August 2023

Gò0dNews

WILLOW TREE FARMS

Nestled in the rolling foothills of Northwest Georgia. Conveniently located between Chattanooga and Atlanta, our family farm offers unrivaled beauty and serenity with just the right touch of rustic charm and modern amenities. Our lush grounds frame tranquil ponds. Cascading willow trees sway majestically in the mountain breezes. Cattle and llamas graze in nearby verdant fields as ducks and swans paddle peacefully atop shimmering waters. Aside from the pristine countryside, we offer a barn, a pavilion, two gazebos, an open, flat grassy area, and a fire pit for your special occasion. Whether you need indoor or outdoor settings for your next event, look no further than Willow Tree Farms.

About Us

WRITERS

Dr. Alan Hix

Brenda Dedmon

Charles Finney

Courtney Fox

Denise M. Shahan

Donald Cantrell

Erin Clay

Jan Merop

Jonathon Wright

Kristen West

Leah Hadder

Leslie Nolan Bennett

Mary Wanda Lindsey

Rick Hughes

Zebbie Brewster

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

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!

WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/catoosaga Disclaimer

any

any

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advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

Why Can’t We Do Things Our Way?

by Dr. Alan Hix

Have you ever been in a conversation with a friend or relative discussing an experience you shared when you suddenly realized their version of the story doesn’t agree with your understanding of what happened? Did you find yourself wanting to blurt out, “but that’s not the way it was”?

I have lived long enough to remember going to the theater and being mesmerized by the very first Star Wars movie. Over the years, I have enjoyed watching the story evolve through many movies, novels, and multiple streaming series. One thing I have observed is that there are some Star Wars fans who see themselves as curators of the true story and are willing to flood social media with their objections of how particular movies or series do not adhere to their understanding of how the story should develop. They authoritatively declare: “but it’s not supposed to be that way!”

Like those Star Wars fans who believe they know better, the Apostle Paul describes how human beings often think they know more than their creator what is best for themselves.

22 Claiming to be wise, they became fools, 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images . . . 24 Therefore God gave them up in the lusts of their hearts to impurity, to the dishonoring of their bodies among themselves, 25 because they exchanged the truth about God for a lie and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator (Romans 1:22–25 ESV).

Adam and Eve lived in a garden that supplied all of their needs, and they enjoyed the privilege of a close relationship with their creator. It wasn’t long, however, before they decided they would prefer to be the judge of what was best for them instead of following God’s directions. From the moment they chose to eat the forbidden fruit, mankind has continued to exchange the truth of God for a lie.

What is it about us that prefers to choose our own way, even when God’s way is clearly better? A perfect example of this is found in the story of Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom of Israel. Having rejected Solomon, God

sends a prophet to Jeroboam and offers to make him king of the northern 10 tribes. God makes the following promise: 38 And if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in my ways, and do what is right in my eyes by keeping my statutes and my commandments, as David my servant did, I will be with you and will build you a sure house, as I built for David, and I will give Israel to you (1 Kings 11:38 ESV).

What a deal! God offers to bless Jeroboam as he did David as long as Jeroboam keeps God’s commandments. Astonishingly, Jeroboam rejects God’s offer, builds rival temples, and erects golden calves for the people to worship. In response, God cursed Jeroboam and his descendants. That same promise for blessing is available to us. The night before the crucifixion, Jesus made this promise to his disciples: “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him (John 14:23 ESV).”

Who wouldn’t want God to make his home with them! With such a promise, obeying God’s word becomes a delight. When we do, we have the opportunity to experience a bit of the intimacy Adam and Eve felt before the fall as they walked with God in the cool of the day. We get a taste of Paradise!

Dr. Alan Hix is Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.

Buds Cow Patties

by Leslie Nolan Bennett

Charles M. Schulz says, “All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn’t hurt.” Yes, what he said! At least that’s what I keep telling myself…

Last night was one of those nights. I finished dinner and was craving a little chocolate. I took out my cookbook and started searching for something quick and easy. I had all of the ingredients I needed to make it happen. Some people call them Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies. Others call them Chocolate Oat Mounds. I like to call them Cow Patties.

I’m sharing the recipe just in case you get a hankering for something chocolate too.

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup butter

• 3 cups uncooked oats

• 2 cups sugar

• 1 tsp. vanilla

• 1/4 cup cocoa

• 3/4 cup peanut butter

• 1/2 cup evaporated milk

Instructions

Bring butter, sugar, cocoa, and milk to a full boil. Boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and peanut butter. Stir until smooth, then add oats. Mix well and drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Let cool. Enjoy. Store in an airtight container. Then, hide them from your husband and kids!

Building a Solid Financial Plan

Money Matters Rick Hughes with

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.

Creating a financial plan is a crucial step toward achieving financial stability and long-term wealth. Whether you’re starting your journey toward financial independence or looking to enhance your existing plan, understanding the key components and strategies involved is essential. Let’s explore the step-by-step process of developing a financial plan that aligns with your goals and provides a strong foundation for your financial future.

