June 2020

Gò0dNews June 2020

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About Us WRITERS

Andrew Lee Arlene Ledbetter Brandon Burns Brooke Towe Danny Hesterly Eliza McNelly Karen Underwood Melinda McNish Nelson Haynes Pam Wattenbarger Rebekah Hargraves Rhonda Lane Tammy Madden Virginia Piper Wendy Pierce

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Contents JUNE 2020

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Cleaning House

by Danny Hesterly

GoodNews for Teens

8 The Seniors Of 2020

by Tammy Madden

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 Don’t Waste a Crisis

by Andrew Lee

GoodNews for Men

12 Shaken While Waiting

by Nelson Haynes

GoodNews for Women

14 Voices

by Eliza McNelly

GoodNews for Parents

18 Freedom In Motherhood

by Rebekah Hargraves

GoodNews for Everyone

20 Lost And Found

by Rhonda Lane

GoodNews Cover Story

22 1st Franklin Financial: A

Personal Loan Company That Puts People First

GoodNews for Health & Fitness

24 The CORA Connection

GoodNews for Everyone

26 Act Of Love

by Melinda McNish

GoodNews from the Physician’s Desk

28 After the Game GoodNews for Everyone

30 Instructions Through The Glass

by Virginia Piper GoodNews for Everyone

32 The Great I AM

6

by Arlene Ledbetter

GoodNews Business Spotlight

34 Homescape Pros GoodNews for Everyone

36 Hold Your Peace

by Brooke Towe

GoodNews for Everyone

38 My Peace I Give You

by Karen Underwood

GoodNews for Everyone

40 His Ways Are Higher

22

by Wendy Pierce

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

42 Rocky Road Brownie Recipe

by Pam Wattenbarger

by Brandon Burns

40

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Cleaning House

D

by Danny Hesterly

o you have any old, dusty boxes that need to be

and trying to figure out how to make 2100 square feet of

thrown out?

stuff fit into a 900-square-foot apartment, I came to the

A couple of months ago, my family moved

conclusion that some of these boxes wouldn’t make the

out of a 2100-square-foot home and into a 900-square-foot

transition to our new place and needed to be thrown out.

apartment. Needless to say, it has been quite the transition

Psalm 139:23-24 says, “Search me, O God, and know

for us all. My two kiddos are sharing a room, and I can

my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out

cook an omelet, wash dishes, and do the laundry—without

anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path

moving a foot. Our family is happy: a little smooshed, but

of everlasting life.”

we are finding wonderful contentment in the season God has us in.

This first part, “Search me, O God, and know my heart…” is a constant prayer of mine. I know there are things in my spiritual life that need daily attention, but it’s easy for my days to get busy, and I lose focus on those spiritual matters. So what happens is they get neglected, and things that are neglected often are forgotten… …until I ask the Lord to reveal those things that are unpleasing to Him, those offenses that lay in the shadows. God is amazing; He gently reveals these old, dusty boxes that haven’t been opened in a while and asks me to take a look and see what needs to be thrown out.

Here’s the wonderful part of it: even though it never feels great in the moment—realizing that there are sins, character issues, or behaviors that sadden God—He never grows tired of helping me clean out the clutter to create more

The process of moving is almost unbearable. For those

space for His love, grace, and joy to abide.

who have moved multiple times, you know and feel my

Let me ask you a question. What dusty, old boxes in

pain. I would rather be covered in honey and have a pack

your spiritual life need to be examined and thrown out?

of wild hyenas chase me than go through the process of

Today, God wants to gently look into your heart. He wants

packing and unpacking (I’m kidding…I can tend to be a

to take out the unnecessary things you’ve been carrying

little dramatic at times).

around. He will take the empty space that’s created and fill

In my previous home, there was a nice-sized room in the garage that housed all the unpacked boxes from

it with more of Him. Take a moment and ask God to search your heart. Trust me: you’ll be glad you asked Him.

been moved three to four times AND STILL HAD THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING TAPE! As I was looking through

6 // June 2020

About The Author

our previous moves. Some of these old, dusty boxes had Danny Hesterly is the executive pastor at City Church Chattanooga. He’s married to his lovely bride, Erin and together they have two wonderful kiddos: Micah and Ava.

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Gò0dNews for Teens

The Seniors Of 2020

8 // June 2020

gun violence unfolded in school after school. In their time, they have watched as we lost the amazing actor Paul Walker. We lost Robin Williams and the wonderful Billy Graham. They watched us lose Michael Jackson and never really even knew him. Yes, they have witnessed tragedy in their time.

But this elite group of kids has also witnessed the good. In 2010, they were able to see the iPad come to life!

They watched with the whole world as Prince William and Catherine Middleton married in 2011. They jumped in and joined the famous “ice bucket challenge” in 2014, and more people became aware of ALS. Theirs was the “EMOJI” generation! And they became the kids of TikTok. They dreamed big, and in September of 2019, they prepared for their biggest moment ever. They were seniors! They planned all year. Senior pictures. They planned a prom night. They ordered caps and gowns. Class rings. Invitations. They were ready to take on the world.

About The Author

B

efore they were born, they were a special bunch. They were born at a time when the world was mourning: mourning the loss of the twin towers. To them, it was just a memory in a history book because they will never remember when it happened. Most of them were still in their mama’s bellies when it happened.

Then they entered kindergarten, and they were ready to take on the world.

This class of 2020.

They worked for 13 long years.

They grew up listening to Casting Crowns and Newsboys. They are graduating with Lauren Daigle and Hillsong being the top Christian artists.

They watched as America swore in the first black president. They have watched as Donald J. Trump took office. They watched the death of Osama Bin Laden take place. They were born into a world at war. They know many of our boys never came home, though I don’t think it rings true to them as to the “why” of it all. Theirs was a time that had to watch as

by Tammy Madden

But then their world came crashing down in one week. The coronavirus hit us. It hit hard. The president said it would be best if everything shut down to contain this horrible virus. No more planning for them. There would be no prom. No senior skip day. No valedictorian speeches. No walking across that stage to get their diploma.

