May 2021

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Amy Oyler Andrew Lee Bekah Prytherch Brenda Dedmon David Thompson Eddie Turner Filip Brunner Heather Medley Heather Tate Jennifer Cobb Jessica Mathis Karen Jeffery Kristen West Monica Gambrell Dr. Rob Debelak Stephanie Shrum Tammy Madden Wayne E. Norton

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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.

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Contents M AY 2 0 2 1

GoodNews from the Pastor’s Desk

6 Well, Well!

by Dr. Rob Debelak

GoodNews for Teens

8 About God, Not About Me

by Filip Brunner

GoodNews on Money Matters

10 If You Build the Process, the Goal will Come

by Andrew Lee GoodNews for Men

12 To Christian Boys And Men

by Wayne E. Norton

GoodNews for Women

14 Strength of A Woman

by Jessica Mathis

GoodNews on Everyone

18 Modern-Day Miracles

by Tammy Madden

GoodNews for Life

20 Tammy Madden

by Heather Tate

GoodNews Cover Story

22 Farm To Fork: Fresh, Local, Good Food

by David Thompson GoodNews for Everyone

24 Politics In Public

by Eddie Turner

GoodNews on Motherhood

26 Three Things My Kids Taught Me

by Stephanie Shrum GoodNews for Everyone

28 On The Edge

by Monica Gambrell

GoodNews for Grandparents

30 Some Benefits of A Grandparent

by Kristen West

12

GoodNews for Everyone

32 The New Normal

by Amy Oyler

GoodNews for your Taste Buds

34 Chicken Bake

by Bekah Prytherch

GoodNews for Everyone

36 Rupture And Repair

by Heather Medley

GoodNews for Parents

38 A Mother’s Faith

by Brenda Dedmon

22

GoodNews for Everyone

40 Safety In A Burrow

by Jennifer Cobb

GoodNews for Everyone

42 Under His Wings

by Karen Jeffery

42

Gò0dNews from the Pastor’s Desk

Well, Well!

R

by Dr. Rob Debelak

eference abounds to Jacob’s twelve sons; in lesser limelight

the request itself a precursor to addressing weightier matters of

is his one daughter—Dinah. This Old Testament girl’s story

spirituality (vv. 10-15).

is brief and troubling but significant in forming a backdrop

Each woman lived in times fraught with devotional rivalry.

for Jesus’ redemptive conversation with a New Testament

In Dinah’s world, competing worship practices framed the day:

Samaritan woman.

Jacob’s altar for God contrasted Canaanite paganism (Genesis 33:20),

Following a family reunion (Genesis 33:1-17), Jacob settles near the

and later, religious differences from the Divided Kingdom period

Canaanite town of Shechem (Genesis 33:18-20). On the city’s outskirts

pit an unsanctioned Samaritan temple against Jerusalem’s official

(v. 18), he camps near a water source sufficient for his livestock (v. 17;

sanctuary (John 4:20). “Unclean” by heritage and faith, numerous

John 4:12). Time lapses. The adventurous Dinah sets out, intent on visiting local girls her own age (34:1), and calamity strikes. Akin to phrasing in the garden incident (Genesis 3), a prominent young man of the area saw her, took her, and defiled her (34:2).

Dinah’s painful ordeal compounds in her father’s lack of immediate comment (34:5); the offending family’s desperate negotiations (34:3-4, 6, 8-12); her siblings’ seething rage (34:7); and the clandestine conniving of city members (34:18-23). Two of Dinah’s brothers retaliate in bloody retribution (34:25-29). Everyone has their ideas for dealing with Dinah’s situation; notable in this charged scene, though, is that only men take action or do the talking— Dinah is essential but without voice. She may have told what happened (v. 5), but readers never hear her. Overshadowed by other

relationships suggest a checkered past (v. 18): like Jacob’s daughter,

conversations, Dinah is practically muted and nearly erased. From

the Samaritan woman is “defiled.”

the city periphery to social stigma, she is unduly marginalized.

Genesis 34 thus describes a young woman leaving familiar

Earlier in Canaan, devious men bargained for Dinah with ulterior motives—depersonalized, she is like property bid on—they

safety (home and well) who takes an unchaperoned journey,

negotiate for her, not with her. Genesis 34 ends in the massacre of

meets a man (who treats her horribly), and quietly recedes from

the town’s men. Jesus, however, reasons peaceably and personally

deliberations over her future. Readers are left with unresolved

with a nameless Samaritan woman, requesting only a little water.

concerns, seeking answers to tough questions posed by harsh

Her past is no barrier to her future. Retaining choice and voice, she

events. Centuries pass. Later, John’s Gospel revisits the vicinity

is valued. Her resulting transformation is so significant that she

with remarkable differences! This time, an obscure, socially

testifies her positive experience (4:28-29); the good news spreads,

disenfranchised woman leaves a city, arrives at a well, and meets a

and people go out to the well where Jesus waits (4:30). Modeling

man (who treats her with dignity). He dialogues with her, genuinely

the example of treasuring others, the Master overcomes obstacles to

loving her (and her people) into the Kingdom! This story reversal

genuine faith. Her encounter with Messiah (4:25-26) sees an entire

resolves with salvation and joy!

city spared; grace prevails for women and men alike (4:39-42)!

Jesus walks territory often avoided by pilgrims traveling

I wish Dinah had never suffered; I value her, in no way trivializing what she endured. While difficult questions linger, I

by the patriarchs (Abraham, Genesis 12:6; Jacob, Genesis 33:18).

appreciate that her story intersects with the larger redemptive story,

Jesus reaches Sychar (John 4:5-6, 12; “Shechem” or close by),

helping me sense God’s hope in dealing with tragedy over time. It

stationing Himself near water. An unaccompanied woman arrives

may well be that Jesus made a specific trip to that same region—a

to draw from the well (John 4:7), and Jesus initiates conversation.

place known for pain—to spotlight the unprecedented power of

Her chiding (4:9) exposes tension (Jews vs. Samaritans); where

divine love.

previous challenges may justify suspicion (Nehemiah’s era), Jesus dissolves racial prejudice in a simple entreaty for water (John 4:7-9):

6 // May 2021

About The Author

to and from Jerusalem. His route (John 4:4) reflects paths trod

Dr. Rob Debelak is associate professor of Bible in Lee University’s Online Program. He has taught at Lee University for 25 years, and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. He and his family reside in Cleveland, TN.

