February 2018

Gò0dNews February 2018

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About Us WRITERS

Andrew Lee Benjamin Friberg Brent Madaris Bruce Sloan Caleb Prytherch Jack Borders John Garrod Laura Perdue Linda Ray Center Sam Blankenship Sandra Godfrey Sheriee Moneak

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offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine 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.

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Contents FEBRUARY 2018

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk 6 Love as an Obligation

GoodNews for Everyone 22 Tis the Season of Love

GoodNews for Kids 8 Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

GoodNews for Health & Fitness 24 Be My (Healthy) Valentine

by Bruce Sloan

by Linda Ray Center

GoodNews on Money Matters 10 Money and the Company We Keep

by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men 12 Being in Prison of Our Mind, Fighting the Spiritual Battle

by Sam Blankenship

by Laura Perdue

by Sheriee Moneak

GoodNews for Teens 26 Why is Love What It is All About?

by Caleb Prytherch

GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk 28 Hamilton Vascular Center GoodNews for Everyone 30 Giants in the Land Obstacles in Our Path

by Jack Borders

GoodNews for Women 14 You Are Totally Loved

GoodNews for Everyone 32 Stand By Me

GoodNews Cover Story 18 Oakwood Christian Academy

GoodNews for Everyone 34 Eulogy

by Sandra Godfrey

by Emily Bangura

12

by Brent Madaris

by Benjamin Friberg

18

GoodNews for Parents 20 R-E-S-P-E-C-T

by John Garrod

34

Gò0dNews Christian Magazine

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Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Love as an Obligation

S

by Bruce Sloan

erving as pastor in Tokyo, Japan, I observed many delightful and wonderful traditions of the people.

One was the celebration of Valentine’s Day, and the giving of obligatory Chocolate.

In Japan it is customary for only the girl to give a gift to the boy in February. The gift consists of dark chocolate wrapped in a beautiful box or paper. This gift is called Obligatory Chocolate. The boy is to respond on March 15th with White Chocolate. He is obligated to return the gift when he receives the gift from the girl.

It is different from how we observe Valentine’s Day in our country. However, it does help the boy to be reminded a month before that he has a gift to give. It also helps to know who and what to give on the day of the obligatory gift return.

The Christian community is very aware of the words of Jesus when He said: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). It is not a Valentine’s Day comment about love, but it is a reminder that

6 // February 2018

we have an obligation to love. God is the creator of all life and marks each life as one done in His image.

An obligation is a commitment to fulfill what one should morally do. For most, it is not difficult to love those people around us that we like. It becomes a challenge to honor that obligation to those we do not like or simply do not know.

We do not like to be obligated. It reminds us that we have an unfinished task or responsibility. And yet it is a commandment of Jesus that we are to be known for our love. It really is a life time work that we never finish.

In a small community in Florida where I served as pastor, there was an older gentleman and young man that lived out in the county in the most challenging conditions. There was no running water, no attention to cleanliness, and little hope for a brighter future.

The bus ministry church was able to encourage the father to ride the bus into town so he could buy groceries and his son could come to the Sunday school.

In a few months the dad was coming into the church services, but had a very distinctive unwashed odor. I could see some of the members almost pass out when he walked past their seats. Sometimes he would read the comics in the newspaper and laugh out loud when I preached.

The church was steadfast in welcoming them both. Eventually, they were baptized. Because of the father’s ongoing illness he passed away. His son told the church he had loved his dad but he did not want to live the way his dad lived, and had only stayed out of love.

In the face of all obstacles, we are as Christianity called to share God’s divine love.

Bruce Sloan is the pastor of The Ridgeview Baptist Church in Brainerd and has served as an international pastor in Japan, Peru and Lithuania. The graduate of several prestigious colleges and seminaries, He and his wife are the parents of three married children and seven grandchildren.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Love Your Neighbor as Yourself

alentine’s Day is a special time to celebrate and express love. Some think love is a choice. It’s not.

We are commanded to love. Jesus says in John 13:34, “A new command I give you; love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” The Bible shows us the way to love. Loving another means everyone, not just the people who are lovable or popular.

If you struggle with people, who are hard to love, ask God to help. It will make things easier. Mark 12:30 tells us, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.” Your heavenly Father can give you a heart like His and the strength to love people that are difficult.

The next verse is, “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Jesus said, “There is no commandment greater than theses.” The two commandments are joined together because the first is not possible without the second.

Have you ever been upset with a parent or a teacher?

God entrusted you to them.They are responsible for making rules that develop character and discipline. We may not understand their guidance, but rules protect us. Discipline teaches what is right and good. If we don’t honor people in authority or rules, we suffer the consequences.

Be kind to all. Be happy for others when they win.

Give special attention to classmates that struggle. Go the extra mile to make them feel special not only on Valentine’s Day but also make an effort every day.

Don’t judge your neighbor. They may have problems you don’t see. Whatever reason, encourage them. The Bible tells us to encourage each other and build each other up.

Encouragement delivers a bouquet of hope.

When you are in a bad mood or have an unlikeable attitude, don’t be hard on yourself. We were created to

8 // February 2018

have emotions and feelings. They are necessary, but it’s what we do with them that matters to God. We must learn to control our bad behavior with good actions. However, there is no perfect person here on Earth.

