March 2023

Gò0dNews March 2023

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About Us WRITERS

Brenda Dedmon Brent Goodge Brian Johnson David Beckmann David Huff Granger Hughes Judy Hood Karla Smedley Katie Loveless Kenneth E. Ware Kristen West Lori Sentell Matt Jensen Rhonda Beavers

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

DESIGN

Caleb Prytherch Email: art.goodnews@gmail.com

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Hayley Phillips Photography

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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.

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Contents MARCH 2023

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 7 Things That God Loves

by Kenneth E. Ware

GoodNews for Kids

8 I Wish

by Brenda Dedmon

GoodNews Money Matters

10 Is An Annuity Right for Me?

by Granger Hughes

GoodNews for Men

12 Stay on the Ride

by Brian Johnson

GoodNews for Women

14 One Track Mind

by Katie Loveless

GoodNews for Everyone

18 All Things Are Possible

by Kristen West

GoodNews Cover Story

20 Willow Tree Farms GoodNews for Marriage

22 Marriage—A Profound Mystery

by Matt Jensen

GoodNews for Parents

24 Relating To Your Kids

by David Beckmann

GoodNews for Everyone

26 The Gentle Giant

by Rhonda Beavers

GoodNews Poetry

28 On My Mind

by Judy Hood

GoodNews for Everyone

30 The Master’s Voice

12

by Brent Goodge

GoodNews for Everyone

32 A New Heart

by David Huff

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

34 Springtime Lemon Cookies GoodNews for Everyone

36 Sitting Duck

by Karla Smedley

GoodNews for Everyone

38 Fear Not?...Not!

20

by Lori Sentell

30

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

7 Things That God Loves as it ever occurred to you that there are certain things that God loves. The very nature of His essence is love (1 John 4:8, 16). The Bible makes it clear that there are things and people that our Lord loves in a special way. Obviously, this is not a complete list of things that God loves, for there are many more that extends this list. However, these in particular bring pleasure to Him. 1. God Loves Sinners The Apostle Paul affirms the love of God towards sinners, saying, “But God demonstrates His own love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Again, John, the beloved disciple, in his wonderful discourse to Nicodemus states, “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

God loves sinners.

2. God Loves Unity In His High Priestly prayer, Jesus prays, “…that they may be one, just as We are one; I in them and You in Me, that they may be perfected in unity, so that the world may know that You sent Me, and loved them, even as You have loved Me” (John 17:2223). Christian unity is both pleasant and precious to the Lord (Psa. 133). God loves unity.

3. God Loves a Cheerful Giver Giving is important to the Lord. It can be so with a good or bad attitude. One may give grudgingly or under compulsion. In order to please God through giving, it must be done so with a cheerful heart. Paul states, “Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Cor. 9:8). God loves a cheerful giver.

4. God Loves Israel When the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, she was stunned at what she saw. The Temple he had built unto

6 // March 2023

the Lord, the food on his table, the seating of his servants… and his stairway by which he went up to the house of the Lord, there was no more spirit in her. She blessed the men of Solomon. She blessed the servants of King Solomon. Then, she blessed the God of King Solomon, saying, “Blessed be the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel; because the Lord loved Israel forever…” (1 Kings 10:4-9). God loves Israel.

5. God Loves the Church The love of God towards the Church is inseparable. In fact, Paul says, “Who will separate us from the love of Christ?

Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution? …neither death, nor life, nor angels…will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:35-39). Jesus emphasized His love for the Church as He declared, “Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).

God loves the Church.

6. God Loves Repentance When true repentance takes place, it greatly pleases the Lord. The entire angelic host of heaven rejoices when a sinner repents and turns to the Lord in faith. Jesus says, “There is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). God loves repentance.

7. God Loves Justice and Righteousness God loves justice and righteousness because it is His very nature. King David asserts, “For the Lord loves justice and does not forsake His godly ones…” and “For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness; the upright will behold His face” (Psa. 11:7; 37:28). God loves justice and righteousness.

About The Author

H

by Kenneth E. Ware

Kenneth E. Ware, M.M., M.A.B.S., M. Div. is a husband, father, pastor of New Scholar Avenue Baptist Church, and graduate of Temple Baptist Seminary. Pastor Ware is also a Christian writer and an Expository Bible Teacher at Samford University Ministry Training Institute in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

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Gò0dNews for Kids

I Wish

“W

by Brenda Dedmon e all have the power to make wishes

that you can learn to be a good speller. You would need to

come true as long as we keep

decide how much you were willing to study and spend the

believing.”—Louisa May Alcott

time to make sure you were prepared for the spelling bee.

Have you ever said to your parents or teachers: I wish

As you continue to work through your list, remember

I would get an A on this test or I wish I could be a starter on the

that there is more than one way to make a wish come true.

team? It is good to have wishes about what we want, however,

You can make a list of things that you feel would help

only wishing will not make them happen. The following

you reach your goal and a list of things that you feel may

activities will be a way to help you accomplish your wishes

make it impossible to reach. Invite your parents to give you

and turn them into achievable goals for you to reach.

suggestions about the things that are most important to you

It is very important that you ask your parents

so that you can make your wishes come true. You

to help you with these ideas so that you

may choose to invite your teachers at school

can begin making your wishes happen.

and church to give you ideas in reaching

Tell your parents that you would like

your goals.

to have family time to talk about the

One of the most important things

things that you “wish” you could do.

