even one of the reasons I have the opportunity to write this article. It all started with a simple act of kindness.

Recently, I visited the beach. I took in the beauty and pondered upon some things that had happened the week before. God blessed me in many different and unique ways. My heart was just overflowing with the love that my Father in Heaven had for me! He has that same love for you too! He’s such a loving Father who loves to give good gifts to His children. He blesses us not because we’re always good but because He’s so good.

A friend needed assistance and I was more than willing to help her. I love planting seeds in the lives of others because I always look at the situation as if it could be me. You remember that old saying, “What would Jesus do?” Well, I really try to put that into practice. When I arrived at her house, she said, “I have something for you.” There in her hand was a beautiful butterfly ring made out of diamonds and sapphires.

The words flew out of me with excitement: “I love butterflies!”

Overwhelmed with emotions, I didn’t know what to say next. I was hesitant to take it because I wondered if she was giving it to me out of obligation when truly I was just being a friend to her when she needed help. She assured me that was not the reason and insisted that I take the ring. She shared that she heard God say that she was to give it to me. She insisted that I take it because she didn’t want me to block her blessings. We hugged each other, prayed, and thanked God for His goodness and love toward us. The Holy Spirit fell on us both. Tears ran gracefully down our faces. At that moment, we could feel He was truly in our midst. He was watching the love He has for us being exchanged between two friends. We were both blessed to be a blessing to each other.

When we have a genuine and caring heart, we’re able to see the needs of others and respond. Sowing good seeds in the lives of others brings a great harvest that you will definitely reap one day. It’s His word! So that’s a promise.

The simple act of kindness can be shown in so many different ways. It’s a hello with a smile, a compliment given to a stranger, or the acknowledgment of a job well done to a colleague. I have now begun to ask God, “How can I be a blessing to you today?” Asking this question is simply saying, “Who can I be a blessing to today?”

So ask Him that question so you, too, can reap an abundance of blessings in your life!

Tamiko Jones is a mother and grandmother who loves encouraging others and spreading the love of Christ.

Groundbreakers in Georgia: Drifters Equipment Sales

It’s time; it’s here; and it’s ready! Come celebrate a milestone as the Drifters Equipment Sales team expands to an additional facility in Ringgold, GA. Mark Saturday, April 6, 2024 on your calendars and make your way to the grand opening at 561 Cobb HIghway, Ringgold, GA. Drifters Equipment Sales is not just opening their doors; they're laying down roots in this community, ready to become neighbors with this location near Ft. Oglethorpe as well as their store in Eton, near Chatsworth, GA.

Mark your calendars because they're kicking things off with a celebration you won't want to miss. Imagine the sound of live music filling the air, the delicious aromas wafting from multiple food trucks, and the excitement of giveaways—all waiting for you at Drifters on April 6th.

But that's not all. Come meet the dedicated team, ready to welcome you with unparalleled service. You’ll be greeted by receptionist Hayli Bowen who will direct your visit with the rest of the team and sales staff. Brian Flood will guide you through the extensive range of equipment and supplies whether you're browsing, buying, or just looking for advice. Marlyna Mashburn will be ready to assist with any items

you need to order for your equipment. Stephanie Ball, office and finance manager, will ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.

Not only are the store locations expanding, the hours will be too. Spring hours are Monday through Friday, 9am to 6pm. When summer arrives, the hours will extend to Saturday, 9am to 4pm.

There’s nothing quite like breaking ground with the promise of new growth and productivity. Drifters broke ground last autumn with that same anticipation. This new facility will provide an array of agricultural solutions, designed with you, the backbone of the community, in mind. Any job is easier with the right equipment and a knowledgeable team ready to assist. From the latest in machinery to time-tested tools, Drifters offers top-quality equipment and support that will make your work easier, more efficient, and enjoyable. So step on in, take a look around, and celebrate with them on Saturday, April 6th.

When you are ready to invest in your new tractor, side by side, or other equipment; the friendly and knowledgeable sales, financing, service, and parts departments are there

for you. The staff is prepared to make sure you have an outstanding experience, from assisting while you’re making your choice to ongoing maintenance and service.