1). Set Clear Financial Goals: The first step in developing a financial plan is to establish clear and measurable goals. Identify both short-term and long-term objectives, such as saving for retirement, buying a home, funding education, or starting a business. Clearly defining your goal will help you create a roadmap for your financial future.

2). Assess Your Current Financial Situation: Conduct a thorough assessment of your current financial situation. Calculate your net worth by listing your assets (cash, investment, real estate) and liabilities (debts, loans). Analyze your income, expenses, and cash flow patterns to gain a comprehensive understanding of your financial standing. This evaluation will form the basis for developing appropriate strategies.

3). Budgeting and Expense Management: Creating a budget is a fundamental aspect of any financial plan. It helps you track and control your expenses, prioritize savings and allocate funds effectively. Analyze your income sources and categorize your expenses into fixed (rent/mortgage, utilities) and variable (entertainment, dining out). Identify areas where you can reduce expenses and allocate those savings toward your financial goals.

4). Emergency Fund and Risk Management: Building an emergency fund is crucial to protect yourself from unexpected financial setbacks. Aim to have three to six months’ worth of living expenses in a liquid and easily accessible account. Additionally, consider insurance coverage, such as health, life, and disability insurance, to mitigate potential risks and protect your financial well-being.

5). Debt Management: Develop a strategy to manage and reduce your debts effectively. Identify high-interest debts and create a repayment plan that aligns with your budget. Prioritize paying off debts with the highest interest rates first, while making minimum payments on other accounts. Consider debt consolidation or refinancing options to streamline your repayments and potentially reduce interest costs.

6). Investment and Retirement Planning: Investing is a crucial element in wealth creation and achieving long-term financial goals. Identify your risk tolerance and time horizon to develop an investment strategy that suits your needs. Consider diversifying your portfolio across different asset classes (stocks, bonds, real estate) to spread risk. Additionally, focus on retirement planning by exploring retirement accounts like an IRA or 401k to maximize your contributions.

7). Tax Planning: Develop a tax-efficient strategy to optimize your income and minimize your tax liabilities. Understand tax deductions, credits, and applicable investment accounts that offer tax advantages. Consider consulting with a tax professional to ensure you're taking advantage of all available opportunities.

8). Regular Monitoring and Adjustments: A financial plan is not a one-time task but a dynamic process. Regularly review and monitor your plan to assess progress and make necessary adjustments. Life circumstances, market conditions, and personal goals may change over time, requiring modifications to your plan. Stay informed and seek professional advice when needed.

Granger and I have been helping people for years to develop a sound financial plan that will carry them through age 95. Developing a solid financial plan is a proactive approach toward achieving financial security and long-term wealth. By setting clear goals and monitoring your progress, we can create a roadmap that aligns with your aspirations. Each person’s financial plan is unique, so we adapt strategies to fit your specific circumstances. Start today and take control of your financial future.

Psalms 91: Stay Close To The Lord

by Jonathon Wright

There are two reasons to believe the author of Psalms 91 could have been Moses. First, Moses wrote Psalms 90. It is clearly labeled that way, and this Psalm starts a new section of Psalms (See NIV and NKJV translations of the Bible). Second, Psalm 91 does not mention Moses as the author. But many things within the text remind us of Moses and the Exodus.

Psalms 91:1 references the shadow of the Almighty reminding us of Exodus 14:19-20. An angel and a cloud led Moses and the Israelites during the day. At night, there was fire within the cloud to help them travel. In Exodus 14, the angel and cloud moved behind the Israelites to protect them from the Egyptian army. The Lord saved Israel and helped them cross the Red Sea on dry land. Surely: Psalms 91:2-10

Moses saw the power of God to protect and save. He started verse 2 with the word “Surely.” Moses wanted to reassure future generations that God was faithful. He would protect them from the fowler snare of their enemies. A fowler is a bird trapper (See Proverbs 6:5 NIV). The Egyptians tried to trap them. But God delivered them from the pestilence and ten plagues He sent upon Egypt.

The Israelites took refuge under the wings of the Almighty. He protected Israel. Moses used this imagery to give us an intimate picture of these things: a chick stays close to its mother and her watchful eyes. There is a deep sense of intimacy and protection when we stay close to the Lord. It keeps us safe from the traps of satan, our cunning enemy. Jesus taught his disciples to pray for protection from the evil one. In times of trouble, we must stay close to the Lord. We need to look to Him for the strength and direction to defeat the enemy in our lives.

The Lord protected them from their enemies' arrows, and they did not have to fear because He stood by their side. In Ephesians 6:11-18, Paul talks about putting on the armor of God so we may be able to stand on an evil day. Our faith

will shield and extinguish “all the fiery darts of the wicked one (Ephesians 6:16 KJV).” Death was all around them, but they were not afraid. They saw the destruction of the wicked Egyptians, who were trying to kill them.

God sent his angel to guide and protect them through the wilderness and into the Promised Land. The Lord heard their cries in the wilderness and was with them in their trouble. He is with us today as well. God hears the

prayer of the righteous, delivers them, and satisfies them with long life. Moses lived longer than a lot of other people in Scripture. He was 120 years of age when he died. Who knows how long he would have lived if he had not let anger get the best of him? I like how God buried Moses. He loved Moses even though he made a huge mistake. (See Deuteronomy 34:1-12).

