Gò0dNews March 2022
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70 6 . 9 3 7 . H O M E ( 4 6 6 3 ) E L ITER EALT O R S L L C . C O M
About Us WRITERS
Dr. Alan Hix Andrew Lee Bobby Fleck Brenda Dedmon Brent Goodge Brian Johnson Dana Robinson David Huff Dorothy Teague Eddie Turner Greg Grotewold Joy Elisabeth Brown Juanita G. Ellis Leah Hadder Natalie Emert Paul McGuire
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Hello Friends, We want to take a moment to tell you who we are and what we are about. Our names are Matt and Bethany Ruckman and we have six beautiful children, Brendon, Kailey, Andrew, Leah Jean, Emma, and Cooper. We live in Cleveland, Tennessee, and love what this town has to offer! We have started GoodNews Christian Magazine because we feel that when God, family, and community are combined, lives will be changed. GoodNews Christian Magazine is a complimentary, Christian lifestyle publication. You can find us throughout the community in retail establishments, churches, restaurants, and more. Our magazine opens the door for Christians to work together to grow and strengthen our community through relevant editorial and effective advertising. GoodNews Christian Magazine is written by men and women in the community who love and serve the Lord. Our hearts are open and willing to be used by God to reach out to the community to spread the GoodNews!
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Contents MARCH 2022
GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk
6 Grace Is Like Grits by Bobby Fleck
GoodNews for Kids
8 Wilson, The Boy Who Hated to Ride the School Bus by Juanita G. Ellis
GoodNews Money Matters
10 Values: Back to Basics by Andrew Lee
GoodNews for Men
12 Language or Lifestyle by Brian Johnson
GoodNews for Women
14 Praying For Craig by Leah Hadder
GoodNews for Everyone
18 What’s Your Story?
by Joy Elisabeth Brown
GoodNews for Life
20 Troubled Bones
by Greg Grotewold
GoodNews Cover Story
22 Country Financial: Guy Percy
GoodNews for Everyone
24 The Useful Disciple by Eddie Turner
GoodNews for Everyone
26 Keepers Of The Light by Dorothy Teague
GoodNews for Everyone
28 Let Food Be Thy Medicine by Dana Robinson
GoodNews for Everyone
30 Don’t Miss the Moment by David Huff
GoodNews for Parents
32 Helping Your Child Develop
6
to Be Their Best Selves
by Brenda Dedmon
GoodNews for your Taste Buds
34 Moments of Joy: Pineapple Upside-Down Cake
by Dana Robinson GoodNews for Everyone
36 The Greatest Race by Dr. Alan Hix
GoodNews for Everyone
38 Sons of Issachar by Brent Goodge
22
GoodNews for Students
40 How To Be a Christian Nurse in A Secular World
by Natalie Emert GoodNews for Family
42 Speak Life, Speak Future, Speak Hope
by Paul McGuire
42
Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk
Grace Is Like Grits
G
by Bobby Fleck
race…it’s free? There has to be a catch. After all,
like this, where the grits are there whether or not I want
we all know there is no such thing as a free lunch,
them, it in effect makes them free. They are a bonus, an
right? Most of us have been duped at one time or
extra, there regardless. The Bible says something similar
another (or maybe many times before) by someone offering
about a free gift: “But the free gift of Christ isn’t like Adam’s
something that they presented as “free” only to find out
failure. If many people died through what one person
that there was a catch. Sign up for a free trial subscription
did wrong, God’s grace is multiplied even more for many
to a streaming service with your credit card only to be
people with the gift—of the one person Jesus Christ—that
charged indefinitely $19.99 a month until you cancel. A
comes through grace” (Romans 5:15, CEB).
free door-buster at a store quickly turns into a high-pressure sales tactic to get you to spend more money. A free night’s stay at a hotel is attached to a three-hour-long presentation on a time-share rental. Yep, we’ve probably all been there way too many times. We are tired of being tricked into something we didn’t sign up for, which is perfectly understandable. Here’s a vignette I recently heard: A couple went to Waffle House for an affordable meal out. The couple looked over the menu intently and found what they wanted to order. After returning with their drinks, the waitress asks, “What can I get started for you?” The man looks at the waitress, and he says, “I would like the All-Star Special but
God’s gift to us through Jesus is multiplied for all
leave off the grits.” The man thought to himself that this
because of what the one (Jesus) did for all. That gift, just like
was a simple enough request. The waitress replied, “Sorry,
the grace at Waffle House, is available and on the plate of
grits come with the All-Star Special.” The man responded,
life whether or not you order it. Yes, this grace is free. There
“That’s fine. I am not asking for a change in the price of the
is nothing you can do to earn it. There is nothing you can
meal. Just don’t bring me the grits.” Persistent, the waitress
do to add value to grace or subtract value from grace. This
said, “Grits are like grace, sir. You get ’em whether you want
grace—God’s grace—is free, truly free. God’s grace is like
’em or not.”
grits…it’s there whether or not you want it.
The instant I heard that little vignette, I completely
Thank God for the grits of grace.
agreed with the story. Not about grace, at least not initially. tried not to get the grits. My waitress protested as well and told me the grits would be there regardless. In a situation
6 // March 2022
About The Author
I’ve been in this exact situation at Waffle House before and Bobby Fleck has been in ministry for nineteen years as a youth pastor, family pastor, and associate pastor. Bobby, Tiffini, and their triplet nine-year-old daughters live in Ringgold, GA. Bobby is an Ordained Pastor with the International Ministerial Fellowship and currently works in community relations for Healthy Foundations, a non-profit healthcare initiative in Northwest Georgia.
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Gò0dNews for Kids
Wilson, The Boy Who Hated to Ride the School Bus
W
by Juanita G. Ellis
ilson loved to walk home after school. When
he wasn’t fast enough. After getting his books and his coat
all the other kids raced to the yellow school
and running to the buses, he still missed the bus!
buses lined up in front of T.J. Walker, Wilson
That day in the hall outside of his 5th grade room, he
would walk around to the side of the building, past the
bumped heads with another boy who was running for HIS
basketball court and the pile of sand at the very edge of the
bus! A huge egg developed on Wilson’s forehead. He tried
playground. Wilson liked walking through the play yard.
very hard not to cry. “WHAT happened to you?” everyone
He liked remembering the fun he had at recess.
asked. That’s when Wilson decided to get off the bus. He never rode the bus again. Past the playground behind the school was a huge ditch that divided the housing project from the schoolyard. A board was placed over the ditch at the far edge of the playground. Wilson thought, “Some kids made that bridge.” Wilson loved walking beside the ditch until he came to the bridge. By the second day, Wilson could find the bridge without even thinking about it. The houses on the other side of the bridge were all alike, but Wilson just kept walking toward his house. He was not afraid. He felt good inside. Wilson loved walking. He liked remembering the street names. He liked listening to himself as he thought of different things. He knew he was growing taller. He liked growing up. During those walks home
Wilson hated riding the bus. Sometimes, Wilson’s
from school, Wilson discovered a secret! God was with him
bus would be late, or it would be in a different spot.
as he was growing stronger and older! Wilson knew God
Sometimes, the regular bus driver would not be there.
would be with him when he was a grown man. Would
Someone ELSE would be driving the bus, or the number
God be with him when he was a grandpa? Squaring his
of the bus would be changed. Some of his friends HAD
shoulders, Wilson knew the answer was YES!
to ride the school bus, but Wilson had a choice. His house was not too far from the school. The day Wilson decided not to ever ride the bus again was the day he collided with another boy in the hall. The
Think 1. Do you and Wilson share some of the same feelings?
dismissal bell had rung. Everyone was racing for the buses!