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Gò0dNews for Teens

About God, Not About Me

W

by Filip Brunner

hat is life about?

“But as for me, how good it is to be near God! I have made the Sovereign Lord my

shelter, and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do” (Psalm 73:28).

Life is not about the fears and uncertainty and unending violence of the present day. Psalm 73:28 echoes the final words of Joshua: “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other

side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”

The psalmist understood, just as Joshua did, that life is meaningless outside of the protection, love, and guidance of the Sovereign Lord. God is sovereign in several ways. The fact that God is the creator of the universe is certainly proof enough. But we need not look any further than the Fatherhood of God to understand exercises His sovereignty over us. The truth is that being in the hands of God should offer us the comfort we need to get us through life.

1. It is good to be near God. The psalmist understood the comfort that nearness to God offers.

2. The psalmist made God his shelter. When the storms of life beat against the side of the tempestdriven boat, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus is asleep in the back of the ship.

3. The psalmist wants everyone to know how good and powerful and trustworthy his God is.

Notice that I said HIS GOD: Is God your God? If He is not, would you consider the offer of eternal life He gives?

“I will take the cup of salvation, and call upon the name of the Lord” (Psalm 116:13). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13). All of these benefits of God are only available to

8 // May 2021

the children who have been adopted into the family of God by the blood of His Son Jesus Christ who offered one sacrifice, once for all.

“This world is not my home, I’m just a-passing through, my treasure is laid up somewhere beyond the blue.” So goes the Gospel song. The Bible calls the trouble we suffer in this present world not to be compared to the blessings of heaven. This world is passing away, and just like Abraham, we look for a country made by God. We would be encouraged if we echoed Joshua when he said, “…as for me and my house, we WILL serve the Lord.”

Remember that none of these troubles of our world will mean anything once God makes all things new. Be comforted that it is about God and not about you; walk with Jesus today.

About The Author

and appreciate the tenderness and fairness in which God

Filip Brunner is married to his wife, Dr. Kim Brunner and together they have six children.

He is a writer, author, and artist.

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If You Build the Process, the Goal will Come 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.

I

n the 1989 movie Field of Dreams, this famous line has

retirement accounts, savings account, and other investment

survived in our popular culture: “If you build it, they

accounts. (5) Wake up at least 15 minutes earlier every

will come.” Often, especially at the start of each new

morning this week in order to read 2-3 pages (or listen

year, we will make a list of goals we hope to achieve in the

to podcasts or audiobooks) to increase your financial

coming year. We all know that the two most common goal

knowledge. (6) Make a list of people in your community

categories for Americans every year are to lose weight/get in

whom you admire for how they handle their finances, and

shape, and to manage our money better in the coming year.

then get to know these people. Take them out for coffee

These goals are our destinations, where we hope to end up.

and pick their brain about how they became financially

But what about the process involved to get us to our goals?

successful, and ask them for advice on how you can do

Our time, energy, and thoughts should be invested in the

the same. (7) Set “alerts” on your cell phone to remind you

process rather than the goal. If you build the process (and

every morning of these crucial steps in your process so you

follow it consistently), the goal will come.

don’t forget and so you don’t become complacent—keep

Try this: once you have made your list of long-term goals (where you want to be and what you want your life

moving forward!

Once you have the steps in your process—for our

to look like), make a list of practical, daily and weekly steps

purpose, the process is daily and weekly action on

you can take to move you closer to your end goal. (Notice

improving our personal finances—now it’s time to actualize,

I recommend daily and weekly steps rather than monthly

realize, Midas-size, and energize by doing these steps daily

steps—if you perform these steps day by day and week by

and weekly without fail—drowsy or alert, stressed or

week, then the monthly and yearly goals will take care of

relaxed—no excuses. By following the steps in your process

themselves. It’s inevitable!) For instance, your list of steps

and focusing daily on completing these steps, your goals

might include the following: (1) Make a written budget of

will be met over time, logically and inevitably, as the end

expenses and income for this week. (2) Open all your bills

result of your process. Most people (if they bother to write

(mail) and write down how much you owe this week and

down personal goals at all), put their list of goals on the

when the bills are due. (3) Open your banking statement

mirror or fridge and glance at the list from time to time until

(or check it on your cell phone app) and balance your

the day arrives when they admit they’re making no progress

checkbook so you know accurately how much money you

and throw away the list, vowing to make another list of

have in your checking account right now (then do the same

goals next New Year’s Day. Forget that. Instead, list real-life,

with your savings account). (4) Sign up for auto-drafts from

practical steps and routines to follow every day, and then

your paycheck to be transferred directly into your

follow them. Proverbs 21:5 reminds us, “The plans of the

10 // May 2021

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Gò0dNews for Men

To Christian Boys And Men

T

by Wayne E. Norton

his writing is offered as both an encouragement and as a

guided by similar thinking and application. Having respect for

godly challenge to men, young men, and also boys who

God, her, and yourself works well linearly and circuitously. The

represent the next generation of fathers. Hopefully, they

words sow, reap, and “what goes around, comes around” should

will be inspired to ask themselves some questions and reflect on the significance of the term “real men.” Designed to empower those who want to be or need to be better men for themselves and

come to mind.

The following are some questions for the reader to consider in self-examination/application.

for the woman and children in their lives, this tutorial is offered

What makes a good friend?

with admonition as well as instruction.

What are some of your best qualities or characteristics?

As is often the case, self-examination is a good place to start.

A good, sincere look at oneself in terms of current condition and goals is beneficial to getting onto and remaining on the correct

What is one of your worst characteristics that you would like to change? (Ouch!)

Regardless of where one finds himself now related to the

path. “Hey, guys, what and who is important to you?” That is a

questions above or anything presented beforehand, the most

question that men should consider and give some thought. Maybe

important thing is where he (you) goes from here. Decide what

for some, it is money, boats, cars, bikes, or other nice possessions.

kind of a man and father you want to be, and consider some of the

Or it could be friendships, family, or romance.

roles and duties to be embraced.