Drifters Trading was established in 2015. Under the leadership of Tanner Davis, this company abides by core values of integrity, honesty, and hard work while delivering unmatched customer service and satisfaction. Drifters Trading is an authorized dealership carrying quality brands such as Kioti, Gravely, Bush Hog®, and Echo power equipment, among other top brands.

Tanner Davis explains, “We value the opportunity to create a long-term relationship with our customers, and we do that by giving the best customer service available. We have a huge selection of farm and garden equipment to choose from and have built a reputation of great products, low costs, and great services.”

Once you have your equipment, it’s important to make sure it stays in great working order for years to come. Drifters Trading staff has the knowledge and skill you can count on. The highly trained technicians are dedicated to maintaining and servicing your tractor, mower, and other agricultural machinery so you can get the most out of your equipment. They know that when there’s work to be done, you need your machine running smoothly and efficiently. They can make sure your equipment keeps getting the job done, season after season.

Tanner Davis adds, “We understand how important our community is to the success of our company, therefore, we realize how critical it is that we give back in return. We take pride in our efforts to host and support various community events throughout each year that grants us an opportunity to engage with the people near Eton and Chatsworth and now in the area of Ft. Oglethorpe, East Ridge, and Dalton communities. Whether you are a current or future customer, we can’t wait to see you in the store, and we appreciate your continued support.”

Reliability is critical when you invest in the machinery you need, and Drifters Trading has the tools and experience to get your agricultural equipment and more in prime shape. Customer testimonies confirm the Drifters Trading commitment to excellence:

“I dropped off a zero turn to be repaired and it was fixed the next day. We are very fortunate to have such a great business in our community, great people and 5 star service in my opinion, down home service.

Great store and great team! They truly stand behind their products, and prices are the best around for commercial grade equipment. I bought a zero turn from them and will continue going back.”

“Best people to work with and store. I bought my echo 8010 there and will keep going back! They make me feel comfortable and great staff.”

Call Drifters Trading at (706) 422-8301. They’ll be happy to help you over the phone or assist you in making an appointment. Their aim is to get you back to work as quickly as possible so you’’ll appreciate their streamlined service process. Even though April 6th is designated as a day to celebrate their new location, you can be assured the team will carry that same enthusiasm and committed to excellence throughout the year.

Tanner Davis adds, “We’re excited about our new location. It’s double the size of the Chatsworth location. The new location is 15,000 square feet, 7,500 of which is showroom, and 7,500 service center. This location is right off Interstate 75 (You can see the sign from I-75) and conveniently accessible from East Ridge or Dalton as well. We will carry the brands: Kioti, JCB Agriculture, Gravely, Ariens, Stihl, and Iron Craft. In fact, there’s not another Kioti dealer in the area. Don’t forget our celebration on Saturday, April 6th and come see for yourself!”

Gò0 dNews for Everyone

Giving Out Hope

by Sandra Gilmore

Amanda was concerned about her grandmother’s mood. For weeks now, this special lady had lost her spark. She just hadn’t been herself. Her hope waned. Her enthusiasm slid with it. How could Amanda energize her grandmother again within the limitations of time, mobility, and minimal computer skills? Almost as a reflex, Amanda took her quandary to social media wondering if her friends and family might be able to form a list of possible activities to help regain Grandma’s hope and spunk. They came through!

Can you relate to Amanda’s predicament? Do you find yourself or a loved one with the blahs? Here are some examples of hope-fostering activities to try on for size:

• Make a playlist of hope-filled music with snappy tunes that get your toes (and emotions) tapping along.

• Become an accountability partner with someone with a mutual interest. Cheer each other on whether it's running, reading, or something in between.

• Use the “one” method. Make one phone call, clear out one shelf, lose one pound, give a smile to one person. You get the pattern. Small gestures make big progress.

• Give your children or kids you know some crayons and a coloring book. Tear out the pages and color away. After you have written a short message about how you are thinking of the recipient and how much God loves her/him, take the pretty pages to a nursing home or children’s hospital ward.