Let’s all stay close to the Lord and see better days. It is easy to hide like Adam in the Garden of Eden when we have made mistakes. But the Lord wants us to come to Him to stay close to Him. The Lord will be with us in the day of our trouble (see Psalm 91:15-16). We will find grace and forgiveness to help in our time of need. We can come boldly to the throne of grace (see Hebrews 4:16).

Jonathon Wright has been a member of the Church of God for about twenty years. He is a graduate of Lee University and Beacon University where he earned a BA and MA in Biblical studies. He loves studying the Bible and has done so for over thirty years, but only now has God given him a desire and the opportunity to be a writer. You can find more from Jonathon at https://christianwritersbookstore.com/jonathon-wright.

His Beautiful Bride

by Kristen West

Iwatched him watch her.

The groom, already in place, watched as the bride began her walk down the aisle. She was a vision in white. Radiant – inside and out. Her eyes quickly locked with his as she continued to walk forward on the arm of her father.

Overcome with emotion, the groom cried openly as he watched his soon-to-be wife approach him. In that moment, all he saw was her beauty, her radiance, and the fact that he longed to spend the rest of his life with her. He wasn’t thinking about any of her flaws, weaknesses, or human imperfections. In his eyes, she was perfect.

Incredible as it sounds, it’s the same way God sees us in Christ today. The Scriptures refer to Christ and His Church as a groom and a bride.

“…a man will leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife…this mystery is profound, but I am talking about Christ and the church” (Ephesians 5:31-32 CSB).

As Christ-followers, God sees us in Jesus –perfectly redeemed; completely forgiven; and the sole object of His affection. In God’s eyes, we are pure, holy, and beautiful.

That’s a hard truth for many of us to wrap our finite heads around, especially when our adversary loves to remind us of our former sin, guilt, and shame. But, the beautiful truth is that all of that is immediately exchanged with forgiveness, love, and grace the moment we say “Yes!” to Jesus.

Singer Keith Green said it perfectly in his song “When I Hear the Praises Start,” “My precious bride, the day is nearing when I’ll take you in My arms and hold you…I see no stain upon you because you are

I pray that you would see yourself through His eyes today. You are His delight – chosen, deeply loved, and truly cherished.

“I am my love’s, and His desire is for me” (Song of Solomon 7:10 CSB).

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.

My child and you know Me. To Me, you’re only holy. Nothing that you’ve done will remain, only what you do for Me.”

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

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 Assembly In Messiah

195 Ashley Lane, Rossville, GA 30741

304-890-0949

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

706-866-2521

Silence Soothes the Soul

by Donald Cantrell

As most of you know, many of my stories revolve around my granddaughter and our many escapades. I have been her babysitter since she was four months old and she is now ten years old. Throughout our journey, I have learned a lot of valuable lessons from this beautiful girl.

This year has been one of the best school years for Kinsley. She is about to finish the fourth grade and launch into a busy summer, before moving onto the fifth grade. I always pick her up at school before we head for home or one of the local dollar stores, where we spend around 30 minutes on maybe’s before leaving with one item over my limit.

Oftentimes, Kinsley will get in the car, after a long day at school, and she is not in a talking mood. Over the years I finally have learned to give her space and let her rest her mind, after the strain of being in the classroom all day. If I overdo it and try to get her to talk, she will say, “I just don’t want to talk.” In reality, this is very biblical, because in all honesty, most of the time, we all “over-talk.”

A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; (Ecclesiastes 3:7 KJV).

I think we could all allow ourselves to experience more silence. It is like a soothing solace for the soul and the Bible promotes it in various places:

• Proverbs 17:28 KJV—Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: [and] he that shutteth his lips [is esteemed] a man of understanding.

• Proverbs 18:2 KJV—A fool hath no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.

• Proverbs 18:13 KJV—He that answereth a matter before he heareth [it], it [is] folly and shame unto him.

There is a time to chatter and a time when talk does not matter, but when we do talk, we should be like this twelveyear-old baseball player:

During a long and losing baseball game, the restless 12-year-old players were questioning Ritchie, their assistant coach, about his attractive younger sister. Annoyed at the idle chatter, the head coach hollered, "When you’re in the dugout, talk baseball!" After a moment’s silence, a young voice began, "So, Ritchie, does your sister play baseball?"

Sometimes, we would do ourselves justice to remain silent. It might be a healing balm for a stressful day. On that note, be sensitive to those who might need some time to unwind and allow them to enjoy the solace of silence.

Donald Cantrell is a lifelong native of Murray county and has been pastoring and preaching since 1980. He has had the honor of publishing over thirty books and his sermon material is sold all over the world by various online companies. If you visit his house any weekend in the fall you will find them watching the “Florida Gators or the New England Patriots… Chomp Chomp.”

Bright Pediatrics

Don’t settle for anything less than the best for your child’s pediatric care! At Bright Pediatrics, we make it our mission to consider our patients’ health and wellness our first priority, to provide care in a compassionate and professional manner, and to deliver the best-quality and most comprehensive pediatric care to the families we serve every day.