They will be remembered as the Quarantined Class of 2020.

Yes, this is sad. These kids deserve so much more. The last 13 years have consisted of early mornings, homework, classwork, speeches in classes, gym classes, cheerleading, football playing, and basketball games, and in the end, they walk away with no recognition. These awesome kids deserve so much more. So, to all of the Class of 2020, let me just say, keep pushing on. Hold your heads high! Put God first, and the rest will come easy!

He will guide you no matter where you go or what you do. Jeremiah 29:11 says, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” He has already walked this walk before all of you; you got this.

Be strong, Class of 2020: your day to shine will be here soon enough! You have a whole life ahead of you!

My name is Tammy Madden. I am 52 years old and live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married for 35 wonderful years to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful 17 year old daughter named Megan.

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Don’t Waste a Crisis MONEY MATTERS

WITH DR. ANDREW LEE Dr. Andrew Lee is professor of English at Lee University. He also serves as a coordinator for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. He and his wife Esmerelda have three children.

A

s of this writing, we in southeast Tennessee have just entered week nine of the coronavirus crisis. In many of our communities, restaurants and retail businesses are slowly re-opening, often with restrictions on the number of patrons allowed at one time. By now, many of us are accustomed to wearing a mask when out in public, and most of us are hypervigilant about hand washing.

So, in numerous ways, many of us have lots in common during this crisis in terms of choices we are making to help keep everyone safe and to end this pandemic as quickly as possible. On the other hand, I’ve noticed a marked difference between how people are using their time during this crisis. First, the good news. From what I’ve witnessed on social media posts and heard from talking to various friends, this crisis has brought many families much closer together. With everybody at home all day and night, families are playing board games, actually talking to each other face to face, and growing emotionally closer. Furthermore, many people are getting a chance to tackle long overdue chores, home improvement projects, yardwork, etc. However, this is not the case for everybody. Many people are binge-watching Netflix all day and night, while many others are constantly complaining on social media about how “bored” they are.

My wife and I read these complaints with utter amazement and incredulity. Bored? Are you kidding me? With so many books and articles to read, so many writing projects, so much to learn—and all of it just a mouse click away—how could anyone be bored right now?

So, here’s my financial advice for this month—don’t waste this crisis! If you do have more free time on your hands due to coronavirus, use it wisely! Here are some

10 // June 2020

practical suggestions, financially speaking, in no particular order. Review your monthly budget and see where and how to make cuts to unnecessary expenses. If you’re married, be sure to include your spouse in this and get his or her input about the monthly budget. If you have teenagers or adult children living at home, they should also be included in this activity (teachable moment). If you don’t have a monthly written budget, cheer up: with all your extra time sitting at home during this crisis, now is the perfect opportunity to make a written budget! READ read read! Check your local library website and read books and articles online about saving, money management, investing, paying off debt, etc.

Quit watching mindless TV shows on Netflix and instead find YouTube videos on personal finance, making budgets, etc. Join Audible.com and start downloading books on personal finance, money management, retirement investing, etc. I read countless audio books while doing yardwork, walking the dog, and cycling around the neighborhood.

On that same note, search Apple podcasts and iHeartRadio for podcasts on money and financial matters and subscribe to all the ones that pique your interest. Also, during all your free time during coronavirus, why not log onto your company’s 401(k) website and review your retirement accounts to see how much you’ve accumulated at this point?

Then use a free retirement planning calculator and see how much you’ll need to retire with the lifestyle you want, and see if you’re on track to meet your goals. Not started a Roth IRA yet? Good news—if you are feeling “bored” during this crisis, now’s your chance to open an account online and start contributing to your Roth IRA. Whatever you do, don’t sit around griping that you’re bored right now. You have way too much to do right now to change your future!

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Gò0dNews for Men

Shaken While Waiting

W

by Nelson Haynes

eird. That’s the word people keep posting on

they have more time on their hands. Neighbors saying

Facebook and Instagram as they describe how

“Hi!” for the very first time as they pass each other walking

they feel during the Coronavirus pandemic.

around the same neighborhood they’ve lived in for years.

Can anything good come out of a bewildering

You and I won’t grow when we are comfortably numb.

experience? Listen to Geoff Gentry and Bryan Ye-Chung.

As John Eldridge said on Facebook Palm Sunday, April 5,

“It’s the weird things that wake us up to the world

2020, “When life is good and you’ve got your cupcakes, you

around us.

know, what do you need God for?” Stagnant people stink.

“It’s the weird things that open up new ways of seeing.

But Paul declares in 2 Corinthians 2:15, “Our lives are a

“It’s the weird things that reimagine the experience

Christ-like fragrance rising up to God. But this fragrance is

of healing.

“It’s the weird things that disrupt our lives to bring us into God’s presence.

“Weirdness is a tool of the Divine. As people of faith, our lives get weird before they become clear.

Their prophetic words were published in 2019 in “All That Is Made.”

Has God brought the world to its knees? That’s a legitimate question, with no intent of judgment by this writer. Regardless of your answer, the world has stopped, halting the educational, economic, entertainment, and religious worlds besides the medical environment.

So what do we do during this eerie time? Wait it out? There are many things that happen to us that are far from chance.

As Christians, we believe God is sovereign. Within that word is another word: reign. God is still on the throne despite how it feels down here on planet earth. He’s in control.

perceived differently by those who are being saved and by those who are perishing.”

Paul’s referring to two types of people. The latter group

What God allows to happen in our world which gets

is the people who find the Gospel message nauseating. The

a person’s attention, causing him or her to sincerely seek

former are the folks who believe the Gospel is a pledge of a

Him for maybe the first time, is something we’ll never

glorious future.

comprehend this side of Heaven.

