Gò0dNews
About Us
WRITERS
Barry Grider
Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson
Charles Finney
Jan
Lori McAfee
Matthew Bowden
Monica Gambrell
Ruthie Bennett
Sandra Gilmore
Terrie Long
Thomas Morrison
Zebbie Brewster
SALES
Matthew Ruckman
423-503-1410
Email: goodnewstn@gmail.com
DESIGN
Caleb Prytherch
Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com
PHOTOGRAPHER
Paula Knipp
423-310-4207
EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR
Sandra Gilmore
Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com
PUBLISHER
Matthew and Bethany Ruckman
Cell: 423-503-1410
E-mail: goodnewstn@gmail.com
OFFICE
423-790-5378
WEBSITE goodnewscm.com issuu.com/catoosaga FACEBOOK
GoodNews Christian Magazine Catoosa
Hello Friends,
We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising.
GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
Disclaimer
All of the content in the GoodNews Christian Magazine is for general information and/or use. Such contents does not constitute advice and should not be relied upon in making (or refraining from making) a decision. Any specific advice or replies to queries in any part of the magazine is the personal opinion of such experts/consultants/persons and is not subscribed to by GoodNews Christian Magazine. The information in GoodNews Christian Magazine is provided on an “AS IS” basis, and all warranties, expressed or implied of any kind, regarding any matter pertaining to any information, advice or replies are disclaimed and excluded. We reserve the right to refuse any advertisement or article we deem inappropriate.
A Little Faith Will Do Ya
by Matthew Bowden
The Parable of the Mustard Seed: Mark 4:30-34 ESV 30 And he said, “With what can we compare the kingdom of God, or what parable shall we use for it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when sown on the ground, is the smallest of all the seeds on earth, 32 yet when it is sown it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and puts out large branches, so that the birds of the air can make nests in its shade.” 33 With many such parables he spoke the word to them, as they were able to hear it. 34 He did not speak to them without a parable, but privately to his own disciples he explained everything.
Many of you may know (being Romans ourselves) the story of a woman named Martha Berry. Martha was born just outside Rome, GA in 1866. Martha was born into a wealthy family that owned a vast estate.
One Sunday as she was studying her Bible in the cabin playhouse, Martha heard the voices of children outside. She went out and saw some of the poor children from nearby Possum Trot playing (which is the original location of Mt. Alto by the way). Martha was a teenager by this time and she called the children to her and began to tell them stories from the Bible. Her Bible classes met each week in her playhouse. Martha taught children how to read and write that would never have had the opportunity to go to school.
Then, in 1902, Martha had the idea to start a boy’s school on nearby Lavender Mountain. She deeded land, raised funds, and opened the doors to students. The Berry Industrial School for Boys was formed. The school continued to grow, adding a program for girls.
If you visit Berry College today, you can see the cabin playhouse where Martha taught poor children about the love of God. When people visit Rome, Georgia, they can’t help but to be struck in seeing what her little mustard seed
school has become. Today, Berry College is the largest college campus in the world – nearly twice the land area of Manhattan! There are 46 buildings and well over 2,200 students. Berry College is widely recognized as one of the outstanding colleges in the southern United States.
A school that had very humble beginnings has been a blessing to tens of thousands of Americans. This example of beginning small and blossoming to breathtaking size is like Jesus’ teaching of the kingdom of God in our text shown above from the book of Mark.
No one would have ever believed that a small Bible study would have turned into the largest college campus in the world! But more amazing than that, God’s Kingdom begins with something so small, just like a mustard seed and blossoms into an entire new Earth made just for God and His people! And this is the truly amazing part: all it takes for you and me to be a part of God’s Kingdom is just a little faith in Jesus. Because a little faith in Jesus, will do ya!
With permission, this article is adapted for our format from Pastor Bowden’s sermon 5/28/23.
Rev. Matthew Bowden serves as pastor of Mt. Alto Baptist Church of Rome, Georgia. He is married with two children and is a two-time graduate of Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
The
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for Everyone
Christmas in July
by Hayden Lanier
Merry Christmas! Yes, even though it’s July, you read that right!
If you are flipping channels and come across the Hallmark Channel this month, you will be met with one of their infamous Christmas movie marathons. Or maybe you see some Christmas decorations in your local store or sing a carol at church. But why? The Christmas season is reserved for cold weather and the end of the year. How did this holiday make its way into the sweltering summer month of July?
While Christmas began over 2,000 years ago with the birth of Christ, Christmas in July originated over 90 years ago. In 1933, participants in a North Carolina girls’ camp caroled, put up a Christmas tree, scattered fake cotton snow, and even received a visit and gifts from Santa Claus on July 24th-25th. Seven years later, in 1940, a movie called — you guessed it — “Christmas in July” made the phrase famous and brought this concept to the attention of many men and women. Predictably enough, retailers took advantage of this sentiment, and “Christmas in July” was born.
You may believe that Christmas celebrations should be kept to their designated time frame. Or, if you’re not a Grinch, maybe you are all for Christmas in July and want to bring on any excuse to celebrate these festivities! Whichever side of the camp you fall into, I fear that sometimes we designate the meaning of Christmas only to
be thought, read, talked, and preached about in December. For example, if you read Luke 2 at a time of the year other than Christmastime, it can feel out of place. However, the birth and coming of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is a glorious truth that deserves to be celebrated and remembered year-round.
The disciple John puts it this way in his Gospel: “And the Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 ESV). Jesus, who is God and was with God at the beginning; Jesus, who created all things; Jesus, who had never lived in a world full of brokenness and sin…He humbled Himself. He who formed Adam from the dust of the ground allowed Himself to be born of a woman as a baby. As the song “In Christ Alone” says, Jesus’ incarnation meant the “fullness of God in helpless babe.”
But why would Jesus do such a thing? Why would He willingly come to earth and live among selfish, stubborn people?
Because He loves you.
Jesus came and was born so that He could die one day. The only solution to our imperfection was for the perfect one to take our place, so that’s precisely what Jesus did. Because of His death and resurrection, we can know and experience eternal life if we believe in Jesus and trust Him.
Christmas is all about the Gospel. So go ahead and put up a tree in your house or watch a cheesy Christmas movie in the middle of July! But as you do so, remember what it all means. Thank Jesus for coming to earth and celebrate His selfless sacrifice, which we cannot even begin to comprehend. May we never lose our wonder at the fact that God Himself came and dwelt among us. He was “born in the likeness of men” (Philippians 2:7 ESV) all because He loves us.
Hayden Lanier attends Shorter University and works at Cave Spring Baptist Church. You can find more of his writing on his blog, setyourmindabove.wordpress.com.
for Celebrating 13 Years
What GoodNews Means to Me
by Ruthie Bennett
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include a special piece from one of our contributing writers. She shares her personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to her and why she enjoys being part of our journey.
Istumbled upon the GoodNews magazine at the beginning of this year. I was soon inspired to write more about my faith and tell others about my experiences. When I graduated college in December of 2024, I struggled internally about where I wanted my writing to take me, and more importantly, what I wanted to share. I had first found this magazine on social media after seeing someone share their friend’s article. After reading many of the posts on the GoodNews Catoosa/Walker page, I felt something within me to take charge and share what I had to say.
hadn’t seen a magazine or journal have a creative way of talking about God until finding this one. I always enjoy reading others' articles from the previous issue, and it has helped me to dig deeper into my own journey with faith. I know that as time goes on and on, less people want to read Christian content, so this magazine serves not only a higher purpose, but helps to integrate those back to the Lord. As someone who’s struggled with their own beliefs, this has only helped guide me to where I’m meant to be.
