June 2023

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About Us WRITERS

Brenda Dedmon Brian Johnson Carrie O’Neal Cindy DuPree Deck Cheatham Heather Guthrie Heather Medley Judy Hood Dr. Julius McCarter Karla Smedley Kristen West Monica Gambrell Pam Wattenbarger Rick Hughes Sandra Gilmore

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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we

Bud Kinches 423-650-2801 Email: bud.goodnews@gmail.com

are and what we are about. Our names are Matt

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children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean,

Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

PHOTOGRAPHER Paula Knipp 423-310-4207

and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful 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,

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lives will be changed.

EDITOR/ARTICLE COORDINATOR

Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us

GoodNews Christian Magazine Catoosa Sandra Gilmore Jodi Varnado Email: articles.goodnews@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

Contents JUNE 2023

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Thinking Like the Holy Spirit

by Dr. Julius McCarter

GoodNews for Kids

8 Showing Kindness To Others

by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Secure Act 1.0 & Secure Act 2.0: The Effects on Your Retirement

by Rick Hughes

GoodNews for Men

12 Words Of a Father

by Brian Johnson

GoodNews for Women

14 Bitter Or Better?

by Cindy DuPree

GoodNews for Parents

18 Separation Anxiety

by Heather Medley

GoodNews Cover Story

20 Patterson Farms GoodNews for Life

22 Scrapbookers

by Sandra Gilmore

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

24 Quick and Easy Crab Salad

by Pam Wattenbarger

GoodNews for Marriage

26 Help! I’m Going Backwards!

by Kristen West

GoodNews Poetry

28 Faithful

by Carrie O’Neal

GoodNews for Everyone

30 Take A Spin

12

by Heather Guthrie

GoodNews for Everyone

32 Pay Attention!

by Monica Gambrell

GoodNews Poetry

34 Straddling The Fence

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

36 The Recipe

by Deck Cheatham

GoodNews for Everyone

38 Microwave Society:

20

Maturing Faith

by Karla Smedley

36

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Thinking Like the Holy Spirit

“T

by Dr. Julius McCarter

he Spirit of God has made me, and the breath

up to grab hold of bigger, better, and higher thoughts

of the Almighty gives me life” (Job 33:4).

and ways.

I have more than four decades of practice

I know this seems like a very simple act in a world that

at thinking small. It has taken a work of the Holy Spirit to

values complicated thought. Still, when it’s all you, you are

get me to look behind just what I see at my eye level. I’ve

all you have. When it’s all God, you have infinite resources

felt an active work—a persistent reminder—to stop leaning

at your disposal. The more you turn to the Holy Spirit, the

on my own understanding (see Proverbs 3:5). The Lord

more you develop a secure and joyful hope that everything

has been saying, “Okay, enough of thinking like you. Start

is possible. I am close with some people whose lives testify

practicing thinking like Me.” When I realize I’m applying

to this reality. My own life is marked by miracles. He has

my own understanding, instead of feeling guilty, it has become quite a relief. When I remember I’m not in charge or in control—not the one responsible to figure out absolutely every potential scenario and “what if”—I nearly laugh out loud in joy.

There’s immense freedom in being able to turn to the Holy Spirit and ask, “What do You think?”

Like a fresh wind blowing in, I take a second and deeply breathe in His wisdom. I meditate on the impossibilities He can pull off and focus my gaze on what He can do that I can’t possibly achieve myself.

There are times when I want to scream from the mountaintop, “I don’t have to figure it out all by myself! Hallelujah!”

To actively turn to God with a feeling, circumstance, or relationship is one of those paradigm shifts

been there for me; He made me. Even when I thought

of faith. When we do that humbly and expecting an answer

I didn’t have much to say about God, I see I wouldn’t

(also called faith), I believe it makes the Lord very happy.

be here without His remarkable life-giving Spirit in me

What parent, pleased with his or her children, wouldn’t

keeping me close.

respond with enthusiasm? Because it is God, He will also

God is ready and willing—being the giver He is—to

provide over and above what is needed—immeasurably

fill, refill, restore, and refresh. He is anxious to help, if I

more than we can ask or think (see Ephesians 3:20).

could use such a term. He wants to release His life into

When you apply this renewal of your mind—to ask for

mine. It is that fresh wind of Himself that keeps me in line

the Holy Spirit’s thoughts—it becomes the moment when

with His way. He raises my eyes to the hills to see that “My

the blinders come off. It’s then that you start to experience

help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth”

life with much more color, goodness, and wonder, and you

(Psalm 121:2).

over to the truth that the Almighty God has given you a life to live and is helping you to do it His way, it will wake you

6 // June 2023

About The Author

will never want to put the blinders back on. When you give Dr. Julius McCarter is a husband to Kendra, a friend to some, a teacher to many and a follower of Christ. Julius has been a pastor and teacher for over 20 years. A lover of good books and music most of his life. His most recent book is Pastoralia: Reflections after 20 Years in Ministry.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

Showing Kindness To Others

W

by Brenda Dedmon

e read in the Bible, "Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other just as God has been to you" (Ephesians 4:32). This verse reminds us

You may also discuss ways that you can show kindness to include the following ideas: • Bake cookies for the elderly in your church

that God loves us and shows kindness to us, and He wants

• Serve a meal at a homeless shelter

us to treat each other the same way.