A lot of folks feel lost now and want a future. God offers

However, a lot of folks still want their normal back,

that. Some reject it. Some accept it. There is nothing weird

and when this is over and we look back at the crisis of the

about “Someone” throwing a life preserver to those who are

Coronavirus, will we see blessings or curses?

perishing. Take hold of Christ. There couldn’t be a better time!

there are blessings that are born out of adversity. Couples talking to each other like they never have before because

12 // June 2020

About The Author

There is the sad curse of death that the virus caused. But

Nelson Haynes lives in Ringgold, Georgia, with his wife and 2 Labrador Retrievers. Both of their daughters are grown. Check out his writer’s blog at www.nelsonhaynes500words.com for more meditations. He has a Masters in Christian Education from Dallas Theological Seminary and besides writing, his hobbies include riding his mountain bike; reading; movies; gardening ; painting and going on dates with his bride.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Voices

by Eliza McNelly

I

’m 9 years old, barefooted, halfway down the diving

“You’re going to feel claustrophobic in the planes and cars.”

board. Today is the day. I have to jump off this platform

All the words are distilled into one thought: “You can’t

into 11 feet of water to pass the diving board test. On the

other side of this moment is not just the privilege to use this

do this.”

The voice of anxiety—the voice that tells me that I can’t—

pool during regular hours but a step out of childishness

has always been audible to me, and I find myself again and

and into that cool, elite group of kids who plunge into deep

again having to choose between what it’s telling me and

waters with confidence.

what I know to be true—I can jump into the pool, I can travel

But I’m frozen. I’ve jumped into this water before, but not from this height. All I hear is the thudding voice of my

alone, and the Lord is always with me. But just because you know the truth doesn’t mean you use, practice, or believe it. Consider the Israelites, who, when they finally got to the land that God Himself promised to settle them in, refused to take one more step after their reconnaissance mission revealed that the land was populated—with giants! Most of the men who had seen the land were afraid and told the Israelites to give up—the enemy was too great to overcome. But there were two voices—Joshua’s and Caleb’s—who told the people that they could trust in God’s promise and that no threat could supplant the will of the Lord. The Israelites chose to listen to the voices of fear and anxiety, and as a result, God told them that they would die in the wilderness and not enter the promised land.

If they had listened to God’s voice, what joy

heartbeat telling me, “You can’t do this—you’ll get hurt, you’ll drown, you’ll fail.”

Fast forward, and I’m 26, about to hop between three

and rest they would have experienced!

We can rarely control the voice of anxiety, but we can choose whether or not we listen to it. As simplistic as it

planes from Chattanooga to Portland, jump in my sister-in-

sounds, we always have a choice. We can listen to anxiety,

law’s Highlander, and drive back across the country with

or we can listen to God. Whether it’s His voice on display

my brother’s family. My husband is gone for the weekend,

in the Bible or something He speaks directly to us, we must

I have a friend taking me to the airport in the morning, and

hold His words in our minds so that when anxiety speaks,

I cannot get myself together. There are so many thoughts in

we remember there’s another voice speaking, too.

my head: overwhelm you.”

“Can you navigate four airports by yourself?”

14 // June 2020

About The Author

“You don’t like being alone—the loneliness is going to

Eliza McNelly works and serves at City Church in Chattanooga where her husband is the student pastor. She likes her coffee black, her music loud, and her waffles from Waffle House.

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Ringgold Church Directory Baptist Boynton Baptist Church 4093 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1551 Briarwood Baptist Church 26 Ellis Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9177 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 518 Highway #41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9340 Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle 4994 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4323 Cherokee Valley Baptist Church 1495 Cherokee Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-6220 Christ First Church 1008 N. Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-1008 Clearview Baptist Church 2183 Dietz Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-0164 Ebenezer Baptist Church 77 Hackett Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7970 Faith Baptist Church 308 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 423-509-5334 First Baptist Church of Ringgold 105 East Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2358 Friendship Primitive Baptist Church 851 Ooltewah Ringgold Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2382 Gospel Way Baptist Church 31 Bowling Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9866 Grace Baptist Church

16 // June 2020

7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7969 Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf 1314 Old Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7107 Video Call: 706-956-0445 Heritage Pointe Baptist Church 60 Dyer Bridge Place Ringgold, GA 30736 706-858-0976 Hickory Grove Baptist Church 5010 Houston Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-673-6999 Keith Baptist Church 1573 Keith Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-450-0963 Living Faith Baptist Church Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-1817 Midway Baptist Church Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-2317 Mount Peria Baptist Church 341 Sparks Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4887 Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 66 Mount Pisgah Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3031 Mount Vernon Baptist Church 1006 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3872 New Bethel Baptist Church 1635 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3500 New Friendship Baptist Church 3833 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 New Heights Baptist Church 158 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9838 New Liberty Baptist Church 923 Graysville Road

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

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

6141 Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-397-4115 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 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 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

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goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Parents

Freedom In Motherhood

“B

by Rebekah Hargraves

e careful to do everything I command you; do

Word of God sets forth no such law. While the culture says

not add anything to it or take anything away

we “must” homeschool (or not!), the Word of God sets forth

from it” (Deuteronomy 12:32).

no such standard. While the culture says we “must” co-sleep

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God—

who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him” (James 1:5).

There is a common lie that floats around in mommy

(or not!), the Lord is silent on that issue.

The reality is this: all God has asked of us mamas is that we train our children in the way they should go (Proverbs 22:6), speak to them of His Word (Deuteronomy 6:6-7), and

culture today, and that is the lie that “‘Good’ moms do XYZ…” We see this most often in the context of the mommy wars, where one group of mamas will regularly pit themselves against another group of mamas if they differ on issues of vaccination, breastfeeding, co-sleeping, education, family dynamics and activities, or birth methods.

