January 2023

Gò0dNews January 2023

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About Us WRITERS

Abdiel Medina Amy Scott Beth Penny Brent Goodge David Beckmann Detrick Redding Dorothy Teague Granger Hughes Greg Grotewold Jessica Mathis Judy Hood Katie Loveless Kristen West Paula Burgner

SALES

Matthew Ruckman 423-503-1410 Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Paula Knipp 423-310-4207

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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,

5000 Monthly

Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

throughout the community in retail establishments,

Jodi Varnado Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens

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strengthen our community through relevant editorial

Matthew and Bethany Ruckman Cell: 423-503-1410 E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com

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the door for Christians to work together to grow and and effective advertising.

GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord.

Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!

Disclaimer All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use.

Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.

Contents JANUARY 2023

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

GoodNews for Everyone

6 New Year...New Methods

24 The Power of Our Words

GoodNews for Youth

GoodNews for Life

by Detrick Redding

8 Battling Leaves to Share God’s Love

by Abdiel Medina

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Taxes in Retirement - It’s

Not What You Make, But What You Keep That Counts

by Granger Hughes GoodNews for Men

12 God’s Will

by David Beckmann

GoodNews for Women

by Paula Burgner

26 Waiting

by Amy Scott

GoodNews Poetry

28 Don’t Ever Doubt

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Active Stillness

by Greg Grotewold

GoodNews for Everyone

32 Praying for the Impossible

by Brent Goodge

14 I Am Martha

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

GoodNews for Everyone

GoodNews for Everyone

by Dorothy Teague

18 Embracing Our Blindness

by Kristen West

GoodNews Cover Story

20 Mtn. View Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

6

34 One Pot Tomato Soup 36 Unbroken

by Katie Loveless

GoodNews for Everyone

38 Resolutions

20

by Beth Penny

GoodNews for Mothers

22 The Importance of a Christian Village

by Jessica Mathis

38

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

New Year…New Methods

H

by Detrick Redding

ere’s another New Year’s article, common for this

Kingdom of His Son, Jesus. This will pull us out of comfort

time of year, right! We hear sermons preached

in order to legislate for the Kingdom.

about new stuff. Let’s be honest, we’ve all heard of

Now let’s discuss this new stuff again. The word of

this, and it truly sounds redundant in a lot of our ears. The

God tells us in Isaiah 43:19 that He will do new things for

new year resolutions come rolling in—promises of weight

His people. That statement alone requires us to expect new

lost, promises of business ventures, promises of better

things within our lives. New things are promised to all

choices. People tend to start something, and by February,

of us—new creatures in Christ, new and better promises,

we stop and revert to where we were. Why? Because

new Jerusalem, behold I make all things new. God is not

new isn’t always easy, and that makes us uncomfortable.

stuck to the old and formal way of things; he promises new things. New is not just about times of existence but mainly refers to the “freshness” of something.

The things of the past may be stale, outdated and ready to be discarded because God is presenting new things for us. New things that are to replace the old stuff. New ideas that replace old ideas.

New plans that replace old plans. New methods that replace old methods. Fresh new things are for us even within this new year. The way you were last time, the methods of last time, the mentality of last time is ready to be exchanged for something new and fresh.

As I conclude this article, let me encourage you. This new place that God has for us believers will make our flesh uncomfortable. It will, because He will, challenge us away from the path

Wow, what a revelation of truth. The new will pull you

of our yesteryear. We will be challenged to think differently,

out of your comfort zone and believe me, we all prefer

to operate differently, even to live differently. If we are

to be comfortable. Webster’s definition of comfortable is

willing to go the way of the “New” with God, we qualify for

affording or enjoying contentment and security, free from

greater manifestation of His Glory. Get ready to challenge

stress or tension. That sounds good to us. We all want that

your comfort. Remember the challenging of your comfort,

for our lives. However, to be comfortable tends to cause

when you are heeding to God, is really for your good. The

inactivity on our part, and we were not created for that. God

Glory of your latter is greater than the Glory of your former.

created us to be people of action, dominion and order. As

The squeeze, the readjusting, and relocating from God is

representatives of Christ in the earth, Christians are to be

really to prepare you for a Greater Manifestation of His

people of authority and power. This is for all believers, it’s

Glory! Happy New Year! New Year…New Methods!

are called to share in the responsibility of Christ. We have been called out of the Kingdom of Darkness into the

6 // January 2023

About The Author

not a selective calling on some and not others. We, believers, Detrick Redding, born and raised in Rome, Georgia, is a husband to Toris and father to 4 children. Called to pastor at an early age, he currently pastors at Rally Up International Ministries in Rome, Georgia. Detrick has a deep passion for not only seeing people born again, but knowing their true identity and what is made available to all in Jesus Christ.

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Gò0dNews for Youth

Battling Leaves to Share God’s Love

by Abdiel Medina

I

, alongside my brothers, Evan and David, were battling

through donations to support their family. This has helped

against Mother Nature herself. She wielded a countless

the Hughes family to focus on what’s important.

army of orange and red spiked soldiers, but we were

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may

determined not to yield. At last, we reached the point

see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven”

where darkness surrounded us, and the cold stabbed at

(Matthew 5:16, NKJV). We have the opportunity and

our flesh. However, we had already sacrificed so much and

responsibility as the children and army of God to share

were fighting for a noble cause, so we knew that we must

God’s joy and love into the world. Specifically, you can start

not give up. So, we fought the good fight, stayed firm, and

to do so in your community by using the gifts, talents, and

ultimately, we were victorious.

time God has given you to work alongside fellow Christian

Alright, I admit that this is a bit of an exaggeration. It was early December, and we were raking leaves for our awesome youth pastors Leah and Spencer Hughes.