Men of Christendom are looked upon to lead their families to Jesus Christ while also nurturing and mentoring in everyday practical areas. The job description can be summed up as meeting their needs and a total commitment, or as Ephesians 5:25 says, “Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it.” It is an all-in job that actually sets an example to be emulated.

The following are some statistics that are not surprising, easily acceptable, and probably predictable. According to a Focus on the Family study, if within a family, the father gets saved, there is a 72% chance the rest of the family will also. The mother gets saved, there is a 16% chance the rest of the family will also. A child gets saved, there is a 6% chance the rest of the family will also.

According to Fatherhood.org, children who live in families

Romance? In order for instruction for Christian males to

without a father are: Seven times more likely to become pregnant,

be complete, space has to be given to discuss females and the

four times more likely to live in poverty, and two times more likely

appropriate treatment toward them and their relationships.

to drop out of high school.

Men and boys are to view women and girls as God does:

According to Focusonthefamily.com: 71% of high school

special. Men, young men, boys, take notice that women are to be

dropouts come from homes without fathers. 85% of youth in prison

valued, treasured, respected, and appreciated. They are the jewel

come from homes without fathers. 90% of homeless and runaway

of God’s creation. Man and the beasts came from the dust of the

children come from homes without fathers. 70% of teen suicides

ground, but not the woman, according to Genesis 2. She is not an

are in homes without fathers. Boys from homes with no fathers are

object, but she is a treasure: a jewel. Additional references can be

more likely to be involved in violence.

Good relationships are dependent on respect at the basic level.

Of course, other relationships (with mother, sister, friend) are well

12 // May 2021

About The Author

found in Genesis 2:7, 18, 20b-22, and 24.

Wayne Norton is a former collegiate track and field coach with his last 25 years at The University of Georgia 1990-2015. He is also an ordained elder assisting his pastor at his home church in Athens, GA. Him and his wife, Priscilla reside and serve the people of God in Athens, GA, where they have been since 1990.

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Gò0dNews for Women

Strength of A Woman

M

by Jessica Mathis

ale and female: two words that seem

It is time for us as sisters—and brothers—

so simple to define, yet today’s culture

of Christ to get on our knees and pray. Our

has made two little words much more

government is slowly getting every biblical idea

complicated than they were intended to be.

From the beginning of time, God chose

women to have a certain role, and in my opinion,

out of the White House. Our government is slowly becoming dangerous to every woman, child, brother, and sister in Christ.

that role is very important and distinguished. How special is it that we, as women, get to experience a tiny life growing inside our bellies? Our bodies are made to nurture and sustain another human being. Does that not amaze you?

Women are full of emotions— sometimes our emotions can be over the top—but we are able to sympathize easier with others. We can be comforters to those who are hurting. When we think of a comforter, we think of Ruth in the Bible. Ruth dropped everything to be there for Naomi in her time of need. God used Ruth to be a comforter and true

Let us take all of what God specifically gave to

friend. God created women to be able to relate to

us as women and stand up for our rights. Let us

one another.

use our strength, emotional pull, and experiences

Women know how to put all of their struggles

to try and change our world and what it is

aside and get on with their day. All women,

becoming. Let us show our world what it really

whether a wife, employee, friend, or mother, have

means to be as strong as a woman.

how they feel.

14 // May 2021

About The Author

to power through and handle life, regardless of My name is Jessica Mathis. I am a blessed Christian, wife, stay-at-home mama, and part-time women’s advocate.

I am just trying to raise a tiny human, one day at a time.

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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 // May 2021

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

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

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

Church of 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 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

Modern-Day Miracles

S

by Tammy Madden

ome people believe that there are no miracles in

of the night as they cry, or drying little tears with your

today’s world. Some say Jesus only performed

kisses. We have some friends that this happened to many

miracles back when He walked the earth. Well, I beg

times over. In 2005, this beautiful couple came together in

to differ. I am 54 years old, and I have seen miracle after

marriage and was blessed with a beautiful baby boy in 2006,

miracle in my lifetime. I have watched as life’s flight left

Sam. Sam was the light of their lives, but he was born with

the ground with my precious baby girl at 11 months old,

a heart defect. After many surgeries, Sam became too ill to

knowing she was fighting for every breath. They had given

survive without a heart transplant. The heart never came,

her two hours to live: BUT GOD! He stepped in and gave

and God called him home. Before God called him home, He

her a new heart. Before she got that heart, she sustained a

had blessed John and Tanja with another baby: a beautiful little girl, Emma Grace.

Tanja asked God to please not let her home be quiet.

She wanted to hear the laughter of children again in her home. This is where our God brought the miracle in!!

This beautiful family decided to become foster parents.

They became a miracle to more children than I can count: children that needed hugs and kisses and love in the middle of the night, children that otherwise would not have had anyone to hold them when they cried. They soon found out that the miracle God had for them was out of all of these babies, four of them found their forever home with this beautiful family. I can only imagine the smiles that Sam has in Heaven looking down on all his

severe brain injury and was supposed to be a vegetable for

brothers and sisters that he will one day run to in Heaven.

the rest of her life. That “vegetable” is now a senior in high

Miracles are all around us. They come in the form of

school. But let’s talk about just one miracle that happened to

just looking at the stars on a beautiful summer night. They

her during that six months in the hospital.

come in watching a newborn baby enter the world. They

The day my daughter got her heart, they had to do a

come in the form of a child’s little arms around your neck.

procedure on her old heart, not knowing yet that a heart

They come in the form of a child’s laughter as they stand in

would become available that very night. She began to bleed

the snow, catching snowflakes on their tongue. But they also

out. As fast as they were pumping blood in, it was coming

come in the form of watching a person with stage 4 cancer

right back out of the chest tubes. I remembered a verse in

suddenly be healed or a heart defect suddenly be gone. God

the Bible that my father had told me about growing up. That

is still on the throne. His miracles are still many and mighty.

verse is Ezekiel 16:6. We all began to read that verse and pray

So look around you today as you walk around town or as

for God to stop the blood. Within minutes, the doctor came

you are driving through the city. I promise you will see a

out to tell us that the blood had stopped instantly and they

miracle every day.