you need to remember in making your

For the family time, have paper and

wishes come true is that God has a plan

markers to record your ideas. Talk with

for you. I would suggest you learn these

your parents about what is important

verses to help you remember God will

to you, for example: sports, dance,

take care of you and help to make your

school, friends, family, or any ideas

wishes come true.

in which you are interested. Write down in order of which is the most

“I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon

important to you and what you

you, plans to give you the future

“wish” you could do in each area.

you hoped for” (Jeremiah

As you think about these

29:11, MSG).

wishes, discuss with your

“Take delight in the

parents what you can do

Lord, and he will give you

to help make those wishes

the desires of your heart”

become real. Remember,

(Psalm 37:4, RSV).

this may require you to do

“May He grant the

things to turn that wish

dreams of your heart and

into reality. If you wish

see your plans through

you could be in the spelling

to the end” (Psalm 20:4,

bee at school, then you will

The Voice).

have to set goals. It would be

8 // March 2023

About The Author

necessary for you to learn ways 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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Is An Annuity Right for Me? Money Matters Granger Hughes

Driven by a passion to educate, inform and prepare future retirees, Mr. Hughes works with his father to help provide educational opportunities for clients as well as others in the community.

He feels a responsibility to help inform those who may otherwise not be aware of strategies, changes, and opportunities available to them when it comes to their financial well-being.

probably hear more and more about it. The biggest thing with any

A

portion of a 401k, for example $300k. The positive about this example is that

retirement tool is understanding if that tool is right for you. We’ve

you are basically going to have two accounts, a lifetime income (LTI) account

all heard the saying if all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

and a life time income base. The income side will be credited with a bonus

As fiduciaries, this is something we avoid when working with clients, as

up front in a lot of cases. For this example, let’s use 20%. The income side

annuities aren’t as bad as you have heard, and they aren’t the answer to all

has grown to $360k day one. In addition, every year that we wait to take that

your financial problems, but they can be a valuable tool for a retiree.

income, they would give us an additional 8%. After five years, your income

lot of people ask this question, and as we approach retirement, we

Let’s look at some types of annuities. One of the most common that

2). Another option is creating an income stream. Let’s say you have a

account would be close to $530k. If you decided at that point that you wanted

we use is called a fixed indexed annuity. This means it’s linked to an index

to activate the LTI, the payout would be based on a mortality table at that

such as the S & P, but the fixed component means that the principal (the

time. Meaning if you were 70, that percentage would be 6%. This would

portion you put in) is safe. Taking that into consideration, the next step is

create $31k of annual income for the rest of your life. If you passed away,

what am I trying to accomplish?

your spouse would have the option of taking a lump sum or continuing that

1). Do I want to protect a portion of my portfolio?

stream of income. One common misconception is that if both spouses pass,

2). Do I need an income stream?

the money is gone and that isn’t necessarily the case. As mentioned earlier,

3). Is there a Long-Term Care need?

there are two accounts, the income account and the actual account value.

1). Annuities in today’s day and age can be structured based on the need for protection. For instance, let’s say you want to take some risk out of your portfolio by purchasing an annuity. There are annuities in this current

Should both husband and wife pass away, whatever is left in the account value would be distributed to the beneficiaries you had selected.

3). The third option is creating some support for Long Term Care

environment that will actually give you a bonus when you purchase one!

(LTC). This option will piggy back off of option 2. Let’s go back to the

This is one of the benefits in a rising interest rate environment that is

previous example and say we have created a stream of income annually of

actually a benefit to those who don’t want to risk their money in the market

$31k. This strategy would actually double that income to $62K, should you

and want to save in a safer environment. In addition, there are no fees with

need LTC. The key here is, are you able to perform the activities of daily

this strategy, and as mentioned before, you would be linked to the S & P,

living (ADL)? If you can’t perform two of the six, for example you can’t

which means if the S & P does x percentage, you would receive a portion,

feed or bathe yourself, the LTC option would be eligible to be activated.

but if the S & P loses money, your principal is still safe. One of the potential

All you would need is a doctor to sign off stating that you can’t perform

drawbacks is liquidity (access to your money). Typically, a lot of carriers

two of the six ADLs. This can help provide some much-needed support,

will give you 7% to 10% a year penalty free. But if you wanted to take

as the likelihood of us needing some form of LTC as we get older increases

out all your money, you could face a penalty of 10% as well, so you need

drastically. The positive aspect of this strategy is it is your money, and you

to make sure that the annuity is a piece of your overall portfolio and not

can use it how you want to. You don’t have to go into a facility, you can

your only option for withdrawals. Contracts also differ on length, though

make your home handicap accessible, hire a nurse etc., whereas a lot of

its common to see 7 to 12 years. Some misconceptions could be if I pass

traditional LTC policies only give you the option to use an actual facility.

away, my beneficiary will have to pay penalties and that is not the case.

The key is to look at what options and tools you have in retirement.

The annuity would be liquid to them, though tax liability could potentially

An annuity can be a great tool and can be structured in different ways to

ensue, as will most accounts. In addition, a lot of annuities will allow a

meet your specific needs. They aren’t going to suit everyone’s needs and

higher percentage of access should you need long term care or have a

desires, but it is important to know what your options are entering into

chronic or terminal illness. Once again, it’s important to know your options

retirement and how each tool can help protect and preserve what you have

and find the annuity that suits your needs the best.

made throughout your working years.