For the last couple of months, they have been going through a difficult season, and we wanted to do our part to help them out. Thankfully, as Christians, Christ had given us a commandment that fit perfectly for this situation. Jesus Christ had declared, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another” (John 13:34, NKJV).

As disciples of Christ, we carried the desire and responsibility to exemplify love towards our youth pastors, especially with the tough season they were experiencing. Although

brothers and sisters to support the needs of the community

we could not change the source of their ongoing struggles,

around you. Afterall, God can even use the mundane task

we desired to support them in whatever means we could.

of raking leaves to be a blessing to those who are going

For that reason, when David, one my brothers from church,

through a tough season.

informed me that the leaves needed to be raked at our youth

So, I encourage you to share God’s love in your

pastors’ house, I called up my brother Evan, and the three

community by serving the needs of those around you.

of us got to work. Consequently, we were able to express

Finally, a special thank you to Spencer and Leah for

God’s love to the Hughes family by fulfilling one of their

continuing to trust God and being an inspiration and source

housekeeping needs. Furthermore, I have been in awe of

of God’s love to those in your community.

been an outpouring of God’s love by taking the initiative spiritually and emotionally in prayer and financially

8 // January 2023

About The Author

how the rest of my church, Keith Street Ministries, has Abdiel Medina is a young writer, member of Keith Street Ministries, maker of KSM Youth memes, and Sophomore at Lee University.

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Money Matters Granger Hughes

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W

e spend our lives worrying about accumulation in our

When we tack on a potential market decline, things can really

retirement accounts. In fact, many of us have probably

begin to get messy. So, what can we do? We can start shifting our

been courted by an advisor stating they can get us more

minds to a new way of looking at things: preparing for the potential

growth than our current one. Growth in our retirements is important,

tax increases. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) projects that

however, it’s not the only concern we face. Others, for example, are

if the spending in our country goes unchanged, the new tax rates

rising healthcare, long-term care, volatile markets, and the ever-growing

will be 25%, 63%, and 88% respectively. What could this do to our

concern of future tax rates. So, how can we begin to shift our thought

retirements when we have for so many years deferred those taxes?

process from just growth to these other important aspects of retirement?

With the 2018 Trump tax cuts, this may present a great opportunity

After all, it’s not what we make, but what we keep that counts.

for many retirees. It is going to allow many people to get their taxes at

Many retirees are unaware of potential tax hurdles in their

a discount. After all, it’s either “pay me now, or pay me later.”

retirement, and understanding a few can go a long way to ensure

As I mentioned earlier about provisional income being a key

we keep as many of our hard-earned dollars as possible. Let’s start

factor to our tax bill, what if the income we took was tax-free? There is

with Social Security – did you know that at your full retirement age,

a way to accomplish this. The key in retirement is to pull our money

your Social Security may still be taxed? For example, if you are a

from the right buckets. So, if we are distributing money from our Roth

married couple earning more than $44K a year in provisional income,

IRAs, then this income doesn’t show up on the IRS’ radar. However,

your Social Security could be taxed up to 85%. This means if you are

Roth IRAs may not be for everyone. There are income threshold

bringing home $40K in Social Security income taxed at 85% (which

restrictions, as well as the requirement to have earned income to

would be $34K), that has become taxable at your marginal rate. At a

qualify. So, what if you find yourself in that situation? You can opt for

basic level, most people are counting on their Social Security income,

a Roth conversion – this is where you would take a specified portion

and having a tax bill like that could greatly affect the retirement they

each year from a Qualified account such as a Traditional IRA, and

had planned for.

move it into a Roth. It is important to note, be careful, and do not

Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) play a large role in this

attempt this on your own, because it could generate a large tax bill.

as well. Many people are not aware that at age 70½ our government

However, systematically moving funds to a Roth can generate tax-free

mandates we take out 3.65% from our Qualified plans (401K, 403B,

income in retirement, so if taxes go to 66% or 100%, zero is always zero.

Traditional IRA, etc..). When we factor in RMDs, pensions, taxable

Another tool you could look at using is a properly structured life

accounts (brokerage, etc.), and Social Security, we could be setting

policy. This can help generate tax-free income, as well as provide a

ourselves up for a big tax bill we may not have been expecting. For

death benefit that doubles as long-term care protection in the event

our entire lives, we have been trained to load up our tax-deferred

the need arises. This will function much like a Roth, though it is

buckets because we don’t have to pay taxes on that money. In all

important to note that it is a life insurance vehicle and there is a cost

reality, we are doing just that – deferring taxes – and we don’t know

of insurance associated with it. This vehicle is linked to an index such

whether we will find ourselves in a lower tax bracket in retirement or

as the S&P, so the gains will be tax-free so long as it remains in the

not. All of a sudden, we may be looking at a big loss, and it doesn’t

right structure. The important thing is to realize that long-term care or

have anything to do with the markets.