2. How is Wilson changing and growing?
That was another reason Wilson hated the bus. Sometimes,
3. Do you think part of Wilson’s confidence comes from knowing God is with him?
8 // March 2022
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Values: Back to Basics 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.
S
how me your bank statement and credit card statement, and I’ll show you what you value. We all have some necessary bills to pay—food, shelter, clothing, transportation (childcare). By scanning our bank statements or credit card bills, we’ll also notice lots of spending that is “discretionary”—meaning, we did it because we wanted to do it; we value these items or experiences. Jesus put it this way, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). By examining these values (proven by our spending), we can decide whether they truly represent what’s important to us, or whether it’s time to reevaluate and perhaps make some changes. Try this exercise: make a list of everything that costs money that you believe is really important to your quality of life. Be honest. Then, compare your list to the items on your bank statements and credit card statements—whether you still have the “old school” printed statements in your mailbox each month, or whether you use a phone app for banking. Now comes serious self-reflection. Do the items on the actual spending record still accurately represent your values today? If so, fine. But if you notice any discrepancies or incongruities, look for ways to realign your current values and redirect your discretionary spending. No matter how much (or how little) income you earn, we all spend money every month on things that aren’t necessities. For starters, Netflix is not a necessity (oops). Do I have Netflix? You bet. I value this service as many of you do. But let’s be honest, it’s not a necessity. Personally, my values are not typically found in material, tangible items. I don’t particularly value expensive, designer clothing or
10 // March 2022
automobiles or jewelry. I drive a 2008 Ford F-150 truck with 200,000 miles on it; most of my clothes are at least four years old, and the only jewelry I wear is my wedding band. I don’t mean that as a boast or to make myself sound pitiful; I’m just being transparent. I do, however, spend money (sometimes lots) on great seats at sporting events and concerts, vacations and nice restaurants. I like to spend money on investments (stock index funds and real estate). It’s not a question of “right” or “wrong.” Just be honest with yourself and what you value. Make adjustments if you don’t like what you see. Ramit Sethi writes in his book I Will Teach You to Be Rich: “Spend extravagantly on the things you love, and cut costs mercilessly on the things you don't.” Even though the book’s title might sound a bit off-putting or arrogant, I highly recommend this book and have read it more than once. Even though Sethi is not yet forty years old, he offers practical steps for saving money, investing regularly on “auto-pilot”, and acquiring wealth slowly but surely. I think many of us could improve our quality of life if we follow his tip to “spend” on what we love and “cut mercilessly” on what we don’t value. Think of your last trip to the grocery store—what were the items where you reached for the generic brand, and which items did you insist on getting “this name brand and no other”? This exercise alone will teach you something, and hopefully will lead you to re-examine other areas of your life. Finally, review all of your subscription services to see which ones you value, and which can be terminated. Do you really need to keep Hulu, Vudu, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Apple TV? If the answer is yes, do you ever get out of bed all day?
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Gò0dNews for Men
Language or Lifestyle
T
by Brian Johnson
he language that’s allowed to be used on television
remain calm during tribulation, others see how God comes
has changed over the years. I’m amazed at some
through as we trust Him. That shows God for who He really
of the things I hear from time to time on regular
is, and we’re representing Him well.
channels, much less the stations that show movies. I’d like
Remember, we want to bring as many people as
to discuss one phrase in particular that makes the typical
possible to a relationship with God. Draw them in with
Christian’s skin crawl—that term we refer to as using the
the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
Lord’s name in vain.
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, and temperance.
Exodus 20:7 says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD thy God in vain; for the LORD will not hold him
When we’re operating in the flesh, what differentiates us from the world?
guiltless that taketh his name in vain.” This is the verse that’s commonly used to talk about how wrong it is to say that skin-crawling phrase, but I submit to you that this verse has less to do with what we say and more to do with how we live. Every word of scripture is important. It says, “Thou shalt not take the name of the LORD in vain; …” not thou shalt not say the name of the LORD in vain. When I married my wife, she took my name. She became Jennifer Johnson. Now, the way she lives affects and is a reflection on me. If she treats people poorly and acts horribly around others, it will hurt my relationship with them because she carries my name. People associate her with me. When you got saved, you became the bride of Christ. You took His name and became a Christian. If you
Don’t get me wrong—I’m not saying that it’s okay to
live your life in a way that brings dishonor to Him, you’ve
speak any way you’d like. That phrase isn’t one that should
taken His name in vain.
roll off of the tongue, but Exodus 20:7 is more about the
II Corinthians 5:20 says that “we are ambassadors for
way we live. Live like you’re carrying the LORD with you
Christ.” We’re His representatives. When we treat people
because you are. You will represent Him regardless of the
poorly, perform lazily at our jobs, or lose our minds every
way you act. Either you’ll be a good representation or a bad
time something negative happens in our lives, how does
one. Be a good one. Don’t take His name in vain.
that show a loving, good, and caring God? One that others Conversely speaking, if we treat others well, even when they’re not good to us, we work hard at our jobs, or we
12 // March 2022
About The Author
would want a relationship with. Brian Edward Johnson is a deacon at his church and a nurse by vocation. He wants to do the best he can to teach people to trust God, for their eternity and for each day.
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Gò0dNews for Women
Praying For Craig
“P
by Leah Hadder
ray for Craig. Pray for him right now,” He said. His
all came together—the call to pray, the timing, what I prayed for,
command came unexpectedly. I was lying in
and the list goes on. It was forgiveness and obedience to God that
bed after a long day, hair twisted into a bun and
provided the capability to form the words of the prayer. I eventually
snuggled under my soft, blue and yellow covers. “Pray? ...What?” I was so tired, working two jobs and taking graduate classes
online. My schedule was packed working, writing papers, teaching
learned from a friend that he indeed was in trouble because of bad decisions. He was entering into a challenging life season, and it would affect his future.
youth kids on Wednesday nights, and getting caught up in the daily
I don’t believe God called me to pray for him because I’m
grind of unending dishes, laundry, and cooking meals. I didn’t have
a “Super Christian.” I’m not the strongest intercessor nor do I
a mirror in front of my face, though I knew I looked a mess, and
know everything about the Bible. I haven’t always been the best
there wasn’t enough makeup to cover my undereye bags.
