January 2022

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About Us WRITERS

Amy Eaton Andrew Lee Brenda Dedmon Brent Goodge Brian Johnson Chase Holtzclaw Chris Mullis Janise Copeman Jodi Varnado Jordan Burchette Judy Hood Karen Jeffery Katie Loveless Kristen West Kyle Blevins Pam Wattenbarger Patton Locke Paul McGuire

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Shane Franks 706-270-2410 Email: dalton.goodnews@gmail.com

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Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Paula Knipp 423-310-4207

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.

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Contents JANUARY 2022

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Why Is It So Hard to Pray Out Loud?

by Chris Mullis

GoodNews for Kids

8 Indoor Winter Party

by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Fitness, Finances, and Faith

by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 Stand Your Ground

by Kyle Blevins

GoodNews for Women

14 For The Weary

GoodNews for Everyone

24 Head In the Clouds

by Katie Loveless

GoodNews for Everyone

26 A New Start

by Brian Johnson

GoodNews Poetry

28 Soar With the Eagles

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Little Is Much

by Karen D. Jeffery

GoodNews for Parents

32 What A $40 Jogging Stroller Taught Me

by Amy Eaton

by Jordan Burchette

GoodNews for Everyone

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

18 Christ is Willing to Restore You

by Patton Locke GoodNews for Everyone

20 New Beginnings

by Brent Goodge

GoodNews Cover Story

22 Community Partnership:

Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority

by Jodi Varnado

6

34 The Best Flourless Chocolate Cake

by Pam Wattenbarger GoodNews for Everyone

36 Why Do We Fear?

by Chase Holtzclaw

22

GoodNews for Everyone

38 New Horizon

by Janise Copeman

GoodNews for Everyone

40 Deserted at The Cross

by Kristen West

GoodNews for Everyone

42 What’s Your Mountain?

by Paul McGuire

42

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Why Is It So Hard to Pray Out Loud? ecently I was asked, “Why is it so hard to pray out loud?” Some people don’t mind praying out loud.

Others are terrified by it! Don’t feel bad if you struggle to pray out loud. It’s a very common struggle, even for deeply committed Christians. I’ve even known pastors who struggled to pray out loud—especially at the beginning of their ministries.

So, if you are a pastor and church leader, you should always check with people before you put them on the spot and ask them to pray out loud. Even if you think you know someone, check with them first if you’ve never heard them pray out loud.

Now, let me give you some tips to help if you struggle to pray out loud.

Tip Number 1—Practice Practice praying out loud when you’re alone. It may surprise you, but most people aren’t used to hearing the sound of their own voice. And hearing your voice when everyone else in the room is completely silent can really weird you out. So, practice praying out loud at home when you’re all alone. God will love it and no one else will know. And practice makes perfect.

Tip Number 2—Pray for Dinner Start by praying for dinner while alone or with your family. This is how I learned how to pray out loud when I was a kid. My parents prayed for the meal and sometimes they asked the kids to pray. We simply copied them and prayed something like: “God is great! God is good! Let us thank Him for our food!

Amen.”

A simple meal blessing like this is easy to remember. From this, I became accustomed to praying out loud and it was easy to progress to prayers

6 // January 2022

for other occasions as I grew older. This is a great way to train your own kids to pray and it can help you too. Start a family habit of praying before your meals, even when you go out to eat in a restaurant. It’s a good spiritual practice for your family. Let your kids in on the fun while they’re young.

It will bless your family in so many ways and help you and your kids learn to pray out loud.

Tip Number 3—Just Talk to God You don’t have to sound like the preacher at church. Just be yourself. God isn’t looking for fancy language. He just wants you to be you. Some of the best prayers I’ve heard were in plain language that sounded like a friend talking to a friend. So just be yourself.

Tip Number 4—Keep it short. Keep it simple.

Trust me, no one is going to complain your prayer was too short. People like short prayers! Don’t try to go on and on. Just say what you need to say and be done. In fact, it’s perfectly okay to memorize a short standard prayer you can use. Start with a standard, basic prayer and add anything specific you need to pray.

When I was growing up, I had a basic prayer that went like this: “Dear God, thank you for everything You’ve given me and done for me.

Please heal anyone who is sick, comfort those who are grieving, and forgive our sins. In Jesus Name. Amen.” So, you can pray something simple like this and if you think of anything specific, just add that in too.

Praying out loud can be hard when you first start, but the more you practice and the more you pray, the easier it will be. So, let’s pray right now: “Jesus, help everyone reading this to learn to pray out loud. Amen.”

About The Author

R

by Chris Mullis

Rev. Chris Mullis is an ordained minister of the United Methodist Church with a Masters of Divinity from Candler School of Theology at Emory University. Pastor Chris’s ministry has spanned twenty years and four different churches in Georgia. Chris is currently serving God as the senior pastor of Pleasant Grove Methodist Church located at 2701 Cleveland Hwy in Dalton, GA.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Indoor Winter Party

W

by Brenda Dedmon

hen January brings wintry weather, it is difficult to find fun things to do. Ask your parents if they would help you plan an “Indoor Winter

Party” and invite your friends to come for a fun event. The following are activities that would make a fun party!

Pin the Nose on the Snowman To play this game, you will need to draw three circles for a snowman on a poster board. Draw a nose on the snowman. Cut out noses from orange

Donuts on a Stick You will need the following items: miniature powered white donuts (3 per child), black jellybeans (6 per child), orange jellybeans (1 per child), strawberry Fruit Roll-Ups, (1 per child), paper candy sticks (1 per child). Have each person place the donuts on the candy stick. The black jellybeans are for buttons and eyes. The orange jellybeans are for the noses. Fruit Roll-Ups are for the scarf and mouth.

construction paper. Print the name of each person on the noses. Secure a blindfold for the game. Blindfold one person and lead them to the board to place their nose on the snowman.

Continue until everyone has had a turn. The winner is the one that is the closest to where the nose should be.

Candy Dice To play this game, you will need a dice and a bag of assorted miniature candy. Give each player four pieces of candy and place the remaining candy in a pile on the table. Each person will take a turn rolling the dice. The following are the instructions for the number person to your left, 3 Pick two pieces from candy pile, 4 Skip your turn, 5 Take a piece from someone, 6 Put one piece back to the pile. The winner will be the person who gets ten pieces of candy first.

Ice Sculptures Before the party, freeze water with various food colors in assorted sizes and shapes of plastic cups, bowls, muffin tins, and cake pans. Minutes before doing the activity, have your parents remove the ice from the containers by running warm water on them. Place plastic tablecloths on the tables.

Allow each child to use the ice to make ice sculptures. Be sure to take pictures of the sculptures.

8 // January 2022

Strawberry Hot Chocolate You will need to ask your parents to make this to enjoy with your donut snack. The following are the ingredients: 1 cup of sliced strawberries, ¼ cup sugar, 2 cups of milk, ½ cup of white chocolate morsels. In a small bowl, place the sugar over the strawberries and set them aside for 10 minutes, then puree in a food processor. Heat the milk and chocolate over medium low heat until the chocolate has melted. Add strawberries and cook for 2 more minutes.