a death benefit is needed, and to conduct adequate research as not all

10 // January 2023

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Gò0dNews for Men

God’s Will

A

by David Beckmann

ll sincere believers want to do God’s will. We

It seems the basic way we do God’s will is to look for

pray for it all the time: “Thy kingdom come,

what the Bible says about our situation (Psalm 119:105),

Thy will be done.” Consequently, it can be

and ask for wisdom to understand what’s best (James

pretty frustrating when you are not sure what you are

1:5). We get counsel, of course (Proverbs 11:14), and we

supposed to do. It’s easy to wish God would just talk to

watch out for our conscience (Hebrews 13:18). Otherwise,

you, like he did to Noah (“Build an ark”), or Abraham

we step out trusting God to lead us in the right path

(“Go somewhere else”) or Moses (“Lead my people out of

(Psalm 23). Recognize that you are a sheep and stay close

Egypt”). But, when you look at those occasions in light of

to your shepherd. “Trust and obey, for there’s no other way to be happy in Jesus.”

Of course, one way God can lead us into things is by letting stuff happen to us. Remember Joseph? People talk about “having a call” from God: how about being thrown in a pit and sold into slavery?

That’s some way to get called by God! I wonder if he “had peace” about it.

But, he did the right thing in a situation like that: he stayed faithful (remember Potiphar’s wife). When you cannot understand what the devil is going on, you at least know that God is still good, he’s still in control, and you need to stay faithful to him and give him time. Eventually, you’ll look back and see God’s will was done, like Joseph did (Genesis 50:20). Neither our

the sweep of history, they are at very important points in

mistakes nor evil people can mess up God’s will for us

God’s plan of salvation and rather rare. So, if God doesn’t

(Romans 8:28). Thank God for that!

talk to us like that, what are we to do?

How are we to have confidence? We trust in God’s

Lots of people today talk about “having peace” about

faithfulness to his promises. He gave his only Son for

doing something. If they refer to the Bible at all, it’s likely

us, how will he not with him freely give us all things

to be Colossians 3:15: “Let the peace of God rule in your

(Romans 8:32)? Just keep looking to Jesus (Hebrews

hearts.” However, that verse doesn’t have anything to do

12:1,2). It’s harder for a child of God to get out of God’s

with a feeling you have. It’s not about “guidance.” It’s

will than we think—or than the devil wants us to think!

about getting along with folks at church, “in one body.” the burning bush, if he “had peace” about going back to Egypt, he’d think you were nuts.

12 // January 2023

About The Author

I’m pretty sure if you asked Moses, walking away from The Rev. David Beckmann is an Anglican priest and Moderator of the C.S. Lewis Society of Chattanooga. Recently, he was director of the C. S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns, Oxford, UK. He blogs at revbeckmann.com.

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Gò0dNews for Women

I Am Martha

T

by Dorothy Teague

here are a lot of theories on different personality types. I

Ephesians 2:10 tells us that we are “created in Christ Jesus for good

am what I would call a “Type A” personality. That is, I am

works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in

competitive, organized, impatient, and highly aware of time

them.” So, while we know we should perform good works in Jesus’

management (Wikipedia). I am always making lists and if I don’t

name, we must not get so distracted by those works that we miss

accomplish my set of tasks for the day, I can really get down on

Jesus! The work and the serving must not take precedence over

myself. I like things done in a certain order and when they aren’t,

sitting at Jesus’ feet and listening to Him.

it throws me off. We all have different personalities and our own special quirkiness.

So, what is the “one thing” that Jesus was talking about? It is Him! He is what should come first in our hearts and minds and

In the Bible, we find the story of Mary and Martha of Bethany, who were sisters with very different personalities. They were close friends of Jesus, as well as their famous brother, Lazarus, whom Jesus raised from the dead (John 11). Luke 10 tells us that Jesus was welcomed into the home by Martha, which would indicate she was the older of the two sisters and ran the household. We are told that Mary sat at Jesus’ feet while He was teaching, along with the other men of the community who had come to listen to Jesus.

Martha, on the other hand, was busy preparing the meal for Jesus and was frustrated that Mary wasn’t getting up to help her. She finally complained to Jesus about Mary, saying, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to do all the work by myself? Tell her then to help me.” But Jesus’ answer wasn’t what Martha expected.

Instead of saying that He would speak to Mary and encourage her to help out with the meal preparation, He said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of

everything else will follow. (“Seek first the kingdom of God and

only one thing. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be

His righteousness, and all these things will be added unto you”

taken away from her” (Luke 10:38-42).

I can just imagine what Martha must have felt like, because I am Martha. I get distracted by the many things I have to do. I worry more than I should about the tangible, everyday mechanics of

Matthew 6:33) As with all things in life, it is a matter of prioritizing, putting God first, and having our ears attuned to hear what He is telling us each day.

We all get busy with the business of life. As Christians, we try

life, rather than sitting still and listening to the voice of the Lord.

to follow the precepts of scripture and do good works. However,

While Martha was working within her gifting of a servant’s heart,

sometimes we get caught up in doing too much and lose sight

not only preparing the meal but, no doubt, cleaning the house

of what or who is most important. When we get overwhelmed

beforehand to make everything nice for her special visitor, she got

with all that we are tasked to do, that is when we need to shut

so busy she missed out on listening to Jesus. Mary broke cultural

out the noise of other voices, both cultural mores and religious

norms of the time by sitting with the men listening to Jesus teach.

expectations, and listen only to Him. (“…when my heart is

Her place truly should have been in the kitchen but she wanted to

overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I” Psalm

sit at His feet and soak up all that He had to say. Both Mary and

61:2) Like Mary, we must choose that one thing that is needful—

Martha were passionate about Jesus, but showed it in different

sitting at His feet, basking in His presence, becoming refreshed to

ways. There’s so much to learn from this story!

continue our journey.