It’s very exciting to be a part of the anniversary of GoodNews, and I hope they grow more and more. If it’s God’s will, these stories will touch someone who desperately needs it. The people of GoodNews have inspired me to continue my journey with writing, and it’s always a privilege when I’m asked to write more. I hope my experience will encourage other people to read, or even share their testimonies. It’s a vulnerable experience to completely give yourself to the Lord, and sharing with others about it is another step towards glory.
As someone who’s been writing for so long, I’ve tried many times to be published in magazines, journals, etc. I hadn’t expected to hear a ‘yes’ after sending over my first article since I had been rejected many times before. Once my article had been published in March, the feeling was so surreal. I’ve always tried to imagine seeing my work somewhere, and upon seeing it for everyone else to read, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
I love the content that this magazine shares and how they include all types of stories and topics. Honestly, I
“I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1 ESV).
To end off, I hope that in the future I can continue to write about my journey and possibly inspire others to do the same. It’s been a blessing to write what I have so far. Here’s to thirteen years of the GoodNews magazine, and many more!
Ruthie Bennett has recently been sharing with more people about her experiences with Christianity and her journey since her dad passed away many years ago. She writes to uplift those who are struggling, and to share how her grief turned into something more productive.
for Celebrating 13 Years
A Trumpet of Thanksgiving
by Charles Finney
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include this special piece. This contributor shares his personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to him. We hope his words inspire you as much as they have inspired us.
Philippians 1:3 KJV “I thank my God upon every remembrance of you.”
Today, we lift up a mighty shout of gratitude, a symphony of appreciation, and perhaps a well-placed hallelujah, for the laborers in the vineyard of GoodNews Christian Magazine!
Now, some folk may think magazines just appear out of thin air, as if the heavenly host dropped them from the clouds like manna in the wilderness. But lo, I say unto thee, behind each printed page and online article, there are mighty scribes, tireless editors, and faithful workers whose pens are dipped in the inkwell of inspiration! They are the unsung heroes, the Gospel warriors, the printers of truth, ensuring that each issue is a feast for the spirit, a balm for the weary soul, and a lighthouse in the tempest of modern life.
I beseech thee, dear saints, consider the diligence of these wordsmiths! While others rest upon their beds, the writers of GoodNews are burning the midnight oil, ensuring that the sheep of the Lord’s pasture are well-fed. They wrangle words as Jacob wrestled the angel, striving until they receive the blessing of a well-crafted article. Their keyboards clatter like the hooves of Elijah’s chariot, speeding forth to bring tidings of great joy!
And what of the editors? Verily, they are like the wise master builders spoken of in the Scriptures. With the precision of Solomon's temple artisans, they chip away
unnecessary words, smooth the rough edges of prose, and ensure that every article is a vessel of honor, fit for the Lord’s use. They have the patience of Job and the discernment of Daniel, sifting through commas and colons like a gleaner in the fields of Boaz, ensuring no grammatical sheaf is left behind!
Let us not forget the unsung warriors—those who labor behind the scenes, the diligent folk who ensure that each issue arrives as a polished gem in the hands of the faithful. Their work is unseen, yet their reward is great, for the Lord, who seeth in secret, shall reward them openly! (Matthew 6:6, KJV).
Brethren, let us now turn our gaze upon the readers—ye noble saints who devour each issue with joy and gladness! What good is a preacher without a congregation? What good is a candle if none behold its light? The good folk of GoodNews write with purpose, but it is YOU, dear reader, who carry forth the message, who are edified and strengthened to go forth and do great exploits for the Lord!
Now, let us bring this home with a final exhortation. Paul the Apostle wrote to the Thessalonians saying, “In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 KJV). So, let us give thanks this day for GoodNews Christian Magazine! May their pens never run dry, their faith never waver, and their joy be full! May their words continue to be a clarion call, a trumpet of truth, a herald of the King of Kings!
And so, I leave you with these words: The next time you hold a copy of GoodNews Christian Magazine in your hands, do not merely flip through its pages. Nay! Rejoice! Appreciate! And perhaps, whisper a prayer of thanks for the hands that labored to bring it to you. For truly, the workers of GoodNews are a blessing unto the body of Christ, and for them, we give the Lord a mighty praise!
Misty BOLT MEET
Misty found herself led to insurance, and specifically to Medicare. These unique
experiences shaped Misty and fueled her drive to succeed for others. She is relentless in her fight to help those in need. Today she does so through her business,Medicare Misty, which helps people navigate the confusing world of Medicare.
for Women
Praise God
by Zebbie Brewster
One holiday Monday, I decided to spend my afternoon hiking the road next to our house.
Having just moved there, I was not very familiar with my new neighborhood. In my reasoning, the road made a circle. I started out. not even taking a bottle of water on that warm Labor Day. I steadfastly continued to put one foot in front of the other. When I came to a railroad track, a bridge, and a new road, I rested. I looked across to see a house with a car parked in the driveway. I knocked at the door and asked, “Where am I?” He asked if I was ok and gave me a bottle of water. For a moment, I was lost. I had hiked about 3 miles and decided that this had been a learning experience. I was tired and was so glad to turn around and go back the way I came. I traveled that road again, but the next time, we were riding bikes and I was not alone. My sweet husband and I biked it together. That was back in 2010, almost 15 years ago! My husband and I loved to bike together back then. We were doing it together, and it helped us stay in shape.
make the curve. He cut too sharply and disappeared out of sight! His bike went into a deep ditch. I remember turning around to make sure he was still behind me. As I went back and looked for him, there he was down in the ditch. As he landed, it knocked his breath out of him. We determined he was ok as he got himself and the bike out of the ditch. What was so amazing was that right next to him in the ditch was a steel reinforcement rod. Thank God he did not land on that rod! Would you say that God was watching over us? I would say without a doubt, He was! Just as He was watching over me, the day I went hiking on a strange road.
The KJV Bible says in Psalm 91, verse 1, “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Verse 2, I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Verse 3, Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.” I would encourage you to read the whole 91st Psalm. It will encourage your heart.
God is so good to watch over us. My husband just came home from a trip to town. I know because I heard a strange sound. Seems the serpentine belt had just broken on his older model truck. He was praying that he would make it home safely, and praise God, he did.
When you are going through a struggle, praise God anyway. It is not always easy to do, but do it anyway! The other night as I was leaving my Mom’s house, there on the rose bush next to her porch was the most beautiful red rose. Mom said it was her gift from God that day. It gave her joy. Happiness is fleeting, joy comes from trusting God. I pray you find many joys in your life today.
One night, we decided to take a quick trip up our road on the bikes. Coming back home, as I turned in the driveway ahead of my spouse, something happened. He had been holding a flashlight in his hand as he tried to
Zebbie Brewster resides in Summerville, Georgia. She is an active member at Perennial Springs Baptist Church.