The good news is that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. We are grounded in love, and we can pass God’s perfect love to others and love ourselves.

Love God gave this command To love one another, And to love ourselves, All sisters and brothers.

As God is perfect love, He helps us to love people.

If God lives in our heart We can love others equal.

Show love to everyone, This Valentine’s Day. Ask God to help you, Extend love every day.

About The Author

V

by Linda Ray Center

Linda Ray Center is retired from a thirty-two year career in dance education. She is presently an author, poet and passionate speaker at churches, women’s retreats, and conferences. As a Bible teacher, her mission is to bring women into a deeper bond with God, themselves, and others.

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Money and the Company We Keep MONEY MATTERS WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.

N

ow we’re a month into our New Year’s resolutions,

toward a secure retirement through disciplined monthly

so it’s a good time to examine how the company we

investing? Will your kids be able to attend college without

keep influences our money decisions. How is our

taking out a student loan? How’s your net worth looking?

attitude about saving, spending, and investing influenced

The old adage “misery loves company” is instructive.

by our family, friends, and co-workers? How do our own

If we’re not careful, we may surround ourselves with

money decisions influence these same people in return? It

people who are all about instant gratification and who

has been said that “we are the average of the five people we

enjoy blaming everyone and everything else for their own

spend the most time with.” If there is an element of truth in

precarious financial straits. People who constantly tell us

this claim, then we would be wise to consider: do we spend

“Go ahead, you deserve to buy that” and “life is rough, so

our time with free-spending types who can never enter a

live it up today” and “the little guy just can’t get ahead in

store without making a purchase? Or maybe your friend

this world”—these people should be avoided or at least

group is notoriously lacking in generosity, never giving

held at arm’s length. Full disclosure here—I am friends with

away any money for any reason? If we’re not careful, we can

people like this; I am related to people like this; I work with

be negatively influenced by family and friends, falling into

people like this, and I teach or have taught people like this

money habits that are ultimately detrimental to our financial

in my college courses. I believe God wants us to be “light”

and spiritual well-being. Here’s a quotation from a recent

and “salt” to these people by modeling for them what good

posting on a financial blog that I follow: “My wife falls into

financial habits look like. With this monthly column, I hope

her old bad spending habits whenever she’s out with her

to exert a meaningful amount of influence over some of

friend Katrina. They go to the mall, slurp down $5 lattes, and

my readers’ money habits and help bolster their financial

cart boxes of frivolous new shoes into the house. It’s like a

I.Q. by sharing what I have learned in my first half century

slow-motion recurring nightmare.” To clarify, this is not my

on this earth. Since we are all doubtless influenced by

wife (she’s too busy with her career and with being a Mom

the people with whom we choose to surround ourselves,

to our three children). But we all know wives, husbands, and

wouldn’t it make sense to spend more time with people

singles who are exactly like this blogger describes. Perhaps

whom we admire and aspire to emulate, financially and

there’s nothing inherently wrong with some mindless

spiritually speaking? We are either influencing others or are

consumerism once in a while, but when non-essential

being influenced by them. We are either persuading others

spending becomes a regular lifestyle, maybe it’s time for a

or being persuaded by them. We are either acting upon

“Dr. Phil” moment—how’s that working for you so far? Are

or being acted upon. Let’s determine to be influenced and

you paying off your debts every month? Are you headed

persuaded by financially disciplined people, and determine

10 // February 2018

to positively influence those who lack financial discipline.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Being in the Prison of Our Mind Fighting the Spiritual Battle

by Sam Blankenship

’ve been a part of a jail ministry for about eighteen years now. I have been in several county jails including Bradley, Meigs, Fannin, Rhea, and Anderson counties.

I’ve seen folks who are depressed, suicidal, down, full of hatred toward themselves and to God. We, a lot of times, will blame God when we go through these types of battles. We have a tendency to blame someone or something rather than looking in the mirror.

God gives us the liberty to make our own decisions.

This is where we mess up a lot of times because we normally will try to do things our way instead of seeking out the guidance and direction through the Holy Ghost of God. We, as men of God, must get in the Word of God and stay on our knees asking for guidance and direction in everything we do.

The problem, though, is we don’t. When we don’t do it God’s way and we quit praying and reading the Bible, satan will get in our minds and cause us to start doubting and then we start getting depressed and down and that father of lies will tell us we are not anything. Let me tell you something, he is right about one thing, we

12 // February 2018

are nothing, but through God we can do anything. It is a constant battle. The old saying says, “Give the devil an inch and he becomes the ruler.”

When we go into the jails we try to encourage these folks to turn to God and give up doing things themselves and give it all to God. God is the only way you can overcome any battle you face. Let me tell you men right now, we need revival in our minds and lives and we need to fight this battle called life and we need to stand up against the attacks of the enemy and remind him we serve a God that will not back down from a fight and will defeat him any day of the week! Praise the Lord!! Cause one of these days God is going to cast satan himself into the Lake of fire and he will be defeated for good.

