Gò0dNew s
L-R: Andrea Nelson, Community Relations Director; Jennifer Willingham, Director of Nursing; Melissa Bartlett, Executive Director
About Us
WRITERS
Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson
Brian Johnson
Carl W. Corser
Charles Finney
Garrett Nudd
Hayden Lanier
Lindsey Hughes Kiker
Dr. Rob Debelak
Spring M. Fricks
Stephanie Evans
Steve Knapp
Tammy Madden
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.
You Can’t Order Salvation from Amazon
Ephesians 2:8–9 KJV: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
by Charles Finney
Beloved, in this digital age we’ve gotten used to ordering everything online. Groceries? Shipped. Shoes? Delivered. A singing trout plaque? Yes, even that. You can get vitamins, vacuums, and vacuum-sealed venison. Some folks don’t even go to the store anymore— just click, swipe, Prime, boom—blessed by Bezos.
I came by to tell somebody: You can’t order salvation from Amazon.
No sir. No free shipping. No “Holy Ghost in two days or less” package. This ain’t something you can put in a cart and track with a code. The only “tracking number” that’ll matter is whether your name’s in the Lamb’s Book of Life! Salvation Ain’t for Sale
Let’s get this straight—salvation is free, but it ain’t cheap. It cost Jesus everything. You can’t pay for it with cash, card, Klarna, or Camel Bucks. You can’t Afterpay your way into heaven. You might be able to buy a treadmill with four easy payments, but grace don’t come in installments.
Jesus didn’t die so you could subscribe. He died so you could be set free.
You can buy a “Jesus is my Co-Pilot” bumper sticker online, but that won’t make Him Lord. You can even order a glow-in-the-dark Bible, but that don’t mean your heart's got any light in it.
You can’t Prime Deliver the Presence. Some folks treat God like He's an Amazon driver: "Drop the blessing on my porch, Lord, and don’t ring the doorbell!"
We want joy, peace, power—but we don’t want prayer, fasting, or surrender. We want two-day shipping on revival but won’t spend ten minutes repenting. Let me tell you, the Holy Ghost ain’t on backorder, He’s just waiting on you to get out of checkout and get into the altar!
Heaven Has No Return Policy
Once you get this salvation, it’s better than new. You won’t want to send it back. Amazon has a 30-day return policy. But God? When He saves you, it’s eternal!
“And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish...” (John 10:28 KJV).
Ain’t no “Changed my mind, Lord. I’d like to go back to Egypt.” Once you’ve tasted that heavenly gift, once you’ve been washed in the Blood, there ain’t nothing on this earth that compares.
The Narrow Way Ain’t on GPS
Amazon will send a drone to find you. But the Holy Ghost don’t need batteries.
Jesus said in Matthew 7:14 KJV: “Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.”
The way to heaven isn’t “Add to Cart.” It’s take up your cross. You can’t “filter” your way through life like it’s a product search: “Lord, give me blessings, no trials, Prime only, sort by comfort.” No! You’ve got to walk by faith, not five-star reviews. Glory!
Salvation is not a product—it’s a person. His name is Jesus. He doesn’t ship in a box; He stepped out of the tomb. He doesn't arrive in 2–4 business days; He comes when you call Him in faith.
So stop scrolling, child of God. Don’t look for grace in your cart or forgiveness in a coupon code. Get down on your knees, open your heart, and cry out: “Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner!” That’s how you check out of hell and walk into glory.
And let all the saints say: Amen—and don’t forget to leave a heavenly review!
for Everyone
Peace Be With You
by Hayden Lanier
We live in a world starved for peace.
Unfortunately, we have become desensitized to wars, assassinations, and violence. What used to be unthinkable has become expected. We also long for personal, inner peace. We all have anxieties that torment our minds. We have thoughts, concerns, and worries that bother us. We all have destructive habits we want to cease.
Peace seems to be high in demand but low in supply. Regarding the peace the world offers, this is true. But thank God, He has given us a different source of peace: His Son, Jesus.
Shortly after He rose from the dead, Jesus appeared to His disciples. But the disciples were afraid. Their leader had been murdered just days earlier. But what words does the risen Christ speak to His fearful followers?
“Jesus came and stood among them and said to them, ‘Peace be with you’” (John 20:19 ESV). However, the important part of this statement is what immediately follows. The Bible says that after this declaration of peace, “When [Jesus] had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord” (John 20:20 ESV).
Jesus showed His disciples where He had been pierced. His hands were nailed to the beams of wood of the cross, and Jesus’ side was pierced after He died to prove that He was truly dead. But what is the correlation between Jesus’ statement of peace and the scars He now bore?
The peace Jesus offers is in His hands and His side. We are freely offered peace because of what Jesus did on the cross. (A dear friend of mine, Owen Lewis, first shared this idea with me, and it has stuck with me ever since. I give full credit to my brother in Christ, Owen, for this thought).
I am an elementary school writing teacher, and one of the main concepts I teach my students is that when we make a statement, we have to back it up with evidence. Jesus made a statement when He said, “Peace be with you,” and He proved that this is trustworthy and true when
He showed the disciples His hands and His side. Isaiah prophesied of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6) as well as the servant who would be pierced for our transgressions (Isaiah 53:5). In this single instance, Jesus proved these prophecies spoken of Him!