About Bright Pediatrics

At Bright Pediatrics, we provide world-class care with a compassionate, personal touch and total patient satisfaction. We believe each child is unique, and each requires a diagnosis and treatment plan tailored to those unique needs. We know having a sick child can be both serious and draining. For this reason, we guarantee the ability to see a pediatrician in our office on the same day when your child is sick in order to assess and resolve the issue as quickly

as possible. Please call our office ahead of time so that we can minimize the time that you will spend waiting. If you have a medical emergency during office hours, we will do our best to see your child immediately or refer you to the appropriate facility.

With two office locations—one in Dalton and one in Fort Oglethorpe—meeting your needs and the needs of your child is both simple and convenient! Our Dalton office is open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. on weekdays, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. on Saturday, and closed on Sunday. Our Fort Oglethorpe office is open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. during the week and closed on weekends. We have 18 experienced providers, each with unique individual qualifications and strengths. If a member of your family requires hospitalization, we have privileges at several local hospitals. We also accept most insurance carriers.

Our Patient-Focused Policies

We offer our patients the ability to check in online before coming to the appointment. You can now complete your basic information, insurance information, pay copays, and answer well visit surveys all in the comfort of your home!

For patients with an urgent issue that cannot wait until our offices are open, you can call our office and be connected to our nurse triage service line. It is staffed by nurses who will give you advice on the management of your child’s problem and help you decide if or when you need to seek medical care. This service is available only to our established patients. If your concern is not urgent, please wait until our office reopens to call.

Patients are seen by appointment unless an emergency arises. If you have an emergency, call the office prior to bringing your child in, since it may be necessary for you to go to the emergency room instead of the office. If you are unable to be on time for your appointment, please contact the office to inform us of your delay. It may be necessary to reschedule your child’s appointment. Please be courteous to us and the other patients by scheduling an appointment for each of your children. If you are a new patient, we request that you go to our website to register your child.

We have clear policies with regards to fevers, vaccines, and antibiotics. Fever is one method the body uses to fight infection. Unless a fever lasts for a long time or is very high, it may serve a useful purpose. However, a temperature greater than

100ºF (taken rectally) in an infant younger than 3 months old is unusual and should be reported to our office immediately. For vaccines, Bright follows the schedule outlined by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) and the AAP (American Academy of Pediatrics). Finally, when it comes to antibiotics, we work hard to not overuse them. We educate families on the appropriate use of antibiotics but follow evidence-based guidelines and don’t automatically treat ear pain or a runny nose with antibiotics. We will prescribe an antibiotic when we believe it is an appropriate treatment.

For a full list of our policies, feel free to visit our website at bright-pediatrics.com. You will also find a list of accepted insurances. Appointments are available weekdays from 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. You can call our Dalton office at 706-529-4600 or Ringgold office at 706-841-0150 to make an appointment. Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram. We look forward to meeting all your pediatric needs and making your day a little Brighter!

Mama’s Broom and the Battle of the Dirty Bottoms

by Charles Finney

In a house filled with chaos and laughter, there lived a remarkable woman named Mama. She was a force to be reckoned with, armed with her trusty broom, and a heart full of love. Mama's broom wasn't just an ordinary cleaning tool; it was her battle gear, her weapon in the never-ending war against dirt and dust.

Mama would put on her imaginary armor every morning, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. She would tie her apron tight around her waist, proclaiming it as her battle skirt. With a twinkle in her eye, she would declare, "Today, we march into battle, my army of the Lord!"

Her children would giggle at Mama's theatrics, but they knew better than to underestimate her. Mama was a force of nature. She had a special talent for cleaning out more than just dirt and dust. When her kids misbehaved, Mama's battle gear transformed into a tool of discipline. With a swift flick of her broom, she would sweep away their mischievousness and restore order in the household.

Mama's powers didn't stop there. She possessed a vast arsenal of Bible verses that she would use to encourage her little soldiers. As she scrubbed the floors, she would sing hymns and recite verses like "Put on the full armor of God" and "The Lord is my strength and my shield." Mama believed in the power of faith and the strength it provided in times of need.

One day, Mama faced an epic battle of a different kind. It seemed that dirt and dust had formed an alliance with her children's misbehavior, creating an army that threatened to overthrow her meticulously clean kingdom. The little soldiers were running wild, leaving trails of crumbs and toys in their wake.

Undeterred, Mama called upon her army of the Lord. She put on her battle gear, sweeping and singing, reciting Bible verses like a seasoned warrior. With each swipe of her broom, she conquered the invading forces of messiness. The children, intrigued by Mama's determination, joined her in the fight. Together, they created a formidable army, armed with dustpans and feather dusters.

As they battled their way through the chaos, Mama's broom became a symbol of strength and love. It wasn't just

about cleanliness; it was about teaching her children discipline, responsibility, and the importance of a tidy home. Mama's broom became a beacon of hope, a reminder that even the smallest tasks could be tackled with bravery and humor.

At long last, Mama and her army emerged victorious. The house was once again a sanctuary of order and cleanliness. The children, exhausted but proud, snuggled up to Mama, their

hero. She held them close, whispering stories of her battles, weaving tales of bravery and silliness.