If you want to win that spiritual battle and get let loose from those chains of depression and doubts, fall down on your knees and let Almighty God do the fighting for you and I promise you this: you will win (1 Peter 5:7)!

About The Author

I

“Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.”

— Ephesians 6:11

Sam Blankenship has a doctrine degree in theology from the Gospel School of the Bible. He is the Youth Pastor at Philadelphia Missionary Baptist Church in Cleveland, TN, and is married with two daughters, Abby and Gracie.

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Gò0dNews for Women

You Are Totally Loved n his book, Proof of Heaven, Dr. Eben Alexander tells about waking one morning to excruciating pain.

Regardless of his best effort, pain cut through his head, into his neck, and down his spine. When Eben went into seizures, his wife called 911. Unconscious, he arrived in the emergency room.

The ER doctors and nurses went into action to save the life of their well-known doctor and friend. Their prognosis, however, lacked hope. Tests showed he had bacterial meningitis caused by E. coli virus.

For seven days,Eben lay in coma with his family committed to bringing him back to health. Around the clock they took turns sitting at his bedside, holding his hand, talking of his recovery.

They did not know that Eben, with his brain’s lining being eaten by the dreadful virus, had settled into a murky throbbing existence. Then, without active memory or bodily function, he suddenly flewinto a glorious realm. A beautiful being, beyond description, riding on something like a butterfly-colored hover board, escorted him through an indescribably majestic place. Time lost its meaning.

He gainedknowledge instantaneously. Love reigned unconditional and supreme.“You are totally loved,” the being told him.

Dr. Eben Alexander is the only known survivor of bacterial meningitis from E. coli. During his miraculous recovery, after seven days in coma, what surprised Dr. Alexander the most was his realization that people have clearer consciousness with their body and brain totally incapacitated. He spreads the word that heaven is real, that the core of the universe is built on unconditional love.

What has love got to do with it? Skip for a moment to

14 // February 2018

Jack and Mary, a young couple, married in a beautiful fanfare of wedding festivities with family and friends.

But several years into the marriage strife has gained the upper hand. They separate and plan for divorce until a very wise counselor hands them the key to togetherness: fight for your marriage, fight for love.

It took several months of hard work, researching, courting, forgiving, re-scaffolding, before Jack and Mary ironed out their problems and continued their love journey together.

Don’t you see, Dr. Alexander now insists to his listeners—love lasts forever.

Skip to Larry and Julie, now retired.

In old age they share quiet laughter, short excursions, long trips, spending money they have saved on their favorite things.

They seem to know that true love is unconditional, the fiber of the universe, the ultimate destination, the final reality, worth overcoming the base obstacles of life, and worth dying for.

January may have left us cold with all of its resolutions, but February is the love month. In areas where we struggle most,maybe we should make love our highest aim. Maybe we can learn to leave behind the lesser things. Maybe we can pray for new insights and find new ways to careproactively as our creator intended; God is love.

As Dr. Alexander discovered, at its core, life’s primary purpose is to live and move and breathe unconditional love. And as the years and eternity roll along, we might find it was well worth the high price and the struggle to give rapt attentiveness and active kindness to those God has given us to love.

About The Author

I

bySandra Godfrey

Sandra Godfrey, retired teacher, minister’s wife, and mom. Her published credits include articles in “Highlights for Children,” “Guideposts for Kids,” “World Vision,” “The Upper Room”… along with three curriculum books commissioned by Shining Star Publications. Sandra blogs at sandragodfrey.com.

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Ringgold Church Directory Baptist Boynton Baptist Church 4093 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1551 Briarwood Baptist Church 26 Ellis Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9177 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 518 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9340 Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle 4994 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4323 Cherokee Valley Baptist Church 1495 Cherokee Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-6220 Clearview Baptist Church 2183 Dietz Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-861-3430 Ebenezer Baptist Church 77 Hackett Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7970 First Baptist Church of Ringgold 105 East 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

16 // February 2018

706-891-9866 Grace Baptist Church 7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7969 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 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 Mount Pisgah 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 423-364-6164 New Heights Baptist Church 158 Ooltewah Ringgold Road

Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9838 New Liberty Baptist Church 923 Graysville Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4754 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 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 Ringgold Church of God 117 Emberson Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2056

Community Green Pasture Community Church 1008 North Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7333 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 706-935-3700

Methodist Boynton UMC 4246 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-2626 Graysville Methodist Church 502 Graysville Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9253 Lee’s Chapel Methodist Church 3253 Catoosa Parkway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-9928 Ringgold UMC 162 Sparks 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 Church of Catoosa 6141 Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-9703 Church of Living Faith

7623 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-5673 Grace Memorial Church 118 East Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7969 Venue Church 3969 Cloud Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736

423-637-7100

Presbyterian John Calvin Presbyterian Church 1176 North Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4115

Seventh-Day Adventist

Seventh-Day Adventist Church 308 Calhoun 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 706-866-9447 Battlefield Baptist Church 2011 South Cedar Lane Fort 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 of Ft. Oglethorpe 115 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232 New Manna Baptist Church 1337 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-3582 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 Tri County Baptist Temple 2864 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8843

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 706-866-2124

Church of God Harbor Faith Church of God 650 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-1737