The Bible says elsewhere in Romans 5:1, “since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” When Jesus took our place on the cross, all of our sin was placed on Him. Now, since He has taken our place, He offers us peace.
We have peace with God. We have peace in that we do not have to strive and work to earn our salvation. We have peace in that our sins are forgiven and forgotten by a merciful God. We have peace in that the one who let His hands be pierced now extends a nail-scarred hand to you, and if you will just reach out and take it, He will hold you securely now and through eternity.
Do you need peace? Look no further than Jesus. The peace is in His hands and His side.
Hayden Lanier is a follower of Jesus, a graduate of Shorter University, and he works as an elementary school teacher.
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!
Profits made from hosting events go
144-acre
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.
TUnderstanding Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment: What You Need to Know
Money Matters
he Medicare Advantage Plan Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP) occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. This enrollment window applies to individuals who are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage, also known as Part C plan. It provides an important opportunity to make changes if your current coverage no longer meets your healthcare needs or expectations.
During the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period, eligible beneficiaries may make one coverage change. You can switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another, or you can drop your Medicare Advantage plan and return to Original Medicare. If you choose to return to Original Medicare, you also have the option to enroll in a stand alone Medicare Part D prescription drug plan. Any changes made during this period generally take effect on the first day of the month following the request.
One of the most common reasons people use this enrollment period involves provider network changes. Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurance companies and rely on contracted networks of doctors, hospitals, specialists, and other healthcare providers. These networks can change from year to year, and sometimes even after the plan year has already begun.
Many beneficiaries discover an issue when they attempt to schedule an appointment and learn their primary care physician, specialist, eye doctor, dentist, or preferred hospital is no longer considered in- network. Because many Medicare Advantage plans include routine vision and dental benefits, it is especially important to confirm that your eye doctor and dentist participate in your plan. Receiving care from out-of-network providers can result in higher out-of-pocket costs or services not being covered.
In addition to network changes, plan benefits, copays, prescription drug formularies, and referral requirements may also change. Health needs can evolve, and coverage that worked well in the past may not be the best fit today. This enrollment
period allows you to review coverage details before unexpected costs or disruptions occur.
If you have recently learned your doctor, eye doctor, or dentist is out of network, or if you want reassurance that your coverage still aligns with your needs, we are here to help.
Medicare does not have to be confusing. Let us make it simple.
At Hughes Retirement Group, your Medicare Coach is Rick Hughes, supported by his experienced team and backed by over twenty years of helping individuals navigate Medicare Supplemental and Medicare Advantage options. Our services are provided at no cost, and we are committed to delivering exceptional customer service. Our support continues well beyond enrollment—we remain available to assist you for life as your healthcare needs evolve.
Contact Hughes Retirement Group today to review your Medicare Advantage options by calling or texting 423-664-4203, or by visiting hughesretirementgroup.com.
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
Handling Anger with God
by Brian Johnson
Many of us have had times when we’ve been angry with God. I know, for some, that’s taboo to say but it’s real. When was that time for you? Why were you angry? What did you do about it?
First of all, know that you’re not alone. In fact, there are people in the Bible that had their moments of anger towards God. Jeremiah is an example.
Jeremiah got a word from the LORD, a message to give to the children of Israel. He did what God told him to do, but no one listened. Jeremiah 20:7 KJV says, “O LORD, thou hast deceived me, and I was deceived: thou art stronger than I, and hast prevailed: I am in derision daily, every one mocketh me.”
When dealing with anger, don’t be afraid to voice it to God. He already knows, and holding it in can lead to bitterness.
Don’t assume that everything should be good in your life because you’re in God’s will. The unexpected can still occur.
Jeremiah accused God of deception, which wasn’t true. Make sure your anger isn’t based on lies. God isn’t the deceiver, Satan is. In John 8:44 KJV, he’s called the father of lies. Revelation 12:9 KJV says that he “deceiveth the whole world.” Jeremiah told God how he felt, eventually got through it, and God continued to use him.
Take the time to honestly evaluate why you’re angry. Jeremiah was prideful. Along with falsely accusing God, he also complained about being mocked. God isn’t unfamiliar
with being mocked and shamed. Jesus “endured the cross despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2). Christ suffered shame for us so that we can have eternal life and a relationship with God. If we’re going to live for Him, we should expect to be mocked on occasion. That’s an opportunity to identify with Christ, not a time to be angry.
Jeremiah decided he was done. He wasn’t going to say anything else in God’s name, but God’s Word was in his “heart as a burning fire” (Jeremiah 20:9 KJV) and he couldn’t sit and keep it to himself anymore. The Word of God didn’t just come into his heart at that moment. God’s Word had been in him for a while. This is a good warning for us. None of us are immune to the possibility of something coming into our lives that leads to anger at God. No matter how long you’ve been saved, how well you know your Bible, or how much Scripture you’ve memorized. But it was God’s Word that caused a change in his heart. Continue to fill your heart with His Word, which allows Him to talk to you, and continue speaking to Him through prayer. Doing that— through the anger—will allow you to see God in a new way and will bring you into a closer relationship with Him. When those trying times come, His Word will change you, recharge you, and fuel you to continue to do His will.