at attending church events and sometimes I forget which verse matches which reference. Much older and wiser now, I know without a doubt it’s an honor to pray for others, even when they haven’t been the best to you. It wasn’t easy, and I wanted to question it, though He knew of one important factor—I would be obedient to the call. He would use obedience to bless Craig. Sometimes it’s difficult. Other times you may feel denied, disgusted, or drained, though there will be a blessing for putting your faith in God. What happened to Craig? Well, he eventually came out of the “valley.” He is happy and thriving. One thing he may not know though, is that a young woman, in another town, miles away, stopped what she was doing and asked God to intervene. His name was mentioned by someone he cut off, and in forgiveness, she “approached the throne” on his behalf (Hebrews 4:16). I urge you to keep praying. Stay on
“Pray for Craig” was an odd command. I hadn’t spoken to
your knees, keep your hands lifted, mumble the words, and press
Craig in a very long time. “But God, I haven’t talked to Craig in
on. Though you can’t always see it, God is working. Heaven is busy.
years. Why do I need to pray for Craig?” I quickly replied. “He’s in
He touched Craig’s life, and He can touch another’s. God is
trouble and needs your prayers. Pray for him and his future.” Knowing several scriptures regarding obeying God when He
always available. Call out to Him today, and let Him work a miracle through you. As the late Corrie Ten Boom once stated, “We never
speaks, I immediately closed my eyes and prayed. It was awkward.
know how God will answer our prayers, but we can expect that
I couldn’t “wrap my head around” the fact that God would pick
He will get us involved in His plan for the answer. If we are true
me, someone Craig rejected, to specifically pray for his wellbeing.
intercessors, we must be ready to take part in God’s work on behalf
He even wanted me to pray over his future! How could I pray for
of the people for whom we pray.”
someone, of which I believe is an act of love, who walked away Months passed. I still didn’t talk to Craig, nor did Craig miraculously reach out to me. It’s interesting to think of how it
14 // March 2022
About The Author
from me years beforehand?
Leah Hadder is a former internationally recognized pageant queen. Now retired from competition, she shares the Good News as a speaker, writer, and content creator for Pastor Paula White Cain’s Life Network for Women. She is a member of Living Word Church in Cleveland, TN. Contact Leah at www.leahhadder.org.
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Ringgold Church Directory Baptist Boynton Baptist Church 4093 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1551 Briarwood Baptist Church 26 Ellis Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9177 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 518 Highway #41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9340 Catoosa Baptist Tabernacle 4994 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4323 Cherokee Valley Baptist Church 1495 Cherokee Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-6220 Christ First Church 1008 N. Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-1008 Clearview Baptist Church 2183 Dietz Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-0164 Ebenezer Baptist Church 77 Hackett Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7970 Faith Baptist Church 308 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 423-509-5334 First Baptist Church of Ringgold 7611 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2358 Friendship Primitive Baptist Church 851 Ooltewah Ringgold Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2382 Gospel Way Baptist Church 31 Bowling Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9866 Grace Baptist Church
16 // March 2022
7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-7969 Harvest Baptist Church of the Deaf 1314 Old Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7107 Video Call: 706-956-0445 Heritage Pointe Baptist Church 60 Dyer Bridge Place Ringgold, GA 30736 706-858-0976 Hickory Grove Baptist Church 5010 Houston Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-673-6999 Keith Baptist Church 1573 Keith Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-450-0963 Living Faith Baptist Church Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-1817 Midway Baptist Church Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-2317 Mount Peria Baptist Church 341 Sparks Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4887 Mount Pisgah Baptist Church 66 Westbrook Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3031 Mount Vernon Baptist Church 1006 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3872 New Bethel Baptist Church 1635 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3500 New Friendship Baptist Church 3833 Salem Valley Road Ringgold, GA 30736 New Heights Baptist Church 158 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-9838 New Liberty Baptist Church 923 Graysville Road
Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4754 Peavine Baptist Church 1089 Peavine Road Rock Spring, GA 30739 706-375-4721 Philadelphia Baptist Church 1065 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-5683 Pine Grove Baptist Church 46 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-2427 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church 7769 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3348 Pleasant Valley Baptist Church 1995 Ooltewah Ringgold Rd Ringgold, GA 30736 706-537-3633 Poplar Springs Baptist Church 422 Poplar Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-4461 Salem Baptist Church 1947 Keith Salem Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3907 Welcome Hill Baptist Church 223 Inman Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-4814 Church of Christ Cohutta Road Church of Christ 2233 Mount Vernon Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3884 Ringgold Church of Christ 4099 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-2820 Church of God Boynton Church of God 1956 Three Notch Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-6300 Indian Springs Church of God 2256 Highway 41 North Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-3599 Noble Church of God 75 Glass Rd
Lafayette, GA 30728 Ringgold Church of God 117 Emberson Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-2056 Wallaceville Church of God 236 Harp Switch Road Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-2736 Community Green Pasture Community Church 1008 North Beaumont Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-375-7333 Lee’s Chapel Community Church 3253 Catoosa Parkway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-9928 Rock Bridge Community Church 102 Remco Shops Lane Ringgold, GA 30736 706-279-3175 Full Gospel Yates Spring Full Gospel Church 1300 Yates Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-638-2305 Methodist Boynton UMC 4246 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-2626 Graysville UMC 2331 Graysville Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-891-9253 Ringgold UMC 7484 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-4777 Woodstation UMC 13198 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-965-3360 Non-Denominational Battlefield Church of Faith Highway 41 South Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-7729 Calvary Chapel Ringgold 548 Boynton Drive Ringgold, GA 30736 706-952-1502
Church of Living Faith 7623 Alabama Highway Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-5673 Crossroads Church 7638 Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736 crossroadsringgold.com Faith Builders International 8309 Highway 41 Ringgold, GA 30736 256-338-5031 Grace Memorial Church 118 East Nashville Street Ringgold, GA 30736
706-965-7969 The Gathering 2501 Pine Grove Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-841 0161 Light House Church 1201 Lafayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-861-2715 Messianic Ministry To Israel P.O. Box 22654 Chattanooga, TN 37422 New Life Church PO Box 1973 Ringgold, GA 30736
706-866-7799 Venue Church 3969 Cloud Springs Road Ringgold, GA 30736 423-637-7100 Presbyterian Chickamauga Presbyterian 700 7th Street Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-375-3432 Christ Fellowship 1176 North Three Notch Rd. Ringgold, GA 30736 706-937-4115 Morton Memorial
560 Red Belt Rd. Chickamauga, GA 30707 706-338-7176 Seventh-Day Adventist Ringgold Seventh-Day Adventist Church 124 Kittle Street Ringgold, GA 30736 706-935-3741 Battlefield Community Seventh-Day Adventist Church 96 Hillman Lane Ringgold, GA 30736 706-861-5999
Fort Oglethorpe Church Directory Baptist Anchor of Hope Baptist Church 2613 Lakeview Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8318 Battlefield Baptist Church 178 South Cedar Lane Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-1316 Burning Bush Baptist Church 2195 Burning Bush Road Ringgold, GA 30736 706-866-1989 Calvary Memorial Baptist Church 2 E Gate Drive Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-6183 Cloud Springs Baptist Church 207 Cloud Springs Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0164 First Baptist Church Ft. Oglethorpe 2645 LaFayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232 Moriah Baptist Church 2864 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-8843 Nellie Head Memorial Baptist 2379 Catoosa Parkway Tunnell Hill, GA 30755 706-935-5236 Old Fort Baptist Church 18 Van Cleve Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-2807
Parkway Baptist Temple 65 Stuart Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0325 Victory Baptist Church 1013 Layfayette Road Rossville, GA 30741 706-866-0371 Catholic Saint Gerard Catholic Church 3049 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-861-9410 Church of Christ Fort Oglethorpe Church of Christ 6 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-4124 Community Battlefield Ministries Church 64 3rd Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9090 Episcopal Church of the Nativity 1520 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9773 Methodist Fairview UMC 2112 McFarland Avenue Rossville, GA 30741 423-653-1043 Fort Oglethorpe UMC 1733 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6314 Newnan Springs UMC
78 Monanaw Avenue Rossville GA 30741 706-866-6724 Nazarene Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9838 Non-Denominational Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-913-0531 Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777 Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-255-8655 Ridgeland Point Church 1417 Happy Valley Rd. Rossville, GA 30741 RockPointe Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6523 Untethered Church 2473 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-991-6067 Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232
List/Update Your Church Listing (423) 478-6484
goodnewscm.com // 17
Gò0dNews for Everyone
What’s Your Story?