• Let someone go in front of you in line

Kindness is more than behavior. Kindness means

• Give a stranger a compliment

developing a spirit of helpfulness, as well as being generous

• Make dinner for a family in need

and considerate, and doing so without expecting anything

• Pay for someone’s meal at a restaurant

in return. The act of giving kindness is often simple, free, positive, and healthy.

In the world today people find it hard to be kind to each other. Everyone is selfish and wants everything to go their way. However, as Christians we should model God’s kindness and love to others. The way we treat others will be an example of God’s love and kindness. Think about ways that God has shown kindness to your family and how that made you feel.

This summer would be a wonderful time for you and your family to make plans to be intentional in showing kindness and love for others. Ask your parents to have a family meeting and talk about ways you could put these ideas into practice.

When you have your meeting begin to think how you would like to be treated in the following scenarios: • A friend dropped all their candy. However, you still have your candy.

• You see your friend crying in the park. You ask why they are crying. They say “I wanted to play with the other kids, but they said, ‘No.'” • You are in the store with your parents, and you see someone drop something on the floor.

As you discuss these situations talk about how you could show kindness to others. Talk about ways you have

• Make fun cards using markers and stickers, then deliver to an assisted living or nursing home • Organize a craft night with your friends, then donate the final products for families in a shelter • Go through books and choose a few of your favorite books for children in the hospital to have to read • Go through your toys and take those you no longer play with to a homeless shelter • Call your grandparents just to say, “I love You” • When you are in a store, smile at everyone you meet • Offer to hold a door for someone when leaving a store or restaurant Conclude your family time by placing on the calendar the activities you have chosen and ways you will seek to

you feel. Discuss reasons some people might find it hard to

show kindness every day.

be kind.

8 // June 2023

About The Author

shown kindness in the past to someone and how that made

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

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Secure Act 1.0 & Secure Act 2.0: The Effects on Your Retirement with

Money Matters Rick Hughes Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes founded Hughes Retirement Group in 2007.

His main interest is helping his clients in reducing their taxes.

T

he “SECURE Act 1.0” refers to the Setting Every Community

of these changes to ensure that they are still on track to achieve their

Up for Retirement Enhancement Act of 2019, which was

financial goals.

signed into law on December 20, 2019. The SECURE Act is a

significant piece of retirement legislation that made several changes to retirement savings rules in the United States.

Some of the key provisions of the SECURE Act include: • Increasing the Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) age from 70 ½ to 72 • Allowing long-term, part-time workers to participate in 401(k) plans • Creating a new type of annuity option within 401(k) plans • Allowing penalty-free withdrawals from retirement accounts for the birth or adoption of a child • Allowing small businesses to band together to offer 401(k) plans to their employees • Providing for penalty-free withdrawals of up to $5,000 from retirement accounts to cover adoption expenses • Elimination of the Stretch IRA The Stretch IRA was a strategy used by beneficiaries of inherited Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) to “stretch” out the Required

“The SECURE Act 2.0” (Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement Act 2.0) was signed into law December 29, 2022. Some of the proposed changes include: 1. Automatic enrollment for retirement plans: The bill would require automatic enrollment of eligible employees in 401(k) and other retirement plans, unless they choose to opt-out.

2. Increased catch-up contributions: The bill would increase catchup contributions for individuals aged 62-64, allowing them to save an additional $10,000 per year.

3. Expansion of eligibility for retirement plans: The bill would allow part-time workers to participate in employer-sponsored retirement plans and would reduce the eligibility requirements for long-term, part-time employees.

4. Roth IRA changes: The bill would allow individuals to make contributions to a Roth IRA after age 72, remove the age limit for spousal IRA contributions, and allow penalty-free withdrawals from Roth IRAs for birth or adoption expenses.

Minimum Distributions (RMDs) over their lifetimes. This allowed the

5. Lifetime income options: The bill would require retirement

beneficiaries to defer paying taxes on the inherited assets for many

plan sponsors to offer lifetime income options, such as

years, potentially resulting in significant tax savings.

annuities, to participants.