As Christians, we are supposed to “do good.” Psalm 37:3 says us to “let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in Heaven.”

14 // January 2023

About The Author

to “trust in the Lord and do good…” while Matthew 5:16 reminds Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.

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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 Westbrook 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) 790-5378

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Embracing Our Blindness

G

by Kristen West

rowing up in Upper Michigan, I learned to

One of the most comforting things to turn to in

drive on snowy roads. Blizzards were the most

moments (or seasons) like that is God’s Word. It is

nerve-racking of road conditions to navigate, as

overflowing with promises to anchor our hearts and souls

they brought complete whiteout conditions in which you

as we find ourselves in the middle of blind conditions.

literally couldn’t see anything beyond the windshield.

Learning to believe God’s promises, pray them over our

I remember having to slow my car to a crawl of 1

lives, and stand on them is part of our continual growing

mph and pray that nothing was on the road ahead of me.

On top of that, I was also praying to stay on the road as

and maturing in the faith.

“I will lead the blind by a way they did not know; I will guide them on paths they have not known. I will turn darkness to light in front of them and rough places into level ground. This is what I will do for them, and I will not abandon them” (Isaiah 42:16).

The promises in that beautiful passage apply specifically to those who find themselves in a place of blindness, uncertainty, turbulence, and uncharted paths. It gives us hope to embrace our blindness and look to God to help us as only He can.

Do you feel like you’re

every painted line, road marker, and cautionary sign was

in the dark today, friend? Navigating a spiritual blizzard?

gone, engulfed in the heavy white snowstorm. Visibility

Blind as to which way to turn, what choice to make,

was severely limited. It was like driving blind.

and how to move on? Let Isaiah 42:16 breathe hope,

I have lost count of how many times in my life I have

peace, and comfort into your heart today. Blizzards are temporary. They don’t last forever. Neither do the

I absolutely cannot see where I am going, what my next

seasons of blindness we find ourselves in from time to

step should be, and where the road is I need to be on.

time. May God help us to embrace our blindness as we

On top of that, those times tend to make me feel like I’m

wholly depend on Him to guide us!

alone, disconnected, and in a place where no one else can really help. Can you relate?

18 // January 2023

About The Author

felt like I’m spiritually navigating a blizzard. Times when

Kristen West recently published a book of 40 devotions called He’s an Everyday God.

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M

tn. View Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram

sponsor of the 1890 Days Jamboree*, an annual

(CDJR) opened in Ringgold, Georgia,

Memorial Day weekend festival showcasing

on February 1, 2014. Our dealership

local vendors, food, artists, and musicians. We

is part of Mtn. View Auto Group, a family-

provide vehicles for Ringgold’s annual Down-

owned organization dedicated to enriching

Home Christmas Parade*, another popular

the communities in which our businesses are

event that draws large crowds to our town.

located. We have formed close ties with several

At Mtn. View CDJR, we believe in treating

local charities, civil organizations, schools,

everyone with respect. Many of our customers

and government agencies to demonstrate our

have become lifelong friends who help bolster

commitment. It is our responsibility to operate

our ties with the community. We are partners

with integrity, something we take very seriously

with Lighthouse Therapeutic Foster Care,

at CDJR. Holding ourselves to high standards

Inc.*, an organization dedicated to helping all

and developing strong relationships with our

children feel wanted and loved. Our dealership

customers have been the catalysts to our success.

proudly sponsors their annual Christmas party,

One of our favorite things about operating in

providing food and gifts for approximately 50

Ringgold is the opportunity to involve ourselves

foster families in the program.

in local events, especially those which bolster

Of course, Mtn. View CDJR is first and

the local economy. We are proud to be the title

foremost a full-service automotive dealership.

20 // January 2023

We strive to meet all the automotive-related needs of our customers. We are home to Mtn. View Off-Road & Emergency Services, a division of our dealership aimed at the specialty services required by some of our customers. Our Off-Road department specializes in customizing vehicles that suit the needs of our adventure enthusiasts.

We work with our customers to enhance the aesthetics of their vehicles for those who want a little more pop than the standard

very thankful to our employees, customers, and

options offer. We offer lift kits, custom wheels,

vendors who enhance and promote our business

off-road tires, and a variety of other products

every day. Our goal is to continue providing

that help our off-road adventurers get the best

quality products and services to our customers,

performance from their vehicles. Our Emergency

and to maintain our status as a productive and

Service department does everything from simple

honorable entity within our community. Our

emergency lighting to full police unit upfits.

slogan is “Number One for a Reason,” and we

We are the area’s number one provider of Law

know that reason lies within the relationships we

Enforcement vehicles.

value so much.

