Gò0dNews
About Us
WRITERS
Beth Godfrey
Candyce Carden
Carl W. Corser
Chris Yarber
Filip Brunner
Garrett Nudd
Hayden Lanier
Lori McAfee
Dr. Rob Debelak
Stephanie Daniels
Stephanie Evans
Tammy Madden
Thomas Morrison
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Paula Knipp
423-310-4207
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
GoodNews Christian Magazine Catoosa
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us 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!
Disclaimer
All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
Safe and Found
by Chris Yarber
My grandmother went home to be with the Lord around 2:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 11, 2025. I love sharing her name. Her name is Garnetta. She’s the only person I know named Garnetta. Gathered with family for those few days before her visitation and funeral was a sweet and tender reminder of the fond memories made in that home in Abingdon, VA. In our younger years, my brother and I would ride with our parents to play with our cousins, to enjoy part of our summer together.
One of our favorite games – hide and seek! Now, you do not need a lesson on how to play hide and seek, but there are many ways to play this one game. This is how we would play hide and seek at Garnetta’s house: one person counts to 50 (at least), while the others run and hide. Once
you have found a hiding spot, you may not move unless you are caught by the person counting. When you are caught, you may run to a pre-selected “safe zone.” Once in that safe zone, you could not be touched. A safe zone could be a flower bed outside, a certain bedroom, or even a wall. There’s one wall in my grandparents' basement that has the creepiest picture of four clown heads. You’re reading that right. Four clowns, all with different faces, their heads are floating and touching one another in this painting. Apparently, this photo is necessary for the home’s structural integrity because we are still, to this day,
not allowed to take it off the wall. Even though this photo frightened us as children, if that wall were the safe zone, we would run to it because it meant we were safe.
As kids, we thrive in the comfort of safety. When we know we are secure, we are our truest selves. When trust has been hurt, love has been lost, and betrayal has left its scars, we withdraw, understandably so, closing in. I would say, not much changes as we journey to adulthood. No matter your age, you thrive most when you can say, with confidence, “I am safe.” Insecurity can enslave us. Safety becomes what we chase after and will do almost anything to grasp.
What if I were to tell you there is a person you can walk with daily who will never disappoint you, never make you feel unsafe? In fact, in Him you will find life, life to the fullest. In John 6, a crowd of over 5,000 people meets Jesus. He had just got done feeding them all, in one sitting, starting with five loaves of bread and two fish (that’s what we call a miracle).
In verse 37 of John 6 ESV, Jesus speaks these words to this crowd, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” As I visited different commentaries while studying John 6, most of the commentaries summed up this verse using two words: ultimate security. To abide in Jesus is to live in assurance; when you come to Him, He will never cast you out. If you find yourself today with the desire to be found, known, and loved, first, I’ll say, welcome to the club (that is all of us). Secondly, give yourself to be led, taught, and ruled by Him. Through surrendering and ongoing abiding, every insecurity is met. We have one job: to behold Him. It’s what Garnetta taught multiple generations. Because of her faith, I am safe and found in Jesus.
Chris Yarber is married to his beautiful wife Maigan. They live in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Chris serves as the Student Minister at Rock Bridge Community Church in Ringgold, Georgia. He finds great joy in pointing the next generation to Jesus. He loves the mountains, cool weather, and spending time with his wife.
dNews for Everyone
Home
by Hayden Lanier
Any time I go on a trip, I always look forward to returning. Although I enjoy my time away, I look forward to going back to the place I call home. I may see dazzling sights and behold beautiful sights of God’s creation. I most likely was able to eat some delicious and unique food. Sometimes, I get the opportunity to meet and interact with new people. I usually have a great time and enjoy any chance I am fortunate enough to go on a “journey” of any sort. But this reality does not negate my longing for home.
Though the landmarks may be stunning, to me, they pale in comparison to the lush green woods surrounding my house and the music of the birds singing in the tall trees above. The food away may be great, but even more, I delight in the comfort of a home-cooked meal with my family gathered around our kitchen table. Although I see many different people when I travel, I do not love them the way I love my family and friends and want to spend time with them. Traveling is great, but in my humble opinion, home is greater. Such an attitude, I believe, is comparable to the life of a Christian. We experience joys and pleasures in life. We enjoy the gifts God has given us: music, friendship, the array of colors in a sunrise, the bliss and wonder of childhood. But we enjoy even the most joy-filled gifts knowing
that they will not satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Experiences and people cannot do this; God alone can satisfy. Our temporary stay here on earth is saturated in a longing for home. We are but pilgrims, strangers, or exiles here. As Christians, we are members of another Kingdom. We are citizens of Heaven, our true, eternal home. This is why we can only experience joy and peace in Jesus. He came that we might have life and have it more abundantly.
So now, as we live, we live with this knowledge in mind. We live knowing that we were made for another place. We were made to know and dwell in God. So we experience Him on earth, walking with Him daily as we look forward to the day when “the dwelling place of God [will be] with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God” (Revelation 21:3 ESV).
C.S. Lewis helped shine a light on this idea. He famously wrote in Mere Christianity, “If I find in myself desires which nothing in this world can satisfy, the only logical explanation is that I was made for another world.” Furthermore, in his final installment of Narnia, The Last Battle, Aslan—who is Christ in the series—said this when the characters entered the “True Narnia” of eternal life: “The term is over: the holidays have begun. The dream is ended: this is the morning.”
Enjoy life, but remember that all the joys we experience are but shadows of the true joy. These glimpses of Heaven are not meant to fulfill us but to create an insatiable longing for our real home where we will be finally and fully content.
See www.setyourmindabove.wordpress.com for this article and more from Hayden Lanier.
Hayden Lanier attends Shorter University and works at Cave Spring Baptist Church. You can find more of his writing on his blog, setyourmindabove.wordpress.com.