The elimination of the Stretch IRA provision was included in the SECURE Act. Under the new law, most non-spouse beneficiaries of inherited IRAs are required to withdraw the entire balance of the account within 10 years of the original account owner’s death. The new rule applies to account owners who pass away after December 31, 2019.

There are some exceptions to the new rule, including for certain types of beneficiaries, such as surviving spouses, minor children, disabled individuals, and chronically ill individuals. These beneficiaries may still be able to stretch out RMDs over their lifetimes.

The elimination of the Stretch IRA provision has significant implications for estate planning and retirement income strategies. It is important for individuals who have inherited or plan to inherit IRAs to review their estate plans and retirement income strategies in light

10 // June 2023

6. Increasing the RMD age to 73 now and to age 75 in 2034.

In summary, this law has some positive advantages for people who are required to take minimum distributions. People are living longer now, and it made a lot of sense to increase the RMD form 70 ½ to 73 and eventually to 75. In my opinion this law also has some negative challenges with it due to the elimination of the Stretch IRA. In the past, your children who inherited your IRA could stretch that over 30 or 40 years, which means they would not be required to pay a tremendous amount in tax. This new law now requires them to deplete that account within 10 years, which could put them in the highest tax bracket, whatever it may be at that time.

If you would like more information on this or anything about the SECURE Act, please contact our office.

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Gò0dNews for Men

Words Of a Father

D

by Brian Johnson

o your kids ever mimic you? If you have any, I’m

to do or the things they used to say. What would your kids

sure the answer is yes. We all have things we say or

say about you? Moms and dads, what are you saying and

quirks we have that we may not recognize but our

showing your kids that will have a positive effect on their

loved ones see. There are several father/son relationships we see in the Bible, but one in particular speaks to the effect the words of a father had on his son.

lives now and after you’re gone?

In preparation for this article, I asked my kids, “If I was to die, what would you say that Dad used to always say…?”

You’re probably familiar with Solomon’s request for

After they spent some time making fun of me for my quirks,

wisdom. In II Chronicles 1, God appeared to Solomon and

they said that I always talk about the importance of basing

said in Verse 7, “Ask what I shall give thee.” Solomon’s

their decisions on God’s word. Trust me, I’ve made my

response, in Verse 10 was, “Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people….” If that was you or me, most of us would probably ask for money so we could take care of our families, or ask for power because of pride or safety from someone that would want to harm us or our family. When Solomon asked for wisdom, there seemed to be no hesitation. It was almost as if he was prepared for that question. I propose that it was so easy for him because he was prepared by his father.

Proverbs was primarily written by Solomon and, in Chapter 4, he speaks about some conversations he had with David, his father. Verse 4 says, “He taught me also,

share of mistakes, but it made me feel good to know that

and said unto me, ‘Let thine heart retain my words: keep

one of their memories of me was the importance I’ve put on

my commandments, and live.’” He continues by telling

them living according to what the Bible says and not their

us what those words were in Verse 5, “Get wisdom get

own ideas.

understanding….” He goes on to quote David in Verse 7,

Our kids are always listening and looking whether

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and

you’re aware or not. Even if you don’t have any children,

with all thy getting get understanding.” And Verse 11 says,

your words can still have a positive effect on the life of

“I have taught thee in the way of wisdom; I have led thee in

a child you’re close to. Make sure your words and your

right paths.” It’s obvious that David put a big emphasis on

actions reflect God’s truth.

When a loved one has died, we tend to reminisce about the good times we had with them and the things they used

12 // June 2023

About The Author

wisdom in the life of Solomon.

Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church, nurse and author of Behaving Wisely, One Man’s Journey from Betrayal to Blessing. He longs for Christians to trust God for every aspect of their lives.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Bitter Or Better?

M

by Cindy DuPree

y heart is for God’s women, and my desire for

Left Heart Syndrome. This beautiful (and from all outward

you is Ephesians 1:17-18. It says, “…that the

appearances, healthy) baby boy only lived ten days.

God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of

As a reminder of our loss, three of my sisters-in-law

glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation

and several ladies in the church were having babies.

in the knowledge of Him, the eyes of your understanding

Being a pastor, I would visit these new moms, many in

being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope

the same hospital where I had given birth. I had to decide:

of His calling, what are the riches of the glory of His

would I allow my personal grief to overshadow the

inheritance in the saints.”

love I had for others? James 5:16 was my key to victory:

God has made each one of us valuable, and He desires for us to reflect His image and to know His love and

“Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The

fulfillment in our life. He provides strength, hope,

effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man

and joy in the midst of everyday life, trials, and

avails much.” With a smile on my face and

tragedies. We have an enemy, Satan, who doesn’t

a tear in my heart, I gave baby showers

play fair. He hates us because we are life-givers

and chose to love and nurture others.

and nurturers.