“W
by Joy Elisabeth Brown
hat’s your story?” is a loaded question that I love
is that He loves you in the middle of your struggle, just as He
to ask because my first step toward hope and
loves you on your best days.
healing was a result of being asked that question.
It was the beginning of my second semester of 11th grade
It would be nice if God would just take the internal struggles away and replace them with positivity, creativity, and
when my uncle died suddenly. He was young, had two kids,
purpose. I have had that thought many times, but sometimes
and was a vital part of our family. With his death, I came
God has a different plan.
face to face with a kind of grief that neither I nor my family had experienced. While his death was not the cause of what I
He commands us to bear one another’s burdens (Gal. 6:2). Allow others to help you bear your burden by sharing with
am about to share with you, it was where my battle with anxiety, depression, and suicide was born. In the weeks to come after his passing, my grief quickly turned inward. Grief turned to worthlessness. Believing that I was worthless led to thoughts of purposelessness. Before I realized it, purposelessness led to hopelessness. Thoughts flooded my head. Thoughts I knew shouldn’t belong; I shouldn’t believe the lies. Yet, the lies soon became my perceived reality. I believed that people would be better off without me. I believed that I brought no value to life, so the only solution was to end it. But then someone asked me the question, “What’s your story?” And I told them. I confessed my grief, my pain, my struggle with life, and the reason for living. In that flash of raw vulnerability, I
them what you are going through. Oftentimes, the first step to
experienced a moment of relief as my silence had been broken.
healing is being heard.
I was heard, and in being heard, I had invited in the possibility of hope.
Whether you are battling thoughts of anxiety, depression, suicide, or negativity, know this: You are fully known, fully
The next few months consisted of speaking my thoughts
seen, and fully loved by God. He wants you to ask for help and
out loud and realizing that God is greater than my struggle. He
step toward hope. Help may be found in counseling, mediation,
knows and understands my thoughts, and He still loves me.
Scripture, or even rest and exercise. Whatever the case may be,
This was a life-changing truth for me: I am fully known, fully
let someone in to help you find the specific help you need.
seen, and fully loved by God.
From someone who has been in the pit of hopelessness and
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me! You know
felt the weight of anxiety, I am here to tell you that you are not
when I sit down and when I rise up; you discern my thoughts
alone. You are not too far gone. Hope and healing are available
from afar” (Psalm 139:1-2, 17).
to you.
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
As I was asked, I now ask you… What’s your story?
mind and how that thought affects you. The beautiful reality
18 // March 2022
About The Author
You are not on this journey alone. God knows every struggle you face. He knows every thought that crosses your
Joy Elisabeth Brown is the author of God is Greater Than: When the Struggle is Great, God is Greater. Her personal battle with depression and anxiety ignited a passion to bring awareness of mental health issues to the church—through her writing, speaking, and mental health resources.
Church Activities & Events Chattanooga Convention Center CBMC Chattanooga Luncheon Wednesday, March 2 | 12PM - 1PM 1 Carter St, Chattanooga, TN
Pleasant Grove Baptist Church
Silent Word Ministries Fantastic Saturday Saturday, March 5 | 9:30AM - 4PM 2227 GA-301, Trenton, GA
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
Music at St. Paul’s: Joshua Espinoza Trio Friday, March 25 | 7:30PM - 9:00PM 305 W 7th St, Chattanooga, TN
Battlefield Praise & Worship
1st Annual Battlefield Praise & Worship Craft Show Saturday, March 26 | 2PM - 8PM
1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA
Gò0dNews for Life
Troubled Bones
“O
by Greg Grotewold
LORD, rebuke me not in your anger, nor discipline
Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle
me in your wrath. Be gracious to me, O LORD, for
and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For
I am languishing; heal me, O LORD, for my bones
my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” (28-30, ESV). Come,
are troubled. My soul also is greatly troubled. But you, O LORD—
Lord Jesus, come. Show yourself and deliver me. Be gracious
how long? Turn, O LORD, deliver my life; save me for the sake of
towards me and give this soul the peace only You can provide.
your steadfast love” (Psalm 6:1-4, ESV).
I plead with You to act.
Life is hard—at times, really hard. A trial’s difficulty becomes particularly acute when well-intentioned efforts to overcome the challenges (or at least mitigate their influence) not only fail but in fact, exacerbate the problem. Such futility compounds the weariness felt, introducing a season of bewilderment. I’m in one of those seasons. Like David in his travails above, I too am languishing; my bones are troubled. And also, like David, I find
The petition is as varied in scope as the myriad of sentiments that drive it. It’s a complicated combination of intense lament and earnest appeal with a few droplets of hope lightly sprinkled amongst the mix. I’m thankful for those droplets though, however sparse. They keep me sane and serve as reminders that Jesus is a promise keeper. He will intervene.
myself crying out to the Lord, pleading for some display of His omnipotent goodness. The broader context might be useful here. Though physically apart only twelve inches, an ocean of separation has formed between my mind (what I know to be true) and my heart (what I feel to be true). I know Jesus reigns. I know He is with me and desires to bless my efforts. I know He cares for me and has my best interest in mind. I know He will ultimately prevail, and so will I as a result. But Romans 8:28, a verse that has brought great comfort to me in the past, now feels hollow: “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (ESV). I know that whatever trial comes my way will at some point benefit me. I know that intellectually, but it means little right now emotionally in the midst of my apparent failures. Timidity and worry have displaced any semblance of confidence and peace. These burdens, as one would expect, have dominated my prayer time. The cadence has looked something like this:
As my pastor recently reminded me, God isn’t angered by raw transparency such as mine. He certainly wasn’t with David’s. After all, the Lord had the Psalms canonized as part of Scripture for everyone to see. Not only is He not upset, He actually wants me to approach Him. Jesus desires that I pursue Him and put words
How long Lord before you change either my circumstances
to my angst, regardless of how untamed and messy they might be.
or my ability to more effectively influence them? How long
Because when I do, I’m signaling something very important. In the
will my angst escape mediation? When will my head more
midst of great trial, my greatest need is Him.
fully inform my heart, releasing me from the weight of my
The Lord can handle anything we might throw at Him. If
weariness? When will I be able to maintain an element of joy
your bones are troubled, plead with Jesus for His intervention. Go
regardless of life’s realities? When will my efforts produce
to Him and pour out your heart. I pray He will deliver both of us
tangible good? You promise to bless the humble but why then
from our present weariness.
does my lowliness continue to go unanswered? Will regret be receive the rest you articulate in Matthew 11: “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
20 // March 2022
About The Author
a constant companion until you take me home? When will I
Greg Grotewold lives in Oakdale, MN, with his wife, Sandi, and their two sons, Luke and Eli. He is a deacon in his local church and greatly enjoys serving in this capacity.