• Reach out to your community by donating time to a particular cause. Perhaps a school or daycare could use your help organizing events, cleaning, painting classrooms, or simply listening to students read.

• Go to the local animal shelter and care for the animals for an hour one week.

• Call your pastor to see if there are missionaries who need encouragement through prayer or a letter.

• Write thank you notes to the leaders in your community such as your pastor, teachers, or local

officials. Someone would have at least one note of gratitude for an otherwise thankless job!

• Make a post on social media that includes a scripture about hope.

• Be kind to yourself. Pick something you have been postponing or waiting to do. Read a new book. Call that former classmate. Prepare your favorite meal –and maybe make extra to take to a friend.

• Celebrate a milestone, no matter how large or how small. Every little bit counts!

There are so many ways to share hope with those around you. How you do that is as unique as you are. Don’t be limited by what someone else has done. Try whatever you hear the Lord leading you to do. This week, make a deliberate effort to help someone else. No matter how small the gift or effort, help someone else. If the only thing you can pay is attention, then lavish someone with that. If prayer is all you can spare, then pray often. When you focus on the Hope of Glory, you will begin a journey with Him that will lead you to those who need your help and to those who can help you. There are many ways to keep hope alive!

Sandra

ò0 dNews for Parents

Apply, Rinse, Repeat

by Brenda Dedmon

Have you ever looked at the back of a shampoo bottle and read the instructions: Apply, rinse, repeat? Who buys this and needs instructions to wash hair? Anyone washing their hair would know how without instructions. I then begin to think about parents and wonder how they know how to parent if they have never had children or when they have more than one. Parents are always seeking answers to their one key question: Am I a good parent? In our world today, we know parenting is hard. The quick solution to this question is to Google. If you Google the question, you will find that you will get at least 185 million results!

Teaching begins in the home and this has the most lasting influence on a child. It is important to develop a parenting plan for the family. The Bible is a source for parents. Proverbs 22:6 The Voice translation says, “Teach a child how to follow the right way; even when he is old, he will stay on course.” Paul reminded Timothy of his family’s influence on his faith, “I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells in you” (2 Timothy 1:5 RSV).

One of the most essential elements in a parenting plan is consistency. Did you do an eye roll when you read that statement? Even though it is tough and hard to do, it does not decrease its importance. The Apply, Rinse, Repeat concept is needed for parenting.

No one can be consistent 100% of the time. Hal Runkel, family therapist, says this about consistency, “It comes down to integrity: meaning what you say, saying what you mean, and following through with what you promise.” Consistency is important to help children know the consequences of a behavior. Then they will come to modify their own behavior. This means you are teaching them how to make better choices.

It is important for children to be involved in the process of discussion and understanding the family discipline plan. Have a family meeting about discipline and the consequences of not keeping the rules. Discuss how Jesus instructed His followers to love one another, take care of one another, and follow God’s instructions for life. Children

need boundaries. They need to understand expectations. If you are consistent in discipline, it will be easier for the children to follow the rules. Consistency is not being inflexible. Flexibility will be required but that does not undermine your consistency to make changes.

A reminder to parents to cherish the gift of children and to be consistent in nurturing them is this verse: “Don’t you see that children are God’s best gift?” (Psalm 127:3 MSG). Conversation Starters:

• For your family meeting, bring games your family likes to play. Ask if they remember the rules of how to play. Talk about the rules and what would happen if someone did not play by the rules. Ask them what they think should happen to someone who would not play by the rules.

• Read John 13:34-35. Lead them in a discussion of family rules that are important to have a happy family. Talk about what should happen if someone does not keep the rules.

• Make a list of the top ten rules and the accompanying actions if rules are broken. Share with the children that you will continue to have family meetings to add or remove rules and their consequences.

ò0 dNews for Kids

Animal Truths

by Charles Finney

Once upon a time in the quirky little town of Puddlebrook, there lived a mischievous group of animal friends. There was Freddy the fox, Benny the bunny, Daisy the duck, and Gertie the goat. These pals loved to have fun and play tricks on each other, but they were about to learn a valuable lesson about the importance of truth.