There are many problems that arise as a result of this mommy war culture, but just one is the problem of wrongly thinking that God has set forth, in His Word, a particular standard of what it means

love them (Titus 2:4). That’s it! The rest is up to you. The rest

to be a “good” mom in each of those areas. The truth of the

is up to how He individually leads and directs you (James

matter? He hasn’t.

1:5) to parent your own unique children according to your

In fact, I have good news for you, mama. The mile-long

own unique family dynamics.

laundry list of expectations, standards, and laws regularly

You have freedom, mama. Turn a deaf ear and a blind

placed upon you by this culture as to what constitutes as

eye to the laws of mommy culture and instead fix your eyes

“good” mothering choices is far, far longer than the list of

and ears on Christ. He died to provide you with freedom

things the Lord actually does ask us moms to do in His Word.

(Galatians 5:1). Walk in that freedom and enjoy it, even in

While the culture says you must make one particular

the midst of your motherhood.

choice on how to feed, birth, clothe, train, disciple, love, and such list of standards. While the mommy culture says we “must” breastfeed (or not, depending on who you ask!), the

18 // June 2020

About The Author

educate your children, the Lord in His Word gives us no

Rebekah Hargraves is a wife, mama of two littles, blogger, podcaster, and author whose passion is to edify, equip, and encourage women in their journey of Biblical womanhood, particularly with an emphasis on the gospel and its implications for everyday life. You can find Rebekah on her website, Hargraves Home and Hearth, on Instagram, or on iTunes via The Home and Hearth podcast.

LIST YOUR CHURCH ACTIVITIES & EVENTS Such As:

• SPECIAL EVENTS • CONCERTS • CONFERENCES • ACTIVITIES • & MORE! Send Your Events To: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Lost And Found

by Rhonda Lane

I

have no sense of direction. None. I point, I position,

My first remembrance of Father’s Day was of being

and I ponder trying to figure out the difference between

driven through the outer bands of Hurricane Agnes in 1972

North and South and East and West to no avail. I do have

on my way to Disney World. I was subsequently delivered

a sense of gravity, however, so at least I can tell up from

safely to the doors of a Mickey Mouse kingdom by the

down.

mercy of the Creator of a Heavenly Kingdom through the

My father was the complete opposite. A former telephone company lineman with an inborn sense of

hands of my prince on earth, my father.

In the ways of the world and in reading people, he

direction who had traveled thousands of miles of city streets

was my own personal North Star. When life knocked me

and country roads for his job, his recipe for navigation was

off my path, or someone pushed me off, he was there to set me back in the right direction again, referencing the map he had gained from the school of hard knocks.

No matter where we are in life, with or without an unfoldable map, we can count on GPS. I don’t mean the Global Positioning System: I mean God’s Positioning System. He is, after all, the One who drew the map of the universe.

He is the One who wrote the directions to His own heart through His Holy Word.

He knows where we are in life at any moment. He knows where our mind is even when it wanders. He knows where our heart is even when it moves far away from him.

simply to “follow your nose” with possibly the addition of

When we come to a crossroads and don’t know which

a free filling station map for long trips. (Once unfolded, that

way to go, God does. When our enemy pushes us off our

map could never be refolded properly again.) He was our

path, God can set us back on the right path. When we

family’s own personal OnStar. He never led us astray.

can’t fold our map back to the way it should be, God can.

Our shared mileage was accompanied by stories and

When God drives our lives, we never end up at the wrong

tales of his experiences in all the little nooks and crannies

destination. It will never be a Mickey Mouse kingdom but a

and wide places in the roads of Whitfield County and

Heavenly one.

Murray County, especially the beloved Murray County of his youth. I listened to his stories with interest and

Let God be your North Star. He will never lead you astray. With Him, you will always know up from down.

every letter of every word, every dot of every letter I and every cross of a letter T.

20 // June 2020

About The Author

reflection, but how I wish I had memorized every word, Rhonda Lane is a native of Dalton, Georgia, and is an orphaned, old maid, and only child trying to find her way in the world and lose herself in Jesus Christ.

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st Franklin Financial Corporation has been

remains family-owned and operated, staying true to

making loans for more than 79 years, and

its values while growing in loans-made and dollars-

whether the need for extra money is an urgent

loaned year after year. This long-term success is

one for today or one that’s ahead, 1st Franklin is there

attributed in 1st Franklin Financial’s strong foundation

when you need them.

and commitment to the communities it serves along

“Whatever your needs are, we are here to work with you to find the right loan with a payment plan

with its unwavering financial stability.

1st Franklin Financial has served in this area of

that fits your life. Life is a journey and we are here to

North Georgia for more than 30 years. Chatsworth,

do it side by side with you,” said President and CEO

Dalton and Fort Oglethorpe branches are currently

Ginger Herring. “We will treat you with respect and

operating under the leadership of Regional Operations

promise to give you the kind of personal, friendly

Director Kim Golka and Operations Vice President

service you won’t find anywhere else.”

Jennifer Purser.

Headquartered in Toccoa, Georgia, the business

The Chatsworth branch opened in 1988 and is

operates more than 320 branch loan offices located

located at 1422 Green Road; phone 706-695-4823. The

in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South

Branch Manager is Jan Cross. Cross has been with the

Carolina and Tennessee. Founded by Herring’s

company since 2011. She started her career with 1st

grandfather, Ben F. Cheek, Jr., in 1941, the company

Franklin at the Dalton branch.

22 // June 2020

The Dalton branch opened in 1995 and is located at 514 Fleming Street, Suite 4; phone 706-226-7417.

The Branch Manager is Mandy McClain. McClain has been with the company since 2002, and under her management, the Dalton branch won 1st Franklin Financial’s Vice President’s Award for outstanding performance and the Diamond Pacesetter Award for 2018. The Diamond Pacesetter Award is given every year to the branch that also achieves high statistical rankings in the company based on current performance as well as future profitability.