10 // March 2023

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Gò0dNews for Men

Stay on the Ride

W

by Brian Johnson

e don’t like trials. I think that goes without

Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect,

being said, but it’s one of the methods God

stablish, strengthen, settle you.”

uses to conform us to the image of Christ.

God doesn’t promise that we won’t go through

James 1:2 says, “…count it all joy when ye fall into divers

suffering. In fact, He tells us we will. But, after that

temptations.” Paul says, in Romans 5:3 that “…we glory in

suffering, we gain so much and become more like Christ

tribulations…” and they eventually end up with hope in

in the process. That’s why we can have hope. When God

verse 4. How can that be? How can a difficult beginning end

continually shows His power in our lives by bringing

in hope? Let’s discuss.

us through trial after trial as we trust Him, we become

I love roller coasters. So, I was excited to take my oldest son on his first roller coaster when he was nine years old. While we waited in line for about an hour, I checked with him frequently to make sure he was still okay with the ride. He assured me he was. As coasters typically do, it started slowly creeping up the first hill, creating anticipation for the first dip. We got over the hill and started to come down when, all of a sudden, the ride stopped.

We were stuck on the ride, strapped in our seats in a declined position.

Obviously, I was concerned about my son. A couple of workers walked up the stairs to let us know they were working on the ride. I

spiritually mature, established, settled, and hopeful

asked one of them if they wouldn’t mind taking my son

regardless of the circumstances. The hope that’s developed

back down with them. He said to me, “Once we get the

gives us the ability to have peace that passes understanding

ride going again, it’s actually safer to go through it.” I said

in the midst of the ride and will give us a testimony to share

okay, and after a few minutes, they got things going, and

about the power of God in our lives.

everything ended up okay.

The ride that God takes us on isn’t smooth, but if you stay on, He’ll be able to take you to places and work through

inclination is to get away from it as quickly as possible.

you in ways you never would’ve imagined. Trust Him in the

That’s understandable. We want off of the ride. But, if

trial. Stay on the ride. By the way, my son is 22 now and still

you’ve prayed about it and God still allows it, trust that He

likes roller coasters.

knows what He’s doing. 1 Peter 5:10 says, “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ

12 // March 2023

About The Author

When difficulty comes into our lives, our natural

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

One Track Mind

by Katie Loveless

I

have fond memories of my childhood playground on

that all these years later, I still stand in the flow of His

Arista Mountain in West Virginia. My grandparents

goodness and trust Him to wash me and make me clean. It’s

lived there, and we visited often. The memories are so

a miracle that He can take the potsherds of my life and make

prominent for me that I can remember the backdrop of the cool blue sky that hovered like a canopy, a dinosaur-like

them beautiful and functional again.

I think about Job and how he sat among ash and broken

mountainside by the clothesline, and the sounds of singing

pottery as he was reeling from grief, unspeakable loss, and

birds like wallpaper in my mind.

physical affliction (see Job 2:8). I consider how he lanced

There was ample opportunity to explore and shake

his own weeping wounds with shards of broken pottery to

hands with nature. Walking to the forks of the road with my

bring relief. We are not so different. We try to foster healing

siblings and grandfather is one of many fond memories as

in the necrotic places of our hearts by introducing them to the broken places and we marvel why it doesn’t work.

Neither one can cure the other. Brokenness alone won’t heal the stench of death in me. I need my brokenness and humility to be coupled with God’s power and grace like a hitch to get anywhere at all.

As my heart is joined with His, I am in a position to make better choices, more redemptive ones. I begin to meditate on His goodness with the stamina of a one-track mind like a locomotive. And with that, my mind is kept in perfect peace. The peace is not a stagnant pond with life

we interacted with the lush landscape. It is a place where

ebbing away. Instead, it is a river that is moving, productive,

the power to choose is outwardly evident. In fact, it was

life-giving, and never will run dry.

during one of those walks that my grandfather talked with

I hear a train whistle blaring near my home as I write.

me about the temporary nature of the human life. He was a

Have you ever wondered what it takes for a train to switch

new Christian and eagerly commented on how the human

tracks or make a turn among two divergent paths? A train

life is like vapor that disappears, grass that withers, and a

conductor cannot make a detour independently. He relies on

puff of smoke that wafts away. My young mind whirred to

the flip of a switch to elevate the chosen path. This process

connect the dots at the forks of the road in that moment, but

means that the old, forgotten path is seemingly recessed in

the conversation remains with me to this day.

the earth, and the new, chosen path is elevated, making it

There isn’t time to waste on indecision. Entertaining

the only way to go.

doubt is an expense much too extravagant. We can’t afford

The Holy Spirit will do that for you. He will be your

it. With my childhood sprinkled with poverty at times, I

switch operator if you allow it. He will elevate righteousness

understand the importance of making even a little count and

for you and make that path the only way to go. He will give

stretch. Little is much when God is in it.

you a one-track mind. “Righteousness shall go before him, and

As I pray for bystanders refusing grace’s invitation,

shall make His footsteps our pathway,” (Psalm 85:13, NKJV).

make good ones without God’s continual aid. It’s a miracle I ever chose to surrender my life to God at all. It’s a miracle

14 // March 2023

About The Author

I consider the frailty of my own decisions. I simply can’t Katie Loveless is a social worker, wife, and mother of five boys. She is a student of grace who enjoys writing, gardening, and empowering others to pursue stability.