Guy Percy
Guy Percy
Guy Percy
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Country Financial: Guy Percy
G
uy Percy’s team of licensed agents often point
about income and net worth as that impacts the coverages
out their logo to clients and prospects alike. Pride
we suggest. Getting that piece wrong can negatively impact
in how Country Financial has consistently taken
the way of life for both our clients and those they have
care of their countless clients in the Northwest Georgia and
accidents with.
Chattanooga area is just one reason we show off our logo
Home Insurance
so readily! We like to point out the words below our name, and we add one as well. We protect what our clients have and plan for their futures. Those efforts generally fall into six categories—Auto, Home, Life, Business, Retirement, and Health.
Auto Insurance
When you ask us for a home quote, it is humbling to
realize you are asking us to protect everything you own. That is a very important task that we do not take lightly! If you own your home or rental homes, we will ask questions to get the current and rebuild values of those homes. We all know bundling with your autos and other protective
We work hard with our auto clients to not only protect
products can save a lot of money, but we may not realize all
the value of their cars but to also get the right liability limits
the extra riders that are available to ensure your possessions
in place. No one wants to pay a lot out-of-pocket for their
are properly covered. Do you have antiques that need
damaged cars, tow bills, and rental cars. However, the
special treatment? Do you have valuable jewelry? Are you
biggest risk is often not having enough bodily injury and
in a flood zone? How much can you save with a higher
property damage to make folks whole for their medical bills,
deductible? Do you get a discount for having a newer roof?
lost wages, pain and suffering, and their car values. We ask
Does Country Financial pay the full replacement cost of a
22 // March 2022
repair? What about other buildings on the property? These questions and many more need to be answered. Add in getting the liability piece right again, and we fill a huge responsibility to our clients to present a fair premium and to cover those things that will sting if we do not ask all the right questions.
Life Insurance
Nothing we do for our clients is perhaps more
important than being there for them financially when they are no longer there to provide for their loved ones. We discuss the many uses of life insurance from simply meeting the most basic of needs, to the more complex estate and business matters. We help our clients arrive at their Life Insurance Number by asking good questions to make sure they have enough money for burial expenses, paying off debts and mortgages, educating the kids and replacing lost future income. It is not enough to just have life insurance; you need the right amount. Do you know your Life Insurance Number?
Business
Just like you want to protect your cars, homes, and
assets for your family, our business clients want the same on an often much bigger scale. Our business owners have so many unique needs, they need their own detailed evaluation with yet another set of questions. Again, correct liability levels are huge. Do you need work comp? Do you take possession of your customers items and need to protect yourself if you damage them? Would you be financially hurt if your income stream was halted by a serious claim? Do you want to provide benefits to yourself and your staff members? We enjoy working with our business clients and protecting what is most important to them.
Retirement
Health Insurance
While you won’t see this word in our logo, we all need a
good plan here. We take you through adding your newborn to your current plan, to navigating the Affordable Care Act, to your final purchase of a good Medicare Supplement to dance with your later years on Medicare. Who will sign your paycheck if you are ever disabled? Can your loved one afford a nursing home or home care? Do you want dental and vision plans? We can answer your many questions about your family’s health insurance needs. So many questions! Country Financial and our team
We all can worry about providing for our financial
of licensed agents want to help answer yours and to ask
futures. A brief article here cannot do justice to the many
a few of our own. We want to ensure you have the right
ways we can come along-side our clients in addressing their
protection for all you own and to plan for your future. Call
many financial concerns. Will you outlive your money? Are
us today at 706-935-3365!
your investments suitable to address your goals? How can you best leave a legacy? When should you take your social security? Are you prepared for all the health costs that come in our later years? How can you best transfer wealth to the next generation? How much will I need to live the life I desire? Questions like these are how we help you get to a comfort level when thinking about your retirement years.
goodnewscm.com // 23
Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Useful Disciple
A
by Eddie Turner
s Christians, we are hated because of who God is.
If you’ve ever tried to blaze your own trail through
As bold as this statement sounds, it should come
the woods, you likely found your clothes covered in twigs,
as no surprise. After all, Jesus assured us that we
thorns, and dirt. You may have even come out with a few
would be. He also told us that this is a good thing.
bloody scratches on your arms or legs. If a friend or a
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute
neighbor saw you after your trek in the forest, they could
you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of
easily point out what you had been doing. In the same way,
me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in
our association with questionable behavior and worldly
heaven…” (Matthew 5:11-12).
matters affects how others see us. Depending on our life
More and more often, however, God is hated because of who we are. This happens when we associate Him with things He’s not associated with—things like politics. Instead of being seen as mere Christians, we’re left-wing or rightwing Christians who hate each other and slander our country’s leaders. Instead of distancing ourselves from these labels, we defend them, often heatedly. And, the more insistent we become in retaining our association with worldly matters, the less we meet what may be the most important expectation God has for His children. “Therefore, if anyone cleanses himself from what is dishonorable, he will be a vessel for
choices, we can either be seen as having no blemishes or
honorable use, set apart as holy, useful to the master of the
covered in the filth that we often detect on those who make
house, ready for every good work” (2 Timothy 2:21).
little effort to safeguard their character.
As followers of Jesus, we are bearers of the gospel. This
While you and I can’t separate ourselves from the
role belongs to each one of us, and there are countless ways
physical world, we can certainly become separate from
for us to perform it. Some of us are writers, some pastors,
its cultures of sexuality, hostile politics, gossip, and hate
and many of us are called to simply share it among the
speech. In the verse I’ll leave you with, Scripture affirms
people within our family or social circles. Accomplishing
what this world has become and stresses the importance
God’s will, however, is dependent upon how useful we are
that we take great strides toward becoming drastically
to Him. A person who is known for his or her foul mouth,
different than those around us who blend in. There should
for example, may not be useful at all due to their greater
be nothing we aren’t willing to let go of in order to be useful
potential to dishonor God than glorify Him. Everything we
and pleasing to God.
do, say, and fill our minds with can impact our usefulness
“—prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent,
as disciples.
children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked
24 // March 2022
and perverse generation…” (Philippians 2:15).