In 1992, my husband and I were pastoring

We all have battles and tough times, but what matters is how we handle them.

our first church in Florida. I was the music

I chose not to become bitter or angry. I

pastor and led the women’s ministry.

chose to believe and live out the Word

The church was growing, and young

of God. It was a choice. The Word

families were joining, several of

of God is our help, refuge, fortress,

which were expecting children. I

strength, joy, and much more. The

was 28 years old and getting ready

enemy is a thief and a liar and wants

to give birth to our first child.

to take away the blessings that the

Finally, the big day arrived.

Lord has planned for our lives.

Our son must have had a sense

My husband and I now have

of humor as he decided to

three adult children who love

make his appearance on Labor

the Lord. To tell you how faithful

Day. However, the delivery did

God is, my youngest child was not

not go as planned. After 27 hours

planned. I felt in my heart to name him

of labor, I was scheduled for an

Zechariah. His name means, “Jehovah

emergency cesarean section. During

God Remembers.” He was also born in

the operation, my lungs filled with

the same month as our child in Heaven.

fluid and my vital organs shut

Zechariah grew up to be a musician

down. I flatlined twice. The baby

and today is my assistant worship

was diagnosed with Hypoplastic

leader in our church.

14 // June 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

78 Monanaw Avenue Rossville GA 30741 706-866-6724 Nazarene Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9838 Non-Denominational Battlefield Assembly In Messiah 195 Ashley Lane, Rossville, GA 30741 304-890-0949 Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-913-0531 Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777 Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-255-8655 Ridgeland Point Church 1417 Happy Valley Rd. Rossville, GA 30741 RockPointe Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6523 Untethered Church 2473 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-991-6067

Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-2521

List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 790-5378

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Parents

Separation Anxiety

“A

by Heather Medley

s a deer longs for flowing streams, so my

separation anxiety by cultivating strong relationships

soul longs for you, O God. My soul thirsts

between them and their new caretakers or teachers,

for God, for the living God. When shall I

creating an attachment community.

come and behold the face of God?” (Psalm 42:1-2).

Children are a gift from God, and we are called to

Gradual entry can help to slowly warm up the child and adult relationship, with trust building over time

love and care for them with gentleness and patience. One

and with patience. For example, you could have the new

of the challenges that parents face in the early years of

babysitter over for dinner a few times or to play with your

raising their children is dealing with separation anxiety.

children while you are at home with them. In doing this, you become the bridge for their attachment. Children do best when they have adults they can turn to, and not when their peers are their best bet for comfort, contact, and closeness.

Children grow best when they feel the presence of an invisible attachment matrix surrounding them. When separation from their closet attachments is necessary, the best thing we can do is to give them alternative adult attachments to hang onto. However, children should not feel comfortable with people they do not know. Good attachment instincts will make a

Separation anxiety is a normal and healthy part of a

child shy away from people who are not sanctioned by

child’s development, and it can actually be a beautiful

their primary attachments. This helps to keep them safe

sign of secure attachment. God has designed children

and stay within their parent’s realm of influence.

to be creatures of attachment, and they are not built for

It is important for us as Christian parents to remember

separation without some protest and potential anxiety

that our children’s attachment to us and their subsequent

ensuing. Dependency is good, and separation makes it feel

separation anxiety is a reflection of God’s plan for human

at risk.

relationships. Children need the presence and support of

As parents, we can feel judged or overwhelmed when

their parents or primary caregivers to thrive and grow.

our children cry as we leave them, but their response is crying” is not helpful and leaves a child with confusion and shame. We can help our children navigate their

18 // June 2023

About The Author

very normal. Saying things like, “You’re fine” or “Quit

Heather Medley is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and published author. She loves neuroscience research papers, bargain shopping, and laughter. She resides with her delightful kiddos and steady husband.

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Each residence is thoughtfully designed to

This one-of-a-kind residential

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a range of housing options for young

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build lasting memories with friends and family.

Current residents love the location for a variety

Currently in Phase 2 of selling and building,

of reasons. For many, it's the sense of community

Patterson Farms offers single family homes and

and belonging that sets Patterson Farms apart. The

cottages, efficient quad living, and charming

developers are known for creating a friendly and

townhouses with private courtyards. The wide

welcoming atmosphere, with neighbors already

selection caters to various lifestyles and budgets.

beginning to gather for events and activities.

20 // June 2023

Residents also appreciate the attention to detail and high-quality materials used throughout the project. There’s a real sense of place at Patterson Farms, harkening back to the land’s history as a renowned harness racing farm. From gas street lights to craftsman details, to the renovated main farm house to the elegant landscaping, there’s a feeling that this place continues to be special.