Sometimes God performs miracles that come in the form of the pitter-patter of little feet, holding a baby in the middle

18 // May 2021

About The Author

could not understand how. Oh, we knew exactly how: GOD!

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

Church Activities & Events RidgeCrest Baptist Church Brian Free & Assurance

Sunday, May 2 | 10:30AM 623 W Garden Farm Road, Rossville, GA

Harmony Baptist Church

2021 Virtue Ladies Conference

Friday, May 7 – Saturday, May 8 3910 Youngstown Road #1237, Chattanooga, TN

Thankful Missionary Baptist Church Sunday Morning Worship

Sunday, May 23 | 10:45AM – 12:45PM 980 N Orchard Knob Avenue, Chattanooga, TN

Celebration Church Chattanooga Living The Stories Tour

Sunday, May 30 | 10AM 6425 Lee Highway, Chattanooga, TN

Gò0dNews for Life

Afraid To Try

A

by Heather Tate

fraid to try…afraid to fail…afraid to succeed!

Do thoughts such as these keep you from stepping faithfully into the purpose or calling

God has placed on your life? Yes, these thoughts hinder my progress in God’s purpose! Maybe you feel the same.

When I try to move forward, I often feel fear and doubt. We need to remember fear and doubt are not given

by God. Fear and doubt are from the enemy. I make them a me problem; then they become a heart problem.

In what areas of your life where you feel the call of

I’ve taken some time to consider self-sabotage. I’m not

God on your heart do you find doubt keeping you from

speaking of conscious self-sabotage; no, it’s more the kind

moving forward? Look at those areas, and compare the

of self-sabotage the enemy tends to whisper in my ear to

calling and purpose you believe you are meant to do with

cause doubt and fear: fear that keeps me from moving forward in what I am supposed to do to fulfill my God-given purpose.

I considered areas of my life where I might avoid progress toward my God-given purpose. I am afraid to try because I am afraid not only of failure but that I won’t succeed: more importantly, that I can’t keep up with success! Yep, I’m afraid of success!

Let’s look at a verse about fulfilling our Godgiven purpose. The Christian Standard Bible (2017) says in Psalm 57:1-3, “Be gracious to me, God, be gracious to me, for I take refuge in you. I will seek refuge in the shadow of your wings until danger passes. I call to God Most High, to God who fulfills his

God’s Word. Then meditate on 1 Peter 1:13: “Therefore,

purpose for me. He reaches down from heaven and saves

with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set

me, challenging the one who tramples me. God sends his

your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at

faithful love and truth.”

the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Verse two says, “…God who fulfills his purpose for

Finally, rest in Colossians 3:23-24 as you do your work

me.” Knowing God fulfills His purpose for us, we can

for the Lord: “Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as

boldly move forward because His Word combined with

something done for the Lord and not for people, knowing

our faith gives us the power to fight a battle against the

that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the

enemy. James 1:5-6 says, “Now if any of you lacks wisdom,

Lord. You serve the Lord Christ.”

he should ask God—who gives to all generously and

I hope these words are both encouraging to you and

ungrudgingly—and it will be given to him. But let him

action-inspiring! May you be blessed as you venture boldly

ask in faith without doubting. For the doubter is like the

into the purpose God has for you.

surging sea, driven and tossed by the wind.”

The key is to ask “without doubting.” Our doubts do we, as believers, demolish our own progress with our doubt? We fail to take a step forward in faith.

20 // May 2021

About The Author

cause turbulence in our lives like a stormy sea. How often

Heather Tate is the founder and president of Intricate Umbrella Inc, a Public Relations and Communications company. Heather’s desire is to help anyone fulfill their true purpose in life through education and personal development.

To find out more about Intricate Umbrella Inc and services offered, visit IntricateUmbrella.com or email Heather@IntricateUmbrella.com.

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Farm To Fork: Fresh, Local, Good Food

by David Thompson

f you’ve never eaten at Farm to Fork before, you’re

steak, seafood, and much more. And that’s without even

missing out!

mentioning their breakfast options!

Farm to Fork started as a tiny restaurant in the

Christy Hill, Farm to Fork’s general manager, said their

Ringgold Remco shopping plaza using fresh, local, never-

most popular menu options are the fried green tomatoes,

frozen ingredients and serving delicious meals everyone

grilled hamburger steak, smothered chicken, and any of

can enjoy. As word began to spread, their customer base

their varieties of pizza. But ultimately, anything you get

expanded like wildfire, and Farm to Fork was voted

on their menu will satisfy you. They will be updating their

Northwest Georgia’s “Best of the Best” seven years in a

menu soon, so make sure you keep an eye out for any new

row! Three years ago, they moved to their current location

changes. You can also view the full menu online at their

at 120 General Lee Drive in Ringgold in order to serve more

website, farmtoforkga.com.

people. In the last three years, their seating has tripled as more and more first-time guests become loyal customers.

Farm to Fork focuses on fresh and local ingredients

Another big change at Farm to Fork is the addition of their brand-new coffeehouse and creamery! They wanted to give the Ringgold community a really good ice cream place,

because they know it’s what their customers want.

fill a need, and cater to their customers, so they opened the

Most of their ingredients come from Melon Patch Farms, a

creamery last May. The flavors rotate every so often, and

Chickamauga-based farm that has provided their produce

there’s always something new to try. They have seasonal

since day one of the restaurant. They offer a wide range

and holiday flavors as well. The creamery also creates

of delicious dishes: salads, sandwiches, burgers, pizzas,

weekly Sunday sundae specials and carries several flavors

22 // May 2021

of cheesecake. Anything you need to satisfy your sweet tooth can be found at the new Farm to Fork creamery! The coffeehouse has an Espresso machine, and they serve iced coffee, lattes, caramel macchiato, and other kinds as well.

The new addition has quickly become very popular and they’ve been extremely busy even through the pandemic.

the community and to the busy people who don’t have time

Most of their advertising comes from word of mouth, and

to spend hours in the kitchen crafting a three-course dinner.

patrons have shown up in droves, eager for something

“We give people a home-cooked meal without having to cook

sweet to top off their meal or a boost of caffeine to help get

it themselves,” Christy said.

them through the workday.