Brian Edward Johnson is a pastor at his church, nurse and author of Behaving Wisely, One Man’s Journey from Betrayal to Blessing. He longs for Christians to trust God for every aspect of their lives.
dNews for Women
Finding Debbie: A Dragonfly Day
“In whose hand is the soul of every living thing, and the breath of all mankind” (Job 12:10 KJV).
by Stephanie Evans
Ihad gone to the ladies’ room at the big Walmart store on Keith Street. That's where I learned God cares not only about sparrows that fall to the ground, but about dragonflies that fall to the floor.
Since the ladies’ room was empty, I went into the biggest stall. I spotted a dragonfly on the floor, upside down, so completely still I thought it was dead. I felt sorry for this dragonfly. I later learned that these double-winged insects eat mosquitoes, which the United States Center for Disease Control calls the World's Deadliest Animal. The mosquito causes injury and death worldwide, with damage ranging from pesky bites at picnics to serious diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, Zika, Dengue, West Nile and the list goes on. (Information courtesy of AI; Smithsonian Magazine; Pfizer; Wikipedia; and other websites).
However, the dragonfly is God's fighter jet/helicopter/ Harrier jet against the tiny deadly mosquito. One dragonfly can eat up to 100 mosquitoes a day. Dragonflies can fly up to 35 miles per hour, hover, and fly backward. Some migrate thousands of miles.
Dragonflies and damselflies can dazzle with color—like the Blue Dasher. But the one (maybe a damselfly?) I saw on the floor wore classic brown, black, and tan, with a small yellow-looking center.
I bent down to check for movement when I saw the insect's distinctive double wings. The tiny legs moved just a little, very slowly.
I wonder if I can get it outside, I thought. What am I going to use? I knew my bare hands would hurt this injured insect. I knew a paper towel was too coarse for delicate wings.
A tissue! I carry small packs of facial tissues in my purse, so I got one out. The dragonfly (or damselfly) barely moved. Still, I put the tissue as close to the creature's wings as I could.
That half-dead insect struggled, with one slow scoot, onto that tissue! My heart melted on the spot. Okay, crawl yourself on up, I thought quietly, willing life, teaming up with
my amazing friend. And she did it! (I don't know much about insects, but I decided this one was female).
I strapped my purse on one shoulder and walked carefully to the Walmart exit. Just outside the lobby door, I saw bright pink Island blooms on sale in neat black plastic containers. I set the tissue cradling the insect on one plant's dirt and leaves. Would you believe it? That determined creature refused to give up! She crept off the tissue and onto the dirt and leaves. I took the tissue away and left the dragonfly in the plant's shade.
I finished shopping and started to my car. But suddenly I stopped. I had to go see if our precious ecosystem helper made it. I searched that sheltering plant thoroughly. But that girl had flown! The next day, I named that dragonfly Debbie. Even now, Debbie zooms around destroying death in mid-air and on the wing, with God's own smile like a mighty lifting wind.
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.
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
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
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 2290 Cloud Springs Road, Rossville, GA 30741 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
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
LaFayette First United Methodist Church 301 S. Main Street LaFayette, GA 30728 (706) 638-2057
Rock Spring Methodist Church 3477 Peavine Rd Rock Springs, GA 30739
706-375-5345
Non-Denominational
Battlefield of Life Worship Center
56 Kevin Ln. Rock Springs, GA 770-827-6718
Calvary Chapel Refinery 101 E Peachtree St, Rossville, GA 30741
706-806-9444
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
Gò0 dNews for Men
The Firewall
by Carl W. Corser
How important is our personal information that is stored on electronic devices and computers to us these days? If the information is destroyed, can it be retrieved?
Everyone has a computer these days. We all have very important and private information stored on them with the ability to retrieve that information in a usable form quickly. We have become very comfortable in trusting the firewall to protect our information from viruses.
Once a virus breaks through the firewall, the precious, private, and valued information is gone, destroyed, and lost forever.
Who is responsible for keeping the computer safe? Who has the choice of opening up a file on the computer? Who is responsible for determining if that file is filled with a malicious and destructive virus? Who is responsible for keeping the firewall up to date, and ready to stop any and all malicious viruses? Is it the computer owner?
Then, what institution in our society desperately needs the firewall for its protection? What about our marriages? Our homes, families, or communities? Aren't these more precious than computers with the precious and private information on them?
God created the institution of marriage. Man was created to be the head of that institution, the one responsible for its success. God gave man a helpmate for the blessing of His marriage institution. God gave children to become a blessing to the marriage institution.
Just as the firewall was created and intended to be maintained for the protection of valuable information on our computers, so are men given the responsibility of creating and maintaining The Firewall for the protection of the marriage, the family, and the home, which directly affects our society.
Men carry a huge responsibility of protecting their families from Satan's relentless attack upon them. If we let down The Firewall just for a moment, Satan’s marriage virus comes in and does so much damage in moments that it might take a lifetime to repair. His virus has the capability of completely destroying the marriage, home, and family.
Men, weren't we created to be the head of the family? Aren't we responsible for what goes on inside of our homes?
Isn’t Satan so desperate to destroy every marriage, home, and family, that he constantly endeavors to break through The Firewall?
Men, maybe we need to step up The Firewall maintenance and preparation to stop the attack of Satan’s viruses that destroy our marriages. As men, this maintenance and preparation should include our need to draw closer to God and pay more attention to His still small voice as we strengthen our families’ protection, The Firewall. We need to allow Him to guide our maintenance and strengthening plan for our families’ protection. Healthy firewalls protect great families. Great families are a wonderful blessing to God, family, and communities.
