Gò0dNews 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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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,
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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. Volunteer Rid A Pest has been serving Bradley, Hamilton, Meigs, Polk and McMinn counties since 1970. They are a full-service company offering termite control, pest control, moisture control, rodent control, crawl space encapsulation, floor repair, mosquito control and lawn treatments. For more information please call 423-462-2865 or visit their website at www.volpest.com.
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5/22/2019 10:16:21 AM
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
16 // January 2022
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.
areas for over ninety years, acting as
based organization led by an elected
Even amid a year of ever-
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
he Catoosa County Chamber
22 // January 2022
The Catoosa County Chamber of
businesses were represented at the
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
With 80% of Catoosa’s 70,000
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,
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? Does Your anyone who may rely on you financially—now or into the future—will be OK. Luxury Retirement Look So start your financial fitness journey with this oneLike? step forward. Let’s start the conversation.
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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.
Gifts That
Life is Better on Life a Honda is Better
Find the new Honda that will multiply the fun, share the excitement, and increase the number of hours you spend riding. Then, show someone special why life is better on a Honda.
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on a Honda powersports.honda.com Talons are only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles (side-by-sides) can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, drive responsibly. Always wear
a helmet, eye protection and appropriate clothing. Always wear your seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. We recommend that you Find the new Honda that will multiply the isfun, share the excitement, andread the owner’s manual before operating the vehicle. Never drive after complete the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) E-course. The free course available at www.ROHVA.org. All SxS drivers should consuming drugs or alcohol, or on public roads. Driver and passengers must be tallriding. enough forThen, seat belt toshow fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp increase the number of hours you spend someone special the grab bar with the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment when driving. Talon® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (11/20)
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14465_4C MY21_Gifts That Go Holiday Promo Amats 7.625” x 5.25” MODEL: TALON Category: SXS powersports.honda.com Talons are only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles (side-by-sides) can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, drive responsibly. Always wear PAGE 1 November 6,appropriate 2020 9:20 AM a helmet, eye protection and clothing. Always wear your seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. We recommend that you
complete the Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle (ROV) E-course. The free course is available at www.ROHVA.org. All SxS drivers should read the owner’s manual before operating the vehicle. Never drive after consuming drugs or alcohol, or on public roads. Driver and passengers must be tall enough for seat belt to fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp the grab bar with the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment when driving. Talon® is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2020 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (11/20)
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
where the greatest influence on us there is—the Kingdom
proclaim the Gospel of the Kingdom. The Church cannot look the same anymore. We’ve been effective by our own
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
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