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16 // March 2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

78 Monanaw Avenue Rossville GA 30741 706-866-6724 Nazarene Battlefield Parkway Church of the Nazarene 3220 Battlefield Parkway Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-9838 Non-Denominational Battlefield Praise & Worship 1337 Battlefield Pkwy, Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-913-0531 Chosen Generation Ministries 92 W Patterson Avenue Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-779-6777 Living Waters Ministries 1337 Battlefield Pkwy Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-255-8655 Ridgeland Point Church 1417 Happy Valley Rd. Rossville, GA 30741 RockPointe Church 1278 Cross Street Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-820-6523 Untethered Church 2473 Lafayette Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 423-991-6067 Presbyterian First Presbyterian Church 1 Harker Road Fort Oglethorpe, GA 30742 706-866-0232

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

goodnewscm.com // 17

Gò0dNews for Everyone

All Things Are Possible

H

by Kristen West

ave you ever noticed that the Bible is full

Maybe you feel like you’re drowning in your own

of “impossible” stories? Had they been

personal flood right now, unable to see how things

published in an ancient newspaper, I can

will ever get better. Perhaps you are facing your own

imagine some of the bold headlines reading:

personal giant who challenges you with taunts, guilt,

Noah and His Family Survive Destructive Worldwide Flood!

and ridicule as he tempts you to think you’ll never get

Puny Shepherd Boy Annihilates Battle-Hardened Giant!

Man Trapped Overnight with Lions Lives to Tell About It! EMPTY Tomb Discovered?!?

You’d be hard pressed to find a

passed him. God knew we would need those faithboosting stories (and promises) about the impossible to spur us on in our own lives.

What is your “impossible” today, friend? Whatever it is, He already sees, cares, and is there with you. Roll

story in the Bible where a country, a people, or an individual wasn’t boxed in at one time or another.

Solutions proved to be out of their reach. Their circumstances seemed bleak. It always appeared like the end was near, unavoidable, and without hope.

Yet, time after time, these stories get to a point where all the struggles, white-knuckle moments, and intense perplexity and pain is turned on its head as God moves, intervenes, and does the impossible.

The Bible—God’s incredible written Word to us—is a faithit is packed with stories intentionally meant to grow and challenge us in our daily spiritual walk. The crux of every impossible story, when believed, continually reminds us that in our own strength, we are powerless.

But God is not. “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

18 // March 2023

up your sleeves and dig in to some of those incredible faith-boosting stories so that just like Noah, David, Daniel, and Jesus, you can face your impossible with utter dependency on God as you believe today that with Him all things ARE possible!

About The Author

building book. From cover to cover,

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

WILLOW TREE FARMS THE PERFECT CHOICE FOR YOUR W E D D I N G O R S P E C I A L E V E N T. Nestled in the rolling foothills of Northwest Georgia. Conveniently located between Chattanooga and Atlanta, our family farm offers unrivaled beauty and serenity with just the right touch of rustic charm and modern amenities. Our lush grounds frame tranquil ponds. Cascading willow trees sway majestically in the mountain breezes. Cattle and llamas graze in nearby verdant fields as ducks and swans paddle peacefully atop shimmering waters. Aside from the pristine countryside, we offer a barn, a pavilion, two gazebos, an open, flat grassy area, and a fire pit for your special occasion.

Whether you need indoor or outdoor settings for your next event, look no further than Willow Tree Farms.

609 Post Oak Road Ringgold, GA 30736 (706) 965-2378 willowtreefarms.com

Willow Tree Farms

FEATURED COVER STORY

A

re you in need of a beautiful outdoor venue close to home for an event this year? Willow Tree Farms is on Post Oak Road in Ringgold, GA, right

off Boynton Drive. We can accommodate anything, from birthday parties and family reunions to baby showers and weddings. We’ve even hosted concerts and corporate events. With the revenue we make sharing our home with the community for private events, we can turn around and invest in large public events for the whole community to raise money for different local charities throughout the year. These events bring fun to Ringgold families and help organizations such as The Sexual Assault Victims Advocacy Center, North Georgia Animal Alliance, and Catoosa County Foster & Adoptive Parent Association.

Our 160-acre property has been the passion project of Alvin and Sherrie Mashburn for over ten years. What started as empty fields and a single little black barn has since turned into a luscious hidden paradise with six large ponds. Willow Tree Farms has a convertible indoor/outdoor pavilion, multiple barns, an aviary, a wedding arbor surrounded by willow trees, a 45-foot bridge, six fountains, three gazebos, and a big cozy firepit amongst its event amenities. Even with all of that, there’s still plenty of wide-open field space that we’ve added water and electricity to make it the perfect spot for inflatables, food trucks, stages, yard games, petting zoos,

Hayley Phillips Photography

tents, and more!

In addition to being an event venue, Willow Tree Farms is also our home. Alvin and Sherrie Mashburn live on site.

They raise black angus cattle and grow their own vegetables every year, in addition to growing hay for all the livestock.

The big project we have going on this year includes moving Alvin and Sherrie from their current house on the property to a new one we are building right next to it. They will leave the space they are currently in, and it will become an upcoming addition to the venue. It boasts a bride and groom getting-ready suite, as well as a large reception hall that will be available in 2024. This brings our venue from a primarily outdoor retreat to one that has the best of both

20 // March 2023

worlds. Willow Tree Farms is a glimpse of willow trees and

that funds the passion project that is Willow Tree Farms. It

glistening waters alongside a luxurious indoor getaway.

doesn’t stop there because the grandkids are also involved!