We read in Ecclesiastes 3:11, “God has made everything beautiful for its time.” Even on cold, dreary days, we can still enjoy fun times with friends.

About The Author

rolled: 1 Pick one piece from candy pile, 2 Give a piece to the

Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.

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Fitness, Finances, and Faith 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.

A

s we enter 2022, the New Year’s resolutions have been made once again, and loftier personal goals have been set. Very likely, some of these resolutions involve money and fitness. Save more money this year! Make a budget and stick to it! Invest more for retirement! Pay off debts! Exercise daily and eat more veggies! Lose X number of pounds! Remember Ben Franklin’s famous maxim, “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man (and woman) healthier, wealthier, and wise.” Let’s explore the relationship between fitness and finances in order to be both healthier and wealthier this year (making you wiser, as well).

Hal Elrod’s 2012 book The Miracle Morning has been cited by countless millionaires as a key to financial success.

The book recommends waking up early in order to have time to prepare your mind, body, and soul for whatever challenges and opportunities you may encounter each day.

One of the recommended activities each morning is exercise.

Whether this involves cardio, weightlifting, yoga stretches, or a combination of all three, numerous studies reveal that many financially successful (wealthy) people regularly begin each morning with exercise. In fact, these people feel strongly that staying physically fit is essential to their financial success. Many of the millionaires surveyed said that regular exercise lowers their stress levels and increases their energy levels which consequently allows them to think clearly and creatively about business deals and investments—directly impacting their finances. Many financially successful people are what we’d call “hard charging go-getters”; they are always in motion, physically and mentally, so physical fitness is invaluable to their lifestyles and decision-making.

Consider other important connections between fitness and finances. Both areas involve disciplined behavior—

10 // January 2022

exercising daily, monitoring your diet and nutrition, monitoring your spending and saving habits, regularly investing, paying attention to your weight and net worth to ensure you’re on track to meet your fitness and finance goals. It won’t just happen by chance or luck—fitness and financial success require intentionality, persistence, and a plan. Both areas also involve “delayed gratification” because you likely won’t notice major benefits until some time has passed. It takes a while to see weight loss and clothes fitting more loosely, and it takes a while to pay off debts and to see investments and net worth growing significantly. This is where faith comes in. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us that faith is the “evidence of things not seen” (yet). Unless you believe that your efforts and discipline will eventually pay off, odds are you won’t stick with it. Since March of 2021, I’ve lost about forty pounds and am now at the same weight and pants as when I was a college student. I’ve been using the Noom system which is really just an incredibly simple mindset shift of how to eat and to think about mealtimes. Some of the “tricks” include slowing down and eating more “mindfully” to enjoy each bite (no screentime during meals—no TV, no scrolling on your phone); just eat quietly without distractions.

Another “hack” is to try eating with your less dominant hand which makes you slow down naturally because it’s awkward. Notice how this “slow down” mindset also applies to finances, like the advice to “sleep on it” instead of making sudden impulse purchases.

What’s the best workout? Easy—it’s the workout you just finished! A completed workout is done, “in the books,” and moving you toward better fitness. Likewise, what’s the best investment? It’s the one you already had auto-drafted out of your paycheck and invested into your retirement plan without you even realizing it! When it comes to fitness and finances, “Done is better than perfect!”

Erik Gardner – CEO of Volunteer Rid A Pest LLC announces another acquisition.

“We are proud to announce that on October 1st, 2021 Volunteer Rid A Pest has officially merged with Pestaway Corportion and will begin overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business” stated Gardner.

Pestaway founders and owners, Troy and Jeanette Donaldson have experienced health issues and are unable to carry on the operation of the business. Their daughter and son, Joyce and Eddie are retiring to care for their elderly parents.

“Our company has taken over the day-to-day operation of the business and will make certain to serve our new Pestaway customers well!” said Gardner.

“This merger gives our company a stronger reach into McMinn County and solidifies our company as the dominant player in the Athens/McMinn County market!” added Gardner.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Stand Your Ground

M

by Kyle Blevins

en, as leaders in our families, our businesses,

firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.” Even if

churches, or other causes, are often charged

you feel refreshed, this can still be quite the challenge.

with a generalized expectation to “stand firm.”

Unfortunately, even as strong men, we are very reward-

I believe this expectation is a hopeful one where people

driven beings. Even as leaders, there must be some cause

need to have someone to rely on. Most men will stand

for us to fight for ourselves and others. This charge from

up to this challenge, but even in doing so, I have known men in my life who take this to the extreme in both unhealthy, but also inspiring ways. Some have taken that to mean not “feeling” at all, while others have neglected themselves mentally and physically to set out what they aim to do.

At the end of the day, that kind of standing firm does well to serve the hidden master of pride, but little to solidify the foundation which would actually carry us through.

That is the foundation of faith.

As I think about different situations people might expect us to stand firm in, the only one that remains worth standing for is that of spiritual and moral excellence, of faith. If standing your ground doesn’t maintain a level

1 Corinthians 16:13 may need another “boost” and I

of security, of spiritual well-being, or of a sharpened

believe Romans 5:3-5 can give us just that. It reminds

vision for that which you are leading, then not standing

us of all the rewards for fighting through the right

firm is not weakness—it is wisdom. I share that because

thing. “We know that suffering produces perseverance;

I know some men who have tried to cling to every little

perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope

opportunity that comes their way. If they don’t control in

does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been

excellence all that finds its way to them, then they are less

poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who

of a man. I pray today that lie is identified, spoken to, and

has been given to us.”

cast out.

Now that we have filtered out what should really be stood for, you should feel renewed energy already

I pray that you are nourished in your spirit today, that you filter down where you wish your excellence to be, and that the Holy Spirit be with you in all you aim to do.

than you realized as you focused on something more special. 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on guard. Stand

12 // January 2022

About The Author

about standing firm. Perhaps you have more in the tank Kyle Blevins is a husband and a father of three boys. He enjoys connecting with the world through skateboarding and music. Apart from his day job, he is a freelance writer and aspiring author. You can follow his work at iamredirected.com.

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Gò0dNews for Women

For The Weary

“A

by Amy Eaton

thrill of hope, a weary world rejoices.”

Though those words were penned by

Adolphe Adam in 1847 when he wrote “O

Holy Night,” they still hit home for many of us today. It’s been a hard few years, and 2021 was one I found myself in the depths of grief often. Losing loved ones and friends, missing loved ones far away, and experiencing multiple significant changes has left me weary. I know many whom are also weary from all the weight they feel from difficult days, sickness, grief, and heartache. My point is: the world is still weary…

All this ongoing weariness takes a toll on our bodies, minds, and souls. Study the science of stress and you’ll quickly learn that lack of rest and increased stress levels can make you more prone to sickness and even depression.