AMedicare Scams Are on the Rise—What You Need to Know Money Matters
Beth Godfrey with
s you approach Medicare eligibility, it's important to be informed—not only about your coverage options but also about the growing number of scams targeting seniors. Unfortunately, we are seeing more and more misleading calls, postcards, and mailers from companies pretending to be affiliated with Medicare. Here’s what you need to know to protect yourself and your loved ones.
Medicare Will Never Contact You
One of the most important things to remember is that Medicare will never call, text, or email you asking for personal information or to sign up for coverage. If you are already receiving Social Security benefits, you will automatically receive your red, white, and blue Medicare card about three months before your 65th birthday. If you are not yet drawing Social Security, you will need to apply for Medicare online, by phone, or at your local Social Security office. You will not be contacted to do so.
Some people who still have group coverage through an employer may receive a Medicare Part B card (which typically costs $185 per month). If you want to delay Part B because you have group coverage, you can simply sign the back of the card and send it back.
Beware of Fake “Medicare Appointments” and High-Pressure Tactics
Scammers and aggressive call centers are reaching out to people turning 65, falsely claiming that a Medicare appointment has already been scheduled for them. Some postcards even mimic the look of official Medicare materials, using red, white, and blue designs or wording that causes confusion. Always read the fine print—it usually includes a disclaimer such as “not affiliated with or endorsed by the government.” Remember, Medicare is a government program. Any organization claiming to be “Medicare” but pushing you to act immediately, requesting personal information, or offering a plan you “must enroll in now” is likely a scam.
Work With a Local, Trusted Broker
Choosing Medicare coverage should be a personal and informed decision—not something made under pressure from an unfamiliar voice over the phone. That’s where we come in. At Hughes Retirement Group, we take a personalized approach to Medicare planning. We sit down with you and review everything from your doctors and medications to your travel plans (how that affects plans) and medical history. We never make decisions for you—we provide education, guidance, and the tools you need to choose the plan that best fits your needs.
We are here for you year-round—not just during enrollment season. Whether you have a question about a new medication, need help with a claim, or just want to stop by, our doors are always open. You’ll never be routed to a call center or have to speak with someone who doesn’t know your name or your story. At Hughes, we treat you like family.
Say “No Thank You” to Scam Callers
If you receive a phone call offering a “great new plan” that you might qualify for, the best response is simple: “No, thank you.” Then call us. We are happy to review any new options that might truly be available—and to do it face to face, with your best interests in mind.
The Annual Election Period Is Coming
The Annual Election Period (AEP) is right around the corner. This is your opportunity to review your current Medicare coverage, explore any new plans for 2026, and make sure your prescriptions and providers are still covered. If you'd like to get on our calendar to discuss your options, give us a call today. At Hughes Retirement Group, we are committed to helping you navigate Medicare with confidence. From the day you first apply to the day-to-day support you need, we’re here for you every step of the way.
Choose Hughes—Because Your Future Matters.
Retirement planning is the process of determining how you can meet your goals through the proper management of your financial resources.
Tax planning should not only assess your tax situation at retirement and in the present, but also look towards the future.
Social security strategies are various approaches that an individual may take to maximize their social security benefits.
There is more to Medicare than meets the eye. Making the best decision for your situation at age 65 is one of the biggest retirement decisions one may make.
Estate planning is a key element of a successful financial strategy. It ensures you will leave a legacy that provides for your loved ones by properly protecting and distributing your wealth according to your wishes.
If you're ready to take the next step in your retirement planning journey, call (423) 664-4203 today to explore your
My Own Path to Jesus
by Filip Brunner
Coming from a communist country, I was exposed to evolution-driven atheism. Atheism was the default norm; there was no comparison. Initially I was exposed only to my grandfather’s teaching about the historical Jesus. But God used progressive revelation of Himself to convince me of His existence, His preeminence, and my need for atonement through the blood of His Son, Jesus. Even as a teenager, I realized that evolution had no or at best very little scientific basis. Evolution is only a poorly constructed philosophical, ideological construct, not based in fact. Evolution uses a question which is answered by another question which is answered by yet another question. But, the foundational question of evolution; where did all of the matter and energy needed to build the universe come from? Cannot be answered by evolution. Matter and energy are something and something cannot come from nothing. Something has to have an origin. Something which had an origin has to have an ORIGINATOR. That Originator has to be transcendent, self-existent, outside of space/time. So, I understood that a supreme being has to exist in order for all of this (the universe, etc.) to exist.
My next step in finding who this being was brought me to the study of mythology. What intrigued me most was this concept that gods and goddesses could have offspring. Which brought me to my grandfather’s teaching about the historical Jesus. Was there more to Jesus than historical evidence that Jesus existed?
Fast forward to when I was 17 or 18 and living in the USA where I had access to something I could compare with atheism and evolution. It was at Faith Baptist Church that I learned, not just about the historical Jesus, but about creation and The Living Word of God through Whom, and for Whom everything that is, was created.
I came to the conclusion that if creation is true, then the fall of mankind and the depravity of mankind is true too.
And the gift of God, in the form of the Lamb of God, and the invitation that Jesus gives: “I stand at the door and knock…” was also true. It was from that knocking at the door of my heart that I realized several things. First, there are only two choices when someone knocks on the door, ignore it or open it. Second, I have never known my earthly father, I was not wanted by him; but my heavenly Father not only wanted me but loved me (John 3:16).
Salvation is an invitation by God to a lost sinner to relinquish their sin and desire to sin, in exchange for an edict of pardon, sonship (adoption), and eternal life. Jesus was knocking on the door of my heart and then gave me the will and power to open the door unto Him. At that moment, I came face to face with EMMANUEL. Jesus shed His blood on the cross. That is His part of the equation. I said,“Come in.” That is my part in the equation of the atonement and Jesus became my substitute. And, I have walked with Jesus since the age of 18.
Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children. He is a writer, author, and artist.