Fresh ingredients make for a healthier meal. The

Farm to Fork is very thankful for the continued support of all of their customers. They couldn’t have withstood the

atmosphere and people help give Farm to Fork a welcoming

pandemic without everyone’s help, and everyone at the

feel that puts you at ease and ready to enjoy your order,

restaurant is very grateful. They’re ready to show you why

regardless of how you felt when you first came in the door.

they’re one of the best restaurants in Northwest Georgia, so

As Christy put it, “It doesn’t matter what mood I’m in. I can

come on by sometime and enjoy a meal that’s fresh from the

find something to eat!”

farm all the way to your fork!

If you’re in a rush and don’t have time for a full sit-down meal, Farm to Fork has you covered. Now you can enjoy local food you know you’ll love in the comfort of your own home!

Farm to Fork now delivers within a 10-mile radius, or you can just stop by the drive-thru and pick up something delicious on your way. Farm to Fork wanted to offer another service to

goodnewscm.com // 23

Gò0dNews for Everyone

Politics In Public

A

by Eddie Turner

ccording to the Book of Proverbs, drinking alcohol

Whenever you’re engaged in a political boxing match,

is described as a very risky activity that Christians

know that God is not in the ring with you, nor is He

are urged not to do in public (or at all) for its

fighting alongside your opponent. There’s no one political

ability to stain our credibility as proclaimers of Christ.

party that God considers good. How do we know this? It’s

Given the hostile nature of politics today, it’s a given that

because God’s definition of “good” is perfection. To Him,

publicly aligning ourselves with political parties can have

a thing cannot be called good if it is even 1% not good.

the same effect. Yet we are often outspoken and even drag

And so, being that you and I are among the things that are

Jesus into our claims that one party is “more right” than

not good, we can be certain that the institutions we create

another. Is this really the right thing to do? Something tells

based on our human ways of thinking are equally flawed.

me it’s not. And that something is the Bible.

So while abortion is clearly wrong according to Scripture,

Shortly before our most recent presidential election, I witnessed a heated argument on Facebook that erupted

being opposed to a political party that embraces it does not give us clearance to cast the first stone.

from a moderately civil discussion about politics between

“There is none righteous, no not one” (Romans 3:10).

two outspoken Christians. The statement that lit the burner

In heaven, we will live and worship alongside people

expressed the writer’s bewilderment over how a person

who voted differently than we did. Instead of being at

could call themselves a Christian and yet support a political

odds with one another, we will behave like fans of a

party that favors the pro-choice position concerning

winning college football team whose common bond of

abortion. Not only did this statement give away the party

victory causes high-fives and hugs to erupt between total

that this person was loyal to, it questioned the salvation of

strangers. As we anxiously await our day of redemption,

others who supported opposing political parties. And, as

may we love one another instead of attacking our fellow

expected, others began to join in the fight. When the smoke

brothers and sisters in Christ for their ideals that are just

had finally cleared, disappointment over the tarnished

as imperfect as our own. While I do believe we should

witness of each person involved was all that was achieved.

embrace the privilege of aligning our convictions with our

Instead of arguing from a biblical standpoint, right and

votes at the polls, we would do well to remain mum about

wrong were attributed to human politics.

the parties we support and, instead, invest our energy in

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissensions, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless” (Titus 3:9).

24 // May 2021

proclaiming the name of Jesus Christ. After all, His is the only party that truly matters.

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Gò0dNews on Motherhood

Three Things My Kids Taught Me

A

by Stephanie Shrum

h, the pitter-patter sound of tiny little feet running

helped her to see things differently. I never hesitated to go to

down the hallway. The prerequisite alarm that

their Heavenly Father from that point on.

alerts you—it’s time to get up—just before the

Prayer. This is the big one. Girls are precious. They

overly happy tiny humans invade your bed as though they

are sweet, whimsical creatures that leave a trail of glitter

were attacking the dawn. No more sleeping in. No more

everywhere they go. However, those precious little wonders

selfishness. Life has new meaning now. It revolves around

come with testing and trials as well. Through these, God

the demands set by another life form, not your own. Is it all

taught me not only the power of prayer but also how to

worth it? God thinks so.

pray. He took me to His Word, where I learned to claim the

Psalm 127:3 tells us that children are a gift from the

promises for my children that only He could foreknow that

Lord: a reward, even! Why would God say this? As I look back over the years of raising two girls, a few good reasons come to mind.

Here are three things that my kids taught me, although I could list thousands more.

Love. When I had my first daughter, I remember feeling overwhelmed with love for her. It was unbreakable and sacrificial.

I often think that this must be a glimpse of what our Heavenly Father feels for us.

When I became pregnant with my second daughter, I worried that I might not love her as much as the first. Not only did I love her as much as the first, I somehow

I would need. I found that God is faithful to His Word. We

loved them both even more. Each child is unique, as is a

are called to train our children in the way they should go. I

mother’s love for them. But somehow, it is also equally the

believe a mother’s love creates the tenacity that is required

same. Only God could make that happen.

to hang in there in those tough times, to fight for our little

Faith. The Bible teaches us that God will be a father to the fatherless. There were countless times when He proved this to be true. I recall one of my girls arguing with me. I

ones until they are old enough and trained to fight the good fight of faith for themselves.

The overall lesson that I learned is that my world has been enriched by having them in it. I wouldn’t want it any

that He promised to be their Father. I asked Him to correct

other way!

His daughter. Shortly after, my daughter came to me with an apology. She explained that she heard a sermon that

26 // May 2021

About The Author

was very upset. I called out to the Lord and reminded Him

Stephanie Shrum is the ASA for PCM/ J103/ComeOnLetsGo ministries. She is a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother.

She is also the author/creator of the blog runninganegativesplit.com.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

On The Edge

F

by Monica Gambrell

rom my earliest memories, I have always slept on the

ourselves, yet we persist in inching our toes over the line in

very edge of the bed. It has never mattered which

the sand. We like to see how far we can push the envelope

side as long as I am right on the edge. Maybe it’s

and still walk in the light. Shame on us.

because it was easier to slip my arms and feet out from under the blankets—I don’t know. At any rate, this had never presented itself to be a problem until April of 2008. I was in the middle of a deep sleep when suddenly, I found myself on the floor. Somewhat angered by the splitting pain in my head, I felt to see if anything was broken. I had rarely

James 4:7: “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

Revelation 3:16: “So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.”