Catoosa County Church Directory
Baptist
Anchor of Hope Baptist Church
2613 Lakeview Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-8318
Battlefield Baptist Church
178 South Cedar Lane Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-1316
Boynton Baptist Church
4093 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736
706-952-1551
Briarwood Baptist Church
26 Ellis Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-9177
Burning Bush Baptist Church
2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-866-1989
Calvary Memorial Baptist Church
2 E Gate Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-6183
Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 518 Highway #41 Ringgold, GA 30736
706-891-9340
Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle 4994 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-4323
Cherokee Valley Baptist Church 1495 Cherokee Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-6220
Christ First Church
5994 N Hwy 27 Lafayette, Ga 30728
706-764-2212
Clearview Baptist Church 2183 Dietz Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-866-0164
Cloud Springs Baptist Church 207 Cloud Springs Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-0164
Ebenezer Baptist Church
77 Hackett Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-7970
Faith Baptist Church
308 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736
423-509-5334
First Baptist Church Ft. Oglethorpe 2645 LaFayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-0232
First Baptist Church of Ringgold 7611 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-2358
Friendship Primitive Baptist Church 851 Ooltewah Ringgold Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-2382
Gospel Way Baptist Church 31 Bowling Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-891-9866
Grace Baptist Church 7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-7969
Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf 1314 Old Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-375-7107
Video Call: 706-956-0445
Heritage Pointe Baptist Church 60 Dyer Bridge Place Ringgold, GA 30736
706-858-0976
Hickory Grove Baptist Church 5010 Houston Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-673-6999
Keith Baptist Church 1573 Keith Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-450-0963
Lakeview First Baptist Church 10 Hudson Street Rossville, GA 30741
706-861-4262
Living Faith Baptist Church
Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736
706-891-1817
Midway Baptist Church
Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736
706-937-2317
Moriah Baptist Church
2864 Battlefield Parkway
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-8843
Mount Peria Baptist Church
341 Sparks Street Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-4887
Mount Pisgah Baptist Church
66 Westbrook Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-3031
Mount Vernon Baptist Church 1006 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-3872
Nellie Head Memorial Baptist
2379 Catoosa Parkway Tunnell Hill, GA 30755
706-935-5236
New Bethel Baptist Church 1635 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-3500
New Friendship Baptist Church 3833 Salem Valley Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
New Heights Baptist Church
158 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-9838
New Liberty Baptist Church
923 Graysville Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-937-4754
Old Fort Baptist Church
18 Van Cleve Street
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-861-2807
Parkway Baptist Temple
65 Stuart Road
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-0325
Peavine Baptist Church
1089 Peavine Road
Rock Spring, GA 30739
706-375-4721
Philadelphia Baptist Church
1065 Pine Grove Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-891-5683
Pine Grove Baptist Church
46 Pine Grove Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-891-2427
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
7769 Alabama Highway
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-3348
Pleasant Valley Baptist Church
1995 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-537-3633
Poplar Springs Baptist Church
422 Poplar Springs Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-4461
Salem Baptist Church
1947 Keith Salem Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-3907
Shiloh Baptist Church
24 Kay Rossville,Street GA 30741
706-861-4359
Victory Baptist Church 1013 Layfayette Road
Rossville, GA 30741
706-866-0371
Welcome Hill Baptist Church
223 Inman Street
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-4814
Catholic
Saint Gerard Catholic Church
3049 Lafayette Road
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-861-9410
Church of Christ
Cohutta Road Church of Christ
2233 Mount Vernon Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-3884
Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ 6 Harker Road
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-4124
Ringgold Church of Christ 4099 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-2820
Church of God
Boynton Church of God
1956 Three Notch Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-937-6300
Indian Springs Church of God 2256 Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736
706-937-3599
Noble Church of God 75 Glass Rd Lafayette, GA 30728
Ringgold Church of God 117 Emberson Drive Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-2056
Wallaceville Church of God
236 Harp Switch Road
Chickamauga, GA 30707
706-375-2736
Community
Battlefield Ministries Church 64 3rd Street
Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-9090
Green Pasture Community Church
1008 North Beaumont Road
Ringgold, GA 30736
706-375-7333
Lee’s Chapel Community Church 3253 Catoosa Parkway Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-9928
Rock Bridge Community Church 265 Poplar Springs Rd, Ringgold, GA 30736
706-279-3175
Episcopal Church of the Nativity 1520 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-9773
Full Gospel
Yates Spring Full Gospel Church 1300 Yates Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-638-2305
Methodist
Boynton UMC 4246 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736
706-866-2626
Fairview UMC 2112 McFarland Avenue Rossville, GA 30741
423-653-1043
Fort Oglethorpe UMC 1733 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-820-6314
Graysville UMC
2331 Graysville Road Ringgold, GA 30736
706-891-9253
Newnan Springs UMC 78 Monanaw Avenue Rossville GA 30741
706-866-6724
Ringgold UMC
7484 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736
706-935-4777
Nazarene
Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-9838
Non-Denominational
Battlefield Assembly In Messiah 195 Ashley Lane, Rossville, GA 30741
304-890-0949
Battlefield Church of Faith Highway 41 South Ringgold, GA 30736
706-937-7729
Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-913-0531
Calvary Chapel Ringgold 548 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736
706-952-1502
Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777
Church of Living Faith 7623 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-5673
Crossroads Church 7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736
crossroadsringgold.com
Faith Builders International 8309 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 256-338-5031
Grace Memorial Church 118 East Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7969
The Gathering 2501 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-841 0161
Light House Church 1201 Lafayette Road Rossville, GA 30741
706-861-2715
Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-255-8655
New Life Church PO Box 1973 Ringgold, GA 30736
706-866-7799
Ridgeland Point Church 1417 Happy Valley Rd. Rossville, GA 30741
RockPointe Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6523
Untethered Church 2473 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-991-6067
Venue Church 3969 Cloud Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 423-637-7100
Woodstation Church 13198 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-3360
Presbyterian
Chickamauga Presbyterian 700 7th Street
Chickamauga, GA 30707
706-375-3432
Christ Fellowship 1176 North Three Notch Rd. Ringgold, GA 30736
706-937-4115
First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742
706-866-2521
Hope Fellowship
2000 Twin Cedars Rd
Chickamauga, GA 30707
hopefellowshipepc.org
Morton Memorial
560 Red Belt Rd.
Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-338-7176
706-935-3741
Walker County Church Directory
Assembly of God
Cross Connection
703 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-639-3303
Gospel Tabernacle Assembly of God 1661 Highway 27 Chickamauga, GA
Baptist
Antioch Baptist Church 236 Crow Gap Road Chickamauga, GA
706-539-1117
Bethel Baptist Church 4068 S Highway 341 Chickamauga, GA
706-375-3756
Bethlehem Baptist Church 278 Oak Grove Road Chickamauga, GA
706-375-2797
Bethel Memorial Baptist Church
198 Pledger St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-2995
Bethesda Baptist Church 13432 Highway 151 LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-9450
Calvary Baptist Church 908 Bronco Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-8710
Cassandra Baptist Church 1371 W Cove Rd Chickamauga, GA
706-539-1046
Center Grove Baptist Church 68 Center Grove Church Rd Rock Springs, GA
706-764-2060
Center Point Baptist Church
118 Center Point Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-764-1753
Chattanooga Baptist Church 7300 Highway 337
LaFayette, GA 30728
Christ First Church 5994 N Hwy 27 Lafayette, GA 30728 (706) 764-2212
Christian Home
2518 Garretts Chapel Rd
Chickamauga, GA
423-313-5230
Community Baptist Church 14 Kemp Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-1774
Corinth Baptist Church 2524 Corinth Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-3963