The Fort Oglethorpe branch opened in 2013 and is

personalized service. The company offers fixed rate

located at 890 Battlefield Pkwy; phone 706-866-5557.

loans from $1,250 to $15,000* with flexible terms to suit

The Branch Manager is Kimberly Stone. Stone has been

any budget.

Customers are more than a credit score. Even

with the company since 2014.

All three branches are highly immersed in their

with an imperfect history, 1st Franklin works to find

communities, participating as active members of the

the right loan solution that’s right for each customer.

Chamber of Commerce and supporting local schools.

Approvals are fast and done right at the branch so

Affectionately known as the “friendly Franklin

customers can get their money quickly, often in the

folks,” 1st Franklin’s employees aim to make lasting

same day.

connections within the community and with every

partners, each branch has dealer relationships

individual that walks through their doors.

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contact the Chatsworth branch at 706-695-4823, the

Dalton branch at 706-226-7417 or the Fort Oglethorpe branch at 706-866-5557 or visit www.1ffc.com, to find the branch closest to you.

“When we say ‘you’re like family’ it means we take a sincere interest in your situation, your goals, and even your dreams.,” said Herring. “Our goal is to help you achieve yours.”

Committed to providing friendly, professional service, 1st Franklin branch employees take pride in making sure that each customer receives prompt,

*All loan terms and applicable APR’s depend on meeting our underwriting and income criteria for the loan size requested and may require collateral. Active duty military, their spouse or dependents covered by the Military Lending Act (“MLA”) may not pledge a vehicle as collateral. 1st Franklin Financial Corporation, NMLS#141654, Georgia Mortgage Licensee #5656. Loan minimums vary by state.

Three convenient locatons to se goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Health & Fitness

The CORA Connection

H

by Brandon Burns

ow many people reading this have, or have had,

more, hear me out. You have to understand one thing. You are

low back pain? I’ll tell you what the research says.

not your MRI…or x-ray, for that matter. Don’t let these images

Approximately 80%. While that number may seem

fool you. Why shouldn’t you let your MRI dictate how healthy

high to you, in my nearly 10 years of clinical practice, I would have to agree. Low back pain is one of the more common

you think your spine is? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Did you know a lumbar (low back) MRI has over a 50%

conditions that I see walk through the door of my clinic. Of

false positive rate? That means, what is seen on your MRI is

those patients who seek physical therapy for low back pain,

correct less than half the time. That’s worse than flipping a

some of the most common diagnoses I see are degenerative

coin. I’ll say it again. There is more than a 50% chance that

disc disease and bulging discs. (More on those later.)

what was found is NOT causing your pain. Let that sink in.

Here is one thing the researchers did to find that out.

They decided to see how common these “abnormalities” are in the general population, meaning people like you and me. To take it one step further they only tested people who had NO low back pain. Essentially, they went around and asked people…do you have back pain? If the person said, “no, my back feels fine,” an MRI was performed.

You remember the two diagnoses I mentioned earlier, degenerative disc disease and disc bulge? Guess what? If you’re over the age of 50 and have NO LOW BACK PAIN, there is an 80% chance that you will have a degenerative disc, and a 60% chance that you’ll have a disc bulge.

So what does this mean? These MRI findings are not abnormal. They are normal. This is part of the normal

I could go on and on about the types of low back pain,

aging process. The structures of our bodies change over

how I treat them and why physical therapy is the answer.

time, and yours is not the same as it was when it was 13. It’s

But instead, I am going to ask another question: Of that

no different than getting wrinkles. People without pain walk

80%, how many have had an x-ray or MRI taken to try to

around with these “abnormalities” every day, and don’t

diagnose the cause of their back pain?

even know it.

While I don’t know the exact answer to that question,

So you’re probably asking yourself, if it’s “normal” then

I know that it is a lot. Nearly everyone has had one by the

why do I hurt? Well, the good news is you don’t have to.

time they get to me. This x-ray or MRI is usually showing

Sometimes these conditions are painful, but still very treatable.

some “abnormality” that is causing their pain. Often times

And there are options, other than pain medication and surgery,

what is seen is described as a “disease,” “degeneration,”

available. Physical therapy is one of those options.

confusing and at worst frightening. So before you start scouring the internet for answers, which may scare you even

24 // June 2020

About The Author

“abnormal” or some other medical term that is at best Brandon Burns is the clinic manager at CORA Physical Therapy in Cleveland. He is an alumni of UT Knoxville and TN State. He specializes in orthopedics, balance training, and sports medicine. For an appointment call 423-458-6298.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Act Of Love

T

by Melinda McNish

his is it. Today’s the day. Can you feel

flesh and bone? Do you hear the creaking of

it? Can you feel the fear? Do you sense

wooden crosses raised to the sky? And do you

the desperation? The sense of defeat?

hear the anguished cries of men hanging there

Do you smell the sweat of an angry mob?

to die? Do you see those who are crushed

Do you hear their cries? “Crucify! Crucify!”

by this supposed defeat, falling at the foot of

Do you hear the sounds of Roman soldiers

His cross? Do you hear His mother sobbing

tramping through the streets, dragging the

in deep grief? Do you hear His loving words

“criminal” along? Do you know the fear that

spoken as life drains from His body? “Father,

you will be recognized as “one of them” and

forgive them.” Do you feel the day grow cold

you will join this gruesome parade? Do you

as the sun disappears from the sky? Do you

hear the sounds of hammer striking nail? The

feel the hush that accompanies His words? “It

screams of pain as those nails tear through

is finished.”

26 // June 2020

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Gò0dNews from the Physician’s Desk

D

After the Game

alton State men’s basketball team was up against Mississippi’s William Carey University in the last conference game of the season.