The most popular feature of our event rental packages

Our farm manager and maintenance expert is Ian Bryson.

is catch-and-release fishing. Everyone is invited to enjoy

He cares for the property and animals alongside Alvin every

our ponds when they book a private event with us. We keep

single day. Then their granddaughter, Cassidy Lightfoot,

them stocked with catfish, bass, and crappie! We are also

attended Georgia Northwestern to acquire her business

now offering our very own decoration rental catalog this

degree to return home and help run the commercial

spring with everything from wedding arches to cornhole

property business and the events at the farm. Today, she is a

boards. Continuously seeing what we can do to make

business management graduate and our event coordinator.

the event planning process even easier for our clients is

She ensures all of the private events booked with us go as

something we strive for year-round.

smoothly as possible and puts her all into organizing our

One of our favorite ways to get involved in Ringgold, aside from our fundraising events, is with our vendor list.

fundraisers throughout the year.

Of course, we couldn’t have made it this far in the last

We put pride into keeping it full of exclusively small, locally

couple of years without a few more additions to the team.

owned businesses, just like us. There are so many talented

Barbara and Randall Johnson are retired Catoosa County

people in Catoosa County that we have recommendations

school bus drivers that now live with us and help care for

for just about everything! From photographers and florists

our animals as if they were their own. They are some of the

to petting zoos and bounce house rentals, you name it,

most incredible people you will ever meet! We may have a

we’ve got a contact for it.

small staff, but every one of us has a heart for bringing joy to

Our farm is a labor of love run almost exclusively by

the people of Ringgold. We are dedicated to providing the

the family. Sherrie Mashburn is the mastermind behind

best service we can and serving our community. The Catoosa

the design of the farm and every building that sits on it

County Chamber of Commerce made our year in 2021 when

today. Alvin Mashburn discovered a natural spring under

we were awarded their Micro Business of the Year award.

the property and went to town in digging all of our ponds

We love watching memories be made at our home and hope

himself. His hands are also the ones that brought all of

to continue our venue for years and years to come.

Sherrie’s creative visions to life and built them from the

If you’d like to check the

ground up. Their daughter, Stacy Mashburn, is a vet tech

farm out for yourself, you

with a passion for llamas. She rescues animals of all kinds

can take a virtual tour at

and brings them back to our farm to care for them. Their

www.willowtreefarms.com

son, Trace Mashburn, is our resident trolley driver for our

or visit our social medias on

public fundraising events. He also does all he can to help

Facebook (@willowtreefarms)

around the farm and garden with maintenance each year.

and Instagram

He also helps maintain their commercial property business

(@willowtreefarmsringgold).

WI LLOW TREE

FARM S

goodnewscm.com // 21

Gò0dNews for Marriage

Marriage—A Profound Mystery

“T

by Matt Jensen

herefore, a man shall leave his father and mother and

Women have an indispensable role in this task (1 Corinthians

hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one

1:11-12). Finally, marriage is a supremely intimate relationship.

flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying

It’s described as being naked and unashamed (Genesis 2:25). To

that it refers to Christ and the Church” (Ephesians 5:31-32).

know and love another completely in a physical and spiritual

Family is the most important unit in society and the

sense. To be one in communion even as you are one in union.

Church. Societies and churches are made up of families.

This is the marvelous intimacy of a godly marriage. Paul can

Marriage—the covenant bond between one man and one

only call it a mystery! This mystery calls us to action.

woman until death—is the most important unit of the family.

A man must leave his father and mother. Not in an

Without biblical marriage, families derail from God’s good

absolute sense, as if he can’t have anything to do with them anymore. It means that he leaves the authority of his parents’ house to become the head of a new family.

This doesn’t exclude seeking advice, but much damage is done when a man slavishly follows the wishes of his parents to the detriment of his own family. Likewise, a woman is to leave her parents, and the two are to hold fast to one another. The moment you say, “I do,” your relationship with your spouse becomes your highest priority, second only to your relationship with God. It’s more important than your relationship with your work, parents, or even your kids. This is what it means to leave and hold fast to your spouse.

The staggering mystery and dignity of marriage is that it “refers to Christ and the Church.” It’s not merely for human flourishing. It’s a picture or living representation of the relationship between Christ and

design. When families derail, societies and churches derail.

his Church. Christ was born, lived, died, and rose again for

There is much at stake here!

his Church. He enters an unbreakable covenant with Her

Not unhitching himself from the Old Testament, Paul

sealed with His own blood and merit. The marriage has

quotes Genesis 2:24, saying, “Therefore, a man shall leave his

been established (union), and life with Christ has begun

father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall

(communion). Christian, Christ knows everything about

become one flesh.” The context of Genesis 2:24 reveals some

you and loves you! You may be reading this because you’re

important things about marriage.

interested in marriage, but if you don’t know Christ, that

First, God made man and woman in His own image

needs to be your top priority. Knowing Christ is not the

(Genesis 1:27). Maleness and femaleness are not fluid. They’re

means to a good marriage. Marriage—as wonderful as it

not socially constructed. Maleness and femaleness are God’s

is—points to something greater than itself—a union and

chosen way of manifesting His own glory in and upon human

communion with God that is not ‘til death do us part. Death

beings. Secondly, woman was created as a suitable helper for

only ushers in the eternal celebration (Revelation 19:6-9)!

man (Genesis 2:23). The task of filling and subduing the earth

Repent and believe the gospel.

heavily upon his shoulders. However, man can’t do it alone.