East Armuchee Baptist Church
3196 E. Armuchee Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706 375-4512
Emanuel Baptist Church
639 S Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-1751
Faith Baptist Church of Chickamauga 14251 Highway 193
Chickamauga, GA
423-760-8895
First Baptist Church 603 7th St
Chickamauga, GA
706-375-2733
Friendship Baptist Church
1200 N Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-3560
Garrett’s Chapel Baptist Church
3235 Garretts Chapel Rd
Chickamauga, GA
706-375-6708
Grace Baptist Tabernacle 27 Jones Rd
Rock Springs, GA
423-362-3158
Grand Center Baptist Church of Chickamauga 1753 Grand Center Rd
Chickamauga, GA
706-375-8505
Happy Home Baptist Church
704 N Chattanooga St.
LaFayette, GA 30728
Harbor Light Baptist Church
600 Crane St. LaFayette, GA 30728
423-605-0917
LaFayette 2nd Baptist Church
500 W Main Street
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-2779
Lafayette First Baptist Church
201 N Main St, LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-3727
Lake Howard Baptist Church 1528 Lake Howard Rd.
LaFayette, GA 30728
423-304-4990
Linwood Baptist Church 18 Steele St.
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-6527
Liberty Baptist Church 1334 Johnson Rd.
Chickamauga, GA 30707
706-375-3859
Lookout Baptist Church 8645 Highway 193
Chickamauga, GA
706-931-2356
Macedonia Baptist Church 12461 E Highway 136
LaFayette, GA 30728
Marble Top Baptist Church
7131 N Marble Top Rd
Chickamauga, GA
706-375-3536
Mt Hermon Baptist Church 2373 Hog Jowl Rd
Chickamauga, GA
706-858-5650
Naomi Baptist Church 4171 E Highway 136
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-4601
New Harvest Missionary Baptist Church 2034 Highway 337
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-764-6257
New Home Baptist Church
256 New Home Rd.
LaFayette, GA 30728
North LaFayette Baptist Church 1649 N Main St
LaFayette, GA 30728
Oakwood Baptist Church
115 Oakwood St
Chickamauga, GA
706-375-5760
Peavine Baptist Church 1089 Peavine Rd
Rock Springs, GA
706-375-4721
Prospect Baptist Church
194 Prospect Church Rd
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-397-2908
Ridgeview Baptist Church
1001 Magnolis St.
LaFayette, GA 30728
334-300-4733
Ridgeway Baptist Church
1594 Ridgeway Rd.
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-6832
Rock Springs Baptist Church
194 E Turnipseed Rd
Rock Springs, GA
706-810-8199
Shield Baptist Church
12684 N Highway 27
Chickamauga, GA
706-375-2554
Shiloh Baptist Church
46 Manning Mill Rd.
LaFayette, GA 30728
706-397-8427
Sunnyside Baptist Church
3573 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
423-364-9701
True Life Baptist Church 1115 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-996-8571
Walnut Grove Baptist Church 55 Walnut Grove Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-1377
Woodstation Baptist Church 42 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-764-1794
Catholic
Our Lady of the Mount Catholic Church 1227 Scenic Hwy, Lookout Mountain, GA 30750
706-820-0680
Church of Christ
Church Of Christ 105 Crittenden Ave Chickamauga, GA
706-375-2222
Highway 27 Church of Christ 1684 S Highway 27 LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-4644
Lafayette Church of Christ 104 W Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-1890
Steele Street Church of Christ 4 Steele St. LaFayette, GA 30728
423-505-9583
Church of God
Catlett Community Church 122 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728 423-309-4649
Cooper Heights Church of God 12598 Highway 193 Chickamauga, GA 423-903-3759
Cove Road Church of God 620 N Chattanooga St LaFayette, GA 30728
678-467-6982
Covenant Life Worship Center 7001 Lafayette Rd Chickamauga, GA
706-375-5286
LaFayette First Church of God 301 Daugherty St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-639-7329
LaFayette Church of God 1002 S Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-450-0872
Noble Church of God 75 Glass Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-764-1093
Jehovah’s Witness
Kingdom Hall
457 Rodrunner Blvd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-4342
Methodist
Elizabeth Lee Methodist Church 139 Cove Rd
Chickamauga, GA
706-375-2182
First United Methodist 15 Sunrise Dr. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-1942
First United Methodist Church 301 S Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-2067
LaFayette First United Methodist Church
301 S. Main Street
LaFayette, GA 30728 (706) 638-2057
Rock Springs United Methodist Church 3477 Peavine Rd Rock Springs, GA
706-375-5345
Non-Denominational
Battlefield of Life Worship Center 56 Kevin Ln. Rock Springs, GA 770-827-6718
Care Mission
105 N Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-3664
Cowboy Church of Lafayette 196 County Line Rd, Rock Spring, GA 30739 423-596-7227
Faith Worship Center
200 S. Chattanooga St. LaFayette, GA 30728 423-313-7035
Gospel Light Christian Fellowship
36 Fortune St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-996-8535
Hope Fellowship 2000 Twin Cedars Rd Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-4673
Life Gate Church
204 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-7620
Mission Bridge Church 807 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728 423-364-6771
Mount Zion Church 223 Dunwoody Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-1238
New Bethel Christian Fellowship 4009 Round Pond Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-6904
Power of Life LaFayette Church 798 W Main St LaFayette, GA 423-596-703430728
River of Life Church 807 W. Maqin St. LaFayette, GA 423-596-703430728
The Haven - LaFayette 415 Chestnut St. LaFayette, GA 706-996-815030728
Presbyterian
Chickamauga Presbyterian Church 700 7th Street
Chickamauga, GA (706) 375-3432
Highland Presbyterian Church 1211 W Noth Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-8940
Lafayette Presbyterian Church 107 N Main St. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-3932
Quaker
New Friendship Baptist Church 281 Friendship Rd Chickamauga, GA
706-375-7198
Wesleyan
Gordon Lake Weslyan Church
29 Gordon Lake Rd. LaFayette, GA 30728
706-638-6517
Celebrating Our Differences As Husbands and Wives
by Barry Grider
Many couples get married and after a while come to the realization that perhaps they were not meant for each other. They become acutely aware that they are not as alike as they previously, before marriage, thought they were. While it is good during the dating and engagement phase of a relationship to pay attention to differences and see how compatible a couple may be, it should be understood at the outset that there will always be differences between the husband and the wife. Simply stated, men and women are different. God made us this way that He might make us one. Both a husband and a wife bring specific strengths and weaknesses to the marriage. The fact that we can help each other with our shortfalls ought to encourage us. That is why the differences between the man and the woman ought to be celebrated. God gave us these differences to teach us how to love and to appreciate one another and become “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24).
Surveys have shown that a woman (wife) needs affection in the marriage relationship more than anything else. She wants to be assured she is loved. That is why the apostle Paul wrote, “Husbands love your wives” (Ephesians 5:25). With the realization that she is the “weaker vessel” (1 Peter 3:7), a husband secures his wife by loving her, honoring her, embracing her, accepting her, adoring her, and romancing her. She is the “weaker “vessel” only in her physical strength. While she may be superior to the man in intellect, wisdom, and judgment, generally the man is stronger physically, and God expects the husband to remember that and communicate to her with kindness and affection.