Misty BOLT MEET
Misty found herself led to insurance, and specifically to Medicare. These unique
experiences shaped Misty and fueled her drive to succeed for others. She is relentless in her fight to help those in need. Today she does so through her business,Medicare Misty, which helps people navigate the confusing world of Medicare.
dNews for Women
God Is Everywhere—Even on Vacation
by Stephanie Daniels
One of my fondest memories is the family cruise I took last year. We spent seven unforgettable days visiting Turks and Caicos, the Dominican Republic, and the Bahamas—enjoying incredible food, fun activities, and breathtaking views. I had never seen anything quite like the sights there! And I got to experience all of it with my family. Family times make the best memories. And the best opportunities for life-changing lessons.
While cruising in the warm weather, I noticed a man on board wearing a sweatshirt that read God is everywhere! My first reaction was to wonder why anyone would wear a sweatshirt in such heat, but as I reflected on the words, I realized the message was deeply profound.
Too often, people tend to leave God at home when they go on vacation. They don’t read their Bibles. They skip prayer. And, they treat vacation as a time off from their relationship with Him. But this shouldn’t be the case. In fact, it’s during these restful moments that we should make space for meaningful time with God.
Remembering that God is everywhere gave me a great sense of peace—especially as I stood on my balcony, gazing out at the vast, endless ocean. Seeing God in the little things in life is truly rewarding. He was present in the clouds, the sunshine, the smell of salt in the ocean, the sounds of the waves, the wonderful meals, the smiles of the people around me, and in the rest and relaxation I experienced during this time.
John 8:37 NIV says, “I know that you are Abraham’s descendants. Yet you are looking for a way to kill me, because you have no room for my word.” We should take a lesson from the religious leaders long ago. Jesus reminded them that they had no room for His word.
Vacations can be filled with shows, excursions, delicious meals, and nonstop entertainment. We certainly enjoyed all of that during our seven days on the cruise. Yet as believers, we must remember that God is always with us. His Word promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV). Shouldn’t we commit to the same? We can say, “Father, I will never leave nor forsake You.”
During my vacation, I made it a point to begin each day with prayer and spend time reading the Word. I also shared the goodness of God with others I met.
We are blessed to be a blessing. Vacation offers us not only rest but also opportunities to witness to others and sow seeds— whether through encouraging words or acts of generosity.
One of the best parts of traveling is meeting new people. Each conversation becomes a chance to share the good news of the Gospel. You can remind someone that God is omnipresent—He is everywhere, in every moment. He is also omniscient—all-knowing and filled with infinite wisdom. And He is omnipotent—the all-powerful Creator and source of all strength.
So, the next time you go on vacation, have fun, make memories, and don’t forget—God is everywhere!
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
5994 N Hwy 27 Lafayette, Ga 30728
706-764-2212
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
Lakeview First Baptist Church 10 Hudson Street Rossville, GA 30741
706-861-4262
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 Rossville,Street 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 265 Poplar Springs Rd, 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
Hope Fellowship 2000 Twin Cedars Rd
Chickamauga, GA 30707
hopefellowshipepc.org
Morton Memorial
560 Red Belt Rd.
Chickamauga, GA 30707
706-338-7176
Seventh-Day Adventist Battlefield Community SDA Church 96 Hillman Lane
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-861-5999
Lookout Mountain SDA Church 6083 Hwy 157 (Atop Lookout Mtn) Rising Fawn, GA 30738
Ringgold Seventh-Day Adventist Church 124 Kittle Street
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-3741
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
Christ First Church 5994 N Hwy 27 Lafayette, GA 30728 (706) 764-2212
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
Liberty Baptist Church 1334 Johnson Rd.
Chickamauga, GA 30707
706-375-3859
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
Catholic
Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church 1227 Scenic Hwy, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
706-820-0680
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
Cowboy Church of Lafayette 196 County Line Rd, Rock Spring, GA 30739 423-596-7227
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
Beyond The Slap Of The Old Screen Door
by Carl W. Corser
The slap of the old screen door? What comes to your mind when you hear these words? Have you ever wondered why parents don't teach their children to shut the old screen door softly as they enter the house? In preparation for writing this article, I spent some time asking different individuals the question, "What happens, beyond the slap of the old screen door?" To my surprise, I received twice as many negative responses as positive responses.
I began mulling over the responses. It doesn't have to be this way within our homes. Atmospheres, beyond the slap of the old screen door, do not have to be negative. How can couples change the atmosphere within their homes? Is it really the unknown zone, “”Beyond The Slap Of The Old Screen Door”?
On a joyful day, a couple comes to their wedding, full of hope and excitement. They are ready to pledge their commitment to each other. Then comes the honeymoon, then home to begin their new life.
Then the slap of the old screen door begins to tell the tale of the atmosphere that is beginning to develop. The first spat occurs. The next action that can be observed is the slap of the old screen door all of a sudden becomes louder and longer than normal. Why did it sound different? What makes the louder and longer slap so offensive?
The screen door is for keeping the unwanted critters out. So, maybe we should apply the same principle of the use of the old screen door to our marriages. So, how, when, and how often did the slap volume and its length of the old screen door change?
The couple’s new home is supposed to become a secure place, a place where confidentiality and privacy are important, and so much more. When all of this changes, will the slap of the old screen door change?
How about looking at it this way: The couple has either left the old screen door open or they have failed to repair the hole that has developed in the screen. In either circumstance, the couple has ceased to guard their marriage. They’ve allowed the critters of dishonesty, cheating, anger, selfishness, or any other type of marriage-destroying critter to enter and destroy their
marriage, thus causing a change to develop in the slap sound of the old screen door.
How can we alleviate the loud and long slap of that old screen door and refresh our marriage?
First, we must realize that it doesn’t have to stay this way. Secondly, it will take a commitment from both individuals to enable change. Thirdly, both will have to begin respecting one another again. Fourthly, and probably the most important change, is to ask forgiveness of each other.