One sunny morning, as the friends gathered by the old oak tree, they noticed a peculiar sight—a colorful, sparkling treasure chest sitting right in the middle of the meadow. Excited by the prospect of adventure, they raced towards it, their curiosity piqued.

Freddy, being the cleverest of the bunch, exclaimed, "I know the truth about this treasure! Inside lies a magical potion that grants the power of flight!"

Benny, eager to prove his bravery, piped up, "No, Freddy, you're wrong! It's actually filled with an elixir that can make you invisible!"

Daisy, always the peacemaker, added, "Wait, Benny, you both got it wrong. It must be a chest of laughter, containing endless jokes and pranks!"

Gertie, who often found herself a little out of the loop, chuckled and said, "I think it's just a box of tasty snacks, guys."

The friends couldn't agree on the truth, so they decided to open the chest together. With trembling paws and hooves, they lifted the lid, and inside, they found... a single mirror.

Confused and disappointed, they stared at their reflections. The mirror showed each of them looking puzzled and silly, which made them burst into laughter. But then, something strange happened. As their laughter echoed across the meadow, the mirror shimmered and transformed into a wise old owl named Ollie.

Ollie cleared his throat and hooted, "Dear friends, the truth is not always what we expect it to be. It lies not in the treasure chest but within ourselves."

The friends listened intently as Ollie shared his wisdom. He explained that knowing the truth is essential, but telling it is equally important. He warned them about bending the truth and failing to understand it, as it could lead to confusion and hurt feelings.

Feeling a bit guilty, Freddy admitted, "I might have exaggerated the contents of the chest."

Benny sheepishly confessed, "I just wanted to sound brave and clever."

Daisy acknowledged, "I thought laughter could solve everything."

Gertie, munching on a blade of grass, admitted, "I often don't understand what's going on."

Ollie smiled knowingly and said, "Learning from our mistakes is part of growing up. The key is to value honesty and remember that the truth, no matter how simple, is always better than a lie."

The friends nodded in agreement, promising to be truthful from that day forward. With newfound understanding, they returned to Puddlebrook, spreading the message of honesty throughout the town.

As the years went by, Freddy, Benny, Daisy, and Gertie became known as the most trustworthy animals in the land. They learned that the truth is a delicate flower that should be nurtured and protected. And so, in the delightful town of Puddlebrook, the animals lived happily ever after, cherishing the value of truth and understanding that sometimes, the greatest adventures lie not in treasure chests but in the depths of our hearts.

Gò0 dNews for Everyone Have You Been to the Mountain?

by Dr. Alan Hix

Have you ever had an experience that, if you had not gone through it yourself, you would find hard to believe? How could you prove to others that this amazing thing happened to you?

In 1 Peter 1:16-19, Peter describes his experience of seeing Christ transfigured in His heavenly glory. An account of this is found in Matthew 17:1–3 ESV:

1And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. 2 And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with him.

In response to false teachers who claimed the story of Jesus was a myth, Peter declares:

For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty (1 Peter 1:16 ESV).

Peter, James, and John experienced something that transformed them. That something was the realization that in Jesus, God had come to dwell among men. On the mountain, they were enveloped in a cloud, and in that cloud, God spoke to them about Jesus—This is my beloved son; hear him (Matt. 17:5 ESV). Peter’s proof of the truth of his message is that his encounter with the living God transformed him.

When we are saved, we are not just the same person whose eternal destination has been rerouted. We were sinners who have been transformed into saints—those who have been

made holy by God. If then, we are a people sanctified by God for His service, are we pursuing holiness, reflecting Him in every area of our lives, or are there idols that have garnered our attention?

LifeWay Research polled 1,000 Protestant pastors asking this question: “What modern-day idols have significant influence on U.S. churches?”

There were a number of reasons listed, such as romantic love, power, success, money, and security. Surprisingly, 67% of the respondents said that the number one idol influencing churches was comfort!