“It was a huge game,” says Malik Pugh, recent Dalton State graduate. “Our goal for the season was 20 wins. We were determined that this game was going to be our team’s twentieth win.”

“We were up and my teammate, Kingston Frazier, passed me the ball. Then I saw my opponent come up behind me, trying to block me. I went to dunk the ball, but as soon as I jumped up, it felt like blood rushed up to my knee.”

Malik fell to the floor.

Hamilton Sports Medicine’s head certified athletic trainer Sherman Howze rushed out onto the court. “Malik’s knee cap looked irregular,” says Sherman. “I suspected that he had ruptured his patellar tendon, but that’s an uncommon injury. I really hoped I was wrong.”

Sherman called orthopedic surgeon Mitch Frix, MD, for assistance. Thankfully, even though it was a Saturday night, Dr. Frix was in the office.

“I just wanted to get back in the game,” says Malik. “My adrenaline was rushing.”

Unfortunately, when Dr. Frix examined Malik’s knee, he confirmed that he had ruptured his patellar tendon.

Dr. Frix explained to Malik that the patellar tendon attaches the bottom of the kneecap (patella) to the top of the shinbone (tibia). When the patellar tendon is completely torn, the tendon becomes separated from the kneecap. He would not be going back in the game.

The next day, Dr. Frix performed surgery to reattach Malik’s tendon. After the surgery, Malik underwent rehabilitation assistance through Sherman Howze and Hamilton Sports Medicine. After a lot of hard work, by August, Malik was back playing basketball and dunking the ball!

“My coach (Alex Ireland) always said, don’t let basketball use you, use basketball. I think I have done that.

I’m so thankful for everyone who helped me to not only become a better basketball player, but a better man. They made sure that my mind was focused on the next step–what comes after the game.”

28 // June 2020

Hamilton Medical Center has provided certified athletic trainers to local area schools and surrounding communities for over 20 years. Currently, Hamilton’s athletic trainers provide services to Dalton State College, Calhoun High School, Christian Heritage, Coahulla Creek High School, Dalton High School, Murray County High School, North Murray High School, Northwest Whitfield High School, and Southeast Whitfield High School.

The staff at Hamilton Sports Medicine collaborate with physicians, nurses, physical therapists, emergency medical technicians (EMTs), and paramedics to provide injury prevention, emergency care, medical treatment, and rehabilitation services to student athletes. All of Hamilton’s athletic trainers have graduated from a four-year accredited college athletic training program, are board certified, and licensed by the state of Georgia.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Instructions Through The Glass

O

by Virginia Piper

ver the past 19 years rearing my youngest son with Down syndrome, it occurs to me that I have learned far more from George than he could possibly have learned from me. Perhaps God not only sent George to me but for me as well. He has taught me to be more aware of God in the moments of my everyday life.

He has taught me to interpret my life looking for little messages from God. When George was 2½ and started walking, he was aware he needed help up and down stairs.

On one particular day, he and I were walking up our front steps.

I was behind him, ready to catch him should he stumble. Without looking up or behind himself or even uttering a sound, he raised his arm, reaching for me to give him a steadying hand. Afterward it struck me that George knew I would be there to help him. He didn’t even have to look first. He just knew. It reminded me that “God has dealt to each one a measure of faith” (Romans 12:3). That small gesture spoke volumes to me that day and many others following it. I interpreted that as a reminder from God that I could raise my hand to Him for His help without questioning that He would be there.

Many years later at a swim meet when trying to give George instructions, I was reminded once again of the gifts that raising George has given me. I have learned to be more adept at looking at simple life experiences and seeing a spiritual parallel. If I take the time to look at situations 30 // June 2020

through the filter of God’s perspective rather than simply through my own eyes of humanness, daily life becomes a continuous awareness of the presence of God. At this particular event I desperately wanted to talk with George, but I couldn’t go beyond the partition onto the pool deck during the swim meet. That was reserved only for the athletes. So I mouthed instructions to him through the glass.

I reminded him to push off the side of the pool and glide as far as he could go. After he made it a good way across, he needed to remember to kick his feet once he started his strong freestyle stroke.

George is a Special Olympian in swimming. He’s got these amazing, broad shoulders and well-developed trapezius muscles. But even as strong as he is, that’s not always enough to reach his objective. He has trouble combining all of the different components of a swim stroke and needs reminders.

How easy it is for any of us to forget or confuse certain aspects of a task we are doing and then find we fall short of our goal. I have often wished that when I needed reminders, I could look through the glass at God and see Him mouthing the instructions.

Yet He is there. If we choose to look beyond our disappointments and pain reflected in the glass and focus on His love for us through our circumstances, we can hear His instructions uttered in words full of grace and mercy.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Great I AM

A

by Arlene Ledbetter

s I listened to the Sunday morning sermon at Cedar

have closure on the meaning of a passage that had long

Hill Church, my eyes felt heavy. Earlier, I’d stood

eluded me.

to sing the old hymns, bowed my head in prayer,

“The Great I Am,” the preacher continued, “is bread

and placed my weekly quarter in the offering plate. Now,

when you are hungry and light when you grope in

though, my eyes closed and my mind wandered.

the darkness. If you are lost, He is the door into God’s

“Stay awake,” Mama whispered.

sheepfold. If you’re uneasy about the next step, the Good

Just then, the preacher said something like, “So God told

Shepherd wants to guide you in paths of righteousness.

Moses to go tell the Pharaoh ‘I AM has sent me to you.’”

Have you believed a lie? Are you facing death? Are you

I sat up straight. “I AM? Oh, man, I missed it again.”

Through the years, I’d heard my preacher and guest speakers talk about The Great I AM passage in the third chapter of Exodus. I always tuned in too late. The Great I AM what? I am strong? I am holy? I am old? I am angry? I am the great and powerful Oz? Years flew by. I was a young adult sitting in Central Emmanuel Church.