The legend of Mama's Broom has lived on, passed down through the generations. It became a cherished family story, a reminder that even in the midst of chaos, a touch of humor and a heart full of love can conquer any mess. Mama's broom, her battle gear, had become a symbol of strength, faith, and the unbreakable bond between a mother and her children. It wasn't just about sweeping away dirt and dust; it was about sweeping away the worries and troubles of life, leaving behind a clean slate for love and laughter to flourish. They continued to march forward, ready to face whatever messiness life threw their way, armed with Mama's broom and the unwavering belief that with love, laughter, and trust in God, they could conquer anything.

Charles Finney—minister of inspirational Good News, retired various positions and industries, management and operational, freelance writer, author of “GrandpaGood News From The Good Feel Cornfield.” Writings are a remembrance of family, farm life and church upbringing to be a blessing to all!

The Power of Prayer in Your Marriage

by Erin Clay

Marriage is a wonderful journey filled with love, trust, and commitment. However, it can also be challenging. The stress of everyday life can take its toll on even the strongest of relationships. Prayer can be a powerful way to strengthen your marriage and deepen your connection with both God and your spouse.

Praying for Your Spouse

One way to make prayer a daily practice in your marriage is by praying for your spouse. When you pray for your partner, you are not only expressing your love and

together, you can align your hearts and intentions and strengthen your bond.

Praying for Your Relationship

Prayer can be a powerful tool in strengthening the bond between spouses, and it can also help us navigate the challenges that come with married life. When you pray for your spouse, ask God to bless them, protect them, and guide them in their daily life. Pray that they will feel loved and supported and that they will grow in their relationship with God.

Pray for your own heart and attitude toward your marriage. Ask God to help you be patient, kind, and gracious towards your spouse, even when things are tough. Pray for the wisdom to know how to communicate effectively, and for the courage to make changes when necessary. Also, ask God to bless your marriage as a whole. Pray that your relationship will be characterized by love, respect, and trust and that you will be able to work together as a team to overcome any obstacles that come your way.

concern for them but also inviting God into your marriage. Whether it's asking for guidance, protection, or strength, praying for your spouse can bring you closer together and help you navigate the ups and downs of life as a team. When you pray for your spouse, it's important to be specific and intentional. Think about their needs, struggles, and aspirations and pray accordingly. You can also pray for their health, career, relationships, and spiritual growth. Don't forget to express gratitude for their presence in your life and the blessings they bring.

Praying for your spouse can also be a way to surrender control and trust in God's plan for your marriage. It's a reminder that you are not alone in your journey and that God cares about you and your marriage. By praying

By making prayer a regular part of your marriage, you can invite God into every aspect of your relationship. This can help you stay grounded in your faith, and it can also bring you closer to your spouse as you work together to build a strong, healthy marriage. So take some time each day to pray for your relationship, and trust that God will be faithful to answer your prayers in His perfect timing.

By making prayer a daily habit in your marriage, you'll be nurturing your relationship in a powerful and meaningful way. Trust in God's faithfulness to answer your prayers in his perfect timing, and watch as He works wonders in your marriage. Incorporating prayer into your marriage can provide tremendous benefits that help to strengthen your relationship. By making it a daily habit, you and your spouse can experience improved communication, emotional intimacy, and a stronger bond. Remember to pray for your spouse and your relationship, and let the power of prayer enhance your marriage.

Erin Clay is a wife, mom, stepmom, Sunday school teacher, and travel blogger. She has lived in Rome, Georgia her whole life and loves sharing her love of the city with others through her blog.

Our Savior’s Love

by Mary Wanda Lindsey

Our Savior's love is something that I have been thinking a lot about lately. John 15:12 KJV is clear on this subject, “This is my commandment, that ye love one another, as I have loved you.” Every time I declare my beliefs, I try to remember to express how much I love our Father in Heaven, our Savior Jesus Christ, the gift of the Holy Ghost, and all of God's children. This is true. However, I'm sorry to say I don't always act as if I loved everyone.

This is how the word love is defined: Love is a feeling of deep devotion, concern, and affection. The greatest example of God's love for His children is found in the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ. Love for God and fellow men is a characteristic of disciples of Jesus Christ.

I have chosen two examples of women that I have known and loved and would like to become more like them. My first example is my mother. My mom was kind to everyone. She was gentle and loving to us, her family, but also to those around her. She had a calm and good nature, and she was a lot of fun. She would laugh with us and at herself. I never saw her angry or upset. Everyone was welcome in our home. She served not only her family well but she served where ever and whenever she was needed.

I remember her going to my grandmother's house daily to care for her before my grandmother passed away. Also, my mom cared for her sister-in-law and kept the visits secret because my aunt didn't want a lot of people to know she had terminal cancer. My mom was a true disciple of our Savior Jesus Christ.

My second example is a friend of mine. She is angelic! She is always helpful, ready to serve, and friendly with everyone. She has one of the strongest testimonies of the Gospel of Jesus Christ that I have ever known. She has a beautiful singing voice and often sings in church. Her singing always touches my heart and I cry. Her goodness shows in her countenance. My friend is a true disciple of our Savior Jesus Christ.