C. S. Lewis once said, “I didn’t go to religion to make me happy. I always knew a bottle of Port would do that. If you want a religion to make you feel really comfortable, I certainly don’t recommend Christianity.”

I came across a blog entitled “6 Signs Your Christianity is Too Comfortable.” Here are six signs that might identify you as a “comfortable Christian.”1

1. You “tune into” church and God at your own convenience.

2. Most of your friends can’t tell you’re a Christian.

3. Your “go-to” passages in the Bible are the ones that make you feel good.

4. It’s not a big deal that people in your life don’t believe in Jesus.

5. Your prayers revolve around keeping your life running smoothly.

6. You’re not excited about heaven or seeing God face to face.

When I read this last one, I said, “Wait a minute.” But the author argued that many Church members are too busy setting up their “heaven on earth,” trying to check all the boxes on what they want out of life—impressive career, great marriage, good kids, perfect home, etc., to have time to think about going to heaven or what it means.

Which one of these do we find in our own lives? Are we content in being comfortable, or do we long for something more? Our desire should be for Christ to transform us into a mirror image of Himself. Let us return to the mountain!

1 https://ymi.today/2021/09/6-signs-your-christianity-is-too-comfortable/

dNews for Everyone

Promise Keepers

by Dorothy Teague

Have you ever had someone dear to you let you down by not keeping their word or following through on their promise? If you’ve ever been on the receiving end of a broken promise, then you understand how bad that feels. We get hurt the worst by the ones we love and trust the most. We open up our hearts to them and are more vulnerable when they are the ones who break promises. We especially hold friends and loved ones to a higher standard of keeping promises if they are Christians. Ecclesiastes 5:5 NIV says, “It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it.” In God’s eyes, a broken promise to another person is a sin against Him!

The Old Testament talks a lot about covenant keeping. A covenant is a binding promise. There are several important covenants that God made to man in the Bible: the Adamic, Noahic, Abrahamic, Mosaic, Davidic, and the New Covenant. So, if covenant

keeping is this important to God, then shouldn’t it be important enough for us to keep our promise to others? My concern is that if we aren’t in the habit of keeping our word to each other, then do we also fail to keep our promises to God? Pledging to do something —whether to God or man— is a matter of honor and character. If we want to honor God with our lives, we must keep our promises to each other and especially to Him! If we don’t, our lives become a lie and not a Godly witness. In Numbers 30:1-2 ESV, Moses is speaking to the heads of the tribes of Israel. He says, “…if a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth.” We are imperfect beings so we are going to make mistakes. I’m so glad God always keeps His promises! One of the greatest covenants and reminders to us is the rainbow in the sky after the rain. In Genesis 9:13 ESV, God says, “This is the sign of the covenant that I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” The world is watching us, so let’s show them Jesus with how we live our lives. Be Promise Keepers.

Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

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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.

Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds

Making the Most of National Picnic Day: 10 Memorable Celebration Ideas for April 23rd

National Picnic Day, celebrated this year on April 23, 2024, is the perfect occasion to embrace the great outdoors, savor delicious food, and enjoy quality time with friends and family. Whether you prefer a serene park, a sandy beach, or your backyard, here are 10 ideas to make your National Picnic Day celebration memorable.

Classic Picnic Setup:

● Choose a picturesque park with ample greenery and set up a classic picnic blanket with comfortable cushions. Bring a wicker basket filled with your favorite snacks and refreshments.

Seaside Extravaganza:

● Head to a sandy beach for a coastal picnic experience. Pack seafood delights like shrimp cocktail, crab rolls, and refreshing tropical fruit salads. Don't forget beach games for added fun.

Backyard Bonanza:

● If you prefer the comfort of home, turn your backyard into a cozy picnic spot. Lay out blankets, set up a small grill for barbecue, and enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by the familiarity of your own space.

International Picnic Feast:

● Take your taste buds on a global adventure by preparing dishes from different cuisines. Include

Italian antipasto, Spanish tapas, or Japanese sushi rolls for a diverse and flavorful picnic spread.