Community

Battlefield Ministries Church 64 3rd Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9090

Episcopal

Fort Oglethorpe UMC 1733 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-1398

Non-Denominational

Battlefield Parkway Church 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9838 Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777 Cornerstone Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-1957 New Life Church PO Box 1973 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-7799 RockPointe Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-1957

U P D AT E YOUR CHURCH LISTING

Presbyterian

First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232

Church of the Nativity 1520 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9773

Methodist

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FEATURED COVER STORY

Oakwood Christian Academy

by Emily Bangura

P

eople tend to associate faith with religion and

Oakwood Christian Academy believes that Christian

knowledge with education with a firm barrier

education should involve the development of academic

between the two pairs, seemingly to say that faith

understanding, social skills, and a relationship with God.

has nothing to do with education and religion has nothing

Thus, education is a learning process whereby a child

to do with knowledge. At Oakwood Christian Academy,

develops and grows academically, socially, and spiritually.

the mission statement is “Uniting a passion for Christ with

OCA is fully accredited through the American Association

excellence in academics.” They adhere to the belief that all

of Christian Schools (AACS) and the Georgia Association

learning and training must flow from the Truth, the Word of

of Christian Schools (GACS). As such, graduates of OCA

God. Psalm 78:1 says,

are afforded opportunities for collegiate scholarships and

O my people hear my teachings, listen to the words

are equally offered availability for the Georgia HOPE

of my mouth. I will open my mouth in parables,

scholarship program.

I will utter hidden things, things from old – what

In the classroom, the teachers share three main learning

we have heard and known, what our fathers have

components to be established with Christian Influence: a

told us. We will not hide them from their children;

student’s development of appropriate social adjustment,

we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy

spiritual growth, and acquisition of academic information.

deeds of the Lord, his power, and the wonders

The teachers make a point of focusing equally on all three

he has done. He decreed statues for Jacob and

goals as the staff believes all three to be inseparable.

established the law in Israel, which he commanded

Oakwood Christian Academy strives to serve the Lord

our forefathers to teach their children. Then they

through training disciples in the ways of the Lord. Their

would put their trust in God and would not forget

educational curriculum includes service and missions and

his deeds but would keep his commands.

each year, the school and each class serve the community.

18 // February 2018

The Academy participates in opportunities such as family

kindergarten to

service days, mission trips, and other ministry outreaches.

12th grade and 5th

The classes serve on an individual basis through many

graders-12th grade

avenues such as nursing homes, missionary support, and

compete in GACS

collaboration with other ministries.

competitions. Each

OCA currently enrolls around 300 students in grades

year the elementary

Pre-K3-12th grade and their current demographics are 59%

hosts a Christmas

from Chickamauga/ Walker County, 39% from Catoosa

musical while

County, and 2% from various surrounding communities

the high school

including Dade County, Gordon County, and Hamilton

drama department

County. They have smaller teacher/student ratios, which

stages a dramatic

grants marvelous opportunities for teachers to develop the

production. Art is

whole child.

an option for 7th to

Oakwood Christian Academy is a standard-driven

12th graders and the

school. The school embraces solid Christian curriculums

students’ artwork is

such as Bob Jones University Press, Abeka Publishing, and

showcased around

Progeny Press Publishing, as well as other Christian and

the school along

secular material to achieve their goal of Biblical worldview,

with possibilities at GACS competitions. In addition to these,

seeing all spheres of study through the lens of the scripture.

technology is also being included in every grade level. Teachers

They use research-based and time-tested standards created

ensure that technology is incorporated into classroom projects

by quality sources such as National Council of Teachers of

when necessary.

Mathematics, College Board Standards, National Science

OCA has also built up a strong athletic department where

Education Standards, and National Council of Teachers of

they offer cross country, soccer, volleyball, basketball, golf,

English. In addition, the National Mathematics Advisory

baseball, and softball. The elementary and middle school

Panel recommendations are utilized as the backbone for

competes in the Independent School Conference (ISC) while

mathematics instruction at OCA. When this curriculum

the high school competes in the Southern Christian Athletic

is combined with the best practice strategies they create

Conference (SCAA). Their middle school soccer team was the

a rigorous learning atmosphere for students. Students in

ISC Co-Ed Conference Champs in 2015, 2016, and 2017. The

kindergarten through 9th grade are given the Iowa Test of

high school volleyball program has won or finished second in

Basic Skills (ITBS) and high school students can benefit from

the SCAA five of the previous six years.

dual enrollment opportunities, with opportunity to earn up to 36 college credits from Truett-McConnell University.

But Oakwood Christian Academy is not just focused on

As one of the few Christian schools in Northwest Georgia, OCA is nestled in the quaint historic town of Chickamauga that homes approximately 3,200 residents and

the academics; they realize the importance of extra-curricular

is situated on the rolling hills of Northwest Georgia at the

activities and developing more than the just book knowledge.

foot of Lookout Mountain. Oakwood Christian Academy is

They also have a wide selection of extension opportunities.

a ministry of Oakwood Baptist Church that serves students

They offer band, PE, Spanish, French, music, drama, art, and

from Pre K-3-12th grade. For more information about

technology training. The band program, beginning as early as

Oakwood Christian Academy you can visit the school

4th grade, serves the school through concerts, pep-band, chapel

website at www.ocaeagles.org.

band, and other community performances along with the opportunity to represent OCA in GACS fine-arts competition.