22 // March 2023

About The Author

was primarily given to man; thus, the responsibility falls more

Matt Jensen is a missionary from Reformation Baptist Church in Dalton, Georgia. He and his wife, Danielle, are preparing to move to Thailand soon with their son, Judah.

They are also anticipating the birth of another son, Gabriel.

Church Activities & Events Oakwood Baptist Church

Sidewalk Prophets Songs & Stories Tour Thursday, March 2 4501 Bonny Oaks Dr, Chattanooga, TN

Parkway Baptist Temple Karen Peck & New River Saturday, March 4 | 6:30PM 65 Stuart Rd, Fort Oglethorpe, GA

Christ First Church

Ladies Bible Study & Fellowship Sunday, March 5 | 5:30PM 5994 Martha Berry Hwy, LaFayette, GA

Gò0dNews for Parents

Relating To Your Kids

P

by David Beckmann

arents, you love your kids. You want them to turn out

worth, 4) having unrealistic goals—trying to make them be

well and become men and women of God. You want

or do something that God has not given them the talent for,

to be a good parent. God wants this, too. He loves

5) failing to show affection, 6) not providing and protecting,

your kids; indeed, they are more His than yours! We are

7) leaving them to themselves—not teaching and training

ultimately raising them for Him, to be Jesus’s disciples.

them toward godly adulthood, 8) destructive or habitual

Yet, we know that there is work that needs to be done

criticism, 9) not matching correction with the weight of the

in their hearts that only He can do. So, it makes sense that

offense, i.e., overcorrecting, and thus, 10) being unfair—

one of the most important things we have to do as parents

which is huge!

is to be sure we are not relating to our children in some way

The other side of the coin is to be thoughtful and

that is hindering or frustrating what God is wanting to do

purposeful in our relationship with our children: nurture and train. If we are just letting things go along and only intervening when they are doing something we don’t like or that bothers or embarrasses us, we are just being capricious.

We are not taking on the responsibility of parenting. There is no nurturing or training going on; there is no plan, no objective, and certainly no careful maintenance of a good relationship with the kids. We are certainly not modeling for them what their Father in heaven is like.

And by the way, who was the imbecile who said you maintain your dignity in your position by never apologizing for anything?

Good grief! God doesn’t have to apologize for anything because He is perfect. We, however,

for them. We want to be a help to their discipleship, not a

must—and the best way is to do it immediately upon an

hindrance!

offense. The kids know when we are wrong. When we

St. Paul gives us some help with this. Combining Ephesians 6:4 and Colossians 3:21, we read: “Fathers, a) do

apologize, they see we are being honest. Few things earn their respect better than humble honesty.

not provoke your children to anger or resentment, lest they

Raising children is part of your own discipleship; part

be discouraged, but b) bring them up in the nurture and

of your own training as a child of God. Embrace it, and lean

correction of the Lord.”

on your loving Father who gives you grace to follow His

So here we have “two sides of a coin” for relating to our kids. First, do not treat them in such a way that leads to the

example (2 Corinthians 9:8). Keep up this good work—they grow up so fast!

of hope. We learn from John MacArthur that we must watch out for: 1) overprotecting, 2) favoritism, 3) depreciating their

24 // March 2023

About The Author

breakdown of their relationship with us, resulting in a loss

The Rev. David Beckmann is an Anglican priest and Moderator of the C.S. Lewis Society of Chattanooga. Recently, he was director of the C. S. Lewis Study Centre at The Kilns, Oxford, UK. He blogs at revbeckmann.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Gentle Giant

I

by Rhonda Beavers

was recently privileged to witness an act of a

new baby, discussions about the older children’s

husband’s love for his wife. A young married

school performance, or even their plans for a

couple who lived next door to me were

home of their own. Maybe they discussed how

expecting their third child who was due

to bear the weight of the responsibility of being

in one of the hottest months of the year, and

good parents.

was coincidentally my birthday.

One warm summer day after the husband returned home from work, instead of resting from his labors, he joined his small wife in her walk around the oval shaped walkway in the courtyard of our apartment complex.

He towered over her, not in a threatening way, but as her protector. The wife had been doing a lot of these walks recently, probably having been prescribed by her doctor.

On this occasion, the couple strolled leisurely

I watched them unobserved for quite a while, drinking in the sweetness of the moment. This walk was a reminder of how Christ loves us.

around the oval with her small hand tenderly

Ephesians 5:25 states, “Husbands love your wives,

tucked into her husband’s folded arm to steady

as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself

her gait, which was affected by the weight of their

for it.” Although He is much bigger than us in

unborn son. She would gaze up into his eyes and

every way, He is a gentle giant. He gazes down to

he into hers as they joined in deep conversation.

look into our hearts, to listen to our every word,

Who knows about what they spoke—plans for the

to our every problem, and steady us when we

26 // March 2023

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Gò0dNews Poetry

On My Mind

by Judy Hood

I woke up this morning with you on my mind My feelings for you I just cannot hide My faith grows stronger with each passing day From your word, it’s my manna, you made a way I look to the heavens looking for you But there you are right beside me in everything I do I will not fear as I walk through this life on earth What can man do to me? You knew me before birth Lord, you have loved me with an everlasting love I can’t wait to get to heaven to give you a long-lasting hug My love for you I’ll not be able to control as we stroll down those streets of gold And I look upon your face your radiance to behold 28 // March 2023

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The Master’s Voice

H

by Brent Goodge

ave you ever ridden the emotional roller coaster?