This quote from Russell M. Nelson is a favorite of mine, “Live as a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. Acquire

His qualities of civility and concern for others. Learn to reach out, to lift and encourage people. As you cultivate qualities of kindness, courtesy, and respect for others, your life's work will be more fulfilling than if you were to pursue goals strictly with an eye single to your own glory. Enduring joy comes neither from amassing material wealth or in doing reportable deeds. True joy comes from becoming all that you may become. Your potential for personal greatness will be enhanced as you come unto Christ and become one with Him.”

I have committed today that I will try harder to show my love. First for our Heavenly Father by keeping His

commandments and serving His children. My expressions of love for others may include being kind to them, listening to them, mourning with them, sharing the gospel with them, and being their friend. I know my love for those around me increases when I remember that we are all children of God – that we are spirit brothers and sisters. The love that results from this realization has the power to transcend all boundaries of nation, creed, and color. I pray the Lord will hear my prayer and know that I will obey His law.

Mary Wanda Lindsey loves the Lord and His people. She and her husband have been parents and foster parents. They have three children, 15 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. As a family, they have lived in 6 different states plus Toronto, Canada.

Health, Fitness, and Our Spiritual Journey

by Courtney Fox

“Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness; for your bodily discipline is only of little profit, but godliness is profitable for all things, since it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come” (1 Timothy 4:7-8 NASB).

Isn’t it so encouraging to know we were each given a unique purpose to fulfill and our Heavenly Father saw no one else better fit for the job? I pray this message inspires and motivates you to live intentionally during all the seasons of your life.

How can we incorporate healthy habits into our lives?

Give Thanks—While you have the gift in any capacity to move your body, be encouraged to do so. Thankfulness is a mindset!

Move Your Body—Find an exercise you enjoy. You can also start small and find ways to be more active while doing everyday tasks. (Take the stairs, walk to check your mailbox, go to a Zumba class, do some stretches to unwind before bed, try chair yoga, or just play outside with your family, friends, or pets.)

In 2020, Minnesota pastor David Mathis shared his thought work about physical fitness that helped blend all the pieces of the puzzle together. Our health is really so multi-dimensional. In summary, he explained five reasons to exercise:

1. To be physically fit is to be prepared to answer God’s calling in our life.

2. Deep science shows what exercise does for the brain, including the benefits of clearer thinking and increased creativity.

3. When physical stamina improves, the comparisons and similarities between how our chosen discipline of growing our faith strengthens and how confidence increases are definite and fascinating!

4. Joy can be found in exercise. We are usually happy with the outcome, and we can glorify God because He gave us the gift of movement!

5. We have increased capacity to serve others and not just live in a passive state, but to remain ready… ready to move, respond, hear, help, and love.

Stick To The Basics—These pointers might sound like common knowledge but life gets busy, and we can easily become distracted and overwhelmed. A Nashville-based podcast host mentions these pillars of success in living a healthy and balanced life: don’t underestimate the value of drinking enough water, prioritizing sleep, eating when you’re hungry, but stopping when you’re satisfied, and lastly planning ahead. For some, making lunches for the week and planning what foods your family would like to enjoy helps take the stress out of mealtimes but also provides a healthier alternative than getting takeout.

Get Your Family Involved—Make mealtimes more interesting and prevent a summer food rut. Cook in different ways: grill out, use fresh herbs, or try new seasonings or marinades. Aim to consume more whole foods and fresh meats by shopping the perimeter of the grocery store.

Let your children help cook, teach them about ingredients, and how to read a food label. Make cooking and meal prep something they look forward to.

Regarding spiritual matters, the question we are all thinking is, What Would Jesus Do? That question pertains to our physical well-being too! Jesus ate simply and from what God provided by means of fruit/vegetables/herbs, grains, meat/seafood, dairy (milk/eggs), etc. By eating more like Jesus would have eaten, we avoid processed foods and all those added sugars. With some intentional thought and decisions, healthy living is within reach and yields short-term and long-term benefits.

I hope you read this with renewed excitement for summer and truly begin to enjoy living a healthier life in Christ and for His Kingdom.

About The Author

Courtney Fox is a nurse supervisor for the Bradley County Health Department. She recently ran and completed the Chattanooga marathon! She and her husband Cory Fox are raising two beautiful girls. She enjoys fitness and prays you will too.

Sunshine Warriors Unite!

by Brenda Dedmon

We find in the Psalms a reminder of the beautiful world God made for us to enjoy. “With every sun’s rising, surprise us with Your love, satisfy us with Your kindness. Then we will sing with joy and celebrate every day we are alive” (Psalm 90:14 The Voice).

Every day we should celebrate and thank God for the wonderful world we enjoy. You can find a way to celebrate with your family and friends by having a special day to unite your Sunshine Warriors! Ask your parents if you could have a special day to invite your friends to celebrate with you and enjoy fun activities with “Yellow Day.” All activities would include “Yellow.” Below are activities to include in your day. Talk with your parents and enlist their help with Sunshine Warriors Day.