PE begins in kindergarten and all students participate in PE. Spanish classes are scheduled from kindergarten to 5th grade with 6th grade having one semester of Spanish and one semester of French. Spanish and French are also offered in high school as a foreign language class option. Music is offered from

issuu.com/goodnewscatoosa // 19

Gò0dNews for Parents

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

by John Garrod

few weeks ago, I had one of those moments that make parenting feel worthwhile. (I know, I know, your kids make you feel like that every day. I just don’t live in your world.) It was one of our older sons, up for a brief visit from Florida.

Somehow, we got on the topic of the relationship my wife and I enjoy. My son spoke back to me words he had heard me say apparently fairly often to him or his older brother. (That can be a scary moment; I’m lucky to remember what I said yesterday at this point.) In this case, it was a good thing.

“Dad, I can remember you telling me and David, ‘Before your mom was your mom, she was my wife. And no matter what disagreement you may have with your mom, you will always respect my wife.”

There are many things (hopefully) that you get to teach your children over time. My wife (and to a lesser amount, I) have taught our kids how to read. They learn how to cook (Attention, future prospective spouses!), and I teach them bits of other languages as we go along. I also teach them to handle firearms safely and how to respect wildlife. I don’t know where their interests might develop during their lives, and some things I teach them may fall by the wayside and be lost. Some lessons, though, are enduring, and will impact the rest of their lives.

Many of those are caught in the way that we live our daily lives. If I ensure that there is no doubt that I love my wife, that I value her as a person, as a Godgiven mate, as a perfect complement to me as a man, then I model that behavior for when my kids later say

20 // February 2018

“I Do” to someone. When I speak blessings and praise and honor to, over, and about her, I am setting a bar for them to meet. If I esteem her worthy of more attention than the attractive young lady that walks by our table in a restaurant, I send a message to my sons as to how they should respect their wives, and to my daughters as to what they should expect (demand) in any prospective suitor. In return, my wife speaks honor

and love for her husband, in words and deed, before not only our children but the world around us.

Respect should be taught, and in the culture of this present day, if it does not come from us, the only version of it that the world will see is a warped sense of idol worship for athletes, entertainers, and public personalities that do not honor God with their language or their lives.

About The Author

A

“Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.”

— 1 Peter 3:7

John Garrod is a husband, father of 6, student at Cleveland State Community College, and member and discipleship teacher at South Cleveland Church of God.

Church Activities & Events Poplar Springs Baptist Church Bible Study

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New Liberty Baptist Church Men’s Prayer Ministry Tuesday’s at 10AM Call (706) 937-4754

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Tis the Season of Love

by Laura Perdue

22// February 2018

When was the last time that you can recall during an argument you had an opportunity to be very angry but chose love over being right or let’s say your spouse did something wrong and instead of putting the action in your back pocket to eventually use as ammunition your chose to let it go and not to bring it back up again? I am sure if we were truly honest with ourselves it has been a while because the hustle and bustle of life and, honestly, technologyhas made us forget of how to communicate with and love others especially those closest to us.

With February being the love month, I want to challenge all couples to make this the month of putting the word “love” to action! Make sure you spend this time and month truly practicing what Corinthians 1:13 says. What better example than the word of God, the true love story, to mirror our marriages after and be a light to those who have lost hope.

About The Author

I

was reflecting over the past few weeks of how often I hear the word “love” used in a sentence, a song, or in general conversation between people every day. Then it hit me. Have you ever just sat back and wondered just how powerful the word “love” is and, when used, the impact it can have on others especially concerning the area of our marriages and spouses?

When I think or hear the word “love”,my mind always go back to Corinthians 1:13 that says,“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. . . And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

In marriage, how often do we find ourselves truly displaying the true characteristics of love?

Laura Perdue I am 39 years old and married to my best friend, Brian Perdue. God has truly blessed us both and I could not imagine life without my prince, My promise. Brian and I reside in Marietta Georgia and serve on the ministry team of Fivestones Church in Canton, Ga.

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Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

Be My (Healthy) Valentine

n the 14th of this month, many will celebrate the loves of their life with plush teddy bears, long-stemmed roses, and oh-so-tasty treats. You know the ones with heart-shaped velvet boxes filled with unpredictable chocolates that please the tummy and warm the soul.

Before Alzheimer’s disease reared its ugly head, my precious grandmother, an evangelist who ministered the Gospel for many years, remembered to check her mailbox every year around this time. Gleefully, she would find a small 8” x 8” package stocked with mixed nuts, crackers, and soft peppermint. I’d tuck in a handwritten note that read, “From my heart to yours.”

As you are aware, that carefully appointed organ we call our heart carries and pumps blood through arteries (or blood vessels). Less known, is that research has found a direct link between clogged arteries and gum disease. “Much of the progression of plaque [building up in the arteries] is actually an inflammation process,” says Dr. Robert Bonow, past president of the American Heart Association.