God designed our bodies to need rest. He even went as far as to model the importance Himself during creation week. Jesus was a beautiful example of practicing rest and prioritizing stillness with God. We too must make rest and stillness with God a priority to be the best, most healthy versions of ourselves.

I love that Jesus reminds us that we can come to Him for true rest in Matthew 11:28-30. While His instruction is speaking to practical and physical rest, it’s also much deeper than that. When we refuse to pause or prioritize rest, we are in essence saying “I can’t rest, everything is resting upon my shoulders.” This is like saying we can do it without God. Yikes! I’m guilty at times, too. But when I am willing to be aware of this mistaken self-sufficiency, I am then able to remember that any good things I accomplish are because of Christ’s sufficiency within me (Philippians 4:13 AMPC). When I’m tired, He welcomes me lovingly to receive His rest. He welcomes, you too: “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion?

Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life.

company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly” (Matthew 11:28-30 MSG).

Beloved, as we embark on a new year and the possible busyness it brings, please remember to make time to rest with your Savior. Remember that you can do far more with what’s left of your days through spending time with Him, than you could ever do in your own strength. Bring Him your burdens, and make the exchange. Receive His rest. Keep company with Him as you learn to live freely and lightly.

Looking for a simple devotional to help you focus on rest? Check out REST: Choosing Peace, Growth, and Learning Holy Rest on Amazon or other online retailers for a short monthly devotional with weekly Bible study, by Amy Eaton.

with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep

14 // January 2022

About The Author

I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work Amy Eaton has a passion for loving people and helping them see their worth and value in Christ.

She hopes her writings will be an encouragement and point people to the heart of God (Acts 20:24).

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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 Christ First Church 1008 N. Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-1008 Clearview Baptist Church 2183 Dietz Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-0164 Ebenezer Baptist Church 77 Hackett Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7970 Faith Baptist Church 308 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 423-509-5334 First Baptist Church of Ringgold 7611 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2358 Friendship Primitive Baptist Church 851 Ooltewah Ringgold Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2382 Gospel Way Baptist Church 31 Bowling Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9866 Grace Baptist Church

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7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7969 Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf 1314 Old Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7107 Video Call: 706-956-0445 Heritage Pointe Baptist Church 60 Dyer Bridge Place Ringgold, GA 30736 706-858-0976 Hickory Grove Baptist Church 5010 Houston Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-673-6999 Keith Baptist Church 1573 Keith Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-450-0963 Living Faith Baptist Church Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-1817 Midway Baptist Church Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-2317 Mount Peria Baptist Church 341 Sparks Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4887 Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 66 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 New Heights Baptist Church 158 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9838 New Liberty Baptist Church 923 Graysville Road

Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4754 Peavine Baptist Church 1089 Peavine Road Rock Spring, GA 30739 706-375-4721 Philadelphia Baptist Church 1065 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-5683 Pine Grove Baptist Church 46 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-2427 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 7769 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3348 Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 1995 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-537-3633 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 422 Poplar Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-4461 Salem Baptist Church 1947 Keith Salem Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3907 Welcome Hill Baptist Church 223 Inman Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-4814 Church of Christ Cohutta Road Church of Christ 2233 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3884 Ringgold Church of Christ 4099 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-2820 Church of God Boynton Church of God 1956 Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-6300 Indian Springs Church of God 2256 Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-3599 Noble Church of God 75 Glass Rd

Lafayette, GA 30728 Ringgold Church of God 117 Emberson Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2056 Wallaceville Church of God 236 Harp Switch Road Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-2736 Community Green Pasture Community Church 1008 North Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7333 Lee’s Chapel Community Church 3253 Catoosa Parkway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-9928 Rock Bridge Community Church 102 Remco Shops Lane Ringgold, GA 30736 706-279-3175 Full Gospel Yates Spring Full Gospel Church 1300 Yates Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-638-2305 Methodist Boynton UMC 4246 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-2626 Graysville UMC 2331 Graysville Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9253 Ringgold UMC 7484 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4777 Woodstation UMC 13198 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3360 Non-Denominational Battlefield Church of Faith Highway 41 South Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-7729 Calvary Chapel Ringgold 548 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1502

Church of Living Faith 7623 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-5673 Crossroads Church 7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 crossroadsringgold.com Faith Builders International 8309 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 256-338-5031 Grace Memorial Church 118 East Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736

706-965-7969 The Gathering 2501 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-841 0161 Light House Church 1201 Lafayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-861-2715 Messianic Ministry To Israel P.O. Box 22654 Chattanooga, TN 37422 New Life Church PO Box 1973 Ringgold, GA 30736

706-866-7799 Venue Church 3969 Cloud Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 423-637-7100 Presbyterian Chickamauga Presbyterian 700 7th Street Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-3432 Christ Fellowship 1176 North Three Notch Rd. Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4115 Morton Memorial

560 Red Belt Rd. Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-338-7176 Seventh-Day Adventist Ringgold Seventh-Day Adventist Church 124 Kittle Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3741 Battlefield Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church 96 Hillman Lane Ringgold, GA 30736 706-861-5999

Fort Oglethorpe Church Directory Baptist Anchor of Hope Baptist Church 2613 Lakeview Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8318 Battlefield Baptist Church 178 South Cedar Lane Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-1316 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 2 E Gate Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-6183 Cloud Springs Baptist Church 207 Cloud Springs Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0164 First Baptist Church Ft. Oglethorpe 2645 LaFayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232 Moriah Baptist Church 2864 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8843 Nellie Head Memorial Baptist 2379 Catoosa Parkway Tunnell Hill, GA 30755 706-935-5236 Old Fort Baptist Church 18 Van Cleve Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-2807

Parkway Baptist Temple 65 Stuart Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0325 Victory Baptist Church 1013 Layfayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-866-0371 Catholic Saint Gerard Catholic Church 3049 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-9410 Church of Christ Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ 6 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-4124 Community Battlefield Ministries Church 64 3rd Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9090 Episcopal Church of the Nativity 1520 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9773 Methodist Fairview UMC 2112 McFarland Avenue Rossville, GA 30741 423-653-1043 Fort Oglethorpe UMC 1733 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6314 Newnan Springs UMC

78 Monanaw Avenue Rossville GA 30741 706-866-6724 Nazarene Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9838 Non-Denominational Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-913-0531 Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777 Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-255-8655 Ridgeland Point Church 1417 Happy Valley Rd. Rossville, GA 30741 RockPointe Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6523 Untethered Church 2473 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-991-6067 Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232

List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Christ is Willing to Restore You

I

by Patton Locke

t’s usually easier to believe that the Lord can forgive other’s failures than it is to receive His grace in our own lives. We tell ourselves, God will forgive that person,

but I have blown it this time! It is so tempting to believe that these lies are in fact our reality. But, a look at the verbal apostasy and restoration of Peter reveals the kind heart of the Good Shepherd.