Sunset Picnic Romance:

● Plan a late afternoon picnic that extends into the evening, allowing you to witness a beautiful sunset. Bring candles, fairy lights, and cozy blankets to create a romantic atmosphere.

Picnic Potluck with Friends:

● Turn your National Picnic Day into a potluck gathering with friends. Each person can bring a dish to share, creating a diverse menu and making it a collaborative and communal celebration.

Adventure Picnic Hike:

● Choose a scenic hiking trail and plan a picnic at a midway point or a summit. Pack energy-boosting snacks, hydration, and enjoy a rewarding meal surrounded by nature after a satisfying hike.

Countryside Charm:

● Explore the charm of the countryside by choosing a location with rolling hills, meadows, or even a local market. Pack a gourmet picnic with local cheeses, artisanal bread, and a selection of baked goods like cookies or hand pies.

Picnic and Play:

● Opt for a location that offers recreational activities. Bring along sports equipment like a frisbee, soccer ball, or even a kite for added entertainment during your picnic.

Picnic Movie Night:

● Set up an outdoor movie screening with a projector and a blank wall or a portable screen. Pack popcorn, candies, and your favorite movie snacks for a cinematic picnic experience under the stars.

National Picnic Day is all about creating lasting memories while enjoying the outdoors and good company. These ideas or a combination with your own twist can make your celebration on April 23 truly special. So, pack your picnic essentials and embrace the joy of National Picnic Day!

In the Garden of Gethsemane

by Judy Hood

Have you ever wondered while Jesus was praying in the garden of Gethsemane If in His mind’s eye, He could see you and me?

Lost forevermore in a deep pit of fire,

He knew what He had to do, for our souls, He had to acquire.

Through His disciples, He knew our weaknesses

But He also knew our uniquenesses.

He prayed to the Father, please let this cup pass,

But He knew in His heart He could not bypass.

He came into the world that the world might be saved.

He knew we could find salvation if He went to the grave.

The grave could not hold such power down.

On the third day, He rose from the ground.

He went to his Father forever to stay.

Do you want salvation?

All you need to do is pray!

Awake America Prayer Meetings: Uniting Communities in Prayer for Revival

Fairs and festivals can bring a community together. Prayer, in fact, can bind a community together. Something is happening that’s binding our area and you might not even know about it. There’s a prayerful, positive, energizing movement taking place. Would you like to join in?

Awake America Prayer Meetings are happening in ten locations across three states with aims to include up to seven states radiating from Blairsville, Georgia. You’ll find folks with a sincere desire to lift up our nation. The gatherings are designed to be convenient for someone on a lunch break starting at noon. The prayer agenda for each meeting is comprehensive, covering various aspects such as the military, first responders, government leaders, pastors, Christian leaders, repentance and revival for America, the persecuted Church, education leaders, unity in the Body of Christ, American media, unborn children, family restoration, businesses, youth, and against human trafficking.

A Divine Vision Defined (2004-2009)

In 2004, prompted by the Holy Spirit, Lydia Dockery Long envisioned a community prayer for revival, extending the vision to cover a 150-mile radius from Blairsville, GA. The movement officially began in 2009, inspired by a nationwide initiative to pray for the country on September 11th.

The Inaugural Gathering (September 11, 2009)

The first Awake America Prayer Meeting took place at the Old Fannin County Courthouse steps, drawing over 150 people. The positive response led to the decision to continue monthly prayer gatherings, becoming a regular commitment for the Copper Basin Ministerial Association. Growth and Expansion (2009-Present)

Awake America Prayer Meetings have grown beyond Blairsville, spanning three states: Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. With doors opening and divine guidance, the movement is expanding its reach to cover a 150-mile radius from Blairsville, GA, reflecting a commitment to pray for revival.

Impact Across Seven States

Lydia Dockery

Long is staying true to the vision the Lord gave her for the 150 mile radius from Blairsville, GA, encompassing seven states:

Georgia, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Virginia. If you’d like to participate in your community, contact Lydia at lydialongprayer@gmail.com or see their information on Facebook, on the Awake America Prayer Meetings PSA page.