• Decide on a date and time for the event. Make “sunshine” invitations for your friends.

• Invite your friends to wear “yellow” and bring something “yellow” for the day. It may be whatever “yellow” they choose.

• Plan your decoration! The event may be outside or inside. Use yellow streamers, yellow flowers, and yellow placemats you make for snack time.

• Choose activities for the day:

1. Sunshine Snack: You will need the following items for each child. 1 Banana, Mandarin oranges, cheddar string cheese, paper plate. Slice the bananas and place them in the middle of a paper plate. Place the oranges around the bananas. Use string cheese to make the rays for the Sun. Be sure to say a prayer of thanks to God for the beautiful sunshiny day.

2. Lemonade: Provide a lemon for each person. Ask them to squeeze the lemon to get them ready for juice. Have an adult cut the lemons and squeeze the lemon juice into a pitcher. Add water and sugar to make the lemonade.

3. Game Time: Guessing Game: Provide a yellow bag for your friends to place the yellow items they brought. Ask

them not to tell anyone what they brought. Sit in a circle and say, “I am going to pull out an object. If you think you know who brought it, raise your hand.” When it has been revealed who brought it, ask that person to tell why they brought the item.

Relay Game: Divide into two equal teams. Have a starting and ending line. One person from each team will go from start to finish and back. Use the following

ideas for each person to go from start to finish: run backward, skip, frog jump, bunny hop, scissor walk. The team that has all members finish first is the winner.

4. Craft Time: Items needed: small cups, small paper plates, small paint canvases, small paintbrushes, and yellow and orange acrylic paint from a craft store. Fill small cups with water to clean paintbrushes. Pour small amounts of paint on plates. Ask each person to design their own “sun” painting.

This event would be a fun time with your friends to enjoy the beautiful sun that God made for our enjoyment.

fan.

Written by Rev. Brenda Dedmon, retired director of Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid

Once Upon A Time

by Jan Merop

That’s the way good fairy tales always start: once upon a time. With those four words, intrigue is born. The storyteller embarks on a journey with his reader to tell a suspenseful, enthralling tale, to wring out tears of distress or joy, and to sow seeds of hope while engaging the reader’s imagination.

Have we lost the art of good storytelling?

Children are so saturated with moving images that seem to fly from their thumbs or with special effects that leap off the TV screen, books are not holding the interest of the young as they used to.

However, I still find that children love to snuggle with a caring adult and hear a story. Sometimes we can read the story. Other times it’s more exciting just to tell it, like a story I heard given to youngsters at a church service.

Rather than read about God delivering the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, this pastor regaled the children with action and suspense. He had them make a mean face when speaking of the pharaoh. He had them show amazement when God parted the Red Sea. And, several times throughout the story, he reminded them that God always wins.

“If God always wins,” he asked, “whose side do you want to be on?”

“God’s!” they all exclaimed.

But, the whole point of stories is to come to a satisfying conclusion. In fairy tales that happens with the words, “They lived happily ever after.” In life, happily ever after isn’t always the case. Except…

When I read the Bible, I see God’s love, power, grace, mercy, and holiness permeate Scripture. God knows how to

work all things together for good to those who love him and are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

Therefore, “happily ever after” can be part of our lives. The 23rd Psalm, sums it up perfectly: “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness

for His name’s sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me…and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” (Psalm 23:1-4 & 6b NKJV).

Once upon a time Jesus came, lived a perfect life, died in my place, rose again from the dead, and ascended into heaven. He will come again to receive all believers and we will live happily ever after. Selah.

Jan has been writing her weekly inspirational column, Pause… and Consider, for over 30 years, joyfully encouraging others in their Christian walk. She enjoys reading, cooking/baking, sewing, and music. New to Cleveland, she and her husband Ken enjoy walking and hiking in God’s marvelous creation. They have three married sons and five grandchildren and belong to the Church at Grace Point.

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Why I Love These Lyrics

by Leah Hadder

Isn’t it wonderful to reference the lyrics of this beautiful hymn that reminds us of contentment in chaos? I was truly touched by the story of Horatio Spafford who overcame so many trials. He and his wife lost their four daughters at sea in a shipwreck. It is reported that his wife Anna felt God’s message deep inside her: “You were saved

for a purpose.” If the lyricist could still praise when feeling defeated, I know that with the Lord’s help, I can get through today! I hope it encourages you to know that no matter what -- when we walk in God’s grace and mercy -- it can be well with our souls. Trust in Him today. God has a plan, a provision, and a purpose!

It is Well With My Soul

by Horatio Spafford

When peace, like a river, attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou hast taught me to say, It is well, it is well with my soul.

Refrain:

It is well with my soul. It is well. It is well with my soul. Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul. My sin—oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!—My sin, not in part but the whole, Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more, Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!

For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live: If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou wilt whisper Thy peace to my soul.

But, Lord, ’tis for Thee, for Thy coming we wait, The sky, not the grave, is our goal; Oh, trump of the angel! Oh, voice of the Lord! Blessed hope, blessed rest of my soul!

And Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll; The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend, Even so, it is well with my soul.