We know Peter to be the bold, courageous, and often ignorant disciple. Not only is Peter chosen to be Jesus’ disciple, but he is chosen out of the Twelve to be a part of

Three observations: 1. The fearless leader becomes a coward when being questioned by an insignificant servant girl.

2. Peter calls Christ “the man” after having boldly declared Him to be the Son of God. 3. Peter would rather be cursed than profess the name of Jesus.

Peter wants absolutely nothing to do with Christ. But all this time, Jesus is preparing to be killed so that He may forgive Peter.

Whatever evil you may have committed, Peter has you beat. He has totally abandoned the Messiah that he so bravely confessed he would die with. The bold disciple is now the verbal apostate. But thanks be to God that He didn’t leave Peter in his desperate state and He hasn’t left you in yours either.

After the Resurrection, Jesus is having breakfast with the disciples. I am sure that Peter can hardly look Jesus in the face without remembering every detail of the dreadful night he denied his Lord three times. While Jesus had paid for Peter’s sin of denial on the cross, Jesus wanted to take forgiveness to the next level: restoration.

Jesus restores Peter for each of the three times

Jesus’ “inner ring” of three. Peter is truly favored by Jesus.

Peter is the one who unashamedly proclaims Jesus as the Christ (Mk 8:29, Lk 9:20, Mt 16:16). Jesus says that Peter’s ability to even make this confession is a revelation from God (Mt 16:17). In John 6:68-69, Peter understands Jesus to have “the words of eternal life.” Even as Jesus predicts Peter’s denial, Peter confidently responds that he would die with Christ before he ever thought about denying him (Mt 26:35). Given Peter’s walk with Jesus up to this point, Jesus’ prediction surely does seem to be a little out of character for Peter.

Yet, the fateful night comes and Peter flat out denies his Lord.

The actual severity of Peter’s denial is seen in Matthew 26:71-74.

18 // January 2022

he had previously denied Him (John 21:15-17). In his restoration, He gives him the charge of shepherding the flock of disciples. From a worldly perceptive it makes no sense to appoint the man who abandoned, deserted, and denied the Messiah as the new shepherd of the sheep!

Some of us may think that even allowing Peter back into the Twelve is a leap, but making him the new leader?!

For every one of your failures, Jesus doesn’t just stand ready to forgive you but to restore you. He is willing to take your brokenness and create such a beautiful story that doesn’t make sense to the world!

Come to Christ in true repentance and experience His kindness, mercy, and restoration.

Church Activities & Events Thankful Missionary Baptist Church Men In Prayer

Saturday, January 1 | 8AM - 9AM 980 N Orchard Knob Ave, Chattanooga, TN

Burks United Methodist Church

Children’s Ministry Homeless Collection Sunday, January 9 | 3PM 6433 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN

Abba’s House

The Prophetic Summit - The Lions Roar January 13 – January 16 5208 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN

Cornerstone Baptist Church The Agee Family

Sunday, January 16 | 11AM 5479 TN-58, Chattanooga, TN

Gò0dNews for Everyone

New Beginnings

N

by Brent Goodge

ew Year. 2022. Wondering how we can go back to

shine out of darkness, who has shown in our hearts to give

a pre-Covid, pre-Zoom, pre-arguing over vaccines

the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face

and masks kind of life. But to get to a real new

of Jesus Christ” (2 Corinthians 4:6). If Christ cannot speak

beginning, let’s go back to earth’s actual beginning.

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the

physical light into existence, how could He ever create light in the hearts of His enemies? (Romans 5:8). What right

earth” (Genesis 1:1). We live in a world where the Genesis account of Creation is considered a myth.

Those who believe the God of Heaven spoke and things happened are thought to be ignorant.

The words of Genesis 1 and 2 are echoed throughout the Bible. When speaking the Ten Commandments, God pointed to the seven-day week as continual evidence that He alone is our Creator (Exodus 20:8-11). When identifying Himself as the only true God, the Bible points to His creative power (Psalm 33:8, 9). When Paul explained the “Unknown God” to the wisest men of Athens, he told of the One who “made from one blood every nation of men” (Acts 17:26).

The arguments against Biblical Creation, rather than weakening the faith of the faithful, should strengthen it. Peter foretold that in the last days scoffers would “willfully forget that by the Word of the

or power would He have, were He not our Creator, to be

Lord the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of

our Savior? To fulfill His New Covenant promise to write

water and in the water, by which the world that then existed

His law in our hearts and remember our sins no more?

perished, being flooded with water” (2 Peter 3:5, 6). Who

(Hebrews 10:16, 17).

should we believe? The scoffers who have grown in strength

The final messages of warning to planet earth call all

over the past 175 years? Or the God who prophesied their

humanity to worship Jesus Christ as our Creator. This call

coming 2000 years ago?

depicts Creation as an integral part of the everlasting gospel

As Christians, we must realize that Satan’s attack on Creation is an attack on Jesus Christ Himself. At least three

of Jesus Christ (Revelation 14:6, 7).

As sinners, our only Hope is in our Creator, our Re-

times, the New Testament clearly identifies Jesus as the

Creator, Jesus Christ. “Create in me a clean heart, O God,

One who spoke our physical world into existence (John 1:3;

and renew a steadfast spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10). Trust

Colossians 1:16; Hebrews 1:2). Doubting the Genesis account

Him to re-create your heart today.

But there’s an even greater story of beginnings that the Bible portrays. “For it is God who commanded light to

20 // January 2022

About The Author

is to question the power and honesty of Jesus Christ Himself.

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and wants Christ to re-create a new heart in him every day (1 Corinthians 15:31).

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FEATURED COVER STORY

Community Partnership: Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Authority

by Jodi Varnado

of Commerce has been serving

T

Commerce, guided by President and

Business Expo, and five hundred

Catoosa and surrounding

CEO, Amy Jackson, is a membership-

individuals were in attendance.

he Catoosa County Chamber

The Catoosa County Chamber of

businesses were represented at the

areas for over ninety years, acting as

based organization led by an elected

an advocate and facilitator for the

Board of Directors who set the

changing challenges, the Catoosa

wellbeing of Catoosa’s community,

policies for the organization, and a

County Chamber of Commerce has

including local business, workforce

professional staff who implement

continued to grow. Forty-five new

education, economic stability, and

the Board of Directors’ objectives

members, including new and existing

tourism. With the effects of the

on a day-to-day basis. The Catoosa

businesses, joined the Chamber in

pandemic still lingering through our

County Chamber of Commerce offers

2021. The Catoosa County Chamber

local economy, the Catoosa County

membership programs and networking

of Commerce has a 95%-member

Chamber of Commerce has established

events throughout the year, including

retention rate, totaling four hundred

a valuable partnership with Catoosa

Showcase Catoosa Business Expo. This

business members. “We have a very

County’s Economic Development

annual event allows local businesses

active Chamber,” said Jackson. This

Authority to support community

to network with the community.

activity has encouraged Jackson to

awareness and growth.