A man (husband), while needing to be loved also, more than anything desires admiration. A longing for admiration and respect is what drives him to work lengthy hours to support his family and make an honorable living. It is not normal for a man to be lazy and a deadbeat. Those who are sin against their own nature or the way that God made them. Because a man needs admiration and respect, Paul continued, “and the wife see that she reverence her husband” (Ephesians 5:33). Reverence in this
passage does not mean that the husband is to be worshipped by his wife, rather that she respects and appreciates him. Have you ever noticed that most greeting card companies use the same language regarding their romantic poetry for both husbands and wives? The key word expressed is always love. Perhaps for the husband more should be said about respect, which is what he craves and needs. A wife should be her husband’s number one cheerleader.
The differences between husbands and wives should be celebrated. Where there are disagreements, calmly work through them, and your marriage will become stronger. Divorce is common today because couples have a difficult time relating to one another or understanding these differences. In marriage, companionship is what it’s all about (Genesis 2:18). However, being alike in every area is not what keeps the marriage together, but accepting our differences, celebrating them, and laughing about them. So being different is not a bad thing in a marriage relationship. Usually, a husband and wife complement each other because of these differences. Once this is understood, keep the Lord Jesus as the center of the marriage, nurture the marriage through humility, trust, and selflessness, and grow old together with a commitment that can only be broken by death itself.
Barry Grider is the pulpit minister for the Riverbend Church of Christ in Dalton, Georgia. He has served as an evangelist for 35 years, a trainer for preachers, and proclaimed the Word in many states and countries.
Retirement planning is the process of determining how you can meet your goals through the proper management of your financial resources.
Tax planning should not only assess your tax situation at retirement and in the present, but also look towards the future.
Social security strategies are various approaches that an individual may take to maximize their social security benefits.
There is more to Medicare than meets the eye. Making the best decision for your situation at age 65 is one of the biggest retirement decisions one may make.
Estate planning is a key element of a successful financial strategy. It ensures you will leave a legacy that provides for your loved ones by properly protecting and distributing your wealth according to your wishes.
If you're ready to take the next step in your retirement planning journey, call (423) 664-4203 today to explore your
Hughes Retirement Group: Developing Your Retirement Playbook™
A Game Plan for Retirement
How many people would consider themselves knowledgeable of all things retirement and retirement planning, both before and after retirement? With thousands of investment options out there, various account types, tax issues, Social Security, Medicare, long-term care, and so much more, how is the average individual supposed to make educated, informed decisions? That’s where Hughes Retirement Group comes in.
Rick Hughes, along with business partner and son Granger Hughes, started this business with a passion to fully educate individuals on choices that are available to them. It started with Medicare and evolved into wealth management and retirement planning as well. Growing up with his grandparents, Rick saw how many times people tried to take advantage of retirees simply because they had not been fully educated on the things that matter most to them in retirement. While working with clients daily on their Medicare
needs, it quickly became apparent to Rick and Granger that people needed just as much education on the financial and investment side of things as they did with Medicare.
Full Court Press
Enter, The Retirement Playbook™! What began as the name of their weekly radio show, based on Rick’s background as a basketball coach for over 25 years, soon became the staple of their education program. It is also what is provided to clients for their personal retirement playbook, which is a part of, as Rick puts it, “developing your retirement game plan and coaching you through your retirement season.” This all begins with education.
Many times throughout the year, Hughes Retirement Group hosts free, educational classes for the community. Topics include The A,B,C’s of Medicare, Social Security & Taxes, 401k Rollovers & Your Retirement, The Truth About Annuities, Financially Fit & Fabulous Females, and the staple, comprehensive retirement planning class, The Retirement Playbook™.
These are held in various locations in both Cleveland and Chattanooga. Information about these classes and how to sign up can always be found on their website at www.hughesretirementgroup.com/classes/.
In addition to these classes, Rick and Granger also appear on both local TV and radio to reach bigger audiences in hopes that the information may help their audiences’ personal situations with timely market updates and educational information. The Retirement Playbook™ radio show airs weekly on both Chattanooga and Cleveland local radio stations. The TV segments air on Channels 3, 9, and 12 at various times throughout the year, and can always be found via the website and YouTube channel.
Bench Strength
Can there really be that much to be educated on?
Absolutely! Take Medicare, for example. There are hundreds of plans out there and a lot of information that isn’t always fully disclosed. Medicare is a huge part of the retirement planning process as well. HRG takes the time to meet with individuals and then educate them on each option available. At that point, individuals can make an informed decision on what best fits that individual’s needs and wishes. This free service includes topics like supplements, advantage plans, prescription drug plans, possible IRMA charges, special needs plans and even reviewing if staying on your employer’s health plan is a better option at that time.
What about financial planning and wealth management? Rick explains, “The second biggest passion that we at HRG have for our clients after education is tax efficiency planning. When individuals enter retirement, they may need extra income outside of Social Security or a pension. As securities licensed advisors, who also serve as a fiduciary to our clients, Granger and I look at each situation to develop a game plan that provides these needs in the most tax-efficient manner. Individuals should know how investment income may affect their tax bracket and/ or their Social Security taxation. Strategically investing funds to help minimize future taxes, while providing the income needed in retirement, is a key element of the client’s Retirement Playbook™. This in-depth planning and education is part of being a fiduciary, which means that we at Hughes Retirement Group put the needs of our clients first!”
A big part of providing these services to clients is having a great team. Lindsey Hughes Kiker, Rick’s daughter, and Jamie Peak, who also has her securities license, assist Rick and Granger with making sure their clients have a solid game plan for retirement.
Beth Godfrey and Robin Hunsucker are vital employees at HRG in assisting both Rick and Granger and their clients in their Medicare journey.
None of the quality customer service that HRG prides itself on for its clients would be possible without Rick’s wife, Wendy Hughes. She has been with Rick through his many years of coaching and by his side as they started Hughes Retirement Group. She is an integral part of the team in planning the many client events that are hosted and is always searching for better ways to serve clients and the community.
Wendy shares, “Whatever need you may have during the retirement planning process, our staff is here to help. Informed decisions can’t be made without proper education, and it is our goal to make sure our community has the ability to obtain that education. Let us help you with your Retirement Playbook™ by developing your game plan and coaching you through your retirement season.”
The Ball is in Your Court
Ready for more information? HRG is easily accessible through the website at www.hughesretirementgroup.com/ contact. The office is located at 1035 Peerless Crossing, Cleveland, TN 37312. Or call (423) 664-4203 to schedule an appointment to choose Hughes!
for Celebrating 13 Years
Celebrating With GoodNews
by Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include a special piece from one of our contributing writers. She shares her personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to her and why she enjoys being part of our journey. We hope her words inspire you as much as they have inspired us.
In the waiting room of Dr. Roger ‘s office with my BP rising (white coat syndrome), one of the magazines caught my attention. It was a Christian magazine, very high-quality and not very large. I had never seen this magazine before so I picked up GoodNews and started looking through it, scanning articles as I turned the pages. The double page of addresses of all the churches in Rome is unique. I’ve never seen one like this before in a magazine. It is so helpful to newcomers.
Dr. Rogers' office is very welcoming, but it’s still a doctor's office! When my family came to Rome, GA, I was so afraid that Dr. Rogers wouldn’t take me as a patient. Or, that he would retire soon, and I’d have to find yet another doctor. He had been my mother‘s doctor and we thought he was great. He was truly compassionate, thorough, and knowledgeable. At that point, he was in his 38th year as a doctor.