Patterson Farms will feature a wide range of amenities, including acres of green space, walking trails for enjoying nature, a community garden, and multiple areas for meeting neighbors and relaxing with friends. Over 100 new trees have already been planted to provide shade and character, and new sidewalks are going in. The pool area is currently under construction as well. One great perk?

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A Community

goodnewscm.com // 21

Gò0dNews for Life

Scrapbookers

“T

by Sandra Gilmore

he four living creatures and the twenty-four

I wonder when I get to Heaven, if the Father will pull out

elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had

my prayers the same way I pull out my scrapbooks. Will He

a harp, and they were holding golden bowls full

show me how my prayers began? Will He point out the times

of incense which are the prayers of the saints” (Revelation 5:8).

when my faith grew? Have I given Him enough to show a

That verse has always fascinated me, plus it has always given

handsome pattern of trust and faithfulness?

me hope.

I am a scrapbooker. Blunt as it might sound, I used to think

Have you given God anything to “scrapbook” lately?

Have you sent Him some praise in between traffic lights?

scrapbookers needed to get a life. Who has time to sit down

Have you poured out your deep questions or asked for

to piece together stuff representing past days when today’s

wisdom over challenges? He wants to hear. Share your life

urgencies are beckoning? Now, I realize they are showing

with Him. Scripture says to pray without ceasing. That means

the world they really have had moments worth capturing.

to develop a lifestyle of communication with the Father. He

Scrapbooks are such works of art and labors of love. They

likes it when you talk to Him. He has sent all of Scripture,

show the significant times, the milestones of children, and the

all of nature, and even the Holy Spirit to communicate back

evolution of families. Scrapbookers save everything. Anything

with you. What may seem a “scrap” of a communication to

becomes fair game for a keepsake page. Little slips of paper,

you will be significant in the Father’s hands. We are reminded

short lengths of ribbon or tiny, flat gadgets of all shapes, sizes,

from Scripture: He keeps everything!

or colors can find their way into a page format.

God understands this. He keeps our prayers. The little

Father, please teach me to pray and to pray without ceasing.

Make the Scriptures real to me. I have caught your Word! Your Word

ones we slip up to Him in between traffic lights or the ones

is hidden in my heart so I may not sin against you (Psalm 119:11).

tied together by a particular theme such as prayers for our

Your Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm

loved ones. Even the prayers of thanksgiving offered for some

119:105). I receive your presence in my life. Holy Spirit be my guide.

trophy or triumph we have deemed important to our journey.

I know your thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9). I yield my

All of these and more, He keeps. I don’t understand why, and

thoughts to be in line with your Word. Take me higher, Father, to see

I certainly cannot explain how. I just know from Scripture that

above circumstances and to walk by faith. Amen.

22 // June 2023

About The Author

He does.

Sandra Gilmore serves the Lord as wife, mom, and encourager, mostly through writing and speaking, occasionally through cooking, rarely through anything athletic and only because of the mercy and grace of Jesus. You can reach her by email: tandsgilmore@yahoo.com or her website: www.sandragilmore.org

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Quick and Easy Crab Salad

T

by Pam Wattenbarger

his recipe is naturally glutenfree and is the perfect dish to serve as the weather begins to

get warmer. I usually use imitation crab meat instead of real crab meat (because it is so much cheaper) and everyone still enjoys it. You can use homemade ranch dressing in the salad or just do a timesaver like me and use bottled. I usually purchase the higher quality ranch dressing from the refrigerated section of the grocery store. This crab salad can be made a day in advance. This gives the flavors a chance to meld.

Ingredients • 1 (16 ounces) bag coleslaw • 1 (16 ounces) bottle ranch dressing • 1 (16 ounces) package imitation crab meat or 16 ounces crab meat • 1 medium onion, diced

Instructions 1. In a large bowl mix the coleslaw, onion, and celery together until blended.

2. Add the ranch dressing, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until blended.

3. Dice the imitation crab meat into small pieces.

Gently fold the imitation crab (or an equal amount of real crab meat) into the salad.

4. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours before serving.

• 1/3 cup lemon juice

5. This is best made in advance to allow the flavors time to meld.

• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste) • 1/2 teaspoon pepper 24 // June 2023

About The Author

• 3/4 cup diced celery

Pam Wattenbarger is the author of 3 cookbooks. You can find more recipes on her website, SimplySouthernMom.com.

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Gò0dNews for Marriage

Help! I’m Going Backwards!