Inflammation of the gums is called gingivitis. Gingivitis is a mild form of gum disease. The good news is that it can usually be reversed with twice-daily brushing, flossing, and regular cleanings by a dental hygienist. In addition, here are a handful of more heart-healthy dental habits:

Skip the Ice — Well, not entirely, but chewing on ice can be pretty harmful to teeth and gums. Ice munchers often get cracked or chipped teeth, damage to tooth enamel,

24 // February 2018

and/or problems with existing dental work like crowns and fillings.

Brush Smarter, Not Harder — Brushing too aggressively or using a firm toothbrush can wear down teeth and gums over time. Tip: Try an electric toothbrush that will pause when it detects hard brushing.

Get Your Daily Servings of H2O — Drinking lots of water stimulates the production of saliva, which naturally helps to kill bacteria.

Up the Nutrition — Among other things, poor nutrition can lead to gum inflammation. It is very important to maintain a nutritional diet that includes vitamin C and folic acid, which are active contributors to healthy gums.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep — Exhaustion and stress causes the body to release cortisol, which is linked with inflammation of the gums.

Not long after my grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, the most common form of dementia, I sought information on its prevention. Currently, there is no cure or reversal of its progression. But of course, prayer can change anything.

You, too, can find victory in prayer because God wholeheartedly loves you. And remember this as you subscribe to these five heart-healthy dental habits: Love never fails!

About The Author

O

by Sheriee Moneak

Sheriee Moneak is the author of 101 Ways to Ruin the Enemy’s Plans for Your Life (available on Amazon.com).

Originally from Birmingham, AL, she’s an encourager who is currently pursuing a career as a dental hygienist.

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Gò0dNews for Teens

Why is Love What It is All About? t’s February and we know that what comes with the month of February is this thought and idea of love. It seems that when a person thinks of February, people tend to immediately think about hearts, the color of red, roses, candy, and love. Why do we tend to associate the idea of love with the month of February? For me and I’m sure most other people think this way because of this “special holiday” called Valentine’s Day. Now this day is not a bad day, but often times it is used in a way that it can become overrated from what it really is. It seems like Valentine’s Day can turn into a competition of who can win that girl or who can give the best gift, etc. It seems that we have become obsessed with this idea of love, often believing that this is what love is all about. A person may look at Valentine’s Day as the greatest day to love another person and they give their very best only on that day, rather than giving their very best any other day out of the year as well. We become so focused on giving love or our very best for one day of the year, that we often miss out on giving love the entire rest of the time.

Even though we often view love in a way for fulfilling our wants/desires, the fact of the matter is that true love is not about ourselves at all. True love doesn’t even have to involve finding that special someone; rather true love should be about giving your all and giving your very best.

I cannot begin to describe how much I am loved and how often I tend to fail at giving back the love that I have been so freely given. Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners,

26 // February 2018

Christ died for us” (NIV). Christ’s demonstration of love is the greatest demonstration of love that one person could ever have or experience. Christ gave his life, He died, gave it all up, selflessly, just so you and I could have an opportunity to live freely for eternity. This kind of love that Christ gives is indescribable and is something that I tend to take for granted every single day.

Not only do I take for granted the love that Christ has shown to and given to me, but I also do not show that same kind of love like I really should to those that I come into contact with every single day. You see, true love involves self-sacrifice; it involves showing kindness even when you don’t want to; it shows a helping hand and a willing heart that will give the absolute best, at all times. True love shows people who Jesus is and it allows others to see that Christ is the one who lives inside of you. Showing and giving true love is not an easy thing to do, but is an absolutely necessary thing to do. In order to be the people that God has called us to be, we must show the love of Jesus Christ to all people, at all times, no matter what. I pray that you would live a life that shows others who Jesus truly is and that you would love with everything that you have, because it is Christ who has given you the very best, so you should go and do the same. Love is not about us; rather it is all about Him, not for our glory, but for God’s.

This is what love is all about.

About The Author

I

by Caleb Prytherch

Caleb Prytherch is the student pastor at Heritage Fellowship Church of God in McDonald, TN. He is a graduate of Lee University and is also a graphic designer. He is married to his beautiful wife, Bekah and together they have a passion to see people lives be changed and transformed through the power of Jesus Christ.

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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk

Vascular Center

A Yes

No

Yes Yes Yes Yes

No No No No

re you at risk of developing vascular disease?

Answer these five questions to learn more.

grow. Eventually, the aneurysm can get so large and its wall so weak that the blood vessel ruptures, and severe internal bleeding ensues. Rupture of a AAA is usually fatal.

The only way to prevent aneurysm rupture is to find and fix the aneurysm before it ruptures as they usually have no symptoms.

Someone in my family has/had vascular disease I am (or was) a smoker I am more than 50 years old I have high blood pressure (hypertension) I have high cholesterol

What is carotid artery disease?

If you checked YES for one or more of these risk factors, you may be atrisk of developing vascular disease.

What is vascular disease?

Vascular disease refers to conditions that affect the blood vessels in the body. The most common vascular diseases are peripheral arterial disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, and carotid artery disease.

What causes vascular disease?