Acts 24:16: “So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.”

experienced pain so severe. Somehow, I had landed headfirst on my floor.

Now, I have to be honest here: my mattress is roughly 36” from the floor, and my floors are covered in vinyl, so we’re talking about a really hard fall. My head had a fleshy “ridge” from brow to crown for days, my elbow, hip, and top of my hand were bruised badly, and my left knee was bloodied (never fully recovered from that).

It was a little comical, if I do say so myself, to see my husband bolt out of bed in our blackened room to stumble around blindly attempting to turn on the light. And even then, he couldn’t find me immediately! I was not laughing, though. As I recall, it was more of a screeching howl.

I remained a good half hour in the restroom trying to regain some measure of decorum before

1 Thessalonians 5:23: “May God himself, the God of

I went back to bed—this time not so close to the edge. A

peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole

couple of minutes later, my husband was awakened again—

spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our

this time because I was laughing uncontrollably. I told him

Lord Jesus Christ.”

that I couldn’t help feeling that if God was trying to take my

As long as we live, we will fight the battle against the

mind off of my continually troublesome shoulder by making

world, the flesh, and the devil. May we strive to be holy

everything else hurt, then I got the message. He didn’t think

as He is holy. Maybe your life (save one or two areas) is

that was the message. Truthfully, I didn’t either. The point

dedicated wholly to the Lord. That’s not enough. That’s

is, we sometimes live too close to the edge. Clear lines are

living on the edge. He gave His all for you; now you must

drawn. It is written in God’s Word how we are to conduct

give your all for Him.

28 // May 2021

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Gò0dNews for Grandparents

Some Benefits of A Grandparent ’m a mother to four (now grown – thanks be to God) children!

I remember the countless days of trying to get parenting right. The burden of feeling like I was doing or saying things that were going to “mess up” my kids. The numerous nights I put my head on the pillow unsure of how I was going to continue with this motherhood thing when the sun came up.

Parenting is hard. It is not for the faint-hearted or weakstomached. IT. IS. HARD. Having raised my own now, it gave me a whole new level of respect for my parents. The sacrifices they made. The hardships they endured. The schedules they had to juggle.

Then, several years ago, I was elevated to the delightful role of Grandma! I had heard from others who entered that elite group before me that this relationship would be like no other. Rumor was that grandparents would do things for their grandchildren that they would never do for their own kids.

I didn’t believe it. I secretly questioned those people’s salvation and thought they just needed more of Jesus.

But then, it happened to me—my grandson was born and my brain turned to mush and my heart to putty as there was nothing I wouldn’t do for him. (“You want cake for breakfast, darlin’? Absolutely!!” I’d slice it and serve it up as my adult daughter sat there looking on, rolling her eyes at me as she recalled the days of mandated oatmeal.)

My grandson is nearly 14 now and I’ve learned a few things over the years about the benefits of being a grandparent: We bring a supporting layer of stability. When you’re in the day to day flurry of raising children, you’re just trying to stay alive—mentally, physically, and financially.

Grandparents have navigated that flurry and reached a place of stability and calm. We can provide a space for our grandchildren to just be themselves without “getting on someone’s last nerve.”

We bring wisdom, experience, and insight. Obvious, I know, but that age gap between us and our grown children can prove to be so useful for our grandchildren as they grow and navigate life. We’ve spent enough years circling around the sun to know there’s nothing new under it.

30 // May 2021

We provide love and acceptance…no matter what.

Life is hard. As grandparents, we’ve lived long enough to know our grandchildren will be disappointed, hurt, and let down in this world. We bring an extra layer of love, an everattentive listening ear, and a great shoulder to cry on when our grandchildren need someone in their corner (having their favorite cookie available is always a plus, too).

We can supply an extra level of faith. Psalm 103:1718 says it so perfectly: “…the Lord’s faithful love is toward those who fear Him, and His righteousness toward the grandchildren of those who keep His covenant…” Paul noted the foundational importance of Timothy’s faith heritage as he said, “I recall your sincere faith that first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice…”

(2 Timothy 1:5).

As grandparents, we can never underestimate the influence we have on our grandchildren. Regardless of how often we physically get to see them, God has gifted us with a special place in their lives to help ground them (and cover them) in love, faith, and peace.

Grandparents are a delightful blend of laughter, caring deeds, wonderful stories, and love. ~Unknown

About The Author

I

by Kristen West

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

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

The New Normal

“T

by Amy Oyler

he new normal.” How many times have we

you do the same. There may not be anything particularly

heard this phrase over the past year? Many of

great about a random Tuesday in August. But if we pay

the protocols and safety procedures that we

attention…maybe there could be.

have had to adapt to during the pandemic have become

All of this brings me back to my original thoughts

so commonplace that we have started to call this time our

about normality. With so much upheaval, isolation,

new normal. At the same time…we still want to “get back to

anxiety, and grief in the past year or more, we find

normal.” We want to do things without certain restrictions

ourselves now living for the normal. We are desperate for

and without the fear of spreading a dreaded disease that

the very times we once thought mundane and maybe even

has ravaged our world. We certainly want to participate in

boring! Just for the sake of feeling safe again, we long for

events that have been canceled over the past year as well.

Considering this made me think of the liturgical calendar and the periods known as Ordinary Time. In this case, however, “ordinary” does not mean “normal” or “routine”. According to the official website of The United Methodist Church, the denomination to which I belong, it refers to the "ordinal numbers" (first, second, third, etc.) used to name and count the Sundays, like the Third Sunday after Epiphany for instance. There are two periods of Ordinary Time in our liturgical calendar: one is between Epiphany and Ash Wednesday, and the other is

ordinary activities. Even going to the grocery store or a

from Pentecost to Advent. Even though these periods do

restaurant may be a welcome distraction from the isolation

not technically mean “ordinary” or “normal”, they feel

we have been subjected to for the past year. Hugging a

that way. They are the times between the special times. No

friend or family member means more to us now. Attending

holidays, no big celebrations. Just our regular, run-of-the-

church in person is a joy. Anything that makes us feel like

mill times. Filler.

ourselves again is a blessing.