H

by Kristen West

ave you ever felt like you’re going backwards in

be unpacked, processed, and thrown out. Much of who we

life? Try as you may to move forward, it just seems

were, as people, needed to be unlearned.

like progress is unattainable and the only direction

It felt like we were going backwards! I lost count of

destined for you is reverse? I cannot tell you how many

the days where I truly thought the rest of our lives were

times I’ve felt that way!

going to be spent slogging through hopeless days fraught

One of my more obvious examples comes from early

with tension and endless nights filled with tears. We slowly

on in my marriage. Anthony and I headed to the altar

began to realize that in order for God to build the healthy,

wholeheartedly ready to merge our lives into a blissful

strong, and unified foundation in our marriage that He

union, but the first several years of wedded life had us

wanted for us, it was necessary to deal with the toxic, bad, and unhealthy things that we’d brought with us into our union.

Interestingly enough, I’ve seen this principle in many other areas of my life—work, raising children, navigating friendships. It’s the times when I feel like I’m going backwards the most that God is actively at work uprooting and tearing down bad thinking, sin habits, and selfish tendencies in me. He’s quietly but patiently working to craft my heart to look like His and fashion and build my character to be more like Jesus. And the cherry on this ice cream sundae is found in Verse 14, “God works so that people will be in awe of Him.” He gets the glory! We don’t. He

wondering when the “worse” part of “for better or worse”

does the incredible, life-changing work! We don’t. And,

was going to end. We spent years at each other’s throats

He intentionally works so that we will be in awe of Him

before we sincerely began to understand just how lovingly

because no one else can do what He does! If you feel like

God was working.

you’re going backwards today, friend, take heart knowing

Ecclesiastes 3 says, “There is an occasion for everything,

that God is at work! It may seem like your life will never

and a time for every activity under heaven…a time to plant

get out of reverse, but He is absolutely working for your

and a time to uproot…a time to tear down and a time to

good to move you forward. And, there will come a day

build…” (vs. 1-3, CSB).

when you (and others) will be in awe of Him because of

As newlyweds, Anthony and I assumed there would

what He’s done!

things that needed to be uprooted or torn down. Ideologies, bad theologies, and a few other personal-ologies needed to

26 // June 2023

About The Author

be hurdles to overcome, but we never imagined we’d have

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

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H O S P I C E O F C H AT TA N O O G A . O R G

Gò0dNews Poetry

Faithful Carrie O’Neal

You are Faithful no matter what they say.

I want to be the me You designed,

Your promises are kept,

So that every part of You in me will fully align.

And you show that every day.

There is nothing better than You. You never leave my side,

And once we surrender ourselves,

Even when I’m untrue.

We know that to be true.

You keep waiting on me, And fill me with Your truth.

Life can be stormy and plagued with doubt, But You stay with us and lead us out.

My soul yearns for Your love, Lord drown me in Your glory.

Lord guide every step and every word,

Guide me in all Your ways,

So that my life will be fulfilled by Your work.

28 // June 2023

About The Author

And make my life Your story.

Carrie is a work from home wife and mother to three children. While her college education is in English/ Creative Writing, Carrie currently works in the field of Marketing. She truly loves Jesus and wants to do what she can to spread His message of freedom, love, and hope.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Take A Spin

D

by Heather Guthrie

o you wash your clothes before you put them in

them. You turn on the settings you need and put in some

the washer? No, I don’t think so. Then why do you

detergent. Tell God what you need and let Him handle

think you should clean yourself up before you talk

giving you what you need.

to God? If I had to get myself cleaned up before I talked to

Ummm…I don’t always like that part. You know, the

God, I would never talk to Him! Ever! I know it’s a struggle

letting Him be God part. The water fills up at certain points

when we are hurting and feeling worthless, along with

and rinses. Just like the water rising and falling, that’s how

many other things. Jesus wants us to come boldly before

life is at times. Sometimes we are in a valley, and sometimes

Him! Bring every single piece of our hurt and heart to Him.

we are on the mountaintop. The in-between always makes

Gosh, if we just knew how much He loved us.

room for the cleaning of our hearts. The actual washing is the main part. During the washing, the dirt comes off. Not always gently either, even if you do have it set on that setting.

Some things are harder to clean off than others. That’s our doing, not God’s doing. Sometimes we just don’t want to let go of the dirt. That, at times, agitates us because we want to do it ourselves. I don’t want God’s help all the time. I don’t want Him seeing the dirty parts of my heart. I don’t want anyone seeing those parts. The thing is He made our hearts and He already knows everything that is in there. He

I try to go every direction under the sun except Him at

knows when it needs to be washed, rinsed, and spun. Again,

times. I try to do it on my own. I don’t think He wants to put

we have to make the choice to let Him do all this completely.

up with my problems again. Especially the same ones that

Just like we make the choice to start a load of laundry. He

I have a hard time giving to Him. That is a lie from Satan.

is working in our hearts all the time, but when we make the

Really? Think about the washer. The washer has certain

choice to let Him and come before Him, He will completely

steps it goes through to wash the clothes properly and they

clean us. Laundry is a continual cycle, and so is growing in

are typically in order. Wash, rinse, and spin. When you put

the Lord.

your articles in the washer, you just toss them in a sort of requests and let God handle them? Don’t even try to arrange

30 // June 2023

About The Author

way they can be balanced. Why don’t you just toss in your

Heather Guthrie, daughter of the King dancing in the deep and encouraging others with truth. She loves to meet people where they’re at in ministry.