Mtn. View CDJR has become one of the tri-

Mtn. View Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram is located

state’s top selling dealers thanks to our staff

at 6276 Alabama Hwy, Ringgold, GA. Call the

who always goes above and beyond when it

Sales Department today at (706)-696-8820.

comes to customers satisfaction. We have been honored with multiple awards from our peers, including the Chrysler Pentastar Award eight consecutive years. We are the area’s first dealer to win Chrysler’s prestigious Customers 1st Award, an honor we do not take for granted. We are goodnewscm.com // 21

Gò0dNews for Mothers

The Importance of a Christian Village

M

by Jessica Mathis

otherhood can be described in a variety of ways—

“No way! I’ve been running from this group for years.

exciting, stressful, full of love, upsetting, covered

I’m not a social butterfly. I can’t be a leader.” Looking

in grace—the list goes on. What I have come to

back, I think this friend asked me because she knew I

realize is that without a village to walk alongside us during

wasn’t one to typically say no to a need. Fast forward, I’m

this phase of our lives, motherhood may be described with

extremely thankful for that friend that knew I couldn’t

more bad adjectives than good.

say no because it was God’s way of showing me who my

Let me be honest and say that when I first became a

“Christian village” was.

mother, life was lonely, and I’ve heard firsthand that a lot of mothers have felt that way at some point in time.

It was so lonely, in fact, that I was searching for any type of friendship—even if it was a relationship that negatively effected my relationship with Christ. Nine times out of ten, a Christian is more easily swayed to do wrong than a non-believer is swayed to do right. Being lonely is more beneficial than being unequally yoked in friendships. That is a hard pill to swallow. God said in His word, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him” (Genesis 2:18). Doesn’t this mean that God never intends for us to be lonely?

Shouldn’t we avoid it at all costs? If we keep reading in Genesis, we find that Adam’s helper, Eve, was the person who encouraged Adam to disobey God, which led to

This “Christian village” and group of close-knit

the “fall of mankind.” Not all company is good company.

friendships I have found has been something I’ve always

A Christian village—where do I find one of those? That

longed for. There’s something about friends who will

was a question that I had for years and that I’m sure

be honest about the valleys of motherhood but will pray

many women have. Career changes, family relationships,

about them with you. Those who understand how lonely

simply a need for a fresh start…these are just a few things

the everyday chores of motherhood can be and that a

that might lead to a place and a time where friendship is

simple cup of homemade coffee and conversation with a

simply not easy but crucial. At times, church relationships

friend can make all the difference in the day.

are simply not enough. Around six years ago, I

Motherhood was never meant to be lonely. Although it

discovered a group for local Christian mothers called

might not seem like it now, there is a group of God-fearing

MOPS (“Mothers of Preschoolers”). Did I join? No. Here

friends waiting for you to join them. The Lord is wanting

I was praying for Christian friendship, and I ran from it. I

us to pray to and trust Him. He is waiting for us to step out

was too anxiety-ridden to try something new.

of our comfort zone, as Peter walked onto the water, and

Fast forward a few years later, and a friend who was

find our “Christian village.”

in dire need and asked if I would consider joining MOPS leadership. My first thought was probably something like,

22 // January 2023

About The Author

very active in that same MOPS group told me they were My name is Jessica Mathis and I am from Rome, Georgia. I am a blessed Christian, wife, stay-at-home mama, and part-time women’s advocate. I am just trying to raise a tiny human, one day at a time.

Church Activities & Events Ringgold United Methodist Church New Year’s Day Brunch Sunday, January 1 | 10AM 7484 Nashville St, Ringgold, GA

Burks United Methodist Church The Agee Family

Thursday, January 12 | 6PM 6433 Hixson Pike, Hixson, TN

Carolyn Baptist Church Karen Peck & New River Sunday, January 15 | 6PM 2305 Cleveland Hwy, Dalton, GA

Parkway Baptist Temple David Phelps

Saturday, January 28 | 6PM 65 Stuart Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Power of Our Words

W

by Paula Burgner

hat are words without meaning? They are

For some, words are extremely important. It matters

like confetti that has already been thrown at a

greatly to them how things are said. But for others, it’s the

party and ends up on the floor, soon forgotten

actions that we show behind the words. Our tongue is one

about and trampled over. Sometimes, that is how we throw

of the strongest muscles in our body. It has no bones but

our words around. Our words can bolt out of our mouths

yet it is strong enough to break a heart. So, be careful of

and never be thought about until it is too late. Often times,

what you are saying. Just as the Bible tells us in Proverbs

we say things but don’t think about what it may mean to

18:21, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue and

others, such as the actions behind our words. Sometimes our

they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Our words can

words can hurt others and they can feel like a deep cut from

be like seeds that are thrown into a garden—when enough love is put into them, they have the power to help someone grow. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 15:4, “A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.”

Our words are simply mere expressions of thoughts and feelings until they are acted on. Anyone can say they care, but when you watch their actions, it shows that they care.