As I had all my life, I sang and prayed and gave and listened. The preacher was doing a series of messages on The Seven I Am Passages in John’s Gospel.

• I Am the Bread of Life • I Am the Light of the World • I Am the Door of the Sheep

wandering aimlessly? Jesus is life, truth, and the way. Do

• I Am the Good Shepherd

you want to make a difference in this world? His Spirit can

• I Am the Resurrection and the Life

flow through you. Please listen carefully, my friends. The

• I Am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life

Great I Am is anything and everything you will ever need.”

• I Am the Vine, and You are the Branches (6:35, 8:12,

Closure. I’d wanted closure for so long. Instead, the eyes

10:7, 10:11, 11:25, 14:6, 15:1)

of my heart were opened and I began a lifelong journey of

Somewhere in the midst of that series, the preacher

discovering all Jesus is and all I am through Him.

directed us back to Moses and The Great I AM. He asked us, “Have you ever wondered, ‘The Great I AM what?’”

“Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am’” (John 8:58).

stung my eyes. I leaned forward, determined to finally

32 // June 2020

About The Author

Goosebumps popped up on my arms. Hot tears Arlene Ledbetter holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Dalton College in Georgia. She has written adult Sunday school curriculum and contributed to five Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Visit her at www.arleneledbetter.net.

Gò0dNews Business Spotlight

Homescape Pros

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Professional Landscaping, Hardscaping, and Garden Center

omescape Pros was founded in 2011 by Ken

a design plan to

Williams. With a degree in Horticulture and over

maintenance once

30 years landscaping and greenhouse experience,

the final product

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is done. They

issues! Joining him in 2016, Mark and Lisa Bradford added

offer landscaping

some dimension to the business with their knowledge and

design, irrigation,

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sod, lighting, water

in 2017, is Ken’s new bride, Debi. Today, Homescape Pros

features, lawn care,

is able to provide its customers with cost-effective solutions

mulching, and more.

and options for any project.

Know that if you have any landscaping needs, they are

Homescape Pros is a company dedicated to their

able to help you.

customers. They offer quality landscaping and home

Hardscaping

improvement services to Ringgold, Georgia, and surrounding areas. With Homescape Pros, you can transform your outdoor living space into the gathering spot that you can enjoy with your family and friends for years to come. Their professional installers can help you with landscape design and installation to enhance the curb appeal of your home or business. From retaining walls to fire pits, you will be the envy of your neighbors with their quality landscaping services.

Garden Center Their garden

dream for the perfect backyard? If so, Homescape Pros can design it for you.

They are the experts in hardscaping. They offer hardscaping services such as retaining walls, patios, walkways, fire pits, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens. If you can dream it, they can make it.

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potting soil to petunias. They offer trees, shrubs, flowers, rock, fertilizer, yard art, water gardens, and much more! Be sure to stop by today and see how they can help you! Their knowledgeable staff can assist you with your selections and answer any pertinent questions.

Landscaping Services Homescape Pros also offers professional landscaping services. Their full-service landscaping services include

34 // June 2020

Do you have a

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Hold Your Peace

O

by Brooke Towe

n Friday, March 13, 2020, I woke up with a

13). Today, rest in Him, knowing His promises are true. In

panicked feeling in my spirit. I felt anxious,

Job 2:10, it says, “‘You speak as one of the foolish women

unsure, and distressed; then the Lord spoke to me

speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall

three simple words: “Hold your peace.” Well, that seems

we not accept adversity?’ In all this, Job did not sin with his

pretty simple when one thing happens, but what about

lips.”

when life starts swirling in every direction and spinning

In the midst of everything against them, Moses

out of control? These are the times when it becomes more

encouraged his people. As leaders, we have to encourage;

challenging to stay planted in peace.

as parents, we have to encourage; and as friends, we have

The power of “holding your peace” is to know that even

to encourage. In Exodus 14:13-14, Moses answered the

though everything looks in chaos and disarray, God is working and moving. It is important to always speak positively and hopefully, even though it may not be what you see in the natural. In this process, keep silent about “everything that is going wrong.” Although it is easy to pick up the phone and tell someone how bad your situation is, don’t come into agreement with the enemy’s decree or your natural circumstances. Instead, “Hold your peace.” Our God is too amazing to complain about Him and what He is not doing for us. While holding your peace, it is imperative for you to watch your words. There is always a temptation to complain with our mouths; however, our words hold the

people, “Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the

power of life and death.

deliverance the Lord will bring you today. The Egyptians

During this entire process, as the world’s outlook has

you see today you will never see again. The Lord will fight

worsened, I have repeated to myself, my friends, and my

for you; you need only to be still.” God had orchestrated

family, “Hold your peace.” Because God does not delight in

their day of total deliverance, although the circumstances

the affliction of His people, He will not allow it to continue

looked dire at the moment. Today, your circumstances may

without end. There is always an expiration date to your

look hopeless, but know, just like the children of Israel, God

trial, and God is laughing at your enemy as He sees the

is fighting for you.

turnaround that is coming. When “the wicked plot against laughs at him, for He sees his day is coming (Psalm 37:12-

36 // June 2020

About The Author

the righteous and gnashes at him with his teeth,” the Lord

Brooke Towe, co pastor of Ramp Church Chattanooga. Owner of Brooke Travel Company. Wife to Pastor Andrew and mother to their children Giuliana and Gabriel.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

My Peace I Give You

W

by Karen Underwood

hat is peace? It is a fruit of the Spirit. It is

children who had seizures, I knew this was happening. I

something God will give us. It is something

jumped up, jerked her clothes off, and began wiping her

Satan does not want us to have; he wants to

down with a cold, wet rag.

keep us in turmoil. One definition from Merriam-Webster is:

Meanwhile, my sister was out running in the street,

“a state of tranquility or quiet.” Wow! A state of tranquility

hollering to the neighbors, “Help! Help!” Someone came

or quiet? What is that, especially in this day and time?

out and said, “Call 911.” So she ran back in and did. When

Can we really achieve that? I think we can, but we need to

the medics came in the ambulance, Shellie had finished

consistently call on God and ask.

seizing, and I just pitifully handed her over to them and said, “Please make her better.” But all the while, I was praying that she would be okay. When they got there, I felt a peace, one that I know God gave me through those medics. The seizure was simply from her fever, and it spiked because she was resting on me and it made it higher. She is perfectly fine and healthy.