We must remember the awesome ability of God's love and how He can change the atmosphere and the old screen door slap noise.
Let's keep our marriages safe from critters that love to get in and do damage, much faster than we realize. May we become better stewards of our marriages, keeping the old screen door shut and or in good repair. Things will happen, but if we are diligent in our marriage protection, the critter damage will be minimal, then God takes care of the rest for us.
A beyond-the-slap-of-the-old-screen-door atmosphere is every couple's responsibility. This responsibility can't be delegated to any other repairman. May we all check our hearing and make sure we are hearing the actual loudness and the length of the slap of the old screen door on our marriage dwellings.
Carl Corser is an ordained bishop, author of a devotion book, “Living Past Sunday,” business owner, farmer, author of a devotion website, carlcorser.com. Carl has pastored several churches.
Profits made from hosting events go back into maintaining the 144-acre property, caring for its many animals, and hosting public events for the community to enjoy that often assist local non-profits in fundraising efforts. This venue welcomes aspiring photographers with it's affordable photoshoot passes, as well as free fieldtrips for the local schools, and it's many community building endeavors.
Willow Tree Farms
609 POST OAK ROAD, RINGGOLD, GEORGIA
Willow Tree Farms in Ringgold, GA welcomes you and your loved ones for events at their venue that now boasts two event spaces as of 2025. Both locations on the property include all their beloved outdoor amenities for activities as well as all their outdoor wedding arbor options. The Pavilion holds anywhere from 75 to 150 guests, depending on if you expand the space with their 20ft x 40ft garden party tent. The 609 Indoor Reception Hall can hold up to 300 guests, includes a large built-in bar, two apartments with a catering kitchen and overnight accommodations inside, and a beautiful wrap around porch for first looks, private vows, or a cocktail hour. These event spaces include tables, chairs, and benches along with several add on options of yard games, a propane firepit, and so much more!
Bloom in Faith: Bloom Bible Bookstore & Floral Boutique in Chattanooga, TN
Bloom Bible Bookstore & Floral Boutique is not your typical Christian store—it's a way to bring Jesus back into your everyday life.
This flower shop is ready to make your events and special occasions even more tender and significant. You’ll find a full service shop for weddings, events, funerals and bouquets for any day that calls for one. Same day delivery is offered as well as a monthly subscription that can include a bouquet, a devotion, and other options for your selection. The selection includes items for men,women, and children including books, paintings, journals, toys, clothing, and accessories, even Bibles plus free Bible engraving!
What makes this particular shop worth the trip and different from the rest? Faith!
Every item, bouquet and delivery comes with prayer. Certified florist and owner, Nataliya Shipley explains, “This business is built entirely on faith. There have been countless moments when I questioned whether I was on the right path. Many tried to dissuade me, and there were times I almost talked myself out of it. Despite attempts from the enemy to derail me, God has demonstrated His power through each challenge.
“Bloom represents God’s redemption and restoration. There’s a tragic story associated with our store’s location, which I won’t delve into, but it perfectly illustrates what God does—He takes the broken and tragic and transforms them into something beautiful. It reminds me of Brandon Lake's song ‘Graves into Gardens.’
“The vision for Bloom came from God, and every piece fell into place through Him—our location, the ability to leave my job to pursue this dream, and the help that has come my way. God has made everything possible.
“It all began when I noticed a growing number of people turning to God, prompting me to research. I discovered that Bible sales had risen for the first time in history. Historically, Bible sales have declined, but last year marked our first spike, with a 22% increase, most of which were new Bible purchasers.
“Nearly all Christian stores faced closure due to Covid, yet I cannot take credit for my findings; I believe God revealed this to me because He knew I was bold enough to take action. Combining my passion for flowers with my love for Jesus has been the greatest blessing—truly a manifestation of God's grace. The power of prayer is real,
and I’ve witnessed it work time and time again. With every event and bouquet, we will cover the flowers in prayer.“
Bloom is not just a charming Christian gift shop or a way to earn a living; it is a ministry that meets a significant need in our community, bringing Jesus back into homes and enriching daily lives. Every day holds promise and something special. Flowers and gifts help us celebrate those days whether it’s a beginning, an anniversary of something significant or the hope that something significant remains to be seen.
Nataliya shares, “My journey began when I surrendered my life to the Lord on August 24, 2024. Growing up in a church that was very legalistic shaped my perspective significantly. For instance, during our summer day camp, children were “tested,” and based on our choices, we were told we could end up in heaven or hell. I ended up in hell because I let the gypsies put makeup on me. As I waited in hell for my parents to come, I could see my sister celebrating in heaven, enjoying a feast because she passed all the tests. Later that evening, I returned home to the uncomfortable reality of my parents being hidden alcoholics, which left me feeling conflicted. Additionally, I witnessed my mother endure emotional and mental abuse from my father.
“These experiences led me down a path that many Christians take—I decided that faith wasn’t for me, and I was unsure of what I believed. Eventually, I reached a point of debilitating anxiety that forced me to isolate and heal. What felt like a challenging time in my life turned out to be a living testament to Genesis 50:20: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Amid crippling anxiety and being a divorced single mom, I began to heal; in fact, God started working on me long before I made Him the Lord of my life.
“I don’t feel deserving of this opportunity given my past, but God has bestowed His grace upon me, granting me more than I could ever deserve.
“In this world, we are navigating through the valley of the shadow of death, with the enemy lurking around, seeking to lead us astray. We invite you to visit our store, find items that will uplift you and your family, or simply stop by so we can pray with you.“
Plan a visit to the store at 1201 Broad Street Chattanooga TN 37402. Call (423) 704-5224 for orders or inquiries or shop the website www.bloombiblebooks.shop. You’ll be glad you did and tell them the folks at GoodNews sent you!