Aren’t we sometimes guilty of living for the special

Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us each day our daily

occasions? I know my favorite time of year is from

bread.” Our day-to-day lives are important, not just filler.

October to December. I eagerly anticipate this time every

While we may always be fans of holidays and special

year. Fall, football games, Thanksgiving, Christmas.

occasions, I pray that we can leave this pandemic with a

Those are the times to look forward to! Do I miss the

new appreciation for the simple joys of a normal day.

take them for granted because I am looking past the inbetween times to the special occasions. Maybe some of

32 // May 2021

About The Author

beauty of the times in between? Maybe I do. Perhaps I Amy Oyler is a member of Rush Chapel United Methodist Church. She is wife to Jason, a dentist, and mother to Tanner, Timothy, and Thomas. A former English teacher, she enjoys working with the youth at Rush Chapel and “floating” where God leads her!

ourney But it can alsoto seem overwhelming, looking down the long road ahead. You may be asking yourself, how sho An easy step is to put a key foundational piece in place with life insurance. By doing that, it helps ensure t ookWhat like?

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e. And that’s the way it should be.

Call me today to see I can help you have a greater retirement. ou may be asking yourself, howhow should I begin?

ce. By doing that, it helps ensure that Guy Percy OK. Financial Representative

art the conversation.

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been reproduced with the permission of Life Happens, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping consumers make smart insurance deci their families’ financial futures. Life Happens does not endorse any insurance company, product or advisor. © Life Happens 2018. All rights reser easy step is to put a key foundational piece in place with life insurance. By doing that, it helpssafeguard ensure that

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Gò0dNews for your Taste Buds

Chicken Bake

T

by Bekah Prytherch

his is a fast and easy meal my family loves and it’s great to pair with a salad! This a great meal when

Instructions

you don’t have a lot of time to prep beforehand.

1. Chop potatoes into cubes.

Ingredients

2. Cut onion, pepper, and carrots according to preference.

• 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

3. Place vegetables into a greased baking dish.

• 6 red potatoes

• 1 cup of carrots

4. Place chicken breasts on top of vegetables.

• 1 large onion

5. Pour Italian dressing and sprinkle the ranch seasoning over everything.

• 1 packet of ranch seasoning

6. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes or until done, at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

• 1 green bell pepper

• 1/2 a cup of Italian dressing

34 // May 2021

7. And enjoy!

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Rupture And Repair

“A

by Heather Medley, LPC

ll this is from God, who through

usually involves three things: the ability to identify

Christ reconciled us to himself and

there has been a rupture, the courage to move

gave us the ministry of reconciliation”

toward one another, and the humility to offer an

(2 Corinthians 5:18).

Within the constructs of psychotherapy, there

apology or forgiveness.

If a person can identify that there has been a break

is a simple yet profound idea called “rupture and

in connection, invite a conversation to reconcile, and

repair.” The term “rupture” describes when a person

offer either a sincere apology or forgiveness, repair is

experiences a loss of trust or connection with another.

The term “repair” describes

well on its way. Although this concept is popular in modern psychology, it

the work two people need to do to regain trust and

did not begin there.

connection. The dance of

“Rupture and repair” is

rupture and repair is a

the underlying theme

determining factor in the

in all of Scripture.

survival of a relationship.

Beginning in Genesis, there was a rupture in

Most of us experience small ruptures off and on throughout each day. We yell at our child for being too slow putting on their shoes, a friend

the relationship between Adam and Eve and God in the garden of Eden, and Jesus completed the work to restore the

doesn’t respond well to a text, or our

connection. Matthew 5:23-24 gives

partner sarcastically says something

instructions to repair a relationship with

about us with passive aggression. All of these are tiny ruptures, but there are big

your friend before offering anything at the altar, and Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:18 says,

ruptures as well. A spouse has an affair, friends

“All this is from God, who through Christ

gossip about you to another friend, or a colleague

reconciled us to himself and gave us the

calls you stupid.

Ruptures are unavoidable and can be harmful if left without care, but the ability to repair is the

ministry of reconciliation.” I am thankful for a God who gives us a model of repair and the hope that repair gives to all relationships.

sign of emotional maturity and the mark of thriving involved in the rupture do to reconcile and restore trust and connection. Repairing a relationship

36 // May 2021

About The Author

relationships. Repair is the work that the two people Heather Medley is a licensed professional counselor, speaker, and published author. She loves neuroscience research papers, bargain shopping, and laughter. She resides in Rome with her delightful kiddos and steady husband.

Gò0dNews

Christian Magazine

Mission Statement:

W

Writer Guidelines:

e believe when people are equipped,

Who: Our writers range from pastors, professors, and

motivated, and passionately engaged in

professional writers to stay at home moms and dads,

living out their faith in Jesus Christ they

business professionals, and others who have a desire to

have the potential to be world changers.

Our mission is to bring people into a dynamic

relationship with Jesus Christ—a relationship that empowers them to see how God can work through individual personalities, situations, and talents.

Christ was an activist, he did not neglect the needs of the people as He brought His message. We strive to encourage everyone to look more like Christ by reaching outside of themselves to serve the needs of others—at home, at school, in communities, and across the world.

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reach out to people through words of encouragement.

What: We believe that it is important to laugh together, praise each other, encourage one another, and to offer biblical advice. Articles can be directed toward everyone, or from woman to woman, or man to man. We love to share recipes and family traditions as well. We ask that articles be kept to a 500 word maximum. We’d love to hear from you!

Where: Please send submissions to articles.goodnews@gmail.com Why: Because God has not intended for us to just survive. We believe that we are intended to reach out to love and encourage each other. God has brought each of us through tough times, blessed us, and made the “impossible” possible. Let’s, together, share the love of Jesus Christ.