Turns out, he didn’t retire, and he did take my husband and me as patients. Also, he left the group he was practicing with and even built a new office. And this year, he just won Rome, GA, Intern of the Year!
In the waiting room, with my blood pressure rising because of my apprehension about seeing a doctor, I noticed the magazine. It had an attractive cover and was a Christian magazine. I picked it up and looked through it. I immediately liked what I saw, but I didn’t get to read all of it before I was called back to the exam room. I was disappointed that I couldn’t read through the entire issue. Later, I had a follow-up visit to the doctor’s office. I went early for some reason. This time, there was a new issue of GoodNews, and I started looking at it. The issue had a varied index, and most of the topics interested me.
Two years later, I still read GoodNews in Dr. Rogers’ office and even bring old issues home so I can finish. Then I share them! I’ve learned that other folks around town enjoy GoodNews as much as I do.
From the articles in GoodNews, I have learned about a variety of topics. I’ve been encouraged through interesting testimonies; and I have appreciated the attractive layout and design. In fact, I haven’t missed many issues!
This month marks 13 years of publication for GoodNews Christian Magazine. Congratulations to the publishers, Matt and Bethany Ruckman, the staff who produce each issue, the advertisers, and team of gifted writers.
Congratulations, GoodNews, on 13 years of touching lives in an encouraging and refreshing way! It is a very interesting voice in our shaking world. You must have had Deuteronomy 31 in your mind and on your heart as you were developing the magazine and overcoming any obstacles that appeared:
“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; Do not be discouraged” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV).
How that verse reinforces all of us! Happy Anniversary to the GoodNews Christian Magazine team and readers.
Dr. Bobbie Jo Davidson, known to most as Jo, lives in Rome, Georgia. She enjoys writing and sharing about Jesus. She became a teacher without intending to be. She’ll write about that adventure soon. Stay tuned for more in future issues!
for Parents Washer Disaster
by Monica Gambrell
For a period of time, my oldest son, Daniel, tried the prodigal lifestyle. Around the age of fifteen he decided he couldn’t learn from anyone else’s mistakes; he must make his own. So he turned away from every precept he had been taught from birth. Daniel is one of the brightest minds I’ve ever encountered, but during this time he used that mind in some pretty creative ways to be as disobedient as possible.
Daniel loves working with his hands, and the formal school setting was not enough to engage him fully. Once, I received a frantic call from his second-grade teacher. The school was experimenting with the concept of herding 50-60 children into two connected rooms with two teachers and two assistants. Maybe that worked with children who didn’t suffer from ADHD, but it didn’t turn out to be good for my son. His teacher told me he systematically removed every drawer knob in both classrooms! Whew! That child! I’ve never known him to sit near something and not touch it – even now in his 30’s!
I received a different call from his high-school shop class teacher years later. (And yes, there were many calls in the interim.) Daniel had taken a flat washer and placed it on his finger like a ring. The teacher tried everything possible to remove it to no avail. It’s very likely that Daniel was just trying to get sent home to escape the school setting. Little did he know! My husband, Bear, was a no-nonsense kind of parent. We couldn’t afford to send
Daniel to the emergency room, so Bear proceeded (to my horror) to get the hack saw and start cutting it away! Just one slip and Daniel may have lost a finger! During the whole operation, Daniel kept asking if he would have to go back to school. The operation was successful and Bear drove Daniel straight back to finish the school day.
How often do we try desperately to escape the things we dread? Maybe there’s a conversation you don’t want to have, but you know it’s needed. Maybe there’s forgiveness that needs to be given, but you aren’t sure you can do it. Maybe you put off writing a book because you didn’t think you were good enough to pull it off. Any of these scenarios sound familiar? There are consequences to our avoidance; some are severe. We all pay for our sins of commission as well as our sins of omission.
Colossians 3:25 NASB, “For the one who does wrong will receive the consequences of the wrong which he has done, and that without partiality.”
Father God, You are pure and just. To fail to mete out consequences when needed would not be justice. There are times when we, like sheep, all go astray. And we must know that when we walk away from the safety and comfort afforded us by obedience to You, we will face Your justice. May we stay securely where obedience puts us in deep, sweet fellowship with You.
Willow Tree Farms
609 POST OAK ROAD, RINGGOLD, GEORGIA
Willow Tree Farms in Ringgold, GA welcomes you and your loved ones for events at their venue that now boasts two event spaces as of 2025. Both locations on the property include all their beloved outdoor amenities for activities as well as all their outdoor wedding arbor options. The Pavilion holds anywhere from 75 to 150 guests, depending on if you expand the space with their 20ft x 40ft garden party tent. The 609 Indoor Reception Hall can hold up to 300 guests, includes a large built-in bar, two apartments with a catering kitchen and overnight accommodations inside, and a beautiful wrap around porch for first looks, private vows, or a cocktail hour. These event spaces include tables, chairs, and benches along with several add on options of yard games, a propane firepit, and so much more!
Profits made from hosting events go back into maintaining the 144-acre property, caring for its many animals, and hosting public events for the community to enjoy that often assist local non-profits in fundraising efforts. This venue welcomes aspiring photographers with it's affordable photoshoot passes, as well as free fieldtrips for the local schools, and it's many community building endeavors.
dNews for Kids
Up, Up, and Away!
by Jan Merop
“Whee! I love being me!” sang out Dizzy. “I love being a dragon that flies,” he crooned; then giggled at his joke.
This flying wonder knew how to have fun. He and his playmates would wager who could fly forward the fastest per second. Dizzy’s friend Zippy clocked the best time of all: 100 body lengths per second going forward and three body lengths per second going backwards. He was the oldest of the group of friends and all the others aspired to bring their speed up to his.
“I love knowing that I am one of the fastest creatures on the face of the earth,” he declared to no one in particular.
Dizzy was one smart dragonfly.
He listened intently as his mother and father taught him the facts about his amazing body. He wanted to know all he could about how his magnificent Creator had made him. His instincts told him a lot. But one look in the mirror and he could get pretty heady about his good looks! His great big eyes take up most of his head; two pairs of transparent wings and a nice long body compliment his overall appearance.
“Pretty impressive,” he had to admit.
It was his wings he was most proud of. Not only did they enable him to go 22-34 miles per hour, but he could dart to the side and hover in the air like a helicopter. And his wings had spectacular iridescent coloring and transparency.
One day Dizzy zipped by the head of a human. He had been watching how the sun glinted off his iridescent wings and laughing at the human ducking to get away from him (even though dragonflies don’t sting or hurt humans).
But his pride in his beauty and laughter at another of God’s creation was his undoing. By not looking where he was going, he flew into a leafy plant that snagged one of his wings.
“Help!” he cried. But no one came. Until a freckled-face boy approached for a closer look.
Curious, the red-headed boy reached out his hand and gently lifted injured Dizzy (who, by the way, was quite dizzy from his crash landing).
Dizzy sensed God’s protection and correction in the care he received from the boy. If not rescued, a bird, lizard,
frog, or even a larger dragonfly might have eaten him for supper. But, he was safe in the boy’s tree house until his wing healed.
He may have the sharpest vision of all insects; but, he had been blinded by pride.