Men, the greatest firewall protection that we can design against Satan’s malicious virus is spending our precious time connecting with our Heavenly Father. There’s absolutely no substitute for you – saint, husband, and father – for defending and protecting the institution that God gave you the responsibility to be a good steward over. Also, we need to protect our hearts from all of the tricks that Satan would just love to trip us up with as we fulfill our responsibility in marriage.
Men, God has not called us to accomplish the impossible. If we depend upon Him, we will be successful in keeping our families safe from Satan’s destruction of The Firewall. May God bless our men in this huge task in these days and times. May we all pray for each other for strong families.
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.
The Lantern: A New Light for Morning Pointe at Happy Valley Senior Living
In response to the growing need for memory care, Morning Pointe Senior Living announces the campus expansion of Morning Pointe at Happy Valley in Walker County, Georgia, with a new community, The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Happy Valley.
The Lantern held a public groundbreaking on Tuesday, May 27, 2025. The community has brought 60 new healthcare jobs to the area and is projected to contribute more than $25 million annually in economic impact through local partnerships, payroll, and the purchase of goods and services.
Growing Need for Memory Care
The need for memory care and dementia care services across the United States has been growing. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2025 annual Alzheimer’s Disease
Facts and Figures report, more than 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s. And despite a small drop in incidence among seniors, the total number of cases is continuing to grow as the overall population ages.
With the increase in dementia comes a greater need for clinical care and support for families of individuals facing a recent diagnosis. The demand has grown for secure and dementia-friendly residences where these individuals can find coordinated care tailored for their stage of disease, as well as meaningful interactions and activities suited to their needs, interests and abilities.
For all these reasons, the Morning Pointe at Happy Valley campus in Rossville has expanded the local Alzheimer’s and dementia care options, adding a new, freestanding Alzheimer’s/memory care community next to the current building, which will transition to all assisted living
L-R: Melissa Bartlett, Executive Director; Jennifer Willingham, Director of Nursing; Andrea Nelson, Community Relations Director
The two communities will offer a broader continuum of care for seniors with varying needs.
“At Morning Pointe, we understand that behind every memory care need is a family searching for answers, reassurance and hope,” said Greg A.Vital, Morning Pointe Senior Living co-founder. “Expanding our Happy Valley campus means we can walk alongside more families in North Georgia, offering comfort, connection, and expert care at different stages of the Alzheimer’s or dementia journey. This is about more than building a new community — it’s about building trust and being a source of strength for the people who need us most.”
Expected to open in early 2026, The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence at Happy Valley is located at 2937 Happy Valley Road in Rossville.
The Lantern is a single-level building with 60 apartments encompassing two distinct levels of care. These are Lamplight—a large area for residents with early-stage Alzheimer’s and dementia who are more active—and Lantern, a more intimate and quiet space designed for more advanced stages. Care staff will be specially trained on the different stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia and how to care for each resident’s needs with compassion and comfort.
Programming will include a variety of life enrichment such as arts and crafts, wellness offerings like exercise classes, and intergenerational activities, such as partnering with local schools (including neighbors Ridgeland High School and Rossville Middle School). Residents will benefit from Morning Pointe’s Farm to Table dining program with local, farm-fresh and seasonal ingredients. And memory care specific offerings will include the Best Friends™ Approach, Teepa Snow’s Positive Approach™ to Care, Meaningful Day™ purposeful programming, music therapy, art therapy and cuddle therapy.
Other Services and Amenities at The Lantern
Services and amenities at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer’s Center of Excellence, Happy Valley also include:
• Licensed nurses providing oversight of health, wellness and medication management
• Single-level living
• Licensed, clinical or care staff available 24 hours a day
• 24-hour personalized care services
• Periodic check-ins
• Personal grooming assistance, such as bathing or getting dressed
• Assistance with transferring to a bed or chair
• Escorting to meals and events
• Incontinence management
• On-site occupational, physical and speech therapy
The Lantern at Morning Pointe at Happy Valley is the 43rd Morning Pointe Senior Living community and the third in Georgia.
Founded in 1997 by healthcare entrepreneurs and co-founders Greg A. Vital and J. Franklin Farrow, Morning Pointe Senior Living operates assisted living and Alzheimer’s memory care communities in five states. In addition to the Happy Valley campus, Morning Pointe operates Morning Pointe of Calhoun Assisted Living and Memory Care in Georgia.
For more information about Morning Pointe Senior Living or the Happy Valley campus, visit morningpointe.com.
The philanthropic arm of Morning Pointe Senior Living is the Morning Pointe Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to provide nursing scholarships and caregiver support.
Memoir to Memories: A Pearl of Great Price
by Spring M. Fricks
“Where’s my Piglet?” asked my son. On any given day, Piglet can be found resting on the pillow at the head of my son’s bed, a position he’s held for twenty-one years. Today, however, I’ve decided to wash him. Why? Because Piglet is no longer the cute plush toy we placed in my child’s crib all those years ago. Now he is a biohazard evidenced by baldness, depleted stuffing, scratched eyes and a color best described as murky gray.
abuse, medical diagnosis and poor choices, my life was disposable. Love was untrustworthy and my future wasn’t worth pursuing. I understood Romans 6:23a BSB: “for the wages of sin is death…”
However, in Matthew 13:44, Jesus taught about a pearl hidden in a field. A man found the pearl and, deeming it valuable, sold all he had to buy the field and gain the pearl.