A number of factors influence a person’s chances of developing vascular disease. The two most common avoidable causes are smoking and diabetes. Family history and environmental factors play a much smaller role, and some diseases have no clear cause.

What is peripheral arterial disease?

Peripheral arterial disease, or PAD, is caused by a buildup of cholesterol and plaque that cause blockages in the blood vessels. These blockages limit blood flow. While most people know that blockages of this type can affect the coronary arteries on the heart, blockages can also affect other major blood vessels limiting blood flow. This most commonly occurs in blood vessels that go to the legs, but can also occur in the arteries to go to the brain, the internal organs, and the arms. PAD is a very common cause of leg pain that occurs when walking and gets better with rest.

Severe PAD can also lead to non-healing wounds and can lead to amputation.

Carotid artery disease occurs when a blockage develops in the major blood vessels to the brain. If this blockage becomes very severe, it can cause a stroke. The majority of strokes in the United States are ischemic strokes caused by lack of blood flow to a part of the brain. Many strokes can be directly related to severe disease in the carotid arteries in the neck.

How is vascular disease diagnosed?

Evidence of vascular disease can be found during a physical exam. Vascular disease is one of the many reasons it is important to see your doctor regularly for physical exams. Testing for vascular disease may require a visit to a specialty testing center, but testing is typically quick and painless.

Are there other diseases that affect blood vessels?

Yes. While diseases such his PAD, AAA, and carotid disease are seen most commonly in vascular surgery offices, there are many other conditions that can affect blood vessels. Venous disease with varicose veins is a very common condition that is most often treated by vascular surgeons. Inflammatory conditions of blood vessels also exist but are relatively uncommon. Vascular surgeons also play an important role in the management of hemodialysis patients.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm, or AAA, is an enlargement of the largest artery in the abdomen. It occurs when the blood vessel wall weakens and allows the blood vessel to

28 // February 2018

About The Author

What is an abdominal aortic aneurysm?

Michael Hartley, MD, and Hector Dourron, MD, of Hamilton Vascular Center develop treatment plans for those with vascular disease. Treatments include lifestyle changes, medication, and if needed, surgical procedures to repair an aneurysm or restore blood flow.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Giants in the Land Obstacles in Our Path

any of us are familiar with the story in the book of Numbers where God instructs Moses, “Send out for yourself men so that they may spy out the land of Canaan which I am going to give you.” Moses sent out men with instructions to see if the people are strong or weak, few or many. Is the land good or bad? Are the cities open or fortified?

Is the land fat or lean?

The spies returned and reported to Moses and Aaron that the land flows with milk and honey. They brought back grapes, pomegranates and figs. The spies went on to report that people in the land are strong and are giants, saying, “We are like grasshoppers in their sight.”

As a result of giants in the land, and forgetting that God promised to give them the land, the sons of Israel wept that night grumbling to Moses and Aaron, “Would that we had died in Egypt! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to die by the sword?”

Apart from the grumbling and complaining, the spies’ report was accurate. There were fruits and figs in the land and it was a land flowing with milk and honey. Further, their report was also accurate that there were indeed giants in the land. However, two of the spies, Joshua and Caleb looked beyond what they saw with the eyes and chose to focus on God’s promise recorded in Numbers 13:2 that He was going to give them the land.

It seems that whenever God calls us to do something, there is a giant blocking our path. The giant’s challenges are usually accurate when they remind us that we are not smart enough, experienced enough, or qualified enough to carry out God’s plan.

The giant currently in my path is the giant called Alzheimer’s Disease. In 2014 my wife and best friend was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s. This is truly the most difficult trial we have ever faced. The giant is correct in his taunts that I am not qualified or patient enough to care for

30 // February 2018

an Alzheimer’s patient. But like Joshua and Caleb, I must look past the giant and focus on what God has called me to do.

Alzheimer’s does not release me from God’s command for me to love my wife as Christ loved the church (Ephesians 5:25). It does not release me from my covenant agreement to love my wife for better or worse, sickness and in health, til death do us part.

As my sweet wife and I continue on our journey, we must continually remind ourselves that God was not caught off guard by her diagnosis. He will remain faithful to us even when our plans and His plans seem to be worlds apart.

Our hopes, dreams, and plans for the future have vanished.

There is no more “normal”. Each day is different than the last, and sometimes each hour is different than the last. The caregiving strategy that worked this morning may not work this afternoon.

The Apostle Paul referred to trials of this life as “momentary light affliction”. When we consider Paul’s resume, it includes beatings, being thrown in jail, stoned and left for dead, shipwrecked, snake bit, not to mention his concern for the churches he felt responsible for.

Paul goes on to explain that the momentary light of this life is producing for us an eternal weight of glory. Like the spies, what we see does not always line up with God’s promises. We must choose if we are to believe what we see and feel, or are we going to cling to God’s promises.

Trouble will come our way, yet God is not caught off guard. God is not surprised. We must remember that God is always faithful and keeps His promises.

May we have the faithfulness that Joshua and Caleb exhibited, standing on the promises of God, to be willing to face the giants in our path based on faith and trust rather than circumstances.