After all, Dizzy didn’t create himself.
Once healed, he went up, up, and away with thanksgiving. He praised his Creator for his amazing body and for the human child with the gentle touch.
Exploring Truth Through God’s Word
“Know that the Lord, He is God; it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves…
Be thankful to Him and bless His name.”
Psalm 100: 3 & 4b
The Dragonfly and You
Dizzy was a smart dragonfly, depending on the instincts God had given him to hunt and fly. He listened to his parents to learn how God had made him. But Dizzy made a mistake that could have cost him his beautiful life. He looked at himself with pride as if he should take credit for his beauty instead of praising God. Then he did an unkind thing by laughing at God’s wonderful design in creating people. But God is kind (even to prideful dragonflies!). He led a little boy to rescue him and show him the truth. Remember Dizzy. Don’t get a big head and be sure to treat all of God’s creation with care.
Gò0 dNews from the Editor’s Desk
PenPoints
by Sandra Gilmore, Editor
Summertime is full of milestones. It’s fun to celebrate graduations, weddings, or vacations. This summer holds a special milestone for GoodNews with the anniversary of 13 years of publication.
For wedding anniversaries, each year has an associated gift or symbol. Traditionally, lace or textiles represent the 13th year. Parallelling that tradition, our writers certainly give this publication its texture and pattern, its strength and utility. Their words connect us with fellow strugglers who stay the course, sometimes even stumbling along the way to victories and new levels of faith. They weave threads of darker times and lighter days to bring hope and comfort, inspiration and persistence.
You’ve grown accustomed to their styles and struggles, their voices and victories. It’s a joy for me to share more about a few of these faithful writers. Look for more of these writer highlights in upcoming issues.
You’ve read Pastor Donald Cantrell’s keen biblical insight as well as his joyful adventures with his granddaughter. He explains, “I have articles in my files that date back to May 2017. I have had a love for reading and writing ever since high school. It means so much to me to write articles that inspire others, adding a bit of humor to their lives, along with giving people insight about me and my granddaughter, allowing them to watch her grow up. She is now twelve, but was around 5 when I first began to share our story. I am a local pastor and love to write helpful stories with biblical insight, but inspiring people with everyday life stories is something that I love to do.”
From the perspective of a special needs mom and a fierce prayer warrior, Tammy Madden has contributed articles since around 2019. She explains, “My first article was about my own daughter and how she survived a life-saving heart transplant and a brain injury at 14 months old. All of my life, my passion has been writing. It’s a way that I’m able to get my feelings on paper.”
Spring Fricks shares from her roles as a writer, speaker, and founder of Shield 33 Ministries. She explains
her approach to writing, “For me, writing is a form of worship. I’ve had the privilege of sharing my work with GoodNews readers for about a year and a half. The goal has been to shine God’s light to readers and yet GoodNews readers continue to shine His light to me. What an honor. Thank you.”
Space here doesn’t afford the luxury of sharing about each and every one of our writers. With upcoming issues, you’ll find me sharing more. What I can share for now is that our writers indeed weave a tapestry from their variety of styles, experiences, and perspectives, all with the same theme: to encourage the reader while giving God glory!
Our publisher set out 13 years ago with the idea that “if God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed.” The concepts of combining, weaving, and even collecting show up in the Hebrew words for ‘hope’ and also for ‘wait.’ Isaiah 40:31 NKJV states, “But those who wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” This network of readers and writers, staff and sponsors weaves together a bright pattern each month aimed toward changing lives. Whether we find ourselves in the running phase or the walking phase (maybe even, at times, in a stalled phase!), may we all find ourselves waiting—combining, weaving, working together—in His blessed hope.
for Discovering More
When You’re Gone
by Garrett Nudd
Ireally don’t enjoy funerals but I’m discovering the older I get the more funerals I’m attending.
Back in the Old Testament, people lived a long time. Several patriarchs of the Bible lived to be over 900 years old. Can you imagine? I wonder what retirement age was back then.
Today, the average lifespan is probably around eighty, maybe a little less. Definitely nowhere close to 900! I’d say if I live to be eighty years old, that’s a pretty good life.
Do you ever think about what things will be like when you’re gone? What will things be like for your family—your spouse and children? Your siblings? Your grandchildren?
Eighty years is a lot of living. And at your funeral they’ll spend an hour or so talking about you, remembering you, and honoring you. Eighty years is 700,800 hours. And all we get at the end of it all is a one-hour tribute. It’s a bit disappointing, really.
What are you doing now to make a difference after you’re gone? It’s called legacy. How are you using the gifts God gave you? Are you burying your talents in the sand or are you maximizing them so they’re earning interest?
has a unique plan designed specifically for you. And it’s a plan better than you can imagine!
Here’s the deal: most plans don’t happen overnight. He’s begun a “good work” in you. The rest is up to you.
Paul also talks about running a race. Most races I’ve run required a significant amount of perseverance. Good work takes effort and persevering, adjustments and refining. Good work takes noodling. There’s lots of work to do before “good work” is complete.
Throw a small pebble in a pond and watch the ripples go. Throw a big rock in a pond and watch a splash followed by more ripples Throw a handful of rocks and watch the ripples intersect. When it comes to your life and the size of the splash and the number of ripples, that’s up to you.
If you visit the ocean, look at the shoreline. As you gaze out into the ocean, you’ll see waves swell, crest, break, and then flood the shore. Do they stop there? No, they go back out and do it all over again. The ocean doesn’t disappear. It keeps coming back, over and over again.
One of my favorite promises is Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it unto completion until the day of Christ Jesus.”
The same God that created the universe also created you. The same God that created the heavens and the earth
But Paul says, God began a “good work” in you and will carry it until completion.
If God started it, He will finish it. And then here’s the best part... “until the day of Christ Jesus.” Wow!
Did you catch that? His plan for you is so unique, so special, and so amazing that it won’t be complete until the day of Christ Jesus. Not just until your day or my day, but until the day of Christ Jesus.
Our lives are finite—eighty years. But God’s plan for you is infinite. God’s plan for you is more than you can ever imagine.
Gò0 dNews for your Taste Buds
All-American BBQ Baby Back Ribs
Celebrate the 4th of July with these mouthwatering AllAmerican BBQ Baby Back Ribs. These ribs are tender, juicy, and packed with smoky flavor, making them the perfect centerpiece for your Independence Day BBQ. Follow this simple recipe for ribs that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy these All-American BBQ Baby Back Ribs as the star of your 4th of July BBQ. Pair them with classic sides like coleslaw, corn on the cob, and baked beans for a true Independence Day feast!
Ingredients
For the Ribs:
• 2 racks of baby back ribs (about 4-5 pounds total)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/4 cup apple juice
For the Dry Rub:
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
For the BBQ Sauce:
• 2 cups ketchup
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon mustard powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Ribs:
• Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for more tender meat. Use a knife to loosen the membrane at one end of the rack, then grab it with a paper towel and pull it off.
• Rub the ribs with olive oil to help the dry rub stick.
2. Make the Dry Rub:
• In a small bowl, mix together all the dry rub ingredients. Generously apply the dry rub to both sides of the ribs, pressing it into the meat. Let the ribs sit at room temperature while you prepare the grill.
3. Prepare the Grill:
• Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 275°F) for indirect cooking. If using a charcoal grill, arrange the coals to one side. If using a gas grill, leave one burner off and set the others to medium.