On December 7, 2021, seventy-five

partner with the Catoosa County

22 // January 2022

Even amid a year of ever-

Economic Development Authority’s

Authority and vice versa. A simple

educational resources for businesses

Director, Keith Barclift. Together, the

walk down The Colonnade’s hallway

to receive government funding.

two have created a new connection for

is all it takes for Jackson and Barclift

businesses to thrive.

to exchange ideas and plan the next

residents commuting to work every

community outreach event.

day, only 5,000 residents live and work

Barclift has served as Economic Developer for the Catoosa County

During the height of the pandemic,

With 80% of Catoosa’s 70,000

in our community. In the new year,

Economic Development Authority

Jackson and Barclift created an online

Barclift will work to bring awareness

since 2019. He is a member of the

resource center, www.catoosa.info,

to existing businesses and coordinate

Georgia Economic Developers

to provide community members

more growth opportunities within

Association, the Southern Economic

with available information about

Catoosa County. This will include

Development Council, and the

local businesses, including hours

more aggressive advertising and

International Economic Developers

of operation and business closures.

marketing, including trade shows,

Association. Barclift serves as an Ex

As the pandemic began to stabilize,

and collaborative educational

Officio board member of the Catoosa

the website has transitioned into a

services and seminars, ranging from

County Chamber of Commerce, where

resource for Covid-19 testing and

topics of statutory tax credits to

he serves as the Chair of the Business

vaccine information. Jackson and

human resources.

Development Committee. Jackson and

Barclift have since created a Facebook

Barclift also serve on the College and

group, Catoosa Connects, to extend

the Catoosa County Chamber

Career Academy Board of Directors

their collective mission with the

of Commerce, businesses, and

for Catoosa County. The Catoosa

surrounding community, connecting

the Catoosa County Economic

County Economic Development

people and local businesses,

Development Authority is vital, and

Authority works to bring new, quality

highlighting charitable needs in the

the community is better for it,” said

jobs, investments, and increased

community, and promoting local

Jackson. If your business is located

sales tax revenue to the community.

events and activities.

in the Catoosa, Ringgold, Fort

The Catoosa County Economic

With a rise in business licenses

“Communication between

Oglethorpe, or Chattanooga area

Development Authority also supports

and a strain on the labor force,

and you would like to get involved

existing business and industry by

strengthening Catoosa’s economic

with the Catoosa County Chamber

providing education and assistance

development is a critical area of focus

of Commerce, you can reach Amy

with state and local resources available

for Barclift. “Now, more businesses

Jackson at (706)-965-5201 or ajackson@

for workforce development, training,

are starting, growing, and expanding,”

catoosachamberofcommerce.com. You

incentive, and expansion.

said Barclift. With the success of

can contact Keith Barclift at (706)-965-

the Catoosa County Chamber of

1066 or Keith.Barclift@catoosa.com. If

business recruitment and expansion.

Commerce’s Job Fair in April of 2021,

you are a community member and

His partnership with Jackson has

Jackson and Barclift have already

would like more information, you can

allowed him to provide economic

begun planning for 2022. This annual

visit www.catoosachamberofcommerce.

development education to local

event allows Chamber and non-

com. The Catoosa County Chamber

businesses, potential industry partners,

Chamber members to be involved

of Commerce and Economic

and community members. “I can keep

in creating a space for employment

Development Authority offices are

a pulse on the business community and

networking, even partnering with

located inside The Colonnade, at 264

educate Chamber members on how

Catoosa County Schools to encourage

Catoosa Circle, Ringgold, GA 30736.

they can benefit the community,” said

seniors to get connected with local

Barclift. This collaboration has allowed

businesses. Jackson and Barclift have

the Catoosa Chamber of Commerce

also started making plans for a Small

to share information with the Catoosa

Business Boot Camp to kick off in

County Economic Development

the first quarter of 2022, including

Barclift’s primary goals are

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Head In the Clouds

by Katie Loveless

I

t had already been a hectic morning of preparing for the day

so much so that it was deemed necessary to start over.

amid cloudy skies. I was on my third stop when I caught a

Thus, demolition ensued after the storm to create space for

glimpse of something glorious along my familiar commute.

something new and improved.

The terrain is familiar, though changed over the last few years

Isn’t that what starting over is all about? I am encouraged

by an unexpected tornado followed by efforts to rebuild. In

to remember that our Maker was willing to start over just as He

fact, a local Christian school known as Grace was leveled in the

did with Noah, his family, and all the creatures spared in the

tornado’s aftermath. In this place where Grace was decimated,

ark. If God is willing to start over, won’t you?

terrific rebuilding is underway.

This is the backdrop for a glorious rainbow I caught a

Just because something in your life looks different than what you feel God has promised, it doesn’t make His promises

glimpse of. It was stunning and breathtaking as it arched directly over the established architecture framing the rebuild. It vibrantly contrasted the pastel blue hues of the sky behind. I heard myself utter out loud, “Amazing.” Without a second thought, I opted to pull over and take a picture. However, in the short time of pulling over and turning around, the rainbow had vanished just as quickly as it appeared.

Bewildered, I looked around and noticed the sun, which had shone gloriously just moments before, was now covered by a dense cloud.

Like a child with an unfulfilled wish, I massaged my disappointment. I resigned myself to the drive ahead and began my journey at the stop sign intersecting with the view of Grace under construction. Just

any less true. His promises remain even if your circumstances

as quickly as the rainbow had appeared, I sensed the Lord

seem to overshadow them like a cloud. He is still faithful and

speaking to my heart with a question. Just because you can no

He is still good.

longer see it, does it make it any less true?

Indeed, the rainbow and the promise it represents are both

For me personally, I struggle with wrecked remains of what has been and wonder what will be. The necessary

true. The rainbow is a momentary reminder that God won’t

prospect of starting over is daunting to me. God has been so

flood the entire earth again. Isn’t that a glorious promise amid

gracious to reconcile my questioning with the knowledge of His

cloudy skies when you have been pelted by the rain? Isn’t it

rescue. In His mercy, I get to start over and rebuild because He

salve to your soul to comprehend that every season of suffering

is far too kind to let me inhabit something that isn’t structurally

has its end? God isn’t interested in your total annihilation; He’s

sound. I’m reminded, it isn’t so much about what has been but

actually interested in your construction.

more about what will be.

You may be thinking that the grace for your life has just

And beloved, even amid cloudy skies, there are brighter

been decimated. Let me encourage you dear one, grace is

days ahead. It very well may be worthwhile to walk around

taking shape. His grace for your life is under construction.

with your head in the clouds.

not level the school. The structural integrity of the original campus was compromised by the severity of the storm,

24 // January 2022

About The Author

This is a great time for me to mention that the tornado did

Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability. Katie is also the author of arisetoo.blogspot.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A New Start

2

by Brian Johnson

022. A new year and a new start. The new year always brings a time of reflection and evaluation.

We think about our regrets, the things we want to

change, and the new person we want to be. The great thing about our relationship with God is that we can make those changes anytime.