Our actions can prove who someone is, and their words can prove who they want to be. The words we speak may sometimes lie, but our actions

a knife. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 12:18, “There is that

will always tell the truth. Your beliefs do not make you a

speaketh like the piercings of a sword: but the tongue of the

better person but your actions do. Our words can change

wise is health.”

how we feel about life sometimes, but the actions we do can

When we can’t express how we feel, our actions seem

change our whole life. In life, the way you treat people says

to take over for us and our true colors shine. Sometimes

a lot about who you are. A weak person will seek revenge,

our colors can be as dark as a storm cloud when we are

a strong person will forgive, and an intelligent person

mad, and other times they can be as bright as the sun. This

will ignore harsh words. Just remember you are the most

is why most people say that actions speak louder than

powerful when you are silent, and when you do speak, speak

words. In some ways, our words may reveal our heart,

with kindness, as this is good for our soul. The Bible says in

but to some, actions are what reveals our soul. The words

Proverbs 16:24, “Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to

that we speak can have such an impact on others, but they

the soul, health to the bones.”

in Proverbs 15:1, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.”

24 // January 2023

About The Author

can also have an impact on us as well. The Bible tells us

Paula Burgner is a very strong willed, outgoing, girl who loves working out, and she believes in her heart that you are capable of doing anything that you put your mind to.

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3028 Lafayette Road, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742

Gò0dNews for Life

Waiting

W

by Amy Scott

hat are you waiting for? Is it an important

for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up

phone call, a job change, a loved one to get well,

with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they

an upcoming vacation, a positive pregnancy

shall walk and not faint.”

test, a marriage proposal, a break—what is it?

This verse caused me to reflect on my faith. How do

We recently found ourselves in a season of intense

I wait upon the Lord? Am I complacent in my waiting?

waiting. My husband became ill quite suddenly, and over

Do I look for the ways that He is active and alive and seek

the course of 18 months we waited. We waited for a liver

opportunities to share about Him with those around me?

to become available for transplant. Once the transplant

Or do I feel offended by day-to-day life and flippantly

occurred, we waited to see if his kidneys would start to

proclaim that all will be better when Jesus returns?

function. Once it was determined that they would not

Truthfully, I am guilty of both. Waiting on the Lord may mean spending time in prayer, seeking God, and standing firm in what He has declared. It also means sharing with Him about the longings of our heart and trusting Him to sculpt them and fulfill them according to His plan.

Henri Nowen states, “We can learn to be obedient people who do not always try to go back to the action but recognize the fulfillment of our deepest humanity in passion, in waiting. If we can do this, I am convinced that we will come in touch with the power and the glory of God and our own new life. Our service to others will include our helping them see the glory breaking through—not only where they are active but also where they are being acted upon. And so, the spirituality

function, we waited for him to get listed for a kidney

of waiting is not simply our waiting for God. It is also

transplant. We then waited for a kidney to become available.

participating in God’s own waiting for us and in that way

Once the kidney transplant occurred, we waited for the

coming to share in the deepest love, which is God’s love.”

organ to begin functioning. I could go on and on. It was an exhausting journey.

The largest part of any of our existence involves waiting.

My challenge to myself and for you for the coming year is to cultivate a life where we live in a way that seeking the Lord—waiting for Him—is our go-to for

There is an obsession in creating a false sense of control by

waiting for life circumstances to change. And in our

doing all “the things” to bring about a desired outcome. It

waiting, I hope we will connect more deeply with our

is easy to become fixated on what we seem to be lacking

Heavenly Father on our journey and that those around us

and hyper-focused on the longing for the next thing that

will be drawn to Him. Amen.

weakened by waiting. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that we are strengthened as we wait for the Lord, “But they who wait

26 // January 2023

About The Author

we miss the beauty of the journey, and thus we can become

Amy Scott is the Executive Director of Bethany Christian Services of Greater Chattanooga. She is an adoptee who passionately serves the adoption community for over ten years. Amy resides in North Georgia with her husband and three daughters.

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Don’t Ever Doubt

by Judy Hood

Our Lord is so wonderful, so true If you will yield, he will make you brand new He sends his spirit to seek those who can be found Makes them royalty while preparing their robe and crown He loves his children, oh yes, he does He always has, just because He sent his Only begotten Son To bring salvation, the victory won He’s calling out to you and me Wanting to know if we can really see Into his world that he’s talking about Before long he will come back with a shout So look up my friend, stay on the right route Don’t hesitate, don’t ever doubt 28 // January 2023

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Active Stillness

“B

by Greg Grotewold

e still, and know that I am God. I will be

not only perspective on our obligations but also a peace as

exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in

we go about fulfilling such obligations. This peace will allow

the earth!” (Psalm 46:10, ESV)

us to more consistently display Christ to those whose paths

In an age where we are incessantly targeted for

demands on our time, it’s easy to read this verse and release

we cross throughout the day.

Go daily, go hourly, go minute-by-minute if necessary.

a long sigh. How can we possibly afford to be still when the

But go. Well drinking won’t just fall into our lap. It takes

world around us requires that we be in constant motion?

great action to be still. It takes real intentionality to carve out

Life is so busy that many struggle just to make it through the day without losing their sanity. I look at how hard my wife and I run during the course of the week and can understand the level of anxiousness many Christians carry as they scurry from one obligation to the next.

One of the first casualties of this war on time is intimacy with God. While our visceral reaction to the psalmist may be one of exasperation, we know deep down we can’t afford not to be still. To do so would only invite more anxiousness and an ever-escalating guilt. And yet, we don’t jump off the hamster wheel; in fact, we run faster.