4. Cook the Ribs:
• Place the ribs on the grill over indirect heat, bone-side down. Close the lid and cook for about 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the ribs are tender and the meat starts to pull away from the bones. During the last hour, spritz the ribs occasionally with a mixture of apple cider vinegar and apple juice to keep them moist.
5. Make the BBQ Sauce:
• While the ribs are cooking, combine all the BBQ sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat and let it cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Set aside.
6. Finish the Ribs:
• During the last 30 minutes of cooking, generously brush the ribs with the BBQ sauce. Continue cooking, basting occasionally with more sauce.
7. Serve:
• Once the ribs are done, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes. Cut between the bones to separate the ribs. Serve with extra BBQ sauce on the side.
Conformity
by Lori McAfee
This is where you will find me, Torn between the River and Sea. Oh, behold such enticing beauty. My soul grows more and more suety. It’s one then the other, In sequence, they mutter. Then I hear a tranquilizing voice, “The time has come to make a choice.”
Where the two collide, Joined as one but diversified. The River and Sea, They do not struggle with identity. Who am I?
Longs to be defined. My soul must not succumb, By the beckon to leave the flesh or spirit behind. Yearning deep, the desire to be free, Forever torn between the River and Sea.
Lori McAfee, author of Burning Hope, is a certified life coach, speaker, and host of the popular podcast Get Your Rear In Gear.
dNews for Celebrating 13 Years
I’m Blessed
by Terrie Long
As we celebrate 13 years of publication this month, we are pleased to include a special piece from one of our contributing writers. She shares her personal connection to GoodNews, reflecting on what makes this magazine meaningful to her and why she enjoys being part of our journey.
“Iwill bless the Lord at all times, His praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Psalm 31:1 KJV).
I began my writing journey with GoodNews Christian Magazine in 2014. I had recently begun working in the Behavioral Health Program at the local hospital in Etowah and was recently divorced. It was a bittersweet time in my life, and writing to encourage others was such a blessing. I learned that through sharing openly the aspects of my experiences, God was healing, growing, and strengthening me. He taught me to be grateful as I read the amazing articles of other contributors, and I began to recognize that through all the hurts, I was blessed!
When copies of the magazines were delivered to the hospital, I would share them with coworkers, patients, friends, and family. Everyone loved to read the articles and if I had an article submitted, they would be so proud of me. I would just smile, knowing that the True Author had inspired every word, and I praised God, recognizing that I was blessed!
When my Aunt Della died, I wrote “Holding Hands Again.” When I received a ticket for not properly stopping at a stop sign one evening on my way home from work, I wrote “The Stop Sign.” When I felt alone, when I was afraid, when I was happy, when I was sad, when I felt invisible and misunderstood (from which “Single Elegance”
36 // July 2025
flowed), I wrote. When Mack, my only brother, died unexpectedly, I grabbed my pen and paper, and I began to write (“Blueprint” resulted). The GoodNews Christian Magazine gave me a safe platform to share and extend hope to others while reminding me that I am blessed!
As I reflect on the blessing of being blessed, I can’t help but think of Sister Coleman. When she entered the small Bible study class at our church, I knew she was special. Her friendly smile, kind eyes, gentle voice, and sweet giggle were so inviting. I was immediately drawn to her, and as I got to know her, I realized she was a genuine Christian who always had a word of praise to offer. No matter what was going on around her, she would declare in her soft but convincing voice, “I’m blessed!”
I usually call her on Tuesday mornings on my way to work, and I began to realize that although she had many struggles, she had more praises to give to God than complaints to focus on! She literally blesses the Lord at all times. When she is not feeling well, she says, “I am blessed.” When she’s disappointed, she says, “I am blessed.” When she has lost a loved one, she says, “I am blessed.” She has taught me the beauty, power, and simplicity of praise. She has taught me that a magazine such as GoodNews Christian Magazine can be God’s vehicle to offer praise. So today, I am thankful for the mountaintop experiences, but I am also thankful for the valleys. I am thankful for all opportunities to be used by God to share His goodness with others.
GoodNews Christian Magazine family, here I am 11 years later, thankful for you and the love and support I feel in being given the opportunity to share what God is doing in my life. I celebrate this powerful ministry. And guess what family… God restored my marriage!!! So like Sister Coleman, I want to declare that indeed I am blessed!
Terrie Long is a public speaker, soloist and inspirational author. She is an active member of the Orchard Park SDA Church in Chattanooga. Terrie can be contacted at Terrie.Ruff@lpnt.net.
dNews for Health & Fitness
Debunking 5 Common Fitness Myths
by Thomas Morrison
Many of us have been misled by inaccurate advice when it comes to exercise and diet. Many of the old ideas that have been handed down have had to change in the light of new science. With that in mind here are five common fitness misconceptions that you can avoid in pursuing your own better health.
You Will Get a Flat Stomach by Doing Crunches
Crunches are one of the most popular ways to flatten your stomach, but they won't actually help you lose more belly fat. There is no such thing as spot reduction. Just like you don’t decide where you would put on fat when you eat too much, you can’t control where you will lose it when you eat too little. So while doing crunches can help strengthen your abdominal muscles, they won't burn the fat from that area. Eating fewer calories than your body needs will burn its stored fat for energy.
Doing Exercise is a Good Way to Lose Weight
The reality is that most people can only burn an average of about 5-10 calories per minute in any form of exercise. With over 3,500 calories stored in every pound of fat, it is necessary to put in an average of 6-11 hours of exercise just to burn one pound. This is why the primary method to burn fat is your diet—NOT your exercise program. The main purpose of your exercise program is NOT to burn calories— it is to preserve your muscle and metabolism!
Women Will “Bulk Up” If They Strength Train
Women DO have the ability to build muscle when they strength train, but generally NOT in a way that would be considered “manly” or ‘bulking up.” Indeed, a pound of muscle is actually about 20% smaller than a pound of fat. So, if you build a few pounds of muscle and lose a few pounds of fat over many months of strength training, you could weigh the same and actually be smaller!
Your Workout Isn't Effective If You Are Not Sore
Soreness is not a good indicator of how well you are working out. It is actually a sign that you have pushed your muscles a bit too far and slightly damaged them.
Some micro trauma is inevitable from high intensity activity. However, if you try something new, and lift too much weight or do too many reps beyond what you are accustomed to (and therefore experience excessive amounts of microtrauma), this can delay, rather than enhance your adaptive response to the workout. Far better to start out a bit lighter and easier than you think, and build up slowly as your fitness and strength improve.
If You Stop Working Out Your Muscle Turns to Fat
No, these are two totally different things. Muscle will no more turn into fat than an apple will turn into an orange. If not used, muscle will become smaller and fat may appear over the muscle if caloric intake is not controlled, but the muscle CANNOT change into fat. Many people worry that if they stop regularly lifting weights, their muscles will turn into fat. But muscle cells and fat cells are two very different types of tissue.
The fitness industry is full of myths and misconceptions, and this list just scratches the surface. There are plenty more to be found. But don't let that deter you from pursuing your goals; instead, seek the most evidence-based training help you can find and then start putting it into practice!
Thomas Morrison is the Fitness Coordinator at Bradley Wellness Center in Dalton, GA, where he has served for the past 25 years.
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