Proverbs 24:16 says, “For a just man falleth seven times, and riseth up again: but the wicked shall fall into mischief.” What I love about that verse is God knows we’re going to mess up. Even a just person is going to fall.

“He remembereth that we are dust,” (Psalms 103:14). The problem isn’t the falling; the problem is when we stay down.

I’m a big sports fan. My favorites are football and baseball. In football, there’s a position called defensive back. These players usually defend receivers one on one or, if you’re sports challenged, they try to stop other players from catching the ball when the quarterback throws it to them. Sometimes defensive backs will give up a big play.

It’s part of playing that position. It’s going to happen from

sin among you, let him first cast a stone of her” (John 8:7).

time to time but if they dwell on the mistake, it will affect

After all of the men dropped their stones, Jesus told her to

the next play.

“go, and sin no more.”

When we mess up as Christians and stay down, it

David committed murder and adultery and he was

prevents God from being able to use us as affectively in the

called a man after God’s own heart. He’s also mentioned in

next situation or for the next person we meet that needs to

Christ’s genealogy in Matthew and Luke.

hear the Gospel.

Don’t listen to the lies of Satan: you’re not good enough,

Paul, when he was Saul, persecuted and jailed Christians. He presided over the stoning of Stephen, and

God won’t forgive you, you could never come back from

God made him the apostle to the Gentiles. He wrote a

what you’ve done. Remember what Jesus said about the

large portion of the New Testament and took the Gospel to

Devil, “…there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie,

Europe. There are many examples!

he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar and the father of it” (John 8:44).

There’s nothing wrong with evaluations and resolutions.

Just know, as long as you’re still breathing, God can, will,

Listen to the truth of God: you’re forgiven, you’re loved, if

and wants to use you, no matter what you’ve done. Get up,

you’re saved, you’re still His child and, according to Titus 1:2,

move forward. God’s not taking you out of the game. Don’t

God cannot lie.

take yourself out.

caught in the act of adultery. There were several men standing ready to stone her. Jesus said, “He that is without

26 // January 2022

About The Author

There’s a well-known story about a woman that was

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.

ourney But it can alsoto seem overwhelming, looking down the long road ahead. You may be asking yourself, how sho An easy step is to put a key foundational piece in place with life insurance. By doing that, it helps ensure t ookWhat like?

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ce. By doing that, it helps ensure that Guy Percy OK. Financial Representative

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journey to financial fitness means different things to different people. And that’s the way it should be.

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been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance deci their families’ financial futures. Life Happens does not endorse any insurance company, product or advisor. © Life Happens 2018. All rights reser easy step is to put a key foundational piece in place with life insurance. By doing that, it helpssafeguard ensure that

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® www.countryfinancial.com/guy.percy e Company , Bloomington, IL. guy.percy@countryfinancial.com

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Soar With the Eagles

by Judy Hood

As you walk through this life, grab it by the horns You need to learn that from the day you are born The days go by so fast they will just pass you by And before you know it, you’ll be old with a sigh So, live your life, live it well, soar with the eagles, fly high Tap into your talents, don’t let the naysayers be your demise God has filled us with so much talent, if we just look deep within our soul We’ll learn who we are, we’ll find our life’s goal When you find your goal run with it, don’t ever look back To reach the pinnacle in your endeavors don’t ever slack Your reward is waiting over on the horizon When you achieve that, the sun will be a rising So, get up each morning, live your life to the full Always remember to live by the Golden Rule 28 // January 2022

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Little Is Much

by Karen D. Jeffery

I

n the Bible, we read that Jesus left us a wonderful

sitting with His disciples near the temple treasury watching

example of a humbling experience: He washed the

people depositing money into the offering receptacles. The

disciples’ feet, a task that was usually done by the lowest

court of women held thirteen such receptacles, and people

servant. In those days, everyone’s feet were probably very

could cast their money in as they walked by. Jesus watched

dirty since they walked everywhere they needed to go

as the rich were contributing large sums of money, but along

unless they had a donkey or a camel.

came a widow with two small coins in her hand.

Jesus, the King of Kings, stopped and washed more than

The two small copper coins made a penny. Mark

His disciples’ feet. He even washed the feet of Judea, who

12:41 calls the coins “mites.” These were the smallest

would soon betray Him.

denomination of coins. The widow put her coins into the box, and Jesus called His disciples to Him and pointed out her action: “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” We must remember to give our all, even if it doesn’t seem like very much.

Whatever we have a talent to do is our gift.

We should do it with all we have because a little is much. Even though God doesn’t reward us for how

John 13:12-14, “So after he had washed their feet, and

much we can do for Him, but according to how willingly

had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said

we can do what we can. All He asks is we trust Him with

unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me

all the aspects of our lives.

Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your

I pray we all will call these words into 2022 and refuse

Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to

to reconsider a decision we know is right. Always give your

wash one another’s feet.”

all to Jesus. He gave us all He had when He gave His life for

By doing this, Jesus showed us He had a big purpose for

us on Calvary’s hill.

what He was doing. He wanted to teach us that no deed of In Mark 12:41-42, the poor widow gave little, but she was willing to give it all. Her reward was much. Jesus was

30 // January 2022

About The Author

brotherly love is unimportant, as any small thing.

Karen D. Jeffery lives in Chatsworth, Georgia, and loves the Lord. He is first in her life.

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Gò0dNews for Parents

What A $40 Jogging Stroller Taught Me

by Jordan Burchette

I

have been taking advantage of our local greenway each

I stayed in a constant state of fear and panic during

morning after breakfast. I load my two kids in the car and

that time of their lives. What if someone snatched them

head to the park. The walk is peaceful, as the greenway is

up? What if they fell off of the swings or slide? These were

surrounded by thick trees, a gently flowing river, and many

questions that kept me at home, free from danger. Even

beautiful stops along the way, including a duck refuge.

when we were home, I rarely went outside for longer than

It is a perfect way to start one’s day, especially with two

an hour. What if they got mauled by a dog? Or what if

littles full of energy upon waking up each morning. After a

they got hit by a car? Many of the fears were completely

few days of enjoying the local landscape, they started to get

irrational, but I couldn’t see it at that time.

lazy. “We don’t want to walk anymore,” they whined. “My legs hurt,” they grumpily complained. “We just want to go

Isn’t that how life goes? We don’t always see God using those seasons to mold us at the time.

to the park,” they griped.

So, in true Type-A fashion, I decided to “kill two birds with one stone.” I would run/ walk while the kids enjoyed the bumpy ride and then finish our morning exercise at the end of the track, where a beautiful playground was conveniently located. A win for all of us!

I wanted a basic jogging stroller to run with and scored one on Facebook Marketplace for $40. I arranged a pick-up time with the seller and stuffed the lightly-used stroller into the back of my SUV. We headed towards the park, where I proceeded to fumble with the new stroller for ten minutes until I finally figured out how to use it.