It seems we all experience the feeling sometimes.

One moment life is great. The next, the entire

world seems to come caving in around us. As Christians, we all want to put on good faces. We polish up our testimony of broken lives before we met Christ and how everything is different now. And in the best sense, that is, or at least should be, true. If the peace offered to us in Christ doesn’t change the entire outlook of our existence, there’s a serious problem.

But often in our quiet moments, when we don’t have to be strong, how often do we see the waves of life crashing around us and wonder, “Why?” Matthew 14, Mark 6, and John 6 tell a story to remind us this question is not new.

Almost a year earlier, Jesus had angered the religious

the crowd. And then He disappeared up the hill to pray

leaders by clearing the temple of their profiteering (John

alone. The disciples were crushed. The opportunity had

2). Jesus had recently been rejected by his childhood

vanished. They sullenly left the dock for the opposite

friends and neighbors (Mark 6). John the Baptist had just

shore. A terrible storm arose. The storm was so severe

been beheaded (Matthew 14). And of the relatively few

that even these seasoned sailors were sure all hope was

who believed in Jesus, many would be turning against

lost. They were going to die. And then they saw it. They

Him within 24 hours (John 6).

weren’t sure what it was, but Something or Someone was

In the midst of all the failures to obtain popular

walking on the water. Then It spoke. “Be of good cheer!

support to make Jesus king, the feeding of the five

It is I. Do not be afraid” (Matthew 14:27). Inside the boat,

thousand seemed to the disciples to be the perfect

Jesus asked, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?”

opportunity. Jesus took a small boy’s lunch and fed close

(Matthew 14:31).

to twenty thousand people. A leader who could feed

From the pride and jubilation of the afternoon,

vast armies, heal the wounded, and even raise the dead

to the sullen disappointment of the evening, to utter

was a leader who could restore Israel to the top of the

despair of life itself in the storm, to solemn awe in the

Mediterranean food chain.

presence of the Master. The disciples had been through

The disciples’ hopes rose to a fevered pitch. This was

it all. When all hope had died, the voice of the Master

the moment! Their dreams were coming true. They were

changed their world. Will we, of little faith, allow His

no longer following a no-name. They were going to be

voice to change ours?

And then Jesus messed everything up. He told the disciples to take a boat across the lake. Jesus dispersed

30 // March 2023

About The Author

the cabinet for the new King of Israel.

Brent Goodge lives in Whitfield County and prays for focus to listen for the Master’s voice rather than staring at the surrounding waves.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

A New Heart

I

by David Huff

love springtime; birds start chirping and frolicking in

3, He calls out, “Where are you?” Firstly, this lets us

the yard, grass turns green, and trees start blooming

know that Adam and Eve were used to communing with

again. New life begins to spring up everywhere. For

God in the garden because they hid when they head His

many plants, animals, and humans, it is a fresh beginning

footsteps. Secondly, this tells us that even though God

and an opportunity for something new. Spring often

knew what had happened, He still went looking for His

makes me think of the creation story. God is creating

creation. That is the beauty of the creation story that is

everything from nothing. There is a part of the creation

still present today.

story that I am afraid many of us have forgotten.

God, in all His glory, knows each of us sins and falls short of His glory. Yet He still seeks us, He still searches for us, and He still wants to heal us. Are we like Adam and Eve and try to hide from God’s presence because of our sin? He already knows them. Do you remember the story of Jonah, who tried to run away from God and found himself in the stomach of a great fish? King David was not a perfect king by any means. He had a sin problem, and yet David is known as a man after God’s own heart. Why? King David cried out to God, “Search me and create a new heart in me.”

God looked at everything that He had just created: water, land, trees, animals, man and woman, and He

He also asked God to seek him.

It is never too late to start over, and it is never too late

pronounced, “It is good.” God was well pleased with

to ask forgiveness as long as you are still alive. The very

what He had created. Every time I see new life forming

God that created each one of us is waiting on us, seeking

in the springtime, I wonder what Eden was like when

us, and is calling us to Himself. May we stop hiding from

God finished creating the Earth. We know He said, “It

the God who loves us so much, open our hearts, and

is good,” but how peaceful was it for Adam and Eve

allow God to create a new heart in each one of us.

communing with the living God? what Eden felt like. After the fall of Adam and Eve, God walked through the garden to look for them. In Genesis

32 // March 2023

About The Author

In the Genesis account, we are given a sample of

My name is David Huff, and 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 production team. I am also a senior at Liberty University.

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Springtime Lemon Cookies Lemon cookies are the perfect treat to celebrate a spring day! We recommend sharing these cookies with a friend during your mid-afternoon coffee date, popping one in your child’s lunchbox for a mid-day surprise, or treating yourself to one (or maybe two) after a long day! If you try out this recipe at home, tag us on Facebook at Goodnews CM and let us know your thoughts!