Gò0 dNews for Everyone
Between the Cherubim (Psalm 80)
by Dr. Rob Debelak
“Hear us, Shepherd of Israel...You who sit enthroned between the cherubim...” (Psalm 80:1 NIV).
Moses received two gifts at Sinai: God’s Law (Exodus 20) and the blueprints for modeling heaven’s worship space (Exodus 25-40). The first piece of furniture listed for this Tabernacle was the Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:10-22). A wooden container, the Ark conservatively measured two and a half feet long, a foot and a half wide, and a foot and a half tall. The interior and exterior were overlaid with gold. Moderate in size, beautiful in appearance, and beyond measure in value, it served to embody or house the stone tablets of the Law. A cover of pure gold rested on top as a lid (the Mercy Seat), forming a throne. A golden cherub (a winged, angelic creature) was positioned on each end of the cover. These two beings illustrate worship but are never worshipped themselves.
The Sovereign LORD alone is exalted. Regally distinguished, He is flanked by attendants. From His royal seat, the King communicates His will in word and deed (Exodus 25:22). It was here that God spoke with Moses (Numbers 7:89), and here, in the space between the two angels, the blood of forgiveness was silently applied each year (on the Day of Atonement; Leviticus 16:11-17). Eternally enthroned between the wings sat the Righteous One, Who uttered holy justice and extended incomparable grace.
The replica built in Moses’ day made an indelible impression. From a mobile Tabernacle in the wilderness to an established Temple in the Promised Land, God was reverently described as the One Who ‘dwells between the cherubim.’ During Samuel’s ministry, people knew God by this reference (1 Samuel 4:4), and the title is mentioned in King David’s era (2 Samuel 6:2). Stressing holiness, Solomon’s ornate Temple elaborates the Tabernacle design by surrounding God with winged guardians (1 Kings 1-8). The psalmists thus petition the everlasting Monarch, citing the place where He could always be found...between the cherub’s wings (Psalm 80:1, 99:1).
Prophetic testimony is infused with this sense of heaven’s living reality. The LORD commissions Isaiah
as angelic beings serve around God’s throne (Isaiah 6). Majestic praise is rendered to the Creator dwelling between the wings (Isaiah 37:16). Ezekiel, too, encounters the living God encompassed by His holy attendants (Chapter 10 and Chapter 41).
Centuries later, the LORD chooses this depiction of heaven’s landscape as the backdrop for the capstone of redemptive history. On resurrection Sunday, a lone woman peered into an empty tomb (John 20:1, 10-12). She saw two angels – one on each end of the place where the body of the crucified Jesus had been laid to rest. The empty space between the angels spoke volumes—He had risen! By word and wonder, He communicated a clear message of redemption (Exodus 25:22; John 20:13-18).
Likewise, Luke records the ascension from Mount Olivet in similar imagery (Acts 1:9-12). As the exalted Jesus departs toward heaven, two ‘men’ clothed in white are present. Spotlighting the message in the Lord’s actions, the two messengers alert listeners of similarities to look for when Jesus returns. Paul features these parallels in his encouraging reminder to believers—the Lord will certainly return, accompanied by angels (ll Thessalonians 1:5-7). With such powerful imagery, the inspired revelator (John) need only mention the Ark’s appearance to convey the grandeur and awe of God’s presence (Revelation 11:19).
Remarkably consistent throughout Scripture, God has, is, and will communicate from a sacred space between the wings of the cherubim.
Dog Days of Summer
by Candyce Carden
Toward the end of July and into August, I experienced feelings of malaise and unease. When I shared my thoughts with a friend, she bluntly asked: “Why?”
Why indeed? I didn’t have a concrete answer, so I dismissed her question by saying, “Oh, just the dog days of summer, I guess.”
I heard that phrase for years, but didn’t know what it meant, so I researched its meaning. The Dog Days of Summer references a period of hot and humid weather during July and August. This scorching phase of the year coincides with the rising of Sirius, the Dog Star. Sirius is the brightest star in our sky other than the Sun.
But the real question was why I felt the way I did. At the start of summer, I eagerly anticipated the joy-filled days of the season. Why should a period of dry, sultry heat disrupt those positive vibes?
A Restless Soul
The term restlessness sums up my mood. Writers of the Bible describe restlessness as inner disquiet. Unease is another term used. Restlessness is the opposite of rest. When our soul is restless, it is not at rest.
“Why are you in despair my soul? And why are you restless within me?” (Psalm 42:5; Psalm 42:11; Psalm 43:5 NASB)
The psalmist asks himself these questions three times in Psalm 42 and 43. Clearly, he felt troubled. I understand why he sought answers. Inner disquiet is a hard thing. Bible commentator Andrew MacLaren points out the psalmist is questioning himself as to the reasonableness of the emotions churning in his soul. MacLaren concludes by saying, “Our moods and emotions need to be examined and governed by a higher self.” Was my restlessness unreasonable? I couldn’t identify a specific cause for it, so maybe. I finally took my restlessness to God.
Four Valuable Lessons
God led me to the source of my restlessness during my “Dog Days of Summer.” He also instilled four valuable lessons. I. It’s okay to be vulnerable.
I had a couple of major disappointments this summer that I didn’t deal with. Instead, I ignored them. I swept them under the proverbial rug and kept on trucking. Maybe I feared accepting them made me vulnerable.
II. Feelings of unrest don’t make us less Christian.
I need to acknowledge and evaluate my emotions, including disappointment. I had so many things for which to be thankful that I suffered guilt about my agitation. Restlessness may signal a warning we need to pay attention to, so let’s examine our feelings. During a sermon I heard a while ago, a pastor said our restlessness may be God stirring our soul, calling us to something different.
III. Waiting can be a good thing.
I hate waiting. Impatient for my familiar feeling of contentment to return, I rebelled and turned from God, which only added to the inner turmoil. Waiting with God is to rest in God. And rest is the opposite of restlessness.