Once I finally got the stroller opened, locked, and

Now, several years later, I see how far God has brought

packed full of snacks and water bottles, we took off down

me. Somewhere in the last few years, I woke up and realized

the greenway. I walked for a few minutes to warm my

I wanted to be the mom that went out and really lived life

calve muscles up, and then I took off jogging, pushing

with her kids. I didn’t want to be a slave to fear any longer,

them as I jogged.

nor did I want to pass that fear onto my children. I want

As I was walking, I looked down at both of my kids, and

them to watch me live life even if I am scared. This morning,

my mind immediately returned to a few years ago when

I read my Bible and read about Jesus casting out demons that

we lived in Greenville, South Carolina. Isn’t it strange how

knew and feared Him because they knew who He was and

certain moments trigger memories? Our youngest was a

how powerful He was. Jesus, in the same chapter, rebuked a

baby, and our oldest was probably two or two and a half

storm. That is the God I, and hopefully, you, serve.

when we lived in that beautiful city. I remembered how I mile run/walk on a wooded greenway. I barely went outside in general, to be honest.

32 // January 2022

About The Author

would have never ventured out to take both kids on a three-

Jordan Burchette writes stories to encourage, inspire, and challenge others. When she isn’t writing, she is running her small business, enjoying time with her family, and drinking coffee. You can follow her blog at www.thewordsofjordannoel.com.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

The Best Flourless Chocolate Cake

T

by Pam Wattenbarger

his gluten-free recipe takes some time to prepare but the decadent chocolate taste is worth the wait!

Use good quality chocolate chips for the best

results. Plan to make the cake in advance, as it needs to set for at least six hours before serving.

Ingredients • 1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips • 2 sticks butter, softened • 6 eggs, at room temperature • 1 cup sugar • ½ cup water • 1 tablespoon cornstarch • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract • ½ teaspoon salt • Whipped cream, optional • Chocolate shavings, optional

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.

2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, add the chocolate and the butter. Heat for 1 minute at 50% power. Stir. Return to the microwave and heat for 1 to 2 more minutes, stirring after each minute, until the chocolate is melted. Set aside to cool for 5 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, mix together the eggs, sugar, water, cornstarch, vanilla extract and salt until blended.

4. Stir the chocolate mixture into the egg mixture.

5. Spray a springform pan with cooking spray.

Pour the chocolate mixture into the pan. Leave the pan on the countertop for 10 minutes to allow air bubbles to rise to the top. Gently pop any air bubbles with a fork.

6. Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes. The edges should be set, but the center of the cake should still jiggle.

7. Let the cake cool for 20 to 30 minutes. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight until it is set.

34 // January 2022

About The Author

8. Before serving, top each piece with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, if desired.

Pam Wattenbarger is the author of The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes and Modern Twists on Old Favorites & The Southern Air Fryer Cookbook. Find her recipes and more at SimplySouthernMom.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Why Do We Fear?

F

by Chase Holtzclaw

or a long time, I have wondered, why do we fear

cannot live without fear and walk in faith, then the enemy

the future? What is it about fear that we let it take

has already crippled us. Without faith, we cannot stand for

full control over our thoughts and emotions, even

God much less have the courage to talk about the good news

affecting us physically? How can we let something we cannot see control every move we make? This question

of Jesus.

We often have to step out in faith, but how can we when

led me to the most wonderful answer. It’s simple and has

the enemy tells us to be fearful of all these other things that

already been given to us. The word of God tells us to not

could happen, you might ask? God already tells us what we

fear what this world or man can do. The only thing we

are to do in His word and we should follow the example of

should fear is God and Him alone. I have always asked

Jesus. The enemy will come to you when you are susceptible

myself why would God want me to fear Him and why would a loving Father tell me to fear Him? God the Father wants us to fear Him and only Him because He knows that if we fear anything else it will have control over our lives. His will for our lives is perfect.

When we work in our will, we mess things up. The enemy has a way of twisting will with fear. This kind of control with fear is the easiest and quickest way to control someone and the enemy knows this. This is why God our Father wants us to fear only Him. It is not because He wants us to be afraid of Him, it is because He loves us and He knows what we could fear will define our lives.

The question we have to ask now is, how do we live a life without fear? The depth of this question can be simple to

to hearing his lies. Remember he is the ultimate liar after

some and complicated for others. Complications come when

all. Paul tells us, in 2 Corinthians 10:5, to take every thought

we are fearful of things and those things take over our lives.

captive to the obedience of Christ. Should we not take the

Fear begins to control us in many ways and can take our

fear captive in our minds? Fear can cause us to do some

lives away from what God wants for us. If you believe that

crazy things if we believe what we fear is actually real. I

we are in a spiritual battle that affects our reality around

urge you to take those thoughts captive, and in the name

us, then this will be easy for you to understand. The way

of Jesus tell them to leave you, until you can live your life

the enemy will try to place fear in you is simple. He will

without the fear the enemy is trying to feed you. Life is too

whisper into your ear and tell you things will not work out

short to waste on fear. Pray to God and ask for wisdom and

the way you want. He will tell you bad things will happen if

He will give it to you. Pray you have faith to step out when

you step out in faith. He will do these things through people

it is time and live your life as Jesus would. Let us step out

you trust and the world around you. Do these things sound

and glorify our Creator and walk without fear.

us. The enemy wants us to fear everything so he can control us. If we live our lives in fear, we cannot walk in faith. If we

36 // January 2022

About The Author

familiar to you? God wants us to fear Him because He loves

Chase Holtzclaw has three wonderful kids.

God saved Chase’s life by showing him He has a better way. Chase prays that he can show his children how to love God above everything and to love their neighbor as themselves.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

New Horizon

A

by Janise Copeman

s we see the hustle and bustle of the times we live

more like Christ and not an imitation of someone else. What

in, it can get harder to slow it down—to take a look

better role model to have than the Lord? He has given us all

over the past year and meditate on it. It has been an

a purpose and particular gifts to fulfill that purpose with

interesting one for sure! Many new struggles and challenges

this guidance. When we focus more on His agenda versus

have faced us all. We get in the habit of making New Year’s

our own, we will find our true fulfillment. Now, with all

resolutions and a fresh start. We think about our successes or

those projects, goals, aspirations, if we put them in the

failures and start setting goals or projects for the new year. We

Lord’s hands and ask Him to help us reach those goals, the

hear all the time, “I will get to it after the holidays.” Whatever

outcome may be put in a whole different perspective.

it may be, we are wanting to put the past behind us and start with a whole new beginning or outlook come January.

As I am getting older, my goals and my wants have changed. As we enter every new season in our lives, our perspectives and lists change. My eyes are more set on the eternal things—the inward man or woman which will never die but is renewed daily and will go on forever. The things we do in the here and now will be a major part of that. The materialistic world we live in, which is flooded daily with TV, social media, etc. can blind us to what is really important and those things that will never rust or decay.