The value of anything is determined through the eye of the beholder. The one who is willing to pay the price.
If you saw our son’s Piglet, you wouldn’t touch it and you’d be right in suggesting it be relinquished to the nearest landfill for quarantine.
Thankfully for Piglet, his inadequacies aren’t what make him loved or not loved. My son loves him just because. Piglet has become a memoir to the memories of my child’s life. Some not even I have witnessed as they were too personal and needed only the most trusted of confidants. The majority would look at Piglet, and think “that’s trash.” My son looks at Piglet and sees a “pearl of great price.” A life of sin left me looking a lot like Piglet. I was used up, worn out, tattered and empty. Through trauma and
I don’t set the value of my life because I’m not the one who paid for it.
Romans 5:8 BSB: “But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Just like my son went looking for Piglet, Jesus went looking for me. He found me trapped, alone, and defeated. Through the sacrifice on the cross, He dripped blood from His hands and feet upon my soul and paid the price for my life. When He did this, He whispered my name into the winds of eternity completing Romans 6:23(b): “but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
In doing so, He set my value as being worthy of His blood. Afterall, if He didn’t want to buy me, He wouldn’t have paid the price.
Through the eyes of Jesus, my life holds a value that doesn’t depreciate. In Him, I am deemed worthy to love and be loved. I’m restored in mind, body, and soul. My heart is made new, and my future is worth living.
Make no mistake, Jesus is my pearl of great price. I would lay anything and everything down for Him.
But I am His Piglet.
Fricks
for Everyone
Do Your Best!
by Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson
There was a particular lad born in my hometown. He was born in 1905, one of five children. Wil had osteomyelitis (bone marrow infection) as a child, and was on a pallet from the time he was in fifth grade until he was 15 years old. In the early 1900s, there was no penicillin and nothing effective, except to scrape the bone. Even as an adult, Wil had holes in his legs where the skin grew back to the bone.
He did not go back to school, but went to work in the mill. Whatever job Wil had, he always did his best and he did not complain. He helped his mother with most of his salary every week. By the time Wil was a teen, there were eight children in the family.
Wil watched others work near him, and he was given a chance to learn the machines. He excelled and eventually became the head loom fixer. He trained others. After about 60 years, Wil retired.
Wil married the girl he met at church after a “supervised courtship.” In 1930, the country was dealing with a depression.
In 1977, the company needed someone to go to Ivory Coast in Africa to straighten the company's problems with the equipment. The company called Wil and asked him to come in. They wanted to talk to him. They explained the situation and told him that he could choose someone to go help him, and his wife could also go for the week in Switzerland where they would train. He chose Lee, whom he had worked with and knew well. Wil’s wife, Evie, was excited to go! The company knew the choices would make Wil feel more comfortable.
None of the three had ever flown. Their flight to Zürich was exciting! They would begin an intense week of study the next morning after arriving.
The driver picked them up each morning and brought them back to their apartment in the evening. Evie shopped and cooked dinner for them each night. She met an ambassador while shopping and made friends. During the daytime, for two or three days, Evie’s new acquaintance showed Zürich to Evie.
I still marvel that anyone could change tools and equipment to the metric system from the current system and use it with no errors in just one week! The week ended well. Wil and Lee went on to Ivory Coast, and Evie went home.
Wil and Lee were met by a young couple who were company liaisons, and, of all places, they were from their home town!
A young boy was appointed to Wil and one to Lee to take them to their location each morning. During the day, Wil would have a Coke, just like he did back home, and he would give one to this young boy. Eventually, the French owners of the mill told Wil to stop giving the young boy a Coke when he had one. Wil explained that he couldn’t have one and not give the young boy one.
Wil and Lee were close to being through and that incident probably added impetus to get finished and go home. They finished their assignment very successfully and flew home. A constant effort to do his best had singled Wil out, even in retirement!
Scripture says, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This verse is in both Matthew and Luke (Matthew 7:12 and Luke 6:31). Remember: Do your best!
Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson, known to most as Jo, lives in Rome, Georgia.
Just Like Snowflakes—
You Are One of a Kind
Have you ever caught a snowflake on your glove and looked at it closely? If you have, you might have noticed something amazing—no two snowflakes are exactly the same! Scientists have studied snowflakes for years, and even though they all start the same way, each one forms its own unique pattern. God designed them that way on purpose.
The Bible tells us that God is a Creator who loves detail. He didn’t make the world rushed or careless. He made it with beauty, creativity, and intention. Snowflakes are tiny reminders of that. They fall quietly, sparkle in the light, and never look exactly like the one next to them.
Here’s the wonderful part: God made you with the same care.
The Bible says, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made” (Psalm 139:14 NIV). That means God didn’t copy and paste when He made you. He chose your smile, your laugh, your talents, and even the things that make you different. Just like snowflakes, no one else in the whole world is exactly like you.
Sometimes kids feel pressure to fit in or be like everyone else. You might think, I wish I were better at sports, or I wish I were more like my friend. But God never asked you to be someone else. He asked you to be you.
Jesus showed us how much every person matters. He cared for children, listened to them, and welcomed them. The Bible tells us, “Let the little children come to Me” (Matthew 19:14 NIV). That shows us something important— Jesus sees kids as valuable, important, and loved, just as they are.