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Keepers Of The Light
I
by Dorothy Teague
’m a pushover when it comes to anything Irish since
Satan is a Huntsman. 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us to “be
that’s my ancestry. I love the music, the dance, the
watchful, because the devil is a roaring lion, seeking
accent, the culture. So, when I came across a new
someone to devour.” He is darkness and tries to deceive
animated movie called “Riverdance,” I was intrigued.
others, filling their heart and mind with darkness, causing
The story revolves around Keegan, an Irish boy who has
them to be unable to see the truth of Christ. Christians
just lost his grandfather, the lighthouse keeper. Keegan
are keepers of The Light, the Holy Spirit placed within us
was being trained to take care of the lighthouse. Before
when we are saved. He is the light that shines out from us
his death, he warned Keegan to always make sure the
through our words and actions. John 8:12 tells us that Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of Life.” John 1:5 says, “The light shines in the darkness and the darkness has not overcome it.” Nothing that Satan throws at us can snuff out the light that Jesus gives. We can be witnesses to a dark world when we have Jesus in our hearts. As the saying goes, “The darker the night, the brighter the light.” As children, we are naturally afraid of the dark, and sometimes as adults, the dark can be intimidating. Like Keegan, we sometimes become rebellious and don’t want to heed warnings to keep the darkness out of
light was lit in order to keep the darkness away and not
our lives. We get lost in the everyday stuff that life becomes
let the Huntsman in. Keegan scoffed and thought it was
and sometimes lose our way from the path we should be
just an old Irish story. Being heartsick after the death
on. 1 Thessalonians 5:5 reminds us that “we are children of
of his grandfather, he refused to mind the warning and
the light and children of the day. We do not belong to the
did not keep the light lit. So, under cover of darkness,
night or to the darkness.” We need to “let our light shine
the Huntsman snuck in and sought to spread darkness
before men that they may see our good works and glorify
everywhere, but was stopped by Keegan and a herd of
the Father” (Matthew 5:16). We must be about the Father’s
magical deer. (There is a journey into a magical place that
business, drawing others to Him through our witness
contains spirit deer, which has its roots in other beliefs that
and testimony. Above all, we must not forget that we are
are not Christian). At the end of the movie, the wise old
“Keepers of The Light!”
was hard for me to miss the parallel to the Christian life.
26 // March 2022
About The Author
deer told Keegan that he was truly a “Keeper of Light.” It Dorothy Teague is a Tennessee native, who resides in McMinn County with her husband, Lewis, on their farm. After completing 31.5 years as a teacher in the Bradley County School System, she is active in her church at Eastanallee Baptist Church where she is a member of the choir and praise team.
Providence Associates—your local accounting, bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation firm. We are currently hiring a full-time bookkeeper and tax preparer. Come be a part of a meaningful team.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Let Food Be Thy Medicine
W
by Dana Robinson
e have all heard the quote from Hippocrates
and tastes I remember. I can very vividly recall the brilliant
“Let food be thy medicine and medicine be thy
colors of the fruit as I carefully arranged the vibrant red
food.” Pair that with the Chinese proverb “He
cherries inside yellow rings of golden pineapple. Just
that takes medicine and neglects diet wastes the skills of
sharing this story brings a smile to my face and warmth
the physician,” and you are bound to wonder if you’ll ever
in my heart. I am once again transported to my childhood
enjoy what you eat again.
sitting at the counter in my grandmother’s kitchen.
When my husband, Jamie Robinson, and I founded
My friend Gene shared a similar story of pineapple
Lighthouse Personal Care Homes, we knew that food
upside-down cake being his mother’s favorite. I remember
would be a high priority in our boutique senior living
Gene serving pineapple upside-down cake with a similar
communities. Our mission statement includes creating
nostalgic smile in his mother’s honor at several functions
moments of joy in everything we do. How could we
he hosted. Is there something unique and powerful to this specific dessert, I wonder. It is often requested as a resident favorite in our care homes. As small boutique care homes, we can create menus tailored to our residents’ tastebuds and impactful life experiences. It’s not surprising pineapple upside-down cake makes its way on our menus often. Yes, there are health benefits to eating pineapple. Pineapple is packed full of flavonoids and phenolic acid, as well as bromelain. These antioxidants and enzymes found in pineapple help protect against chronic diseases, cancer, and can reduce pain and swelling. To me, “Let food be thy medicine…” is not limited to just the nutritional benefits of food
promote health with the food we prepare and recognize
but also the power of the food to spark memories and
our natural desire to truly enjoy food? After all, food is one
promote emotional and cognitive support. We can always
of life’s simple pleasures, right?
make healthier ingredient swaps in recipes but let’s not
Food is amazing! It nourishes our body, mind, and
undervalue the connections we have with food on an
soul. Our brains are pretty amazing as well. According
emotional level, especially when it comes to unlocking
to Dr. Lorn Miller, a board-certified neurologist, over
hidden memories and making connections with our seniors
the years we develop emotional memories and many
and those living with dementia.
of these memories revolve around food. Have you ever smelled something or tasted something and it brought
See Dana’s pineapple upside-down cake recipe on our Taste Buds page!
you right back to a special time or place, perhaps your I remember making pineapple upside-down cake with my grandmother as a small child. It wasn’t just the smells
28 // March 2022
About The Author
grandmother’s kitchen or a holiday gathering?
Dana Robinson is a registered nurse and dementia care educator & specialist. She and her husband founded Lighthouse Personal Care Homes with two locations in Dalton, GA—Walnut Creek and Southern Haven. For more information about Dana and her boutique senior living communities visit www.lighthousepch.com.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
Don’t Miss the Moment
T
by David Huff
hroughout the Bible, in both the Old and New
One of my favorite moments is when I am praying for
Testaments, people were given moments by God
someone, and at the end, they look at me with tears in their
to impact their surroundings. In some cases, the
eyes and say, “How did you know?” The truth is I did not
moment was seized, and great things happened. In other
know, it was all God, and I chose to allow Him to speak
moments, they were missed, and the people suffered for it.
through me. That is a moment that I have missed many times
In Numbers 13, Joshua was given an opportunity to seize
in the past. When God has placed something on my heart and
the moment when he was included as one of the twelve spies
I choose not to speak it, only to find out it was something the
who entered into the land of promise to do surveillance.
person was struggling with. I missed my moment.
This was a moment that Joshua did not turn down. When Joshua and Caleb returned, they gave their recommendation
In this very moment, God is creating moments for us as believers of Jesus Christ to reach into the darkness and
for the people of God to take their moment and enter into the promised land. Unfortunately, the people resisted because they were afraid, and they missed their moment. As a result of this, they wandered in the desert for many years afterward. In Joshua 1, Joshua is given another moment, and this time it was for him to lead his people into the land of promise. Moses had passed away and Joshua was now leading the Israelites. He could have easily said, “No, they are bigger and stronger than we are,” and chosen not to go on, but he seized the moment, and the result was the Israelites walked into the land of promise. While many of us may never lead a group of people into their promised land, each of us is given
deliver light into someone. It could be as simple as sharing
moments to impact someone’s life. The person you take
your testimony. The moment we are given could have as
a seat next to at a restaurant and God tells you to talk to
much impact on us as it does on the other person. When
them. The co-worker who is struggling with inner turmoil
we act in obedience to God, the impact could end up taking
and God says to help them. The person you run into in the
us to a new level that we never dreamed possible. Keep
grocery store and God tells you to pray for them. These are
your eyes open for the moments that God orchestrates right
all moments that God sends to each of us every day. What
before your eyes.
we be like Joshua, seize the moment, and someone’s life changes before our eyes?
30 // March 2022
About The Author
excuse can we come up with to miss our moment? Can My name is David Huff. I am married to Brittany, and together we have five wonderful kids. We attend Rock Bridge Community Church Calhoun where I serve on the prayer team, host team, and I am a small group co-leader. I am also a senior at Lee University.