IV. Jesus desires to share our burdens.
He tells us so throughout Scripture. In one of my favorite verses, He invites us to share His yoke, follow His lead, and rely on His support. This is the one true path to rest and contentment. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls“ (Matthew 11:29 ESV).
Have you ever wrestled with unsettled feelings? How did you handle them? What did you learn?
With permission, this article was adapted for our format from Candyce’s blog, www.candycecarden.com.
Gò0 dNews for Kids
Back to School with God by Your Side
Summer fun is winding down, and it’s time to sharpen pencils, pack backpacks, and head back to school! Going back to school can bring lots of different feelings—maybe you're excited to see your friends, nervous about a new teacher, or curious about what you’ll learn this year. Guess what? God cares about all those feelings and promises to be with you every step of the way.
Even when school feels big and busy, you don’t have to face it alone. The Bible reminds us in Deuteronomy 31:6
NKJV, “Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid...for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” That means no matter what your school year looks like, God is with you in the classroom, on the bus, during recess, and even during spelling tests!
Doing Your Best for God
School is a place where you learn and grow—not just in math or
reading, but also in how to treat others and handle challenges. Every day, you have a chance to show kindness, patience, and respect. When you do your best, you’re actually honoring God.
Colossians 3:23 NKJV says, “And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men.” So, whether you’re solving a hard math problem or helping a friend, do it with a cheerful heart—like you're doing it for God.
Making Good Choices
There might be days when it’s hard to do what’s right. Maybe someone is being unkind, or you’re tempted to give up when something is hard. That’s when it’s extra important to remember what God says in Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” God can help you make wise choices—just ask Him! He loves when you talk to Him in prayer, even about small things like a pop quiz or a friendship problem.
You’re Not Alone
One of the best things about school is that you’re never alone. You have classmates, teachers, maybe even brothers or sisters around—but even better, you have God with you all the time. Try starting your morning with a simple prayer like this: “Dear God, thank You for this new school year. Help me to be brave, kind, and do my best. Walk with me through every class and help me to make good choices. Amen.”
Fun Ways to Remember God at School:
• Tape a small Bible verse in your pencil box.
• Say a quick prayer before lunch.
• Write a kind note to a classmate.
• Keep a journal to write down what you're thankful for.
Gò0 dNews for Life
Summer
by Tammy Madden
Summer. What a beautiful time of year! As I sat out on our porch tonight with my beautiful 23 year old daughter (who is special needs and more like a ten year old), along with my five year old granddaughter, I began to think back to a much simpler time in my life. My mind goes back, back to a ten year old me. I remember how we would play in the woods all day from morning until night only coming home for lunch and we knew when it was supper time. There were no cell phones. There was no cable TV. There was no “Siri.” There was no “Alexa.”
We just enjoyed each other's company, the five of us. Mom had three girls and two boys. We didn't worry about Nikes or Fila or Skechers or any name brand anything. We were happy with what we got. Sitting on that porch took me back to eating popsicles on a hot summer day and playing in the hose water along with drinking from the hose all day. We didn't have bottled water. If someone had suggested bottled water, we would have laughed wondering what that even was! I remember us kids catching lightning bugs. Yes, they were not called "fireflies," simply lightning bugs. What wonderful summers we had back then. We would run to our neighbors garden and "steal" his rhubarb. (He knew all along we were getting it. LOL.) We would pick cherries off his cherry tree and lay in the yard trying to figure out what the clouds looked like. We each had a different opinion!
Then my mind went to many years later on August 1, 1992 when we finally pledged our love to each other after seven years of being together. It was another beautiful summer night. Somehow I knew God was building His plan.
We began to think about babies. My dream was to be a mom. We tried and tried. Doctors told us it would never happen. Then on September 15, 1995, I rededicated my life to the Lord. But my husband wasn't ready to give his life to God yet. I prayed and prayed and then on May 13, 2001 it happened! He kneeled at the altar and gave his life to the Lord! And yet again, it was another beautiful summer night in July of 2001 when we found out I was pregnant. God is so good!
Then my mind fast forwards to the 16 and 17 year old me. The me who fell in love with my now husband. We would take long walks at night just holding hands and enjoying each other's company. Again, no cell phones or technology. Just the love we had for each other. I remember sitting in his car at night just talking about our future and looking at the beautiful stars. God already had plans for us that neither one of us could see yet. Oh, how wonderful the world was with no AI or technology.
It was like Sarah in the Bible. Sarah was sure her time was up but God gave them a son. Issac was his name. I wonder how many summers Sarah and Issac sat out and gazed at the stars on a summer's night.
I'm just so grateful that God gives us beautiful summer nights and I just felt the need to share some of mine.
My name is Tammy Madden. I live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful daughter named Megan.
for Discovering More
MORE THAN Stories
by Garrett Nudd
Ilove stories. Every evening we sit around the dinner table as a family and share stories about our day. There’s something about sharing a story. Stories move people— they move people to believe, change, and grow. Stories move people to love.
Over the years I’ve learned a sad and unfortunate truth. Most people view themselves as less than. Less than they are. Less than others see them. And less than God designed them to be.
I’m not a psychologist or psychotherapist. And I have no formal training in how to help people feel their best.
Who am I? I am a husband to my wife, Joy. She loves me beautifully, and after a quarter of a century, I still can’t figure out why, but I’ll go with it! I’m a father to three strong, beautiful, spirited daughters. And most importantly, I’m a child of God.
Last year I published my first book. And during the process, I did a lot of reflecting. I realized the less-than perception we often have of ourselves is contrary to everything God stands for and every promise He’s ever made. If only we could see ourselves through His eyes. If only we could see why He loves us and how He loves us, I think everything would change, especially how we feel about ourselves. And how we feel about our own stories.
The truth is, when you think you’re less than, God says you are MORE THAN. When you think you are less than, God says you are His.
“Oh, I love you beyond your wildest dreams,” God says. “Make no mistake about it.”