Think about a snowstorm. If every snowflake were the same, it wouldn’t be nearly as beautiful. The beauty comes from the variety. God’s world works the same way. Each person brings something special that no one else can bring.
God also has plans for your life. The Bible says, “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV). Those plans are made just for you—not your best friend, not your sibling, not anyone else.
Even when you make mistakes or feel unsure, God doesn’t stop loving you. Snowflakes may melt, but God’s love never does. He is always with you, guiding you and cheering you on. “The Lord your God is with you… He will rejoice over you with gladness” (Zephaniah 3:17 NIV).
So the next time snow falls from the sky, remember this: each snowflake is different, and each one has a purpose. And so do you.
You don’t have to be anyone else. God already decided—you are wonderfully made, deeply loved, and completely one of a kind!
Explore:
If you can’t find snowflakes to examine, what about finding several leaves? Are they exactly the same?
Look up at the clouds. Are the clouds all the same?
Look for some pebbles and rocks. Are they all the same?
You see, God made each of those and He made each person unique too!
Rebuilding Lives, Restoring Hope
In Northwest Georgia, safety is not something everyone can take for granted. For individuals and families facing domestic violence—or for youth with nowhere else to turn—the Family Crisis Center of Walker, Dade, Catoosa, and Chattooga Counties, Inc. stands as a lifeline of hope.
As the only domestic violence shelter and youth cottage in the Northwest Georgia area, the Family Crisis Center provides refuge, advocacy, and a pathway forward for some of the region’s most vulnerable residents. Open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, the Center’s doors never close to those in crisis.
At the heart of the organization’s mission is a simple but powerful commitment: rebuilding lives. Survivors of domestic violence arrive often with little more than courage and the need for safety. The Center offers secure shelter for victims and their children, along with essential support services designed to help families stabilize, heal, and begin again. Advocacy, emotional support, and ongoing assistance ensure that clients are not only safe in the moment, but supported as they plan for a more secure future.
Contact Matthew Ruckman 423.503.1410
Family, Faith, and the Father’s Business Gò0 dNews for Seniors
by Tammy Madden
Recently, my mind took me to a simpler time back in the 1980’s. We used to drink from a garden hose, and play outside all day long. We ran the neighborhood. My parents always knew we were safe.
I remember walking to school with my brothers and my big brother being 10 feet ahead of us because his legs were so long! When school was out, if we stopped by the park or the library or to see a friend, Mom didn't need to come looking for us. All the neighbors watched out for each other and 75% of them were relatives.
We didn't worry about "where" we were going to eat because that was never a question. We ate at home, every single day. The food was on the table. When we saw what Mom or Grandma had cooked, we ate it and we liked it. I remember getting oranges, apples, and candy canes in our stockings at Christmas. We thought we were rich!
I remember waking on Thanksgiving morning and smelling that turkey. I remember Dad and my Uncle Junior getting up early Thanksgiving morning to go hunting, while Mom and Grandma would cook all day. My favorite part was "helping" Mom make her banana pudding in that great big yellow bowl. We couldn't wait to have that after dinner!
I remember going every weekend to visit relatives, and Dad carrying me in the house late at night when we got home because I would pretend to be asleep. He just seemed
like the strongest man in the world to me back then, but in reality he probably was about 5' 6" and might have weighed 150 if he was lucky!
We didn't hear anyone talk about who voted for whom or what the government was doing. We just lived life to the fullest.
We had three TV channels. We got up to change them and we didn't complain. I remember you could only watch The Wizard of Oz once a year, and it was such a big deal when it came on. We would all have to get our bath so we could go to bed right after. We would all gather around the TV and take it in!
Where did these simpler times go?
I know it's the signs of the times, but oh how I wish my daughter could have been a part of these things. She doesn't know the meaning of stringing popcorn or making homemade puppets with a sandwich bag. I can try to recreate these memories for her, but that time will never return. It's a part of history now and we must move forward.
God has been so good to us. No matter what is thrown our way, He cares for us and He helps us hold onto precious memories. I sure miss Mom, Dad, and Grandma. One day, we will see them again.
Are y'all ready for that day? I believe the time is near. The signs are everywhere. Soon and very soon, He will split that eastern sky. Please, people, don't be left behind. Get on fire for God TODAY! Just ask Him today to come into your life and be your Lord and Savior. I don't know why God put this on my heart today, but I believe someone needed it. Someone is lukewarm and you need to get on fire for the Lord! Be about your Father's business. Listen to His still small voice and obey. I pray you have a blessed day and I'm sorry if I was rambling. I gave you what God gave me. Amen!
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
Wheels and Deals
by Garrett Nudd
One morning when I was a youngster, I was riding my blue BMX bicycle and my chain came off. I rolled it into the garage and told my mother about my misfortune. When she called my father, he suggested I wait until that evening, and we’d fix it together.
It was a great offer, but I was impatient. I grabbed a few tools from my father’s toolbox and began pulling apart the rear wheel that was connected to the chain. Before I knew it, bearings were rolling all over the floor, I was covered in grease, and I had made quite a mess!
When my father returned home from work that evening, he told me how disappointed he was that I hadn’t followed his instructions.
After he assessed the situation, he determined I had done so much damage that it was beyond repair. Rather than fixing my wheel at home, we had to take it to the local bike shop.
I loved visiting Scott’s Bicycle Shop in Cleveland, but not under these circumstances. We walked into the store with the wheel and all its components in a greasy plastic bag.