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Gò0dNews for Parents
Helping Your Child Develop to Be Their Best Selves
Y
by Brenda Dedmon
our child is God’s gift. We read in Psalm 127:3, “Children are a gift from God; they are His reward” (The Message). As parents, you have the formidable and daunting role in helping your child develop to become all that God created them to be. He has gifted you with your child and will guide you as you seek Him to fulfill this role. He also promises His help found in this scripture, “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you” (Jeremiah 29:11-12, RSV). One of the most important things for you is to ask God to help you discover His plan for your life and seek to be faithful to Him every day. You will not be the perfect parent. Mary and Joseph were not perfect parents either. They left Jesus in the Temple without realizing it for a couple of days.
day? Do you model gratitude for the home you have, the meals you share, your family, and most of all, God’s love for you? • Listen: Life gets busy, and it is often hard to listen to what your child is saying. Family mealtime is
You will find below basic things you need to provide for your child:
32 // March 2022
a wonderful time to create space for listening and talking about the things going on for everyone. However, it is even a challenge to have a family mealtime. A friend of mine said one night she told her children it was time for dinner, so they all got in the car! It is so important to listen that you need to intentionally develop a listening time. Life should not be lived in a rush! Stop and marvel at the sunset, smell the flowers, bless the rainbow as God’s promise, and develop a sense of listening to your child. This also means you need to intentionally develop a time of listening to God for yourself!
About The Author
• Trust: How do you help your child learn to trust? It begins even in infancy, with you meeting their basic needs even before they can talk. When they are hungry, you feed them and you change their wet diapers. This is the beginning of developing trust, which as they grow will help them learn to trust you more. It is the first step in developing their trust in God. • Gratitude: It is a time-honored path that proves experiencing gratitude makes one’s life less stressful. The benefits of living a life of gratitude include struggling less emotionally. Living out of a grateful heart benefits and increases the ability to receive from others and allows one to live a productive life. The best way for your child to develop gratitude is to follow your daily examples. Do you take the time to stop and express how blessed you are for a beautiful
Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.
Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds
Moments of Joy:
Pineapple Upside-Down Cake by Dana Robinson
Ingredients • 1/2 cup butter or coconut oil • 1 cup raw sugar mixed with 1 tbsp molasses (brown sugar) OR 1 cup coconut sugar • 1 tsp vanilla extract • 9 pineapple rings, canned or fresh • 9 frozen, thawed cherries OR fresh cherries, stems & pits removed • 1 1/3 cup all-purpose flour • 1 cup sugar • 1/3 cup butter softened OR coconut oil • 1 1/2 tsp baking powder • 1/4 tsp Himalayan salt or sea salt • 3/4 cup pineapple juice or pineapple purée • 1 egg
34 // March 2022
Instructions Preheat oven to 350F. Melt 1/2 cup butter/coconut
oil in 9-inch square pan. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup sugar with molasses until brown sugar forms. Spread brown sugar mixture over melted butter. Drizzle with vanilla extract. Arrange pineapple rings over brown sugar mixture. Place a cherry in the center of each
pineapple ring. Optional to use additional cherries
between pineapple rings. In a separate bowl, combine
remaining ingredients with an electric mixer on low for
30 seconds. Beat on high for 3 minutes, scraping bowl as needed. Pour mixture over pineapple and cherries. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes
out clean. Immediately transfer to a plate by placing the
plate on top of cake and quickly flipping over. Leave cake pan in place for 3-5 minutes to allow brown sugar sauce to drip on top of cake. Remove pan. Enjoy cake warm.
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Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Greatest Race
M
by Dr. Alan Hix
arch 5th will mark the start of the 50th
humanity. His perseverance in his race through all these
anniversary running of the Iditarod Sled Dog
struggles resulted in their salvation and his glorification. The
Race in Alaska. The race itself commemorates the
author challenged them to show that same kind of
brave men and dogs who endured a grueling 674 miles in
endurance and, as an added encouragement, pictured the
the dead of winter to get life-giving serum to Nome during a
saints of old as cheering them on from the sidelines.
deadly outbreak of diphtheria in 1925. Without their heroic
Human life is marked by struggle. It might be our
efforts, many people would have died. The modern Iditarod
health, our work, issues with our family, or possibly our
not only memorializes that achievement, it also highlights the unique place mushers and their dog teams have in the fabric of Alaskan history and culture. Until the start of the pandemic, I had the privilege for twelve years of taking Shorter University students to participate in the start of what has been dubbed “The Last Great Race on Earth.” While the continuing pandemic prevents me from participating in the 50th anniversary event, I have found solace in the memories of past races. This musing over the Last Great Race has reminded me of a greater race found in Hebrews 12:1-3: “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so
own sense of self-worth. We may feel like we are stumbling
closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set
along, running the race by ourselves. We may have even lost
before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our
sight of what the finish line looks like. In this passage, the
faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the
author reminds us to keep our focus on Jesus. He ran his
cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of
race successfully in spite of all the obstacles and hostility he
the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners
faced. In addition to his guiding presence, we have a family
such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow
of faith that stands with us, so we are never alone. As the
weary or fainthearted.”
perseverance of the mushers brought life-giving serum to
The readers of the book of Hebrews were Christians in Rome who were beginning to suffer under Nero’s
dying people, so Christ’s perseverance brings us life and all that we need to overcome the struggles in our own race.
persecution for their belief in Jesus. Life had become precarious for them. As a result, some of them had begun to race to encourage his audience. He reminds them that Jesus willingly endured hostility, shame, and death on behalf of
36 // March 2022
About The Author
waver in their walk of faith. The author uses the picture of a
Dr. Alan Hix is an Associate Professor of Christian Studies at Shorter University. In addition to being and educator, he has served churches as a pastor, been involved in mission trips to Africa, Canada, and Alaska, and participated in archaeological excavations in Israel for several years.
Erik Gardner – CEO of Volunteer Rid A Pest LLC announces another acquisition. “We are proud to announce that on October 1st, 2021 Volunteer Rid A Pest has officially merged with Pestaway Corportion and will begin overseeing the day-to-day operation of the business” stated Gardner. Pestaway founders and owners, Troy and Jeanette Donaldson have experienced health issues and are unable to carry on the operation of the business. Their daughter and son, Joyce and Eddie are retiring to care for their elderly parents. “Our company has taken over the day-to-day operation of the business and will make certain to serve our new Pestaway customers well!” said Gardner. “This merger gives our company a stronger reach into McMinn County and solidifies our company as the dominant player in the Athens/McMinn County market!” added Gardner. Volunteer Rid A Pest has been serving Bradley, Hamilton, Meigs, Polk and McMinn counties since 1970. They are a full-service company offering termite control, pest control, moisture control, rodent control, crawl space encapsulation, floor repair, mosquito control and lawn treatments. For more information please call 423-462-2865 or visit their website at www.volpest.com.