Psalm 46:10 was written, it is thought, in the context of great calamity for Jerusalem and the people of God. In the midst of this great turmoil, Israel needed to stop

time daily to stop and let the Lord minister to us. It takes

and contemplate the power of the God they worship.

real intentionality to say “no” to the demands of loved ones

They needed to be reminded of two things: one, God will

for ten minutes in the morning so we can quicken our hearts

ultimately prevail; and two, there is great safety under His

before God. It takes real intentionality to let the dirty dishes

protective wing. There was no need to fret.

sit in the sink overnight so that we can surrender the day’s

The Lord has the exact same message for us today. In

concerns to Him before bedtime. It takes real intentionality

our calamity, however we choose to define it, we, too, need

to pull over—literally if need be—and petition the Lord for

to be still and contemplate His sovereign presence. We

help as we are about to face a particular adversity.

need to stop and, if you will, reacquaint ourselves with the

The world won’t come to a crashing halt while we take

glorious attributes of our Creator. We need Him to remind

the time to be still. In fact, it is one of the most unselfish

us of His great care. We need Him to remind us of His

things we can do for those that depend upon us. A refreshed

unending, never-changing love. We need Him to remind us

Christian is a mercy and grace-filled Christian.

that He is superintending every hour of our day. He is in control, and we need not fret. The Lord, and those who He

Be still and be emboldened by the supreme glory of your God.

When we go to this well of boundless grace and drink our fill of His wonders, we will be refreshed. We will gain

30 // January 2023

About The Author

has called, will be victorious in the end.

Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Praying for the Impossible

A

by Brent Goodge

s the days of Passover went by, the church

had answered their prayers. But nobody believed her. They

members came together for a round-the-clock

basically told her it was impossible for Peter to be released

prayer service. These Christians were no strangers

and would she please be quiet and reverent so they could

to suffering and persecution. Many had been imprisoned

resume asking God to do what they were insisting that

or seen their family members killed because they refused

God could not have done. Finally, they agreed to go check

to deny the Name of Jesus. But this was different.

and see who was still knocking at the door.

James, who had been among the first disciples called by Jesus; James, who had been one of only three to witness the glory of the Transfiguration and the agony of Gethsemane; James, who had rashly assured Jesus that he too could drink whatever cup of suffering was coming Jesus’ way…had just been killed by King Herod. Many Christians had already given their lives for the cause of Christ, but the leadership of the church had previously been spared.

Now, Peter was in prison awaiting execution.

Chains hanging from each extremity, multiple iron doors separating him from freedom, and sixteen Roman soldiers guarding him on pain of their own deaths if he escaped prevented any hope of human rescue. The heartless King Herod, bereft of the character of Heaven, gave no hope of

How often do we plead with God to free those we know

clemency. Unless God stopped the evil work, the human

and love, not from earthly chains, but from bondage to sin?

instruments Christ has chosen to lead His church would all

For most of us, the answer is likely “not nearly enough.”

soon be dead. Tirelessly, the church prayed.

The night before Peter’s execution finally arrived. In

But when we do pray those prayers, we need to believe God can and will work miracles in the lives of those we

answer to the prayers of His people, Christ sent an angel

pray for. It is so easy to pray for our friends and family day

to the lonely prison cell. Peter’s chains fell off. Unhindered

after day and year after year while honestly expecting no

by locks and soldiers, the angel led Peter through the

real change. When God, in His perfect timing, works the

prison gates to freedom and then disappeared. Peter

miracle of deliverance in their lives, may we be sure we do

gathered himself and went to the house where the

not leave them outside knocking while we try to move to a

believers were praying. Knocking on the door and trying

quieter area to keep praying for God to do something He

to keep his voice low enough not to waken the neighbors,

has already done.

Rhoda’s heart leaped for joy when she heard Peter’s voice, and she went to tell the praying church that God

32 // January 2023

About The Author

Peter requested entrance.

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County.

He doesn’t understand how prayer works, but he trusts the God who gave us the gift of prayer. Brent is praying that this message was a blessing.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

One Pot Tomato Soup There is nothing more comforting than a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter’s day!

This tomato soup recipe is a family favorite—both delicious and nutritious. What’s even better?

It’s so easy to prepare, only one pot and 30 minutes needed. If you try out this recipe at home, tag us on Facebook at Goodnews CM and let us know your thoughts!

Ingredients • 2 teaspoons of olive oil • 1 cup of diced yellow onion • 1 clove of garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon of dried basil • 1 (28-ounce) can of whole peeled tomatoes • 1 (6-ounce) can of tomato paste • 1 (14.5-ounce) can of diced tomatoes • 1 cup of vegetable broth • 1 (14-ounce) can of coconut milk • ¾ teaspoon of sea salt • ¾ teaspoon of black pepper • 1 tablespoon of maple syrup

34 // January 2023

Instructions 1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened.

Add the garlic and dried basil.

2. Add the tomatoes and their juices, tomato paste, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, coconut milk, salt, pepper, and maple syrup.

Cover the pot and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 15-20 minutes.