“Well, hello there, Garry and Garrett!” Mr. Scott Coulter welcomed us with his irresistibly charming Irish accent. “What do we have here?”
My father shared the story of how my chain came off, how he had asked me to wait until he returned from work, but I had been impatient. Mr Coulter asked for a week and he’d have it ready.
A week later, we returned to Scott’s Bicycle Shop. He gave us the repaired wheel and a bill for $15 plus tax.
Full of grace and compassion but also with the wisdom to make this a teachable moment, my parents told me that they’d help me out by paying half the cost, but I’d have to pay the rest. Now I know it doesn’t sound like a lot of money, but to an eight-year old in 1985, $7.50 was a fortune. Not to mention, at that point, I was living paycheck to paycheck, so the implications of my indiscretion would be long-lasting.
When we returned home, I gave my parents some of my allowance, erasing about half of my debt. Fortunately,
at the same time I was learning how to mow the lawn. So, I worked off the balance a dollar every time I mowed.
“I’ll help you fix it, but you’re going to take responsibility.” There’s a cost. That wasn’t just my parents’ approach, it’s God’s approach too. And that’s MORE THAN. That’s God’s approach to MORE THAN.
What’s the cost? Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death...”
Death, that sounds pretty severe! But keep reading because the rest of the verse is the payoff: “…but the gift of God is eternal life.” The cost is death, and it was paid by God through His Son, Jesus. And the gift is the MORE THAN.
Our sins—toward God and each other—are a lot bigger than bicycle chains. The apostle Paul wrote that we deserve death, but God decided to pay the price by sending His Son—the Gift of God.
How accessible does God’s gift feel to you? Does it feel close enough to reach out and touch it? Because it is.
In Romans 8:39, we read: “Neither height nor depth.... Can separate us from the love of God.”
And Psalm 103:12 tells us: “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions.”
From top to bottom, left to right, that covers it. There you have it, God’s gift of MORE THAN.
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds
Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Cheesecake Bites
A perfect Valentine’s Day treat—bite-sized, creamy cheesecake coated in rich chocolate and topped with fresh strawberries!
Ingredients:
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• ¼ cup powdered sweetener (or sugar)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup crushed graham crackers (or almond flour for keto)
• 6 oz dark chocolate, melted
• 6 fresh strawberries, sliced
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix cream cheese, sweetener, and vanilla until smooth.
2. Stir in crushed graham crackers until combined.
3. Roll into small balls and place on a lined tray. Freeze for 30 minutes.
4. Dip each cheesecake bite into melted chocolate, then top with a strawberry slice.
5. Chill until set, then enjoy!
Little Brown Bird
by Hayden Lanier
Rocking back and forth in the white chair on my front porch, I spot a little brown bird trotting along in the green grass without a care or a worry in the whole wide world
He does not fear He does not fret
Anxiety is foreign to the little brown bird
Not a single concern weighs him down
He does not know where he will go or where his meal will be found
He simply hops along
in the green grass knowing it will be provided him
He flitters through the sky, sailing above the tops of the green trees, singing a delightful whistle as he ascends for all below to hear
This little brown bird knows nothing of the worldly worries that consume us The creature is joyful He is content For God cares even for this little brown bird
Hayden Lanier is a follower of Jesus, a graduate of Shorter University, and he works as an elementary school teacher.
dNews for Everyone
He’s Just Getting Started! (Luke 5:1-11)
At the end of human effort, God is just getting started!
by Dr. Rob Debelak
The banks of Lake Galilee were teeming with activity. It was early, but a crowd was already forming on the shoreline; Jesus had caught their attention, and they were ready for His teaching (Luke 5:1). The assembly seemed oblivious to the business matters around them.
Crews of fishermen are also on shore but preoccupied with their nets (v 2) – not with fish (v 5). The scene is a subtle mix of priorities and concerns as the night gives way to a new day (v 5) – a day filled with new potential as Jesus engages an eager audience and exhausted laborers.
Tell-tale signals of finality initiate the setting where a trio of fishermen are forever changed. They had worked all night, catching nothing (v 5). They are spent, like their vacant vessels and unfilled nets (v 2). They do not comment on Jesus successfully netting an abundant number of listeners—so many that this setting by the sea did not have enough room.
Appropriating one of Peter's unused boats (v 3), the Master seats Himself. Putting out just offshore, He continues teaching (v 3). Peter is concluding a long night of fruitless labor; Jesus is just beginning His day's work, and the multitude is evidence that He is off to a good start! When finishing His message to the crowd, He initiates a private lesson, calling Peter to head for open water (v 4). There is something to do, and Jesus invites a tired mariner to participate.
“Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing...” Peter's response to Jesus emphasizes his depletion. The time he invested has produced nothing (v 5). Diligently applying his craft only resulted in empty nets (v 5). The futility in the experienced angler's remarks betrayed his perception that burning more calories was a worthless expenditure of energy and a waste of time. Though the very human Peter is at the end of himself (v 5), Jesus is just getting started.
He skeptically obeys Jesus’ request (v 5) and sails toward the deep water. Only hours before, he caught
nothing. Now, miraculously, Peter caught so many fish that the nets began to break (v 6)! Signaling for help, co-workers fill two boats beyond capacity, each nearly capsizing before reaching shore (v 7). In response, Peter falls to his knees in repentance (v 8). His confession and testimony equally expressed the amazement and humility of two other fishermen, James and John (vv 8-10).