She can be reached at Higuthrie215@gmail.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Pay Attention!

by Monica Gambrell

M

any of us, at least the stubborn ones, have

before bed. I wasn’t really worried because we had a

developed certain habits as a result of having a

rule in our house that we should open the oven door

bad habit that we corrected. We are a stubborn

and check before turning it on (just in case there was a

people. Okay, maybe I should be saying I am a stubborn

pizza box in there). Apparently, my husband did not

person. Maybe other people don’t have such a hard

pay any attention to that household rule and turned the

time changing their habits. In one such case, it was my

oven on without checking. You know how cartoons show

husband and I who slipped up—and the whole family

someone’s anger by the steam escaping from their

was there to witness it.

ears and nostrils? From afar, our house must have

It may seem silly to some, but we had a

looked like that: smoke escaping from every

favorite bowl in our household. It wasn’t

orifice. There were flames, and a real concern

an heirloom and it wasn’t expensive. It

for it spreading. A normal person would

was a simple, ugly green, plastic mixing

have reacted with panic and frenzy, I

bowl. My mother had bought it for my

could only envision the cartoon face and

husband because he was a fantastic

couldn’t stop laughing.

biscuit-maker. This bowl was about

Earthly issues have varying

22 inches across and maybe eight

degrees of outcomes when we

or nine inches deep. It had a

don’t pay attention—some

groove in the underside with a

serious, and some not. If we

rubber insert that made it grip

would pay attention, things

the counter as he mixed the dough. It got most of its use though as our family popcorn bowl. Many times, after baths, we would put quilts down on the floor, pop in a video, and I

PAY ATTENTION!

would make popcorn on the stove top the old-fashioned

way. The children would dance beside me as I sang “the popcorn song” to the popping corn. I would then dump it into that magical bowl and the children would all share in the warm, wonderful treat.

Occasionally, there was a bit of popcorn leftover and I would put it in zippered bags for another time. One particular night I failed to store the popcorn properly. I

would possibly go awry less often. But when it comes to paying attention to God and His Word, it is no laughing matter.

Pr. 4:1— “Listen, my sons, to the instructions of a father, and pay

attention so that you may gain understanding.”

Is. 48:18— “If only you had paid attention to My commandments! Then your well-being would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.”

Father God, paying attention to You is of utmost importance. Like Peter, we sometimes take our eyes off of You

left it in the big green bowl and slipped it into the oven

and get distracted by our circumstances. May we keep our eyes

32 // June 2023

more than ever before.

focused on You at all times, and pay attention to You now

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Gò0dNews Poetry

Straddling The Fence

by Judy Hood

Straddling the fence, I can’t make up my mind Do I want to go left? Or do I want to go right?

Left seems so much fun, you see That’s where all my friends are, so I wanna be But there’s a man to the right calling to make me whole He holds salvation in his hands Because he went to the cross and died for man He is here My friends are there I think I see him shed a tear I believe in my heart I’ll go to the right No man has ever shed a tear for me, no man has ever died So I’ll take his hand to forever be Two of a kind, my Lord and me 34 // June 2023

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Recipe

“T

by Deck Cheatham

each me your way, O Lord, that I may walk

forge a trail or any other cliché appropriate to describe a

in your truth; give me an undivided heart to

species who tolerates rules but does not like them.

revere your name” (Psalm 86:11).

Are you willing to go where God is leading you? Are

No good Southern cook follows a recipe. For most, a

you listening to Him? These are the questions I continue to

recipe is a suggestion. Since my blood runneth thick with

ask myself. The reality convicts me. Too many myriad ways

mustard barbeque sauce, I speak with authority when I say

do I resist Him manifest through subtlety and intention. Too

a Southern cook’s diversion connotes not simply mastery

easily do I respond by saying, “Wait a minute, you want

but a devilish desire to conceal. Why share secrets when you

me to do what? You want me to go where? Uh, no thank

have the upper hand?

you, I’m just fine where I am doing what I’m doing. Why don’t you get old Billy to do it. He’s better suited, and besides, my calendar is full for the next twenty years.”

Doesn’t God wish to take His children to the same place, to love Him more than their own desires, to believe Him more than their own doubt, to receive Him with an undivided heart?