About The Author

M

by Jack Borders

Jack Borders is a husband, father, grandfather, caregiver, television producer, and a tired old story teller living in Cleveland, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Stand By Me

by Brent Madaris

32 // February 2018

that the stone was rolled away and that Jesus was gone. She immediately ran back to Peter and John to tell them. They all ran to the tomb and discovered that Jesus was indeed gone. Peter and John went home and Mary remained. Jesus stood by Mary.

Another point in this passage that I want you to see is that Jesus may come to us, in our sorrow, in ways not immediately recognizable (“She, supposing him to be the gardener”)…therefore we must always be on the lookout during our broken hearted times lest we miss him. He may come to us in the form of a “gardener.”

Also, he may come to us in ways seemingly small and yet meaningful. It was one word that gave Mary the ability to see him for who he was.“Mary,” her name.Oh to hear him call your name.

In the sea incident above, the recognition came when they obeyed the stranger ( Jesus), though it seemed foolish casting the net on the other side. In the Emmaus Road story, it was merely the breaking of bread, something that he had done on many occasions with them, that caused them to see (in this seemingly insignificant act) the hand of God! For my friends in Christian service, remember that in the midst of the fruitless service, he will stand by you. Did you know that in the Gospels, the disciples never catch fish without Jesus’ assistance? Read Luke 5:4-7 and Matthew 17:27. May God help all Christian workers to listen to Jesus and know that he stands with them in their service.In the midst of persecution, Jesus will stand by you.

About The Author

I

n the midst of the storms of life, God will stand by you! Mark 4:35-41 shares the first of three nature miracles in Mark. It is significant that two of the miracles are related to storms at sea. The Lake of Galilee was particularly susceptible and prone to sudden storms; it sits in a basin with mountains surrounding it. A strong wind can get in that basin and swirl around violently. Do you ever feel that your life is prone to sudden storms?

Just because you are in a storm, that doesn’t mean that you have done something wrong. These men had done nothing wrong and besides that, Jesus was in the storm too! But perhaps, you say, I have done something wrong and I am in a storm. God has given up on me. Wait a minute. What about Jonah? God loved Jonah; he sent the storm to bring him home to himself !

In the storm, it may seem like Jesus doesn’t care, but oh how he cares! Mark 4:39 utilizes the following words:“Rebuked” the wind - (ἐπετίμησε) - It means to admonish or warn forcefully - Expressing strong disapproval - I wish I could have heard the words he used! Perhaps it went like this, “What do you mean rising up like this and scaring my men; you ought to be ashamed of yourself.” And Jesus said to the sea “Peace” “Be Still” - (πεφίμωσο) - It means to be quiet - be muzzled — to be or become silent, conceived of as an animal’s snout or mouth becoming fitted with a device to prevent it from opening. This is what Jesus can do to the storms in your life.

Also, considerthat in the midst of a broken heart, he will stand by you. Here is the story of the Resurrection of Christ. Mary went to the tomb early and discovered

Brent Madaris is the Pastor of New Haven Baptist Church in Summerville, GA. He is also a Family Nurse Practitioner.

He has a Master of Divinity from Crown Seminary and is currently engaging Doctoral studies at Pensacola Theological Seminary.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Eulogy

T

by Benjamin Friberg

he purpose of this article is to help anyone who is asked to give a eulogy at the funeral of a friend or family member. Simply put, a eulogy is a

collection of memories, thoughts, and reflections offered in tribute for a loved one. The uniqueness and content of a eulogy often comes from the relationship of the person who is writing the eulogy with the honoree they are writing it for. A family member writing a eulogy will be different from one created by a colleague or a fishing

Career Accomplishments:

Usually, a close co-worker will offer this eulogy. This eulogy highlights the honoree’s role in their workplace.

It describes how they fit in amongst their colleagues and how their personality added to the work environment.

Friendship:

This eulogy is offered by a close friend. Close friends know us like no other. Just like a spouse, they’ve seen

buddy. If, by chance, you’re ever called upon to offer a eulogy, here are five common focuses that will help you compose a meaningful tribute. Keeping your focus in mind can help you avoid getting overwhelmed.

Life’s Journey:

This is typically offered by a close family member who is informing the audience of the personal history of their loved one. This eulogy serves to outline a tour of the loved one’s life.

Family:

This eulogy is typically offered by an immediate family member. This is often one of the most emotional and joyful collection of memories of all the different types of eulogies, a son for his mother, a daughter for her father, or a grandchild for their grandparent.

Personal Accomplishments: The speaker chooses to highlight certain

accomplishment or activity of a loved one. A grandson

the good and bad and love us for who we are. A eulogy provided by a close friend is a wonderful gift to the immediate family and all who have come together to honor the passing of a loved one. Sharing the treasures of your friendship with others will further commit the honoree’s legacy in the hearts of everyone forever.

may reflect on a special recipe his grandmother baked each Sunday for church, a comforting tradition in the hobbies, volunteer work, passions, values, and lessons they instilled in others.

34 // February 2018

About The Author

eyes of the grandson. Other focuses could include Ben Friberg has worked at Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory for 15 years. He currently serves as the Managing Partner. Heritage Funeral Home & Crematory was founded by Ben’s father, Russell Friberg.