“I wish you could see yourself the way I do.”
“I wish you could see yourself the way I created you.”
My life story is fairly ordinary. But as I’ve reflected, I’ve discovered countless times when God has shown up in the simplest moments and revealed Himself as MORE THAN.
I was raised right, by most standards. And I’ve lived mostly right, by my standards. But I’ve wrestled with God. I’ve tried being in charge. I’ve tested Him. And I’ve tried calling His bluff. I’ve denied Him, turned my back on Him, and more than once I’ve given up and thrown in the towel.
But every time I’ve found Him waiting there at the end of a chapter in my story with the most beautiful words, “You are MORE THAN.”
In the Gospel of Luke, the prodigal son returns home to a father who is outside in the driveway with his arms open wide ready to welcome him. That’s MORE THAN. He doesn’t just wait for his son to come to the door. He’s looking for him. And when he sees him, he races toward him. That’s MORE THAN.
No, I haven’t squandered an inheritance on gluttonous and frivolous pursuits, and I haven’t dined on slop with swine. But more than once I’ve been the prodigal. And I bet you have too. Sometimes it’s gotten pretty uncomfortable. In my own MORE THAN journey, I’ve discovered that God is pushing me to give MORE THAN—more of myself, more of my time, more of my talents and resources, and more of my heart. Even when I felt I had nothing more to give, He’s challenged me to give more. But you know what? That’s giving MORE THAN. And that’s what He’s given me.
I’ve come to understand when God gives us MORE THAN, He expects us to give MORE THAN so others can experience MORE THAN too. Did you catch that? It’s big. Go ahead and read it again. It’s okay—I’ll wait.
Got it? Now let’s go.
Garrett Nudd serves as director of communications for AdventHealth Georgia. His recent book, MORE THAN: Discovering How Your Story Reveals God’s Beautiful Truth About You, challenges readers to shift their paradigm from less than to MORE THAN.
for your Taste Buds
Quick and Easy One-Pan Chicken and Veggies
Guess which month is most popular for moves and relocations? August! Here’s a quick and easy recipe perfect for those hectic moving days when you need a nutritious and satisfying meal without much fuss. This one-pan chicken and veggies recipe is not only quick and easy but also packed with protein and nutrients to keep you energized during the moving process. The minimal cleanup and simple preparation make it an ideal choice for those busy, transitional days. Enjoy a wholesome meal without the hassle, and keep your move stress-free!
Ingredients
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 pound baby potatoes, halved
• 2 cups baby carrots
• 1 cup broccoli florets
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the chicken breasts with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, then sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken, rubbing it in to coat.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large mixing bowl, combine the baby potatoes, baby carrots, broccoli florets, and bell pepper slices. Drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
4. Assemble the Pan: Place the seasoned chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the vegetables around the chicken, spreading them out in a single layer for even cooking.
5. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish and Serve: Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of flavor.
Tips for Moving Day:
1. Prep Ahead: If you know you’ll be busy on moving day, prep the chicken and vegetables the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, so all you need to do is pop them onto the baking sheet and into the oven.
2. Use Disposable Baking Sheets: To make cleanup even easier, consider using disposable aluminum baking sheets. This way, you can toss the whole thing once you’re done, saving precious time and effort.
3. Portable Meal: This meal is perfect for packing into containers and eating on the go if you’re in between homes or need to take a break during the move.
4. Customizable: Switch up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Zucchini, cherry tomatoes, or green beans are all great alternatives.
Woven Thread of Love
by Lori McAfee
Woven by the Creator’s glorious hand, Intricately threaded every stitch and every strand.
Praise be to the Lord!
Woven fearfully and wonderfully, graciously adored.
Thread by thread without exception, Marvelous works stitched to perfection.
Woven and securely tethered,
Love threaded the needle of scarlet infinitely measured.
For all mankind, the sacrifice paid.
A mysterious treasure, the world to illuminate.
Woven strands of two are better than one, Despite unraveling, tattered, and torn, Designed to complete the tapestry of life,
An array of colors, delicate and divine. No single thread can fulfill the work of art.
Friendship’s elegant hand lifts the heart.
Tangled as one shall cease to proceed,
Intertwined as two empower the stitch to victory!
Oh, the strength in cord of three, The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit dwell within me.
Woven and intertwined will complete the eternal tapestry, Crafted by the skilled weaver intentionally.
The unseen confess
Vast colors mingled and unified reveal a mess.
A masterpiece of skilled workmanship, Woven by hand with a firm grip.
Remnants of scarlet thread reveal: Love was woven for each thread so surreal. The masterpiece was given at such a price,
The Eternal Tapestry, woven with threads, complete in Jesus Christ.
McAfee, author
John Norman, MD
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery; Joint Replacements of the Knee and Hip; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions, Sports Related Injuries & Pediatric Injuries
Jim Lashley, MD
Fellowship Trained in Orthopedic
Spine Surgery
Specializing In:
Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Injuries to the Back, Neck & Spine; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Related Injuries
Mitch Frix, MD
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery;
Joint Replacements of the Shoulder & Knee; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries
Nick Reed, MD
Fellowship Trained in Sports Medicine & Arthroscopic Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Hip, Knee, & Shoulder
Joint Replacements of the Shoulder
Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries
Mike Wilson, MD
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery;
Joint Replacements of the Knee and Hip; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of General Orthopedic Conditions & Sports Related Injuries
D.J. Goss, DO
Fellowship Trained in Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Surgery
Specializing In:
Arthroscopic Surgery of the Foot & Ankle; Joint Replacements of the Foot & Ankle; Surgical & Nonsurgical Treatment of Sports Related Injuries of the Foot & Ankle
for Seniors When Ladybugs Say Hi!
by Stephanie Evans
As an elderly single woman after a late-life divorce, I learned to keep myself company and keep moving. I get outside at least once a day, if weather permits, and when relatives gifted me with a much-appreciated car, I started driving to stores for supplies or just stopping by local frozen yogurt or custard shops when I can afford dessert.