Mrs. Long further explains, “Our mission statement and foundational scripture is 2 Chronicles 7:14-16 KJV, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land. Now mine eyes shall be open, and mine ears attent unto the prayer that is made in this place. For now have I chosen and sanctified this house, that my name may be there for ever: and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.” Our motto is “Communities coming together to pray for our nation, its leaders and revival for America.”

Awake America Prayer Meetings Locations: 11:59 (noon)

1st Thursday:

Blairsville City Hall, Blairsville, GA.

Pickens County Library, Jasper, GA.

2nd Thursday:

Blue Ridge City Coroner’s Meeting Room, Blue Ridge, GA.

Towns County Civic Center, Hiawassee, GA.

Community Partners Realty, Winder, GA

3rd Thursday:

Cherokee County Courthouse, Murphy, NC.

Calhoun City Park, Calhoun, GA

4th Thursday:

Gilmer County Rec/Civic Center, Ellijay, GA.

Copperhill City Hall, Copperhill, TN.

Moss Library, Hayesville, NC.

Balance: A Key To Good Health

by Sue Lavigne

When I worked as a wellness instructor, most of my clients were older (50’s, 60’s and 70’s). Although strengthening and cardiac conditioning was always part of their training sessions, I also tried to incorporate balance exercises into each program. As we age, we may become more sedentary, especially if arthritis or other illnesses occur. Being sedentary can lead to muscle weakness and a decrease in reflexes that cause falls. However, it is possible to counteract these effects through balance exercises and

general strengthening. The best news about balance training is that it does not require any special equipment. The biggest consideration is to be in a position where you can easily grab something stable to regain your balance so you don’t fall. We want to keep you safe as we seek to get you stronger.

Here are some simple exercises in a progression. It’s best to master each level before moving on to the next exercise. Mastering consists of being able to maintain your balance for a minimum of 30 seconds without excessive sway. Although these may sound simple, you may find them quite challenging so progress slowly. Try to hold each exercise position for 30 seconds minimum.

1. Simply put your feet together and hold that position for 30 seconds minimum.

2. Then put your feet together standing on a pillow or cushion.

3. Put your feet together standing on the floor with your eyes closed. Taking away your visual cues can greatly affect your balance so please make sure you are in a safe location where you can regain your balance easily.

4. Put your feet together on the floor, take a normal step forward (move one leg), and hold this position for 30 seconds. Then switch so the other leg is in front. Try to keep your weight evenly balanced between both of your legs.

5. To make the above exercise slightly more difficult, try turning your head in one direction and then in the other direction slowly, pausing back in the forward position.

6. Try walking very slowly. This is best done in a hallway or along a counter where you can easily catch your balance.

7. Then try a heel-to-toe stance. You may find one position harder when you switch so the other foot is in front.

8. Again in a heel-to-toe stance, try turning your head in one direction and then in the other direction slowly, pausing back in the forward position.

9. Finally, do single-leg balance. Again, you should be able to hold the position for 30 seconds without losing your balance.

As you progress through each type of exercise, you will find that turning your head or shutting your eyes will make the exercise more challenging. I cannot caution you enough to make sure that you always practice your balance in an area where you can easily regain your balance by grabbing hold of something secure. Balancing exercises can be done every day or an average of 3-4 times a week.

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Alan Simeone, MD, FACS Board-Certified Cardiothoracic Surgeon

Ateet Patel, MBA, MD, FACC Board-Certified Interventional and Structural Cardiologist

Paul Stewart, DO Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist

Ezad N. Ahmad, MD, FACC Board-Certified Cardiologist

Hector Dourron, MD, FACS Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon

Michael Hartley, MD, FACS Board-Certified Vascular Surgeon

Nathan Schatzman, MD Board-Certified Anesthesiologist

Angel Brown, MD Board-Certified Critical Care Physician

Scott Hill, MD Board-Certified Anesthesiologist

Rajiv Verma, MD, FACC Board-Certified Electrophysiologist and Cardiologist

Ji Hyun Lee, MD, FACC Board-Certified Non-Invasive Cardiologist