But first, to go where God leads, to follow Him, His children must offer, as the Psalmist says, the sacrifices of a broken spirit, a broken and contrite heart. And so offered through life’s oven, knowing God, being known by God, the knowing revealed by abiding in Him

My wife’s grandmother, Mamoo, was such a cook.

prepares His children to go where He leads. True men of

Sweet and demure, a true Southern lady, she could never

God recognize His presence, His working in this world,

repeat her recipes when asked or admit to ingredients each

His living amongst us and live in His peace. God’s truth

family member knew was in the mix. I offer into evidence

binds us to Him like a good recipe.

her Hoe Cake (having nothing to do with Johnny Cakes

Time exhausts much of life. But life cannot exhaust

or slang) recipe, a delicious blend of whole wheat flour,

God, His love for us, His desire for us to be bound to

white flour, baking powder, salt, oil and milk, proportions

Him, to follow Him. And once bound, following becomes

suggested, mixed, patted into shape or rolled (a little),

more desirous than our wish not to. You don’t need a

baked, biscuit sliced and buttered while hot. Mmm, Mmm,

recipe for that.

them Hoe Cakes are good eatin’ (even better toasted), trust me, they have graced my taste buds.

“Those who have ears to hear, let them hear” (Matthew 11:15, NKJV).

not a human one either. We like to go our way, carve a path,

36 // June 2023

About The Author

Following is not a Southern trait, and for that matter, it’s

Deck Cheatham has been a golf professional for some 40 years. He is a guest columnist for the Rome News Tribune, The Daily Citizen, and the Calhoun Times. Email him at pgadeacon@gmail.com.

2019 2020

Russell Friberg

Founder / Licensed FD & Emb, TN & GA

Ben Friberg

Managing Partner / Ga. Director / Embalmer

David Cummings Georgia Director / Embalmer

Dewayne Gravley Georgia Director / Embalmer

Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706.866.5400

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Microwave Society: Maturing Faith

A

by Karla Smedley

s a toddler, my oldest loved trying out new words. I remember her sitting at the table eating her breakfast.

The microwave buzzer signaled, and my hot tea was

ready for its daily job to wake me. She tried to pronounce the word, and while I do not remember her exact attempt, I

vividly remember the next few seconds. “Honey, the word is microwave. Say micro.” She repeated successfully. Then I added the word, “Wave.” She smiled so big, picked up her little arm and waved with great vigor! That memory has been precious to me for almost 30 years! I can still see her little expression of triumph.

Microwaving Our Faith Living in a remote-controlled world, we can easily be

We all know the slow-cooker would be the best means for

influenced, thinking that we can push a button, and zap our

cooking a roast, not by zapping it for a few minutes. Are we

trials will be done. In addition, our mindset is often that we can

believing that God can carry us through the torrential trials

microwave our faith, warming it up when hard times are upon

with microwave faith?

us. When storms come crashing in, we wish we had a “faith

The Ah-Ha Bell Should Be Dinging

that God has our back. We desire assurance that God will tame our lions in the dark dens or stand in the fires like He did with Shadrack, Meshack, and Abednego.

Misconceptions Perhaps, our faith has not developed like Daniel and his friends for a couple of reasons.

• Are we expecting a Daniel-like faith without even being plugged into God’s word, as if the microwave would even work without its source of energy?

• Are we living a lukewarm life as a Christian while we are trying to grow our faith? Even while being held captive in a foreign land without others who believed in God, Daniel and his friends were living for God. • Are we living for God in our ungodly world?

• Are we just lukewarm Christians, who walk in the doors of the church sporadically?

• Are we desiring to walk in God’s daily presence on Sundays during worship, but setting Him aside Monday through Saturday?

• Are we guilty of expecting God to be there for us on demand when life gets tough?

38 // June 2023

God allows trials for our dependence on Him to bloom and flourish. If the trial is over quickly, that dependency will not have time to marinate.

Faith Like Daniel’s A Daniel-like faith takes time to develop. This faith boils when we study God’s word. Our trust in God’s abilities simmers when the difficulties in our lives do not resolve themselves by the push of a button. As we continue through the trial, our matured faith will sustain us, providing the needed courage, strength, and hope to continue.

“And we know that all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

Even though microwaving is a quick fix, we must still complete steps to be successful in getting that warm dish.

Developing a stronger faith through trials requires taking those steps that bring us closer to God: confessing sins, spending daily time in God’s word, becoming an active part of a local church, being encouraged by fellow Christians. With these strides, we can begin to develop a Daniel-like faith.

About The Author

like Daniel.” A faith that knows beyond a shadow of a doubt

Karla Smedley has two grown kids and have taught over 2,000 students during the last 32 years. No matter where she lives or where she visits, she sees the need for people to know of God’s unconditional love and grace. Her desire is to encourage others through her writing and speaking. Check out the website smorgasbordofsister.com that she co-authors with my cousin Donna.

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