(Incidentally, when I didn't have a vehicle postdivorce, I rode the Cleveland Urban Area Transit System city buses, which serve the Cleveland area on several routes from early morning to early evening. It's a great and affordable way to travel locally Monday through Friday).
But one lonely Sunday night stands out in my memory now. (First, let me clean the cream soda off my eyeglasses and floss this turkey sandwich away. There. That's better).
Anyway, that night—I stopped at one of my favorite frozen yogurt shops and parked my car to sit with myself and enjoy vanilla-cherry amaretto. In front of my car, about ten feet away, yellow and black caution tape surrounds a small depressed square full of gravel and broken pieces of old asphalt. (We feel ya!) The cool autumn breeze trembles the plastic warning. Then the breeze settles, gracing that tape into a curve. (Was that God, smiling at me? Yes, I think it was).
Dusk turns the day gray and solemn. Cars whoosh by steadily on the recently-repaired four-lane behind me. I try to call one friend--busy and unavailable. At that point, I feel like one line of a couplet.
A piercing car alarm disturbs my daze, then quickly shuts off. I remember my former family, when we used to watch our television shows and laugh together or go to church and serve Communion or take our children to class and nursery, when I was a happy mother of children.
But my children are grown and on their own, as they should be. I miss the old days sometimes--even the old
cradle phones and land lines. And yet I enjoy and appreciate new technology that lets me get nearly-instant photos and texts and calls from family, even when they travel long distances. I just got photos of my granddaughter on a first school field trip. My heart melts and I rejoice at the festive colors and happy faces. Now I'm a happy grandmother!!
Anyway, let me get to the ladybug! That Sunday evening, everybody I know was busy—or maybe just worn out from the workweek. But God is God and never wears out. I look down while my warm car turns that pink and white frozen treat melt-y around the edges. (Yum!) I look up and see ten gentle raindrops on my car's front windshield. I knew God saw me. Maybe He wept with me. “Thank You,” I say.
As I got ready to leave the parking lot, a coral ladybug touched down on my driver's side window. “Wow!” I thought. “A ladybug!” With tiny wings and vibrant colors, she flew away with my despair. I flew home to my next good book. (Hooray!! Another good day!!)
Stephanie Evans is a retired newspaper reporter/library clerk. She is a mother and grandmother, She enjoys semi-sweet iced tea with just about everything! One of her favorite verses is John 3:16-17.
Gò0dNews
Mission Statement:
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.
Writer Guidelines:
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!
Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com
Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.
Carbs Do NOT Make You Fat!
by Thomas Morrison
Dr. Atkins was wrong. Eating excess calories makes you fat—not excess carbs. In 2001, the medical journal Obesity Research published “Popular Diets: A Scientific Review,” where they reviewed every study ever done on lowcarb diets and concluded, “In all cases, individuals on high fat, low carbohydrate diets lose weight because they consume fewer calories.” In line with this same thinking, health writer Anthony Colpo dug up every metabolic ward study he could find comparing low-carb to high-carb diets. Unlike free-living studies, where participants can choose what they want to eat and try to recall it later, in a metabolic ward the caloric intake of the low- and high-carb participants is tightly controlled. And in these studies, 100% of the time, it was shown that at the same caloric intake, low-carbohydrate diets offer absolutely no fat-loss advantage whatsoever. When it comes to weight loss, calories count—every time, all the time.
Insulin: The Storage Hormone
Unfortunately, Dr. Atkins sought to convince us that carbs were the enemy because they raised insulin levels. Insulin is the “storage” hormone the body releases to help shuttle the nutrients you have digested into the muscle and fat cells for storage. If insulin levels are high, we are in storage mode and not burning fat. Therefore, not only Dr. Atkins but many other diet gurus have blamed high insulin levels from carbohydraterich foods for making us sicker and fatter. The problem is… it’s just not true.
Protein Raises Insulin Too
What Dr. Atkins and those promoting lower-carb eating have failed to mention is that insulin is raised by protein foods too! Research in which study subjects serve as their own controls, for example, shows that under fasting conditions, a quarter pound of beef raises insulin levels as much as a quarter pound of straight sugar! Low-carb diets suggest eating foods like beef and cheese instead of “dreaded” high-carb foods like pasta, but a single burger or just three slices of cheese will boost insulin more than almost two cups of cooked pasta! That’s why a more whole-foods, plant-based type diet is encouraged, because the insulin levels, weight, and overall health of those following that is consistently better than those following anything else.
Diet Comparisons
A study done at Tufts, for example, compared four popular diets for a year. They compared Weight Watchers, The Zone Diet (moderate carb), the Atkins Diet (low carb), and the Ornish Diet (high carb). Only Ornish’s vegetarian high-carb diet showed a reduction of 27% in insulin levels—even though the Zone and Atkins Diet were supposedly designed for that purpose!
Other studies show that a high (70%+) carb diet combined with a 15–30-minute walk each day not only results in weight loss (if the calories are reduced) but also lowers blood pressure, cholesterol, and insulin levels as well—exactly the opposite of what those promoting low-carb diets would predict. One study showed such a high-carb vegetarian diet reduced the need for insulin by diabetics and cured most pre-diabetics of insulin resistance in just three weeks!
Blue Zones
The longest-lived peoples in the world live in five regions called “Blue Zones.” These people are notable because they have no problems with weight gain—even into old age—and none of them eat low-carb. In fact, all of them eat high-carb and mostly vegetarian diets.
So don’t fall for the low-carb mantra of “carbs make you fat.” Carbs aren’t the problem, and insulin isn’t either. Understand that your body was built to move, and that carbohydrates from plant food are a source of fuel you were designed to eat, and you will do well.
Thomas Morrison is the Fitness Coordinator at Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, GA, where he has served for the past 25 years.
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