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5/22/2019 10:16:21 AM
Gò0dNews for Everyone
Sons of Issachar
H
by Brent Goodge
ow easy is it to wake up each morning, check
For those worried about human warfare, tell them Jesus
out the latest news headlines on our phones and
said, “you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that
televisions, and immediately become discouraged? I
you are not troubled” (Matthew 24:6).
don’t know what the headlines will be by publication time,
Some are terrified of crime in the streets. “But know this,
but as of this writing, there is grave concern that Putin will
that in the last days perilous times will come” (2 Timothy
order an invasion of Ukraine. Tens of millions of Americans
3:1). “Because lawlessness will abound, the love of many
have just been impacted by a massive storm. Hospitals are
will grow cold” (Matthew 24:12).
filled with patients. Politics, the economy, even nature seem to be in turmoil. Where should we turn during moments like these? To Jesus Christ, of course. But have you ever thought that there might be someone who doesn’t know God that might be asking the same questions? That perhaps, when they cry out to whatever concept of God they have, God will send them to you for answers? During the coronation of King David, the armies of Israel formed a massive parade. One small verse in 1 Chronicles 12 really made me think: “…the sons of Issachar, who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do…” (1 Chronicles 12:32). God still has a people who understand the times they are living in. They understand what God has called them to do for such a time as this (Esther
We are also given the blessing of His Word to strengthen
4:14). If you are a Bible-believing Christian with access to the
and admonish each other. Knowing what Israel ought to
Bible at home or online, that person is you.
do is a call to each of us: “Since all these things will be
No, we don’t have a clue (at least as I write) what will happen on the Russia-Ukraine border. We don’t know when or if Covid will end. We don’t know if we will live
dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and Godliness?” (2 Peter 3:11). God has given His people an understanding of the
24 more hours. But what we do know is so much more
times, not to be hand-wringers, but to give us a spirit
important. Almighty God has a message to a dying world.
of power and of a sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). “Go ye
For those lost in despair and hopelessness, the message we are to share is: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save
therefore…” (Matthew 28:18-20). “Preach the Word” (2 Timothy 4:2).
sinners, of whom I am chief” (1 Timothy 1:15). “I will come may be also” (John 14:3).
38 // March 2022
About The Author
again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County. He is thankful for the Bible.
LIFE IS FULL OF SURPRISES.
Gò0dNews for Students
How To Be a Christian Nurse in A Secular World by Natalie Emert
I
stumbled upon my calling to be a nurse when I was a
a successful nurse but also how to incorporate my faith in
sophomore in high school. I knew from the second God called
everything I do.
me into nursing that this calling would be more than just a
I hope to carry this knowledge with me as I progress
career. Nursing would enable me to have a profound impact
through my career. I hope it will enable me to have a positive
on others by being an example of God’s love, loving on all of
impact on others. There are several ways in which I can
my patients as God would. Working as a nurse, you encounter
accomplish this, both with my patients and my coworkers. With
people during the best and worst times of their lives. You see
my patients, this can mean asking them if they have a certain
families grieving over the loss of their loved ones. You see patients receiving life-altering diagnoses. You see patients lose their ability to perform tasks they once performed without a second thought. You see parents welcome their first-born child, and you also see parents mourning the unexpected loss of their newborn. All of these experiences provide a unique opportunity to witness to others, whether that be by rejoicing in times of jubilance or providing a comforting touch in times of immense sorrow. To care for our patients during these difficult or exciting times, we must care for them holistically (meaning physically, emotionally, mentally, socially, and most importantly, spiritually). Taking care of our patients’ spiritual needs can sometimes take a back-burner position amongst all of their physical needs; however, providing spiritual care can be just as important as addressing physical
religion or belief system that they follow. If they say no, this is
concerns. This concept has been heavily addressed during my
an opportunity where I can ask them if they are interested in
time in the nursing program at Lee University. Lee ensures
learning about God or if they would like me to pray for them.
that all their students have the skills and resources needed
Additionally, I can witness to my patients by ensuring I am not
to properly address our patients’ spiritual needs. Through
only providing the best care I can but also by treating them as
studying at Lee, I have learned how to appropriately ask my
human beings instead of yet another task on my ever-growing
patients if I can pray with them or for them. This skill did not
to-do list. In addition to my patients, I can witness to my
come naturally to me, but it is extremely important and can
coworkers by consistently showing up to work with a positive
provide much-needed comfort for my patients. However, this
and encouraging attitude. While this may not always be easy,
is a skill that may not be adequately addressed at other secular
spending time in the Word and praying can help to ensure that
universities. Had I not attended Lee University, I may not have
I show up to work with a friendly smile on my face. These are
had the same opportunity to grow in my relationship with God
just a few of the ways that I hope to put all that I have learned
and become more comfortable sharing my faith with others.
during my time at Lee University into everyday practice.
I am grateful I get the opportunity to learn in an environment that places the focus on God and teaches me to not only be
40 // March 2022
About The Author
Since my faith is one of the biggest reasons that I chose nursing, Natalie Emert is originally from Knoxville, TN, and is a junior nursing student at Lee University School of Nursing. She has a passion for helping others and hopes to work in the NICU once she graduates college next May.
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Gò0dNews for Family
Speak Life, Speak Future, Speak Hope by Paul McGuire
I
n almost every culture, at least in times past,
Those words give direction. Encourage them to learn
grandparents would speak a blessing over their
and speak God’s Word. Here are two verses I learned
children, importantly, their heritage. In the
before I could even read, that set a pattern in my life:
Scriptures, there are many instances. The words of blessings were considered prophetic, so good words were treasured and revered. We knew of this before our young ones were born,
“Thy word I have hidden in my heart that I might not sin against Thee” (Ps 119:11). “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, a light unto my path” (Ps 119:105).
so as they came along, I wrote out some things as blessings over them or that I felt were God’s plans for them. More recently, I (and their Nana) have thought more about this practice. What our Father has been showing us is that we must speak not just a blessing, but prophetic words which call to the future, to times ahead as God’s plans emerge. He has shown us characteristics in them which He plans to use. Those may be only faintly visible now, but we must call those things to manifest in the appropriate season. Zechariah was old enough to be the grandfather
Both my parents and my mom’s mother, in
of his little son John. He spoke prophetically the plans
particular, always encouraged me (and my siblings) in
of God over that tiny little boy. Likely, it was not until
this way. What a life-long and fruit-bearing blessing
after his death that John the Baptizer walked out his
this has been for us!
father’s words. “Children are a gift (a heritage) of the Lord” (Psalm 127:3). Have you blessed your children? How about their
Please, do this with your family. And speak over other little ones around you; some have no one to do this! Speak Life, the blessing of the Lord, to and over those around you—even to adults. It’s God’s plan
children? Have you spoken Life over them? Do you
for the earth. Speaking His Words establishes the
speak Life over them? God has given us “a future
Kingdom of God in the world. And all who love Life
and a hope.” Do your words reflect those promises?
will benefit. “Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet, a light
Words matter. Prophecy proclaims the end from the
unto my path.”
to a future assignment. They may be little guys now, but our words of God’s blessing pull them forward.
42 // March 2022
About The Author
beginning. It gives the little ones a target, a goal, a call Paul McGuire has been born again for almost 60 years, and has pursued to hear God’s Voice through all those years. He and his wife Teresa of 49 years are active at Living Word Church in Cleveland, Tennessee. They have two children and five grandchildren.
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