The second incident was when my son, Tyler, was an infant. I was picking him up from the daycare and the teacher said, “Let me change his diaper first.” While she was changing him, I was talking to her. She turned to reply, and he just simply rolled over and rolled to the floor. I screamed and was panicked, of course. I ran to the car with him and called his pediatrician and went directly to their office. While we were driving, I

I have been a Christian more of my life than not. I read

was praying and talking to Tyler. He had already calmed

His Word and pray and try every day to do what is right

down and was listening to me. God sent me His peace to

and pleasing to Him. I don’t always feel peace, but I ask

know that he was okay, and the doctor confirmed it. He is

Him to help me be at peace with whatever my situation is.

perfectly healthy and is an avid runner.

I KNOW on several occasions in my life He has definitely given it, and with a drastic notice to me.

These are just a few times in my life where I felt such overwhelming peace from my God. I feel it every day of my

Two instances that come to mind involve my children.

life as well as I seek Him daily and make my way toward

When my daughter was a toddler, she was sick and home

His throne. Philippians 4:7: “And the peace of God, which

with me. She was running a fever, and I had given her

surpasses all understanding, will guard your heart and your

Tylenol (or as much as I could get in her). My sister was

minds in Christ Jesus.”

rocking Shellie while she was sleeping. All of a sudden, she began jerking. Because I was working with special needs

38 // June 2020

About The Author

with me, and we were just sitting in the living room. I was Karen Underwood has been married to the love of her life for 38 years and has two children that love the Lord and are raising their children to follow Him as well. She has lived in the Chattanooga area her whole life and loves it here.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

His Ways Are Higher

by Wendy Pierce

I

saiah 55:8-9: “For my thoughts are not your

to accept Jesus as their Savior before Christ returns for

thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares

the Church? Maybe the time of the rapture is so close

the Lord. As the heavens are higher than the earth,

that God is trying to get the attention of everyone in

so are my ways higher than your ways and my

the world. Maybe this time has been the only time

thoughts than your thoughts.”

someone has been able to watch an online church

I know many people have questioned why the

service due to their hectic schedules, or maybe this

coronavirus situation has occurred. Almost the entire

is the first time someone has ever watched a church

world has come to a halt due to the virus. While we may not understand why this has happened, the coronavirus has not taken God by surprise.

Could it be that we have gotten off track with our relationship with God? That maybe our lives have been so consumed with the things of the world that we have forgotten about God? Maybe we have forgotten to read our Bibles daily, witness to others, encourage each other, and pray because we have been so selfconsumed. Now, we have time to read our Bibles, pray, and spend time with God.

service and accepted Christ as their Savior. Maybe the

With the world at a standstill, everything that a

situation with the coronavirus has to happen for our

human being could place as an idol in their lives has

nation to return to God. Maybe this situation could

been shaken—the stock market, their jobs, money,

start the last great revival. While we do not understand

etc. There is nothing that we can depend on in this

the circumstances we are in right now, we must

life except God. While we may not understand the

remember that God’s ways are not our ways, and He

circumstances we are in, God has a perfect plan and

has a perfect plan for us even though we cannot see

knows what is ahead. We must trust in God no matter

what is ahead.

Have you ever thought that the coronavirus situation could be the last chance someone may have

40 // June 2020

About The Author

our circumstance.

Wendy Pierce has an MBA from Lee University and a master’s degree in Economics from MTSU. Wendy is an economics instructor at a private university and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in economic policy from Liberty University.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Rocky Road Brownie Recipe

by Pam Wattenbarger

T

his easy Rocky Road Brownie recipe is the perfect dessert for those lazy summer days. Because it begins with a boxed mix, there’s hardly any preparation time. Kids can help make the dessert by sprinkling the marshmallows, pecans, and chocolate chips over the brownies. If you need a gluten-free version of the recipe, simply substitute a gluten-free brownie mix.

Ingredients • 1 box (18.25 ounces) brownie mix • 2 eggs • 2/3 cup vegetable oil • 1/4 cup water • 3 cups miniature marshmallows • 1 cup toasted pecans, chopped • 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips

Instructions 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. In a large bowl, mix together brownie mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water until blended.

3. Spray a 9-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pour brownie mix into the dish.

4. Bake brownies for 18-22 minutes. Remove from oven.

5. Immediately sprinkle marshmallows onto brownies. Top with pecans and chocolate chips.

About The Author

6. Allow to cool completely and cut the brownies into squares.

42 // June 2020

Pam Wattenbarger is the author of “The New Southern Cookbook: Classic Family Recipes and Modern Twists on Old Favorites” and the upcoming “Southern Air Fryer Cookbook.”

You can find more of her recipes on her website, Simply Southern Mom.

Visit Catoosa.Info for a listing of Catoosa County Restaurants and Businesses and their hours of operation.

Please shop local!

Join the Chamber Today Debbie Hughes Membership Coordinator dhughes@catoosachamberofcommerce.com 423.838.2165

Hamilton Physician Group is

now offering telehealth appointments Connect with your provider through a video or phone appointment in the comfort of your own

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Call any Hamilton Physician Group office to schedule your appointment.

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