3. Turn off the heat and let the soup cool. Then, puree in a blender.

4. Transfer the soup back to the pot and bring soup back to a simmer over medium heat until warmed. Simmer uncovered until desired consistency is reached.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Unbroken

W

by Katie Loveless

e have been enjoying a much-needed break

punctuate the grace of God and His anointing on my life to

which served as an ideal time for family to visit.

proceed. We will carry on, unbroken. No matter what, we

One morning one of our house guests shared

will serve.

that something fell and broke in the room they were staying

I ask you, sweet friend, what bumps in the night have

in. A decorative plaque, a gift from a friend, was on display

disturbed your rest? What has jostled your faith to the point

in a metal easel on the bedside table. Somehow, through the

that prayers seem to fall to the floor in brokenness? Look

night, a bump disturbed the plaque so much that the plaque

closely here. All hope is not lost. Things are not shattered

landed squarely on the floor. The morning light revealed

beyond repair. There is goodness here, even amid the rubble

two distinct pieces, which our guests carefully collected and

of broken things. There are not too many broken things for

placed on the shelf for repair. I assured them all was well as

God to attend to. You may be tempted to think that things

they relayed the mishap. I have a collection of broken things

are adding up beyond His control. Like me, you may be

I am saving up for repair.

counting your own collection of broken things awaiting

After our house guests returned to their home, I retrieved the plaque to assess the repair. It is a beautiful break. The crack is clean, pristine and only serves to

repair. Beloved, nothing is wasted. God will use even the broken things to display His glory.

Cracks will do one of two things. They will either let

punctuate the message on the plaque which reads: “As for

the light in or they will underscore truth. Either way, you,

me and my house…we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15).

too, can carry on with a resolve that is unbroken. You

The crack ultimately underlines the portion that reads, “we

can enjoy the potential of a much-needed break. “Light is

will serve.” I smile at the punctuation because it echoes

sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright in heart”

in my soul with the same resounding joy of a bell ringing.

(Psalm 97:11, ESV).

This is true.

Say it: God, I believe you that nothing is

As for me and my house, we

wasted. You will make beauty from ashes

have determined that no matter

and give me the oil of joy to replace

who comes or who goes, we will

my mourning and grieving.

serve the Lord. We will stand strong

Pray it: God, have your

in the power of His might and in the

way in me. My life belongs

liberty of His grace. We will walk

to you. Use it for your

in peace and enjoy a peaceful

glory as you see fit. Thank

habitation of rest and joy. We

you for the cracks in my

will not be indelibly shaped

life. They are merely points

by the trials of this life.

of reference for your glory to

Instead, they will merely

shine through. I make room

serve to etch the channels

in my heart for your word to

God desires for His grace

be written on the walls in bold,

to flow through. We will

italicized print with underscore.

made on the canvas of my life will only serve to further

36 // January 2023

About The Author

be unbroken. Any crack 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.

Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

Mission Statement:

W

Writer Guidelines:

e believe when people are equipped,

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and

motivated, and passionately engaged in

professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,

living out their faith in Jesus Christ they

business professionals, and others who have a desire to

have the potential to be world changers.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic

relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents.

Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

goodnewscm.com Phone: 423.478.6484

reach out to people through words of encouragement.

What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!

Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Resolutions

T

by Beth Penny

he holidays are over; now what? Dark mornings,

how to hold our breath. The list could go on and on. Reach

earlier evenings, gray days. The winter blues have set

for small goals and feel successes rather than failures.

in. Time for a new start? Why do we set January as a

Here is my goal: to be the best me I can be. I don’t

time for a fresh beginning?

Over 4,000 years ago the ancient Babylonians were

have to, want to, or even try to be better than anyone else.

My goal is to be better than I was yesterday. Strength

the first to have celebrated the “New Year.” However,

doesn’t come from what you can do. Strength comes from

the Babylonian new year was in March as the crops were

doing the things you thought you couldn’t. That feeling of

planted. The people reaffirmed their loyalties to the king and

accomplishment starts with reaching the small goals that

their gods and made promises to pay their debts and return

you set for yourself.

borrowed items. In turn they expected the gods to provide a bountiful harvest. Later around 46 BC, Julius Caesar

While he was in prison Paul wrote his letters to the church at Philippi to thank them and encourage them to

moved the “New Year” to January.

January, named for Janus, paid homage to the god of arches and doorways. Janus symbolically looked backwards into the prior year and forward into the upcoming year. The Romans made promises of good behavior for the upcoming year to Janus.

Thus began our custom of New Year’s resolutions.

Fast forward to 2022. Research shows that between 38 and 48 percent of adults between 18 and 35 make New Year’s resolutions. Forty-eight percent of those resolutions are health-related. Yet, only eight to nine percent of people report actually keeping their resolutions. So, where does that leave

continue in their Christian walk. He gives encouragement

the 92 percent that did not keep their promises? Feelings of

in Chapter 3 Verses 13 and 14 by saying, “No, dear brothers

failure, inadequacy, and depression can make the long, cold,

and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one

and dark winters seem that much more somber.

thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies

I stopped making resolutions years ago when I realized

ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the

I was only setting myself up for failure with unattainable

heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling

expectations. Cue more of the winter doldrums. Here’s

us.” Reading Paul’s words reminds us that our goal isn’t

how I look at it. Small goals are attainable. When a child is

accomplished here in life. Daily we keep working towards the

learning to walk, those shaky, wobbly, teetering first steps

small steps that lead us to become our best selves.

go straight to the NFL without playing peewee ball. We can’t win a gold medal in swimming without first learning

38 // January 2023

About The Author

have to come before training for a marathon. Players don’t Beth Penny has taught English at Model High School since 1997. There she is also the Yearbook adviser and the Special Education Department Chair.

She and her husband, Chad, have four children.

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