Gò0dNews for Parents

A Mother’s Faith

M

by Rev. Brenda Dedmon

other’s Day was made an official holiday in

hymns, and my mother would sit at the piano and sing the

1914 when President Woodrow Wilson declared

hymns I played, which led me to be the pianist at church.

it a national holiday. On this day, there are

Paul wrote to Timothy, “What strikes me most is

more phone calls made than any other day of the year. It

how natural and sincere your faith is. I am convinced that

is second to Valentine’s Day in flower sales and one of the

the same faith that dwelt in your grandmother, Lois, and

biggest gifting holidays. Mother’s Day is a wonderful way

your mother, Eunice, abides in you as well” (2 Timothy 1:5).

to honor mothers; however, is it only about the commercialization that we see today? Let us explore some faith ideas of how important a mother is to the family today.

Proverbs 22:6 is a verse that describes how mothers will be a great influence on their children: “Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.”

This verse reminds me of my mother as her life was an example of God’s love in parenting me. She helped me to understand how to discover what God’s plan was for my life. She encouraged me to be creative, explore, and reach for the highest goals.

At the age of 4, I discovered a “pretend friend” named

Paul reminded Timothy how his grandmother and mother’s faith was an important influence in how he lived his faith.

Charlotte. We did everything together, and most days, she

They provided the spiritual foundation he needed to be who

would eat lunch with us. We each had our favorite plates

God designed him to be.

that mother would put on the table. Some of her friends

What will your child remember about you? Are you

thought she should not let me play with a pretend friend.

providing Christian values that will be an example for

She would reply, “I see a lot of creativity with her playing

them to follow? Are you starting your child off on the way

with Charlotte.”

they should go? Will your child remember faith lessons

When I was in first grade, I signed myself up for piano

you demonstrated in your life? Are you helping your child

lessons. I told the teacher at school my mother wanted me

discover that they are “fearfully and wonderfully made”

to take piano. She gave me a list of prices. I gave that to

(Psalm 139:14)? Celebrate your faith this Mother’s Day with

my mother and told her that she wanted me to take piano.

your child.

much of a desire. A few years later, I was beginning to play

38 // May 2021

About The Author

My mother decided to let me explore piano since I had that Rev. Brenda Dedmon is the retired director of the Children’s Learning Center, First Baptist of Dalton and an avid Roll Tide fan.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Safety In A Burrow

I

by Jennifer Cobb

have always wanted my kids to have an appreciation

burrow to burrow to just peek inside to see if there was

for nature and how God has created nature to be

anything in there. As a homeschool mom, in my finest

present in our daily lives. For a little over three

homeschool mom moments, we turned this trip into

years, we were a part of a nature enriched homeschool

something educational. Before we went, we discussed

program. It was honestly one of the best decisions I

the animals that may live there in that area, and we read

ever made for us all to get out of our comfort zone.

books about the specific animals. One book discussed

Due to that program, we not only learned more about

how the Gopher tortoise homes were sometimes shared by other animals and could house up to 365 different animals at different times!

We were walking on the Gopher Tortoise Trail, and we came upon a burrow where we finally saw a Gopher Tortoise! It also had a snake in the burrow with it! We really did get lucky, because we did not find anymore, just that one that day, and it really was sharing its burrow with another animal.

This idea made me think of our lives today. There is so much anger and animosity in the World for just thinking differently or having different values. As we are left fighting amongst ourselves, instead of focusing on the things

learned about the wild edibles you can eat, the seasons

that are holy and righteous, we can learn from animals

in which they grow, and how to turn a nature lesson

that don’t belong together how to find safety in a

into anywhere you visit. We recently went on a family

burrow. Another animal’s home; that is opened up to

camping trip to a local Georgia State Park. At this

help protect those that are not alike. Isn’t that how we

specific State Park, it is known for Indigo snakes and

are supposed to live to show Jesus’ love to others, no

Gopher tortoises. The park recently had a controlled

matter the differences?

burn, which allowed us to further see the actual Gopher tortoise burrows. So my kids had a blast going from

40 // May 2021

About The Author

our environment and how to take care of it, but we

Jennifer Cobb is a stay at home Mom to two beautiful girls and wife to her Godsend. She enjoys coffee and nature walks.

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Gò0dNews for Everyone

Under His Wings

P

by Karen D. Jeffery

salm 91:1: “He that dwelleth in the secret

protected. No harm will come to us, and we

place of the Most High shall abide under

are comforted by His presence. We have the

the shadow of the Almighty.”

assurance from the Father above that He will

There is no better image of love and

give us peace in that secret place.

protection than the image of a baby bird safe under the wing of his mother. Under her wings, he is safe from every harm, from foul weather, and from cold. Under her wings, he is warm, dry, and comforted.

This is the image we see in this verse. It is focused on the sense of security found in God. When we dwell in the secret place of God that is the very essence of God, the place

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

where we meet intimately with Him, we find

passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts

ourselves in the shadow of the Almighty, often

and minds through Christ Jesus.”

read as the shadow of His wings.

Deuteronomy 31:6: “Be strong and of a good

Revelation 21:4: “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall

Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he

there be any more pain: for the former things are

will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.”

passed away.”

We are in a place of safety and security.

When we are in the secret place of God, we are 42 // May 2021

About The Author

courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the

Karen D. Jeffery loves the Heavenly Father, her family, and her church. Keep looking up Jesus is coming soon.

Are you interested in getting more involved in your community?

Join a Chamber LEADs Group, the Chamber Ambassadors, or a Chamber Committee!

Contact Membership Coordinator Debbie Hughes dhughes@catoosachamberofcommerce.com 706-965-5201 Join us for the Catoosa Golf Classic Tuesday, May 11th Windstone Golf Club

COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL CARE F O R A D U LT S

INTRODUCING HAMILTON INTERNAL MEDICINE CLINIC Hamilton Internal Medicine Clinic is a new physician practice where resident physicians provide comprehensive medical treatment alongside a board-certified internal medicine physician.

Whether you need medical care for a common illness or a complex or chronic medical condition, our team will take the time to listen to you and provide the latest advances in medical treatment.

• Annual exams/Preventative health • Diabetes management • High blood pressure & high cholesterol management • Depression & anxiety management • Arthritis management • Respiratory infections • Minor surgical procedures • On-site lab work

Call 706.226.8990 for an appointment.

1432 Broadrick Drive, Dalton Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Internal medicine resident physicians are doctors who are receiving specialized training in field of internal medicine.

706.226.8990 HamiltonHealth.com/internal