Matthew 6:19-20, “Do no store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.”

I hope this is an encouragement to someone

As I spend my quiet time alone with the Lord, He gently

(and myself) who has struggled with New Year’s resolutions

reminds me just how temporary our life is here. It’s just a

or goals and felt the pain of failure, to ask the Lord to

vapor. And the things we may hold important will only

show you what is truly important and have Him cut away

fade. It’s those things that are eternal and will last forever

anything that is not in His best interest for you. To align you

that our hearts should lean into. Things such as family and

to focus on those things He has purposed for you, to bring

showing the love of Christ to others, bringing others closer

Him glory, and to fulfill His great commission. To set our

to Christ, and planting seeds for His Kingdom. Our eternal

priorities according to His plan for our lives.

be in our focus.

The world we live in can be so upside down as far as what is important and considered success. Our focus should be on what the Lord desires. We should only strive to be

38 // January 2022

Matthew 6:33, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

About The Author

residence and those who we touch along this journey should

Janise Copeman lives in Trion,Georgia, is 49 years old, and she is blessed to be married to her soulmate for 26 years. She enjoys reading, writing, and encouraging others by spreading joy and love in the Lord.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Deserted at The Cross

A

by Kristen West

re you on a faith journey? If so, here’s a little spoiler

Statistically, it’s been shown that people will avoid pain

alert—there will be countless times when you feel

at all cost. Yet, it’s also been noted that pain—hardships,

like you’re walking the path alone. For the last thirty-

difficulties, and problems—are the very areas where

five years of my life, I have been journeying with Jesus. Much

we tend to learn the best and take away the most. Life’s

of that time has been spent surrounded by people that love

deepest lessons are discovered there. In the heartbreak. In

me, care for me, and have “been there” for me. But, when

the problem. It was a truth even the Son of Man faced,

God has called me to pick up my cross (navigating divorce,

“Although He was a Son [who had never been disobedient

blending a family, dealing with the shadows of my past, and

to the Father], He learned [active] obedience through what

various other this-doesn’t-feel-good moments), it tends to be in a very personal and isolated kind of way. Now, before you all email me the contact information of your favorite Christian counselor, hear me out.

Hours before Jesus was crucified, He had been praying in a garden with three of His closest friends. The burden of the next 24-hours was weighing heavily upon Him. The expectation of betrayal, abuse, and a violent execution had Jesus sweating blood. It was about to be His darkest hour. The Gospel of Mark gives us a snapshot as to the level of support Jesus received from His family and friends at this time. “Then they all deserted Him and ran away” (Mark 14:50). He was alone.

As Christ-followers, we all face moments, seasons, and circumstances in our lives when it looks like we’ve

He suffered” (Hebrews 5:8, AMP). Jesus knew what it felt like to suffer…and be alone. He truly was.

The good news is that we never are. His promise from

been abandoned and deserted by others. It feels like

Hebrews 13:5 that He’ll “never leave us or forsake us”

we’re facing the dark by ourselves. And, from a human

remains true and, following His resurrection, He even left

standpoint, we are. No one else can really understand

us with the Holy Spirit (also called the “Comforter” in John

what it feels like to navigate the pain of your miscarriage,

14:26)! Are you feeling alone today, friend? Isolated and like

the devastation of that trauma or addiction, or that

no one understands what you’re going through or how you’re

difficult medical diagnosis you received. No one else can

really feeling? May I introduce you to the One who never has

truly feel the weight of your broken marriage or prodigal

(or will) abandoned you? Let Him comfort and strengthen

child. Sure, friends can empathize; family can support;

you today. He sees you. He loves you. He is with you.

can (and will) feel very, very lonely.

40 // January 2022

About The Author

the church can pray. But only you can walk the path. It Kristen West works at Rock Bridge Community Church with a heart for staff leadership, development, and care. She is a communicator with a passion to inspire, encourage, and challenge others in their daily walk with Christ. She writes and publishes weekly content on her blog at kristen-west.com.

Gò0dNews for Seniors

What’s Your Mountain?

T

by Paul McGuire

his is a special and significant year for me. January is

In my personal pursuit of exhibiting the Love and Life

my birthday month. And my age is the same as the

of Christ, the Lord told me, “Give them ears to hear by

year my sweetheart and I were married, fifty years

what you are to them.” A phrase I’ve heard says, “People

ago. (No, I’m not 1972 years old!) Significantly, this is also a

don’t care how much you know until they know how

Jubilee year on the Jewish calendar.

much you care.” And Jesus said, “By this shall all men

Many folks of my age are thinking more about cutting

know that you are My disciples, that you have love for one

back the pace, retiring to piddle around, and awaiting the

other” (John 13:35, NKJ). Then Apostle John penned these

glorious second coming of our Lord. As for me, I’m excited

words: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from

to see and participate in the great awakening and revival

God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows

among the Lord’s people, and to work in the anticipated

God” (1 John 4:7, ESV).

My desire of the Lord is to take the mountain He has assigned to me. Part of this effort is to walk out the Life Christ Jesus has birthed in me. It will mean doing this in every area of life in general, not just Sunday School. It means every day. In every place and circumstance, I must hold up and insist on God’s Righteousness to rule, starting in me. “Are you gonna beat people over the head with the Bible?” I can hear some wonder. No. The Love of God is our most powerful weapon.

The Apostle Paul wrote how it is the “kindness of God that leads [Men] to repentance” (Romans 2:4, NASB), not a stick, not criticism. When we can show His Love, which is certainly kindness, by living out

great harvest of souls. I have a view much more like ol’

the Life of God, their ears will open to the message of God’s

Caleb as the Israelites were preparing to cross over into the

Salvation for them. We can tell them, and they will listen.

Promised Land. “I’ve been waiting for this moment for forty

There are many mountains influencing people. Most

years,” he proclaimed. “I’m 85, now, strong as ever. Give me

of those mountains are occupied by wicked giants which

my mountain!” And he took on a number of giants living on

have been leading us and our nations away from the

his mountain—and won! Retire? Bah! Gimme my mountain!

Righteous rule of God. Let’s take those mountains back to

These are the times when the Body of Christ must proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom. The Church cannot look the same anymore. We’ve been effective by our own

where the greatest influence on us there is—the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

What’s your mountain? Will you retire or be a Caleb?

measure, but the world passes us off as rather an annoyance! earth and its people.

42 10 // January 2022

About The Author

It remains largely unaffected. That’s not God’s Plan for the Paul McGuire has been born again for almost 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s Voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of 49 years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and five grandchildren.

From the Chamber Board of Directors, Staff, and Members...

HAPPY NEW

YEAR 2022

A LEGACY OF HEALTHCARE HEALTH FOR LIFE Hamilton Medical Center is celebrating 100 years of excellence in healthcare.

In May 1921,

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