Teaching a large assembly the shore could not contain was mirrored by a catch of fish the nets could not hold. Peter's petition for additional fishing partners to help haul in the catch finds parallel in Jesus’ call for Peter to join Him in ministry. Jesus had set the example for three mariners and called them to follow Him. Reassuring Peter of his value and calling to reach people, he and his two fishing partners— tired from a long night of empty labor – were renewed. They maneuvered overloaded vessels to shore, pulled the heavy boats with their abundant catch on land, and, at the end of themselves, found a fresh beginning in the Master's service. When we find ourselves overwhelmed with burdens, pressures, and responsibilities, it’s encouraging to recall that at the end of ourselves...He is just getting started!
The point for personal tutoring dawns (vv 10b-11).
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.
for Health & Fitness
Two Simple Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
by Steve Knapp
In my lifetime as a millennial, I have noticed a significant increase in our culture’s interest in mental health. I cannot remember hearing the phrase “mental health” until I was in college and even then I was completely unaware whether my university had any mental health resources available. I contrast this with my past employment at a university counseling center where the demand for students seeking counseling annually increased. Mental health was a regular part of conversations for the average student. Mental health was a prominent part of the conversation during the COVID-19 pandemic, including how access to mental health counselors has significantly increased since that time.
With this increase, so have proposed solutions: counseling/ therapy, medication, diet, improving gut health, meditation, positive thinking, spiritual practices. While I believe each of these areas could be helpful in their own way, I want to highlight two ways to improve mental health that we often undervalue even if we know they are both helpful: exercise and being outdoors. Each has been demonstrated to generally improve our mental health, yet they do not have to cost money nor require any advanced skill to mentally benefit from them. These activities appear to be woven into the design of how God created us, so we will benefit in some way when we lean into them. (To be clear, please reach out for professional assistance if you are having concerns about your own safety, are in the midst of a psychological crisis, and/or experiencing difficulty functioning).
In our Western culture, we often have this implied separation between the brain and the body. The brain is a physical organ and the relationship between the body and the brain are intertwined. One outworking of this is how our brain needs regular exercise to function optimally. In an article from the National Institute of Health, we read “exercise improves mental health by reducing anxiety, depression, and negative mood and by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.” And it does not require much exercise to receive these benefits: a moderate amount of exercise (such as a brisk walk) for as little as 30 minutes and three times a week can produce these psychological benefits. It also does not seem to matter what kind
of exercise, as any kind of aerobic exercise that increases the heart rate appears sufficient. Personally, I notice the difference in my stress levels and mood when I am regularly exercising compared to when I am not, which makes it the first place I generally start when I try to improve my mental health.
I am someone who enjoys being indoors, and the positive impact of being outdoors is undeniable for anyone. Sunlight is associated with improved mood due to its role with serotonin (which helps regulate our mood) and alleviates stress due to the releasing endorphins. A Stanford study showed that being in more natural environments promotes better mood outcomes compared to urban environments. Even during winter with less sunlight and colder weather, the colder weather can also boost our mood through the production of norepinephrine, which is important for mood regulation. Finally, the use of light therapy lamps has been shown to help supplement natural sunlight when it proves challenging to get outdoors.
As previously mentioned, do not delay seeking help if you are having concerns about your own safety, are in the midst of a psychological crisis, and/or experiencing difficulty functioning. But otherwise, a good place to start to improve your mental health is simply opening up your front door, going outside, and moving your body.
Steve Knapp is a licensed professional counselor and the manager and therapist at Resilient Therapy, LLC in Cleveland, TN. Through his work as a therapist, he seeks to help transform stories of suffering into narratives of hope, healing, and growth. He is married to Kellie, and they have a five-year-old daughter named Eliana.
Grateful for
PRECISION MEDICINE. EXPERT SUPPORT. RIGHT HERE.
When Dalton resident Dana Easley was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer, her world changed overnight. With six rounds of chemotherapy and a hysterectomy ahead, she leaned on her faith, her family, and the compassionate care she found at Peeples Cancer Institute.
Her care team, including Lisa Duhaime, MD, and oncology nurse practitioners Kim Bailey and Jaime Pesl, guided her through six rounds of chemotherapy before she could undergo a hysterectomy. Mrs. Easley says, “They listen, and they care. They don’t mind spending time with you. The whole staff is very caring.”
To help protect her hair during treatment, she chose to use the Paxman cold cap system. “It worked for me, and I did not lose all my hair,” she shares. She also connected with Boggs Boutique, where cosmetologist Stacey Gibson provided both practical and emotional support, helping her with makeup and hair care. “I love Stacey—she’s a lifesaver.”
This spring, Mrs. Easley rang the ceremonial bell at PCI after her scans showed no cancer. She continues on oral medication and a monthly infusion to help prevent recurrence.
She finds joy in the kitchen, cooking daily and sharing homemade meals with neighbors, family and friends. She encourages others in similar situations to keep a positive outlook. She said, “surrounding yourself with positive people is important. Cards from friends make a big difference. It’s easy when you surround yourself with positive people. I just embrace every minute.”
With access to advanced treatments—including precision medicine, Phase III clinical trials with Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, and the only ACR-Accredited Radiation Oncology Center within 50 miles of Chattanooga—we are here, grateful to walk beside patients who inspire us through their strength and healing.