Ingredients Cookie Dough • ½ cup of all-purpose flour • ½ cup of almond flour • ¼ cup of tapioca flour • ¼ cup of cane sugar • 1/8 teaspoon of sea salt • ¼ cup of coconut oil • 2 teaspoons of lemon zest • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice • 1 tablespoon of milk (or dairy-free milk alternative) Cookie Glaze • ½ cup of powdered sugar • 2 teaspoons of lemon juice • 1 teaspoon of milk (or dairy-free milk alternative)

34 // March 2023

Instructions 1. Preheat your oven to 350 F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

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3. Place your mixing bowl in the refrigerator for 5-10 minutes. This will help you roll out the dough easier!

4. Then, roll out your dough and use cookie-cutters to cut out as many cookies as possible. Place cookies on the parchment paper and bake for 10 minutes.

5. While the cookies are baking, combine powdered sugar, lemon juice, and milk to make a glaze.

6. Remove the cookies from the oven and let cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Sitting Duck

H

by Karla Smedley

ow ignorant are we to simply sit stagnant, making us

I find myself just sitting there like that ignorant duck resisting

an easy target to be tempted by Satan? God’s Holy

Satan’s blatant temptations, but making no movement toward

Word states no one is immune to the temptations of

God. Thus, I drift away from Him whenever Satan tosses a

Satan, and yet, we often sit still, like a duck waiting for the

pebble, one of his less subtle allures, in the pond, causing me

hunter to take his shot. Will you sit like a dumb duck, or will

to drift with the ripples. When I give in to his coaxing, my boat

you take action and protect yourself?

weighs more, producing increased difficulties in managing the

Take A Page from Dobson’s Book

oars to draw closer to Him.

Have you ever read a line that sticks with you forever? I gleaned one such thought that has resonated with me for over twenty years. In James Dobson’s book, Coming Home: Timeless

The Good News There is a way to find my way back to God. Dump the contents of my sin out of my boat, and turn toward Him.

Wisdom, he creates the image of a couple sitting on a lake in

• Ask for forgiveness and repent

separate row boats. As the title indicates, he shares wise words,

• Know that God forgives as far as the East is to the West

hoping the reader will apply them to his/her own life. He

• Remember God loves me

draws the picture of the separate boats drifting apart because

• Pray, asking God to help me feel His presence

neither of the rowers are willing to put in the effort to move

• Read His word and seek His wise ways

toward one another—just sitting like ducks with a target on

• Apply this wisdom to my life, overcoming

their backs. While motionless, Satan will tempt them, and if they act upon these temptations, they will actually shift further away in the opposite direction. He suggests that both are in control of their boat and should pursue action, intentionally

my consequences • Learn from my mistakes and strive to live like Jesus more each day Ditch that sitting duck attitude and migrate towards the

rowing to one another.

Lord. You will be surprised by the peace you will find when

Applying to My Relationship with God

you cultivate your relationship, rowing toward God every day.

What a wonderful comparison for a stagnant marriage.

However, couldn’t this be said about our relationship with God? God does pursue us. In the book of Matthew, he shares the parable that Jesus told concerning the shepherd’s willingness to leave the ninety-nine, seeking to gather the one sheep that is lost! Yes, God would row towards me while I chase after a temptation that Satan has baited me with.

Sometimes, I fall for his methods: hook,

36 // March 2023

About The Author

line, and sinker. More often though,

Karla Smedley lives in Dalton, Georgia, where she has taught 5th through 8th grade for the past twenty-four years. She is a member of Emmaus Baptist Church and has two grown children. She enjoys singing with the praise team at church, and she writes a Christian blog, Smorgasbord of Sisterhood, with her cousin Donna.

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Fear Not?...Not!

W

by Lori Sentell

e are reminded in Isaiah 41:10 that we

He knew that we would experience stress, worry, and

are not to fear. This Scripture tells us that

even terror. Our life experiences can be treacherous

He is with us, yet, in our present world,

and unpredictable. We all go through difficult times

we see ourselves and others around us experiencing

that are overwhelming. I think David understood this

fear. What can we do when everything we see and

when he stood in front of Goliath that day. He knew

hear wants to evoke fear into our lives? We need

that Jehovah God was with him. Others were in terror

to take a closer look at the Scriptures that can help

and fear as Goliath ridiculed them, yet he chose to fear

us overcome fear in ourselves and others. Isaiah

not! David slew the giant that day because of his faith

41:10 says, “Fear not, for I am with you: Be ye not

and trust in God.

dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you. I will uphold you with My righteous hand.”

Our Heavenly Father does not want us to live in fear.

He assures us that no matter the circumstance, He is ever present. He wants us to know that in the moments and times when fear tries to grip us, we are not to be consumed by it.

He desires for us to realize that He is God and that we can cast every fear (care) upon Him. We cannot overcome it alone but can make it because of His promises. Knowing that He will help and strengthen us is so encouraging!

We can see the giant of fear in our lives fall. Do not allow fear, worry, and anxiety to taunt you any longer.

In Isaiah 43:1, the Word tells us, “Fear not, for I

Refuse to give in, stand up in faith, and trust God to

have redeemed you: I have called you by your name;

bring you through. Realize that you are His child, and

you are Mine. When you pass through the waters, I

He cares about every detail of your life. Share with

will be with you: And through the rivers, they shall not

others around you how the Lord has helped you trust

overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you

more in Him. Fear not!

He reminds us so many times not to fear. He felt it was important and necessary to tell us so because

38 // March 2023

About The Author

shall not be burned, nor shall the flame scorch you.”

Lori Sentell is the pastor’s wife of Cornerstone Church of God in Cleveland, Tennessee, and she is a teacher at Hopewell Elementary School.

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