Finding Joy

by Zebbie Brewster

What is joy? The absence of sadness? Do our hearts seek to find joy? Questions to ponder on this Saturday morning as I share my heart with you. I was looking over my Sunday School lesson and running references on the scripture I read. God was indeed speaking to my heart. There have been a lot of things that have been happening in my life that have not brought me joy. Maybe I need to change that thought to them not bringing me “happiness.“

Happiness comes from the conditions around us and joy comes from what is inside our hearts. The other day I finally

for so long that my fishing line was dry-rotted. That day I got one bite and caught no fish. This was one sad fisher lady! I could have been contented to just sit on the dock and feel the warmth of the sun on my face. I had set my expectations pretty high that day hoping to catch a fish. I went home 3 hours later with the same worm on my hook.

Looking back now, I see that I needed to have been more prepared. I did go back a week later to the same unlucky fishing spot. This time I had checked my line and was better prepared to catch fish. That day I used up all my worms and caught 3 nice-sized brim. They were released back into the lake to swim again. I am thankful for this quiet time God allowed me to have in His beautiful creation.

To me to be joyful as a Christian means to trust your life to God’s safekeeping. If you can’t trust God to take care of you and all that concerns you, then who can you trust?

got to go and get my park pass. With my newly-issued“Senior”-fishing license, I could – legally–go fishing. I had found about 5 worms. With my fishing pole in hand, I was ready to wet a hook. I love to fish! I even have pretty good patience to leave the line in the water watching for the float to move.

It didn’t take long to find out that I had not checked out my fishing pole very well. As I tried to adjust my float to a deeper depth, the line broke. I had not used the fishing pole

I love Psalm 51:10 KJV and the verses following, “Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit with me. Vs. 11 Cast me not away from thy presence; and take not thy Holy Spirit from me. Vs. 12 Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit. Vs. 13 Then will I teach transgressors thy ways; and sinners shall be converted unto thee.”

I am praying today that you find your true joy in trusting Jesus Christ to be your Lord and Savior. HE is so very trustworthy.

Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.

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We believe when people are equipped, motivated, and passionately engaged in living out their faith in Jesus Christ they have the potential to be world changers.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents. Christ was an activist, He did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

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Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and professional writers to stay at home moms and dads, business professionals, and others who have a desire to 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 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!

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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.

What’s Old Is New Again

by Denise M. Shahan

“Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old” (Matthew 13:52 KJV).

We marked the first year of the COVID-19 Pandemic, in March 2021, with a visit from my great-nephew. Preparing to graduate high school, he dropped by to help Jim with a technology question. He relished extending his visit with us and chatted about his plans for college. The conversation was a pep talk, a repeat of a similar discussion with his sister a mere three years before, or so I thought. Turns out, I hadn’t begun to know the extent that pep talk would reach or just how close to home it would reach.

Both siblings are exceptionally bright and capable of anything they set their minds to. “Allen, it is so exciting that you are heading into this new chapter. The world is literally at your fingertips. You can be or do anything you want; just set those goals and go for it.” I noticed his embarrassed look of humility and disbelief but continued, “I’m serious! Why, Allen, who knows? You could even find the cure for cancer…” He interrupted, “I don’t want to be like Ann (his Pharmacy School sis) and be in school for years. That’s why I want to be an electrical engineer. I’m more about making things work to carry out someone’s plan than researching the planning.” His bashful grin was irresistible! “Well, see? I mean that you can be anything you want to be. Please don’t let anyone or anything cause a diversion. Your entire life lies ahead of you. Just pray, go do it, and do it well.”

I had a few moments alone after Allen left since Jim had an errand to run. Wistfully, I thought of my own education: I earned an Associate in Science degree in 1972. My soon-tobe husband and I had a plan that I would work him through school before finishing my education. However, by the time he got through professional school, it was time to begin our family – and life happened. When the opportunity arose to attend night classes at a community college near us, I checked it out. Sadly, it would take me several years at that

rate because I still needed to work full-time. Plus, I had no support from my husband to do so. After realizing I would miss my 14-year-old and 11-year-old daughters’ high school and middle school years, I left the idea of finishing my B.S. degree work behind.

That is until I had the pep talk with my great-nephew. I wasted no time checking out programs where my passion was: creative writing. After a mad scramble to apply for

re-enrollment at the University of Georgia and Dalton State College, I was accepted.

I prayed, talked with Jim about it; and at age 69, I enrolled as a full-time online college student for summer semester 2021! I consider it a God-wink because all fell into place beautifully. After years of trying to convince my firstborn to learn without the pressure of perfection, I found I was competing with myself! I wanted to prove to myself that I could do this and do it well! My friends think I’m nuts. But, this learning experience has meant more than it would have earlier in life. I complete the degree requirements in seven short weeks, currently with a 3.9 GPA. At midDecember graduation, our family and friends will proudly cheer me on as I walk across the stage at age 71. (And available for pep talks!)

Denise M. Shahan who considers herself a “senior” senior will soon graduate college at 71 years of age. Denise, an awarding-winning writer, and her husband Jim along with their yellow labrador retriever Bailey live in LaFayette, GA. The Shahans are active members of LaFayette First Baptist Church.

Since